Trip 1 — Taiwan & Hokkaido

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🚇 Taipei Transit — From Nangang (Hotel)

Taipei time now

—:—

—

BL Blue Line · est. next

—

Nangang → city center

Key routes from Nangang Station

Raohe Night Market

TRA 1 stop to Songshan · or Blue→Green transfer

~12 min

Taipei 101 / Xinyi

BL to Taipei City Hall + 8 min walk

~20 min

Din Tai Fung / Yongkang (Dongmen)

BL to Zhongxiao Xinsheng → O Orange to Dongmen

~30 min

Taipei Main Station

BL direct, ~13 stops

~28 min

Keelung (day trip 🦀)

TRA direct from Nangang, ~NT$41, every ~30 min

~40 min

Taoyuan Airport (TPE)

HSR Nangang → Taoyuan + Airport MRT · or Airport MRT from Taipei Main

~50 min

Tonghua / Linjiang Night Mkt

BL to Zhongxiao Fuxing → R Red to Xinyi Anhe

~30 min

Metro Taipei (live) Google Maps Transit HSR Booking TDX Open Data

⏱ "Est. next" is modeled from published Blue Line frequencies (~4 min peak / ~6–8 min off-peak, service ~06:00–24:00) and your live Taipei clock — not a live track feed. For exact real-time arrivals use the Metro Taipei page or Google Maps above.

🚇 Taipei MRT Quick Guide

5 Lines · 131 Stations · ~06:00–24:00 · EasyCard recommended

BL Blue Line — Bannan Line

Your hotel: Nangang → Kunyang → Taipei City Hall → Zhongxiao Xinsheng → Zhongxiao Fuxing → Zhongxiao Dunhua → … → Taipei Main → … → Xinpu
Key stops: Nangang (hotel, HSR, TRA) · Taipei City Hall (101/Xinyi area) · Taipei Main Station · Ximen (shopping/nightlife)

R Red Line — Danshui-Xinyi Line

Danshui ↔ Xinyi Anhe ↔ Daan ↔ Zhongxiao Xinsheng ↔ CKS Memorial Hall ↔ Dongmen ↔ Gongguan ↔ Xinbeitou
Key: Dongmen (Din Tai Fung, Yongkang St) · Daan Park · Xinyi Anhe (Tonghua Night Market)

G Green Line — Songshan-Xindian Line

Songshan ↔ Nanjing Fuxing ↔ Zhongxiao Xinsheng ↔ Da'an ↔ Gongguan ↔ Xindian
Key: Songshan (Raohe Night Market, 1 TRA stop from Nangang) · Shuanglian (Ningxia Night Market)

O Orange Line — Zhonghe-Xinlu Line

Neihu / Xinzhuang / Nanshi ↔ Songjiang Nanjing ↔ Zhongshan ↔ Shuanglian ↔ Zhonghe area
Key: Songjiang Nanjing (re-chao seafood) · Xingtian Temple (Addiction Aquatic Market)

BR Brown Line — Wenhu Line (elevated/automated)

Taipei City Hall ↔ Nanjing Fuxing ↔ Zhongshan Jr. High ↔ Muzha · Also Neihu Tech Park corridor
Key: Nanjing Fuxing transfer hub · Runs elevated — great city views

A Airport MRT — Taoyuan to Taipei Main

Express (purple, no stops): Taoyuan Airport T1/T2 → Taipei Main Station ~35 min, NT$160 · Commuter (blue dots): stops including A3 Xinzhuang · Runs ~06:00–23:00 every 15–30 min
From Nangang: BL to Taipei Main → Airport MRT, total ~50 min to TPE

Key Tips

💳

EasyCard (悠遊卡)

20% discount on MRT fares. Also works on TRA trains, buses, YouBike, convenience stores. Load at any station or 7-Eleven. NT$100 deposit + load value.

💰

Fares

NT$20–65 per trip by distance. Nangang → Taipei Main ~NT$45. Single-journey tokens from machines (coins + bills accepted). Children under 115cm free.

⏱️

Hours & Frequency

First train ~06:00, last train ~24:00 (00:30 on some lines on Fri/Sat). Peak headway 3–5 min · Off-peak 6–8 min. Nangang is almost the end of Blue Line so early trains fill up city-bound.

🔄

Transfers

Free within 1 hour of tapping in (EasyCard). Key transfer stations: Zhongxiao Xinsheng (BL↔G), Nanjing Fuxing (G↔BR), Taipei Main (BL, R, A, TRA). Tap in once per trip.

🚲

YouBike 2.0

Docked bike share at nearly every MRT station. Link EasyCard or scan QR. NT$10/30 min first 30 min with card. Great for last-mile to night markets.

⚠️

Nangang Tip

Hotel is near Nangang Station (BL) and Nangang Exhibition Center (BL, one stop east). Both access TRA for Keelung/Songshan. Check signs — two exits, complex is large.

Rules & Etiquette

🚫 No eating/drinking 🚫 No gum 🚫 No durian 🚫 Smoking anywhere in stations ✅ Luggage in designated areas ✅ Priority seats — give up if needed ✅ Strollers — use lifts, fold on escalators ✅ Phone calls — allowed but keep quiet

Fines: NT$1,500–7,500 for eating or drinking on board — enforced. Water bottles OK sealed. Violation stickers exist — TRTC takes this seriously.

