Wednesday, 30 September 2015

1 month budget travel with kids in Hokkaido (18) :What to wear

30th Sept 2015

Hokkaido compared to Singapore which is a all-year-round summer country, is cooling even during summer.

Summer 
For kids
Short sleeves with cardigan or long sleeves for children will be comfortable. Usually it is the strong wind that I would add additional long sleeve jacket or cardigan while walking to destination.

For adults
Short sleeve will be enough. For those who are worry, can bring cardigan along. The wind is cooling like aircon.

End spring and early autumn
For kids  choose a thicker coat or winter jacket. Sometimes a thicker long sleeve top will be enough for kids as they run around and have higher temperature.

For adutls, same as kids

Early spring, early and end winter , late autumn
For kids
  • waterproof winter jacket
  • kniited or wool sweater
  • long sleeve top
  • legging or tight pant
  • jeans/pants with fleece lining or snow pants
  • hat, scraft, gloves, socks, leg warmer ( to be placed in bag for sudden cold wind)
  • sport shoes / boots
 For adults, same as kids' attire.

Winter 
For kids
  • waterproof winter jacket/ ski jacket
  • fleece jacket
  • kniited or wool sweater
  • turtle neck long seeve top
  • long sleeve top
  • legging or tight pant
  • jeans/pants with fleece lining or snow pants
  • hat, scraft, gloves, socks, leg warmer
  • waterproof boots
Standby fleece/wool vest in bag in case kids will feel cold. However, do note that when indoor , heater is switch on and it can be very warm that kids will want to remove most, let them do so as they know what they want. Overdress will result in sweating and end up catching cold which is a taboo in winter.

Adult can reduce accordingly to each needs.


Where to buy?
 From USA
Old Navy , Gap, KOHL's, Gymboree

From Singapore
Coldwear, Wings,Robinson, Metro, Factory outlets, Song & Song

From China 
Taobao
( Cut tag, local brand, factory outlets )

From Japan
Nissen, Nishimatsuya, Akachan Honpo, Uniqlo



Sunday, 27 September 2015

1 month budget travel with kids in Hokkaido (17): Shoes

27th Sept 2015

The right pair of shoes is important not just for comfortable, it is for safety too. Walking on melt snow that had turn ice, it is very very slippery and any wrong footstep would end up in hospital.

From the news, it was reported that in 2014, the highest slip and fall cases were in Dec when longer interval between each snow fall. When snow melt due to heat from surrounding, the cold nights below zero degree celsius frozen all the water left in the day. Cars skid easily too and we had an experience when our host from Kushiro nearly lost control due to the ice on the road. Later he explained that once night fall, water from melt snow froze as ice and there is no longer any friction on the road unless the wheels are chained.

Therefore it is very important to find a pair of good waterproof shoes with non slip sole.


You could buy in Japan in shops like ABC mart which is economy comparing the price from departmental stores. For kids, you could buy from ABC marts which only outlets sell, the one in Sapporo station, above bus terminal has. Akanchan Honpo has a wide range. Do remember to check out the waterproof spray for fabric, it can be a saver during high snow!

 In Singapore, I hardly see a good range with affordable price for holiday purpose. Unless you would be using this pair of shoes for months or years which is not possible. The other alternative will be from taobao, cheaper, more designs but not every sellers has good quality or pictures showed are exactly the items sold, yet it is worth exploring.

When choosing shoes, look out for these features:
  •  Waterproof material : very good waterproof pvc/ umbrella material or partial rainboot base and front area
  • Knee protection: knee or high boots to prevent snow from getting in. Keeping warm and reduce injuries
  • Non slip soles : there are non-slip soles to add on in the cobble in streets, look normal soles but it really prevent slipping. 
  • Warm inner : With warm cushioning, it gives warm and also comfort, even wearing normal socks.
  • Price: according to each individual's preference. Can be as cheap as S$10 - S$400. Any cheaper, you expect surprises along the way. 

For kids, allow them to try and choose, in situation like buying from online, let them choose from the pictures too . It would add excitement for the trip.

Wednesday, 2 September 2015

1 month budget travel with kids in Hokkaido (13) : Where to go - Fruit Farms

2nd Sept 2015


It is too cold and harsh to play and wander in farm during winter!! But I managed to find some strawberry picking farms open during end of winter!! Wahahahahahaha!!
This is actually an experience too!

