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Japan’s Tax-Free Shopping System Is Changing In 2026 – Here’s Everything Tourists Need To Know

Wei Yin — Fri, 29 May 2026 01:51:44 +0000

Japan’s new tax-free shopping system

If your Japan itinerary involves stocking up on J-beauty products and shopping at Daiso, here’s a heads-up: Japan’s tax-free shopping system is changing in November 2026.

Before you panic, no, this isn’t another tax hike. After tourist tax changes like Kyoto’s higher accommodation tax that rolled out in March 2026 and an increased departure tax coming in July 2026, this update is more of a system revamp than an attack on your wallet. Still, shopaholics will want to take note – here’s everything you need to know before your next Japan haul.

What’s changing?

Image credit: ¡Vamos! via Google Maps

Currently, tourists in Japan can enjoy tax-free shopping at designated stores with a minimum spend of ¥5,000 (~S$40.14), simply by presenting their passports. However, once the changes kick in on 1st November 2026, you’ll have to pay the full tax-inclusive price at checkout, then claim the tax refund at the airport before flying home.

So if you’re planning a massive shopping spree, you may want to exchange a little more cash or top up your e-wallet in advance.

How does the new tax-free shopping system work?

This step-by-step guide will help you make sense of the new process without the confusion.

1. Shop as usual & show your passport

When shopping at eligible tax-free stores in Japan, spend at least ¥5,000 (~S$40.14), then present your passport at checkout to indicate that you’re purchasing as a tourist.

2. Pay the full price upfront

Image credit: Cullen Cedric via Unsplash

Unlike the current system, you’ll no longer get the tax discount instantly. Instead, you’ll pay the full tax-inclusive price, while a digital record of your purchase is automatically submitted to Japan’s customs system.

3. Leave Japan within 90 days

Narita International Airport.
Image credit: Kazuk Hiros via Google Maps

You’ll also need to depart Japan within 90 days of purchase to remain eligible for the tax refund. Also, don’t be too quick to throw away your receipts – keep them, bring your purchased goods to the airport, and factor in buffer time before your flight for refund processing.

Take note that your purchases need to physically leave Japan with you to qualify. If you’re mailing your shopping haul back home, those items won’t be eligible for tax refunds – this is a rule that has been in effect since 1st April 2025.

4. Declare your purchases at the airport

Image for illustrative purposes only.

Before departure, you’ll need to declare your tax-free purchases. Depending on the airport, this may be done at a customs counter or at a self-service kiosk. You may also be asked to show the actual items you bought.

5. Get your refund

Image for illustrative purposes only.

Your tax refund will be processed once you’ve completed the necessary steps. Refund methods may vary, but could include cash, credit card refunds, or bank transfers.

What are the benefits of this new system?

While having to pay first and claim later sounds troublesome, Japan’s new tax-free shopping system comes with a few benefits.

No more sealed bags or special packaging

Image credit: 康妮洪 via Facebook

Right now, items like cosmetics, medicine, and food are categorised as “consumables”, which come with stricter rules, including special sealed packaging and purchase limits.

But with the new system, the consumables product category will be removed, and these purchases will instead be treated like regular goods. This means there’s no need to pray that the sealed bags from Don Quijote don’t rip while you try to reorganise your suitcase.

No more spending cap on tax-free purchases

Image for illustrative purposes only.

Another major change is the removal of the ¥500,000/day (~S$4,008.50) spending cap, which previously applied to consumables. For big spenders or anyone eyeing luxury goods, this means you can shop tax-free without worrying about hitting a limit. However, very high-value items priced at ¥1,000,000 (~S$8,017) or more will still require additional details like serial number registration for customs tracking.

Overall, scrapping purchase caps is beneficial for travellers planning luxury buys or hauling home enough Japanese souvenir snacks to satisfy their entire office and extended family.

Overview of Japan’s current vs new tax-free shopping system

Feature	Current system (Before 1st Nov 2026)	New system (From 1st Nov 2026)
Tax payment	10% Consumption Tax removed at checkout	Pay the full tax-inclusive price upfront
Refund timing	Instant tax-free price at point of purchase	Refund processed at the airport
Eligibility	Passport shown at checkout	Passport still required + purchase automatically recorded in customs system
Packaging requirements	Consumables are often sealed in transparent tax-free bags	No special sealed packaging required
Minimum spending & purchase caps	General goods: minimum spending of ¥5,000 (~S$40.14) Consumables: ¥5,000-¥500,000/day (~S$40.14-S$4,008.50)	Minimum spending of ¥5,000 (~S$40.14) stays ¥500,000/day (~S$4,008.50) cap removed
Refund methods	Not applicable (already discounted)	Cash, credit card refund, or bank transfer (subject to changes)

One more thing to know before your upcoming Japan trip

The exact process for Japan’s new tax-free shopping system may vary depending on the airport, so we recommend keeping an eye out for official announcements from the government and your departure airport before flying.

Also, although the information above is accurate at the time of writing, things may still change as November 2026 draws closer. We’ll update this article should new info be released, but it’s also a good idea to do one last check before your trip to ensure your shopping spree goes as smoothly as possible.

More Japan guides:

Cover image adapted from: 康妮洪 via Facebook, Kazuk Hiros via Google Maps

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This Airport In Japan Is The World’s First “Pokémon” Airport, With Themed Decor, Food & Merch

Khoo Yong Hao — Mon, 18 May 2026 07:22:20 +0000

Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport in Japan

Pokémon fans, if you’ve not managed to snag tickets to the newly opened PokéPark Kanto theme park on your upcoming trip to Japan, here’s an alternative to consider. Best part? It’s completely FOC to enter, and depending on your itinerary, you might already be making a stop there.

The Noto Satoyama Airport in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, is set to reopen as the Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport this July. It’ll be the first in the world to bear the Pokémon name, and along with its new name comes a slew of Pokémon-themed inclusions to look forward to; here’s all you need to know about it.

Why is the Noto Satoyama Airport being renamed?

Image credit: Kyodo

Just last week, it was announced that the Noto Satoyama Airport in Wajima city will be temporarily reopened as the Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport from 7th July 2026, all the way till the end of September 2029.

The reason for the name change is to boost tourism to the region following the devastating 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake. The revamp also aims to uplift residents – in particular, children – affected by the major disaster, which ultimately resulted in 732 fatalities, 2 missing, and left over 1,400 injured.

What to expect at the new Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport?

As its new name suggests, the Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport will sport a slew of Pokémon-themed additions that are sure to delight fans and travellers alike.

Image credit: Noto Satoyama Airport

For starters, Pokémon-inspired decor will be sprinkled throughout the airport. For example, a huge inflatable of Pikachu perched atop an airplane being hung in the airport’s central atrium, which will also feature artwork of all the 111 flying-type Pokémon released to date.

The first floor of the arrival lobby will feature an artwork titled “Bright Future”.
Image credit: Noto Satoyama Airport

Other decor that fans can spot includes pillars outside the airport decorated with the franchise’s iconic critters, as well as playful information signage that depicts characters in airport settings. The airport’s observation deck on the 3rd floor has also been infiltrated by an adorable army of Pikachus, who’ll accompany visitors as they watch planes take off in the distance.

Image credit: Noto Satoyama Airport

For those looking for a bite before they fly off themselves, swing by Restaurant Annon, also located on the airport’s 3rd floor. It’ll be serving Pokémon-themed food, and although prices haven’t been announced, you can expect to munch on pancakes emblazoned with Pokémon characters and slurp on refreshing drinks.

Image credit: Noto Satoyama Airport

Over on the 2nd floor, the Serendipity gift shop will be stocking exclusive Pokémon merch as well. Again, prices are still up in the air, but from what we’ve gleaned, they’ll be selling T-shirts, keychains, and even stuff that’d be handy during your travels, such as luggage tags and belts.

Image adapted from: Noto Satoyama Airport

Straying away from the airport for a bit, a Noto Sightseeing Bus service is currently in the works, too. Details are yet to be firmed up, but the bus will depart from the airport and make stops at various Pokémon-themed spots in Noto, such as a Pokémon Footbath in Nanao city and a Sylveon With Love monument in Suzu city.

How to get to Noto Satoyama Airport?

Flying into Noto is not exactly the most convenient, as the Noto Airport currently does not serve international flights. For reference, the Noto peninsula is located in the Ishikawa prefecture, North-West of Tokyo, while Wajima city is situated on the Northern tip of the peninsula, making it pretty far from Tokyo.

Image credit ANA

The only way to get to Noto Airport by air is to fly in from Tokyo via Haneda Airport, operated twice daily by ANA. Flights from Tokyo to Noto take around 55 minutes, and these are scheduled to take off at 8.55am and 3.30pm. According to the ANA website, a one-way, Economy class flight from Tokyo to Noto costs around ¥10,185, or ~S$82.05.

Explore Noto Satoyama Airport’s upcoming Pokémon offerings

If you’ve already been to tourist hotspots in Japan like Tokyo, Osaka, and Hokkaido, consider visiting lesser-known regions such as Noto for a change. You’ll be surprised at what you’ll come across, from stunning natural landscapes to thoughtful attractions such as the new Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport.

Book a flight to Noto with ANA

Noto Airport (Noto-Satoyama Airport) (NTQ)

For more Japan-related reads:

Cover image adapted from: Noto Satoyama Airport

The post This Airport In Japan Is The World’s First “Pokémon” Airport, With Themed Decor, Food & Merch appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

20 Free Things To Do In Tokyo That Prove Holidays In Japan Don’t Have To Be Expensive

Lim Bi Hui — Wed, 13 May 2026 07:00:46 +0000

Things to do in Tokyo for free

A record-breaking 726,200 Singaporeans visited Japan in 2025, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) – a 5.1% increase from the year before. What’s not to love about the food, culture, onsen, skiing, and everything in between?

If you’re like me, and always visit via Tokyo, then you’re in luck, because this guide’s got you covered on a whole bunch of free things to do in Tokyo amidst all the indulging.

The current exchange rate is ¥100 = S$0.81 as of 7th May 2026.

How to get around Tokyo

The fastest and most effective way to get around Tokyo is via the subway system. For access to both bus and train systems, you can get Suica or PASMO cards that have no price difference. Train fares vary based on distance but these typically range from ¥180-¥330 (~S$1.45-S$2.66). These are the standard prices for bus tickets, using the cards:

¥206 (~S$1.66)/adult

¥103 (~S$0.83)/child below 12 years old

You can purchase these cards, physically at station ticket machines or counters. You’d simply have to deposit ¥500 which you can get back if you return the card before leaving Japan. Do note that a ¥250 handling fee will be deducted from the remaining balance on your card, should there be any.

Or, you can avoid the hassle of depositing funds and you can pay via Apple Pay or Google Pay. For iPhones, you’d simply have to add Suica or PASMO to your wallet app. For Androids, add Suica or PASMO under “E-Money” in your Google Pay app. Do note, iPhones 8 and up as well as Japanese-compatible Android devices are required to use these features effectively.

Taxis are also another option to travel around Tokyo, however, they’re generally more expensive and take more time. But, if you’re having a late night, feel free to use cab-hailing apps, like, GO Taxi App (App Store | Google Play) or Uber (App Store | Google Play).

1. INTERMEDIATHEQUE

Hidden natural history museum near Tokyo Station

Image credit: @alvisdeyn via Instagram

Now, Tokyo Station may look like a quaint colonial mansion on the outside, but anyone who’s been there will know that the area is actually a maze of train platforms, shopping malls, and restaurants. Hidden amidst all the melange of activities is INTERMEDIATHEQUE, a natural history museum that not many tourists know to look out for.

Image credit: @renca via Instagram

If you’ve busted all your budget on Disneyland and ramen, swing by this free-entry museum where you can find age-old artefacts and taxidermy of animals like birds, without paying a single yen. There are also skeletons of a killer whale, giraffe, and sea lion, which all together serves some serious Night at the Museum vibes.

Intermediatheque

Admission Fee

Free

2. Hotel New Otani Tokyo’s garden

Dreamy waterfall garden

Image credit: @hotelnewotanitokyo via Instagram

While it’s not uncommon for gardens in Japan to charge admission fees, Hotel New Otani Tokyo’s garden is free for all to enter. You don’t have to book a stay at the S$270+/night hotel in order to enjoy this scenic 10-acre-large facility, with more than 400 years of history behind it.

Image credit: @hotelnewotanitokyo via Instagram

This quaint enclave amidst the hubbub of Tokyo is filled with carp ponds, a stone garden, and a bright red Taiko bridge for all your IG needs. And, if you think Singapore’s Yunnan Garden is cool, wait till you see this hotel’s 6m-high gushing waterfall, surrounded by Japanese stone lanterns and resting huts.

There are 58 sakura trees here so you’ll be able to go on a romantic stroll amidst pretty pink leaves if you time your visit right. Those who fall in love with the garden can also book a stay at Hotel New Otani Tokyo to enjoy gazing at it through your window.

Book a room at Hotel New Otani Tokyo.

Address: 4-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8578, Japan
Opening hours: 6am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +81 3-3265-1111

3. Origami Kaikan

Watch skilled artisans paint washi paper

Image credit: @misakky510 via Instagram

Art and craft videos can be super satisfying to watch, and to get that therapeutic experience IRL, visit Origami Kaikan, where you’ll get to watch a Japanese artisan paint handmade washi (Japanese paper).

This is made entirely out of paper.
Image credit: @randoheruu via Instagram

The star of the show though, has to be their impressive gallery that displays origami masterpieces such as one of a maiko (Japanese apprentice geisha), framed by 1,000 orizuru (folded cranes).

Image credit: @burcunimetdumlu via Instagram

Origami Kaikan

Admission Fee

Free

4. Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo

Art installations & interactive displays

Image credit: Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo

Travellers on a budget would likely give luxury stores a pass. But that doesn’t mean you can’t check out Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo, which you’ll find on the top floor of the LV building in Omotesando.

‘You made me leave home…’ by contemporary Indian artist Rina Banerjee.
Image credit: @hypeart via Instagram

Designed by Japanese architect Jun Aoki, the glass box is an exhibition space for contemporary artworks that the French culture and art organisation Fondation Louis Vuitton curates as part of its Hors-les-murs programme. The exhibitions are updated seasonally, so check out the Espace website for details on current shows.

Espace Louis Vuitton

Admission Fee

Free

5. Toyosu Fish Market

World’s largest fish market

Image credit: @2lyg2g via Instagram

Toyosu Fish Market is the upgraded version of the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. It’s twice as large, allowing it to keep the title of “World’s Largest Fish Market” firmly in its grasp, and only 2km away from its previous location.

Image credit: @jimmydashner via Instagram

Early risers – or night owls – can pick up a visitor’s pass to enter the building and catch the iconic tuna auctions at about 5.30am. The best way to experience an auction would be to hear and observe it up close from a special deck on the lower floor and to do so, you’ll have to join a lottery to be one of the 100 guests picked daily.

Don’t worry if you don’t get picked, as you can still watch from a gallery on a higher level. You might not be able to hear the auction, but at least there’s a friendly “Language Co-talk Volunteer” who’ll explain everything going on to you in English.