📍 Nangang Station — your Blue Line hub

🗺️ Interactive Route Map Official MRT Guide First & Last Trains Fare Calculator Ticket Advisor Nangang on Maps

✈️ Outbound — Friday, Aug 28, 2026

EWR

Newark, NJ

9:30 AM

EDT

Aug 28

✈️ →

UA 1593

United Airlines | 6hr 3min

Terminal C

✓ BOOKED

SFO

San Francisco

12:33 PM

PDT

Aug 28

✓ Booked

2 hr 7 min layover in San Francisco

SFO

San Francisco

2:40 PM

PDT

Aug 28

✈️ →

UA 871

United Airlines | ~13hr 5min

Terminal International

✓ BOOKED

TPE

Taipei, Taiwan

6:45 PM

CST (+1 day)

Aug 29

✓ Booked

🇹🇼 Taipei — Aug 29 to Sep 12, 2026 (14 nights)

台北六福萬怡酒店 — Courtyard by Marriott Taipei 📍

Aug 29 – Sep 12

No. 359, Section 7, Zhongxiao E Rd, Nangang District · MRT Blue Line

14 nights

📅 Sat Sep 5 — Daxi Day Trip → Dinner with local friends
Morning: TRA Nangang → Taipei Main → Taoyuan (~35 min) → Bus to Daxi Old Street (~30 min)
  → Daxi Old Street crafts & shops (Baroque facades, woodwork, dried tofu)
  → Daxi Wood Art Ecomuseum (free — 11 colonial buildings, living woodcraft museum)
  → Optional: Cihu (慈湖) CKS mausoleum + statue field (~15 min away)
Afternoon: Bus 5098 Daxi → Zhongli (~60 min, NT$37) → explore SE Asian market district
🍽 18:30 Dinner: Thai Town Cuisine, 4/F Metro Walk — No. 509, Sec. 2, Zhongyuan Rd., Zhongli · w/ local friends
Return: TRA Zhongli → Taipei Main (~50 min) → MRT Blue Line → Nangang

🦀 Keelung Day Trip — Suggested Sun Aug 30 (alt: Sun Sep 6) Easy win from your hotel: Nangang TRA is in the same complex and runs direct to Keelung. Do harbor sights in the afternoon, then the legendary Miaokou Night Market for dinner. Note: Keelung is Taiwan's rainiest city — pack an umbrella.

🚆 Transportation Plan

Out: Nangang → Keelung · TRA direct, ~40 min, ~NT$41, every ~30 min · tap EasyCard, Keelung is the end of the line (can't miss it)
In town: Station → Zhengbin colorful houses & Heping Island Geopark via bus #101 (~15–20 min) or taxi (~NT$150) · Miaokou is a 10-min walk from the station, beside Dianji Temple
Back: TRA Keelung → Nangang, last trains run until ~23:30 — no need to rush dinner

🕑 Suggested timing

~13:00 Nangang → Keelung · 14:00 Zhengbin rainbow harbor (photos) · 15:00 Heping Island Geopark (sea-eroded rock platforms, Keelung Islet views; closes ~18:00) · 17:30 back to Dianji Temple · 18:00 Miaokou dinner crawl · ~21:00 train home

🍢 Miaokou stalls to hit (stalls are numbered)

#58 營養三明治 Nutritious Sandwich (Tianshengpu) — the Keelung icon: fried bun, ham, egg, cucumber, tomato, sweet mayo
#16 王記天婦羅 Wangji Tempura — Taiwanese tianbula fishcake, crisp outside/fluffy inside, sweet-chili dip
#5–8 吳記螃蟹羹 Crab Thick Soup — Keelung's signature thickened swimmer-crab soup
#27/#41 鼎邊趖 Ding Bian Cuo — rice-batter scrolls in a seafood-pork broth, a Keelung original
#37 泡泡冰 Pao Pao Bing — hand-whipped airy shaved ice (peanut & taro are classic)
#43-2 / #45 一口吃香腸 One-bite garlic sausage — tiny grilled sausages with raw garlic, ~NT$8 each
Also: 蚵仔煎 oyster omelet · 泡泡冰 · 三明治 · fried 丁香魚 anchovies · grilled squid. Go hungry, bring cash, peak 19:00–22:00.

Other Weekend Trips — To Be Planned Options: Jiufen, Taroko Gorge, Tainan, Alishan, Yilan, Kenting... see Weekend Guide tab in Excel tracker

🍜 Full Taipei Food & Drink Guide below ↓ 50+ picks organized by distance from the hotel & MRT access — Nangang walk-ups, Raohe night market, iconic eats, fish & sushi, mala/spicy, and adventurous bites.

🍜 Taipei Food & Drink Guide — by Distance & MRT

① Nangang — Walk or 1 Stop from Hotel

CITYLINK Nangang 📍

Mall dining · Ramen · Yakiniku · Hotpot · Food court 8–9F

~6 min walk
BL Nangang

Built right on top of Nangang Station — your easy default for weeknight dinners. Inside: Ippudo Ramen, Gyu-Kaku yakiniku, Mo-Mo-Paradise shabu-shabu, plus a big food court (floors 8–9) and bakeries/cafés at ground level. Open late, air-conditioned, card-friendly.

點水樓 Dian Shui Lou (Nangang) 📍

Jiangzhe cuisine · Soup dumplings · NT$400–900/pp

~8 min
BL Nangang

Refined Jiangsu-Zhejiang restaurant famed for xiao long bao (try the luffa & the original) and Hangzhou-style dishes. A sit-down alternative to Din Tai Fung without leaving Nangang. Near CITYLINK / Global Mall.

Map & hours

永和豆漿大王 · Yonghe Soy Milk King

Taiwanese breakfast · Soy milk · Youtiao · ~NT$60–120

walk
BL Nangang

Classic 24-hr Taiwanese breakfast chain near the station — warm/cold soy milk (豆漿), youtiao fried dough, dan bing egg crepes, turnip cake, fan tuan rice rolls. Cheap, fast, and the right way to start a workday.

