3 day itinerary for Hokkaido, Tokyo And Surrounding Small Towns

Itinerary

Hokkaido and Tokyo in December are magical, especially with the winter scenery and festive vibes. Let’s create a romantic 3-day itinerary that combines shopping, delicious food, and cozy experiences.

## Day 1: Tokyo - The Urban Wonderland

Morning:

• Breakfast at a Cozy Café: Start your day at a charming café in Harajuku, like A to Z Café, where you can enjoy a warm cup of coffee and some delightful pastries.
• Shopping in Harajuku: After breakfast, stroll through the vibrant streets of Harajuku. Don’t miss Takeshita Street for quirky shops and unique fashion. For a more upscale experience, head to Omotesando Hills for designer boutiques.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at a Themed Restaurant: Treat yourselves to a fun lunch at Alice in Wonderland Restaurant in Shinjuku. The whimsical decor and delicious food will surely set a romantic tone.
• Explore Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: Take a leisurely walk in this beautiful park. The winter scenery can be quite enchanting, and it’s a perfect spot for some romantic photos.

Evening:

• Dinner in Shinjuku: Head to Narisawa for a fine dining experience that showcases seasonal ingredients. Make sure to book in advance!
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: After dinner, visit the observation deck for stunning night views of the city. The twinkling lights create a perfect romantic atmosphere.

## Day 2: Hokkaido - Winter Wonderland

Morning:

• Fly to Sapporo: Take an early flight to Sapporo, Hokkaido. The flight is about 1.5 hours.
• Breakfast at a Local Café: Once you arrive, enjoy a hearty breakfast at Sapporo Coffee Lab. Their coffee and baked goods are a great way to start your day.

Afternoon:

• Shopping in Sapporo: Head to Sapporo Factory, a shopping complex with a mix of local and international brands. Don’t forget to check out the local crafts and souvenirs!
• Lunch at a Ramen Shop: Sapporo is famous for its miso ramen. Try Ramen Shingen for a delicious bowl.

Evening:

• Visit the Sapporo Snow Festival (if it’s happening): If you’re lucky, you might catch the early festivities of the Sapporo Snow Festival, with stunning ice sculptures and winter activities.
• Dinner at a Local Izakaya: Experience a cozy dinner at an izakaya like Sapporo Beer Garden, where you can enjoy local beer and delicious grilled meats.
• Stay at a Ryokan: For a romantic touch, consider staying at a traditional ryokan with an onsen (hot spring) experience. Jozankei Onsen is a great option nearby.

## Day 3: Otaru - A Romantic Day Trip

Morning:

• Travel to Otaru: Take a short train ride (about 30 minutes) to Otaru, a charming port town known for its romantic canals and glassworks.
• Breakfast at a Local Bakery: Start your day at LeTAO, famous for its cheesecakes and pastries.

Afternoon:

• Explore Otaru Canal: Stroll along the picturesque canal, lined with historic buildings. The winter scenery is breathtaking, especially with snow.
• Shopping for Glassware: Otaru is known for its glass art. Visit Otaru Glass Studio to shop for beautiful glass pieces or even try your hand at making your own.
• Lunch at a Seafood Restaurant: Enjoy fresh seafood at Otaru Unga Zushi, where you can savor sushi made with local catches.

Evening:

• Return to Sapporo: Head back to Sapporo in the late afternoon.
• Dinner at a Romantic Restaurant: For your final dinner, consider Mikuni Sapporo, which offers a fusion of French and Japanese cuisine with a lovely ambiance.
• End the Night with a Stroll: If you have time, take a romantic evening walk through the illuminated streets of Sapporo, perhaps stopping by the Sapporo Clock Tower for a final photo op.

Tips:

• Dress Warmly: December in Hokkaido can be quite cold, so layer up and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
• Reservations: Make dinner reservations in advance, especially for popular restaurants.
• Transportation: Consider getting a JR Pass for convenient travel between cities.

This itinerary should give you a delightful mix of romance, shopping, and culinary experiences in the beautiful winter landscapes of Hokkaido and Tokyo. Enjoy your trip!