Toyosu Market

Admission Fee

Free

6. Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Tama Plant Tour

Witness the fascinating manufacturing process of Coca-Cola

Image credit: @croissant_3212 via Instagram

If you’re the type that needs to drink a bottle of Coke almost every day, you need to sign yourself up for a Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Tama Plant Tour. The tour will allow you to witness the manufacturing process where all the magic happens, and you’ll also get to check out different versions of Japanese Coca Cola bottles throughout the years.

Image credit: @berryzcret via Instagram

Tours are held from Mondays to Fridays at 10am,1pm, and 3pm and are approximately 60 minutes long. Do note that these tours are conducted in Japanese, but English guidebooks are available.

Image credit: Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan

You’ll need to make a reservation for this tour; slots are released 30 days before your desired date via their website.

Make a booking for the Coca-Cola Japan Tama Plant Tour.

Address: 1 Chome-2-9 Nobidome, Higashikurume, Tokyo 203-0041, Japan
Contact: +81 050-3139-8489 | Coca Cola Japan Tama Plant website

7. Gundam figure at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

Transforming life-sized Gundam figure

Image credit: @jigza via Instagram

Gundam fanatics check this out – there’s a majestic 19.7m-tall Unicorn Gundam from the Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn series standing proudly in front of Divercity Tokyo Plaza.

Image credit: @herbyjai via Instagram

Simply seeing the Gundam in its normal mode is no big deal. The real show starts when the gigantic figure transforms into Destroy mode – its antenna expands, and you can see it come to life as it starts to glow and move for 5 minutes.

Showtimes: 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & every 30 minutes from 7pm-9.30pm, Daily

8. Imperial Palace’s East Garden

Enjoy a flower-viewing picnic

Image credit: @travelwizards via Instagram

The Imperial Palace in Tokyo is a must-visit, especially in spring and autumn, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views – either a sea of cherry blossoms or fiery fall foliage.

While some areas of the palace are only accessible with a paid ticket, you can visit the East Garden FOC for a walk or hanami, AKA cherry blossom viewing, picnic.

Image credit: Justgola

You can also have a volunteer guide who will bring you around and tell you about the palace’s history while you admire the seasonal flora and fauna.

The park is open from 9am on Tuesday to Thursday, as well as Saturday and Sunday. If a national holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, the garden will be closed the next day.

Closing times vary throughout the year, and the garden might sometimes be closed for Imperial Court functions, so you’ll want to check the Higashigyoen website for the latest calendar.

Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
Contact: +81 3-3213-2050 | Higashigyoen website

9. Suginami Animation Museum

Dive into the history of anime

Image credit: @justvcreative via Instagram

Japan is the birthplace of anime, and you’ll know how big of a thing it is there when you see anime characters plastered all over train stations and giant billboards. It’s such an iconic part of the country’s culture that there’s a Suginami Animation Museum in Ogikubo.

Stretch of wall filled with doodles by famous artists
Image credit: @udadagram via Instagram

Here, you’ll find exhibits of familiar anime like Doraemon and Studio Ghibli’s Totoro, as well as more obscure ones. Besides that, there are super-rare preserved original sketches of your favourite characters, as well as the actual tools used by the artists.

Image credit: @pyat_napo via Instagram

If you understand Japanese, you can even join a workshop about anime production, or listen to a talk given by professional animators. Otherwise, you can pick up an English audio tour, or browse at your own leisure.

Suginami Animation Museum

Admission Fee

Free

10. Arashio-beya Sumo Stable

Observe sumo wrestlers practise

Image credit: @psicopatricko via Instagram

Japan is the only country where sumo wrestling is performed professionally, and there are grand tournaments which are still widely attended today, even by international tourists.

Image credit: @citra393 via Instagram

While tournament tickets can be hard to secure, and ringside sets can cost a pretty penny, you can watch sumo wrestlers practise for free at Arashio-beya Sumo Stable. You can observe the sumo wrestlers training from outside the stable, typically between 7.30am-9am on practice days – check their training calendar ahead of your visit so you can see if they’ll be in action.

Don’t be shy if you’d like a picture with them because they’re very friendly – just be respectful of their space and sport, wait till practice is over, and ask politely.

Address: 2 Chome-47-2 Nihonbashihamacho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0007, Japan

11. Yokojukken-gawa Shinsui Park

Take a scenic boat ride

Image credit: @su2un0r1 via Instagram

Head over to Yokojukken-gawa Shinsui Park for a relaxing boat ride along the river in a wasen – or traditional Japanese boat. You’d expect this to be a paid attraction, but here, there’s a “Wasen Tomo no Kai” volunteer group that offers 10-minute rides to visitors completely free of charge.

Image credit: @parkful via Instagram

If you have kids, bring them to the small water play area above the river, where they can cool off and play during the warmer seasons.

Image credit: @katsuchann3910 via Instagram

With floating platforms to obstacle courses and a rope bridge spanning from one end of the river to the other, this free attraction in Tokyo is perfect for some fun in the sun.

Check out the free boat ride schedule on their website.

Address: 1 Chome-1 Minamisuna, Koto City, Tokyo 136-0076, Japan
Schedule: Available on website

12. Nakamise-dori

Stroll down Japan’s oldest shopping street

Image credit: @dorissimod via Instagram

Enter the giant Thunder Gate in Asakusa and you will be welcomed by a 250m shopping street called Nakamise-dori. From traditional Japanese handicrafts like folding fans and wooden dolls to handmade yukatas, you’ll be spoilt for choice if you’re looking for souvenirs to bring home.

Image credit: @hirahx via Instagram

Of course, a shopping street can’t do without street food. Check out all the authentic Asakusa snacks like age-manju (fried bun with sweet bean paste filling) or ningyo-yaki (small snack cakes) if you have stomach space to spare.

Image credit: @ls.mt_ via Instagram

If you continue walking down the street, you’ll wind up at the entrance to Senso-ji. It’s an ancient temple that dates back more than 1,300 years – the oldest in Tokyo. It’s a popular destination for those praying for good luck and happiness. Entry to the temple is also free.

13. Kewpie Mayo Terrace Museum

Learn about Kewpie’s history & sample mayonnaise

View this post on Instagram

If you love Kewpie mayo as we do, then you’ll want to put Kewpie Mayo Terrace Museum on your Tokyo hit list. While it’s no longer operating as a real factory, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how your favourite condiment is produced. As part of the tour, you’ll also get some samples of other Kewpie products to take home with you!

Do make a reservation 1 month before your intended tour date – there are English language tours available, but you’ll have to check the calendar for the latest available slots.

Address: 2-5-7 Sengawacho, Chofu, Tokyo 182-0002, Japan
Contact: Kewpie Mayo Terrace Museum website

14. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

View Mt Fuji from the 45th floor

Image credit: @madameyap14 via Instagram

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku is the tallest free observatory tower in Japan, and it stands at a staggering height of 243m. Ascend to the 45th floor at the very top of the South tower and you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city – free of charge.

If the sky is clear and you’re there early in the morning when the sun is shining brightly, you might just be lucky enough to see Mount Fuji shyly peeking out in the far distance.

Image credit: @haileyip8 via Instagram

But if you can’t make it for an early morning visit, don’t be disappointed because this metropolitan city also offers spectacular night views.

Note that the South Observatory is closed every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, with daily hours from 9.30am-9.30pm; the North Observatory is closed on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, with similar opening hours except on days that the South Observatory is closed. On those days, the North Observatory is only open from 9.30am-5pm.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Admission Fee

Free

15. TOKYO Night & Light

Guinness World Record holder for largest projection mapping display

The Synergy show.
Image credit: @tokyonightandlight via Instagram

Once you get back down to ground level after taking in the views, make sure to check out Tokyo Night & Light, also at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. This show, recurring every 30 minutes from 5.30pm-9.30pm, combines the use of light and music to display visuals that’ll have your jaw on the floor. Check the Tokyo Night & Light website for the latest timetable, because the earlier shows only take place during the months when the sun sets earlier.

Image credit: @tokyonightandlight via Instagram

P.S.: They hold the Guinness World Record for the largest permanent architectural projection-mapped display in the world!

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Admission Fee

Free

16. Harajuku

Be inspired by quirky fashion

Image credit: @tokyofashion via Instagram

Take a short walk around Harajuku and you’ll notice that there are tons of people – mainly youngsters – decked out in bold outfits and colourful hair. It’s quite an unusual sight you won’t easily find elsewhere in Japan.

This shopping district is basically a giant runway where people express themselves through fashion. Many of the fashion styles you might spot here like gyaru, goth, and lolita originated as a form of rebellious expression – a refusal to conform with Japan’s strict conventions.

Image credit: @dazai_des via Instagram

While you’re there, go window shopping and browse through the myriad of stores selling a quirky variety of Japanese street fashion.

Head off the main thoroughfare to explore Ura-Harajuku, the former back streets of the ‘hood, which these days have taken on a life of their own too.

Address: Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

17. Edogawa City Shizen Zoo

Pet cute animals at a free zoo in Tokyo

Image adapted from: @sundaysoundtrack, @grskus_tk via Instagram

Compared to regular zoos in Japan, Edogawa City Shizen Zoo is relatively small, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less impressive. It still houses a good variety of animals, and since entry is free, we can’t really complain.

From giant anteaters to Japanese squirrels, Humboldt penguins, Ogre prairie dogs and even Madagascar tortoises, you’ll definitely be able to spend an easy afternoon here if the weather is fine.

Image credit: @dra_dralin via Instagram

You can even get up close to some of their 4-legged residents in the petting zone.

Address: 3 Chome-2-1 Kitakasai, Edogawa City, Tokyo 134-0081, Japan
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 10am-4.30pm, Sat-Sun 9.30am-4.30pm (Closed on Mon)
Contact: +81 3-3680-0777 | Edogawa City Shizen Zoo website

18. The Giant Ghibli Clock

Designed by filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki

Image credit: Shang-Wei Kuo (KSW) via Google Maps

Yes, you read that right. The same filmmaker who directed all our fav classics, like Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away, designed the Giant Ghibli Clock at Nittele Tower.

This massive clock is about 3 storeys high, decked in copper and steel with incredible detail, like cannons, statues of blacksmiths, and a boiling teapot. You’ll also find that at scheduled times each day, the clock “comes to life” with a tiny show that’ll have you wanting to upgrade your clock back home ASAP. Though, it’d be hard to compete with the cool music features that also come with the Ghibli Clock.

As of March 2026, the showtimes are as follows:

Mon-Fri: 12pm, 1pm, 3pm, 6pm, 8pm
Sat-Sun: 10am, 12pm, 1pm, 3pm, 6pm, 8pm

Address: 1 Chome-6-6 Higashishinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0021, Japan

19. Rainbow Sewerage Museum

Interactive exhibitions & activities

Image credit: Tokyo Sewerage Museum

Let’s be real, at one point in our lives, we’ve all been curious about where our waste – to put it delicately – goes. At the Rainbow Sewerage Museum, you’ll learn about all the important processes behind sewerage work, water cleaning, and the importance of water in the environment.

You and the kiddos can enter life-sized sewer pipes and play with pumping stations while gaining some newfound knowledge about this cool system.

Address: 2 Chome-3-5 Ariake, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9.30am-4.30pm (Closed on Mon)
Contact: +81 3-5564-2458 | Rainbow Sewerage Museum website

20. Harry Potter-themed train station

Bringing Hogwarts to Akasaka Station for free

Image credit: @michaeldavisong via Instagram

Don’t worry, Potterheads, we’ve got a freebie for you to geek out over too. Head to Akasaka Station for a homage to your fav magical franchise, Harry Potter, with banners of Hogwarts houses adorning the walls and a massive Time Turner sculpture too.

Make sure to take your pics and cast your spells, while you’re catching a train from this station. But, just remember, it’s leviOsa, not levioSA, lest you embarrass the wizarding community in front of the muggles.

Akasaka Station

Bonus: JAL Sky Museum

Kids tour the Japan Airlines hangar for free

Image credit: スーさん via Google Maps

Even if it’s not time for you to leave Japan yet, make a trip down to Haneda Airport. Apart from arrival and departure halls, it’s home to the JAL Sky Museum, which recently reopened on 1st November 2025 after a 4-year-long renovation.

You’ll want to join the reservations-only tour that takes you to the actual hangar of Japan Airlines. Catch a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes action, including engineers going about their day-to-day maintenance work.

Image credit: HERO TAKE via Google Maps

During your visit, you can also enter a mockup of an aeroplane cockpit, or try sitting on one of the atas JAL Sky Suite and JAL Sky Premium seats.

Yes, kids under 12 get to join the tour for free, but adults have to pay ¥1,000 (~S$8.06) each. You must make an online reservation before you swing by. Slots are released 1 month ahead of time, and only 30-70 visitors are allowed per session – so be sure to plan early.

Make a reservation online.

Days available: Daily
Sessions: 9.30am, 10.45am, 1.30pm*, 2.45pm & 4.30pm* (*not available daily)

JAL Sky Museum

Admission Fee

Free entry

Experience these free things to do in Tokyo

For all who’ve yet to visit Japan, this culturally rich country needs to be on your travel bucket list. Scratch the misconception that you have to splurge to have a whale of a time here. As long as you dig a little, you’ll find that there are a ton of fun things you can do there without forking out a single dollar, even in Tokyo.

Check out our other articles on Tokyo:

Image adapted from: @su2un0r1, @alvisdeyn & @naomi_kakiuchi via Instagram, スーさん via Google Maps
Originally published on 20th July 2019. Last updated by Michelle P on 8th May 2026.
A portion of this content may contain referral links to products. Our opinions remain our own.

The post 20 Free Things To Do In Tokyo That Prove Holidays In Japan Don’t Have To Be Expensive appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

10 Best Japan Souvenir Snacks Worth Bringing Back To SG To Pamper Your Family & Friends With

Khoo Yong Hao — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 07:52:07 +0000

Best souvenir snacks to buy in Japan

For some, shopping’s a quintessential part of every holiday to Japan. With the SGD to JPY exchange rates hitting record highs in recent times, now’s the best time to go on a shopping spree in between your Mount Fuji day trips and obligatory konbini runs to Lawson and FamilyMart.

But, you can’t forget about the folks left stranded back in Singapore. You’ve already teased them with snippets of cherry blossom season on Instagram, so it’s only right to dabao a couple of Japanese souvenir snacks AKA omiyage to quell their jealousy. From fan-favourites like Shiroi Koibito cookies to lesser-known regional specialties, here are some to keep an eye out for.