Bogart's Smokehouse 📍 / Neverland Noodle Bar

American BBQ · craft beer · noodle bar — Western comfort options

~10 min
BL Nangang

When you want a break from Chinese food: Texas-style smoked brisket & ribs at Bogart's, or a casual craft-noodle/beer spot at Neverland. Both highly rated in the Nangang cluster.

② Raohe Night Market — Closest Big Market

🏮 Raohe Street Night Market · G Songshan Exit 5 · ~12 min from hotel

600 m of stalls by Ciyou Temple. From Nangang: TRA one stop to Songshan (fastest) or Blue→Green via transfer. Go ~5:30–6:30 pm or after 10 pm to dodge crowds. Bring cash. 6 Michelin-listed stalls here.

福州世祖胡椒餅 · Fuzhou Black Pepper Buns

Tandoor-baked pork-and-pepper bun · ~NT$60 · entrance stall

🔥 Signature

First stall at the Ciyou Temple entrance — crispy sesame crust, juicy peppery pork, baked tandoor-style. The single most famous bite at Raohe; expect a queue that moves fast.

陳董藥燉排骨 / A-Kuo Lu Wei 📍

Herbal rib soup & braised snacks (lu wei) · Michelin street-food listed

🎖 Michelin

Two Raohe institutions: medicinal rib soup (藥燉排骨) — pork ribs in a warming herbal broth — and A-Kuo's lu wei, Michelin-listed braised cold cuts you point-and-pick. Pure Taipei night-market comfort.

東發號 Dong Fa Hao · + oyster vermicelli & stinky tofu

80-yr vermicelli/meat soup · oyster mee sua · 蚵仔煎 oyster omelet

⭐ Classic

Century-old Dong Fa Hao does just three things (vermicelli, meat soup, sticky rice). Elsewhere in the lane: oyster vermicelli (蚵仔麵線), oyster omelet (蚵仔煎), and fermented stinky tofu (臭豆腐) for the adventurous.

③ Iconic Taipei — Worth the MRT Ride

鼎泰豐 Din Tai Fung 📍

World-famous xiao long bao · NT$300–700/pp · many branches

~25–30 min
R Dongmen

The benchmark for soup dumplings. Flagship at Yongkang St (Dongmen, Red Line); also Taipei 101 and Nanjing branches. 18-fold XLB, truffle XLB, drunken chicken, sticky rice shumai. Take a number, it moves quickly.

Branches & queue

林東芳牛肉麵 Lin Dong Fang 📍

Beef noodle soup · NT$200–300 · open late

~22 min
BL Zhongxiao Fuxing

Taipei's signature dish done right — tendon-rich beef noodle soup (牛肉麵) with a clean peppery broth and famous chili-butter. Straight shot on the Blue Line from Nangang. For an upscale version, Yongkang Beef Noodle near Dongmen.

杭州小籠湯包 Hang Zhou XLB 📍

Soup dumplings · Bib Gourmand · NT$200–400 · near CKS Memorial

🎖 Bib Gourmand

Local favorite many Taipei residents rate above Din Tai Fung for value — thin-skinned XLB from fresh pork hind-leg, plus excellent luffa & shrimp dumplings. R CKS Memorial Hall. Expect a line.

Gua Bao · Bubble Tea · the classics

刈包 pork-belly bun · 珍珠奶茶 boba · 滷肉飯 braised pork rice

everywhere

Don't overthink these — gua bao (steamed bun, braised pork belly, pickled greens, peanut powder, cilantro), lu rou fan braised pork over rice, and original bubble tea are on nearly every block. Chains like Chen San Ding (boba) and any busy lu rou fan counter deliver.

④ Fish, Seafood & Sushi

上引水產 Addiction Aquatic Development 📍

Fish market + standing sushi/oyster bar · cash only · NT$500–1,500

~30 min
R Xingtian Temple

A gourmet fish market with a buzzing standing sushi bar, oyster bar, and seafood grill. Live king crab, uni, sashimi, geoduck — buy and have it prepped, or stand and eat omakase-style. Cash only. Go on a weekday/off-peak. Open late.

Info

鵝肉城活海鮮 / Liaoning St seafood 📍

Re-chao seafood (live tanks) · point-and-pick · NT$600–1,200/pp

~28 min
O Songjiang Nanjing

Boisterous re-chao (热炒) live-seafood hall — pick from tanks, order beer by the case, get clams in basil, salt-and-pepper shrimp, stir-fried greens. The quintessential rowdy Taipei seafood dinner. Liaoning Street area has several.

Omakase row — Tomigusuku / Sushi Yoshi / Mille

Edomae omakase · NT$2,000–6,000+/pp · reserve ahead

🍣 Higher-end

Taipei has a deep omakase scene (much Japanese-trained talent). If you want a proper sushi night, book a counter in Zhongshan / Da'an a week+ ahead via inline or the shop's LINE. Good value vs Tokyo for the quality.

⑤ Mala & Spicy — Numbing Heat (麻辣)

鼎王麻辣鍋 Tripod King 📍

Sichuan mala hotpot · duck-blood & tofu in the broth · NT$800–1,200/pp

🌶🌶🌶

Benchmark mala hotpot — peppercorn-and-chili broth with 40+ spices, bottomless duck blood & tofu. Get the half-and-half (鴛鴦) pot so you can pace the numbing heat. Reserve; popular branches near Zhongshan/Songjiang.

青花驕 Qinghua Jiao · / 老老 Lao Lao

Chongqing "nine-leaf" peppercorn broth · upscale mala · NT$900–1,500/pp

BR/O Nanjing Fuxing

For a fresher, more aromatic numbing: Qinghua Jiao uses cold-chain fresh Sichuan peppercorns; Lao Lao is the polished, premium-ingredient option near Nanjing Fuxing. Both lean serious-spice — say your tolerance level.

