Snowy Sapporo, an unforgettable winter wonderland travel plan & guide ❄️☃️

#TravelPlan #SapporoWinterTravel #WinterTravel

Sapporo winter travel is more enjoyable if you prepare in advance!!

💛When is the best time to go on a Sapporo winter trip?

Sapporo's winter season lasts from November to March, and each period has its own charm.

Mid-November - Early December: The first snow falls and the city begins to feel the winter atmosphere. There are relatively few people, so you can enjoy a leisurely trip.

Mid-December - Late January: The beginning of full-fledged winter, when the city is covered in pure white snow and various winter festivals such as the Sapporo White Illumination are held. Airfare and accommodations are expensive and reservations can be difficult during Christmas and New Year's holidays.

Early February - Mid-February: The Sapporo Snow Festival (Yukimatsuri) is at its peak. You can enjoy fantastic ice and snow sculptures, but be prepared for huge crowds and high prices.

Late February - Early March: There is still a lot of snow, but the temperature gradually warms up, making it a good time to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. There are fewer crowds than in early February, making for a relatively pleasant trip.

Recommended time: Depending on personal preference, we recommend mid-January or late February. Mid-January is right before the snow festival, so you can enjoy the beautiful snowy scenery relatively leisurely, and late February has plenty of snow and the festival crowds have disappeared, making for a pleasant trip.

💛Here is an example of a recommended Sapporo winter travel course (4 nights, 5 days)!

Day 1: Arrive in Sapporo & Enjoy the City
Morning: Arrive at New Chitose Airport and transfer to downtown Sapporo (via JR Rapid Airport)
Lunch: Visit a soup curry restaurant around Sapporo Station (Suage Plus, Karaku, etc.)
Afternoon: Sightseeing in downtown Sapporo (Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower Observatory, Sapporo Clock Tower, Former Hokkaido Government Office Building)
Dinner: Enjoy Genghis Khan and Sapporo beer at the Sapporo Beer Museum & Beer Garden
Night: View the Sapporo White Illumination (mid-November to mid-March)

Day 2: Romantic Otaru day trip

Morning: Take the JR from Sapporo Station to Otaru (approximately 40 minutes)
Lunch: Visit a seafood rice bowl or sushi restaurant around the Otaru Canal
Afternoon: Stroll through the Otaru Canal, Music Box Museum, Kitaichi Glass Workshop, Tour the Otaru shopping district including LeTAO Main Store
Evening: Enjoy the night view of the Otaru Canal and return to Sapporo

Day 3: Enjoy winter activities & hot springs
AM/PM:
Option 1 (Skiing/Snowboarding): Enjoy winter sports at nearby ski resorts such as Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Teine Ski Resort
Option 2 (Hot Springs): Enjoy open-air hot springs at Jozankei Onsen or Noboribetsu Onsen (Jozankei Onsen is easily accessible by bus from Sapporo)
Evening: Return to Sapporo city after your chosen activity and have dinner at your own leisure

Day 4: Sapporo suburbs or shopping & gourmet food
AM:
Option 1 (Shiroi Koibito Park): A place to enjoy sweets and beautiful gardens (especially recommended with children)
Option 2 (Sapporo suburban outlet): Shopping at Mitsui Outlet or Chitose Outlet
Lunch: Enjoy a meal at your own leisure in Sapporo city or the suburbs
PM: Sapporo downtown (Susukino) Sightseeing, shopping at Don Quijote, etc.
Dinner: A sumptuous feast including Kaisendon with fresh seafood and hairy crab dishes

Day 5: Departure with regrets
Morning: Visit places you haven't been to in downtown Sapporo or go shopping
Lunch: Last meal and duty-free shopping at New Chitose Airport
Afternoon: Departure from New Chitose Airport

💛A tip for a winter trip to Sapporo!
Dress warmly and wear more! Sapporo is very cold in winter. Heattech, lightweight padding, thick padding, warm shoes with waterproof function, gloves, scarves, hats, and earmuffs are essential.
Waterproof shoes are essential! It snows a lot and melts, so it's important to wear waterproof shoes to keep your feet dry. Boots with non-slip function are even better.
The more hot packs, the better! Prepare plenty of hot packs and hand warmers that you can attach to your clothes.
Pay attention to moisturizing! Your skin is prone to cracking in dry weather, so prepare moisturizing cream, lip balm, etc.