Hokkaido is now a complete winter wonderland. As the weather gets colder, the seafood—like the famous crab—gets even more delicious! The Donan region in southern Hokkaido is particularly famous as a treasure trove of ocean delicacies. The LOVE LOVE Hokkaido Bingo Stamp Rally, which started in August 2022, is now in its latter half. If you're visiting Hokkaido, why not join in, complete a bingo card by collecting stamps at various spots, and enter the lottery? You might just win some delicious Hokkaido treats!

Here at Domingo, we'll introduce a model route for a fun trip through the Donan region while collecting stamps. Joining us on our journey again is Rabbit Yukine, the pet character of Snow Miku!

We'll introduce a 2-day, 1-night model itinerary titled "A Trip with Rabbit Yukine! The LOVE LOVE Hokkaido Bingo Stamp Rally - Hakodate & Donan Edition." Get ready to fully enjoy Hakodate, a city packed with fun things to do!

This time, our journey starts at Okadama Airport. Before boarding the flight to Hakodate, let's join the Bingo Stamp Rally. Just scan the QR code with your smartphone to access the official website. Enter your name and password, and you're ready to go! Now, let's board the plane for Hakodate Airport! The Bingo Stamp Rally is convenient because after checking in, you can get stamps based on your location, so there's no need to search for a physical stamp station.

[Approx. 40-minute flight from Okadama Airport to Hakodate Airport]

After a 40-minute flight from Okadama Airport, we've arrived at Hakodate Airport, the southern gateway to Hokkaido. Let's get our first stamp, "Airport," here. From here, we'll use the benefits of the "Ikōze Nippon! HOKKAIDO LOVE! Donai Gurutto Wari" campaign to take a shuttle bus into Hakodate city.

This "Ikōze Nippon! HOKKAIDO LOVE! Donai Gurutto Wari" campaign gives a bus ticket to passengers who booked a 'Tokubin 7' fare at least 7 days in advance, which can be used upon arrival at the airport. The bus discount is 50%, so the shuttle bus to Hakodate Station, normally 500 yen for an adult, is just 250 yen! You can get the ticket at the departure airport's check-in counter, so head there right after you land.

[Approx. 20-minute shuttle bus ride from Hakodate Airport to JR Hakodate Station]

10:00 AM JR Hakodate Station (Stamp available)

Once you arrive at Hakodate Station, you can get the "Station B" stamp, so be sure to collect it. It's also a good idea to buy a one-day streetcar pass, which you'll use later, at the tourist information center in front of the station. Hakodate Station was just renovated in 2016. In front of the station, you'll find many great photo spots, like a monument of a parent and child and a gate symbolizing the Shinsengumi.

[Approx. 5-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station]

Now that you're in Hakodate, the first thing to do is seek out some delicious seafood. A 5-minute walk from the station brings you to the Hakodate Morning Market, a landmark of the city. With around 250 shops, the market, true to its name, is bustling from early in the morning. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as you wander around. You can see huge crabs, freshly caught fish, and pick out some souvenirs.

After a stroll through the market, lunchtime is approaching. Of course, you can't miss the colorful seafood bowls (*kaisendon*) piled high with delicious toppings, a morning market staple. The Hakodate Morning Market has many great restaurants for lunch clustered in the Donburi Yokocho area. The seafood bowls are overflowing with a wide variety of fresh ingredients, so you're sure to find one that's perfect for you.

Once you've had your fill, it's time to take the streetcar to Goryokaku.

[Approx. 20-minute streetcar ride from Hakodate Ekimae to Goryokaku Koen-mae, then an approx. 15-minute walk]

We've arrived at Goryokaku, one of Hakodate's most famous spots! It's also known as a historic fortress that was a stage for the Boshin War. In winter, when you can enjoy the scenery in peace, the view from Goryokaku Tower is highly recommended. From the second observation deck, the Goryokaku fortress is covered in a blanket of snow, creating a mystical atmosphere. The star shape emerging from the snowy landscape is a must-see! On a clear day, you can also see Mount Hakodate and the Tsugaru Strait.