開飯川食堂 KaiFan Sichuan

À-la-carte Sichuan (not hotpot) · mapo tofu, kung pao, dan dan · NT$400–700/pp

BL near Nangang

If you want mala flavor without committing to a full hotpot: plated Sichuan — mapo tofu, mouthwatering chicken (口水雞), dan dan noodles, dry-fried green beans. A branch sits in the Nangang cluster, easy from the hotel.

⑥ More Night Markets & Adventurous Bites

🏮 Night markets ranked by access from Nangang

Raohe G Songshan ~12 min — closest & best all-rounder (see ② above)
Tonghua / Linjiang R Xinyi Anhe ~30 min — upscale Da'an, purest "local" feel, blowtorched beef, pan-fried buns
Ningxia G/O Shuanglian ~35 min — old-school classics: oyster omelet, taro balls, Liu Yu Zi egg yolk taro
Shilin R Jiantan ~45 min — biggest & most touristy: giant fried chicken, oyster omelet, games

😋 Adventurous / uniquely Taiwan

Stinky tofu (臭豆腐) — fermented, deep-fried, served with pickled cabbage & chili · Pig blood cake (豬血糕) on a stick, peanut + cilantro · Oyster omelet (蚵仔煎) · Peanut + cilantro ice-cream roll (花生捲冰淇淋) — shaved peanut brittle, cilantro, ice cream in a thin wrap · Coffin bread (棺材板) · Century egg with tofu. Most are at Raohe or any market — point, pay cash, dive in.

📋 Taiwan Quick Guides

💳 EasyCard & Paying for Things

▼

Get it: Any MRT station fare machine (NT$100 deposit + load amount). Also sold at convenience stores.
Works on: MRT (20% discount), TRA trains (local fares), city buses, YouBike 2.0, FamilyMart / 7-Eleven / OK Mart checkout, some taxis, some restaurants.
Top up: At any MRT machine (accepts NT$100/500/1000 notes), 7-Eleven, FamilyMart. Auto-reload option available via phone app.
Refund: Return at any MRT station — get deposit + remaining balance minus NT$20 fee. Or just keep it for next trip.
Tip: Keep ≥ NT$200 on card at all times. Turnstile beeps if you tap out with insufficient balance — can still exit but you'll be blocked re-entry until topped up.

🚕 Taxis & Rideshare

▼

Flag fare: NT$85 for first 1.25 km, then NT$5 per 250m (daytime). Night surcharge 11pm–6am (+NT$20 flag). Luggage: free.
Typical fares from Nangang: Taipei Main Station ~NT$200 · Raohe Night Market ~NT$130 · Taipei 101 ~NT$250 · Airport not recommended (use MRT/HSR).
Payment: Most accept EasyCard. Some accept credit card. Cash safest.
Apps: LINE Taxi (most common in Taiwan) · Uber works in Taipei · 55688 (call-in service, English okay for hotels).
Tips: Have destination in Chinese or show the address on your phone. Most drivers are honest — metered is standard. Yellow cabs are regulated. Hotel can call for you anytime.

🚲 YouBike 2.0 — Bike Share

▼

Cost: NT$10/30 min (first 30 min free with registered EasyCard). After 1 hr: NT$20/30 min. Dockless return to any station.
How to rent: Link EasyCard via YouBike app or tap EasyCard at any dock kiosk. Or scan QR on bike with app. Bikes are 3-speed, well-maintained.
Stations near hotel: Nangang MRT exits, CITYLINK mall area, Nangang Software Park.
Best use: Last-mile from MRT to night market, riverside cycling paths (Dajia Riverside Park is beautiful), Raohe-area exploration. Not ideal for hills or rain.
App: YouBike微笑單車 (iOS/Android). Register with phone number + credit card + EasyCard ID.

📱 SIM Cards & Internet

▼

Best option: Buy tourist SIM at TPE airport on arrival (Arrivals level, open 24/7). Chunghwa Telecom or Taiwan Mobile — unlimited data 30-day for ~NT$300–500.
eSIM: If your phone supports it, activate before departure — Airalo, Klook, or direct from Chunghwa. Slightly less hassle than physical SIM.
Free WiFi: iTaiwan (government free wifi, ~4G, available at MRT stations, parks, libraries — register once via SMS). Hotel wifi generally solid.
MRT wifi: Free but intermittent in tunnels. Platforms have good coverage.
Note for Japan: Buy a separate Japan SIM or international plan — Taiwan SIM won't cover Hokkaido.

💵 Cash & ATMs

▼

Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (TWD / NT$). ~31–32 TWD = 1 USD (check live rate in converter above).
ATMs: 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards (VISA/MC/Amex) 24/7 — most reliable. Citibank, HSBC ATMs also good. Postal ATMs (green) work for most cards. NT$20,000/day limit typical.
How much cash: Night markets are cash-only. Budget NT$500–1,500/person per market visit. Restaurants mid-range are increasingly card-friendly. Taxis prefer cash.
Exchange: Airport rates OK (not great). Taipei Main Station money changers competitive. Banks have good rates but ID required (passport). Avoid hotel exchange.
Cards: Visa/MC widely accepted at hotels, chain restaurants, malls. Amex less so. Smaller shops/markets: cash only.

