Hokkaido Winter Itinerary: How to Spend FIVE DAYS in Hokkaido
Last Updated on October 24, 2025 by Audrey
Wondering how to structure your Hokkaido winter itinerary?
Planning a winter trip to Hokkaido? You’re in the right place. I recently traveled to Hokkaido and spent a few days exploring Sapporo, Otaru, and Niseko, and it was one of the most magical trips I’ve ever taken.
This northern area of Japan is so cool and different from the typical Golden route. You’ll spend your days wandering through sparkling illuminated snow sculptures, tasting incredible seafood, and skiing Niseko’s world-famous powder.
This 5 day Hokkaido itinerary is based off my personal experiences and takes you to the best winter spots as you make your way around Sapporo, Otaru, and Niseko. Ready to get started?
SHORT ON TIME? Use these shortcuts to plan your Sapporo Trip
🏠Book accommodation in Hokkaido: My FAVORITE hotel in Sapporo is Mitsui Garden, and the BEST hotel in Niseko is Yumoto Niseko Prince Hotel!
🏔️Find activities and tours for Hokkaido: I recommend this tour I personally took to Noboribetsu, Jigokudani, and Lake Toya!
🚌Book the JR Pass and JR Hokkaido pass on JR Pass
5 Days in Hokkaido Itinerary Overview
Day 1 - Sapporo: Hokkaido Shrine, Nijo Market, Odori Park, Susukino
Day 2 - Sapporo: Hokkaido Museum, Beer Museum, Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, Mount Moiwa
Day 3 - Otaru Day Trip: Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street
Day 4 - Niseko: Travel to Niseko, Ski/Snowboard/Snow Sports, Izakaya
Day 5 - Niseko: Snowshoe Hike, Takashi Dairy Farm, Onsen
5 Day Hokkaido Winter Itinerary
Day 1 – Sapporo
Breakfast: Komeda’s Coffee
I’ve been trying to wean myself off coffee, but it becomes a non-negotiable when I’m traveling. I’m just not strong enough to hit 20,000 steps a day every day without caffeine, and I won’t make you do it either.
On our first morning in Hokkaido, we wandered around the peaceful streets jetlagged until we excitedly stumbled into a quiet Sapporo cafe right when they opened at 7:30.
Komeda’s Coffee Japan is a popular cafe chain in the country, and we love it! Their coffee blends are delicious, and their pastries use sweet Hokkaido milk.
The best part is that breakfast comes with a free service, and you can get some delicious bread with jam, butter, or red bean. I’ve also come in the afternoon and loved their Hokkaido cheesecake and amanburan, a strawberry dessert with a tangy twist.
Morning: Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Park
To start off the day, head to Hokkaido Shrine, a Shinto shrine established in 1869 in honor of four guardian gods. Right next door, you’ll see Maruyama Park. The blossoming cherry trees freeze over for the winter, and locals decorate the park with cute snow art in celebration of the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Hokkaido Shrine
If you visit Sapporo around the new year, you'll see many other visitors celebrating Hatsumōde, the first shrine visit of the year! It’s a special time when visitors come to pray for prosperity, health, and safety for the upcoming year.
Regardless, visiting the shrine is a fun experiencing any time of the year! It’s a short train ride from the city center, and when I went it was lively but not too crowded.
It’s a beautiful and serene place, steeped in Sapporo’s history and culture. You’ll get to walk around the grounds, pray for good health, and buy omikuji (paper fortunes) and omamori (protective amulets) that are also fantastic souvenirs to take home.
Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park is adjacent to the shrine and has a great variety of blossoming trees throughout the year.
Unfortunately, there won’t be any flowers during winter, but instead you’ll be blessed with the cutest snow sculptures all around the area done by local and visiting artists. So definitely swing by after the shrine to walk along the snowy scenery and try to spot some hidden sculptures!
Lunch: Taste Kaisen don at Nijo Market
If you love seafood, Nijo Market is the perfect spot for lunch. It’s one of Hokkaido’s oldest and most well-known markets, and is packed with vendors selling fresh, affordable catches of the day.
The quality is outstanding, and really shows off why Hokkaido is one of the best places for seafood. It’s also cheaper than Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market, so you’ll like the prices.
