Thanks for your reply.

When I reach Sapporo on 19 Dec from Niseko, I will return the rental car in the city.

As I will be staying two nights in Sapporo and also exploring the nearby town Otaru, would it be better to use public transport rather than driving? I think it is difficult to navigate in the city.

On the 21 Dec, I will take either train/bus to the new Chitose Airport.

Your comment please. Thank you.

Do have you experience driving on snow? There could be heavy snowfall in the winter and accumulation on roads. Some roads can also be icy.

If there is any sort of snow or ice, not just for safety, but even just for efficiency, it's probably faster to use trains.

You definitely don't need a car within Sapporo and Otaru.

I think your itinery sounds fine.

If you are planning to stay at lake toya, I reccomend Kohantei hotel situated right on the lake, for a traditional Japanese experience.

www.best-of-sapporo-japan.com/toyako.html

We had a wonderful holiday in Hokkaido.

Snow is everywhere and skiing for my children was one of the highlights of the trip. We drove, so that made it very convenient to move around, especially in the area of Niseko Village. We could drop by anytime to go to places we fancied, e.g. Milk Kobo for its cream puff, LakeHill farm for its ice-cream.

The outdoor onsens at Greenleaf and Hilton were so wonderful, especially when the snow flakes were floating in the air and gliding down onto you.

The Hotel Kawanami, though not luxurious, was cosy and the dinner was scrumptious. The picturesque view from my Greenleaf hotel really made me want to stay longer.

All in all, it is one of the best holidays.

How is driving during winter. We r not used to driving in winter. Please advice.

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