🚄 HSR (High-Speed Rail) Quick Reference

▼

Your station: Nangang is the eastern terminus of HSR — all southbound HSR starts here. Walk from Courtyard (connected complex).
Key routes from Nangang:
  → Taoyuan (Airport): ~20 min · NT$155 · then Airport MRT to TPE T1/T2
  → Taichung: ~45 min · NT$700
  → Tainan: ~1h 40min · NT$1,350
  → Zuoying (Kaohsiung): ~2h · NT$1,630
Book: thsrc.com.tw (EN) · Up to 28 days ahead · Early discount 35% off · No booking fee. EasyCard doesn't work on HSR.
Tip: Window seat right side going south for views. Trains run every 15–30 min peak. Standard class is fine — business class barely different.

✈️ Taipei → Sapporo — Saturday, Sep 12, 2026

TPE

Taipei (Taoyuan)

6:55 AM

CST

Sep 12

✈️ →

BR 166

EVA Air | ~4hr 0min

Terminal 2

✓ BOOKED

CTS

Sapporo (Chitose)

11:55 AM

JST

Sep 12

✓ Booked

🇯🇵 Sapporo, Hokkaido — Sep 12 to 17, 2026 (5 nights)

Vessel Hotel Campana Susukino 📍

Sep 12 (2pm) – Sep 17 (11am)

6-16-1 Minamigojonishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0805

5 nights · Near Susukino entertainment district

SAT
SEP 12

Arrive + Autumn Fest Opening Night

Arrive CTS 11:55am → airport express to Sapporo (~40 min) → hotel check-in 2pm
Afternoon: settle in, walk Susukino
Evening: Sapporo Autumn Fest opening night — hit 11-chome (PRECIOUS TABLE) first before sellouts, then seafood at 8-chome (uni, crab, scallops), drinks at 7-chome bar. Open 10am–8:30pm, free entry.

SUN
SEP 13

🚂 Otaru Day Trip

Morning train from Sapporo Station → Otaru (~40 min, ~¥750, covered by pass)
Kitaichi Glass — handmade Hokkaido glass, kerosene lamp designs
Otaru Orgel — music box workshop + shop, watch them made
Otaru Canal — stone warehouses converted to boutiques & sake breweries
Lunch: Sushi Street (fresh uni + crab, strong value vs Sapporo)
Back to Sapporo by late afternoon → Susukino bar hop evening

MON
SEP 14

🚂 Hakodate (Depart — Overnight)

Morning Hokuto Limited Express → Hakodate (~2h 50min, ~¥8,910, covered by pass)
Motomachi Historic District — Western-style buildings, Old Public Hall, churches
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses — craft shops, souvenirs, bay views
Evening: Mt. Hakodate night view — ropeway up for the city lights (one of Japan's top 3 night views)
Stay overnight in Hakodate — book hotel separately

TUE
SEP 15

🐟 Hakodate Morning Market → Return to Sapporo

Early: Hakodate Asaichi (Morning Market) — opens 5am, fresh crab, uni, squid, don bowls. Go before 8am, crowds build fast.
Mid-morning: Hokuto Limited Express back to Sapporo (~2h 50min)
Afternoon: relax, Hokkaido Shrine or Sapporo Beer Museum (free, tasting paid)
Evening: Jingisukan (Genghis Khan lamb BBQ) dinner in Susukino — the definitive Hokkaido meal

WED
SEP 16

Sapporo Free Day + Autumn Fest Evening

Flex day — optional: Moerenuma Park (Isamu Noguchi sculpture park, ~30 min by bus), Nakajima Park walk, Nijo Market
Pack for departure
Evening: Autumn Fest final session — 11-chome PRECIOUS TABLE + 6-chome live music + 7-chome wine bar. Quietest weekday of the stay.
Late: Susukino shime ramen or parfait (local post-drinking tradition)

THU
SEP 17

✈ Departure Day

Morning: optional quick Autumn Fest run (11-chome opens 10am) if energy allows
Airport bus from Susukino stop (~70 min to CTS, ~¥1,100) or luggage delivery night before + Airport Express (~40 min, ¥1,150 — NOT on pass, buy separately)
NH 2154 departs 1:40 PM → allow 2h+ for check-in. Aim to leave hotel by 10:30am latest.

🍜 Casual Must-Eats Quick Ref

Autumn Fest (Odori Park): Uni, king crab, Jingisukan, miso ramen, Sapporo Classic draft, soft-serve — bring cash (¥10,000+), 7-Eleven ATMs nearby
Otaru Sushi Street: Freshest uni/crab in Hokkaido, strong value vs Sapporo prices
Hakodate Morning Market (Sep 15): Donburi Yokocho arcade (~20 restaurants) + Uni Murakami — go before 8am
Susukino evenings: Jingisukan izakayas, miso ramen, shime parfait or ramen post-drinks
Hakodate Ramen: Ajisai shio ramen (Bib Gourmand, near Goryokaku) · Ramen Kamomë (seafood miso, 8-seat gem near market)

↓ Full Michelin dining guide with booking links — see section below ↓

🏨 Hakodate Hotel — Mon Sep 14 Night · Station / Bay Area

OMO5 Hakodate by Hoshino Resorts 📍

Station area · 24-1 Wakamatsu-cho · 2 min walk to Daimon Yokocho snack bars

✅ Booked

Sep 14 Mon (check-in 3pm) – Sep 15 Tue (checkout 11am)

24-1 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 0400063 · Near JR Hakodate Station 📍

Room: Superio Twin · 2 min walk to JR Hakodate Station
Nightlife: Daimon Yokocho 2 min walk (30 izakayas & snack bars) · Honcho snack bar district ~12 min tram
Free shuttles: Hourly bus to Hakodate Ropeway & Goryokaku · Direct night-view bus to Mt. Hakodate Observatory · Shuttle to Onuma Park
Activity option: Morning Hakodate JIYUU Market Tour (book via hotel)

