About My Hokkaido Travel

Why “My Hokkaido Travel”?

This name has two meanings, both close to my heart.

My journey as your local guide
As a marketing coodinator at Niseko Destination Management Organization (DMO) and a 30+ year Hokkaido resident, I’ve explored every corner of this beautiful region. “My” represents the insider knowledge and personal experiences I’m excited to share with you.

Your personalized Hokkaido adventure
But “My” also means YOUR trip. Every family is unique, and YOUR Hokkaido journey should reflect your interests, your children’s ages, and your travel style. I’m here to help you create YOUR perfect itinerary.

Together, we’ll turn my expertise into your unforgettable memories.

Hi, I’m Mai! 👋

I’m a marketing coordinator at Niseko DMO, where I’ve worked for 12 years promoting Hokkaido’s charm to travelers worldwide. But more importantly, I’m a mom of two (ages 2 and 9) who knows firsthand the challenges and joys of traveling with kids.

My Hokkaido Story

I’ve lived in Hokkaido for over 30 years. What started as a love for powder snow evolved into a deep appreciation for everything this region offers—from hidden hot springs to local seafood restaurants that tourists rarely find.

Through my work at the DMO and countless family trips with my children, I’ve learned exactly what families need for a successful Hokkaido adventure:

  • ✨ Hotels that truly welcome young children
  • ✨ Restaurants where kids can be kids
  • ✨ Activities that work for multiple age groups
  • ✨ Practical tips that prevent common mistakes

Why I Created This Site

Every day, I receive questions from international families planning their Hokkaido trips:

  • “Which hotels are best for toddlers?”
  • “Can we really drive in winter?”
  • “Where do locals eat with kids?”
  • “How do we plan a 5-day itinerary?”

I realized there was a gap: plenty of general Japan travel guides exist, but very few focus specifically on family-friendly Hokkaido travel from a local insider’s perspective.

That’s why I created My Hokkaido Travel—to bridge my professional expertise with my personal experience as a traveling mom.

What Makes This Site Different

🏔️ Local Insider Access
As a DMO professional, I have behind-the-scenes knowledge of Hokkaido’s tourism industry. I know which businesses genuinely welcome families and which are just marketing themselves as “family-friendly.”

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Real Family Experience
Every recommendation comes from personal experience with my own children (ages 2 and 9). I’ve tested hotels, restaurants, and activities with real kids—including meltdowns, nap times, and picky eaters.

🌍 International Perspective
Working with travelers from around the world for 12 years, I understand what non-Japanese families need to know—from language barriers to cultural differences.

📝 Honest, Detailed Information
I don’t accept paid reviews. Every hotel, restaurant, and activity recommendation is based on genuine experience and professional assessment.

My Expertise

Professional Background

  • Current Role: Marketing Coordinator, Niseko Destination Management Organization
  • Experience: 12 years in Hokkaido tourism promotion
  • Specialization: International marketing, family travel, winter tourism

Personal Credentials

  • Hokkaido Residency: 30+ years
  • Travel Experience: Visited every major family destination in Hokkaido multiple times
  • Parenting: Mother of two children (ages 2 and 9)
  • Languages: Japanese (native), English (professional)

Media & Speaking

  • Guest speaker at tourism industry conferences
  • Contributor to regional travel publications
  • Instagram community: 11,000+ followers (@hokkaido_travel_kids)

How I Can Help You

📚 Digital Travel Guides

Comprehensive PDF guides featuring handpicked hotels, detailed itineraries, and insider tips. Download instantly and start planning.

View All Guides →

💬 Personal Consultation

Book a one-on-one video session where I’ll create a customized itinerary for your family, answer all your questions, and share local secrets.

Book a Session →

📝 Free Blog Articles

Browse over 50+ in-depth articles covering destinations, itineraries, hotels, activities, and travel tips—all free.

Read the Blog →

Let’s Connect

I’d love to hear about your Hokkaido travel plans!

Instagram:
🇯🇵 Japanese: @hokkaido_travel_kids (11,000+ followers)
🇺🇸 English: @my_hokkaido_travel

Follow My Journey

日々の北海道の魅力や、家族旅行に役立つ情報を発信しています✨
Daily Hokkaido tips, travel inspiration, and family adventures

My Promise to You

When you use My Hokkaido Travel, you get:

Honest recommendations based on real experience, not paid partnerships
Detailed, practical information that helps you make confident decisions
Local insider knowledge you won’t find in mainstream guidebooks
Family-tested advice from a mom who’s been there
Professional expertise from a tourism industry veteran

Let’s turn my 30 years of Hokkaido knowledge into YOUR perfect family adventure.

Last Updated: February 2026