We wandered the stalls, spotting Hokkaido specialties like uni (sea urchin), giant king crabs, and plump scallops, and sat down at a local restaurant serving seafood donburi for lunch.
I ordered a kaisen don that was piled with fresh uni, crab, and buttery toro (fatty tuna) for $15. The fish was unbelievably fresh, and the portion size was pretty satisfying.
👍 Pro tip: after browsing the stalls, go inside the alleyways to find hidden restaurants for a sit-down lunch.
Afternoon: Sapporo TV Tower
It’s time to head over to the Sapporo TV Tower, the city’s icon that has been around since 1956. This 147 meter tall building sits at the edge of Odori Park, right in the heart of the city.
Inside there’s a high observation deck with sweeping views of Odori Park and the cityscape. It’s especially stunning during winter when snow blankets the streets, and during the Sapporo Snow Festival you’ll be able to spot the illuminated ice sculptures decorating Odori Park at night.
If you're celebrating a special occasion, you can even rent out the tower after 10 PM! It’s an extremely romantic activity with the powdery snow and twinkling lights, and you even get a free bottle of wine.
Odori Park
Spanning over three blocks in the heart of the city, Odori Park is usually the place where most of the festivities take place. Sapporo TV Tower is technically at the edge of Odori Park, so you can take a quick look around while you’re in the area.
In winter, the massive street park transforms into a festive wonderland. An outdoor ice skating rink pops up each year, giving visitors the chance to skate right in the middle of downtown with snow-covered trees and sparkling lights all around.
It’s pretty cheap to rent skates, and the whole atmosphere is pretty magical.
Sapporo Snow Festival (February)
This is probably a good moment to talk about the Sapporo Snow Festival that takes place during the first week of February.
It’s the city’s largest annual event, and draws in over 2 million visitors looking to admire the elaborate snow and ice sculptures scattered around Odori Park and Susukino, Sapporo’s nightlife district.
The sculptures range from famous landmarks to well-known anime characters, and once the sun sets, they’re illuminated in vibrant colors that shimmer against the wistful snowy backdrop. It’s an absolutely stunning display, and you won’t find anything like it.
The whole city breaks out in festivities, and you’ll also find snow slides, snow rafting, cultural performances, and plenty of food stalls around the park. It’s one of the biggest and most exciting festivals in Hokkaido!
Former Hokkaido Government Office
If you walk for 10 minutes, you'll arrive at theFormer Hokkaido Government Office, also known as the “red brick building”.
This building is one of Sapporo’s most recognizable buildings, mostly because it was created back in 1888, a decade after the Sapporo Clock Tower and only two decades after the city was built.
While you can only see the outside during the reconstruction, it looks beautiful in the winter when the snow blankets the building.
Dinner: Soup curry at Garaku or Suage+
Soup curry is Sapporo’s most iconic regional specialty, so it’s a must-try!
While traditional Japanese curry is thicker and tastes richer, soup curry is a lighter alternative that is still packed with flavor. It’s usually served with a choice of protein like lamb, chicken, or pork, along with rice and tons of roasted vegetables for a complete, healthy meal.
Two spots I recommend trying are Garaku Soup Curry and Suage+, which are both located in the Susukino area. They’re both terrific spots that specialize in authentic soup curry for your first dinner in Hokkaido.
Evening: Susukino
After dinner, spend the rest of the night wandering around Susukino, the largest entertainment district in Hokkaido. During the Sapporo Snow Festival, it’s one of the main illuminated areas, and you’ll see some stunning ice displays.
There's tons of stuff to do here, from restaurants, clubs, bars, and even Pachinko parlors. I’ve gone clubbing at Utage, a popping club located directly under the 24 hour Round 1, and then stayed until 2 AM playing arcade games. I love this area of Sapporo, it’s so lively and everyone is out having a good time, even in winter!
Just keep in mind that Susukino is technically a red light district, so you’ll see more activities geared towards adults. I once passed by a bar filled with waitresses wearing bunny playsuits and fishnets, but the glass was partially blurred, so I didn’t see anything tooo wild (darn).
If you’re interested in exploring Sapporo’s downtown with a local guide, this bar hopping tour takes you to a few different bars where you can taste regional dishes and drinks!
