Sapporo, one of the largest cities in Japan with a population of nearly two million, is the political, economic, and cultural center of Hokkaido. In addition to all the conveniences of a big city, Sapporo is also surrounded by lush natural landscapes, providing the best of both worlds.

Many people associate Hokkaido with snowy scenery. On average, it begins snowing in Sapporo in the early part of November. Until the middle of March, the entire city remains cloaked in a blanket of white snow. If you're visiting Sapporo in winter, be warned that the difference in temperature between outdoors and indoors can be extreme. Dress in layers so you can easily adjust. Also, it's common for roads and even sidewalks to freeze over, so choose footwear wisely. Shoes with good grip on the soles and snow boots are recommended.

The gateway to Sapporo, New Chitose Airport, has direct flights from Korea, Taiwan, China, and several other Asian countries, plus connections to major cities across Japan. Take the rapid train from the airport direct to Sapporo Station, which serves as a hub for train lines branching out all across Hokkaido. The Hokkaido Shinkansen is scheduled to be extended by the end of 2030.

From Japan's oldest clock tower, to the Sapporo TV Tower in Odori Park, to Hokkaido University's sprawling campus dotted with retro school buildings, Sapporo is full of iconic landmarks. Recently, new additions like the city aquarium and the Susukino entertainment district have also become famous, further enriching Sapporo's appeal as a tourist destination. Most of those locations are within walking distance of Sapporo Station. With convenient public transportation options like the subways and trams, you can easily venture outside of the city as well.

When you think of Hokkaido, you're bound to think of fun winter activities! If that sounds like what you're looking for, Sapporo is the perfect destination. Some of the best-known resorts in Hokkaido, like Niseko Resort and Rusutsu Resort, are quite a ways from Sapporo, but there are actually several fantastic resorts only 30 to 60 minutes from the city. All of them offer a variety equipmen rentals, so you don't have to worry about bringing anything yourself. By visiting a snow resort near Sapporo, you don't need to spend your entire stay at one place.

Sapporo offers charming sightseeing and the quintessential Hokkaido winter experiences, plus activities and food you can only try here. If you plan efficiently, you can enjoy it all in one day. The start of this active day begins with some snow sports. We'll introduce six ski resorts you can easily access from Sapporo's city center.

1. Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort

A 60-minute drive from the heart of Sapporo, the renowned Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort boasts spacious ski slopes and the best powder snow in Hokkaido. From the 100-meter-wide Family Course, perfect for beginners, to slopes for advanced skiers, the seven courses on offer span a wide variety of difficulty levels. In addition, you can enjoy sleds with handles and snow racers at the Snow Park. Sip on a hot drink as you gaze out at the beautiful, snowy scenery in the mountain-top cafe, which sits at an elevation of 1,100 meters. Plus, the popular hot spring resort area of Jozankei Onsen is only 30 minutes away by car.

2. SAPPORO TEINE

SAPPORO TEINE is a 40-minute drive from downtown Sapporo. This ski resort on Mount Teine served as a competition venue during the 1972 Sapporo Olympics. The women's giant slalom and co-ed slalom courses, which were used in actual competitions, are a skier's dream. In addition, there are courses that offer views of the city and slopes that plunge toward Ishikari Bay. With 15 courses in total, this is the largest ski resort in the Sapporo suburbs. Parents and children can sled and snow-tube together at the popular Dinosaur Kids' Park.

3. SAPPORO BANKEI SKI AREA

The SAPPORO BANKEI SKI AREA is only 20 minutes from central Sapporo by car. In addition to easier slopes geared toward families with children, they offer slopes approved by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), including the Mogul Course, which was used during the 2017 Asian Winter Games. Newcomers to snow sports can enjoy Waku Waku Snowland. The mini-course gives first-time skiers and snowboarders an easy place to practice. Plus, everyone can enjoy sledding, snow-tubing, and playing in the snow.