Breakdown of souvenir snacks in Japan

Souvenir snack	What is it	Price	Best place to buy
Ishiya Shiroi Koibito	Langue de chat cookies sandwiching a white chocolate filling	From ¥777/ box of 9, ~S$6.35	Hokkaido
Rokkatei Marusei Butter Sandwich	Butter cookie with white chocolate, butter & rum‑soaked raisin filling	From ¥580/box of 4, ~S$4.74	Hokkaido
Tokyo Banana	Banana-shaped sponge cake with banana custard filling	From ¥691/box of 4, ~S$5.65	Tokyo
Butter Butler	Small French cake with an intense butter flavour	From ¥1,080/box of 4, ~S$8.83	Tokyo
Yatsuhashi	Comes in a baked, crisp cookie form & a raw version made from folded sheets of glutinous rice flour with a core of paste	From ¥950/pack of 48, ~S$7.77	Kyoto
Momiji Manju	Maple leaf-shaped cakes with sweet filling	From ¥778/box of 6, ~S$6.36	Hiroshima
Hakata Torimon	Milk-flavoured bun with white bean paste filling	From ¥500/box of 4, ~S$4.09	Fukuoka
Ichiroku Tart	Swiss roll-like cake with yuzu-infused filling	From ¥1,058/roll, ~S$8.65	Ehime
Uiro	Chewy, steamed sweet made from glutinous rice flour mixed with sugar	From ¥519/box of 5, ~S$4.24	Nagoya
Hagi no Tsuki	Moon-shaped cake with custard filling	From ¥1,000/box of 8, ~S$8.18	Sendai

1. Ishiya Shiroi Koibito

Iconic cookies from Hokkaido known throughout the country

Probably the most recognisable of Japanese souvenir snacks, Shiroi Koibito (from ¥777/ box of 9, ~S$6.35) cookies were originally Hokkaido-exclusives when they hit the market in 1976. But, due to its meteoric rise in popularity amongst sweet tooths, the iconic snack has since journeyed eastwards and has become widely available.

You can also opt to buy tins of 36 and 54 cookies that contain milk chocolate variants.
Image credit: GOOD LUCK TRIP

The souvenir snack staple, which consists of 2 thin, buttery langue de chat cookies sandwiching a white chocolate filling, is made from premium dairy products that Hokkaido is known for. Today, it can be bought at most airports, train stations, and omiyage stores all across Japan, so you really don’t have to look hard at all to find a box to bring back.

2. Rokkatei Marusei Butter Sandwich

Butter sandwich filled with creamy white chocolate & raisins

The butter sandwich’s regal packaging mimics the design used by a historical butter label in Hokkaido, which also inspired its name.
Image credit: Rokkatei

Staying in the wintery wonderland that is Hokkaido, another treat that might be a bit more difficult to find elsewhere in Japan are Rokkatei Marusei Butter Sandwiches (from ¥580/box of 4, ~S$4.74). These sport a striking, retro-style packaging, and a bite into the sandwich’s creamy butter, white chocolate, and rum-soaked raisin filling is nothing short of heavenly.

Unfortunately, Hokkaido’s Rokkatei Marusei Butter Sandwiches aren’t as widespread as its Shiroi Koibito cookies, so be sure to purchase them if you’re visiting the prefecture. I missed out on these as I thought I could find them on my connecting flight at Haneda Airport, but alas, they weren’t sold there.

3. Tokyo Banana

Pillowy sponge texture hiding a sweet banana custard core

Image credit: Tokyo Banana – SG 東京ばな奈ワールド via Facebook

You can’t say you’ve been to Tokyo without having stuffed a box or 2 of Tokyo Banana (from ¥691/box of 4, ~S$5.65) into your check-in baggage on your flight back. It’s the best-selling omiyage in all of Japan, and for good reason. Like its name suggests, it’s a light and fluffy sponge cake shaped like a mini banana that conceals sweet inner banana custard within.

The attention to detail is immaculate; they’ve faithfully slapped on Pikachu’s lightning bolt-shaped tail on the back of their cakes.
Image credit: Nintendo

If their adorably dainty cakes aren’t enough to win both your heart and palate over, they’ve also gone on to do collabs with popular Japanese IPs to come up with treats that look too cute to gobble up. These include tie-ins with Pokémon, Doraemon, and Chiikawa. Also, if you’re flying out of Tokyo, be sure to keep an eye out for the Haneda Airport-exclusive honey-flavoured Tokyo Banana.

4. Butter Butler

Intensely rich butter financiers, galettes & millefeuilles

For a treat so sinfully indulgent, look no further than Butter Butler. It’s another Tokyo specialty, but while Tokyo Banana tantalises with its light notes of banana-flavoured sweetness, Butter Butler’s devotion to, well, butter, is intense.

Image credit: Entabe

Crack open a pack of their famous Butter Financiers (from ¥1,080/box of 4, ~S$8.83) for yourself, and you’ll notice at once the enticing aroma of butter mixed with maple syrup wafting through the air. The square-shaped cake is lightly crisp on the outside, yet tender and springy when you bite into one, and trust me when I say that their deep, buttery taste is nothing short of addictive.

Image credit: Shopee Singapore

Butter Butler’s other products are no slouch either. Their melt-in-your-mouth Butter Galette (¥972/box of 9, ~S$7.95) cookies are , while their Butter Millefeuille (¥1,620/box of 5, ~S$13.25)promises a pop of the brand’s trademark flavour in the form of a fermented butter cream filling sandwiched between caramalised pastry.

5. Yatsuhashi

Comes in 2 forms, a bridge-shaped cracker & an unbaked one with tasty filling

When you’re touring the historic city of Kyoto and would like an edible memento to remember it by, you can’t go wrong with Yatsuhashi. Dating back to the 1600s, this Japanese sweet comes in 2 forms – baked and raw. The baked version’s the OG, and is a thin, crisp cookie that’s shaped like a roof tile, and traditionally comes in a cinnamon flavour.

Image credit: Food in Japan

Other than the fact that this crunchy delicacy pairs perfectly with a toasty cup of tea, it also has quite a long shelf life of around 3 months. Should you need brand recommendations for baked yatsuhashi, Izutsu Yatsuhashi Honpo (from ¥950/pack of 48, ~S$7.77) has been in the game for over 200 years, so you can’t go wrong with them.

Image credit: Chopstick Chronicles

Meanwhile, raw yatsuhashi is a more modern take on the traditional sweet, having been created in the 1960s. When unbaked, yatsuhashi takes on the form of folded sheets of glutinous rice flour that envelop a core of delicious paste, which come in a variety of flavours. For a taste of the best raw yatsuhashi, have a look at the ones by Otabe (from ¥702/box of 8, ~S$5.74); they’ve got a wide range of flavours such as matcha, cinnamon, and black sesame to name a few.

6. Momiji Manju

Maple leaf-shaped baked cakes from Hiroshima

Image credit: Dive! Hiroshima

Hiroshima is an absolute stunner in autumn, as the prefecture’s renowned maple leaves reach peak vibrancy and blankets all in a sea of reds and oranges. For a taste of fall, there’s no better snack than Momiji Manju. First created in Miyajima, a small island located in Hiroshima Bay, it’s a soft, baked confection in the shape of a maple leaf stuffed with a sweet filling, typically red bean paste.

Of course, they come in a whole host of flavours as well, which include chocolate, cheese, matcha, and yuzu. There are also more exotic variants of Momiji Manju as well, although these are better enjoyed on the spot, such as ice cream-filled ones and even a deep-fried version. As for bringing a couple back for loved ones to try, look out for award-winning Momiji Manjus made by Nishikido (from ¥778/box of 6, ~S$6.36).

7. Hakata Torimon

Milk-flavoured dough stuffed with white bean paste from Fukuoka

Image credit: Food in Japan

Fukuoka’s must-buy omiyage comes in the form of a milk-flavoured bun called Hakata Torimon (from ¥500/box of 4, ~S$4.09). This pillowy, cake-like snack contains a white bean paste within that’s mixed with butter, cream, and a hint of condensed milk, elevating it above your average bean-paste sweets. Fun fact – it’s named after the Torimon dancers and performers who strut their stuff at the annual Hakata Dontaku Festival parade.

This decadent snack must be doing something right, as it has clinched the Monde Selection Gold Award, a well-respected international quality award, for over 20 consecutive years. Moreover, it set a Guinness World Record for the highest sales of a bean-paste-filled snack in a single year, having sold a whopping 64 million units in 2019.

8. Ichiroku Tart

Sponge cake wrapped around a sweet red bean paste infused with yuzu

Image credit: GOOD LUCK TRIP

For fans of oranges, Ehime’s the place to be. The northwestern prefecture is known for being the “citrus capital”, as they produce the freshest citrus fruits, especially mikan mandarins. Naturally, their specialty souvenir snack, Ichiroku Tart (from ¥1,058/roll, ~S$8.65), is similarly flavoured; despite its name, it’s a swiss roll-like cake wrapped around a sweet bean paste that’s enhanced with yuzu.

Each roll is hand-rolled by artisans to create a perfect spiral for a balanced flavour profile in every bite. There are also seasonal versions of the sweet; for example, visit Ehime during the summer, and you’ll be able to snag a box made from Amanatsu Mikan, or summer mandarins, which are said to be a tad more citrussy.

9. Uiro

Steamed rice flour & sugar sweet from Nagoya

Image credit: Visit Nagoya

Uiro is another classic traditional souvenir snack that can be found in Nagoya. It’s a chewy, steamed sweet made from glutinous rice flour mixed with sugar, whose texture somewhat resembles mochi but is not as sticky; think of it as a firm jelly-like snack. Like many traditional sweets, it comes in a variety of light flavours so as to not overpower the taste of rice, such as matcha, yuzu, sakura, and red bean.

Image credit: NIHONMONO

As for famous brands that produce quality uiro, Aoyagi Sohonke is as good as it gets. Founded in the 1880s, they’ve mastered the technique of making these bite-sized goodies. On top of buying a box of 5 pieces of uiro for ¥519 (~S$4.24), consider bundling your purchase with their signature red bean paste-filled Frog Manju buns (¥486/box of 3, ~S$3.97) that are equal parts adorable and tasty.

10. Hagi no Tsuki

Melt-in-your-mouth, custard-filled sponge cake that resembles the moon

Image credit: Japanese Souvenirs – Seesaa

Amongst many vacationers in Sendai, Hagi no Tsuki (from ¥1,000/box of 8, ~S$8.18) is the omiyage of choice to bring home, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a soft sponge cake shaped and coloured like a full moon, and filled with creamy custard that explodes in your mouth, akin to a liu sha bao. Its name is a nod to the hagi bush clover, a plant synonymous with Japanese autumn imagery.

The melt-in-your-mouth softness of the cake, coupled with the mellow and gentle custard cream that’s not cloyingly sweet makes for an excellent combination loved by many. A special antioxidant is also packaged with each cake, which ensures that it stays fluffy for about 2 weeks at room temperature, so you don’t have to rush this one back to your family back in Singapore to enjoy it at its freshest.

Bonus: Kyo-Rayu Furikake

Famous chilli oil furikake from Kyoto

Image credit: Simply Native

We Singaporeans just can’t get enough of all things spicy, so dabao a bag of Kyo-Rayu Furikake (¥600/bag, ~S$4.91) to sprinkle atop your cai fan orders back in the Little Red Dot. Originating from Kyoto, this versatile topping made from roasted sesame seeds, Kujo onions, garlic, and chilli oil will give your meals a savoury, crunchy texture with a mildly spicy kick.

What to know about buying souvenir snacks in Japan

If it’s your first time buying souvenir snacks in Japan, you’ve got to take note of a few things before stuffing your haul into your luggage.

Firstly, a lot of these snacks have a short shelf life, because Japanese manufacturers stray away from using preservatives and additives in their sweets as they prioritise freshness and texture. Some of these snacks can have best before dates as short as 1 to 2 weeks and as such, you should purchase them towards the end of your trip.

Haneda Airport in Tokyo.
Image credit: Japan Guide

Thankfully, it’s not difficult to find a place that sells omiyage in Japan, as they’re practically sold everywhere. In fact, you’ll be tempted to buy a box right as you land in the country, as the various airports in Japan are probably some of the best places to get them. You’ll find that the airports are teeming with gift stores and stands stocked to the brim with omiyage, so make a stop here before heading into the departure halls.

Image credit: Ruya Doble via Facebook

You also don’t have to worry about scouring entire prefectures for the best prices, as omiyage are generally sold at around the same price across the country. Other places that you can buy omiyage at include train stations, department stores’ food basements, local markets, factory outlets and regional specialty stores.

Of course, you can buy omiyage online as well, on platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop, but sussing out the lesser-known ones, especially regional specialties, could prove to be difficult. Online prices will also definitely be higher than what you’d pay in Japan.

Image credit: Adobe Stock

Another plus point of buying them in-person is that you can ask to taste-test the sweets through samples, to avoid purchasing gifts that might not suit you or your recipient’s taste. Also, do remember to bring along your passport when venturing out to purchase omiyage. A lot of stores that sell them provide tax-free shopping, so they’ll need your passport to help you shave a couple of bucks off your purchase.

Bring home these souvenir snacks on your next trip to Japan

We’ve listed at least one souvenir snack from each major region in Japan to keep your eyes peeled for, so make sure you leave some space in your luggage to bring home these regional delicacies. But, you’ll still want to taste-test as many as you can; seeing how many varieties of omiyage there are out there, we’ve probably barely scraped the surface as far as Japanese sweets go.

For more things to do in Japan:

Cover image adapted from: Food in Japan, Dive! Hiroshima, Nintendo, GOOD LUCK TRIP

The post 10 Best Japan Souvenir Snacks Worth Bringing Back To SG To Pamper Your Family & Friends With appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

This Silent Pop-Up Store In Tokyo Lets You Steal Anything You Want, Including Clothes & Even Mattresses

Huiyuan You — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 04:37:11 +0000

“Toh” Tokyo pop-up store

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to become a ninja, a gentleman thief, or perhaps a shoplifter, here’s your chance to try stealing without breaking the law. The catch? You’ll have to make it out within 60 seconds in complete silence, all while being surrounded by over 200 ultra-sensitive microphones.

After 2 wildly successful runs, the 盗 – Toh pop-up store by TBS Radio programme Nou Tou is returning to Akasaka, Tokyo in March 2026. You can expect a new and massive venue filled with everything from cheap snacks to premium goods. So if you’re confident enough to pull off the perfect heist, here’s what you need to know:

What can I expect at the “Toh” Tokyo pop-up store?

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Details for the 2026 “Toh” pop-up are still under wraps – but like previous runs, you can expect it to be held at the Akasaka BLITZ Studio with a brand new theme. As last year’s theme was “Stealable Market”, players had to navigate through a black-market-style setup with 5 different zones: toys, noodles, books, bedding, and general goods.

The 2025 “Toh” pop-up store.
Image credit: @kikikai_noto via Instagram

Among the items were premium mattresses, collaborative apparel, and over 10,000 packets of snacks up for grabs. So yes, expectations are high – keep your eyes peeled because this year’s goodies could be just as wild.

What are the rules of the “Toh” Tokyo pop-up store?

Image credit: @sonouso via X

The rules of this store are deceptively simple: steal up to 3 items without making a sound, and return to the starting point before 60 seconds are up. What makes the success rate of players so low is the fact that you’ll have to evade cans, stands, and other clutter to get your hands on an item, most of which have bells attached to them.

The store accommodates up to 4 people at a time, so you can either play solo or as a group. Just note that if any sound gets picked up by a microphone, the entire group, excluding those who have made it back to the starting point, will be disqualified.