🍻 This highly rated tour sells out fast, so book your spot now to explore Susukino with a local! 🍸
Where to Stay in Sapporo
Since it’ll be pretty difficult to walk around the city with snowy conditions, you have to choose a hotel that’s conveniently located near a train station with restaurants and things to do closeby. I recommend staying either around Sapporo Station so you can utilize the underground walkway, or Susukino where the best restaurants are.
I’ve included my top picks below, but you can check out my post on where to stay in Sapporo for more ideas and details.
Luxury: Mitsui Garden Hotel Sapporo West ($$$) (Sapporo Station)
I love Mitsui Garden because it’s just a 5-minute walk from Sapporo Station, has really large, comfortable rooms, and even has an onsen (with tattoo stickers if you need them)!
(Image Credit: Expedia)
It’s not fun walking around in the cold, especially when there’s a surprise blizzard. If you stay at Mitsui Garden, you’ll be able to use the underground walkway that links Sapporo Station to Odori Park and can stay nice and dry.
Budget: Wise Owl Hostels Sapporo ($) (Susukino)
I really like Wise Owl Hostels Sapporo because it has a variety of rooms that will suit anyone. For the frugal traveler, you can sleep in a bed with a shared dormitory, and couples can sleep in a double bed in a private room.
It’s located in Susukino, with plenty of nightlife, restaurants, and things to do located just steps away.
An average night is $28/night for a dormitory room or $40-80/night for a private room.
Day 2 – Sapporo
Now that we’ve explored the heart of Sapporo, you can spend today exploring attractions a bit farther away from the central area. I’ll be taking you to some landmarks important to the city today, but you could also utilize this day for more winter things to do in Sapporo if you want to.
Morning: Hokkaido Museum
The second day of your Hokkaido winter itinerary starts with a visit to the Hokkaido Museum. It’s about 35 minutes by car from Sapporo (or under an hour by train or bus). I know it’s a bit out of the way, but if you’re willing to make the trip out, it’s worth it.
The museum has an in-depth look into the region’s nature, history, and culture, with a special focus on the Ainu, Hokkaido’s indigenous people.
You’ll see exhibits on their oral language traditions, regional fossils, and native animals like the Ezo red fox and Hokkaido brown bear to give you a better understanding on Japan’s history.
Historical Village of Hokkaido (Kaitaku No Mura)
Afterwards, walk 9 minutes to the Historic Village of Hokkaido. This landmark brings history to life in an open-air setting, recreating how villages looked and lived during the Meiji and Taisho periods (1868–1926).
You’ll find 4 areas: the central town, fishing villages, farm, and mountain settlements. Wandering around the preserved buildings feels like taking a step back in time, and during winter the snow-covered rooftops makes it feel like a historical drama!
Lunch: Genghis Khan BBQ
For lunch, try Genghis Khan (Jingisukan), a Hokkaido regional specialty. Despite the peculiar name, Genghis Khan is a style of lamb barbecue cooked on a metal skillet, and is often enjoyed during cherry blossom season all the way through winter.
The lamb is delicious, but what I really loved about genghis khan was getting to share the memory of cooking our own meat, sipping a cold Sapporo beer in its hometown, and reminiscing about our trip.
I’ll admit it, I got kind of sick of the lamb flavor after a few rounds, but sharing the meal while enjoying the view of Susukino made it such a memorable experience.
👍 Pro tip: Many restaurants offer all-you-can-eat lamb, but if it’s your first time, go à la carte so you don’t get tired of the taste like I did.
Option 1: Sapporo Beer Garden
If you plan to head to Sapporo Beer Factory afterwards, this option is the best as it’s an on-site restaurant next to the Factory. It’s a former beer factory that turned into a barbecue restaurant, and you can order a la carte or AYCE.
Option 2: Extreme Salt-Cured Jingisukan
This is where I tried Genghis Khan, and it was great! We went for dinner without a reservation and were seated in 25 minutes. You’re on the 10th floor, so you have a beautiful view of Susukino, and they put English labels on the meat so you know exactly what cut you’re eating.
