Hokkaido is sparsely populated.

Hokkaido is sparsely populated.

WHERE TO EXPERIENCE SNOW

JAPAN   WHITE ROMANCE  Hokkaido

 

Romance amidst winter

Romance according to the Oxford living dictionary is A feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love.

Having the perfect place to get the mood on for love where romance can blossom is essential. Say you are heading for Japan, where would you choose? Listen to my advice this time, it has got to be in Hokkaido. Why you ask? Allow me to further explain in details …….

 

The first reason for romance   FEW
There are only a FEW people in Hokkaido. It is really hard to meet another soul within a radius in mile. As Japan’s second largest island, Hokkaido land mass is not small with a population of only 5.44 million people, comparing to Tokyo in size where there is 35 million people. When you are in Tokyo, there is constantly people around you, always in a rushed mannerism, getting from one point to the next …. how are you going to find time for romance with the rush? The lesser people you encounter, the more space you have to think, the pace is different much slower, bringing out your inner poetic self as you belt out romantic words in the quiet of snow clad Hokkaido.

 

The second reason for romance   ENVIRONMENT
It is the ENVIRONMENT as a quarter of Hokkaido is dedicated to agricultural land. The vast lands of Hokkaido are found not built with concrete jungle, giving way to beauty of the natural wonders of Hokkaido. Standing on Mount Usuzan in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, you are able to enjoy a panoramic view of the lake. Not just any lake, but a lake which does not ever freeze even through the mount is covered with heavy snow – The Lake Toya. The rising hot steam floating towards heaven at odds with the cold winter environment gives a fairy like feel to the place …. this I must say is the best time for the male to play the role of caring gentleman …. perhaps offering to warm the poor ladies hands. Coupled with the environment, the backdrop of the mountain and lakes and white snow …. perfectly romantic!

 

The third reason for romance   SNOW
SNOW in Hokkaido during winter did not earn its reputation as “white romance” without proving it. Internationally known for its high quality powdery snow. The texture is so fine, light, yet dry enough where you can play with it as the sands in the Arab desert. Earned its reputation as “pink snow” at the end of the day due to the soft lights cast during this time. Where you can see lovers enjoying their first experience of snow together, which does not make them feel embarrassed but only gives them lasting memories. Also not to miss, there are suitable snow activities such as skiing or even riding the snow mobile! Ahem …. another plus point for the men to display long lost chivalry to the ladies.

 

The fourth reason for romance   ONSEN
When visiting Hokkaido, one cannot miss the onsen baths or hot spring. It benefits the body and the soul, after spending the day playing in the snow. Well as for Malaysians, this is certainly an achievement if they are able to follow the Japanese traditions of enjoying the onsen in their birthday suit, it is certainly life achievement if one can over come this fear! To the ancient Japanese customs, this helps to promote love and bonding, be it couple wise or family …..

 

The fifth reason for romance   SEAFOOD
Once you have had a taste of the outdoor white romance of Hokkaido, one certainly must not ignore experiencing the indoor romance. Taste plays a special part in retaining the romantic memories shared! Hokkaido seafood tantalizes your taste buds from the Imperial Crabs, pine crabs, hairy crabs, sea urchins, cod fish, abalone, clams and etc … fresh from the sea of Hokkaido!


 

FACTS:
HOKKAIDO

One of the best place to experience the four season of Japan: Spring time for cherry blossoms, Summer for the Purple Lavender and the Yubari melon, Autumn for its red leaves and winter for its snow.
If you are the adventurous type with time in your hands, then driving in Hokkaido is a pilgrimage journey one must take. Highly recommended for Spring, Summer & Autumn. But for winter, I would advice you not to make the journey on your own as the roads will be filled with snow, as Malaysians where we do not have four seasons, it could be rather dangerous when faced with emergency situations. Best to avoid and follow a tour instead. Now on that note, Apple Vacations is able to give you this experience.
Hokkaido’s major cities are Sapporo, Hakodate which are located in the southwest of the island, as for the road less traveled with stunning skylines, you can consider the east or northern routes.
Apple do arrange Chartered flights to Hokkaido. Our White Romance package includes skiing and hot springs experience. For travelers in large families or even friends with children you do not have to worry!
Click for itinerary WHITE HOKKAIDO LOVE STORY + SKI FUN (DEC)

Powder white magic

Powder white magic

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The snow clad mountains brings out the romantic poet in you, coupled with Lake Toya as back ground, truly as if n a romantic movie!

The snow clad mountains brings out the romantic poet in you, coupled with Lake Toya as back ground, truly as if n a romantic movie!

Otaru is Hokkaido's main picturesque destination as a romantic city.

Otaru is Hokkaido’s main picturesque destination as a romantic city.

Usually hell is a gloomy place to be, but with this hell it looks so romantic.

Usually hell is a gloomy place to be, but with this hell it looks so romantic.

We have been to hell together, what can come between us?

We have been to hell together, what can come between us?

The snow clad mountains of Showa Shin-zan.

The snow clad mountains of Showa Shin-zan.

Under the beauty of the snow!

Under the beauty of the snow!

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Under the heavy blanket of snow, the concrete outlook of Sapporo is soften.

Under the heavy blanket of snow, the concrete outlook of Sapporo is soften.

Due to the good quality of snow, it is suitable for outdoor activities even for the little ones.

Due to the good quality of snow, it is suitable for outdoor activities even for the little ones.

The roads are paved with snow, a good excuse for her to hug you even tighter!”

The roads are paved with snow, a good excuse for her to hug you even tighter!”

Riding on snow mobile is a must and because of the snow you don't have to be afraid. You can speed!

Riding on snow mobile is a must and because of the snow you don’t have to be afraid. You can speed!

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Lasting memories, if a whole family can experience snow together!

Lasting memories, if a whole family can experience snow together!

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You can choose to ski even at night.

You can choose to ski even at night.

Brave the streets at night with family and friends!

Brave the streets at night with family and friends!

Unique local souvenirs which cannot be found in other parts of Japan.

Unique local souvenirs which cannot be found in other parts of Japan.

Many are hand made, especially those which are carved from wood.

Many are hand made, especially those which are carved from wood.

Mr. Snowman greets you!

Mr. Snowman greets you!

During winter, a hot meal is welcomed!

During winter, a hot meal is welcomed!

The local seafood is a must!

The local seafood is a must!

Don't stinge on your trip, treat yourself to the hairy crab native to Hokkaido.

Don’t stinge on your trip, treat yourself to the hairy crab native to Hokkaido.

Abalone

Abalone

Treating yourself to the authentic meal is a must!

Treating yourself to the authentic meal is a must!

Last but not least, take a closer look on the snow which flutters on your clothes, unique just like the love between you and me.

Last but not least, take a closer look on the snow which flutters on your clothes, unique just like the love between you and me.