Hokkaido in early january

Hello, I am planning to visit Hokkaido for 4-5 days around the second week of January. Do you think it is a good idea to skip Sapporo and the surrounding area and visit another place, like Kushiro or something else? Any advice?
Thank you!

Kushiro in january? Why? No cranes, damn cold. Snow everywhere.

What do you want to see and do in Hokkaido?

For winter - the only reason I'd go to Hokkaido is for

(1) Skiing
(2) Onsens
(3) Snow crabs & ice festivals (February)

Locations means nothing if we don't know what you want to do

Hi I have been to Hokkaido twice in early January. It really depends on what you are looking for.I was looking for beautiful landscape photography opportunities and I found it in Biei area and a wonderful place. Sapporo is nice as well but it is a city whereas Hokkaido`s beauty for me lies in its landscape beauty. Burcu

If you're interested in onsen, you can check out Shikotsuko area. We stayed in Shikotsuko Daiichi in late January this year. It's a quiet, little place with less tourists. The onsen overlooking the lake was nice, too. If your schedule permits, you can stay for the ice festivals.