Strawberry picking - early Jul - mid July , some farms can pick as early as early June
Cherry picking - mid Jul- mid Aug
Grape picking - mid Sept - early Oct
Prune picking - mid Sept - early Oct


Fruit Farm 
  1. Subaruberry Strawberry Farm
    http://www.suparuberry.com/index.html

    Closed:  29th Dec - 5th Jan , every Monday
    6th Jan - end March : adult: 1700yen, age 3-6: 1000yen, below 3 : free
    April - end May : adult 1400yen, age3-6: 700 yen, below 3 : free
  2. Ohashi Cherry Farm
    English site : http://www.oh-cherry.com/foreign/english/english_old.html
    Directions :40 minutes. by car from the Hokkaido Expressway Takikawa Interchange, or 30 minutes. by car from downtown Furano. Able to take cab from nearby JR station
  3. Yokotsuta Fruit Farm
    http://www.yokosuta.com/fruit/
    Strawberry and cherry picking.
    Farm opens from June 
  4. Yamamoto Tourism Fruit Farm in Yoichi
    山本観光果樹園
    Grows grape, apple, strawberry, cherry and pear
  5. Fujimori Fruit Farm
    http://ff-fujimori.com/
    Grows grape, strawberry, cherry and apple
  6. Hamada Fruit Farm
    http://www11.ocn.ne.jp/~hamadaen/
    Grows apple, grapes, strawberry and cherry, With 100 years of history
    Directions : From JR Date Monbetu transfer bus, alight at SouSakae Teramae ( 壮栄寺前) then 3 mins walk
  7. Kondo Fruit Farm
    http://www10.plala.or.jp/kondoh/
  8. Kacha Ice cream factory
    http://www.kacha-ice.com/index.html
    Closed every Tuesday, 24th Dec- 5th Feb
    Operating hours :
    Summer 10:00 - 19:00
    Winter 10:00-17:00
    Strawberry picking fees: Adult : 600yen , child: 300 yen
    Directions : http://www.kacha-ice.com/1-guide/map.html
  9. Tani Sightseeing Farm
    http://www.tani-farm.com/index.html
    12 types of fruits & vegetables to be found.
    Operating hours : 10:00-16:00
    Strawberry - mid June - early Jul
    Cherry early Jul - end Jul
    Tomato end Jul - end Sept
    Plum early Aug- end Aug
    Melon/watermelon early Aug-  mid Sept
    Edamame, corn, paprika early Aug- mid Oct
    Pumpkin mid Aug - mid Oct
    Prune ed Aug - end Sept
    Potato end Aug- mid Oct
    Grape end Sept - mid Oct
    Directions : http://www.tani-farm.com/images/map_images.gif
  10. Hokkaido Hopeland Makubetsu
    http://www.hopeland.jp/02tenpo/ichigoen.html
    Organic vegetable farm ,  strawberry farming
    Operating hours mid May - end Oct
    10:00-16:00
    Directions : http://www.hopeland.jp/01gaiyou/access.html
    From JR Makubetsu, by car 10 mins
  11. Yokoyama Farm
    http://www8.ocn.ne.jp/~yokonoen/
    Operating hours : mid June - mid Jul from 9am
  12. Sasaki Fruit Farm
    http://www.sasaki-kajuen.jp/
    Cherry early Jul- end Aug
    strawberry end May - end Oct
    Plum early Aug - mid Sept
    Apple early Sept - end Oct
    Prune mid Sept - end Oct
    Grape early Sept - end Oct
    Pear mid Sept - early Nov
    Fishing available
    Directions : http://www.sasaki-kajuen.jp/access.html
    Jyodetsu bus Jyozaikei line (定山渓線) Alight at last stop 『定山渓車庫』, transfer to Toyohashi kanjou line(豊橋環状線) Alight at Toyohashi mae 『豊橋前』, walk 15mins 
  13. Saeki Farm
    http://www3.ocn.ne.jp/~saeki/
    Directions:From JR Touya transfer to Touya city, 30mins journey, alight at Touya no mizu (とうや水の), walk 10mins
  14. Toyama fureai Farm
    http://www.toyamafureai.com/
    Directions : http://www.toyamafureai.com/?page_id=5
    By car, travel 40 mins
  15. Hakenzan Farm
    http://www.hakkenzan.jp/
    Strawberry end June - ealry Jul
    Cherry early Jul - mid Jul"
    Plum early Aug - early Sept
    Potato mid Aug- end Aug
    Fishing and camping available
    Directions: http://www.hakkenzan.jp/access/access.html



