Hokkaido is the dream destination of the UAE citizen who wants to visit the country that offers both the beauty of nature, rich culture, and memorable winter activities. This is the northernmost Japanese island that is known as the Snow Paradise of Japan which attracts tourists with their clean landscapes, global skiing and resorts, hot springs and some of the most exotic dishes. The beauty of the island is that it provides a pristine and tranquil getaway, where everything is covered by snow and winter is thawed off by the Japanese hospitality and warmth.
Hokkaido is one of the most satisfying destinations in Asia to travelers who desire to enjoy the real magic of the winter. Whether it is gliding down the powdered hills of Niseko and the snow-filled canals of Otaru to see the lit ice sculptures of the Sapporo Snow Festival, Hokkaido makes everything in the post cards a reality. Another thing that food lovers will not find anywhere outside the region is fresh seafood, ramen, and dairy products that will make your trip even more enjoyable. To make this mesmerizing journey, you will require a Japan Visa in case you are going to anywhere in Dubai or the UAE. There is no complex procedure of acquiring a Japan visa from Dubai when one is guided by experienced travelling partners like Go Kite Travel who have the expertise of ensuring that your travelling dreams are a reality and hassle free. Whether you are out on an adventure adventure, romance or relaxation, Hokkaido definitely carries the spirit of the Japanese Snow Paradise, where all the snowflakes will have a tale to tell you of beauty, culture and tranquility.
Why Hokkaido is the Snow Paradise of Japan.
The geographical location of Hokkaido provides it with the unbelievable supply of snowfall making the island the white wonderland during winter. The snow in these parts is known to be really light and powdery, so much so that the skiers of the world refer to it as Japow, or Japanese powder. The snow of this very rare type is a major attraction to thousands of visitors annually making the island a high quality skiing and snowboard resort.
However, there is more to skiing in the Snow Paradise Japan which is also about more than sporting. The frozen lakes, the peaceful landscapes, and the natural hot springs bring the mood of relaxation and replenishment. The natural beauty of Hokkaido has not been ruined, and it has huge national parks, snow forests, and animals, such as red crowned cranes and Ezo deer.
Hokkaido is even more unique in the fact that it is culturally rich. The indigenous people on the island are the Ainu whose customs, artworks expose visitors to the ancient past of Japan. Add to that is friendly and hospitable locals and great food, and you are heading to a place that is not only adventurous but also heart-warming.
Best Places to visit in Hokkaido.
1. Sapporo – The Winter Capital
Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, is the ideal beginning of any traveler. This city is renowned because of its annual Sapporo snow festival which attracts millions of people across the world to view very huge snow and ice sculptures found all over the city. In addition to the festival, Sapporo is something modern and charming in the form of shopping streets, cozy cafes, and the legendary Sapporo Beer Museum. It is important to remember to get warmed up with a bowl of Sapporo miso ramen, this is a local delicacy and will capture your heart.
2. Niseko The World Class Ski Resort.
The highlight of the Snow Paradise Japan is Niseko which has been the destination of snowboarders and skiers all over the world. The Niseko, which is approximately two hours off Sapporo, has thick powder snow, high-end resorts and an energized apres ski life. The slopes are friendly to all the levels, regardless of whether you are a beginner or an expert. Fine dining, natural hot springs (onsen) and magnificent mountain scenery are also available in the town, which is why they should not miss visiting the town even during winter seasons.
3. Otaru -The romantic Canal Town.
Otaru is a short train ride away and it could be said that this place is even more beautiful than Sapporo since it has a well preserved canal surrounded by old warehouses and lantern lamps. The Otaru Snow Light Path Festival makes the city look like a fairytale during winter. The glassware stores, museum of music boxes, and fresh sushi that are delicious have made it a complete couple and family destination.
4. Asahikawa -The Ice Sculpture Festival.
Asahikawa also hosts the second largest winter festival in Japan, the Asahikawa Winter Festival where there are amazing ice sculptures and snow slides. It is also the entrance point of the Asahiyama zoo where one can witness penguins strutting in the snow, a lovely thing to do of any age.
5. Furano and Biei Picture-Perfect Landscapes.
Furano is renowned because of its powdery snowy slopes during winter and lavender during summer which makes it an all year-round destination. Close to Biei, there are hilly terrain covered by snow, which has been used in postcard and travel magazines. These locations are untainted, and unspoiled beauty that makes up Snow Paradise in Japan.
6. Lake Toya -The Warm Lake in the Cold.
Even during the winter season, Lake Toya is not frozen, and the snow-white mountains are reflectively beautiful. Tourists will be able to spend some time in onsen resorts along the lake and have the magnificent view of the nearby volcano, Mount Usu.
7. Noboribetsu Onsen -The Hot Spring Haven.
In case the cold becomes overwhelming, heat up in the hot springs of Noboribetsu Onsen which has a lot of minerals. Another popular place in the region is the Jigokudani also known as Hell Valley where hot vents and steamy pools form an impressive volcano scenery.
