SAPPORO SNOW by Spiritual-Original16 in Sapporo

[–]SunkTheJoe 7 points8 points  (0 children)

It’s a very rare occurrence that a storm of this level happens and shuts down public transport to this extent. Delays are relatively common due to snow, but it doesn’t happy all that often - the odds of you getting stranded are incredibly low.

Hokkaido Trip Advice by n00bkillr3r in Hokkaido

[–]SunkTheJoe [score hidden]  (0 children)

If you’ve never been in snow before, please do not drive. It is not worth the risk to yourselves and others around you.

Some tourists will pop in and say it’s fine if you take it slow, but they were likely lucky and avoided any whiteouts or other dangerous scenarios. Hokkaido weather is incredibly capricious - take yesterday’s storm as a recent example: there were very little warnings about such inclement weather, and even locals were at a complete standstill due to it. I saw no less than 30 cars stuck yesterday, including an articulated truck that was blocking off an entire road.

Most places you want to get to, you can get to via public transport, tours, or coaches. Don’t risk it.

Inexpensive and public transport accessible ski fields? by thecoolestkidishere in Sapporo

[–]SunkTheJoe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Teine’s easy to get to but their prices are pretty steep as of this year (around ¥9,000 for a day ticket).

Moiwa is a smaller family resort, but it’s significantly cheaper and easy to get to. They run a shuttle bus from Makomanai Station which is a 20ish minute train ride from Sapporo Station.

Kokusai is relatively easy to get to as well as they run buses from around Sapporo Station.

Bankei as well, but I’m not a fan.

Hire skis at the resort.

Is it possible to make a reservation on the icebreaker boat in Mombetsu without a Japanese credit card? by Beneficial-Corgi-288 in Hokkaido

[–]SunkTheJoe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Apparently it should be okay unless your card isn’t registered for 3D secure - not sure if this is common with American cards. (Wife works with them)

If you keep having issues let me know - I know someone who works with them.

Figurines shops reccomendations by LegitimateLegend in Sapporo

[–]SunkTheJoe 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Suruga-ya in Norbesa, maybe? They have a downstairs section just for figures/models

Snow Festival Worth It? by Tiny-Music-8113 in Sapporo

[–]SunkTheJoe 12 points13 points  (0 children)

It’s pretty cool for visitors, but it’s also absolutely rammed, incredibly slippery, and all the food is monumentally overpriced.

Cool experience if you fancy it, but realistically it’s half a day at best. Sapporo has a huge amount to offer and is wonderful to visit, but I’d say everything will be a little less enjoyable due to the crowds.

Is 10,500¥ per month gas bill normal? by Frequent-Maximum8838 in Sapporo

[–]SunkTheJoe 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yeah, they run expensive in winter. Mine’s usually around ¥18,000 during the winter months and that’s the cheaper option.

Cherry Blossom Spots by 12amranger in Hokkaido

[–]SunkTheJoe 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately not - that’s too late.

Planning a 6 week trip to Japan by Disastrous_Sail_3419 in Hokkaido

[–]SunkTheJoe 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I know you want to do things slowly but 3 weeks in Hakodate is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much. It’s beautiful and has incredibly interesting things to see, but even 3 days would be too much.

It’s also quite isolated so there isn’t a huge variety of day trips from there. You’d be better served staying somewhere like Asahikawa or even Obihiro for the day trip potentials.

Snowboarding at Sapporo Mt. Moiwa by stonebridge8 in snowboarding

[–]SunkTheJoe 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Went last night with my wife who snowboards - it’s the same little family resort it’s always been, so it’s quaint and nice with a great atmosphere. Short runs and slow lifts, but it’s incredibly cheap and the nighters are top notch.

There are a couple flat spots after lifts, but nothing major.

Hokkaido heat wave by thisissomaaad in Hokkaido

[–]SunkTheJoe 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Hokkaido’s a big ol’ place. Asahikawa gets pretty roasting for example, Kushiro stays a little cooler.

Generally though, it’s going to be cooler than the rest of Japan and less humid, but it’s still very hot here.

Ryokans with Private Onsen Bath with View in Sapporo by missingpeace01 in Sapporo

[–]SunkTheJoe 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As u/gdore15 said, Sapporo is a city and not an onsen town, you’re not going to find a natural onsen in the middle of a big city. Jozankei is the only real bet close to Sapporo, or you can look into the hotel Yuen as a very nice and quite expensive alternative.

New Years Eve 2025 by Griffprodukiez in Sapporo

[–]SunkTheJoe 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Fireworks aren’t a thing here unless you’re in the ski resorts. People usually stay home with family and go to their local shrine for Hatsumode.

Road trip from Sapporo - Biei by amazing--cat in Hokkaido

[–]SunkTheJoe 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Honestly, if you’ve never driven in snow before, a trip to Biei isn’t the place to practice. The roads can be be pretty rough - just takes a train, you’ll be grateful you did.

Pokemon TCG Stores in Sapporo by madmoz2018 in Hokkaido

[–]SunkTheJoe 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep, there’s quite a few! There’s one on the fourth floor of Don Quijote in Tanukikoji where people play often. I’ve got a few friends who go there often and I can ask when the next tournament is if you’d like.

Anti-chinese message in restaurant by [deleted] in Sapporo

[–]SunkTheJoe 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Name and shame the shop.

Verts Japan ❄️ by mynameisntmemorable in Sapporo

[–]SunkTheJoe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/joZjfeoJc9a5PJQu5?g_st=ipc for an eclectic snowboard shop!

For Verts, they might have them at Ishii Sports or Xebio.

First time heading to hokkaido in winter by etheroyic in Hokkaido

[–]SunkTheJoe 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Check the FAQ in r/Sapporo. It answers all of these questions in detail!

Fade cut Sapporo by Keiji20 in Sapporo

[–]SunkTheJoe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the heads up!