Hotel Info

Bay Area Alternative

La Vista Hakodate Bay 📍

¥18,000–¥40,000/night (~$125–$275)

Best atmosphere in the city — right on the waterfront, 1 min from Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses · Rooftop open-air hot spring bath overlooking Hakodate Bay · Excellent Hokkaido seafood breakfast · 10 min walk to Mt. Hakodate Ropeway · Nightlife nearby in Suehirocho & Motomachi area

Booking.com Agoda

🚡 Getting there: Hokuto Limited Express Sapporo→Hakodate (~2h 50min, ~¥8,910, JR pass covered) · Hakodate Station is walking distance to OMO5; free OMO5 shuttle to Bay Area if staying there
🍶 Nightlife Sep 14: Daimon Yokocho (30 tiny bars & izakaya, 2 min from station) → Honcho district (snack bar hopping, hostess bars, karaoke — tram ~12 min to Goryokaku area)
🏯 Sightseeing Sep 14: Motomachi → Kanemori Warehouses → Goryokaku Fort → Mt. Hakodate Ropeway night view (one of Japan's top 3)
🐟 Sep 15 morning: Hakodate Morning Market (opens 5am, peak 6–9am, 5 min walk from OMO5) → checkout → JR Hokuto back toward Sapporo or onward

🍽 Michelin Dining Guide — Sapporo & Hakodate

🏙 Sapporo Picks · Sep 12–17

Sushi Miyakawa 📍

Omakase Sushi · Maruyama district · ¥44,000/pp online · 5 min from Nishi 28-chome Station

⭐⭐⭐ Michelin

Sapporo's only 3-star. Chef Masaaki Miyakawa trained at Sushi Yoshitake (Tokyo, 3⭐). 7-seat counter + private table. Sep menu highlights: Pacific saury (sanma), Hokkaido uni, Oma tuna. Three-type red vinegar shari. Seatings: 17:00–19:15 & 19:30–22:00. Closed Wednesday.

⚡ Phone book: Call Aug 1 at 11:00am JST 📞 011-613-2221 TableAll Official Site

Cancellation: 50% day before · 100% day-of. Calendar & closed days on official site.

Tempura Araki 📍

Tempura Omakase · Susukino · ¥15,000–25,000/pp · 8–9 counter seats

⭐⭐ Michelin

Earned 2 stars just 2 years after opening. Chef Araki cooks directly in front of you — crisp, light tempura showcasing Hokkaido's seasonal best. Only two seatings per day, books out weeks ahead.

TableAll ✓ OMAKASE.in KKday JPNEAZY 📞 011-552-5550

Himeshara 📍

Japanese Cuisine · Susukino · ¥20,000+/pp

⭐⭐ Michelin

2-star Japanese cuisine in Susukino. Seasonal Hokkaido ingredients with refined technique. Intimate setting. Book direct via website or phone.

himeshara.jp 📞 090-6992-3247

Hyousetsu No Mon 📍

Crab Specialist · Susukino · Est. 1964 · Courses from ¥8,000

🦀 Michelin Recommended

Sapporo's legendary crab restaurant since 1964. King crab, snow crab, hairy crab — sashimi, tempura, shabu-shabu, grilled, steamed all in one course. Private tatami rooms. English menu. Near Susukino Station. Book 2–3 weeks ahead.

AutoReserve ✓ Klook JPNEAZY

Susukino Sushikin 📍

High-end Omakase Sushi · Susukino · Dinner from ¥15,000 · Open 18:00+

🎖 Michelin Bib Gourmand

Founded 1972, elevated to high-end omakase under second-generation chef. Walking distance from Vessel Hotel. Good backup if Miyakawa unavailable.

⏰ Book opens Jul 14 — reserve immediately TableAll TableCheck 📞 011-251-9521

🏯 Hakodate Picks · Sep 14–15

Ryotei Fumoto 📍

Kaiseki · Houraicho · Est. 1961 · Dinner ¥15,000+/pp · Lunch ¥6,000+/pp

⭐⭐ Michelin

The only 2-star restaurant in Hakodate. 60+ year history. Signature: squid somen, salmon roe rice, seasonal Hakodate seafood in kaiseki style. 1-min walk from Hourai-cho streetcar stop. Lunch 11:45–14:00 / Dinner 17:30–22:00 (last entry 19:30). Sep 14 dinner ideal.

AutoReserve (English) Klook 📞 0138-26-3456

L'Oiseau par Matsunaga 📍

French-Hokkaido Fusion · Kashiwagi-cho · ¥8,000–20,000/pp

⭐ Michelin

Chef trained 7.5 yrs Tokyo + 6 yrs France (Michel Trama, Regis Marcon). Charming detached house. Mon lunch 12:00–15:00; Mon dinner 18:00–22:00 (last entry 19:30). Sep 14 Monday — both lunch and dinner slots available.

Tabelog (EN) Savor Japan JPNEAZY

Sushi-Dokoro Kihara 鮨処木はら 📍

Omakase Sushi · Yunokawa · ¥8,000–15,000/pp · Ocean view counter

🎖 Highly Acclaimed

Chef with 40 years experience — consistently called "best sushi ever." Reservation-only. Private room with ocean view. Book as early as possible.