Wednesday, 26 August 2015

1 month budget travel with kids in Hokkaido (12) : Where to go - Flower seasons

26th August 2015


Flower Farms
  1. Pink Moss in Abashiri
    http://www.shibazakura.net/
    Past records ends 7th June 2015, 13th June 2014
    Directions: JR Abashiri , transfer to Abashiri bus , 50mins journey
    http://www.shibazakura.net/access.html
  2. Tomita Farm
    http://www.farm-tomita.co.jp/
    Past records ends end July 2014
    Lavender Heaven in July. There is a green house to view lavender if you miss the season
  3. Pink Moss and Sunflower in Nayoro
    http://www.nayoro-kankou.com/
  4.  Canadian World Garden
    http://www4.ocn.ne.jp/~canadian/
    Operation hours : 28th Apr - 18th Oct
    Directions : JR Ashibetsu, transfer to bus, 20mins journey 
  5. Flower land Kamifurano
    http://flower-land.co.jp/
    Directions: JR Furano , Only during summer, there will be special train right to nearby station. 
  6. Hokuryu Home of Sunflower
    http://www.town.hokuryu.hokkaido.jp/
  7. Sunflower in Ozora town
    http://www.town.ozora.hokkaido.jp/docs/2014111400169/
    From Jul - end Sept
    Near
    朝日ヶ丘公園 ( Asaogaoka Koen ) and airport
  8. Red Sunflower / Mexician Sunflower
    http://www.akai-himawari.or.jp/
    Directions: Chitose to Oiwake , 30 mins journey by train
  9. Chitose Sunflower
    http://www.1000sai-chitose.or.jp/

Wednesday, 19 August 2015

1 month budget travel with kids in Hokkaido (11) : Where to go - Outdoor

19th August 2015

Other than winter, Hokkaido is a large green playground. There are interesting outdoor activities even in neighbourhood towns.  Kids are free to explore and let go of their unlimited energy!

Outdoor theme parks
  1. Rusutsu Resort Theme Park
    http://rusutsu.co.jp/
    Operating hours : 9:00 - 17:00
    Weekdays 9:00-16:30
    weekends, Public Holiday, Golden Week 9:00 - 17:00
    Summer Holiday ( 24th Jul - 23th Aug ) 9:00 - 20:30
    October 9:00 - 16:00
    Tickets: Adult 4950yen, age 4-6 1200 yen, primary school student 3950 yen 
    Family package with a primary school student, adullt offer at 3950 yen
    Directions : From New Chitose Airport, need to make reservation for bus. From Sapporo station, free shuttle bus which reservation is required. 
  2. Noboribetsu Datejidai mura
    http://www.edo-trip.jp/
    English site available
    Operating hours :
    Summer ( 1st Apr - 31st oct ) 9:00 - 17:00
    Winter ( 1st Nov - 31st Mar) 9:00 - 16:00
    Tickets: Adult and sec school student & above 2900yen, pri school student 1200yen, age 4-6 kids : 600 yen
    Directions :  From JR Noboribetsu station take bus 8 mins journey and alight at Noboribetsu Jidai Mura 「登別時代村」 or  alight at in front Sanai hospital  「三愛病院前」 5 mins journey , walk 19 mins. By car 5 mins
  3. Prince Hotel Ningle Terrace
    http://www.princehotels.co.jp/furano-area/summer/ningle/
    A walk in the park, there are small shops along the route. Some nights are lighted during summer



Outdoor parks

  1. Kamishinoro Park
    http://www2.wagamachi-guide.com/sapporo_koen/apps/list.asp?mode=2&ID=720002
    This link shows photos, size, very detailed information of the park
    Directions: JR Shinoro station, walk 6 mins
  2. Kitanosawa Park
    http://www2.wagamachi-guide.com/sapporo_koen/apps/list.asp?mode=2&ID=760016
    This link shows photos, size, very detailed information of the park
    Directions: subway Makomanai station, walk 40mins
  3. Kurenan Park
    http://www.city.ishikari.hokkaido.jp/
    English site available
    Directions: subway Asou station transfer to chuo bus 「石狩庁舎(花川5丁目経由)行き」 alight at Hanagawa Kita1 Jo 5 chome,花川北1条5丁目, walk 5 mins
  4. Shinoroyuai Greenland
    http://www2.wagamachi-guide.com/sapporo_koen/apps/list.asp?mode=2&ID=420011
    Directions : From JR Shinoro station, walk 5 mins
  5. Kaitaku no mura北海道開拓の村
    http://www.kaitaku.or.jp/
    English site : http://www.kaitaku.or.jp/info/info.htm
    Operating time : May - Sept 9:00 - 17:00
    Oct - Apr 9:00-16:30
    Directions:
     JR  and subway Tozai Line Shin Sapporo Station, transfer to bus No.22 Kaitakunomura (journey 15min) to last bus stop.