Afternoon: Sapporo Beer Museum
If you’ve already had lunch at the Sapporo Beer Garden, you’re in the perfect position to jump over to the Sapporo Beer Museum next door. It’s a must for beer lovers, but even if beer isn’t your thing, the science and history behind the brewing process are pretty interesting.
Inside, you’ll walk through the brewing process, learn how Sapporo’s technology has evolved over the years, and learn about Japan’s oldest beer brand. Admission is free for both the garden and the museum, with the option of a quick 20-minute self-guided visit or a guided tour for ¥500–¥1000.
If you’re 20 years old or older, you can sample a variety of Sapporo beers, including seasonal and discontinued flavors, in a historic setting.
In case you’d like to squeeze in a stop to the museum with a tour around Hokkaido, you can book a tour to the Beer Museum, and other fantastic landmarks like the Hill of the Buddha and Mount Moiwa!
⛰️Book your spot on this highly booked tour to the Beer Museum with easy transportation! 🍃
If beer doesn’t interest you, no worries. You can find plenty of stuff to fill up your afternoon, like shopping at Tanukikoji Arcade, a covered shopping arcade full of vintage shops (and a Mega Don Quijote)!
You could also rent a snowmobile for the day and enjoy Sapporo’s soft powder!
❄️ Book a 60-minute snowmobile session with FREE shuttle service from Sapporo! ❄️
Dinner: Miso Ramen at Ramen Alley
Sapporo is best known for its miso ramen! This variation uses miso paste made from fermented soybeans instead of the classic soy or salt-based broths you’ll usually see, giving the ramen a unique savory flavor.
Bowls are topped with chashu pork, bean sprouts, green onions, and bamboo shoots. If you want to enjoy it like the locals do, add corn and butter too! It’s surprisingly really good with the butter.
I accidentally stumbled upon Ramen Alley while wandering around downtown Sapporo one night. This narrow alley dates back to the 1950s, and is actually when miso ramen originated! Make a quick stop into one of the cozy ramen shops seating locals and visitors alike, and enjoy an intimate dinner that’ll keep you warm during the cold season.
Evening: Mount Moiwa Outlook or Aoao Aquarium
Now, if it's a clear night, you could visit Mount Moiwa, a famous sightseeing spot in Sapporo.
However, given that it’s winter, and it’s cold, you might not really want to do that. In that case, Aoao Aquarium is a great substitute for things to do in Sapporo at night.
Mount Moiwa
Mount Moiwa Outlook was listed as one of the top three night views in Japan in 2018, with breathtaking panoramic views of Sapporo.
You can add a stop to the Fushimi Inari shrine too, as the two landmarks are a 10-minute walk from each other. From the parking lot, you can head up to the observatory either by ropeway or the Mo-risu cable car. Both operate in 15-minute intervals.
On top of the mountain is The Jewels, a gourmet French Restaurant that provides a luxurious fine dining experience on top of the incredible view.
👍 Pro tip: Check the observation deck live camera before you head over to Mt. Moiwa, it’s not worth visiting if it’s cloudy.
Aoao Aquarium
If the weather turns snowy or you’d rather skip the long trek out to Mt. Moiwa, you can stay in Susukino and visit Aoao Aquarium instead. Since it’s located right along Tanukikoji Shopping Street in downtown Sapporo, you can stay warm indoors while still enjoying one of the city’s best attractions. Aoao is open late until 10 PM, so it’s ideal for a post-dinner visit.
The best part of Aoao Aquarium is the Northern Rockhopper penguin habitat. The penguins hop around on movable hexagonal blocks that also allow visitors to see them up close.
The “Blue Room” is another favorite, a 20-meter digital art exhibit that takes you to the Shiretoko Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as life-sized whales swim by. It feels like I was actually underwater!
Day 3 – Day Trip to Otaru
Otaru is a great day trip option from Sapporo because it’s only 30 minutes away, and there’s a lot of shops and sightseeing spots.
Alternatively, you can choose to visit Furano and Biei to see the Biei Blue Pond and Fairy Terrace. These are other cities in Hokkaido that are popular sightseeing spots, but I personally think they are better visited during summer when the flowers are in bloom, which is why I’d recommend Otaru.