Are there any tips for completing the challenge?

The “Noodles” zone from the 2025 edition.
Image credit: TBS Radio

Past participants have plenty of advice to give – maybe keep them in mind before formulating a game plan.

For example, it’s best to remove your shoes for a quiet tread and to pay close attention to the timer screens at all times. One person even stated that the starting announcement is the best time to run, as it will drown out any noise generated by you.

Image adapted from: @sonouso & @bocchi_kazuaki via X

While most items have bells attached to them with bright green markers, you can look for the few hidden ones that do not. Lastly, large premium items may require more than one person to carry, so we recommend joining with a group of friends in order to coordinate.

How much are tickets to the “Toh” Tokyo pop-up store?

Image credit: TBS Radio

While ticket details for the 2026 “Toh” pop-up have yet to be announced, the prices are likely going to be similar to the 2025 run. Last year’s rates were as follows:

1 participant: ¥1,000 (~S$8.11)
2 participants: ¥1,800 (~S$14.59)
3 participants: ¥2,400 (~S$19.46)
4 participants: ¥2,800 (~S$22.70)

A solo participant ticket is already pretty affordable, but playing as a group will earn you extra savings. This year’s tickets will likely be released online with timeslot reservations to reduce queueing, so be prepared to snatch them up when they drop.

Put your skills to the test at the “Toh” Tokyo pop-up store

With a 60-second time limit and microphones all around, most players have walked out of the “Toh” Tokyo pop-up store empty-handed. So if you think you’ve got the speed, stealth, and reflexes to steal your money’s worth, this is a challenge worth trying on your next trip to Japan.

Find out more about the “Toh” pop-up store

For more things to do in Tokyo:

Cover image adapted from: @kikikai_noto via Instagram, @bocchi_kazuaki & @sonouso via X

The post This Silent Pop-Up Store In Tokyo Lets You Steal Anything You Want, Including Clothes & Even Mattresses appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

9-Day Winter Hokkaido Road Trip Itinerary – Snow-Capped Peaks, Freshest Seafood Bites & Best Souvenirs To Buy

Khoo Yong Hao — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:10:50 +0000

Winter Hokkaido road trip itinerary

When it comes to all-season getaways, Japan just can’t be beat; there’s a reason why families flock there en-masse once the holidays hit. A trip during the week-long March holidays unlocks vistas framed by falling sakura petals during cherry blossom season, while a mid-year vacay down south in the tropics of Okinawa is to die for.

As for winter, there’s no better place to spend days frolicking in the powder snow than Hokkaido. Known for its stunning volcanic peaks, inviting hot springs, and the freshest of seafood, the northernmost Japanese prefecture is especially enchanting once the first snowfall envelops all in a blanket of white.

I can attest to the land’s beauty, having just returned from a road trip of my own in Hokkaido. Should you be planning a wintry escape in the future, here’s my 9D8N Hokkaido itinerary, which saw me conquering frosted highways and scenic mountain passes for slightly over a week of snowy escapades.

Day 1: SG-Tokyo-Hokkaido

10PM

It took 4 months of planning, 2 winterwear shopping hauls, and 5 days of meticulously planned ALs, but the friends’ trip finally made it out of the group chat.

As with any holiday out of sunny Singapore, we started our journey at Changi Airport, by boarding an ANA flight bound for Tokyo at 10.20pm. We planned to spend some time exploring Hokkaido from the bottom up; we’re headed for Hakodate Airport, which meant we had to take a connecting flight from Haneda Airport.

6AM

After a light snooze amongst the clouds, we touched down in Tokyo at 6am, and although we nibbled on airplane refreshments, we were still famished. Our next flight into Hokkaido was about 4 hours away, and so we scoured the airport for sustenance.

A handful of eateries opened at the break of dawn, and Marugame Seimen was one of them. It’s an udon chain where you can slurp up freshly-prepared noodles paired with various tempura dishes of your choice, and with prices starting as low as ¥290 (~S$2.39), our breakfast was decided.

Marugame Seimen Haneda Airport Terminal 2

11AM

The flight from Haneda to Hakodate Airport was short, lasting a little over an hour. After picking up our luggage, we had some time to spare before our appointment with Times Car Rental to collect our ride, so we stretched our legs by seeing what the airport had to offer.

We swung by THE HAKODATE DEPART, a store which sold Hokkaido and Hakodate-exclusive omiyage AKA souvenir snacks, but we decided to purchase them towards the end of our trip so we didn’t have to lug around the huge tax-free shopping bags everywhere. On Level 3 lies an observation deck, complete with an outdoor section with benches for an unobstructed view of planes taking off in the snowfall.

2PM

Collecting our rental car was next on the agenda, and after a short phone call, a Times Rental Car staff drove over in a shuttle bus to ferry us to their store. After sorting out the paperwork and making payment, the staff gave us a rundown on how to operate the car, its features, and the traffic rules and regulations in Japan.

Image credit: Booking.com

Being the kiasu Singaporeans that we were, we took photos of any prior dings and defects that the staff pointed out on the vehicle, and just like that, we were good to go. First things first, checking into our accommodation for the night – an Airbnb called Onasyas B. It’s a simple, modern 1-bedroom stay located just an 8-minute drive from the airport, and with prices starting from S$119/night, we couldn’t really ask for more.

Onasyas-B

5PM

After settling down, we decided to head out to stock up on winter essentials. A 20-minute drive later, and we arrived at the Hakodate Showa Town Plaza, a group of shops which included the likes of UNIQLO, GU, and BOOKOFF. We also hit the Hokuren supermarket here to purchase snacks, drinks, and more importantly, heat packs.

Hakodate Showa Town Plaza

Image credit: Sushi and Shabu Shabu Yuzu An

For dinner, a hot, soupy meal appealed the most to us, and after a quick Google search, we settled on Yuzu An Hakodate. Their shabu shabu and sushi buffet costs ¥3,828/pax (~S$31.61), and we got to feast on free-flow wagyu beef strips cooked in 2 soup bases of our choosing, vegetables, and a huge range of seafood sushi. Orders are placed via a tablet, which conveniently has an English language toggle.

Sushi & Shabu-Shabu Yuzu-An

Day 2: Kanemori Red Brick warehouse & Mount Hakodate

8AM

If you’re one to rise early for morning walks, you’ll be glad to know that the Hakodate coastline is just a 5-minute walk from our Airbnb. A stroll around the quiet neighbourhood was therapeutic, and although we would’ve stayed longer to soak in the sun, the gusting ocean breeze combined with the sub-zero temperatures said otherwise.

The morning munchies hit hard afterwards; we visited Komeda’s Coffee, a popular coffeehouse chain in Japan, and wolfed down a hearty pork cutlet sandwich (¥1,020, ~S$8.42) accompanied by iced coffee (¥660, ~S$5.45) and milk tea (¥580, ~S$4.79) for a pick-me-up. The drinks also came with buttered slices of bread of their own, so there was plenty to go around.

Komeda’s Coffee Hakodate Bay Area

10AM

The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse is a must-visit if you’re in Hakodate, and that was where we set our sights after breakfast. It’s not a singular building per se, but a cluster of commercial warehouses that first opened in 1887 to serve the port town of Hakodate. Today, it stands as a retail complex that houses many shops selling handmade goods such as delicate glass crafts, ceramic wares, and ocean-inspired jewellery just to name a few.

Nearby, a small shrine in the wharf bobbles above the gentle waves behind a torii gate, at which you can write prayers and wishes upon wooden plaques and secure them to a railing for ¥500 (~S4.13).

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse – Bay Hakodate

2PM

We ducked into a curious establishment called Yamazaki Clothing Store for lunch. Make no mistake; although you can’t shop for new threads here, they serve up yummy bowls of shio ramen from ¥1,200 (~S$9.91).

The staff went the extra mile to bust out a locality map and marked out places of interest for us to visit.

The wheat for the noodles, kelp used for the broth, and the roasted pork used for their dishes are all sourced directly from Hokkaido. We also appreciated the cosy ambience, as well as the friendly staff who weren’t afraid to chat up a storm to give recommendations on where to go next.

ヤマザキ洋服店(函館塩ラーメン)

3PM

Mount Hakodate as observed from the streets below.

Unfortunately for us, the rain threw a wrench in our plans. We weren’t able to make the drive up to the Mount Hakodate Observatory due to road closures because of bad weather. Although we were able to catch a glimpse of its towering stature from street level, the view from above, overlooking the rest of Hakodate, would’ve been even more majestic.

Image credit: Travel Hakodate

If you manage to ascend the mountain, it’s recommended that you reach the observatory around 4.15pm to catch the setting sun. For a more dynamic scene, you can also hitch a ride on the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway (¥1,800, ~S$14.84/adult). It’s a 3-minute cable car ride to and from the observatory; time it right, and you’ll be able to catch the city lights flick on when dusk falls.

Mt. Hakodate Observatory

Day 3: Lake Toya

10AM

We began our journey northwards; the massive Lake Toya was next up on our itinerary, and reaching it entailed a 2.5-hour drive, mostly done using one of the island’s many highways. The route we embarked on also brought us along the shores of Uchiura Bay, but the views during the drive on the winding mountainside roads were what proved to be the most awe-striking.

Picture this: a spotlessly white expanse of snow stretching as far as the eye can see, with roads flanked by dormant trees whose brittle branches swayed in the howling wind. Not all was lifeless though; the forests still stirred with wildlife that we had to actively keep an eye out for. We spotted the occasional family of deer prancing off to the side, and had to halt in our tracks for a curious fox intrigued by the rumble of our car’s engine.

1PM

Their freshly-made pizzas were notably small, so order extras to share.
Image adapted from: Tabelog

After the lengthy drive, we arrived at Lake Toya at around noon, but we couldn’t drop off our luggage at our log cabin accommodation just yet as they only accepted check-ins after 3pm. To kill some time, we grabbed lunch at a humble Italian restaurant called Lagorto, and had our fill of pastas (from ¥1,150, ~S$9.48) and pizzas (from ¥1,050, ~S$8.66) made from Hokkaido-grown produce.

Lagorto

The post-lunch food coma hits like a truck, so a stroll by Lake Toya was in order. Born from a huge eruption 110,000 years ago, it’s a volcanic caldera lake that stretches over 10km at its widest. For comparison, Jurong Lake is the largest of its kind in Singapore, and it only has a surface area of 0.7km², compared to Lake Toya’s 70.7km².

Unfortunately, Nakajima Island, the island that sits in the middle of the lake, is not open for tourists to visit during the winter. Likewise, other activities such as exploring the lake using swan-shaped paddle boats are not allowed during the harsh weather, but we did get to see an adorable paddling of ducks idling above the water.

3.30PM

The check-in and dining area.
Image credit: Kitutuki Canadian Club

We checked into the Kitutuki Canadian Club (¥52,800, ~S$435.34/night) shortly after our jaunt at Lake Toya. It’s a log cabin-styled stay that sports a Canadian indigenous theme. This was by far the most costly accommodation for our trip, but we thought it was alright to shell out a little extra for a postcard-worthy panorama of Lake Toya.

Image credit: Expedia

By the time we checked in, Lake Toya and its island were almost completely covered by fog and the dark of night, so the views had to wait. Our cosy log cabin was well-equipped to catch the sunrise though; it had a balcony overlooking the lake, and even a bathtub with a window that peers over the trees for a picturesque morning soak.

Canadian Club Kitutuki

Day 4: Noboribetsu & Jigokudani Hell Valley

6.30AM

We paid good money to wake up to the birds chirping across Lake Toya, so you bet we set our alarms and woke up early. Although visibility wasn’t superb, the sunrise was still a spectacle, as golden streaks penetrated the foggy veil, shimmering and reflecting brilliantly off the deep blue lake surface.

Our stay also came with a serving of traditional Japanese breakfast, which consisted of rice, seasonal vegetables, grilled salmon, tamagoyaki, miso soup, and a plate of fruits.

There’s also a balcony in the dining area, with arguably a better view of Lake Toya. Once we chowed down on breakfast, we stepped out to capture one last moment with the lake and all its grandeur.

9AM

We then set off for the Jigokudani Hell Valley in Noboribetsu which was roughly an hour’s drive away from Lake Toya. There are a couple of “hell valleys” throughout Japan, and although Noboribetsu’s don’t play host to the onsen-soaking snow monkeys found in Nagano, it was still a sight to behold.

Image credit: Hokkaido Travel

Right from the get-go, you’ll catch a whiff of sulfur emanating from the ground. The eggy odour might be overbearing at first, but give it a while and you’ll acclimatise in no time. There’ll be a wooden boardwalk to follow which will bring you right to the heart of the valley, with plumes of steam wafting amongst the undulating terrain and sulphur-infused rivers that run yellow.

Image credit: Noboribetsu International Tourism and Convention Association

There were certain paths that were closed due to the wintry conditions, so our short visit took around 60 minutes on foot. Undoubtedly, you can’t leave without a stop at the various hot springs. You’ll pass by the Oyunuma River as you traverse the valley, and it serves as a popular foot bath where you can rest your weary soles or wade about in 40°C waters.

If you prefer a full-body soak, look no further than the Noboribetsu Onsen, arguably one of Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring resorts. We gave them a miss though, as we were content with the foot bath, but many have sung praises about the hot springs here.

Image credit: Takimotokan

There are quite a number of types of onsens here, each supplying spring water infused with various minerals such as sulphur, salt, and iron that are said to treat certain ailments and rejuvenate the skin. Most of the establishments also have an outdoor bath, where you can enjoy the tranquil scenery as you kick back in the pleasantly warm waters.

12PM

Finally, it was time for us to make our way to Hokkaido’s capital, Sapporo. After a 1 hour 40 minute drive, we arrived at our lodging for the next few days, Premier Hotel -CABIN- Sapporo.

Image credit: Booking.com

Prices here start at S$114/night, which is quite the steal considering how close it is to the city centre; you even get access to the hotel’s onsen, in case you didn’t take a dip at Noboribetsu. Parking’s also free here, in the form of a nifty mechanical carpark.

Premier Hotel Cabin Sapporo

5PM

While Tokyo’s Dotonbori has the Glico man, Susukino has an icon of its own too; the Nikka “King of Blenders” sign.
Image credit: u/TeddySze via Reddit

After resting up for a bit and an obligatory konbini run, we headed out to roam the nearby Susukino shopping street at night. Even though it was snowing quite heavily, the streets were still teeming with tourists stopping by to snap a pic of the bustling city. For refuge from the snow, we patted ourselves down at the MEGA Don Quijote Sapporo Tanukikoji Honten store.

Image credit: MEGAドン・キホーテ札幌狸小路本店 via Google Maps

Like its name suggests, it’s a huge, 8-storey Donki department store that sells pretty much everything you’d ever need and then some. If you’re planning to do some shopping here, bring along your passport to enjoy a 10% tax-free discount on your purchases when you rack up a minimum spend of ¥5,000 (~S$41.19).

