Of course! Visiting Sapporo, Otaru, Hakodate, and Furano offer a unique insight into Japanese culture and natural beauty. Here are the travel tips for your journey:
Best Time to Visit:
Sapporo, Otaru, Hakodate, and Furaro are beautiful throughout the year due to the different seasons. Summers for lavender fields in Furano from June to August, Fall for the beautiful autumn colors in Otaru from September to November, Winter for the snow festivals in Sapporo and Hakodate from late December to February.
Route and Accessibility:
Fly in to New Chitose Airport, which is near Sapporo. From there, it's easy to explore the other cities by using the extensive and efficient JR Hokkaido rail network or by rental car.
Altitude and Acclimatization:
Most of these places are at sea level. Acclimatization is not typically an issue for these locations, but do take it slow if you are coming from a place of significantly lower altitude.
Accommodation and Booking:
Accommodation is plentiful in all four city. It ranges from luxury hotels to budget hostels and traditional Japanese inns, or ryokans. It is a good practice to book your accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons like Summer and Winter.
Clothing and Essentials:
Clothing depends on the season of visit. Summers are mild to warm (light clothing), Fall is cooler where you'll need a light jacket, while Winter in these regions can be very cold and snow is bountiful, so warm clothing, snow boots, and other winter gear are essential.
Health and Safety:
Japanese cities are generally safe, but it's always a good idea to have travel insurance. Be aware of your personal belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Local Etiquette and Respect:
Respect local customs and etiquettes. The Japanese are polite and prefer not to disturb others. Remember not to speak loudly in public transport. Also, there's an etiquette to eating, bathing in public baths, visiting shrines, etc.
Lastly, make sure to enjoy the local cuisines, as Hokkaido is famous for its fresh seafood, especially crabs, scallops, and sea urchin!