Sapporo in the winter is nothing short of magical. For one week every year, the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival transforms the city into a winter wonderland complete with intricate ice sculptures, illuminated displays, and unbeatable energy.
But beyond the Snow Festival, there’s so much more to discover in Hokkaido’s capital. Carve down mountains worthy of the Winter Olympics, warm up with a steaming bowl of miso ramen, or get lost in an entertainment district that rivals Tokyo. Getting to Sapporo is easy too – just fly into Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport and take a 40-minute train ride to JR Sapporo Station to be in the heart of it all.
Ready to discover everything Sapporo has to offer? Here are our top things to do in Sapporo in the winter.
1. Discover Sapporo’s Local Attractions
Sapporo is home to many must-see attractions. Here are just a few of our favourites:
Odori Park
One of the main sites of the Sapporo Snow Festival, Odori Park is beloved by tourists and locals alike.
TV Tower (built in 1957) in Odori Park has a observation deck at 90 metres.
Spanning over 12 blocks with over 92 types of trees, this tranquil park is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city outside the Snow Festival.
Sapporo Clock Tower
Just a block away from Odori Park is Sapporo’s iconic Clock Tower.
Steeped in history dating back to the 1800s, this American Midwest-style Clock Tower is now a museum with exhibitions about Sapporo’s storied past.
Mount Moiwa Ropeway
For panoramic views of Sapporo, make your way to the Mount Moiwa Ropeway. Here, you’ll be whisked away on a scenic journey in a glass-panelled gondola where you can soak in the views of the snow-peaked forests. For an unforgettable experience, visit at night to admire the twinkling lights of the city against the serene, snow-covered backdrop.
Susukino District
Sapporo’s Susukino District is the place to be for a night out.
Punctuated with towering billboards and neon lights, this vibrant entertainment district is home to lively bars, late-night karaoke joints, and must-try restaurants. Sip on a craft cocktail in a hidden bar or feast on some tasty lamb barbecue in this heart of the city.
2. Take a Food Tour Across Sapporo
Well-known for its culinary delights, Sapporo is a foodie’s paradise. Don’t miss these hotspots on your winter vacation in Sapporo:
Ramen Alley
Nestled in Sapporo’s Susukino district is the renowned Ramen Alley – a narrow street packed with 17 bustling ramen restaurants.
Ramen Alley is a 5-minute walk from the MEGA Don Quijote Sapporo Tanukikoji Honten storeWander through this snug food haven as the savoury aromas of ramen beckon you inside. Just make sure to try a bowl of rich miso ramen, a specialty that comes from Sapporo.
Sapporo Beer Museum
Dive into the history of Japan’s oldest beer brand at the Sapporo Beer Museum.
Take a guided tour to learn about its history and then indulge in some fresh Sapporo brews to cap off your visit. Kanpai!
Kaiten Sushi Restaurants
For a fun and casual meal out, check out some of Sapporo’s kaiten sushi restaurants – aka conveyor belt sushi. Get a prime seat at the counter and watch as plates of fresh nigiri, sushi, and hot food glide past you on the conveyor belt – ready to be picked up and devoured.
Sapporo Crab Market
For a more decadent feast, get your hands on some Hokkaido crab. Head to a local seafood restaurant to feast on succulent king crab or sweet snow crab. Or wander through the stalls of the popular Sapporo Crab Market, where you’ll find an array of freshly caught crab and seafood.
3. Explore Idyllic Winter Spots
For cosy vibes and romantic winter landscapes, Hokkaido has you covered.
Jozankei Onsen Hot Springs
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 revered onsen is home to an array of outdoor hot springs, saunas, and footbaths where you can forget about life’s worries and feel your stresses melt away.
Getting there
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.
Otaru Canal Town
Straight out of a winter postcard, the charming canal town of Otaru is another idyllic spot for a day trip near Sapporo.
Stroll through the snow-dusted streets as you admire the historic herring mansions, romantic gas lamps, and old warehouses converted into restaurants and shops.
Getting there
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.
4. Relish in Outdoor Winter Activities
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:
Skiing in Sapporo
Hokkaido is home to several ski resorts, some just a short train or bus ride away from Sapporo. Skiers of all levels will love the powder at Sapporo Teine, home to the 1972 Winter Olympics.
Sledding at Sapporo Satoland
Sapporo Satoland, a family-friendly agricultural park, transforms into a winter wonderland each year. Sled down snow-covered hills, enjoy a snug horse-drawn sleigh ride, or unleash your inner kid with a friendly snowball fight.
Ice Fishing in Sapporo
Looking for an one-of-a-kind experience to add to your bucket list? Try ice fishing in Sapporo. Join a guided ice fishing tour where you can catch some smelt, fry it up, and then devour it – all in a few hours.
5. Take in Sapporo’s Culture (and Shopping)
Art and culture abound in Hokkaido’s capital. Get your fix at these Sapporo attractions:
Hokkaido Museum
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 marvel at the fossils and other ancient relics of this northern part of Japan.
Moerenuma Park
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.
MEGA Don Quijote Sapporo Tanukikoji Honten
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 an extra suitcase for your haul!
Beyond its famed Snow Festival, Sapporo offers an unforgettable mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation in the winter. Pack your warmest jumpers and get ready for your next cosy winter escape to Sapporo! Don't forget to activate your eSIM and connect to one of Japan's best-known mobile networks: KDDI.