MEGA Don Quijote Sapporo Tanukikoji Honten

For even more protection from the elements, we had a look-see around the Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, which is a 1km-long stretch of sheltered walkways that houses over 200 shops. The pedestrian-only shopping street is one of the oldest of its kind in Hokkaido, and you’ll find pharmacies, restaurants, bars, hobby shops, and even a maid cafe all clustered right here.

One establishment that stood out to us was a Singapore-themed izakaya called Kura Kura, whose strikingly yellow signboard promised, verbatim, Kopi, Beer, and Makan. Although the satay (¥1,683/6 sticks, ~S$13.86) left much to be desired, their selection of beers (from ¥770, ~S$6.34) collected from various parts of the world such as Sri Lankan Lion Stout, Delirium from Belgium, and of course, Singapore’s Tiger Beer, were delightful.

In between sips, we spotted quintessentially Singaporean artefacts such as Merlion statuettes, 4D and TOTO stubs, No Durians Allowed signs, and even the bowls they used mirrored those used in coffee shops back home. We spoke to the owner who’s apparently born and bred Japanese; turns out, he’s just a huge fan of our culture, to the point that he makes frequent trips to the Little Red Dot solely for leisure.

KURA-KURA (クラクラ)

Day 5: Sapporo Curb Market, Hill of the Buddha & Shiroi Koibito Park

9AM

We were in the mood for Hokkaido’s famed seafood on day 5. We considered patronising the hotspot that is Nijo Market but we didn’t feel like contending with the potential crowd, seeing that it’s so close to the city centre.

Image credit: Visit Sapporo

Thanks to our rental car, we were able to make the 20-minute drive to the less-populated Sapporo Curb Market. There are about 80 stalls to visit here, all pretty much selling the same thing – the most delectable of seafood. Think meaty king crabs, salmon roe that explode with flavour in the mouth, and scallops with shells the size of your hand.

We sat at a roadside stall called Nemuro Sugiyama Fisheries and feasted on seafood bowls (¥2,070, ~S$17.04) filled with raw fresh seafood, along with shellfish like oysters (¥800, ~S$6.34) and scallops grilled with butter (¥870, ~S$7.17).

Nemuro Sugiyama Fisheries Co., Ltd.

11.30AM

After we were stuffed full with seafood, we took a 40-minute drive to the Makomanai Takino Cemetery, where a slew of peculiarly familiar structures awaited. Entrance is free, but to no one’s surprise, we had to deal with heavy snowfall. Still, we managed to catch a glimpse of the steely group of over 30 Moai statues that the cemetery is known for.

You’re not seeing things – these are replicas of the ones found on Easter Island. These were built in the 1980s to honour the spirits of the ancestors buried in the cemetery, and the tallest of the bunch stands at an impressive 9.5m tall, bringing about an air of respect and serenity.

Image adapted from: @andy_cny via Instagram

A few minutes’ walk away lies another recreation of a famous landmark, this time from England. It’s a replica of Stonehenge; although it’s not built to scale, it’s still worth spending a few minutes here taking in the monolithic structures’ aura of spirituality.

Makomanai Takino Cemetery

We took a little breather at the cemetery’s visitor centre, and after shaking off the shivering cold, we had lunch at the aptly named Restaurant Moai. Apart from a few Moai statue-themed items, their milk ice cream cones (¥450, ~S$3.71) were also selling like hotcakes, but we went for their roast beef bowls (¥1,600, ~S$13.18) that came topped off with a golden, runny egg yolk.

Restaurant Moai

We saved the best for last, because there’s one more attraction to visit within the cemetery, the Hill of the Buddha.

Tickets cost ¥500 (~S$4.12), and it’s one of the highlights of our entire trip. True to its name, it’s a giant statue of the Buddha that sits right in the middle of a mound with its top carved out, and to call it grand is an understatement. After making a complete round around the statue to observe it from every angle, draw a fortune slip to see if it’s your lucky day, or write down your wishes on wooden placards in hopes of them coming true.

Hill of the Buddha

5PM

The meats were wonderfully seasoned; prepare them rare for an extra layer of flavour.

We took it easy for the rest of the day till dinner, and we only had eyes for one thing: Genghis Khan BBQ. Much like Hokkaido’s miso ramen and soup curry, it’s one of the island’s specialty dishes that you can’t quite get anywhere else, and we managed to find a joint in Sapporo city that wasn’t fully packed called Jingisukan Juttetsu.

If you didn’t know, Genghis Khan BBQ is essentially a barbecue dish that features grilled mutton or lamb with various vegetables on the side, and although it sounds simple, it tastes heavenly, and works wonders in combating the effects of cold weather. Our BBQ sets didn’t come cheap, costing us ¥5,800 (~S$47.77) each, but as meat lovers, we couldn’t really complain.

Sapporo Genghis Khan Juttetsu

Day 6: Sapporo Suwa Shrine, Pokemon Center & Shiro Koibito Park

10AM

A Japan trip wouldn’t be complete without a shrine visit, so we paid a visit to the Sapporo Suwa Shrine on a bright snowy morning. As with any Japanese shrine, you can make your prayers here, first by tossing a coin in the offering box. Then, bow deeply twice, clap your hands twice, join your hands as you offer your prayers, and finish by bowing once.

See if you can spot the wooden figurines peppered around the shrine of the shima enaga. Nicknamed the “snow fairy”, it’s a small, fluffy white bird that’s found exclusively in Hokkaido, and is somewhat of a mascot for the island. As a memento, you can purchase a unique shima enaga-themed omamori from the shrine’s on-site shop for ¥2,500 (~S$20.60).

Suwa Shrine

12PM

Image credit: Visit Sapporo

We then drove over to the DAIMARU Sapporo shopping mall for some retail therapy. Shoppaholics are sure to have a field day here; it’s filled to the brim with high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Saint Laurent, plus there’s a duty-free corner to save a pretty penny on big money purchases. However, we made a beeline for the Pokémon Center SAPPORO shop instead.

Daimaru Sapporo

Image credit: Sapporo Language School

Just like the one in Jewel Changi Airport, it’s a haven for Pokémon fans, with merch of almost every character available; mind you, there’s over 1,000 of the little critters at this point. In particular, you might want to pick up plushies of Vulpix and its Alolan counterpart, as they’re the official Pokémon ambassadors of Hokkaido. You can also shop for trading card game products here, but keep in mind that the store imposes purchase limits on products like booster packs.

Pokémon Center Sapporo

4PM

Image credit: Visit Sapporo

Hokkaido’s well-known for its wide variety of yummy souvenir snacks, and one of them is Shiroi Koibito, a snack that consists of white or milk chocolate sandwiched between butter cookies. It used to be a Hokkaido-exclusive back in the day, but due to its popularity, it has become widely available all over Japan.

Image credit: 北海道中央バス定期観光バス

You can visit the birthplace of these tasty confections in Sapporo at the Shiroi Koibito Park. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the city centre which our car made light work of, but still saw a steady stream of tourists visiting even when day turned to night. We headed indoors to visit the factory portion of the park first after purchasing tickets which cost ¥800 (~S$6.57), and come with a complimentary bar of chocolate.

Here, you’ll be able to see the factory workers in action through a glass window. There’s also an interactive show you can sit in for, where you’ll learn about the history of chocolate-making and how various discoveries made by chocolatiers around the world literally shaped the very confectioneries we eat as a sweet treat.

The Shiroi Koibito rolled cake (¥1,300, ~S$10.57) & I GÂTEAU-PLAIN (¥1,200, ~S$9.85) Drink Sets; these come with a strawberry sorbet & Shiroi Koibito soft serve respectively.

There’s also a small quiz rally with questions about Shiroi Koibito to complete as you tour the factory; fill it up with all the correct answers to redeem a free packet of the famed biscuits. Towards the end, enjoy a bite at the Chocolate Lounge OXFORD, an on-site cafe where we indulged in a slew of Shiroi Koibito-infused desserts.

Image credit: Shiroi Koibito Park

Of course, you’ll also want to pop by the Shop PICADILLY gift shop to buy Shiroi Koibito goodies to bring back. Products we recommend splurging on include the 36-pack of Shiroi Koibito biscuits (¥3,456, ~S$28.36) which come nicely packaged in a beautifully-decorated metal tin, as well as plushies (from ¥770, ~S$6.32) of the chocolate brand’s purple cat mascots, Purumi and Ramaru.

Once we were done filling up and checking out our shopping baskets, we were greeted with a spectacle stepping outdoors. The night was illuminated by the lights of the park, and coupled with the light snow, was a sight to behold. The lights turn on from 4.30pm onwards, and the park is open till 7pm for all to snap pics at.

Some of the prettiest photo spots that really bring out the park’s European architecture and vibe include a bridge-like walkway, a heart-shaped wreath of lights, and a life-sized red bus reminiscent of the ones on the streets of London.

Shiroi Koibito Park

Day 7: Tomamu Ski Resort & Ice Village

8AM

Image credit: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

On day 7, we traded in the bustling city atmosphere for one that was more off the grid. We took a 2.5 hour drive further inland to the Tomamu Ski Resort. However, although it was peak season for winter sports, we gave activities like skiing and snowboarding a miss this time round, as a stay at the main resort, coupled with costs like equipment rentals and ski lift passes, were a tad out of our budget.

Image credit: Booking.com

Instead, we chose to spend a night at GLAMPING STAY TOMAMU (from S$294/night), a glamping-style accommodation, as we thought it would be quite the novel experience to “camp” out in the winter wilderness. We opted for a stay in one of their dome-shaped tents, which surprisingly kept us sufficiently warm during our stay and had a wide, arching window, great for views of the wintry outdoors.

GLAMPING STAY TOMAMU

Recommended tickets at S$359.96

S$359.96

12PM

We didn’t spend the rest of the day holed up in our rooms after checking in – we booked an ice-fishing (¥5,500, ~S$45.14) experience beforehand, organised by Tomamu Ski Resort. You don’t have to be staying with them in order to book any of the winter activities that they have listed on their Hoshino Resorts Tomamu website, which also includes snowmobile riding, curling, and forest hikes.

Transport to and from the resort’s private pond was also arranged for us, and the fishing itself was enjoyable, even for newbies like us with zero experience. The little tents they sat us in even came with a portable heater, and after being taught how to rig our baits and how to use the rods by our guide, we were left to our own devices.

I would say we did pretty well considering our experience, or lack thereof, with fishing, let alone in frigid conditions.

After our time was up, our guide led us into an indoor resting area and fried up our catch for us to munch on. He even gave us a cup of fried fish that were originally frozen to compare with our freshly caught ones; the difference was stark upon first bite, as the fresh fish were noticeably more meaty.

5PM

For dinner, we had another one of Hokkaido’s must-trys: soup curry. It’s a thin, curry-like broth that’s not as thick as your typical serving of Japanese curry, and is usually served alongside chunks of vegetables as well as meat. Conveniently, there was a SOUP CURRY GARAKU outlet nearby, which is a chain that specialises in whipping up bowls of piping-hot goodness.

As we were feeling especially ravenous, we each went for Meat Festival Garaku Special Soup Curry (¥3,200, ~S$26.26), which contained a generous amount of meats like chicken leg, thick-cut bacon, and braised pork drenched in a savoury, umami-rich soup curry broth. You can also customise your spice levels and amount of rice served along with your dishes.

Soup Curry Garaku

6PM

Another picture-perfect attraction can be found at Tomamu Ski Resort, the Ice Village. Admission costs just ¥600 (~S$4.92), and you’ll be privy to scenes that were seemingly ripped straight from Disney’s Frozen.

Image credit: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

For starters, on the path towards the village, you’ll come across an Ice Chapel that’s only open at the peak of winter. Everything within it, from the altar, cross, and pews, is made from solid ice, and it’s also available for booking for actual wedding ceremonies too.

Image credit: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

We came across the Ice Village further up ahead, as dreamy blue floodlights lit up the path ahead. There’s an ice skating rink that has ice skate rentals if you’d like to try your hand at gliding across the ice, as well as ice slides which elicited squeals of excitement from children and adults alike.

Put on your gloves to grasp the ice cups, as they’re extra slippery.

After walking around for a bit, we stopped by the Ice Bar for a quick tipple. The bar counter and chairs were all sculpted from ice, and the drinks here start from ¥1,500 (~S$12.31). Their menu boasts both alcoholic and non-alcoholic concoctions and interestingly, drinks come served in hollowed-out blocks of ice that double as cups.

Image credit: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

Other attractions here include an Ice Post Office, where you can drop postcards (250, ~S$2.05) in a mailbox crafted from ice to mail anywhere in the world. If you’re extra hungry, grab a bite at the Ice Restaurant which has dishes like chilled Ice Ramen and hot cheese fondue. You can also roast marshmallows (¥500, ~S$4.10) at the fire pits outside, as well as find out how chilly it is at the giant Ice Temperature Tower.

Ice Village

Day 8: Otaru & Sankaku Market

10AM

The morning crowd at Sankaku Market.

Otaru has to be an automatic inclusion within any Hokkaido itinerary, and so we drove about 50 minutes up to the quaint port town from Sapporo city. But first, breakfast. Being located so close to the Sea of Japan, the town’s seafood is top-notch, and we just had to have a taste for ourselves at the nearby Sankaku Market.

We ordered seafood rice bowls to share amongst ourselves at a stall called Ajidokoro Takeda, and the dishes that won our palettes had to be this towering unagi and tamagoyaki rice bowl (¥3,800, ~S$31.19) and the biggest grilled scallops (¥800, ~S$6.57) we’d ever seen.

Ajidokoro Takeda（kaisen)

12PM

If you’re one to enjoy shopping for souvenirs, Otaru has got it all. Its streets are lined with small shops selling all sorts of interesting trinkets and baubles, and one type that we were looking out for was music boxes.

We stepped into Music Box Laboratory Kaimeiro, and were greeted with the delicate plucking of the wonderful handheld devices. There were literally hundreds of music boxes to wind up to have a listen to yourself, and their range of songs was mighty impressive – from K-pop, to anime OSTs, to English titles, to Disney classics.

We first picked out our songs; I chose the iconic Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence for myself and Merry-Go–Round of Life for my Studio Ghibli-loving girlfriend. Then, we got to choose a box to house the mechanism that would play our desired songs. In total, each music box cost me ¥3,900 (~S$32.01).

Musicbox Laboratory Kaimeiro

Another store that captivated us was Taishogarasu Uchu, which dealt in masterfully-crafted glassware, with thought-provoking pieces stretching into the hundreds of thousands of yen. Down the road, we headed into Yuzen Chopsticks to shop for gifts that we could more realistically take home with us. Pairs of intricately-designed chopsticks lined their shelves, and gift sets that came with a sturdy, wooden box cost around ¥3,000 (~S$24.62).

Taishogarasu Uchu

Yuzen Chopsticks

The LeTAO Main Store in Otaru.
Image credit: Hokkaido A4JP

If you can’t get enough of souvenir snacks after being won over by Shiroi Koibito biscuits, you can most definitely buy a stockpile of them at Otaru. Some that I just knew I had to buy after tasting samples were LeTAO’s milk-flavoured Otaru Rue Ironai Fromage cookies, and Rokkatei’s Marusei Butter Sandwich sweets.

