Winter Wonders around Sapporo
2025
Last updated : 2025
Each day offers a different taste of winter—from sweet strawberries and fresh powder snow to quiet forests and clear rivers
This winter itinerary brings you close to Hokkaido’s seasonal charm through hands-on activities, peaceful nature, and memorable local encounters.
After arriving at New Chitose Airport, head to Tōbetsu town, about 45 min. away from Sapporo downtown, for a rare winter strawberry-picking experience. Enjoy a 30-minute all-you-can-eat tasting of four varieties such as Yotsuboshi and Benihoppe. Then visit the stylish Nordic-themed “Michi-no-Eki Tōbetsu” before returning to Sapporo for the night.
Next, spend the day at the ski resort closest to downtown Sapporo. In the morning, enjoy two to three hours of skiing, followed by an afternoon of snow play—including tubing and snow striders. We suggest a tour a guide accompanies the group, and all equipment is provided, making it an easy and comfortable full-day winter outing.
Relax and explore Sapporo at your own pace on Day 3. Enjoy shopping, cafés, markets, or simply resting between activities.
On day 4, travel about 50 minutes from Sapporo for a private wakasagi (smelt) fishing adventure. Inside a warm tent and guided by a friendly local expert, try your hand at ice fishing and taste your freshly caught fish as tempura.
Day tour Otaru is ideal because it takes about 40-minute train ride to Otaru. Join a guided snowshoe walk through a quiet winter forest. Experience fluffy powder snow, serene landscapes, and traces of wildlife—a perfect family-friendly winter activity.
Before leaving Hokkaido, enjoy a gentle 5 km winter rafting trip along the clear Chitose River, with opportunities to spot birds and wildlife on the final day. Free shuttle service from JR Chitose Station ensures a smooth finish to your trip.
From sweet winter strawberries to snow-covered forests and gently flowing icy rivers, each day offers a different perspective on Hokkaido’s quiet but powerful winter beauty.
Itinerary:
Upon landing at New Chitose Airport, begin your journey with a delightful winter activity just outside Sapporo—strawberry picking in the snow season. At a cozy farm in Tōbetsu, you can sample four different varieties during a 30-minute all-you-can-eat tasting. Afterward, explore the stylish Nordic-themed roadside station “Michi-no-Eki Tōbetsu” before settling into Sapporo for the night.
Overnight in Sapporo
Enjoy the perfect combination of skiing and winter fun at the closest ski resort, Takino Snow World Family Ski Resort. Spend the morning skiing for about two to three hours, then head to the snow play area in the afternoon for tubing, snow striders, and a range of family-friendly activities.
Overnight in Sapporo
Take a relaxing break with a full free day. Whether you explore cafés, shop for souvenirs, visit local markets, or simply enjoy Sapporo at your own pace, it’s the perfect moment to recharge.
Overnight in Sapporo
Travel about 50 minutes from Sapporo to a quiet lakeside area in Ebetsu for a private wakasagi fishing adventure. We suggest a plan includes hotel pick-up from Sapporo, lunch, and a return trip to JR Ebetsu Station. Fish inside a warm tent, guided by a friendly local expert. The highlight is savoring your freshly caught wakasagi, fried into crisp tempura right on the spot.
Overnight in Sapporo
Take a scenic 40-minute train ride to Otaru for a full day of exploration. One of the best winter activities here is snowshoe trekking through untouched forests. Walk across fluffy powder snow, discover animal tracks, and enjoy the silence of nature accessible only in winter. Small-group tours with a guide ensure safety and comfort for participants of all ages.
Overnight in Sapporo
Before heading home, experience a gentle 5 km winter rafting trip along the crystal-clear Chitose River. With chances to spot birds and wildlife along the quiet riverside, it’s a refreshing and memorable way to conclude your journey. Free shuttle service from JR Chitose Station is available, making the experience smooth and convenient.
