Hokkaido

Hokkaido often reminds us of winter visit and festivals, none more famous than the Sapporo Snow Festival.

That being said, summer vacation at Hokkaido can be equally, if not more, thrilling than winter time.

Teens, parents, and those who aren’t afraid to get their hands a little dirty should have agreed with our pick on the first day of our Hokkaido summer trip. We first experienced forest adventure by pulleys and carabiners. Zigzagging our way on the rope ladder near treetop, we made turn after turn until the best part, when we flew like a flying squirrel on zipline.

Another real start to our adventure is sitting crisscross applesauce in an animal cafe where teacup pigs learn to socialise with humans. We touched them, cuddled them, and took selfies with them. These pigs, also known as MiPig, are cleaner, smaller, more friendly and beautiful all at once, unlike those we found in filthy sty. The MiPigs are smart. So much so that they can be toilet trained to pee in designated spot. Looking back, it should have been we who are learning to socialise with pigs, and not the other way round.