4. Sapporo Moiwa Ski Resort

30 minutes from Sapporo by car, the Sapporo Moiwa Ski Resort is situated on the 531-meter-tall Mount Moiwa. These slopes are for skiing only, which is rare for Hokkaido. There are ten diverse courses to enjoy. Near the family-friendly bunny slopes, Nakayoshi Hiroba is a popular spot for young and old skiers alike to sled and play in the snow. Many of the courses are lit, so you can enjoy skiing at night under the stars.

5. Takino Snow World

Takino Snow World is 40 minutes from central Sapporo by car. From spring to fall, fields of colorful flowers blossom all throughout Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park, and in winter you can enjoy the snow-covered natural landscape. There's a perfect bunny hill for new skiers, plus a 200-meter-long snow-tubing hill, a snowshoeing trail, and other winter activities. In the Takino Forest Zone, you may even run into some local wildlife, like a Japanese red squirrel or Yezo sika deer.

6. Fu's Snow Area

Fu's snow area is 30 minutes away from central Sapporo. They offer a wide range of courses from beginner to expert. They even have a luge track, a rarity in Japan, and during the competition season, they offer trial lessons. On the spacious children's slopes, you can ski and enjoy the snow with the whole family.

After a morning full of winter sports, spend the afternoon exploring Sapporo. Since Sapporo is so close to the ski resorts, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the town when you come back.

Since it’s near many popular tourist spots, you won't want to miss Hokkaido's iconic Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade. With 145 years of history, starting in the Meiji period (1868-1912), this is one of the oldest shopping arcades in Hokkaido. It stretches 900 meters from east to west. The arcade is covered so you can shop in comfort, rain or snow, and visit roughly 200 stores! The wide variety of stores means there's something to interest everyone, plus fantastic places to enjoy a pint and local delicacies.

You can even experience authentic Japanese culture firsthand. There are several shops in central Sapporo offering kimono rental and dressing services. Visit snow-covered temples and shrines wearing a beautiful traditional kimono. Or, experience a time-honored tea ceremony, sipping rich green tea as you sample Japanese sweets. It's the perfect way to immerse in Japanese culture and create lasting memories.

By now, the sun is setting. After a day full of fun, unwind over dinner enjoying Sapporo specialties. Sapporo is the center of trade in Hokkaido, and the crossroads for the prefecture's most delicious fresh fish, vegetables, and fruit! We'll introduce some of the best of Sapporo's local cuisine.

1. Jingisukan (Japanese grilled lamb)

Jingisukan is an iconic Hokkaido dish. It's cooked and served in a special hot pot that's curved up in the center like a mountain. Piles of delicious lamb, mutton, eggs, and a variety of vegetables make this the perfect way to sample local produce. There are plenty of restaurants serving Jingisukan throughout Sapporo, and each offers a unique flavor by using its own special sauces and cooking styles.

2. Ramen

Sapporo is the birthplace of miso ramen. Miso-flavored soup, somewhat thick noodles, bean sprouts and onions are the staples of this long-standing ramen style. The Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho (aka Ramen Alley) is home to a lineup of famous ramen shops, making this a must-visit spot for ramen aficionados. Every shop boasts a slightly different flavor, and sampling multiple stores to find your favorite is part of the fun.

3. Bars

Sapporo's biggest entertainment district, Susukino, is an adult's playground packed with bars. Each establishment offers a unique experience, from original cocktails, to gorgeous night views, to handmade sweets. Enjoy a luxuriously relaxing night sipping on local alcohol.

4. Parfait

In Sapporo, they have a unique tradition: after a full day of eating and drinking, they end the night with a "nightcap parfait." Though this custom originates in Sapporo, it's starting to gain popularity across Japan. A gorgeous parfait like this, piled with seasonal fruits and silky soft-serve ice cream made from fresh milk, is undeniably photogenic. In addition to parfait shops, you can find these at bars, izakayas, and more.

Sapporo is bursting with opportunities to make the most of the snow with skiing and snowboarding, to immerse in Japanese culture by visiting iconic tourist spots, and to enjoy gourmet delights downtown. Try the active day plan we've laid out here, and experience Sapporo to the fullest. Don't let the cold stop you from having an unforgettable adventure in Sapporo.

*Sponsored by the City of Sapporo's "2023 High-Value Tourism Content Project."