Enjoy a unique northern experience! Play in the snow with all your might in the suburbs of Sapporo

Enjoy a unique northern experience! Play in the snow with all your might in the suburbs of Sapporo
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
Days required
2 days and 1 night
Main methods of transportation
Train, Bus, Taxi

Winter in Hokkaido offers a plethora of winter activities for the whole family to enjoy. After exploring the deep snowy forests on snowshoes, how about having some Genghis Khan BBQ (grilled mutton) inside an kamakura [snow dome] ? Curling, which gained attention during the Olympics, is a unique experience. There are many activities that you can only experience here.

Why not challenge your family to these special winter experiences that only Hokkaido can offer?

  • * The spots and experience menus introduced in the course are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
  • * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Start
Day1

New Chitose Airport

Main Gate of Hokkaido

From the JR New Chitose Airport Station directly connected to the airport terminal basement to Sapporo Station, go!

Once the train emerges above ground, the quintessential Hokkaido scenery spreads out before your eyes.

About 40 min. by JR Rapid Airport
Arrive around 11:40

APIA

All-weather shopping malls can be enjoyed at any time of the year!

A shopping mall with about 100 stores offering affordable miscellaneous goods, relaxation services, ladies' fashion, restaurants, and more. It is directly connected to JR Sapporo Station, making it very convenient. You can visit anytime without worrying about the weather.

Address
札幌市中央区北5条西3・4丁目
Telephone Number
011-209-3500
Open
[Shopping]10:00 - 21:00
[Restaurants]11:00 - 21:30
(Depends on the store)
Closed
Open all year round
Take the "Kappa Liner" or the "Hoheikyo Onsen" bus from JR Sapporo Station and get off at the last stop, "Hoheikyo Onsen," after about 80 minutes.

Hoheikyo Hot Spring

Enjoy 100% hot spring water and Genghis Khan BBQ while watching the snow!

This hot spring is popular not only with tourists from within Hokkaido and Japan but also from overseas. It boasts one of Japan's largest outdoor baths, which can accommodate around 200 people. The snow-viewing bath in the silver landscape is illuminated at night, creating a fantastically unique atmosphere. From late January to March each year, a plan to enjoy Genghis Khan BBQ inside a kamakura [snow dome] is also very popular. Another popular plan is a guided snowshoeing nature observation tour through the snowy forest.

Address
札幌市南区定山渓608-2
Telephone Number
011-598-2410 *Kamukura Genghis Khan BBQ and snowshoeing experiences require advance reservations.
Open
Bathing hours/10:00-22:30 (last admission 21:45)
About 10 minutes by taxi

[Accommodation] Jozankei Hot Spring

Enjoy the Beauty of the Seasons and Relaxing Hot Spring

Jozankei Hot Spring, located in southern Sapporo, is one of Hokkaido’s most renowned hot spring resorts. With a history dating back over 150 years to its founding in 1866, this area is also connected to the traditions of the Ainu people and originally developed as a therapeutic retreat.

Thanks to its convenient location—just about 60 minutes by car from central Sapporo—Jozankei is a popular destination for both tourists and locals looking for a peaceful escape into nature.

The hot spring town stretches along both sides of the Toyohira River, with a variety of accommodations including traditional inns and modern hotels. Many of these facilities offer not only overnight stays but also day-use hot springs, foot baths, and hand baths, making it easy to enjoy the healing waters even on a short visit.

Jozankei’s charm lies in its ever-changing natural scenery throughout the year. The fresh greenery of spring, the lush forests of summer, and the snowy landscapes of winter are all captivating, but it’s the fall foliage—from mid to late October—that truly draws visitors. The entire valley transforms into a tapestry of red and gold. One of the most scenic spots is the bright red Futami Suspension Bridge, a must-visit location for photography lovers.

The area around Jozankei Onsen also offers a wide range of seasonal outdoor activities. About 30 minutes away by car is Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, where you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding during the winter. From spring through autumn, visitors can enjoy rafting, canoeing, hiking, and more—making Jozankei a perfect base for both hot spring relaxation and outdoor adventure.

Address
札幌市南区定山渓温泉
Telephone Number
011-598-2012
Day2
About 60 minutes by bus
Arrive around 11:40

Sapporo Clock Tower, Odori Park

Strolling in the center of Sapporo City

Odori Park in the center of Sapporo hosts various events throughout the year. The 'Sapporo Snow Festival' in winter is a major event in Sapporo.

The Sapporo TV Tower is a symbolic tower offering a 360-degree panoramic view. The Sapporo Clock Tower is a historic building designated as an important cultural property. Be sure to visit the exhibition room to learn about the history of Sapporo.

Address
札幌市中央区北1条西2丁目 旧札幌農学校演武場
Telephone Number
011-231-0838
Open
8:45-17:10 (Entry until 17:00)
Closed
Jan. 1-Jan. 3
About 20 minutes by subway Toho Line
About 5 minutes on foot
Arrive around 14:20

Hokkaido Bank Curling Stadium

Try Curling at Japan’s First Dedicated Facility

Curling, the Canadian sport made known thanks to the Winter Olympics, is a favorite sport among Sapporo locals. The city boasts the first publicly-owned year-round curling facility in Japan, making the sport extremely accessible to locals and visitors alike. The stadium is used for a variety of events, including local and international competitions, and is fully equipped with five curling sheets and all necessary equipment. Amateurs and beginners can ask for help from the Curling Association instructors available at the stadium, although guests are encouraged to make reservations in order to secure a spot.

Address
札幌市豊平区月寒東1条9丁目
Telephone Number
011-853-4572
Open
10:00-22:00(Monday-Thursday)
10:00-23:00 (Friday-Saturday)
10:00-21:00 (Sunday)
Closed
3rd Monday (maintenance day)
*4th Monday in case of holiday
New year holiday season(12/29-1/3)
(To JR Sapporo Station) 25 minutes on foot and by Toho Subway Line
(From JR Sapporo Station) About 40 min. by JR Rapid Airport 
Arrive at New Chitose Airport around 16:50
Goal
  • New Chitose Airport
  • APIA
  • Hoheikyo Hot Spring
  • [Accommodation] Jozankei Hot Spring
  • Sapporo Clock Tower, Odori Park
  • Hokkaido Bank Curling Stadium

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