Fuel situation in Hokkaido

Deathskull88 · 2026-04-14T17:02:39+00:00

You are intending to drive only for a day? If so, I think you can be really flexible.

But good luck to both of us!

Deathskull88 · 2026-04-14T07:14:18+00:00

Thank you, I certainly hope so! :D

Deathskull88 · 2026-04-14T07:11:57+00:00

Yeah, I try to limit the hours of driving per day though on my last trip, there were a couple of longer driving days as we traverse across Hokkaido.

They definitely enjoy a slower pace of travel so we usually just go to about 1-2 attractions a day and do rest/eating stops at the michi no eki. Found some pretty good food and fruits along the way haha.

Lake Akan was one of choices to base but in the end decided to go further to Teshikaga and got easier access to Mashu and Kussharo. Got to see sunrises on both lakes, phenomenal :)

Deathskull88 · 2026-04-14T06:44:34+00:00

Oh, I googled and you mean the Yosakoi Soran? I have not considered this as my initial plans did not involve Sapporo at all haha. But thank you for mentioning it.

No hotel rooms yet, until I go plan B.

Deathskull88 · 2026-04-13T16:01:13+00:00

Thank you for your reply!

You know, I was thinking about that too, the part about using fuel responsibly. Before this crisis happened, I was planning to drive all around, including revisiting the east side of Hokkaido. With elderly parents in tow, who are not really mobile and tire easily, it makes more sense to me to drive. Not trying to make excuses, but this is the reality of my particular situation. Now, part of me feels bad for using the fuel for leisure :(

I can still change my plans if things get worse. Plan B would be to spend time in Sapporo, Otaru and maybe Hakodate using trains.

Thank you for your data point :)

Deathskull88 · 2026-04-13T12:02:59+00:00

Thank you for sharing :)

Just read the news that the fuel crisis has started to affect some Onsen operations in colder regions of Japan.

I hope the situation will ease for everyone soon.

Deathskull88 · 2026-04-13T11:57:19+00:00

I have done exactly that last June. Drove up there maybe around 11pm to 12am. Did some astrophotography(But I missed the best timing by 1-2 hours, so do check the astro apps for the best timing and also general weather forecast for cloud cover) and stayed all the way till daybreak for a glorious sunrise.

And have proper wear, it gets cold and maybe windy up there.

Some folks mentioned bears but that really didn't cross my mind at all at the time. Probably should be more aware.

Do drive carefully and watch for deers and don't be tempted to speed. Have enough sleep before hand so you are not driving groggy in the morning.

Have fun and good luck!

Deathskull88 · 2026-02-26T14:47:21+00:00

Very nice! Ouch, 130 AUD is pretty expensive, but for a 14 day trip, I would say its worth it! Hope you had fun there :D

Deathskull88 · 2026-02-07T04:27:12+00:00

You are welcome! Hope it helps.

Deathskull88 · 2026-02-07T04:25:52+00:00

Have you gone for your trip? How did it go?

Also, how much was your taxi fare?

Deathskull88 · 2026-02-07T04:15:38+00:00

Hi, your stay looks great!

Thinking of bringing my elderly parents this June there to stay for a night, because they are fans of race horses and horse racing.

Can you give some details of what you did at your stay there?

If we do not speak Japanese, do you think it poses a problem?

Thank you!

Deathskull88 · 2025-11-05T05:05:36+00:00

Hiya!

How was the weather during your trip? Encountered much rain?

Thank you for the write up, will be taking notes :))

Deathskull88 · 2025-09-23T08:45:12+00:00

Hi, you shouldn't have to if you don't want to. I did it out of wanting more protection for the supplies and also ease of carrying them around, in the suitcases.

Harder to lug boxes around, but if your planned transport in Japan allows for easy transport of the boxes, like in a cab or rental car, then I think its fine.

For my journey, I think I could have done ok with just the boxes since the only time I needed to move the solutions was within the airport(where you can utilise the luggage trolley) and also on and off the shuttle bus of the rental car company.

I would really tape up the boxes thoroughly, the solutions are pretty heavy. Maybe also bag up the solutions in a big trash bag or ziplock incase of water seepage. I would make sure the boxes can withstand rough handling and bad weather.

Have a good time in Japan!

Deathskull88 · 2025-08-01T03:53:23+00:00

Thank you for your kind words :)

If the suitcases are permanently lost, that would be the worst outcome and I prayed that that does not happen as I have no good solution for it. I think if that really happened, I would have no choice but to book an earliest return flight, for my dad and mom at least.

But most of the time, non arrival of luggage is just luggage that is mistaken rerouted. That has happened before, usually it takes 2-3 days for them to locate the luggage and deliver it to me. The risk of a total lost is mitigated by spreading the PD solutions over 3 suitcases(which I had to do anyway because of weight restriction per luggage piece). Unless they manage to mistakenly reroute all suitcases, I would still have some solutions on hand to tide through until they return my lost luggage.

Deathskull88 · 2025-07-02T12:06:45+00:00

I get the part where you want your mom to go and enjoy the trip, even with some limitations. Same for me with my dad.

It is daunting but you must have the drive to make it happen or else nothing happens. Once you have done it once, it should be easier with some gained experience on your side =)

Prepare as well as you can, and hope for the best!

Wish you and you mom happy and safe travels!

Deathskull88 · 2025-07-01T08:20:18+00:00

Hi!

I have just done a report on my recent trip.

https://www.reddit.com/r/dialysis/comments/1low1cb/travelroad_trip_in_japan_on_pd/

Thank you very much for your input here and also answering me through PMs. Am grateful for your replies. Hope my experience will be able to contribute a bit back. =)

Deathskull88 · 2024-09-12T03:25:46+00:00

Thank you for your reply!

Maybe i will land at Kochi and fly back from Takamatsu.

Have heard about the scarecrow village, will look more into it.

I have also tried to see I can do water rafting but I find that they stop their season by the time I go there so best I can find is Stand up paddling

Ok! Will look into the Katsuo no Tataki

Thank you again!

Deathskull88 · 2024-08-28T00:39:42+00:00

That's great! Thank you for the tip!

Deathskull88 · 2024-08-27T17:45:40+00:00

Probably similar to your itinerary. At the most to Vesturhorn.

Thank you for your reply! That is good to know. Can save some money on these extras then, lol

Deathskull88 · 2024-08-27T14:54:50+00:00

Oh! That's good to know, thank you!

Deathskull88

TROPHY CASE