By Lynn Fung | Asia Tatler

We head to Japan’s northern island and give tips on where to stay, what to eat and what to do in Sapporo and Niseko.

We head to Japan’s northern island and give tips on where to stay, what to eat and what to do in Sapporo and Niseko.

Sapporo

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido and one of Japan’s newest cities. As such, it is easier to navigate than Tokyo or Kyoto, thanks to the grid design of the streets.

Where to stay: Sapporo lacks many of the major hotel brands such as the Shangri-la, Peninsula or Ritz-Carlton. However, the British-themed Hotel Monterey Sapporo is a slightly cheesy yet good option. Its convenient location (five minutes away from the JR Sapporo station) and the English indoor-garden are just two of the many reasons to stay here.

Where to eat: Uni Murakami at the Nippon Life Insurance Building, this restaurant specialises in additive-free sea urchin from Hakodate, where the flagship restaurant is located. Uni gratin, tempura, sushi, sashimi or lightly roasted: take your pick and indulge all your sea urchin needs here.

Hokkaido is the home of the famous Royce chocolate brand, but it is Shiroi Koibito Park that is really worth a visit. A chocolate theme park by Ishiya, a local chocolate company, the park includes a Chocolate Lounge; a Cookiecraft Studio where you can make your own cookies; as well as a tour of the production line.

If visiting Sapporo during February, the Sapporo Snow Festival at Odori Park is a must-see. Held over a week in February (Feb 6-12, 2012), the Festival showcases hundreds of snow statues and ice sculptures and there are stalls all over the Park selling regional Hokkaido snacks such as piping hot potatoes and corn.

Niseko

Hokkaido is a winter wonderland and no skier or snowboarder should leave without taking the two-hour train or bus to visit the powdery paradise of Niseko, comprised of the three main skiing areas of Hirafu, Niseko Village and Annupuri.

Where to stay: If staying in Hirafu, which is the main ski area, the Vale Niseko is an easy choice. Located on the foot of the family slope of Hirafu, the main draw is its 30-second distance away from the ski lifts. We also like the Vale Bar & Grill (VBG), a bar and grill that serves an excellent steak burger as well as risotto; and Temperance, the Prohibition-era themed bar located in the basement.

What to eat: While VBG may do when you’re coming ravenous off the slopes and need something hearty, for something more Japanese and refined, jump in the car and drive 10 minutes to Annupuri, where Rakuichi is located. The tiny restaurant is famous for soba and tempura at lunch as the buckwheat noodle is handmade in front of customers to order. However, it’s at dinner where Rakuichi really shines, serving a seven-course kaiseki meal that utilises the very best of Hokkaido seafood and produce.

What to do: Well, ski, obviously. Hirafu offers the most number of runs but is also the most crowded. Annupuri has less people and more gentle, wide slopes, perfect for leisurely late afternoon runs.

After a strenuous morning of skiing or snowboarding, there is nothing better than sitting in an onsen. However, while Niseko abounds with onsens and natural springs, not all are created equal. The best is Kokumin-Shukusha Yukichichibu, about 10 minutes drive from Annupuri, which has five different outdoor springs at different temperatures to relieve your aching muscles, plus a particularly excellent one filled with sulphourous mud to help your skin combat the dry weather conditions. 680 Aza Yunosato, Rankoshi-cho.

Also see: Barcelona | Costa Rica | Kolkata