Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is a winter wonderland that offers world-class skiing, incredible snow activities, and unique winter experiences. With its famous powder snow, convenient ski resorts near the city, and vibrant winter festivals, Sapporo is the perfect destination for snow lovers.
This guide will help you plan the ultimate ski and snow adventure in Japan's northern paradise.
Arrive at New Chitose Airport and take the JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station (37 minutes, 1,150 yen). The trains run every 15 minutes, making it very convenient. Once you arrive at Sapporo Station, store your luggage at your hotel or use coin lockers if check-in isn't available yet.
Head to Stellar Place or the Paseo shopping complex connected to Sapporo Station for an early lunch. Try soup curry, a Sapporo specialty with vegetables and meat in a spiced broth. Recommended restaurants include Garaku or Suage+.
Walk to Odori Park (10 minutes from Sapporo Station). This 1.5-kilometer park runs east to west through the city center. In winter, the park is beautifully covered in snow, and if you're visiting in February, you'll see the famous Sapporo Snow Festival with massive ice and snow sculptures.
Visit the Sapporo TV Tower at the east end of Odori Park. Take the elevator to the observation deck (90 meters high) for panoramic city views. Entry costs 1,000 yen for adults. Spend about 30 minutes here enjoying the views and taking photos.
Walk south to the Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade (5 minutes from Odori Park). This covered shopping street has over 200 shops where you can browse local products, souvenirs, and snacks. Pick up some hand warmers and any last-minute winter gear you might need.
Check into your hotel around 3:00 PM. Rest and freshen up before dinner. Recommended areas to stay include near Sapporo Station for convenience, Susukino for nightlife, or Odori for central access.
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Walk to the Susukino district (15 minutes from Odori, or take the subway one stop). This is Sapporo's largest entertainment district with countless restaurants and bars. The neon lights reflecting off the snow create a magical atmosphere.
Have dinner at one of Susukino's famous ramen shops. Try Sapporo's signature miso ramen at places like Sumire or Keyaki. A hearty bowl costs about 900-1,200 yen. The rich, warming broth is perfect after a cold day.
After dinner, take a short walk around Susukino to experience the lively atmosphere. If you're visiting during the Snow Festival (early February), consider booking an evening illumination tour that includes guided viewing of the lit-up ice sculptures and local food tastings.
Return to your hotel by 9:00 PM to rest up for your first ski day tomorrow.
Wake up early and have breakfast at your hotel or grab onigiri (rice balls) and coffee from a convenience store like Lawson or 7-Eleven. This saves time and money.
Take the Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort shuttle bus from Sapporo Station. Buses depart around 8:30-9:00 AM (check current schedules). The journey takes about 60 minutes and costs approximately 2,500 yen round-trip. Alternatively, many tour operators offer day ski packages with transportation included, which can be more convenient.
Arrive at Sapporo Kokusai around 9:30-10:00 AM. Head to the rental shop if you need equipment. Full rental sets (skis/snowboard, boots, poles) cost about 5,500-7,000 yen per day. The rental process takes 20-30 minutes, so arrive early to maximize slope time.
Purchase your lift ticket at the ticket counter. A full-day pass costs approximately 5,200 yen for adults. The resort opens at 9:00 AM, so you'll have the whole day ahead of you.
Start with warm-up runs on the beginner or intermediate slopes. Sapporo Kokusai has seven courses with the longest run stretching 3.6 kilometers. The resort's layout makes it easy to progress from easier to more challenging runs. Beginners should stick to the Family Course and Melody Course at the base area.
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Take a lunch break around noon. The resort has several restaurants serving hot meals like curry rice (900 yen), ramen (1,000 yen), and katsu don (1,200 yen). Alternatively, bring a packed lunch from a convenience store to save money.
Continue skiing after lunch. Try different courses based on your skill level. Intermediate skiers will enjoy the Downhill Course and Nature Course through tree-lined paths. Advanced skiers can challenge the Expert Course with steeper terrain and moguls.
The powder snow at Sapporo Kokusai is exceptional, especially after fresh snowfall. The light, dry snow makes for excellent skiing conditions and softer landings if you fall.
Take breaks to warm up in the lodges and enjoy hot drinks. The resort has rest areas with heating where you can recharge.
Wrap up skiing around 3:30-4:00 PM to catch the shuttle bus back to Sapporo. Buses typically depart between 4:00-5:00 PM. Return your rental equipment before leaving.
Arrive back in Sapporo around 5:30-6:00 PM. Head straight to your hotel to shower and change into comfortable clothes.
For dinner, visit the Sapporo Beer Garden in the Higashi-ku area (15 minutes by taxi from central Sapporo). This historic brick building serves jingisukan (grilled lamb), Hokkaido's famous dish. All-you-can-eat jingisukan with beer costs about 4,000-5,000 yen per person. The experience is very popular, so make reservations in advance.
