Living in Hokkaido has its perks and challenges. However, for this article, when I say "challenge", I say it with enthusiasm. Why? Because we are taking on another "challenge".
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| First Filipino Family to Visit All 179 Municipalities of Hokkaido: A Memorable Adventure |
In my last article, I shared our exciting adventure with the #Hokkaido35Cities Challenge, where my family and I explored all 35 cities of Hokkaido. But why stop there? Inspired by the beauty and diversity of this region, we decided to take things to the next level with the #Hokkaido179 Challenge.
This ambitious goal involves visiting all 179 municipalities of Hokkaido, spanning cities, towns, and villages. The challenge follows the same rules as the previous one but with an expanded scope. Here’s what each visit entails:
The Rules of the #Hokkaido179 Challenge:
Physical Visit:
Spend at least an hour exploring the municipality.
Photographic Documentation:
Take a photo of the following:
- The manhole cover (or Pokémon-themed manhole, if available).
- Iconic landmarks or scenic spots.
Cultural Experience:
Visit a shrine, ideally the main one, to offer prayers and respect. Before leaving make 3 wishes.
Local Exploration:
Choose at least one of the following to visit:
- City/Town/Village Hall
- Museum
- Park
- Local café or restaurant
- Mountain
- Landmark or Monument
Authenticity Matters:
All visits must be personally documented through photographs—no internet shortcuts allowed!
The Journey’s Completion
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| We finally completed the #Hokkaido 179 Challenge |
After months of planning, driving, and discovery, I’m thrilled to share that on October 27, 2024, we officially completed the #Hokkaido179 Challenge! We are officially the first Filipinos to visit all 179 municipalities of Hokkaido. This journey allowed us to uncover the hidden gems of Hokkaido, from bustling cities to quiet rural villages, each offering a unique glimpse into the island’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty. As proof of this, I'm sharing with you tidbits of our adventures in each municipality.
Snapshots of our Hokkaido's 179 Adventure
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| Abashiri City |
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| Abira |
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| Aibetsu |
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| Akabira City |
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| Akaigawa |
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| Akkeshi |
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| Asahikawa City |
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| Ashibetsu City |
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| Ashoro |
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| Assabu |
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| Atsuma |
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| Betsukai |
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| Bibai City |
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| Biei |
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| Bifuka |
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| Bihoro |
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| Biratori |
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| Chippubetsu |
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| Chitose City |
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| Date City |
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| Ebetsu City |
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| Embetsu |
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| Engaru |
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| Eniwa City |
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| Erimo |
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| Esashi (枝幸町) |
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| Esashi (江差町) |
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| Fukagawa City |
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| Fukushima |
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| Furano City |
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| Furubira |
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| Haboro |
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| Hakodate City |
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| Hamanaka |
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| Hamatonbetsu |
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| Hidaka |
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| Higashikagura |
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| Higashikawa |
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| Hiroo |
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| Hokuryu |
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| Hokuto City |
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| Honbetsu |
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| Horokanai |
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| Horonobe |
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| Ikeda |
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| Imakane |
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| Ishikari City |
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| Iwamizawa City |
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| Iwanai |
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| Kamifurano |
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| Kamikawa |
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| Kaminokuni |
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| Kamishihoro |
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| Kamisunagawa |
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| Kamoenai |
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| Kenbuchi |
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| Kikonai |
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| Kimobetsu |
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| Kitahiroshima City |
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| Kitami City |
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| Kiyosato |
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| Koshimizu |
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| Kunneppu |
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| Kuriyama |
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| Kuromatsunai |
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| Kushiro City |
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| Kushiro |
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| Kutchan |
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| Kyogoku |
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| Kyowa |
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| Makkari |
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| Makubetsu |
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| Mashike |
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| Matsumae |
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| Memuro |
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| Mikasa City |
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| Minamifurano |
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| Monbetsu City |
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| Mori |
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| Moseushi |
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| Mukawa |
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| Muroran City |
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| Naganuma |
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| Naie |
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| Nakafurano |
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| Nakagawa |
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| Nakasatsunai |
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| Nakashibetsu |
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| Nakatonbetsu |
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| Nanae |
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| Nanporo |
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| Nayoro City |
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| Nemuro City |
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| Niikappu |
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| Niki |
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| Niseko |
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| Nishiokoppe |
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| Noboribetsu City |
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| Numata |
