Maruyama Zoo

Staying in Sapporo, I chose Maruyama Zoo for short day trip as easy to access.

Many parents read about Asahiyama Zoo which was one of the most popular place to go. Recently there was marketing efforts made for Maruyama zoo with huge range of merchandises like ramen, stationeries, snacks, towels,etc.

The english site:
http://www.city.sapporo.jp/zoo/info/info-eng.html

Direction : Takes about 8 min. by bus. From the bus terminal at Maruyama koen Subway Station, take either Nishi (West) 15 Dobutsuen line and get off at Dobutsuen mae (5 min. walk), or Nishi (West) 14 Araiyama line and get off at Sogo Ground mae (5 min. walk).

You can try walking towards the zoo, but when I stepped out of the subway station, it was very cold and there was no signboard or direction ..... so I decided to just take bus rather than carry 1 toddler and hold the other. 

The close up looking at snow leopard was really an amazing! It was a good size zoo with many interesting animals that come face to face.

Even during winter when they close early at 4pm, just about to sunset, we strolled and had an relax learning experience.

Kids below age 6 are free.

Just above me!!

Doraemon Sky Park

Doraemon Waku Waku Sky Park is situated in New Chitose Airport. It can be a good place to visit during heavy snow as there are malls, food court, restaurants and Smile Road that is connecting domestic and international terminals.

In Smile Road, you can view Royce Chocolate World with a complete robotic line in chocolate making and a kitchen with additional handmade items. Steiff Nature World ( http://www.new-chitose-airport.jp/en/steiff/ ) which featured a zoo of stuffed toys. Doreamon Waku Waku Sky Park is not to be missed as it consists free playground, cafe, workshop, library, shop and Amuseument Zone which need admission fees.

Rusutsu Resort

17th Mar 2016

Every resort has its own slogon to create attraction. I decided on Rusutsu Resort as it is the biggest ski resort in Hokkaido.  It has many ski trails , themed attraction and a very big traditional carousel which is suitable for family with young kids.

On top of these, the resort has free shuttle bus from Sapporo, near JR Sapporo station. 

It is also one of the few ski resorts that open in late November, ready for ski class and ski course.  They have free shuttle to another part of the resort for expert skier too.

They provide rental ski items, tub, ski wear, ski boots, accessories and you can just rent and hassle free.

Comparing Niseko, Niseko is very commercialised and crowded with foreigners, while Rusutsu is more family oriented. Even if you are on budget, there is another wing that has economical rooms, large canteen area and even has mini convenient store just outside the hotel.

My recommendation is 2 days 1 night if you just want the kids to play indoor. Longer stay if you plan to go ski or sleigh ( known as sori if you want to rent ).  Peak season is in Jan and Feb when all the ski courses are ready and open.

We have fun even though we stay most of the time indoor.

Singing tree at the lobby

Double deck Carousel

Buffet breaksfast ( western breakfast available too)

Singing choir clock

Landscape in the day

Illuminated park

Night scenery

Overview of the resort

The top waiting to be thick snow for ski

Live band

Lake Akan & crane watching

3rd March 2016

I decided to stay in Lake Akan with a host and glad that I did!

https://www.airbnb.com.sg/rooms/1985385?s=FFITO8Ip

The lady speaks English and provides Japanese breakfast, provides pick up services from JR Kushiro station with extra charges.

I love and enjoy their company, learned a lot about Lake Akan.
Night falls early and the host even tried to explain why he was driving slowly and when we asked questions, they were patient to explain and share with us.

When we reached Lake Akan in the evening, we saw wild deers, fox crossing the road! This was really excitement that I couldn't pen down. With thick snow fall, just playing in the snow was a really a good experience.

They were helpful as they even checked where we could go for crane watching. If I were to follow what I have found in the websites, I might have found none!  We saw about 40 cranes and it was informed that at the observation center , there was only 3!!

Our trip will not be so fulfilled with them as a host.

In Lake Akan:
Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center in Lake Akan is a must go to understand the wild animals and nature.

Ainu village can be a good stroll especially sunset, it has winter wonderland ambience.

Jan - Mar, this is a peak season where you can try fish on ice, ice activities.
May-Aug, summer activites and walking around the Lake Akan is a must.


My recommendation is to stay 2-3 nights to walk along the Lake or even drive out to see any wild animals.  Then stay 1 night in Kushiro to explore the fish market and Children's museum which is situated near JR Kushiro station.