Sapporo 2-Day Winter Trip

While the Sapporo area has enough winter attractions to easily fill an itinerary of several days or more, for those short on time, this moderately-paced itinerary offers a taste of some of the city's best wintertime highlights.

This itinerary focuses on Sapporo's biggest winter event, the Sapporo Snow Festival, as well as a day of winter sports at a ski resort, but depending on your timing and preferences, these can be swapped out with other options like a trip to the nearby port town of Otaru, Noboribetsu's hot springs or more time exploring Sapporo's other attractions.

Day 1: Sapporo Snow Festival and Downtown

Start

Start at New Chitose Airport

Take the JR Chitose Line into Sapporo

35 minutes

Sapporo Station

Walk to Odori Park

10 minutes

Sapporo Snow Festival

World famous winter festival 2-3 hours

The Sapporo Snow Festival is Sapporo's most well-known attraction, drawing over two million visitors from around the world each year in early to mid February. The monolithic snow and ice sculptures on display around Odori Park are the festival's main attraction, but local cuisine, live shows and winter sports exhibitions keep the energy high from morning till night throughout the weeklong event.

Walk to Susukino

15 minutes

Ramen Yokocho

Atmospheric ramen shop-lined alley in Susukino 45 minutes

A great place for a hot lunch on a cold winter day, the Susukino neighborhood's Ramen Yokocho is a small alley abuzz with visitors waiting to buy a bowl of the city's famous Sapporo style ramen.

Walk back to Odori Park

15 minutes

Sapporo TV Tower

Tower with a great view over Odori Park 45 minutes

While enjoying the snow festival, the observation deck at the top of the Sapporo TV Tower, located at the east end of Odori Park, offers a great vantage point over the festival festivities—especially at night.

Take the Loop 88 Factory Line to the Sapporo Beer Museum

20 minutes

Sapporo Beer Museum and Beer Garden

1-3 hours

The Sapporo Beer Museum is a popular destination for both beer and history fans which showcases the beverage's history in Japan and offers tastings at the end of the tour. Next to the museum, the Sapporo Beer Garden offers its famed "Genghis Khan" all-you-can-eat/drink mutton and beer dining experience.

Finish

Day 2: Winter Sports and Onsen Resorts

Start

Start in downtown Sapporo

Take a bus to Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort

90 minutes

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort

Ski Resort with great snow near Sapporo City 4-7 hours

Despite its small size (with only 5 lifts and 7 courses), Sapporo Kokusai is known for receiving huge volumes of powder snow, and is one of Hokkaido's most popular resorts thanks to its close proximity to the city.

Take a bus to Jozankei Onsen

30 minutes

Hot Springs at Jozankei Onsen

Developed hot spring town 90 minutes or overnight stay

By Japan standards, Jozankei's hot springs are relatively new (discovered in just 1866), but the small town has since bubbled into an mini onsen resort town whose hot baths offer a relaxing finish to a day at the nearby slopes.

Finish

Otaru Snow Light Path Festival
The harbor town of Otaru is a fantastic winter destination near Sapporo (about 30 minutes by train) with a beautifully preserved canal area. In winter, the canal and nearby areas are is lit up at night by hundreds of glowing lanterns at night during the annual Otaru Snow Light Path Festival.
Niseko
For skiers or snowboarders looking for a taste of some of Hokkaido's top-tier slopes, the resorts of Niseko are considered by many the best in Japan, legendary for their massive amounts of high quality powder snow. The resort area is about two hours from Sapporo by train.

Questions? Ask in our forum.

Read our Sapporo Hotel Guide

Budget:

- Ocho Guest House
  Budget-friendly
  
  Comfortable Accommodations
  Ocho Guest House in Sapporo offers clean rooms with air-conditioning. Each room includes a shared bathroom and free WiFi, ensuring a pleasant stay.
  Essential Facilities
  Guests can enjoy a lounge, shared kitchen, and luggage storage. The property provides a continental breakfast, catering to diverse preferences.
  Convenient Location
  Located 11 km from Okadama Airport, the guest house is situated in Chuo-ku Minami. Reception staff speak English, Japanese, and Chinese, assisting international visitors.
  Guest Satisfaction
  Highly rated for its friendly host, clean rooms, and quality breakfast, Ocho Guest House consistently receives positive reviews from guests.
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- Shabby House
  Budget-friendly
  
  Comfortable Accommodation
  Shabby House in Sapporo offers a 1-star guest house experience with free WiFi, a garden, and complimentary bicycles. Shared bathrooms enhance the stay.
  Convenient Facilities
  Guests can enjoy free WiFi, a lounge, shuttle service, and a 24-hour front desk. Additional services include daily housekeeping, full-day security, express check-in and check-out, and luggage storage.
  Local Attractions
  Located 12 km from Okadama Airport, the property is near attractions such as Sapporo Station and Odori Park. Cycling enthusiasts can explore the surrounding area.
  Guest Satisfaction
  Highly rated by guests, Shabby House is praised for its friendly host, delicious breakfast, and excellent bicycle facilities.
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- 41 PIECES Sapporo
  Luxury
  