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| Obihiro City |
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| Obira |
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| Oketo |
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| Okoppe |
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| Okushiri |
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| Omu |
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| Oshamambe |
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| Otaru City |
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| Otobe |
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| Otofuke |
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| Otoineppu |
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| Ozora |
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| Pippu |
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| Rankoshi |
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| Rausu |
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| Rebun |
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| Rikubetsu |
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| Rishiri |
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| Rishirifuji |
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| Rumoi City |
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| Rusutsu |
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| Samani |
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| Sapporo City |
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| Sarabetsu |
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| Saroma |
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| Sarufutsu |
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| Setana |
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| Shakotan |
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| Shari |
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| Shibecha |
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| Shibetsu City |
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| Shibetsu |
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| Shihoro |
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| Shikabe |
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| Shikaoi |
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| Shimamaki |
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| Shimizu |
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| Shimokawa |
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| Shimukappu |
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| Shinhidaka |
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| Shinshinotsu |
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| Shintoku |
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| Shintotsukawa |
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| Shiranuka |
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| Shiraoi |
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| Shiriuchi |
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| Shosanbetsu |
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| Sobetsu |
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| Sunagawa City |
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| Suttsu |
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| Taiki |
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| Takasu |
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| Takikawa City |
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| Takinoue |
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| Teshikaga |
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| Teshio |
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| Tobetsu |
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| Toma |
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| Tomakomai City |
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| Tomamae |
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| Tomari |
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| Toyako |
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| Toyokoro |
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| Toyotomi |
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| Toyoura |
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| Tsubetsu |
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| Tsukigata |
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| Tsurui |
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| Urahoro |
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| Urakawa |
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| Urausu |
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| Uryu |
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| Utashinai City |
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| Wakkanai City |
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| Wassamu |
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| Yakumo |
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| Yoichi |
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| Yubari City |
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| Yubetsu |
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| Yuni |
Bonus Destinations
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| Teuri Island |
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| Yagishiri Island |
What started as a simple plan to visit all the roadside stations of Hokkaido for the Hokkaido Stamp Rally turned into a life-changing journey for me and my family. The incredible beauty of the prefecture captivated us, inspiring us to go beyond the stamps and explore all 179 municipalities. Each place revealed its own charm — from stunning landscapes and unique traditions to delicious local food and warm, welcoming people.
This journey wasn’t just about completing a challenge; it became a meaningful adventure that brought our family closer and filled our hearts with unforgettable memories. Hokkaido truly has a beauty worth discovering, one municipality at a time. With that, I could proudly say that my time here in Hokkaido as an ALT was well spent. I'm looking forward to new "challenges" in the future.
You can read about the specific places that we visited in each municipality in these articles:
#Japantravel
#japantrip
#visitjapan
#japan47
#Hokkaido
#HokkaidoCities
#hokkaido
#hokkaidotrip
#hokkaidotravel
#hokkaidolove
#travelhokkaido
#firstfilipino
#hokkaido179
I have been following your adventures both in your blog and in your Facebook account and JapaNice Adventures Facebook page and I would like to congratulate you in finally completing your #Hokkaido179 travel goal and also being the first Filipino to do so.
ReplyDeleteWow! Thank you so much for following my blog and the JapaNice Adventures on Facebook.
DeleteCongrats Team Nicerio on being the first Filipinos to visit all cities, towns, and villages of Hokkaido. What's next?
ReplyDeleteMaybe continue the #47Japan Challenge or do the more ambitious #1719Japan. =)
DeleteCongrats sir! Sama naman ako sa trip niyo next time.
ReplyDeleteSure! Let's go!
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ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Nicerio Family for achieving an incredible milestone – being the first to visit all 179 municipalities of Hokkaido! Your dedication, adventurous spirit, and love for exploration are truly inspiring. What an amazing accomplishment, and a testament to your passion for discovering every corner of this beautiful region. Wishing you many more memorable journeys and adventures ahead! I'm excited to read more about your adventures in the future.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your comment.
DeleteBig congratulations to Team Nicerio for visiting all 179 municipalities of Hokkaido! What an amazing achievement! We’re excited to see the videos on JapaNice Adventures and read more informative articles on The Backpack Adventures. Your dedication to exploring and sharing Hokkaido’s beauty is truly inspiring. Looking forward to your next adventures and all the great content you’ll continue to share! Sending love from Singapore!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! We'd surely post more videos and photos in our Facebook page: JapaNice Adventures.
DeleteSana all! Congrats Team Nicerio!
ReplyDelete=) =) =) Thank you.
DeleteCongrats! More travels to come.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! =)
DeleteThank you for promoting Hokkaido. I can't wait to read your articles about my hometown Hiroo.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could visit your town in winter. =( I know it's the Christmas town of Japan.
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