If you prefer something lighter, head back to Susukino or the Sapporo Station area for various dining options. Try an izakaya (Japanese pub) for casual food and drinks.
Return to your hotel by 9:00 PM. Soak in the hotel's bath if available to ease your muscles after skiing.
Have an early breakfast and prepare for another full day of skiing. Mount Teine is closer to the city than Sapporo Kokusai, making the commute easier.
Take the shuttle bus from Sapporo to Teine Highland (about 50 minutes) or book a day tour package that includes round-trip transportation and lift tickets. Tours typically pick you up from major hotels between 8:00-8:30 AM.
Arrive at Teine around 9:00-9:30 AM. Mount Teine hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics, so you'll be skiing on historic slopes. The resort has two zones: Olympia (lower mountain, easier runs) and Highland (upper mountain, challenging terrain).
If you didn't rent equipment on Day 2, rent it at Teine. Otherwise, if you rented multi-day equipment in Sapporo city, you'll already have your gear.
Purchase your lift ticket (about 5,500 yen for a full-day pass to both zones). Start at the Olympia zone if you're a beginner or intermediate skier. The runs here are gentler and perfect for building confidence.
Advanced skiers should take the gondola to the Highland zone. The Olympic Downhill Course offers steep, challenging terrain that will test your skills. The views from the top are spectacular, with Sapporo city visible below and the Sea of Japan in the distance.
Have lunch at one of the mountain restaurants. The Highland Lodge serves hearty meals with great views. Expect to pay 1,000-1,500 yen for lunch sets.
Continue exploring different courses after lunch. Teine has 15 courses total, giving you plenty of variety. Try the powdery tree runs if conditions are good and you're comfortable with off-piste terrain.
One unique feature of Teine is night skiing. The resort lights up select slopes until 9:00 PM on certain days (check the schedule). If your tour package doesn't include night skiing, you can purchase an evening ticket separately (about 2,500 yen for 4:00-9:00 PM).
If you're not doing night skiing, finish around 3:30 PM and take the shuttle back to Sapporo, arriving around 4:30-5:00 PM.
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If you choose to do night skiing, continue until 7:00-8:00 PM. Night skiing at Teine is magical with the illuminated slopes and glittering city lights below. It's a unique experience you won't find at many resorts worldwide.
Return to Sapporo around 8:30-9:00 PM if you did night skiing. For dinner, visit Nijo Market near the city center. While it's primarily a morning market, several restaurants stay open for dinner, serving fresh seafood bowls, grilled fish, and crab dishes.
Alternatively, explore the Sapporo Station area for diverse dining options. The station's restaurant floors (called "esta" and "Stellar Place") have everything from sushi to Italian food.
Try Hokkaido's famous dairy products for dessert. Visit a soft-serve ice cream shop for rich, creamy Hokkaido milk ice cream, even in winter. The cold doesn't stop locals from enjoying this treat.
Rest early tonight, as you have more adventures tomorrow.
Today is a break from intensive skiing. Start with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or at a local café. Try a Japanese breakfast set with grilled fish, rice, miso soup, and pickles if you haven't yet.
Visit Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine (15 minutes by subway from Sapporo Station on the Tozai Line to Maruyama-koen Station). The shrine grounds covered in snow are peaceful and beautiful. Walk the snowy paths and look for Ezo squirrels that inhabit the area.
The Maruyama area is trendy with boutique cafes and shops. Stop at a local café for hot chocolate or coffee before continuing your day.
Have lunch in the Maruyama area. Try a cozy café serving Hokkaido comfort food like hot sandwiches or pasta dishes.
Head to Sapporo Moiwa Ski Resort (20 minutes by taxi from Maruyama, or take a bus). This smaller resort is perfect for a half-day of casual skiing or trying new winter activities. Lift tickets cost about 3,000 yen for a half-day.
If you prefer non-skiing activities, book a snowshoeing tour instead. Many operators offer guided snowshoe walks through the forests around Sapporo, where you'll trek through pristine snow, spot wildlife tracks, and enjoy the peaceful winter forest. Tours typically last 2-3 hours and cost around 5,000-7,000 yen per person.
Another option is visiting Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park (40 minutes from central Sapporo). In winter, it becomes a snow playground with tubing hills, sledding areas, and snow rafting. This is perfect for families or anyone wanting fun without skiing. Entry is free, and activity fees range from 300-1,000 yen.
Return to Mount Moiwa in the evening for the spectacular night view. Take the ropeway and cable car to the summit (1,800 yen round trip). The journey takes about 20 minutes.
The observation deck at the summit offers 360-degree views of Sapporo. The night view is rated as one of Japan's top three and is especially romantic. The glittering city lights spread out below like a carpet of stars. Spend 30-45 minutes here taking photos and enjoying the view.
