My First Trip to Sapporo, Hokkaido Japan

Last March 24, I finally checked something off my bucket list — experiencing snow for the very first time. I flew to Sapporo, Hokkaido not just to explore, but to breathe, reset, and reward myself after one of the toughest school years I’ve had so far.

As someone born and raised in a tropical country, snow has always felt like a faraway dream. And even though I’ve lived in Fukuoka City for seven years, the snow there rarely sticks. This year, I promised myself: I will chase winter.

Spring Break for the Soul

It was spring break in Japan — and I knew deep down that I needed a real pause. I work as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) in a junior high and a special needs school. This school year was extra demanding: a larger school, a heavier workload, and a part-time job on the side to help support my family back home.

I’m a breadwinner — and while I carry that responsibility with pride, I’ve learned that even the strongest people need rest too.

So this trip wasn’t just a vacation. It was a gift to myself. A reminder that I deserve soft moments, stillness, and joy.

Booking My Sapporo Trip: Agoda & Expedia Review

I booked my flight + hotel bundle through Agoda, and it was incredibly smooth and budget-friendly. Agoda often has great promos, and the booking process was quick and convenient. I scored a great deal without breaking the bank.

However, due to a slight mix-up in my travel dates, I needed an extra night. Agoda’s customer support was kind and responsive, but the hotel couldn’t accommodate a change. Their only solution was to cancel and rebook.

Instead, I took the opportunity to try something new — and booked my final night via Expedia. It worked out perfectly. I got to stay in two different hotels, which made my experience even more memorable.

Solo Travel as Self-Care

Traveling solo while juggling adult responsibilities is no small thing. This trip reminded me that rest isn’t something I need to earn — it’s something I deserve.

Walking through snowy streets, sipping hot drinks, seeing my breath in the air — it all felt healing in a way I didn’t expect.

If you’ve been putting off a trip, waiting for the “perfect” time — maybe this is your sign to just go. You don’t need a reason beyond wanting to feel alive again.

Whether you’re a fellow ALT, a hardworking breadwinner, or just someone craving a reset — I hope my story encourages you to take your own pause.

And if you’re looking for user-friendly platforms to book your next trip, I genuinely recommend both Agoda and Expediafor affordable and easy travel planning.

Snow may have been the highlight, but what I found in Sapporo was so much more than that — peace, perspective, and a little bit of magic.