Outdoor Activities

  1. Hoshino Resorts Tomamu
    http://www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/
    Winter Night event  5:00pm-10:00pm
    Summer good for trekking
    Direction: From Sapporo to Tomamu station 
  2. Furano Hot air balloon
    http://www.asobiya.jp/ac/eng/
    Fishing, hot air balloon, rafting, night watching, cycling
    Activities for summer and winter available
    Operating hours : 8:00- 20:00PM
    Directions :11 minutes by car from JR Furano Station
  3.  MPG Sorachi
    Open year round! Try a powered paraglider flight together with a qualified instructor
    Operating hours 8:00-17:00
    Contact for reservation 0167-23-6638
  4. Alpine Visitor Center / Furano Nature Club
    http://www.alpn.co.jp/english/index.html
    Air board, snowmobile,Japanese pond Smelt fishing (winter), Rafting, canoeing (summer)
    Operating time : 9:00 - 21:00
  5.  Little Tree
    http://www.little-tree.jp/
    Nature rafting, picnicing down the river, canoeing, Treeing safari, Floating, Camping, winter activities
    Operating time : 9:00 - 21:00
  6. Outdoor Centre 'Donkoro'
    http://donkoro.com/en/
    Operating hours : 9:00-17:00 open from Beginning of April until end of October / November through Mid May (winter season) (program may be changed depending on situation)
    Directions : 25 minutes from JR Sekishou Tomamu station by car, 5 minutes from JR Muroran honsen Ochiai station by car, transportation available from both stations
  7. Tokachi  hot air balloon festival
    http://www.kamishihoro.info/balloonfestival
    Operating period: Early Aug
  8. Higashi Oyuki Torroko  (622m abandoned historical train track in Kamishihoro)
    http://arch-bridge.sakura.ne.jp/tetsuro.htm
    Operating period : Jul- Oct
    Directions : By bus  Timetable : http://arch-bridge.sakura.ne.jp/traffic.htm




Wednesday, 12 August 2015

1 month budget travel with kids in Hokkaido (10) : Where to go - Ski resorts in Hokkaido

12th August 2015

These are ski resorts in other parts of Hokkaido.

The list as followed :

  1. Tokachi Sahoro Resort
    http://www.sahoro.co.jp
    English site available http://www.sahoro.co.jp/en/
    Scale : beginner : 30%, advance 40%, pro 30%
    Operation period : early Dec to early Apr
    9:00~16:00(1st~20th Dec 、24th Mar ~6th Apr)
    weekdays and Saturdays 9:00~18:00(20th Dec~21st Mar )
     Sundays 8:00~18:00(21st Dec~22nd Mar)
    Directions  http://www.sahoro.co.jp/en/access
    There are some promotion coupons available, please ask when you are visiting.
  2.  Hoshi Resort Tomamu
    http://www.snowtomamu.jp
    English site available
    Kids' activity club, day care, Onsen available
    Scale : beginner : 30%, advance 40%, pro 30%
    During winter, there are activities like watching sun rise on top of the mountain and night illumination event from mid Dec - early March 5-10pm. These information will only be updated near every winter season.
    Directions: From JR Sapporo station, takes approximately 2 hrs  to reach Tomamu station. Bus services are available from Obihiro station. 
  3. Rusutsu Resort
    http://rusutsu.co.jp/
    English site available
    Scale : beginner : 30%, advance 40%, pro 30%
    This is a theme park and you can enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities during summer and winter.
    Additional information : Primary schoolers challenge :  http://sho.benesse.co.jp/zemi/cp/nazotoki/?s_oid=nazotoki_rr__00025&wapr=559a286f
    Directions:
    There are free shuttle bus from Sapporo and need reservation.
    Reservation :http://bigruns.com/summer/rusutugou.html 
  4.  Hakodate Nanae Snowpark
    http://www.hakodate-nanae.jp/
    English site available
    Scale : beginner : 50%, advance 30%, pro 20%
    Directions: http://hakodate-nanae.jp/access.php#train
    There is information for free shuttle bus in the link, please scroll to the end : https://hakodate-nanae.jp/winter/access/

    There are more ski resorts but there are what are recommended among the Japanese bloggers and natives.  Hope these information help! 

