A Winter Wonderland: My Trip to Hokkaido in winter

Hi, everyone! I just came back from a wonderful trip to Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. It was a winter wonderland, with snow-covered landscapes and festive decorations. I had a lot of fun and adventure, and I want to share it with you. Here's what I did in Hokkaido for two nights and three days.

## Day 1: Asahikawa

I arrived in Asahikawa, the second largest city in Hokkaido, in the afternoon. I took a bus from the airport to the city center, where I checked in at my hotel. After settling in, I went out to explore the city.

Asahikawa is famous for its [ramen], a type of noodle soup that originated in China but has become a Japanese staple. There are many ramen shops in Asahikawa, each with its own style and flavor. I decided to try the [Asahikawa Ramen Village], a complex that houses eight of the most popular ramen shops in the city. I chose the [Aoba] shop, which is known for its soy sauce-based broth and thin noodles. The ramen was hot and savory, and it warmed me up on a cold day.

After the ramen, I walked to the [Asahiyama Zoo], one of the most popular zoos in Japan. The zoo is famous for its unique exhibits that allow visitors to see the animals from different angles and perspectives. For example, I saw penguins swimming above me in a glass tunnel, polar bears diving into a pool from a cliff, and wolves running through a snow field. The animals looked happy and active, and I enjoyed watching them.

In the evening, I went to see the [Asahikawa Winter Festival], which is held every year in February. The festival features various snow and ice sculptures, some of which are huge and impressive. There were also stages where local performers showcased their talents, such as music, dance, and comedy. The highlight of the festival was the [Snow Fireworks], which were fireworks that exploded in the sky with snowflakes. It was a beautiful sight, and I felt like I was in a fairy tale.

I ended my day with a relaxing soak at an [onsen], a traditional Japanese hot spring. There are many onsen facilities in Asahikawa, and I chose one that had both indoor and outdoor baths. The water was natural and mineral-rich, and it soothed my body and mind. I also enjoyed the view of the snowy mountains from the outdoor bath.

I returned to my hotel and slept well, dreaming of the next day.

## Day 2: Furano

On the second day, I took a train from Asahikawa to Furano, a small town about an hour away. Furano is known for its [lavender fields], which bloom in summer and attract many tourists. However, Furano is also beautiful in winter, with its snowy hills and valleys.

I rented a pair of [snowshoes], which are special shoes that allow you to walk on snow without sinking. I joined a guided tour that took me to some of the scenic spots in Furano, such as the [Ningle Terrace], a forest area with wooden cottages that sell handicrafts and souvenirs; the [Furano Cheese Factory], where I learned about cheese making and tasted some samples; and the [Furano Winery], where I saw how wine is produced and sampled some varieties.

For lunch, I had [curry soup], a local specialty that consists of curry-flavored broth with vegetables and meat. It was spicy and hearty, and it went well with rice. I also had some [melon bread], another local specialty that is a sweet bun with a crispy crust shaped like a melon.

In the afternoon, I tried some winter sports at the [Furano Ski Resort], which is one of the most popular ski resorts in Hokkaido. The resort has slopes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, as well as facilities for snow tubing, sledding, and ice skating. I decided to try snowboarding for the first time, and it was a lot of fun. I fell down many times, but I also managed to glide down some gentle slopes.

In the evening, I went to see the [Furano Snow Night Fantasy], which is an illumination event that takes place every night during winter. The event features various light installations that create a magical atmosphere in the dark. There were also performances by local artists, such as fire dancers, ice sculptors, and singers. The event was very festive and romantic, and I felt like I was in a movie.

I ended my day with a delicious meal at a [yakiniku] restaurant, where I grilled meat and vegetables on a charcoal fire. It was a local style of barbecue, and it was very tasty. I also drank some [sake], which is a Japanese rice wine that warmed me up.

I returned to my hotel and slept well, looking forward to the last day.

## Day 3: Biei

On the third day, I took a bus from Furano to Biei, a small town about 30 minutes away. Biei is known for its [patchwork hills], which are fields of different crops that create a colorful pattern on the land. The hills are especially beautiful in summer, when they are covered with flowers of various kinds. However, Biei is also stunning in winter, when the hills are covered with snow and ice.

I rented a [snowmobile], which is a vehicle that can run on snow and ice. I joined a guided tour that took me to some of the famous spots in Biei, such as the [Blue Pond], which is a pond that has a mysterious blue color due to the minerals in the water; the [Shirahige Falls], which are waterfalls that freeze in winter and look like white beards; and the [Ken and Mary Tree], which is a lone tree on a hill that was featured in a TV commercial in the 1970s.

For lunch, I had [soba], which are thin noodles made from buckwheat flour. They are a traditional Japanese dish, and they are served either hot or cold. I chose the hot version, which came with a dipping sauce and some toppings, such as green onions, seaweed, and tempura. The soba were smooth and chewy, and they filled me up.

In the afternoon, I visited some of the art museums and galleries in Biei, such as the [Shinzo Maeda Photo Gallery], where I saw some of the works of Shinzo Maeda, a famous photographer who captured the beauty of Biei; the [Takushinkan], where I saw some of the works of Takushi Tanaka, a famous painter who depicted the landscapes of Hokkaido; and the [Patchwork Art Museum], where I saw some of the works of local artists who used fabrics and threads to create patchwork art.

In the evening, I took a bus back to Asahikawa, where I caught my flight back home. I had a wonderful time in Hokkaido, and I hope to visit again someday.