7 Days Hokkaido Winter Tour: Skiing, Onsen, Volcano & Snow Festival

Welcome to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido! Upon arrival at New Chitose Airport (CTS), our representative will meet you at the arrivals gate with a sign bearing your name. They will then transfer you to your hotel in Sapporo for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring Sapporo.

Winter in Sapporo, the vibrant capital of Hokkaido, is a stunning blend of urban charm and snow-covered magic, from December through March. Sapporo Snow Festival is held every February. This is a world-famous event featuring massive, intricate snow and ice sculptures. The main venues, such as Odori Park and Susukino, are filled with dazzling displays that attract visitors from all over the globe.

Free Time Ideas:

Tsudome (Daytime): This venue offers family-friendly snow activities, including snow slides and snow rafting, during the Sapporo Snow Festival

Susukino (Night): One of the main venues for the Sapporo Snow Festival, known for its intricate ice sculptures.

Tanukikoji Shopping Street (Shopping): This is a historic shopping arcade with a wide variety of shops, including souvenir stores and restaurants. It's covered by an arcade roof, making it a comfortable place to shop regardless of the weather.

Nijo Market (Food): Nijo Market is a downtown seafood market with over a century of history. It's a vibrant hub where you can find fresh seafood, including king crab, sea urchin, and scallops. The market also has restaurants where you can enjoy seafood bowls and sushi.

Arrival Ideas:

By Air: New Chitose Airport (CTS) is the primary gateway for Hokkaido. It serves as both the main international airport and the largest hub for domestic flights to the region.

International Flights: You can find direct flights to New Chitose Airport from numerous countries and regions, particularly in Asia, including China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia. During peak seasons, like winter, there may also be direct flights from other parts of the world.

Domestic Flights: You can also find direct flights to New Chitose Airport from major cities in Japan like Tokyo (HND, NRT), Osaka (KIX, ITM), Nagoya (NGO), and Fukuoka (FUK).

By Shinkansen (Bullet Train): The Shinkansen does not go all the way to Sapporo yet. But you can take the Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in southern Hokkaido (~ 4 hours). Then transfer to the Limited Express train to Sapporo (~3.5 hours).

After breakfast, drive to Shiroi Koibito Park, a chocolate-themed park on the western edge of Sapporo. It transforms Hokkaido's beloved Shiroi Koibito cookies into a confectionery kingdom. Inside the Ishiya Chocolate Factory, you can watch the meticulous process of how these delicate, buttery cookies are made. Outside, you can stroll through the park to see the Tudor-style buildings adorned with Christmas decorations, manicured gardens, and feel as if you've stepped into a fairytale world.

After a sweet morning, you'll head back to central Sapporo. Our first stop is the historic Sapporo Clock Tower, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. The clock tower's red roof and white wooden walls create a striking and picturesque contrast against the pure white snow, giving it a nostalgic, postcard-perfect look.

From there, take a leisurely stroll to Odori Park. This beautiful, expansive green space cuts through the heart of the city, changing its character with the seasons. During winter, the park is blanketed in a pristine layer of snow, becoming the main venue for the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival. At its eastern end, you'll find the Sapporo TV Tower, which makes for a perfect photo opportunity from the park.

Lastly, you'll drive to the Sapporo Beer Museum. As Japan's only beer museum, it offers a fascinating look into the history of Sapporo beer, the nation's oldest beer brand. You can explore the historical artifacts, learn about the brewing process, and enjoy a tasting of freshly brewed beer. Next to the museum is the Sapporo Beer Garden, where you can savor Hokkaido's specialty, Jingisukan (Genghis Khan) barbecue - at your own expense. After the tour, drive back to your hotel in Sapporo.

Optional Activity: Mt. Moiwa Observatory for Night View ( at an additional cost).

For one of Japan's most spectacular night views, take the ropeway and mini cable car to the Mt. Moiwa Observatory. The summit offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Sapporo, regarded as one of Japan's top three night views. On a clear winter night, the crisp air makes the city lights sparkle against the white snow, creating a spectacular sea of lights.

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic 1-hour drive to Otaru, a truly magical and romantic winter destination.

Upon arrival, begin your exploration at the iconic Otaru Canal. In winter, snow-covered Victorian-style warehouses line the canal, while old gas lamps and soft candlelight add to its nostalgic charm. Optional Activity: You can also enjoy a canal cruise for a different perspective.  (If your trip coincides with the annual Otaru Snow Light Path Festival (typically held in early-to-mid February), the canal is transformed by thousands of floating candles, creating a warm, dreamy glow that reflects off the water and snow.)