Official Site 📞 0138-57-8825

Uni Murakami — Morning Market 📍

Uni Specialist · Morning Market entrance · ¥2,000–5,000 · Sep 15 early

🎖 Michelin Recognized

Gold standard Hakodate uni. Sources from Rishiri, Rebun, Setana — no alum, pure ocean sweetness. Open from 5am. Go before 8am on Sep 15. Uni bowls ¥2,500–4,500.

uni-murakami.com 📞 0138-26-8821 Walk-in only · Before 8am

Menchuubo Ajisai 麺厨房あじさい 📍

Hakodate Salt Ramen · Near Goryokaku Park · ¥1,000–1,500 · Est. 1930s

🎖 Michelin Bib Gourmand

80+ year institution. Hakodate's signature shio ramen — ultra-clear, complex kombu/pork/chicken broth. Visit Sep 14 afternoon near Goryokaku Fort. Expect 20–45 min queue. Worth every minute.

ajisai.tv 📞 0138-51-8373 Walk-in · Near Goryokaku

🚂 JR Hokkaido Rail Pass — ¥22,000 (5-day flex)

Covers all Hokkaido trains: Sapporo ↔ Otaru (~¥750 × 2), Sapporo ↔ Hakodate × 2 (~¥8,910 × 2). Standalone cost ~¥20,470 — essentially break-even, any side trip tips it clearly in favor of the pass. Buy at New Chitose Airport (CTS) on arrival Sep 12 or Sapporo Station.
⚠️ Sep 17 CTS Airport Express is NOT covered — buy separately ¥1,150, or airport bus from Susukino (~¥1,100, ~70 min). Consider Yamato Transport luggage forward night before (¥1,500–2,500).

📋 Japan / Hokkaido Quick Guides

🚂 JR Hokkaido Pass — Full Details

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Pass: JR Hokkaido 5-Day Flexible Pass · ¥22,000 (~$150) · Valid 5 non-consecutive days within 10 days of activation.
Buy: At CTS (New Chitose Airport) JR ticket counter or Sapporo Station. Bring passport. You can also pre-buy via KKday/JR Hokkaido online and collect at counter.
Covers: All JR Hokkaido trains — Sapporo↔Otaru (¥750×2), Sapporo↔Hakodate (¥8,910×2), local Hokkaido trains.
Does NOT cover: Sep 17 Airport Express CTS↔Sapporo (¥1,150, buy separately) · Hakodate City Tram (¥260/ride or ¥600/day pass) · Sapporo Subway.
Strategy: Activate Sep 13 (Otaru), Sep 14 (Hakodate go), Sep 15 (Hakodate return). That's 3 days. Keep 2 more in case of side trips. Pass break-even at ~¥20,470.
Reserve seats: JR Hokkaido seats (Hokuto Limited Express) are free with pass — reserve at counter to guarantee a seat on busy days.

💳 IC Card / Suica in Hokkaido

▼

Recommended: Load a Suica (or get Sapporo IC) with ¥5,000–10,000 for local transit, convenience store payments, and vending machines.
Works in Sapporo: Sapporo Municipal Subway (Namboku, Tozai, Toho lines) · Sapporo City Tram · City buses · 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson.
Works in Hakodate: Hakodate City Tram (Yunokawa–Hakodate Dock line) · City buses.
Get it: If you have an iPhone/Apple Watch, add Suica in Wallet app before the trip (no physical card needed). Or buy/load at Sapporo Station. Physical Suica works at any Sapporo station machine.
Fares: Sapporo subway ¥210–380/trip · Hakodate tram ¥260 flat.
Note: JR Hokkaido Pass NOT usable on Sapporo subway — they're separate systems.

🚇 Sapporo Subway — 3 Lines

▼

Namboku Line (N · Green):麻生 Asabu ↔ 真駒内 Makomanai · Key: Sapporo (main station) · Odori (Autumn Fest, city center) · Susukino (entertainment, hotel area)
Tozai Line (T · Orange): 宮の沢 Miyanosawa ↔ 新さっぽろ Shin-Sapporo · Key: Odori transfer · Maruyama Koen (Zoo, park) · Nishi 28-chome (Sushi Miyakawa)
Toho Line (H · Blue): 栄町 Sakaemachi ↔ 福住 Fukuzumi · Key: Sapporo transfer · Shin-Sapporo
From your hotel (Susukino): 1 stop to Odori (Autumn Fest) on Namboku. 2 stops to Sapporo Station.
Fares: ¥210–350 · Day pass ¥830 (worth it if doing museum + Maruyama) · Runs ~06:00–24:00 every 3–8 min.

🚋 Hakodate City Tram

▼

System: Two lines (Yunokawa Line + Hakodate Dock Line) sharing downtown tracks. Vintage feel, very reliable.
Flat fare: ¥260/ride (IC card) or ¥260 cash (exact change or IC).
Day pass: ¥600 (unlimited day) — worth it if doing Motomachi + Ropeway + market. Buy from driver.
Key stops: Hakodate-Ekimae (station, near OMO5) · Hourai-cho (Ryotei Fumoto) · Jujigai (Motomachi Historic District) · Yachigashira (Mt. Hakodate Ropeway) · Goryokaku-Koen-Mae (Goryokaku Fort, Ajisai ramen)
From OMO5: 2 min walk to Hakodate-Ekimae stop. Tram every 8–12 min. Last tram ~22:30.

💴 Cash & ATMs in Japan

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Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY / ¥). ~155–160 ¥ = 1 USD currently (check converter above).
ATMs: 7-Eleven ATMs are the most reliable for foreign cards — open 24/7, English menus, ¥50,000/transaction limit. Post Office ATMs (ゆうちょ) also excellent. Citibank ATMs. Convenience store ATMs > bank ATMs.
Cash is king: Most Michelin restaurants, small ramen shops, morning markets, and izakayas are cash only. Bring ¥10,000–20,000/day for active days.
How much to carry: Autumn Fest vendors = cash. Sushi Miyakawa/Araki = card likely accepted (confirm when booking). Hakodate morning market = cash.
Cards: Visa/MC widely accepted at hotels, department stores, chains. JCB and Amex less reliable outside cities.

