Originally Posted by
mosburger
Otaru is a good choice for accomodation especially if you or travelling companions have any interest in ski'ing. There is a popular area for this nearby. The famed "Sushi alley" is also not a bad choice for dining.
Distance and time to Sapporo is not that bad. It's worth checking if regional train passes exist, maybe keihin_242 has current info?
There is a very convenient pass available: The Sapporo-Otaru Welcome Pass! It's not of interest to those who already have a JR/JR Hokkaido pass, but it's great for a trip to the Sapporo/Otaru area in general:
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/...s/welcome.html
It allows one day-use of the (fairly expensive) Sapporo subway in addition to travel between Sapporo and Otaru. It does not cover transportation from New Chitose Airport; you can buy the pass at the airport JR station but will have to buy a ticket for the
Rapid Airport train as well. You can of course take buses to downtown Sapporo as well (they're slower but less crowded). I highly,
highly, recommend reserving seats on the
Rapid Airport should you go this route - this train gets very crowded.
Also, take a look at some of the other passes offered by JR Hokkaido if you plan to travel anywhere else besides the Sapporo/Otaru area. I can provide info on shorter-duration passes not mentioned on the website (3-day southern Hokkaido regional pass, etc.) if you're interested.
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/....../index.html
Sapporo Station's JR Information Desk is possibly the most helpful such organization in the entire country (The one at CTS isn't bad either). They have several English-speaking agents and can make train reservations in addition to looking up extensive information about Hokkaido (they also sell all rail passes). They can provide all kinds of detail about things to do - I always "drop by" when I'm in town.
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/...esk/index.html
Also, I totally agree with hvr about the Otaru Hilton. It's a great place to stay with excellent views from every room and friendly staff. They did charge for internet usage during my one stay in September of last year. I pointed this out on the customer feedback survey and was emailed personally by the manager (he said he was considering making it free)! IMO the manager is personally involved in guest satisfaction and he runs a classy operation.^
I'm sure you will have a great time! Enjoy Hokkaido - there's no better place to be when the weather's frightful.