Goryokaku Park

■ Address: 44 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate
■ Park Hours: April–October 5:00 AM–7:00 PM / November–March 5:00 AM–6:00 PM
(Hakodate Magistrate's Office: April–October 9:00 AM–6:00 PM / November–March 9:00 AM–5:00 PM *Last admission 15 minutes before closing)
*Last admission 15 minutes before closing ■ Admission: Free (some facilities have a fee)
See more details about 'Goryokaku Park' on Domingo

Goryokaku Tower

■ Address: 43-9 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate
■ Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM *Operating on reduced hours as of December 27, 2022
■ Admission: Adults 900 yen / Junior & Senior High School Students 680 yen / Elementary School Students 450 yen (Group discounts available)
See more details about 'Goryokaku Tower' on Domingo

After enjoying the history and scenery of Goryokaku, our Hakodate journey is far from over. Next up, some cute animals are waiting for us!

[Approx. 15-minute walk from Goryokaku Park to Goryokaku Koen-mae streetcar stop, then an approx. 15-minute streetcar ride to Aoyagi-cho, and another approx. 5-minute walk]

We've arrived at the animal facility inside Hakodate Park. This zoo, which is free to enter, is the perfect place to stop by during a walk in the park. Let's get our third stamp of the day here. All the animals living at this zoo have been rescued. They all live a relaxed life, and just watching them is healing. The zoo has a variety of creative touches, like a Yakushima deer antler helmet that lets you feel like a deer, a helmet to pretend you're a chicken, and fun facts that will make you go "Wow!"

[Approx. 7-minute walk from Hakodate Park Animal Facility]

A 7-minute walk from Hakodate Park, just as dusk begins to fall, brings us to Mount Hakodate. Around 4 PM in winter is the perfect magic hour. The city lights and the beautiful gradient of the sky combine to create a magical scene. The air is especially clear in winter, making the city lights shine beautifully, so let's take our time and enjoy the million-dollar night view. After soaking in the stunning scenery, we'll head to our hotel for the night.

Mount Hakodate Observatory (Hakodate Ropeway)

■ Address: 44 Hakodateyama, Hakodate
■ Ropeway Hours:
Regular: April 25 (Mon)–Oct 15 (Sat) 10:00 AM–10:00 PM, Oct 16 (Sun)–April 24 (Mon) 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
New Year's Eve: Dec 31 10:00 AM–Jan 1, 2023 1:00 AM (Last ascent at 12:30 AM)
*Hours are subject to change. Please check the official website for details.
■ Admission: Observatory and mountaintop parking are free
■ Ropeway Fare
Round Trip: Adults (Junior high and older) 1,500 yen / Children 700 yen
One Way: Adults (Junior high and older) 1,000 yen / Children 500 yen
See more details about 'Mount Hakodate Observatory' on Domingo

[Approx. 8-minute walk from Mount Hakodate, then an approx. 10-minute streetcar ride from Horai-cho to Hakodate Ekimae]

A 5-minute walk from Hakodate Station, we've arrived at tonight's accommodation, "Hotel WBF Hakodate Watatsumi-no-Yu"! The hot spring here is a free-flowing sodium-chloride strong salt spring, rich in iron. In addition to the large public bath, there's also an open-air bath where you can relax while feeling the Hakodate air. It will keep you warm long after your bath, soothing away the fatigue from your travels!

After a refreshing bath and with our stomachs rumbling, we'll head out for the Hakodate nightlife at "Hakodate Hikari no Yatai Daimon Yokocho," just a 5-minute walk from the hotel.

[Approx. 5-minute walk from WBF Hakodate Watatsumi-no-Yu]

Ramen, yakitori, Chinese food, sushi, and more—numerous food stalls line the alley, with delicious smells wafting from every direction. Daimon Yokocho boasts the largest scale of any food stall village in Japan. Enjoy the Hakodate night while sharing stories from your trip.

Day 2 begins with breakfast at the hotel! A breakfast full of seafood delicacies will leave you completely satisfied. After checking out, we'll head to Hakodate Station. Today, we're taking a train north.

