Sapporo in Winter: Things to Do Before, During, and After the Festival

Sapporo in the winter is nothing short of magical. For one week every year, the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival turns the city into a snowy dreamland with beautiful ice sculptures, bright lights, and lots of excitement.

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But there’s more to Sapporo than just the Snow Festival. You can ski down mountains fit for the Winter Olympics, enjoy a hot bowl of miso ramen, or explore a fun nightlife area that is almost like Tokyo. Getting there is simple too. Just fly into New Chitose Airport and take a 40-minute train ride to JR Sapporo Station to be right in the middle of the action.

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Here are our top things to do in Sapporo in the winter.

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Sapporo is home to many must-see attractions. Here are just a few of our favourites:

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One of the main sites of the Sapporo Snow Festival is Odori Park. It is loved by both tourists and locals. The park stretches over 12 blocks and has more than 92 types of trees. It is a peaceful place to relax and take a break from the busy city.

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Just a block from Odori Park is Sapporo’s iconic Clock Tower, a must-see landmark. Built in the 1800s, it’s full of history and stories from the city’s early days. Its American Midwest-style design makes it stand out in the heart of Sapporo. Today, it’s a lively museum with fun exhibits about the city’s past. It’s a small spot, but definitely one that gives you a taste of Sapporo’s unique charm.

For amazing views of Sapporo, head to the Mount Moiwa Ropeway. You’ll ride a glass-sided gondola and see snowy forests all around you. The ride itself is really fun and relaxing. For something extra special, go at night and watch the city lights sparkle against the snow. It’s a view you won’t forget!

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If you want a fun night out, Susukino is the place to be. The streets are full of neon lights and huge billboards that make everything feel alive. There are bars, late-night karaoke spots, and restaurants that are total must-tries. You can sip a cocktail in a hidden bar or dig into some tasty lamb barbecue. There’s always something fun happening around every corner here!

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Well-known for its culinary delights, Sapporo is a foodie’s paradise. Don’t miss these hotspots on your winter vacation in Sapporo:

In Sapporo’s Susukino district, you’ll find the famous Ramen Alley. It’s a small street with 17 busy ramen restaurants. Ramen Alley is only a 5-minute walk from the MEGA Don Quijote Sapporo Tanukikoji Honten store. Make sure to try a bowl of Sapporo’s special miso ramen because it is really delicious.

Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum and experience the history of Japan’s oldest beer brand. Take a guided tour to hear all the cool stories behind it. You’ll see how Sapporo beer has been made for over a hundred years. After the tour, treat yourself to some fresh Sapporo beer. Kanpai! It’s a fun way to taste history.

For a fun and casual meal, try one of Sapporo’s kaiten sushi restaurants, also called conveyor belt sushi. Grab a seat at the counter and watch the plates of fresh sushi glide by. You’ll see nigiri, rolls, and even hot dishes passing right in front of you. Just pick up whatever looks tasty and enjoy. It’s a fun and tasty way to eat!

For a special treat, try some Hokkaido crab. Go to a local seafood restaurant and enjoy juicy king crab or sweet snow crab. You can also visit the Sapporo Crab Market. The market is full of stalls with freshly caught crab and other seafood. It’s a delicious way to taste the best of Hokkaido!

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For cosy vibes and romantic winter scenery, Hokkaido has you covered.

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If you’re looking to escape the city for a bit of R&R, then a Japanese onsen is the way to go. Just an hour outside of Sapporo’s centre, you’ll find Jozankei Onsen. Perfect for a day trip, this famous onsen has outdoor hot springs, saunas, and footbaths. You can relax, forget your worries, and let your stress disappear.

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Jozankei Onsen is about an hour away from Sapporo Station. Start your day early and take the Namboku Line 10 stops to Makomanai Station. Take the stairs, follow the signs for South Gates, and exit via the South Exit. Then hop on the I 2 J bus toward Jozankei shako mae and ride it 31 stops until you reach Jozankei jinja mae.

Straight out of a winter postcard, the charming canal town of Otaru is another beautiful spot for a day trip near Sapporo. Walk through the snowy streets and enjoy the old herring mansions, charming gas lamps, and old warehouses turned into restaurants and shops.

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From Sapporo Station, take the JR Hakodate Line to Otaru, which runs multiple times an hour. It’s about 30 minutes on the Rapid Airport train or 45 minutes on the local train.

Hokkaido’s reputation for world-class snow attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe. Here are just a few winter activities in Sapporo to enjoy:

Hokkaido has many ski resorts, and some are only a short train or bus ride from Sapporo. Sapporo Teine is one of the most popular resorts. It has powdery snow that skiers of all levels will enjoy. This resort even hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there is something for everyone.

Sapporo Satoland is a family-friendly farm that turns into a snowy playground every winter. Zoom down the snow-covered hills on a sled, take a cozy horse-drawn sleigh ride, or have a fun snowball fight. It’s the perfect place to let loose and feel like a kid again.

Want to try something really different? Go ice fishing in Sapporo! You can join a guided tour, catch some fresh smelt, fry it up, and eat it all in just a few hours. It’s fun, tasty, and a little bit adventurous. Sitting out on the frozen lake in the crisp winter air makes it even better. This is a winter experience you’ll remember for a long time!

Sapporo is full of art and culture. Check out these fun places to try:

For a healthy dose of culture, head to Hokkaido Museum. Here, you can immerse yourself in the history, culture, and nature of Hokkaido. Learn about the Ainu indigenous people of Japan and look at the fossils and other ancient relics of this northern part of Japan.

Not your average city park – Moerenuma Park is more like a work of art. Designed by Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi, this park blends nature and architecture, with a striking glass pyramid being the star. Take your time exploring the park as you admire the water fountain shows at Sea Fountain and soak in the views from Mount Moere.

A trip to Sapporo isn’t complete without some shopping. Start at Nijo Market for some fresh seafood, then head to Tanukikoji Shopping Street for everything from traditional crafts to modern fashion. Finally, don’t miss MEGA Don Quijote Sapporo Tanukikoji Honten – a 24/7 Japanese megastore (just five minutes walk from Ramen Alley) packed with quirky souvenirs, Japanese snacks, beauty products, and so much more. Just don’t forget to get an extra suitcase for your flight back home.

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