Hokkaidō
Our very first trip to Japan—and wow, did it live up to the hype. We’d been dreaming of this one for a while, and from the moment we touched down, it was a full-on sensory adventure!
We flew San Diego to Narita, stayed a night, then caught a flight up to Sapporo where we headed straight for Niseko Hilton Village in Hokkaidō. Snow blanketed everything, and between the stunning mountain views and steaming onsen baths, it was equal parts peaceful and magical!
It was easy to catch a bus ride anywhere we needed to go. Throughout the week we explored a bunch of cool spots, like Bar Gyu, a cozy retro speakeasy packed with charm and inventive cocktails that surprise in all the best ways.
At the bottom of Hirafu Slope, just as the chill hits your cheeks, you’ll spot a cluster of food trucks dishing out some seriously satisfying eats. Keep an eye out for the Hokkaido Food Truck Yard sign—it’s your golden ticket to comfort food heaven.
From steaming bowls of ramen to perfectly crispy karaage and , this little pocket of warmth is the ideal pit stop after a few solid runs. Grab a bite, huddle up, and soak up that unbeatable après-ski energy.
We made a stop at Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm, and it’s every bit the treat you hope a snowy dairy farm visit will be. Their claim to fame? A custard-packed cream puff that’s as dreamy as it sounds—golden, delicate, and filled with silky-smooth custard that oozes with each bite.
Of course, we couldn’t skip the Hokkaido milk soft serve—rich, velvety, and somehow even more magical when eaten in the cold. (Seriously, it’s a must.) Everything is freshly made, and you can taste the quality in every bite.
But the real surprise hit for us? The Niseko Cheese Tartes. Crisp, buttery shells give way to a warm, fluffy cheese mousse that’s somehow light and rich at the same time. Absolute heaven—and, yes, we went back for seconds.
We also fell in love with Sankaitei, tucked up on Hirafu Hill—so much so, we ate there twice. Cozy and welcoming, it was the kind of spot that instantly made you feel at home, especially after a chilly day on the slopes.
We happened to visit during Lunar New Year, which made the experience feel even more festive. The energy was warm, the food was incredible, and the timing felt serendipitous—like we’d stumbled into a celebration we didn’t even know we needed.
Another place we frequented in Niseko Village was Baby Crosta—a tiny pizza spot with hand-stretched dough, perfectly crunchy crusts, and inventive toppings that hit the spot after a day on the mountain. It had that warm, tucked-away feel. We popped in more than once and every time was just as good as the last. If you’re craving something cozy, carby, and crafted with care—this is your place.