Descend from Mount Moiwa and head to dinner. Visit the Odori area for various restaurant options. Try a conveyor belt sushi restaurant like Kaitenzushi Toriton for fresh Hokkaido seafood at reasonable prices (expect to spend 2,000-3,000 yen per person).
After dinner, if you have energy, explore the Susukino area or return to your hotel to relax and prepare for tomorrow's day trip.
Wake up early for your day trip to Niseko, one of the world's most famous ski destinations. Have a quick breakfast as you'll need to depart early.
Join a day tour to Niseko that includes round-trip transportation and lift tickets. Tours typically depart Sapporo between 7:30-8:00 AM. The journey to Niseko takes about 2-2.5 hours by bus.
Enjoy the scenic drive through Hokkaido's countryside. You'll pass snow-covered fields, small villages, and eventually see Mount Yotei (often called Ezo Fuji) in the distance, looking like a snow-covered pyramid.
Arrive at Niseko around 10:00-10:30 AM. Most tours go to Grand Hirafu, the largest of Niseko's four interconnected resorts. If you booked independently, you can choose between Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, or Annupuri.
Get your lift ticket and rental equipment if needed. The tour package usually includes lift tickets. A full-day pass for all four resorts costs about 8,000 yen if purchased separately.
Start skiing! Niseko is famous for its champagne powder snow, receiving an average of 15 meters of snowfall per season. The snow quality here is among the best in the world, light and fluffy.
Break for lunch at one of the many restaurants at the base area. Niseko caters well to international visitors with diverse food options including Japanese, Western, and Asian cuisines. Expect to pay 1,500-2,500 yen for lunch.
Continue skiing in the afternoon. If you're an advanced skier and conditions are safe, try the powder bowls and tree runs that Niseko is famous for. Always check avalanche conditions and ski within marked boundaries.
Intermediate skiers will love the wide groomed runs that offer excellent cruising. The variety of terrain means everyone in your group can find suitable runs.
Take the gondola to the top for stunning views of Mount Yotei, an almost perfect cone-shaped volcano that dominates the landscape. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Sea of Japan.
Non-skiers in your group can enjoy the base area, which has shops, cafes, and restaurants. Some tours offer options to visit nearby hot springs or do other activities.
Finish skiing around 3:30-4:00 PM to prepare for the journey back to Sapporo. Return your rental equipment if applicable.
If time permits and it's included in your tour, stop at a local onsen (hot spring) on the way back to Sapporo. Soaking in hot mineral water while looking at snowy landscapes is a quintessential Hokkaido experience. Many tours offer combined ski and onsen day trips.
Arrive back in Sapporo around 6:30-7:00 PM. You'll be tired from the long day, so keep dinner simple. Have a quick meal near your hotel, perhaps at a ramen shop or conveyor belt sushi restaurant.
Alternatively, if you're not too exhausted, visit an izakaya for a relaxed dinner with various small dishes and drinks to celebrate a great day at Niseko.
Return to your hotel and rest well. You've had a long but rewarding day.
On your final day, fit in one last ski session if your flight schedule allows. Sapporo Bankei Ski Area is perfect for a morning ski session as it's only 20 minutes from central Sapporo.
Take a taxi or bus to Bankei (buses depart from Maruyama Station). Arrive around 9:00 AM. Purchase a half-day lift ticket (about 2,500 yen).
Enjoy your final runs on Hokkaido powder. Bankei is smaller than the other resorts but offers good terrain for a quick session. The resort has night skiing facilities, making it popular with locals for after-work skiing.
Finish skiing by 11:30 AM and return to central Sapporo. If you rented equipment for multiple days, return it to the rental shop.
Head back to your hotel to shower, change, and check out. Store your luggage at the hotel or use coin lockers at Sapporo Station.
Have lunch at Sapporo Station's restaurant floors. This is your last chance to try any Hokkaido dishes you missed. Consider soup curry, miso ramen, or a Hokkaido seafood bowl for your farewell meal.
Do final souvenir shopping at Sapporo Station's Paseo or Stellar Place shopping complexes. These have excellent selections of Hokkaido products all in one place. Must-buy items include:
Shiroi Koibito cookies (white chocolate cookies, Hokkaido's most famous souvenir)
Royce chocolate (especially the nama chocolate)
Hokkaido butter and cheese products
Dried seafood and salmon products
Lavender products from Furano
Pick up your luggage and head to Sapporo Station to catch the JR Rapid Airport train to New Chitose Airport. The train takes 37 minutes and costs 1,150 yen.
Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your international flight or 1 hour before domestic flights. New Chitose Airport has excellent shopping and dining in the terminal, including Hokkaido product shops, ramen restaurants, and even a Royce chocolate factory.
If you have extra time, explore the airport's attractions, including the Smile Road shopping area, Hello Kitty Japan store, and Doraemon Park.
Board your flight with wonderful memories of Sapporo's incredible skiing, delicious food, and beautiful winter landscapes.