Thursday, 6 August 2015

1 month budget travel with kids in Hokkaido (9) : Where to go - Ski resorts near Sapporo

6th August 2015

Not known to many foreigners, Hokkaido is a land of ski! Just in Sapporo city, there are about 20 ski resorts without having to travel far. There are about 60 ski resorts in Hokkaido itself!! If you want to master ski or have ultimate snow experience, go Hokkaido!

The first ski resort in Hokkaido that is widely promoted is Niseko. It is a beautiful four season area, yet being a tourism spot, it is very crowded during winter.  Be sure to book early for accommodation as the hotels are easily fully booked. It is also to my surprise that AIRBNB has apartment for rent in Niseko too.
The down side of Niseko is it only has 1 to 2 trains to and fro from Otaru. If you miss the train, you will be trapped with worries on where to sleep for the night. Alternatively, plan for an overnight to enjoy the trip up.
I actually aborted my plan to travel to Niseko based on the time to travel and the daily frequency for train to and fro Sapporo. I could spend more time and less worries in the nearby international standard ski resort too.

The list of the Ski resort with detailed information are as followed:


  1. Kiroro Snow world
    http://www.kiroro.co.jp
    Indoor childcare service available, Kid's dedicated snow park
    Scale beginner 37%, advance 37%, pro 26%
    Operation period: Mid Nov - early Apr 9:00-15:30
    Direction: Free shuttle bus with priority to hotel guest from Otaru Chikou station (小樽築港駅 ). Exit south , exit at first storey ( not a bus stop)
    Frequent bus available from Otaru station. By car, 40mins, about 6000-8000yen
  2. Niseko Mt. Resort
    http://www.grand-hirafu.jp/
    English site: http://www.grand-hirafu.jp/winter/en/
    Scale : beginner : 37%, advance 40%, pro 23%
    Operation period : early Dec to early May 8:30- 16:30 Night 16:30-20:30
    Directions : 2 hours from Sapporo transfer at Otaru. JR train frequency is only 1-2 times per day. By car 15mins, by bus 20mins
  3. Sapporo Teine
    http://www.sapporo-teine.com
    English site available
    Scale : beginner : 30%, advance 40%, pro 30%
    Operation period : Highland zone -late Nov to early May 9:00- 17:00
    Olympic zone - late Nov to late Mar 9:00- 17:00 Night 16:00-21:00 ( 31st Dec till 18:00)
    Directions: http://www.sapporo-teine.com/snow/lang/en/access/
  4. Prince Furano Snow Resort
    http://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/furano/
    English site available
    Scale : beginner : 40%, advance 40%, pro 20%
    Operation period : early Dec to early May 8:30- 20:00 Night 17:00-20:00
    Directions : Hokkaido Resort Liner offers bus transfers to and from New Chitose Airport, Asahikawa Airport, Niseko Ski Resort, Asahiyama Zoo, Tomamu Ski Resort, Sapporo and Sounkyo.
  5. Mount Racey
    http://www.yubari-resort.com/
    English site available
    Scale : beginner : 20%, advance 40%, pro 40%
    Operation period : mid Dec to end Mar 8:30- 19:00  There are some nights that is not available.
    Directions : From Odori ( bus centre ) or Shin Sapporo station, there are direction bus
    http://www.yubari-resort.com/en/access.html
  6. Niseko Hanazono
    http://www.hanazononiseko.com/en/
    English site available
    Scale : beginner : 18%, advance 55%, pro 27%
    Operation period : early Dec to early May 8:30- 19:00
    Directions :http://www.hanazononiseko.com/en/snow/mountain/getting-to-hanazono.html
  7. Nakayama Ski   中山峠スキー場
    http://nakayama-ski.com/
    Scale : beginner : 30%, advance 60%, pro 10%
    Operation period : Mid Nov to Mid May  9:00-16:00
    Directions : 60mins by car from Sapporo 
  8. Sapporo Kokusai Ski ( International ski park )
    https://www.sapporo-kokusai.jp/
    English site available
    Scale : beginner : 30%, advance 50%, pro 20%
    Operating hours : First ski period (22nd Nov~12th Dec)9:00~16:00
     ※ Normal period (13th Dec~29th March)Weekdays 9:00~17:00  Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 9:00~18:00
    Directions : Subway Sapporo or JR Sapporo, take Joutetsu bus ' Sapporo Kokusai Ski Ba'