🍽 Hokkaido Food & Dining Tips

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Must-eat in Hokkaido: Fresh uni (sea urchin) · Snow crab (ズワイガニ) · King crab (タラバガニ) · Hairy crab (毛ガニ, in season Sep) · Jingisukan lamb BBQ · Soup curry (Sapporo original) · Miso ramen · Soft-serve dairy (コーン付き) · Ika sōmen (squid noodles, Hakodate specialty).
Autumn Fest (Odori Park Sep 12–16): Each chome (block) has a theme — 11-chome = restaurant booths (PRECIOUS TABLE, etc.), 8-chome = seafood, 7-chome = bar/drinks, 6-chome = live music + food. Bring ¥10,000+ for a proper night. Bring cash — card rarely accepted at stalls.
Jingisukan: Hokkaido's BBQ — tender lamb grilled on a domed cast-iron pan with bean sprouts, onion, and a sweet-savory dipping sauce. Daruma (だるま) in Susukino is the iconic spot. Casual booking OK via Tabelog or walk-in.
Shime (締め): Post-drinking tradition — end the night with ramen or soft-serve ice cream parfait. Sapporo has 24-hr ramen shops near Susukino for exactly this.
Reservation etiquette: Show up on time (not late). Cancel 24h+ in advance. Phone ahead to confirm same-day. Some restaurants won't seat solo without reservation even if empty.

🏠 Return — Thursday, Sep 17, 2026

CTS

Sapporo (Chitose)

1:40 PM

JST

Sep 17

✈️ →

NH 2154

ANA · ~1hr 45min

✓ BOOKED

NRT

Tokyo (Narita)

3:25 PM

JST

Sep 17

2 hr 0 min connection at Narita — Terminal 1

NRT

Tokyo (Narita)

5:25 PM

JST

Sep 17

✈️ →

UA 78

United · ~12hr 40min · T1

✓ BOOKED

EWR

Newark, NJ

5:05 PM

EDT (same day)

Sep 17

✅ Pre-Trip Checklist

✅ All flights & hotels booked. What's left is documents, the rail pass, IC card, and dinner reservations.

🍽 Suggested Dinner Reservation Plan — Hokkaido

Sat Sep 12 — Autumn Fest opening night at Odori (casual, no booking)
Sun Sep 13 — ⭐ TEMPURA ARAKI book the later seating (~19:30) — back from Otaru by late afternoon, a short walk from the hotel
Mon Sep 14 — Ryotei Fumoto, in Hakodate (2★ kaiseki, ~18:00)
Tue Sep 15 — Jingisukan lamb BBQ in Susukino (back from Hakodate; casual / easy same-week booking)
Wed Sep 16 — ⭐ SUSUKINO SUSHIKIN early seating (18:00), then stroll Odori for the Autumn Fest finale & 11-chome wine bar
Thu Sep 17 — depart 1:40 pm

Why these nights: Sep 16 is the quietest weekday and Sushi Miyakawa (3★ alt) is closed Wednesdays, so a sushi counter that night frees Miyakawa for later if you add it. Sep 13 keeps Araki near the hotel after the Otaru trip.

Taiwan Arrival Card (Online Pre-Registration) Complete at niaspeedy.immigration.gov.tw — do this before departure Aug 28. Required for ROC entry. ⚡ Before Aug 28

⭐ Book Tempura Araki — suggested Sun Sep 13 (later seating ~19:30) 2★ · only two seatings/day, books out weeks ahead · TableAll · OMAKASE.in · or 📞 011-552-5550 ⚡ Book ASAP

⭐ Book Susukino Sushikin — suggested Wed Sep 16 (early ~18:00) Reservations open Jul 14 — book that day · TableAll · TableCheck · or 📞 011-251-9521 ⏰ Jul 14

Book Ryotei Fumoto (Hakodate — Mon Sep 14 dinner) AutoReserve: autoreserve.com · or Klook · 2★ kaiseki, ~18:00 last entry 19:30 ⚡ Book ASAP

Buy JR Hokkaido Rail Pass (5-day) ¥22,000 · Purchase at CTS airport or Sapporo Station on arrival Sep 12 · Covers Otaru + Hakodate round trips

Japan IC Card / Suica for local transit Load ¥5,000–10,000 · Covers Sapporo subway, Hakodate tram, convenience stores

Optional 3rd splurge — Sushi Miyakawa (3★) or Hyousetsu No Mon (crab) If you want one more: Miyakawa Sep 13 or 15 (closed Wed Sep 16) · or swap Tue Sep 15 Jingisukan for Hyousetsu No Mon crab · Miyakawa · 2–3 weeks ahead is usually fine for the crab house

📍 Hotel & Key Locations — Maps

🏨 Courtyard by Marriott Taipei — Nangang

📍 Courtyard Taipei · 359 Zhongxiao E Rd Section 7 · Nangang District

🏮 Raohe Night Market Area

📍 Raohe Street Night Market · Songshan · ~12 min from hotel

Hotel on Maps Raohe Night Market Din Tai Fung Taipei 101 Addiction Aquatic

📍 Sapporo & Hakodate — Maps

🏨 Vessel Hotel Campana Susukino + Odori Park (Autumn Fest)

📍 Susukino · Sapporo · Hotel, dining, Autumn Fest (Odori Park) all within 1–3 stops

Hotel on Maps Odori Park / Autumn Fest Otaru Canal Hakodate Market Mt. Hakodate Ropeway

🗳️ Food Votes — Rate & Submit Places

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Taiwan & Hokkaido, Japan

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