LeTAO Main Store

Rokkatei Otaru Canal Store

As you roam the streets of Otaru, listen closely, and you might catch the melodic chiming of the town’s famous steam-powered clock. You’ll also want to catch the canal lights as they turn on once it gets dark, giving the waterways major Venetian vibes.

6PM

Remember, no drinking and driving.

We spent the whole day trudging in the snow in Otaru, so you can bet we were properly hungry come nighttime. We chose to dine at Torikizoku back in Sapporo, a popular yakitori chain that’s known across Japan for its affordable skewers and alcoholic drinks, all costing ¥390 (~S$3.20) each.

We called ahead of time to reserve our seats, and thankfully we did, as their Susukino outlet was packed with corporate folks looking to destress with meaty bar bites and post-work drinks. As for us, we knocked back glasses of refreshing Lemon Sours in various flavours, while feasting on skewers of grilled meatballs, chicken skin, neck, and breasts, beef strips, pork belly, and mochi.

Torikizoku Susukino

Day 9: Chitose

10.30AM

Alas, after a good 8 days in the cold, it was time to return to the furnace that is Singapore. We used most of the morning of our last day to catch up on some sleep and to figure out how to securely stuff as much of our Hokkaido haul as possible into our check-in luggage. We then hopped into our car and drove to Chitose city, which was about 45-minutes away.

The worst news you can get when preparing to return home from any vacation.
Image credit: Khoo Yong Hao

Our domestic flight from New Chitose Airport to Haneda Airport was scheduled at 9.25pm, and as such, we had the entire day ahead of us to do some last-minute shopping – or so we thought. A blinding snowstorm was forecast to engulf the island later that evening, and sure enough, we got an email from ANA at 12pm sharp informing us that our flights would be cancelled.

12PM

We headed straight to the airport, first to return our rental car which went smoothly, and to see if we could get seated on an earlier flight. Thankfully, there were seats for a Tokyo-bound flight that was taking off at 2.20pm, and after getting our boarding passes, we quickly made our way to the boarding gates.

Sky Shop Osagawara in New Chitose Airport.
Image credit: New Chitose Airport

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to explore New Chitose Airport as we were rushing off to catch our flight. It’s arguably one of the best places to shop for Hokkaido-exclusive souvenirs as there were quite a number of shops selling them by the boxes – all tax-free of course – such as Sky Shop Osagawara and SnowShop.

Image credit: New Chitose Airport

If you didn’t visit Sapporo’s Pokémon Centre, there’s a smaller one here too if you’d like to rip open some packs before your flight. Back at home, Jewel Changi Airport’s Gundam Base received much fanfare when it was announced to open this February, and you can find Hokkaido’s flagship outlet on level 4 of New Chitose Airport

Image credit: ハローキティハッピーフライトvia Google Maps

But even if you’re not planning on doing any shopping at the airport, you can hit up its other amenities should you have some time on your hands. There’s a theatre also on level 4 where you can catch the latest blockbusters at, as well as the aviation-themed Hello Kitty Happy Flight (¥800, ~S$6.57) play area on level 3 for the little ones to run amok in.

Image credit: Japan Travel by NAVITIME

There’s even an onsen (from ¥1,300, ~S$10.67) within the airport for both pre and post-flight soaks that’s open for 23 hours daily. They also provide Thai aroma treatment and massage services here, to soothe any knots caused by sitting in economy for hours on end.

As for us, we didn’t have the luxury of time to truly appreciate New Chitose Airport and all its conveniences, and before we knew it, we were touching down at Haneda Airport after an hour in the air. Nonetheless, we were grateful we didn’t have to spend an additional night stranded in Hokkaido, and safely landed back on Singapore soil at around 7am the next morning.

New Chitose Airport

How to get to Hokkaido from Singapore?

Hakodate Airport.
Image credit: HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Getting from Singapore to Hokkaido during winter isn’t difficult at all, if the weather permits that is. Firstly, there are a couple of airports you can land at, such as Hakodate Airport on the Southern end, the centrally-located Asahikawa Airport, the Kushiro Airport near the Eastern coast, and the island’s biggest and busiest airport, New Chitose Airport.

Image credit: ANA

However, you’ll have to take a connecting flight to reach these airports, most often done domestically from Haneda or Narita Airport in Tokyo. Airlines that fly this route include SIA, ANA, and JAL. You can also opt to take connecting flights from other airports outside of Japan too; Cathay Pacific has layovers in Hong Kong, and Scoot, in Taiwan.

Round-trip flights from Singapore to Hokkaido that include stops cost S$800 on average during the peak of winter season in January, but if you book your tickets early, we’ve seen prices dip to S$605 on low-cost carriers like Scoot. With layovers, you’re looking at a travel time of around 10 hours to 14 hours, depending on where in Hokkaido you decide to land.

New Chitose Airport.
Image credit: Hokkaido Guide

Alternatively, you can choose to fly in directly to Sapporo city’s New Chitose Airport, albeit at much steeper airfares. To our knowledge, only SIA and ANA fly straight from Singapore to Sapporo, and the 7 hour 15 minute-long flight will typically set you back around S$1,320, and that is if you book your flights way ahead of time.

However, you’ll want to mentally steel yourself for flight delays and even cancellations when travelling to Hokkaido during the winter. Due to heavy snowfall, they’re not uncommon at all; in fact, my return flight was cancelled on my recent visit.

What to pack when visiting Hokkaido in the winter?

As someone who has never seen real snow, let alone travelled to a winter destination, packing for Hokkaido was a real doozy, as the daily averages were well below freezing. If you’re also not well-versed in braving the biting cold, here are some winter-specific items I would bring along in hindsight, so you won’t be left unprepared for the weather.

Item	Where to buy	Notes
UNIQLO HEATTECH inner wear	UNIQLO	– Buy both the top and bottoms, go for the Extra Warm version – Consider buying in Japan as it’s about 30% cheaper there after factoring in tax-free discounts
Scarf & hat	Winterwear stores, UNIQLO	– If buying from UNIQLO, consider buying in Japan for lower prices
Heat pack	Convenience stores & supermarkets in Japan	– Look up “magma heat pack” on Google, that’s the one you want to look for in Japan; very hot to the touch after leaving in your pocket for a few minutes – Can buy the stick-on ones to stick on your innerwear on your back and on your feet to stay even warmer – Tried the ones from Daiso Singapore, but they weren’t nearly as warm
Waterproof, non-slip shoes	Winterwear stores	– You’ll be walking on snow/ice a lot, so water is bound to seep into your shoes if they aren’t waterproof – Walking around with cold and wet toes is no fun – Ice is super slippery so having non-slip shoes is essential, especially for children/older folks
Lip balm & moisturiser	Pharmacies	– Helps keep lips and face moisturised in the cold and dry weather
Face mask	Pharmacies	– Protects face from the strong winds
Sunglasses	Eyewear stores	– Protects eyes from the light that reflects off the snow & ice – Especially helpful for drivers

Check out our list of winter apparel shops in Singapore to easily get your items, and the best down jackets that will keep you warm and toasty.

What to know about renting a car in Hokkaido?

Renting a car is not a must when touring Hokkaido; there are public buses and trains you can hop on to get around the island. But, we decided to explore the snow-cloaked landscape with a set of wheels of our own, as we thought the convenience was well worth it. Here are a couple of pros and cons of renting a car for your Hokkaido holiday:

Pros:

More private travelling experience as compared to taking public transport
Can transport luggage and shopping bags conveniently
Access to more remote locations that may be difficult to reach using only public transport
Can stop for beautiful sights at observatories and rest stops along the way, especially in mountainous and coastal areas

Cons:

Driving in icy conditions could be scary especially for inexperienced drivers
Extra things to factor into travel budget, like car rental costs, petrol, insurance, parking fees, snow tyres
Having to look for parking can be troublesome

Image credit: Times CAR RENTAL

There are quite a few car rental companies you can choose from when renting a car in Hokkaido, but we settled on Times Car Rental as they had reasonable rates, and they had locations near the airports we were stopping by. We made a booking with them about 3 months in advance, and had no trouble navigating through their website which was properly translated in English.

We rented a Mazda 3 sedan for the entirety of our trip which comfortably sat 3 of us plus all our luggage, and our total cost came out to be ¥123,468 (~S$1,017.99), which we paid when collecting the car. Do note that it was mandatory for us to put on snow tyres due to laws in Hokkaido, and we went with their most premium car insurance add-on for peace of mind, which incurred additional costs.

Don’t forget to ask the staff for an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) Card. It’s essentially a credit card-like cash card that allows you to make fuss-free toll payments when driving on Hokkaido’s highways.

Image credit: Trip.com

We were also given the option to purchase a Hokkaido Expressway Pass which would’ve given us unlimited access to the highways depending on the number of days we bought the pass for. But, after doing the math, it was cheaper for us to pay the highway tolls with an ETC card on a per-use basis, so we did not end up paying extra for the pass.

Image credit: Motorist SG

Also, remember to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Singapore, as you’ll need it to rent a car in Japan. You can apply for a year-long IDP online via the Automobile Association of Singapore website for just S$20. Alternatively, you can head down to any of their 3 offices for more urgent applications; they can process one for you in less than 30 minutes.

The act of driving in Hokkaido is an experience in and of itself, especially for urbanites living in Singapore like ourselves. Picturesque views overlooking distant peaks and ebbing waves are aplenty, but you’ll want to be extra cautious when driving in areas that have iced-over; here are some things to note when you take to the roads in Hokkaido in the winter.

Vehicles in Japan are all right-hand drive, which means you are required to drive on the left side of the road, just like in Singapore.
Do not speed; your vehicle can skid on icy roads even with snow tyres.
Daylight is in short supply in the winter months; it starts turning dark around 3.30pm, and the streets and highways in Hokkaido aren’t as well-lit as in Singapore. Do most of your driving during the day if you’re uncomfortable with driving in low-light conditions.
Wear sunglasses for better visibility during the day; the light reflected off the snow and ice can reduce visibility by quite a bit.
Watch out for wildlife sprinting onto roads in rural areas, like deers and foxes.
Opt for an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle if possible for better traction in the cold weather.
There is plenty of parking even in the city; consult Google Maps to find the nearest one. If you’re parking overnight, be sure to locate a car park with an “upper limit (最大料金)” sign to avoid overpriced parking fees. The sign indicates that there’ll be a cap on how much you can be charged for parking.

Embark on a Hokkaido road trip the next time winter comes around

I definitely had my reservations coming into this trip, mostly because of sub-zero temperatures I would have to endure and the fear of having to drive over sleet-covered roads. However, these qualms were quickly dispelled after we got to experience firsthand the winter wonderland that is Hokkaido.

For more things to do in Japan:

Photography by Khoo Yong Hao.
Cover image adapted from:

The post 9-Day Winter Hokkaido Road Trip Itinerary – Snow-Capped Peaks, Freshest Seafood Bites & Best Souvenirs To Buy appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

New Things To Know Before Travelling To Japan In 2026 – Accommodation Tax & Getting A Tax Refund

Nathan Koh — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 08:48:25 +0000

Japan tourist tax

There’s no doubt that Singaporeans love visiting Japan – especially with cheap flights there. But even though the year has just begun, you might not want to wait until December to travel there, as changes to Japan’s tourist tax are rolling out throughout the year. Keep these changes in mind when planning your next escape – these could mean extra costs if you put off your trip for too long.

Accommodation tax

From 1st March 2026

Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Yanhao Fang via Unsplash

The accommodation tax isn’t a new tax implemented in Japan – whether you know it or not, it might’ve been included when you paid for your hotel stay. But there will be a tax hike in certain cities.

If you’re visiting Kyoto after 1st March 2026, you will need to pay an increased accommodation tax up to ¥10,000 (~S$81.12/night). It’s the city’s way of managing overtourism, with these levies being used to improve infrastructure and manage congestion. Of course, there are tier levels to these taxes. Here’s a breakdown table for easier reference:

Accommodation rate (per pax, per night)	Accommodation tax (per pax, per night)
Less than ¥6,000 (~S$48.67)	¥200 (~S$1.62)
¥6,000 to ¥20,000 (~S$48.67 to ~S$162.25)	¥400 (~S$3.24)
¥20,000 to ¥50,000 (~S$162.25 to ~S$405.62)	¥1,000 (~S$8.11)
¥50,000 to ¥100,000 (~S$405.62 to ~S$811.23)	¥4,000 (~S$32.45)
More than ¥100,000 (~S$811.23)	¥10,000 (~S$81.12)

Those planning to travel to Tokyo will also need to keep a lookout, as the city is adjusting the accommodation tax from a flat fee to 3% of the accommodation rate. This will not only affect hotels, but also minpaku, where residents rent out their homes and apartments – similar to Airbnb. However, this plan is only set to take place in 2027.

Departure tax

From 1st July 2026

Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Guohua Song via Pexels

The cost of travelling to Japan is increasing, but so is the cost of leaving the country. Starting 1st July 2026, everybody leaving Japan – both locals and visitors – will pay a departure tax which will increase from ¥1,000 (~S$8.11/pax) to ¥3,000 (~S$24.32/pax). This not only affects plane tickets, but also ferries.

However, you won’t see a separate charge as it’ll be included in the ticket price. While it might not seem like much, if you’re travelling with 3 friends, it could mean coughing up S$100 more for trips later in the year.

Tax-free to tax refund

From 1st November 2026

Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Sun Hung via Pexels

While tax-free shopping isn’t going anywhere, there’ll be extra steps to take to enjoy the discounts. Originally, a tax exemption could be applied immediately in tax-free stores, but from 1st November 2026, you would need to pay the full amount with tax in-store, and only get a tax refund at the end of your trip.

After arriving at the airport, you’ll need to head to the tax refund terminals and scan your passports and receipts. Only after the customs officers confirm that your goods will be brought back to Singapore will you then receive a refund of the tax amount.

Note: If your goods are internationally shipped directly from tax-free stores, they still qualify for tax exemption. However, if you ship them from any other location, such as a post office, you will not receive a tax refund.

Remember these Japan tourist tax changes before you fly

These Japan tourist tax changes aren’t gonna scare Singaporeans from visiting, but they are reminders before booking the trip. So, if you or someone you know is flying to Japan this year, think of it as a small fee to pay to enjoy an authentic bowl of ramen, see Mount Fuji, and immerse yourself in the culture.

For more Japan reads:

Cover image adapted from: Guohua Song via Pexels, Yanhao Fang via Unsplash

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Japan’s Upcoming High-Speed Rail Will Cut Travel Time Between Tokyo & Nagoya To Just 40 Minutes

'Arifah Malik — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 06:28:55 +0000

Chuo Shinkansen high-speed rail between Tokyo & Nagoya

Japan is already famous for pushing the limits of train travel with its innovative Maglev technology, and it’s about to raise the bar again. The upcoming Chuo Shinkansen high-speed rail will soon slash travel time between Tokyo and Nagoya to just 40 minutes, making intercity travel more convenient than ever. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is the Chuo Shinkansen high-speed rail?

