Enjoy Unique Northern Experiences! Full-On Snow Play Near Sapporo

Enjoy Unique Northern Experiences! Full-On Snow Play Near Sapporo
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
Days required
2 days and 1 night
Main methods of transportation
Train, Bus, Taxi

Winter in Hokkaido offers a wealth of exciting activities the whole family can dive into. The area near Sapporo provides excellent access for authentic snow play, perfect for a 1-night, 2-day trip.


Head out to explore deep snowy forests on snowshoes. You can feel the north's unique nature and profound stillness. After working up an appetite, step into a warm Kamakura (snow hut) to savor the exceptional experience of piping hot Jingisukan (Mongolian mutton barbecue).


You can also try Curling, a unique, memorable experience that gained global attention during the Olympics. Enjoying this quiet strategy game as a family will deepen your travel memories. The region's excellent snow quality ensures an abundance of special winter adventures for your family.

  • * 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

Start Your Hokkaido Adventure: The Gateway by Air and Land

New Chitose Airport is the principal air gateway to Hokkaido, boasting outstanding access with a direct connection to the JR station. Travelers can move smoothly and stress-free, even with heavy luggage.


As the train emerges from the underground and surfaces, a magnificent, uniquely Hokkaido landscape—far from the city bustle—instantly opens up before your window, raising your travel anticipation. This is the special experience that starts the moment you step onto the Great Northern Land.

About 40 minutes by JR Rapid Airport
Arrive around 11:40

[Lunch] APIA

Direct Station Access: All-Weather Shopping and Hokkaido Dining

APIA is a convenient underground shopping mall connected directly to JR Sapporo Station and Sapporo Subway Station. This excellent access allows you to move smoothly, even with heavy luggage, making it perfect for quick stops or extended browsing.


With About 100 shops gathered here, you can enjoy shopping for affordable sundry goods and fashion, as well as accessing a wide variety of restaurants. This makes it an essential and flexible spot to easily grab a meal or enjoy authentic Hokkaido cuisine without worrying about the weather, perfectly matching your busy travel schedule.

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

Hoheikyo Hot Spring

100% Free-Flowing Hot Spring and Kamakura Jingisukan

This popular hot spring attracts travelers from Japan and around the world, conveniently located near Sapporo. It proudly boasts one of Japan's largest open-air baths, capable of accommodating About 200 people. The silvery white snow-viewing bath is dramatically lit up at night, creating a truly fantastic and romantic atmosphere.


From late January to March each year, a highly popular plan allows guests to heartily enjoy Jingisukan (Mongolian mutton barbecue) inside a Kamakura (snow hut). Another favorite activity is guided nature observation using snowshoes, deep in the snow-covered forest. (Kamakura Jingisukan and snowshoeing activities require advance reservations.)

Address
札幌市南区定山渓608-2
Telephone Number
011-598-2410
Open
10:00-22:30 (Last payment 21:45)
Closed
Open all year round
About 10 minutes by taxi

[Accommodation] Jozankei Hot Spring

Escape to Jozankei: Sapporo’s Charming hot spring Resort

Jozankei hot spring, famously known as "Sapporo’s Inner Parlor," is a historic town boasting excellent access, located About 60 minutes by car from central Sapporo. Visited by About 1.2 million people annually, this popular destination offers diverse accommodation for every travel style.


You can find everything from large facilities perfect for families to smaller, intimate lodges featuring beautiful snow-viewing open-air baths.


The park near Tsukimi Bridge is a lively spot where you can enjoy foot baths (ashi-yu) free of charge. It also features 'Ontama no Yu,' a popular attraction where you make your own delicious hot spring eggs, adding a delicious and unique layer to your relaxing stay.

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

[Lunch] Around Odori Park

Stroll Through Sapporo's Heart: History, Spectacle, and 360-Degree Views

Odori Park, situated in the heart of Sapporo, is a popular destination featuring seasonal events throughout the year. In winter, the spectacular "Sapporo Snow Festival" is held here, creating a fantastic world of snow and ice. A simple stroll lets you appreciate the harmony of urban life and nature.


The Sapporo TV Tower provides a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the city. The nearby Sapporo Clock Tower is a historic structure (Important Cultural Property). Its exhibition room offers insight into Sapporo's history. Between stops, be sure to sample the delicious Hokkaido gourmet at surrounding eateries, making your travel memories even more special.

Address
札幌市中央区大通西1-12丁目
Telephone Number
011-251-0438
About 20 minutes by subway Toho Line
Arrive around 14:20

Hokkaido Bank Curling Stadium

Challenge 'The Chess on Ice': Winter Fun with Easy Sapporo Access

A dedicated facility in Sapporo allows you to experience curling, the winter sport made popular by the Olympics. It is easily accessible from central Sapporo, making it a convenient stop to include during your Hokkaido sightseeing.


The facility offers full equipment rental—shoes, sliders, and brushes—so first-timers and children can try it safely. It’s an ideal activity for the whole family to enjoy together.


This sport, where you slide stones across the ice to hit a target, demands meticulous strategy and precise technique, earning it the nickname "Chess on Ice." This team experience on the ice will surely become a special, unforgettable memory of your Hokkaido trip.

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) About 25 minutes by Toho Subway Line
(From JR Sapporo Station) About 40 minutes by JR Rapid Airport 
Arrive at New Chitose Airport around 16:50
Goal
  • New Chitose Airport
  • [Lunch] APIA
  • Hoheikyo Hot Spring
  • [Accommodation] Jozankei Hot Spring
  • [Lunch] Around Odori Park
  • Hokkaido Bank Curling Stadium

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