From here, make your way to the historic Sakaimachi Street, which has become a bustling winter wonderland. It's a perfect place to escape the cold by ducking into cozy shops, boutiques, and cafes. Visit the enchanting Otaru Music Box Museum, one of Japan's largest, where you can marvel at an incredible collection of intricate music boxes and listen to their melodious tunes. Just nearby is Kitaichi Glass, where you can admire exquisite glass art, witness glass blowing demonstrations, and even enjoy a unique ambiance at the oil-lamp-lit Kitaichi Hall.

For a breathtaking conclusion to your day in Otaru, head to the Mount Tengu Ropeway. This scenic ride takes you to the summit of Mount Tengu, providing a stunning aerial perspective of the city as you ascend. From the observation deck at the top, you'll be treated to a spectacular panoramic view of the snow-covered Otaru city, the bustling port, and the vast Ishikari Bay.

After the tour, you'll drive back to Sapporo for accommodation.

After breakfast in Sapporo, drive south to Lake Toya (about 2 hours), a picturesque crater lake nestled in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Renowned for its thermal springs and the active volcano Mount Usu, this region combines natural beauty with geological wonders - even in cold weather, the lake never freezes! When you arrive, head straight to the lake for a sightseeing cruise across the calm waters.

Then, board the Usuzan Ropeway and travel up Mount Usu, towering over the lake at more than 2,400 feet (737 m). From the observation decks, you can overlook a panoramic view of the snow-covered Lake Toya, the steaming Showa Shinzan, and the distant Pacific Ocean. The clear winter air often provides a very sharp and clear view.

In the afternoon, you will drive east to Noboribetsu, Hokkaido's most famous hot spring town.

You will explore Noboribetsu Hell Valley (Jigokudani). This dramatic, volcanic landscape is the main source of Noboribetsu's famous hot springs. Walk along the well-maintained boardwalks, witnessing steaming vents, bubbling hot springs, and a strong scent of sulfur in the air. The vibrant, barren landscape truly feels like another world.

For more intense physical activity, hike deep into the hills. You can find Oyunuma River Natural Footbath, where you can relax your feet in a natural hot spring stream flowing through the forest.

Overnight Stay in Noboribetsu.

Optional: Noboribetsu Onsen town is conveniently located right next to Hell Valley, offering a wealth of hot spring experiences. If you'd like to book an onsen hotel for your stay, please contact your travel advisor to arrange it.

First, you will head to the Noboribetsu Bear Park. A scenic ropeway ride takes you up the mountain to the park, which is home to a large population of Hokkaido's brown bears. You can observe the bears from a variety of angles and even feed them. For a thrilling photo opportunity, don't miss the unique "Human Cage," which bears often wander right up to the glass, offering an intense and memorable view from just inches away.

Next, step back in time at Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura, a cultural theme park dedicated to Japan's Edo period. Wander through meticulously recreated streets, samurai residences, and ninja houses to experience life from centuries ago. Enjoy exciting ninja and samurai shows, and even opportunities to try on period costumes. Your imaginations are sure to be sparked by the lively antics of the performers, and you'll all come away with a deeper understanding of Japan's storied past.

After a day of adventure, you will begin your scenic drive back to Sapporo (approximately 1.5-2 hours).

After enjoying your delicious breakfast, we will provide a transfer service to the ski resort. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on the slopes. Please note that skiing expenses are at your own cost.

Please choose your ski resort based on your skill level and preferences:

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort: An excellent choice for beginners or those who simply want a taste of snow activities. It's conveniently located just a 1-hour drive from Sapporo, making it easy to enjoy the winter atmosphere. If you choose this resort, you will return to your hotel in Sapporo on the same day.

Niseko United: Recommended for professional and experienced skiers. Niseko is world-renowned for its exceptional powder snow and challenging terrain, offering a thrilling experience for those with advanced skills. Located about a 2-hour drive from Sapporo, guests who choose this resort will stay overnight at a hotel in Niseko.

Note: Want to extend your ski experience? Feel free to contact your travel consultant to add an extra ski day or make lodging arrangements.

It is time to end your unforgettable 7-Day Hokkaido Winter Tour. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Sapporo or Niseko United and transfer you to New Chitose Airport (CTS) for your departure flight.

Trip Extension: If you'd like to extend your trip in Japan, consider exploring other notable regions like Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Central Japan, or Okinawa etc. Feel free to contact us to customize your extended itinerary.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your tour of Asia. We are dedicated to enhancing your travel experiences and look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure in Asia. Have a safe journey home!