Image credit: Northlandz Miniature Wonderland via Flickr

This new rail is expected to increase connectivity between Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. The Tokyo-Nagoya section of the Chuo Shinkansen high-speed rail has been in the works since 2014, with further expansion to Nagoya to follow soon after.

Improved L0 series of Maglev trains will be running on the tracks once they are ready. For comparison, the N700 series of trains that is currently running for the Tokaido Shinkansen goes up to 300km/h, which is already impressive. But the L0 trains can reach speeds of up to 500km/h.

How much faster will the Chuo Shinkansen be?

Nagoya Castle.
Image credit: @nemotrinidad via Instagram

The Tokyo-Nagoya section of the Chuo Shinkansen is expected to reduce travel time by half compared to the current Tokaido Shinkansen, cutting the journey from about 1.5 hours to 40 minutes.

Other than the faster trains, the route itself is also shorter. While the Tokaido Shinkansen covers about 346km between Tokyo and Nagoya, the upcoming Chuo Shinkansen travels inland through the Kanagawa and Gifu Prefectures. This cuts the distance down to 285.6km and significantly shortens the travel time.

Where to board the Chuo Shinkansen high-speed rail?

Shinagawa Station in Tokyo connects major train lines throughout Japan.
Image credit: 杭田知浩 via Google Maps

Once it opens, the line will start from Shinagawa Station, a major transport hub in the wider Tokyo area that serves multiple train lines across the country. It’s a 20-minute walk to get there from the Shinagawa Shrine.

How much will tickets cost?

Shinagawa Station.
Image credit: 畠山武志 via Google Maps

Ticket prices for the Chuo Shinkansen are yet to be released, but you can expect the fare structure to be similar to other high-speed rails in Japan. This usually includes a base fare and an additional Shinkansen fee, along with a seat reservation fee, which ranges between ¥330 (~S$2.68) and ¥930 (~S$7.56), depending on your travel date.

When is the Chuo Shinkansen high-speed rail expected to be completed?

The Chuo Shinkansen project has experienced a few delays over the years due to rising costs. But if all goes to plan moving forward, the Tokyo-Nagoya section is slated to open in 2035, with the further extension to Osaka expected to follow sometime in 2037.

That is still a long way to go, so fingers crossed that all goes smoothly over the next decade.

Travel between Tokyo & Nagoya in half the time with this new high-speed rail

Japan has always been a pioneer of Maglev technology, and this upcoming line is just more proof that it’s still setting the pace. Developments like these will benefit the local economy and hopefully encourage more countries to keep improving their public transportation systems, making travel easier for both citizens and tourists alike.

For more Japan reads:

Cover image adapted from: Northlandz Miniature Wonderland via Flickr, @nemotrinidad via Instagram

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11 Ski Resorts In Japan For Beginners To Burn Calories At After Stuffing Down Sushi & Ramen

Mattias Tan — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 11:46:27 +0000

Best ski resorts in Japan

Home of Pokémon, cherry blossoms and onsens, Japan is also a destination for adrenaline-seekers in the winter months. Unlike European ski destinations which are at least a 12-hour flight away, Tokyo is only 7 hours away, with ski resorts as close by as 1 hour out of the capital city.

If you’re a beginner looking to try skiing there, we’ve rounded up some of the best ski resorts in Japan which are also newbie-friendly. The peak of the 2025/26 Japan ski season isn’t over yet, so you can still plan a trip for the first half of the year.

P.S. All the ski resorts listed here conduct English ski lessons, so there’s no need to download Duolingo on your way up.

Where to go skiing in Japan?

Ski resorts in Japan are mostly found up north, in areas such as Hokkaido and Tohoku. That said, some can also be found in the mountainous regions of the Japanese Alps. These include areas such as Niigata and Nagano.

In snow-heavy winters, regions along the Sea of Japan, such as Tohoku, northern Nagano and Gunma tend to see excellent powder conditions, making them some of the best places to ski in Japan for beginners and seasoned skiers.

When is ski season in Japan?

The best time to ski in Japan varies by region, with December to March being the peak ski season. Resorts at higher altitudes often open as early as November, can stay open until April or even May.

The stated ski seasons are accurate for 2026 – do note that they’ll vary every year, depending on weather conditions. This 2026 ski season is shaping up to be snow-rich across many popular ski resorts in Japan, with exceptionally heavy snowfall in January offering plenty of fresh Japow (Japanese powder snow) for skiers.

While heavier snowfall means more fun on the slopes, it can also affect travel to some resorts, with possible delays on roads and train journeys.

– Ski resorts in Central Japan: Near Tokyo & Osaka –

1. Naeba Ski Resort

Beginner ski resort near Tokyo with ski machines

Image credit: @ryukoayako via Instagram

Rookies looking to gain some confidence before hitting the slopes can pay Naeba Ski Resort a visit. Much like Trifecta, the ski resort in Niigata has ski machines for newbies to hone essential skills, like starting and stopping, before moving on to the base of the mountain for the real deal.

Given that the resort is situated at a lofty 1,800m above sea level, it has one of the longest ski seasons in Japan. It’s perfect for visiting during off-peak season, where you can learn in peace without being gawked at by thousands of other skiers.

Ski season: December – April
Getting there: 1 hour 15 minutes from Tokyo via Shinkansen, 40-minute shuttle bus to the resort

Ski lift ticket: From ¥6,300 (~S$51.13) for a 4-hour pass
Equipment rental: From ¥6,500 (~S$52.75)

Naeba Ski Resort

2. Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort

Japan’s largest ski resort, with 18 ski areas

Image credit: @ak1c_ha_n0 via Instagram

Japan’s largest ski resort, Shiga Kogen Ski Area is an amalgamation of a whopping 18 different ski zones all operating together as one. With that in mind, the crowds here are thinner compared to most other ski resorts since everyone is spread out over multiple ski areas. These range from 1,325m to 2,307m in altitude and are connected by a series of 45 chairlifts and gondolas.

After you’ve had your day of fun, catch the shuttle bus down to Yudanaka Onsen and Shibu Onsen. Dating back nearly 1,300 years, these onsen towns are located at the bottom of the ski mountains and come complete with traditional Japanese inns lining cobblestone streets. Between them, they offer more than 50 different onsens, where you can go onsen-hopping to soak away the aches after a day on the slopes.

Ski season: December – May
Getting there: 1 hour 20 minutes from Tokyo via Shinkansen, 1-hour 10-minute express bus to the resort from Nagano Station

Ski lift ticket: From ¥7,000 (~S$56.75) for a 4-hour pass
Equipment rental: From ¥5,600 (~S$45.37)

Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort

3. Lotte Arai Resort

Best snowsport school in Japan 2024, with ski classes from 8.30am

Image credit: @lottearairesort via Instagram

Much like early birds that catch the worm, skiers who start the day early get to call first dibs on the freshest snow. This is especially so at Lotte Arai Resort, which was crowned the best ski resort in Japan in 2023 and also won Japan’s best snowsports school in 2024. The resort offers 1 hour 45 minute-long classes as early as at 8.30am, so you can carve a trail for others to follow while you learn the ins and outs of skiing.

Those needing a little more time to learn will be glad to know that multi-day courses are also available to explore all 14 ski courses, while those looking to involve their disabled friends or family members can join their adaptive snowsports classes.

Ski season: Mid December – mid May
Getting there: 1 hour 46 minutes from Tokyo via Shinkansen, 20-minute shuttle bus from JR Joetsu Station.

Ski lift ticket: From ¥7,000 (~S$56.75) for 1 day
Equipment rental: From ¥5,500 (~S$44.56)

ARAI SNOW RESORT

4. Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort

Family-friendly ski resort that hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics

Image credit: @habukahappoone via Instagram

Having played host to the ski event at the 1998 Winter Olympics, Happo-One Ski Resort boasts a total of 13 different courses, ranging from 500m for beginners, all the way to 3,000m for the pros.

Those looking to try out skiing for the first time can head over to Nakiyama Snowland, a designated area for first-timers, families and kids. There, you can learn the basics, such as starting and stopping, all on a very gentle 5-degree slope. Happo-One Ski Resort’s classes start as early as 8.30am too, so you’ll get the freshest snow to train on, much like Lotte Arai Resort.

Ski season: Mid December – end April
Getting there: 3 hours 45 minutes from Tokyo Narita Airport via Shinkansen

Ski lift ticket: From ¥7,200 (~S$58.37) for a half-day ticket
Equipment rental: From ¥6,500 (~S$52.66)

Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort

5. Dynaland

Ski resort near Nagoya with the longest opening hours in Japan

Image credit: ダイナランド via Facebook

Part of the Takasu Mountains ski area, Dynaland has some of the longest operating hours amongst the other resorts on this list, opening its doors at 6am and only closing for the day at 11pm. To cope with the high volume of skier traffic, the resort uses snowmaking machines to ensure there’s enough powder to go around even when Mother Nature can’t keep up.

Do note that there aren’t any accommodations at Dynaland, so this place is more suitable for a day trip. That said, the nearby Hotel Montsaint has a tie-in with Dynaland for cheaper lift tickets and rental set discounts, while also offering a shuttle service between the locations.

Ski season: Early December – early April
Getting there: 55 minutes from Nagoya via Shinkansen, 2-hour 15-minute shuttle bus to the resort.

Ski lift ticket: From ¥4,900 (~S$39.72) for 1 day
Equipment rental: From ¥4,600 (~S$37.29)

DynaLand

6. Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti

Ski resort near Tokyo with Mount Fuji views

Image credit: Visit Mt. Fuji – The top of Japan via Facebook

Commonly viewed in posters or from afar through the window of a Shinkansen, Mount Fuji is certainly one of the first few things that come to mind when we think of Japan. But if you’d like a closer look at the sacred mountain without having to scale it, you’ll be glad to know that it’s home to Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti, just an hour from Tokyo.

Located roughly a third of the way up the mountain, the resort is rather small, featuring only 4 slopes and 3 chairlifts, so queues here are to be expected. That said, you’ll get to enjoy views of the summit while you ride the ski lifts up. The resort is also home to Mount Fuji Snow School, offering ski and snowboard lessons for different experience levels.

Ski season: Mid December – end March
Getting there: 55 minutes from Tokyo via Shinkansen, 1-hour 10-minute shuttle bus to the resort.

Entry ticket: From ¥2,900 (~S$23.51) for night skiing from 5pm
Equipment rental: From ¥5,800 (~S$47.02)

Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti

– Ski resorts in Northern Japan: Around Hokkaido & Aomori –

7. Aomori Spring Ski Resort

Runs ski camps for beginners, with views of the Sea of Japan

Image credit: @aomorispring via Instagram

Those wanting to switch up from the mountainous views can pop by Aomori Spring Ski Resort. Nestled on the northern face of Mount Iwaki, the resort is located a mere 10km away from the Sea of Japan, which allows for some nice sea views on the way down.

If you’re one to prefer a little more hand-holding, you’ll be glad to know that homegrown boardsports brand therideside offers 8D7N ski camps at Aomori Spring Ski Resort for skiers of various levels. Available from S$2,590, these include essential lessons on topics such as mountain safety and etiquette, ski-donning and turning on slopes.

Starting in the 2026 ski season, the resort has also introduced a daily lift ticket limit of 1,200, which helps reduce lift wait times so you can hit the slopes with less waiting. Guests staying at the adjacent Rockwood Hotel and season pass holders are exempt from the daily limit.

Ski season: Late December – early April
Getting there: 1-hour 10-minute domestic flight from Haneda Airport (Tokyo)

Ski lift ticket: From ¥5,700 (~S$46.21) for an afternoon ticket
Equipment rental: From ¥7,000 (~S$56.71)

Aomori Spring Ski Resort

8. Rusutsu Resort

Best ski resort in Japan 2025 with priority lift boarding for learners

Image credits: @shucarlife via Instagram

It’s no secret that Singaporeans are world-class queuers who’d get in line for anything from Taylor Swift tickets to Hello Kitty merch in a heartbeat. But if you’re worried about your legs cramping up as you queue for a spot on the ski lift, fret not. Rusutsu Resort has priority boarding for learners, so you can spend more time honing your skills on the slopes rather than waiting in line.

The beginner-friendly ski resort in Hokkaido even offers special skis for newbies to rent. These are specially designed to be easier to don, and are more manoeuvrable than other skis, which make them great for rookies to cut their teeth on. Their rental packages also include gloves and goggles, which other resorts require you to purchase.

On top of that, Rusutsu Resort was named Japan’s Best Ski Resort at the 2025 World Ski Awards, marking the 6th time it has clinched the title, so you know you’re in good hands.

Ski season: Late November – end March
Getting there: 2-hour shuttle bus from New Chitose Airport, from ¥5,000 (~S$40.51) one way

Ski lift ticket: From ¥10,500 (~S$85.06) online, ¥14,000 (~S$113.41) in person for a 5-hour ticket
Equipment rental: From ¥18,200 (~S$147.44) for a 5 hour rental period

Rusutsu Resort

9. Kiroro Snow World

21m-average snowfall over ski season & car rental discounts

Image credit: @imshinta515 via Instagram

While it might not have the commanding heights that the other resorts on this list might have, Kiroro Snow World more than makes up for it with incredible snowfall. On average, 21m of snow falls on the resort over the duration of each ski season, ensuring that there’s more than enough pow to go around.

There are also 2 Club Med resorts at Kiroro Snow World – Club Med Kiroro Grand and Club Med Kiroro Peak. The former, Kiroro Grand, is perfect for families with younger children who are at least 2 years old, as they have plenty of kids’ facilities to keep the young ’uns entertained.

Kiroro Peak is more suitable for teenagers and adults, and it’ll make for a quieter stay if you aren’t a fan of hearing kids scream all day.

Ski season: Early December – early May
Getting there: Rent a car from New Chitose Airport (1-hour 41-minute drive)

Ski lift ticket: From ¥8,800 (~S$71.29) for a 1-day pass
Equipment rental: From ¥14,200 (~S$115.62) to rent ski or snowboard gear and apparel for 1 day

Kiroro Snow World

10. Niseko United

74 slopes across 4 resorts, with 31 for beginners

Image credit: @nisekounited via Instagram

Comprising 4 different resorts located on different areas of the same mountain, Niseko United is no stranger to those in the ski circuit. Out of the whopping 74 trails here, 31 are catered exclusively to beginners, including the likes of the Mango Salad slope, with its gentle 8-degree grade.

The area’s also home to many apres-ski, or after ski, activities in Niseko. These include the many izakayas, bars and restaurants to refuel at, after a long day on the slopes, while songbirds can pop into nearby Kutchan town, which features many karaoke parlours.

Do note that Niseko United can get crowded especially during peak periods, so it’s advisable to book your slot early.

Ski season: December – early May
Getting there: 3-hour shuttle bus from New Chitose Airport

Ski lift ticket: From ¥7,100 (~S$57.52) for 12 lifts, from ¥8,400 (~S$68.05) for a 1-day pass
Equipment rental: From ¥8,000 (~S$64.81)
Address: View the full list of Niseko United ski resorts for more information
Contact: Niseko United website

11. Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort

Quiet ski resort near Sapporo with short slopes for beginners

Image credit: @shokudou2023 via Instagram

If you hate that the hills of Niseko are alive with the sound of skiers, Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is a good alternative for beginners skiing in Japan. Located 1.5 hours from Sapporo, this Hokkaido ski resort has some of the shortest beginner slopes amongst the resorts on this list, with the First Fly Street and the Chibikko Street stretching 100m and 200m respectively – perfect for honing those basics before advancing.

