WINTER
Approx. December to March
Sapporo is a snow metropolis, the only city in the world with a population nearing 2 million that receives five meters of snowfall each year. From skiing and snow activities to breathtaking wintry scenery and vibrant events, you can enjoy winter to your heart’s content right here in the city.
Delight in various snow activities
Skiing and snowboarding aren’t the only ways to embrace winter in Hokkaido. With its rich natural surroundings, Sapporo offers a variety of snow activities right within the city. Sapporo is the only place in Hokkaido where you can experience the unique blend of urban comforts and the joys of a snowy wonderland.
Takino Snow World
This park is famous for having Japan’s longest sled slope, coming in at 200 m
Get your cameras ready to capture beautiful snow scenery
A world swathed in a blanket of white snow, reveals a beauty that contrasts starkly with the summer months. Winter in Sapporo offers many unique experiences created by the frigid air and picturesque spots that’ll entice you to take some photos.
Hokkaido Shrine
The shrine standing with refined elegance amid the snowy landscape is a sight to behold
Hill of the Buddha
The majestic great Buddha blends in harmoniously with the snow-covered hills
Yukitouro (Snow Candle Way)
Held at Jozankei Shrine, this event features candles and illuminations
Events in Odori Park
Odori Park, a beloved oasis for Sapporo locals to relax, serves as a venue for major events like the Sapporo White Illumination and the world-renowned Sapporo Snow Festival. The Snow Festival, which has a long history, beginning in 1950, showcases an impressive array of snow sculptures of various sizes, including spectacular giant ones. The festival is a testament to Sapporo’s abundant snowfall.
Sapporo White Illumination
Every year from the end of November, an illumination event turns the streets of Sapporo into a fairytale-like winter wonderland.
The event takes place at various venues including Odori Park
Sapporo Snow Festival
This snow and ice festival is held every year in early February.
The ice skating rink set up at the same time in the heart of the city is a must-try
Base yourself out of Sapporo for a Hokkaido ski holiday
Equipped with everything from accommodation to restaurants and shopping, Sapporo serves as an excellent base for a ski holiday in Hokkaido. You might consider adding it to your itinerary after shredding the slopes in Niseko or Furano, or with the city’s ski resorts each offering something different, you could base yourself in Sapporo and maximize your trip by choosing your adventure each day according to the snow conditions.
Sapporo Moiwayama Ski Resort
Enjoy skiing while taking in beautiful views of the city lights below
Fu’s Snow Area
The only place in Hokkaido where you can experience zipping down the mountain on a luge
Must-try Sapporo cuisine in winter
Seafood
As winter deepens, seafood from the northern seas becomes even more delicious and rich. In particular, horsehair crab from the Pacific coast, which is in season during this time, along with Pacific cod, salmon, and other fish, make for a perfect addition to a heartwarming hotpot on a chilly winter night.
Ramen
Ramen tops the list of must-try foods in Sapporo during winter. Miso ramen, which originated here, is a local favorite, featuring a hot soup that warms you from the inside out.
Soup curry
Soup curry, known for its spicy broth and ingredients cut into large chunks, has gained popularity beyond Sapporo, spreading throughout Japan. Each restaurant uses its own unique blend of spices, creating a comforting dish that warms the body during the cold winter months.
Winter attractions in Hokkaido
Asahiyama Zoo
This is Japan’s northernmost zoo. See animals up close as they move, swim and fly in a near-natural environment. A popular attraction is watching adorable penguins march along a designated route over the snow.
Ningle Terrace
This small crafts village looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. As the snow falls on wintry days and nights, the area is illuminated, creating a more romantic atmosphere.
Access: Asahiyama Zoo:
Approx. 1 hour and 40 minutes from Sapporo by JR train, followed by approx. 40 minutes by bus
Approx. 2 hours from Sapporo by car
Ningle Terrace:
Approx. 3 hours from Sapporo to Furano by bus, followed by approx. 20 minutes from Furano Station by bus
Approx. 1 hour and 10 minutes from Asahikawa to Furano by JR train, followed by approx. 20 minutes from Furano Station by bus
Kiroro Snow World
This premium snow resort features luxurious accommodations, Kiroro Grand and Kiroro Peak, along with slopes boasting top-quality snow. You can also take lessons from one of the world’s leading ski schools.
Rusutsu Resort
This snow resort has been awarded the title of Japan’s Best Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards several times. There’s plenty of fun for everyone from skiing and snowboarding to a variety of snow activities unique to Hokkaido.
Access:
Kiroro Snow World:
Approx. 2 hours from Sapporo by bus
Approx. 1 hour and 10 minutes from Sapporo by car
Rusutsu Resort:
Approx. 2 hours from Sapporo by bus
Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes from Sapporo by car
Approx. 2 hours from New Chitose Airport by bus
Niseko
Four vast ski resorts spread out at the foot of Niseko Annupuri, with a wide variety of trails to satisfy all types of skiers and snowboarders. Carve up the finest snow, no matter which trail you take.
Mombetsu
The Sea of Okhotsk, located off the east coast of Hokkaido, is the only place in Japan where you can experience drift ice. An unforgettable way to explore this phenomenon is on a drift ice cruise, which features a boat equipped with a large drill that breaks the ice as it goes along.
Access: Niseko:
Approx. 3 hours from Sapporo by bus
Approx. 2 hours from Sapporo by car
Approx. 3 hours from New Chitose Airport by bus
Mombetsu:
Approx. 4 hours and 30 minutes from Sapporo by bus
Approx. 3 hours from Asahikawa by bus