[Approx. 28-minute ride on the Limited Express Hokuto No. 7 from JR Hakodate Station to JR Onuma Koen Station, then an approx. 4-minute walk]

We've arrived at Onuma Park, with its beautiful and refreshing scenery! Onuma Quasi-National Park corresponds to the "Recommended" spot in the LOVE LOVE Hokkaido Bingo Stamp Rally, so let's get the stamp upon arrival. The park is quite vast. You can explore the floating islands, go trekking or birdwatching, and just enjoy the park at your own leisurely pace!

Onuma Quasi-National Park

■ Address: Onuma-cho, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun (Onuma Quasi-National Park)
■ Admission: Free (Rowboats and sightseeing boats have a fee)
See more details about 'Onuma Quasi-National Park' on Domingo

[Approx. 1-minute walk from Onuma Quasi-National Park]

After working up an appetite, let's find a delicious Onuma lunch. Here at Mori Shoten, you can enjoy the owner's pride-and-joy: delicious curry. Inside the shop, with its natural, woody interior, the warmth from the wood-burning stove is wonderfully comforting.

Carried in on a gentle aroma of spices is Mori Shoten's specialty, the "Hokke Curry"! The crispy, fluffy fried Atka mackerel is topped with a creamy tartar sauce that pairs perfectly with the slightly spicy curry. The menu has plenty of other options, so let's enjoy lunch, perhaps with some seasonal amazake (sweet fermented rice drink).

[Approx. 1-minute walk from Mori Shoten]

Just a 1-minute walk from Mori Shoten, we arrive at "Numa no Ie," a famous shop for Onuma dango (dumplings)! When you come to Onuma, you can't miss these dango. While you might picture dango on a skewer, these come as many small dumplings in a box, a style said to be inspired by the islands floating in the lake.

You can choose from two types: sweet red bean paste (*an*) and soy sauce, or sesame and soy sauce. The Onuma dango from Numa no Ie have such a refined taste you could eat endless amounts. Our journey continues with another 30-minute train ride, enjoying these delicious dango along the way.

[Approx. 26-minute local train ride from JR Onuma Koen Station to JR Mori Station]

Traveling alongside the coastline, we've arrived at Mori Station. We're here to buy Mori's famous *ikameshi* (squid stuffed with rice) to eat on the way back! At Shibata Shoten, located just to the left as you exit the station, you can purchase this local specialty. When you take a bite of the tender squid simmered in a sweet and savory sauce with sticky rice, a juicy and gentle flavor fills your mouth. Resist the urge to eat the ikameshi right away, and let's head to Yakumo Town to see some bears!

[Approx. 21-minute ride on the Limited Express Hokuto No. 13 from JR Mori Station to JR Yakumo Station, then an approx. 8-minute walk]

An 8-minute walk from Yakumo Station brings us to the Yakumo Town Museum / Wood Carving Bear Museum. Here, you can get the "Museum/Art Gallery/Historical Museum" stamp. Once upon a time, wood-carved bears were such a famous souvenir that you could see them everywhere in Hokkaido.

Here in Yakumo Town, the birthplace of wood-carved bears, numerous works are on display, from powerful, large carvings to adorable smaller ones. You can fully appreciate the charm of these bears, which have a long history as a folk craft!

Yakumo Town Museum / Wood Carving Bear Museum

■ Address: 15444 Suehiro-cho, Yakumo-cho, Futami-gun
■ Hours: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM
■ Closed: Mondays, National Holidays, December 29–January 5
■ Admission: Free
See more details about 'Yakumo Town Museum / Wood Carving Bear Museum' on Domingo

Before we know it, the sun is setting, and it's time to leave the Donan region. Let's head for Sapporo, munching on our ikameshi while reminiscing about the trip.

[Approx. 2-hour 39-minute ride on the Limited Express Hokuto No. 15 from JR Yakumo Station to JR Sapporo Station]

The final stop on our stamp rally is Sapporo Station. Let's get the "Station A" stamp here. This concludes our model course for the Donan region. Blessed with seafood, hot springs, and scenic spots, Southern Hokkaido was full of amazing sights. The stamp rally provides a great reason to visit various places. We hope this model route was helpful. Be sure to use the stamps you collected to enter the lottery and win some fantastic prizes!