8. Hakodate -Night Views and Old Streets.
Hakodate boasts of one of the most renowned scenes in Japan of the city lights on the snowy background seen at the top of the mountain of Hakodate. See its western traditional buildings, seafood stalls and rejuvenating hot springs to have a balanced cultural experience.
Gastronomic Miracle of Hokkaido.
- A visit to the Snow Paradise in Japan will not be complete without a taste of its food delights. With cold weather and fruitful soils, Hokkaido is the food capital of Japan, which produces the freshest seafood, dairy products, and ramen.
- Food: Seafood Sapporo Nijo Market or Hakodate Morning Market is home to some of the best seafood in Japan, including king crab, scallops, and sea urchins.
- Ramen: The specialty of ramen in each part of Hokkaido is various, as Sapporo has miso ramen, Asahikawa offers soy sauce ramen.
- Dairy & Sweets: Taste the Hokkaido milk, cheese and ice cream which are well reknown as creamy and rich.
- Local Specialties: You can not ignore such local dishes as the grilled lamb Genghis Khan and the hotpot made of salmon Ishikari Nabe which is sure to keep you warm even in the coldest night.
- Hokkaido will be an escapist gastronomic haven to food lovers, besides being a snowy nest.
Seasonal and Winter Festivals.
The winter of Hokkaido is not a skiing season only, it is also a time to celebrate on art and light and community. The following are some of the events that must not be missed:
- Sapporo Snow festival (February): Light shows, snow and ice sculptures, huge snow and ice sculptures, and live shows.
- Otaru Snow Light Path Festival (February): Romantic candlelit walks along the canals.
- Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival: This is where ice is covered with colored lights.
- Asahikawa winter festival: Second largest snow festival in Japan with huge ice carvings.
- The Snow Paradise is enhanced by each festival, and it provides the UAE travelers with memorable experiences.
Travel Tips for UAE Visitors
- Visa Process: UAE citizens will require a Japan Visa to tour Hokkaido. When using services of such professionals as Go Kite Travel, getting a Japan visa in Dubai is easy to apply to and easy to process it as your paperwork is done and your flight is arranged.
- Best Time to Visit: Winter in Hokkaido is best viewed in the month of December to February although early March also presents a great snow cover.
- How to get there: The most frequently used way of flying out of Dubai is through Tokyo (either Narita or Haneda) and afterward boarding a domestic flight to New Chitose Airport of Sapporo.
- Transportation: The train system and buses in Hokkaido are also efficient. There is also flexibility in hiring a car, which is better when you are traveling to the smaller towns.
- Dressing: Wear in layers, boots with insulation, and gloves and thermal wear do not forget to wear something warm-up- it is so cold.
- Cultural Etiquette: Japanese are polite and they like punctuality. You learn some simple phrases-a long way!
- An adventure trip to the Snow Paradise of Japan with the right preparation and guidance of the reliable agencies such as Go Kite Travel will be a hassle-free, fun and memorable adventure.
Adventure Beyond Winter
Hokkaido is a year-round locality though it is well known because of its snow. Cherry blossoms in spring can be found in such parks as Maruyama in Sapporo. In Furano, summer has lavender fields, and in autumn all changes in red and gold leaves, and the celebrations are quite colorful. Every season brings out another nature of Hokkaido and so it is worth touring more than once.
Why Hokkaido is popular among UAE Travelers.
The snowy calmness of the Hokkaido is a welcome relief to the UAE travelers, who are accustomed to hot deserts and urban life. It is the place where you can play the first time in the snow, relax in a hot spring that is full of ice, and have the food that you have not before. The Japanese people are very hospitable and the travel facilities are well organized that makes it easy to travel with families, couples and even individuals.
Additionally, the flight connectivity that has been enhanced and easy processes of acquiring Japan visa has made Hokkaido more accessible than ever to Dubai and UAE travelers.
Conclusion
In all aspects, Hokkaido is, literally, the Snow Paradise of Japan. Niseko snow draped mountains and gentle canals of Otaru, every part of the island is full of natural beauty and relaxation. The exposure to nature, leisure, and culture is what makes it one of the most desirable destinations among the UAE vacationers.
To the people who have been longing to have snowy fun, to rejuvenate in onsens and to experience the traditional Japanese hospitality, it is the right time to embark on the adventure. Begin with getting your Japan visa in Dubai by the help of reliable professionals, such as Go Kite Travel so that you have a well-organized and hassle-free visit. Allow the professionals to make the traveling arrangements so that you can concentrate on having life time memories. It could be your first time you see the snow or you are an old time traveler and want a new type of beauty; Hokkaido wants to welcome you to your new Snow Paradise, a heaven on earth where all the winter dreams come true.
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