Yo guys. I will be travelling to Osaka/Hokkaido from 6th Dec to 16th Dec this year (Tickets bought - ANA). The following is my planned itinerary, would love to get some input from fellow experts here.

6th to 7th - Osaka (Mainly city, USJ)
8th to 10th - Arrival at New Chitose, depart for Niseko. Beginner 1st timer ski class at Hirafu. Accomodation at Hirafu.
10th to 12th - Hakodate
12th to 13th - Noboribetsu Onsen Hotel
13th to 16th - Mainly Sapporo, Otaru on 14th. Accomodation at Sapporo.

Theres a few things i would like fellow sifus opinion.

1. Any cost effective ways to travel from Niseko-Hakodate and Hakodate-Noboribetsu? As one way JR would cost approx 7000JPY. I was told thats the best way to travel as there will be no coach buses during winter for those routes? I have looked out at chuo bus website but so far no such route yet. Will driving be an option in winter? Eg. Rent a car from Niseko, drive down to Hakodate and return at Hakodate?

2. If at all we were to plan for a visit to a zoo with penguin parade, will Maruyama zoo be better? Or more worth it to travel to Arashiyama zoo?

3. Any suggestions for cost effective travel/transportation passes to recommend in the areas i am travelling to?

4. I know this is a very noob question but can we wear sportshoes in winter? Or must it be a boot?

Thanks and regards!

This post has been edited by csrulez: Oct 31 2016, 02:28 PM

Yo guys, any input? Hehe.