-
GETTING THERE
Central Hokkaido is perfect for driving holidays, but the cities marked on the map are well-served by the Japan Rail Pass (www.japanrailpass.net/en) and other rail lines.Local buses also head to key tourist spots. Start with Asahikawa city, which is roughly two hours by train from New Chitose Airport, which serves Sapporo.
On Oct 1, Scoot (www.flyscoot.com) started a direct flight from Singapore to Sapporo, with a roughly one-hour stopover in Taipei. The flight operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and takes about 10 hours. Airfares vary with the season.
-
SEE
Snow Crystal Museum
Set up long before Disney's Frozen (2013), this palatial museum includes a gallery of ice formations and art inspired by snowflakes. Visitors can wear princess gowns - or tuxedos - for a 30-minute photo shoot priced at 4,000 yen (S$52). Popular for weddings and high tea.
Where: 3 Chome-1-1 Minamigaoka, Asahikawa
Getting there: A 15-minute drive from JR Asahikawa Station or take a bus from Asahikawa city centre
Open: 9am to 5pm daily, except Dec 31 and Jan 1
Admission: 700 yen (adults), 400 to 500 yen (students)
Info: Go to www.yukaraori.com/yukibi or call 081-0166-73-7017
Mount Asahi
Take the Asahidake Ropeway to the start of several walking trails on Hokkaido's highest mountain, 2,291m above sea level. Where: Daisetsuzan National Park
Getting there: An hour by car from Asahikawa Airport or express bus from JR Asahikawa Station.
Admission: Ropeway round-trip ticket costs 2,900 yen (June 1 to Oct 20) or 1,800 yen (Oct 21 to May 31), may be closed in bad weather
Info: asahidake.hokkaido.jp/en
Blue Pond
Natural minerals colour the waters of this pond a bright blue. Where: Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun
Getting there: A 25-minute drive by car or express bus from JR Biei Station
Admission: Free
Info: www.biei-hokkaido.jp -
SHOP & EAT
Rokkatei
Have lunch with a view of rolling vineyards and buy wine or biscuits flavoured with the local haskap berry.
Where: Shimizuyama, Furano-shi
Getting there: Ten minutes by car from JR Furano Station Open: 9am to 4pm in summer only
Admission: Free
Info: www.rokkatei.co.jpFurano Cheese Factory
Taste cheese and make and eat yogurt or ice cream on waffle cups. Workshop prices vary and it is best to book in advance. Where: Nakagoku, Furano-shi
Getting there: Ten minutes by car from JR Furano Station Open: 9am to 5pm (April to October), 9am to 4pm (November to March)
Admission: Free
Info: Go to www.furanotourism.com/en or call 081-0167-23-1156Ninguru Terrace
Also known as Ningle Terrace, this fairy-tale-like shopping area pays homage to Ainu myths about forest creatures. Craftsmen occupy about 20 wooden huts, selling candy, handmade paper and glass art.
Where: New Furano Prince Hotel nai, Naka-Goryou, Furano-shi Getting there: Ten minutes by car from JR Furano Station Open: Noon to 8.45 pm daily
Admission: Free
Info: Go to www.furanotourism.com/en or call 081-0167-22-1111STAY
Ryounkaku Tokachidake Onsen
This no-frills, family-run onsen is perfect for hikers - 1,280m high in the mountains and with hearty home-cooked food. Try the red, iron-rich, outdoor rotenburo bath with views of the autumn foliage. Note that guests have to share bathroom facilities, hostel-style.
Where: Tokachidake Onsen, Kamifurano-chou, Sorachi-gun Getting there: An hour by bus from Kamifurano Station
Open: May be closed some months, so call ahead
Price: Varies by season
Info: Go to ryounkakuonsen.wixsite.com/ryounkaku or call 081-0167-39-4111