Lunar New Year Shopping in Hakodate & Tokyo

Day 00 (Thu, 21 Jan’27)

Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Haneda

Day 01 (Fri, 22 Jan’27)
Singapore – Haneda – Hakodate
(-/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Century Marina Hakodate (Hot Spring) or similar

Arriving in Hakodate, the historic port city of southern Hokkaido, take the time to settle in at your leisure, whether that means a relaxing soak at the hotel’s hot springs, a stroll through the city, or simply easing into the slower pace of Hokkaido living before the shopping and culinary adventures begin.

Day 02 (Sat, 23 Jan’27)
Hakodate
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Century Marina Hakodate (Hot Spring) or similar

For early risers, an optional visit to a fish auction offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of Hakodate’s most important daily rituals. Watch buyers and sellers haggle briskly over rows of glistening fresh catch in a fast-paced, smooth-operating transaction, a real glimpse into the trade that keeps Hokkaido’s seafood reputation alive. Return to the hotel afterwards for a well-earned breakfast.

The day continues with a visit to Michi no Eki Nanairo Nanae, a delightful roadside rest stop in the town of Nanae, celebrated as the birthplace of Western-style agriculture in Japan. The complex showcases the region’s farming heritage through its fresh produce, local dairy products, and seasonal specialities, with apples holding particular pride of place as the town’s signature crop. Just next door, The Danshaku Lounge pays tribute to Baron Ryukichi Kawada, the pioneering figure who introduced Western potato farming to Hokkaido. Browse the museum, sample the famous Danshaku potatoes the region is named for, and pick up a few local treats along the way.

The afternoon brings a hands-on cooking class, where you will learn to prepare traditional Japanese dishes using the freshest produce and ingredients sourced from southern Hokkaido. Adding to your culinary repertoire, this is a delicious and memorable way to bring a taste of the region home with you.

Day 03 (Sun, 24 Jan’27)
Hakodate
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Century Marina Hakodate (Hot Spring) or similar

Spend the morning at the Hakodate Morning Market, one of Japan’s most famous fresh produce markets and a Hakodate institution for over 80 years. Spread across more than 250 stalls, the market is a sensory feast of fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and local specialities, with vendors calling out their daily catch and offering samples along the way. It is the perfect place to begin your Lunar New Year shopping in earnest, with plump scallops, king crab, and prized abalone among the treasures to be found. Alongside is a selection of dried seafood, produce, condiments and more, ideal for stocking up on auspicious ingredients for your festive reunion dinner.

Later, experience an exclusive sushi-making class held at a local restaurant. Led by a skilled chef who will guide you through the refined techniques of proper sushi preparation, learn the art of sushi using premium in-season ingredients sourced fresh from the region. Savour the fruits of your labour over lunch, complemented by the option of a thoughtfully curated sake pairing to round off the experience beautifully.

The afternoon continues with a shopping excursion through Hakodate City, taking in some of the city’s best spots for local products and beloved brands, along with its charming streets and historic architecture.

Day 04 (Mon, 25 Jan’27)
Hakodate – Tokyo
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar

Bid farewell to Hakodate and take a short flight to Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant and ever-bustling capital. With the rest of the day free, indulge in some independent shopping or exploration of your own, whether that means browsing the boutiques of a favourite district, hunting for last-minute Lunar New Year treats, or simply soaking in the energy of the city after the quieter pace of Hokkaido.

Day 05 (Tue, 26 Jan’27)
Tokyo
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar

This morning takes you to a fruit shop brimming with Japan’s prized seasonal fruits. Winter is a particularly rewarding time to shop, with sweet strawberries, crisp apples, and the season’s prized fruits all at their peak. Among them, mikan, or Japanese mandarins, and other specialty citrus varieties are particularly significant ahead of Lunar New Year. Browse the selection and pick up a few auspicious additions for your festive spread.

The afternoon leads to Kappabashi, Tokyo’s famous kitchenware district, stretching nearly 800 metres and lined with shops selling everything from professional-grade knives and cookware to the realistic plastic food displays often seen outside Japanese restaurants. Whether you are searching for a quality knife, unique tableware, or simply enjoy browsing a street unlike any other, Kappabashi offers a delightful and distinctly Tokyo shopping experience.

Day 06 (Wed, 27 Jan’27)
Tokyo
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar

Today is entirely yours to explore Tokyo’s many shopping districts at your own pace. Wander the elegant boutiques and department stores of Ginza, Tokyo’s most prestigious shopping district, or head to the buzzing streets of Shinjuku and Shibuya for a livelier mix of fashion, electronics, and youthful energy. For something a little more traditional, Ueno offers a charming blend of bustling markets and atmospheric old Tokyo streets, perfect for picking up last-minute gifts and souvenirs.

Day 07 (Thu, 28 Jan’27)
Tokyo – Singapore
(Breakfast/-/-)

Flight back to Singapore