Ski season: Mid November – early May
Getting there: 1-hour 30-minute shuttle bus from Sapporo station (¥1,300/way, ~S$11.65)

Ski lift ticket: From ¥5,200 (~S$42.13) online, ¥5,000 (~S$40.51) in person for a 4-hour ticket
Equipment Rental: From ¥6,000 (~S$48.61)

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort

Is Japan cheap for skiing?

Ski resorts in Japan are comparatively cheaper than their counterparts in North America, Europe or even Australia. This is due to the fierce competition amongst the resorts, which forces them to keep prices low to attract more tourists.

Best ski resorts in Japan for beginners

Whether you’re zooming in from Tokyo via speedy Shinkansen or heading for snowy Hokkaido, there’s plenty of ski resorts to choose from if you’re looking for great powder days. ‘Nuff said, it’s time to hit the slopes.

For more Japan travel guides:

Cover image adapted from: Visit Mt. Fuji – The top of Japan via Facebook, @nisekounited, @lottearairesort via Instagram
Last updated by Celine Wee on 16th January 2026.

The post 11 Ski Resorts In Japan For Beginners To Burn Calories At After Stuffing Down Sushi & Ramen appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

12 Seasonal Flowers In Japan That Aren’t Cherry Blossoms, Plus Where & When To Catch Them

'Arifah Malik — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:20:15 +0000

Seasonal flowers in Japan

Most people heading to Japan often talk about trips to Tokyo Disneyland or Universal Studios Japan, but here’s a hot tip: the country’s flowers are just as magical, and it’s not all about cherry blossoms. There are also seasonal flowers in Japan that come in shades of pink, purple, white, red, and yellow. We’ve curated some must-see spots and the best times to catch them in full bloom.

What months do flowers bloom in Japan?

Cosmo flowers in Kinchakuda Manjushage Park.
Image credit: りんりん via Google Maps

Japan has flowers blooming all year round, even in winter. Everyone knows about cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves, but there are also underrated blooms, like camellias and red spider lilies, that deserve the spotlight too.

Add in Japan’s sprawling landscapes and iconic cultural landmarks, and these spots make perfect backdrops for your holiday pictures. While you’re there, try to be mindful while snapping photos, so the flowers stay just as pretty for the next person.

Here’s an overview of the different flowers and when they’ll be in bloom:

Season	Flower	When
Spring	Azalea	Mid-April to May
	Tulips	Early April to mid-May
	Wisteria	Mid-April to mid-May
Summer	Hydrangeas	Mid-June to late July
	Lotus flowers	Mid-June to mid-August
	Sunflowers	July to September
Autumn	Chinese bellflowers	August to October
	Cosmos	Early to mid-October
	Red spider lilies	Mid-September to early October
Winter	Daffodils	Mid-December to January
	Plum blossoms	Mid-February to early March
	Camellia	Late February to late March

Spring

1. Azalea

Mid-April to early May

Azaleas, called tsutsuji in Japanese, come in various shades of red, pink, and white. These flowers mainly grow in large shrubs, which create bursts of colour across the landscape.

Image credit: @momo_3hana via Instagram

One popular spot to catch azaleas is Komuroyama Park in Ito, a coastal city just a 2-hour drive from Tokyo. The Azalea Garden in the park blooms with about 100,000 azalea flowers every year.

If you plan to stay in the area, Izu Resort Villa is a famous capybara resort nearby that’s only a 40-minute drive away.

Image credit: 戸塚南子 via Facebook

Shiofune Kannon Temple in Ome city is known for their Azalea Festival, which happens in celebration of Buddha’s birthday. Along with rows of blooming azaleas, you’ll also get to catch performances like fire-walking and a flower costume parade for kids.

While entrance to the temple is usually free, you’ll have to get tickets during the festival – ¥300 (~S$2.43) for adults, and ¥100 (~S$0.81) for children and primary school-aged kids.

Additional spots: Grinpa Amusement Park, Shimabara Hibaruyama Flower Park, Daikozen-ji Temple

2. Tulips

Early April to mid-May

Tulips are another springtime favourite that is worth going out of your way for when visiting Japan. Across the country, you’ll get to see fields of them in bright pops of purple, pink, and yellow.

Image credit: Japan National Tourism Organisation

Tonami city in Sapporo, Hokkaido, is the country’s biggest producer of tulips, and every year, it hosts the Tonami Tulip Festival, where over 3 million bulbs are on display at once. Even if you miss the festival, you can still check out the indoor Tulip Gallery, which is open all year round.

Dutch-style windmill surrounded by tulips.
Image credit: 阿見町・筧田聡 via Google Maps

Kasumigaura Comprehensive Park is a 460,000sqm lakeside park in Tsuchiura City, located in the Ibaraki Prefecture. A staple here is the Dutch-style windmill, built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Tsuchiura City. Come April, about 30,000 tulips bloom in the fields surrounding it, turning the whole area into a dreamy sight.

Additional spots: Hibiya Park, Harvest Hill, Negarami Mae Paddy Field

3. Wisteria

Mid-April to mid-May

Fans of Demon Slayer will probably recognise wisterias for their fictional demon-warding properties, but these flowers actually exist IRL. For those unfamiliar, wisteria trees resemble weeping willows, and their flowers evolve from pink to purple, then to white, and finally yellow.

Image credit: @k_maru02 via Instagram

Kawachi Fujien Garden is famous for its dreamy 100m-long wisteria tunnels. Wisteria petals would also fall and create a beautiful carpet of purple petals. The garden displays 20 different kinds of wisteria and is only open 2 times a year – in spring and autumn.

Image credit: @minnie._.maru via Instagram

Alternatively, there’s The Great Wisteria Festival at Ashikaga Flower Park. You’ll get to see the 160-year-old Great Wisteria trees spread across a 1,000sqm trellis. If you drop by at night, these displays are lit up, making the colours look even better. Entrance fees to the festival start from ¥1,200 (~S$9.72) for adults and ¥600 (~S$4.86) for children.

Additional spots: Kaimeido-Tenjin Shrine, Tennogawa Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Summer

4. Hydrangeas

Mid-June to late July

Another multi-coloured stunner is the hydrangea. Between the months of June and July, you’ll get to see hydrangeas, AKA ajisai in Japanese, in the wild. These flowers are often found at temples, but they’re also grown in various locations around the country.

Image credit: Klook

One of the more unique places to spot hydrangeas is the Hakone Tozan Railway, which has a Hydrangea Train that goes up the Hakone mountains. From mid-June to late July, you’ll get to catch wild hydrangeas growing along this scenic mountainside route.

Image credit: @cielbleu007 via Instagram

History buffs, this one’s for you. Kyodo No Mori Historical Museum is an open-air folk museum in Fuchu, Tokyo – you’ll not only spot some gorgeous hydrangeas in the shrubbery, but you’ll also get to see a range of ancient Japanese buildings from different periods of history.

There are also some permanent exhibitions and a planetarium inside the main building for those who are curious to learn more.

Additional spots: Shimoda Park, Hakusan-jinja Shrine, Hattori Hydrangea House

5. Lotus flowers

Mid-June to mid-August

Lotus flowers are not only beautiful, but also hold deep spiritual significance in Japan thanks to their connection to Buddhism, one of the country’s most-practised religions alongside Shinto.

Image credit: かがやともき via Google Maps

If you’re heading to Akita and are looking for some greenery, head down to Senshu Park. You’ll spot a pond full of lotus flowers, a stark contrast against the cityscape. While you’re there, you’ll also get to explore Kobuta Castle, an Edo-period castle that was once home to the Satake clan.

Image credit: @yas.00310 via Instagram

Buddhist temples in Japan are also great spots to catch some wild lotus flowers. Hokongo-in Temple in Kyoto has been dubbed “Lotus Temple” among the locals because of its scenic garden brimming with lotus flowers. It’s best to visit the temple in July, as that is when the flowers are in full bloom.

Additional spots: Suigo Sawara Ayame Park, Usuki Stone Buddha Complex, Byodo-in Temple

6. Sunflowers

July to September

It wouldn’t be summer in Japan without sunflowers. The recognisable yellow blooms are a seasonal must-see, and luckily, Japan has no shortage of beautiful sunflower fields to wander through.

Image credit: @lyka_msb via Instagram

Hokkaido is home to the largest sunflower fields in Japan at Hokuryu Sunflower Village, AKA Himawari no Sato. Between July and August, these fields will be covered in over a million sunflowers.

Image credit: @masaki_s18 via Instagram

This other spot takes trips to the Mount Fuji area to the next level. Yamanakako Hana no Miyako Park is known for its sprawling field of sunflowers that overlooks the landmark. Head down sometime between mid and late-August, and you’ll get to catch this stunning combo of blooms and views all in one go.

Additional spots: Akeno Sunflower Field, Sera Kogen Farm, Yanagawa Sunflower Garden

Autumn

7. Chinese bellflowers

August to October

Believe it or not, Japan has flowers that bloom in autumn months too, and Chinese bellflowers are a seasonal fave. These perennial flowers, called kikyo in Japanese, symbolise purity in Japanese culture and are believed to bring good luck.

Image credit: @gangoji.official via Instagram

With all that symbolism, it’s no surprise that Chinese bellflowers can be found at temples around the country. One standout spot is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gangoji Temple in Nara. It’s home to around 500 Chinese bellflowers, and famous among Buddhists for the Chiko Mandala and its 5-storey pagoda.

Image credit: @kkyamasita via Instagram

In the heart of Tokyo, there’s also the Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens, tucked right along the Sumida River, and it offers a beautiful green escape from the city. The park is on the northeastern side of Tokyo and is just an 8-minute walk from Higashi-mukojima Station.

Additional spots: Hakone Wetland Flower Garden, Shunko-in Temple, Seimei Shrine

8. Cosmos

Early to mid-October

Cosmos are known as akizakura, which means “autumn cherry blossoms”, bloom in a mix of colours, from reds and pinks to whites and yellows.

Image credit: @sakura_sanpo.0423 via Instagram

A popular spot to catch cosmos in autumn is the Hannya-ji Temple in Nara. The starburst of flowers complements the multi-coloured decor of the temple beautifully. While you’re there, check out the temple’s Rōmon, a tower gate which has been regarded as a National Treasure – an honour gifted to landmarks by Japan’s Agency of Cultural Affairs.

Image credit: @japangrayline_inbound via Instagram

To catch some yellow kibana cosmos, head down to the Hama-rikyu Gardens. You’ll get to see massive fields of yellow cosmos with huge skyscrapers in the background. It’s also near the Sumida River and is only an 8-minute drive from Tokyo Tower.

Additional spots: Shirakimine Park, Awaji Hanasajiki Park, Akebonoyama Agriculture Park

9. Red spider lilies

Mid-September to early October

Red spider lilies are fiery red flowers with unique spider-like spindles, making them a great backdrop for pics. They’re also seen as heralds of the incoming autumn season among the locals.

Image credit: @roxannfuji via Instagram

You wouldn’t know the true beauty of these red spider lilies until you’ve visited Kinchakuda Manjushage Park in Hidaka along the Koma River. It has one of the largest collections of these red blooms, with about 5 million of them scattered across the space. If you’re getting there from Tokyo, you’ll have to take a 7-hour train ride.

Image credit: @_chiiiiibow via Instagram

During mid to late-September, the Yoshibi Rice Terrace in Yame City, Kyushu, blooms with lively red spider lilies set against 5ha of green paddy fields. They’re not just aesthetically pleasing – the roots of the flowers help firm up the soil too.

Additional spots: Yakachigawa River, Tsuzura Rice Paddies, Gongendo Koen

Winter

10. Daffodils

Mid-December to January

Daffodils need no introduction, but what you might not know is that they can grow during the winter. It’s commonly seen in coastal areas of Japan, like Shimoda and Edogawa.

Image credit: @japan_embassy_canada via Instagram

Just an hour drive away from Kobe is Awaji Island, which has a healthy growth of daffodils. You’ll be treated to views of these beautiful flowers whilst enjoying the ocean breeze. And even though it’s a bit off the beaten path, there are also other activities on the island, like soaking in hot springs, checking out Onaruto Bridge, and visiting Sumoto Castle.

Image credit: @grand_jete_412 via Instagram

Another popular spot to see daffodils is Echizen Cape Narcissus Land. It’s on the outskirts of Fukui, an hour’s drive away from the city centre. Other than the fields of flowers, you’ll get to enjoy some ocean views and explore the Cape Echizen Lighthouse and observatory.

Additional spots: Cape Tsumekizaki Natural Park, Sakuma Dam Lake Water Park, Kasai Rinkai Park

11. Plum blossoms

Mid-February to early March

Cherry blossom fans, meet ume matsuri, more commonly known as plum blossoms. These blooms are more reddish in colour than their more famous counterparts and have a few key differences – rounded petals and a strong, sweet scent that fills the air.

Image credit: @yasuony via Instagram

Families with young children tagging along can consider catching plum blossoms at Hanegi Park. Snap some family pictures with the flowers in the background, then take your kids to the nearby playground to shed off some energy.

Image credit: Joy Amaka Obi via Facebook

Suzuka Forest Garden in Suzuka City is a seasonal spot that features 200 massive plum trees. These displays are also Kureha Shidara plum trees, which are the biggest kind in Japan.

Additional spots: The Soga Plum Festival, Kitano Tenmangu, Koishikawa Korakuen

12. Camellia

Late February to late March

In case you didn’t know, camellias are actually native to Japan and are famous for their vibrant colours that add much-needed vibrancy to the harsh winter season.

Image credit: @urbangardenhalle via Instagram

A must-visit event is the Izu Oshima Camellia Festival at the Tokyo Municipal Oshima Park, featuring over 3,000 wild camellias. The island is just off the coast of Tokyo, so you’ll either have to book a 2-hour ferry ride or a 30-minute flight from Tokyo’s Chofu Airport.

Image credit: @berry_lpplmlk via Instagram

Located at the base of a mountain, Mount Kasayama Camellia Grove is a unique spot where you can check out over 25,000 yabutsubaki camellias. The grove is 10ha wide and plays host to the annual Hagi Camellia Festival.

Additional spots: Jindai Botanical Garden

Get some IG-worthy holiday pics with these flowers in Japan

With Singapore’s tropical climate, we rarely get to see gorgeous flower blooms in the wild. From flower festivals to sprawling landscapes, these seasonal flowers in Japan prove that the country is a great place to enjoy some nature, experience different seasons, and get some aesthetic shots all in one place.

For more Japan travel ideas:

Cover image adapted from: @lyka_msb, @k_maru02 & @sakura_sanpo.0423 via Instagram

The post 12 Seasonal Flowers In Japan That Aren’t Cherry Blossoms, Plus Where & When To Catch Them appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

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