  Prime Location
  41 PIECES Sapporo is situated in Sapporo city centre, offering easy access to key attractions. The hotel lies 9 km from Okadama Airport.
  Comfortable Accommodations
  Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms with free toiletries, and modern amenities such as streaming services and flat-screen TVs. Family rooms and balconies provide added comfort.
  Exceptional Facilities
  Guests can enjoy a terrace, outdoor fireplace, and free WiFi. Additional facilities include an outdoor seating area, lift, full-day security, and luggage storage.
  Guest Satisfaction
  Highly rated for its convenient location, attentive staff, and family-friendly environment, 41 PIECES Sapporo ensures a pleasant stay for all visitors.
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- Guesthouse OYADO SAPPORO
  Budget-friendly
  
  Comfortable Accommodation
  Guesthouse OYADO SAPPORO in Sapporo offers adults-only rooms with air-conditioning, shared bathrooms, free toiletries, slippers, and city views. Each room includes a refrigerator, hairdryer, and free WiFi.
  On-Site Facilities
  The guest house features a bar and a lounge, complemented by a coffee shop. Guests can relax in the lounge or enjoy a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
  Guest Services
  Guesthouse OYADO SAPPORO provides a host, property staff, and service support. Breakfast is provided by the property, ensuring a pleasant start to the day.
  Location and Access
  Located 14 km from Okadama Airport, the guest house offers easy access to Sapporo attractions. Reception staff speak English and Japanese, assisting guests with their needs.
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- Hotel Sosei Sapporo MGallery Collection
  Luxury
  
  Situated a 12-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station, Hotel Sousei Sapporo ? MGallery offers spacious rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy shopping at Sapporo Factory, which is directly connected to the property. The hotel is conveniently located a 5-minute walk from Bus-Center-Mae Subway Station, and a 10-minute walk from Sapporo TV Tower and Odori Park. The lively Susukino area is 1.2 km away. Massage service can be arranged at an additional charge. On-site parking is available for an extra charge. Air-conditioned rooms at Hotel Sousei Sapporo ? MGallery have high ceilings, and include a large bathing room and separate toilet.
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- VILLA KOSHIDO kotoni
  Budget-friendly
  
  Comfortable Accommodations
  Villa Koshido kotoni in Sapporo offers spacious rooms with air-conditioning, balconies, and private bathrooms. Each room includes a kitchen equipped with modern appliances, ensuring a pleasant stay.
  Essential Facilities
  Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lounge, lift, 24-hour front desk, family rooms, full-day security, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a washing machine, work desk, and TV.
  Convenient Location
  Located 8 km from Okadama Airport, the hotel is surrounded by winter sports opportunities. Reception staff speak Japanese, providing assistance to all guests.
  Guest Satisfaction
  Highly rated for room comfort, kitchen, and room size, Villa Koshido kotoni is praised for its excellent service and comfortable accommodations.
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- The Gate Hotel Sapporo by Hulic
  Luxury
  
  Comfortable Accommodations
  The Gate Hotel Sapporo by Hulic in Sapporo offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, tea and coffee makers, and free WiFi. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and wardrobe.
  Dining and Leisure
  Guests can enjoy a modern restaurant serving European cuisine for lunch and dinner. The hotel also features a fitness centre, bar, and public bath.
  Convenient Services
  The hotel provides a fitness room, lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, full-day security, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include bathrobes and an executive lounge.
  Location and Access
  Located 8 km from Okadama Airport, the hotel is situated in the city centre. Reception staff speak English and Japanese.
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- Randor Hotel Sapporo Heritage
  Luxury
  
  Comfortable Accommodations
  Randor Hotel Sapporo Heritage in Sapporo offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Each room includes a kitchenette, washing machine, and free WiFi.
  Modern Amenities
  Guests can enjoy amenities such as a refrigerator, microwave, TV, and sofa. Additional features include free toiletries, hairdryer, and carpeted floors.
  Prime Location
  Located in the city centre, the hotel is a 6-minute walk from Susukino Station and 1.2 km from Odori Park. Nearby attractions include Sapporo TV Tower and Sapporo Clock Tower. Okadama Airport is 9 km away.
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- Comfort Hotel ERA Sapporo North
  Mid-range
  
  Comfortable Accommodations
  Comfort Hotel ERA Sapporo North in Sapporo offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, including bidets. Each room features a work desk, refrigerator, and TV, ensuring a pleasant stay.
  Essential Facilities
  Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lift, 24-hour front desk, and express check-in and check-out services. Additional amenities include a child-friendly buffet, luggage storage, and a seating area.
  Dining Options
  A continental, buffet, and Asian breakfast is served daily, including warm dishes, juice, and fruits. The hotel also provides a variety of dining options for guests.
  Convenient Location
  Located 7 km from Okadama Airport, the hotel is situated in Sapporo's Kita-ku district. Nearby attractions include Sapporo Station and Odori Park, offering easy access to local sights.
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- Tokyu Stay Sapporo Odori
  Mid-range
  
  Open from November 2018, Tokyu Stay Sapporo Odori is situated in Sapporo. A 3-minute walk from Odori Park, the property is also a 7-minute walk away from Sapporo Clock Tower and offers free WiFi. Attractions in the area include Sapporo TV Tower, a 7-minute walk away, or Former Hokkaid? Government Office, located an 8-minute walk from the property. At the hotel, all rooms are equipped with a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. All rooms come with a kettle, while certain rooms are equipped with a kitchenette with a microwave. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. A buffet breakfast is served daily at the property. Staff at reception can lend a hand around the clock with advice on the area. Hokkaido University is an 18-minute walk from Tokyu Stay Sapporo Odori. The nearest airport is New Chitose Airport, 40 km from the accommodation.
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