Take a full-day tour to Otaru and Hokkaido
When I visited Otaru, I joined a full-day tour from Sapporo, and it ended up being one of the best ways to explore Hokkaido’s most stunning landmarks in a single day. This top-rated tour includes Noboribetsu, Otaru, Lake Toya, and Mitsui Outlet Park, which is the largest shopping outlet in Hokkaido.
It was a packed schedule, but with only 5 days in Hokkaido, you have to maximize your time! I loved how much I was able to experience without worrying about transportation. The naps on the bus to our next city were rejuvenating.
Exploring Otaru for the Day
Otaru was definitely the highlight of the trip. During winter, the town becomes a scene straight out of a holiday postcard. The Otaru Canal is modeled after Venice, and you can take a gondola ride surrounded by the snow piled on the banks.
We explored Sakaimachi Street, eating wagyu skewers and fresh uni purchased from local street vendors and exploring whimsical boutique shops selling frog figurines and bonsai trees. You can also stop by Kitakaro’s to try their famous cream puffs!
When the sun sets, the lights and lanterns turn on, and the quaint port town becomes unbelievably romantic.
In early to mid-February, the city celebrates the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival from 5 PM to 9 PM, decorating the entire town in lanterns, lights, and fantastical snow statues. The dates usually blend with the Sapporo Snow Festival, so you can visit both during your trip.
During the whole month of February, the tour includes a visit to the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, where you can admire grand snow and ice sculptures up close. It’s a great alternative if you can’t make it to the Sapporo Snow Festival.
❄️ Click here to book your spot on this tour with 1000+ 5-star reviews before it sells out! ❄️
If you want to know how to structure a complete day trip to Otaru from Sapporo, click here to read my full travel guide.
How to get to Otaru
I didn’t personally ride the train, but it’s super easy to get to Otaru from Sapporo. Take the Rapid Airport Line from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station.
A one-way ticket costs ¥1,830 and only takes around 35 minutes. Trains depart every 30 minutes, and since it’s so frequent, you don’t really need to make prior reservations.
Day 4 – Niseko
Alright, say goodbye to Sapporo because it’s time to head to Niseko, Japan’s world-famous ski resort! The pow here is everything you’ve dreamed of. However, keep in mind Niseko is like a typical ski resort, and things here cost more than in Otaru or Sapporo.
Morning: Travel to Niseko Hirafu
By Train
The train route will have two stages, requiring a transfer and taking about 1.5-2 hours. Train tickets are approximately ¥2,100.
- Take the JR Rapid Airport Line from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station (30 minutes)
- Take the JR Hakodate Line from Otaru Station to Kutchan Station (75 minutes) or to Niseko Station (90 minutes)
If you stay in Hirafu & Hanazono villages, Kutchan Station is the closest station and is a 15 minute drive away.
If you stay in Niseko Village or the Annupuri area, Niseko Station is the closest station and is 10 minutes drive away.
If you know which train you’ll be taking beforehand, most accommodations in Niseko will provide a pick up and drop off service between Kutchan Station or Niseko Town Station to your hotel. Make sure to book in advance with a couple of weeks’ notice.
Alternatively, you can take a local taxi for approximately ¥2,500 for 15 minutes. We use the TaxiGO app in Japan for easy transportation. This way, you don’t need to worry about a language barrier.
By Direct Bus
You can book a ticket for the Niseko Ski Resort shuttle bus from Sapporo or New Chitose. It’s a super convenient 2 hour ride. You can bring ski gear with you and book online easily.
The bus will stop at certain hotels like Keio Plaza or Sapporo Excel Hotel in Sapporo and arrive at Hirafu Welcome Center, with the last stop being Niseko Grand Hotel. You can check the full bus schedule here.
By Car
If flexibility is important for you, you can definitely drive from Sapporo to Niseko. The journey will take about 2 hours, and you’ll be able to get around Niseko easily without having to rely on public transportation.
However, you have to be comfortable driving in snow with poor visibility at times.
You could also take a private van service from Sapporo directly to your hotel, which would save you a lot of time and convenience.
🚐 Book a private car to go to Niseko stress-free! 🚐
Lunch: Tozanken Ramen
I recommend grabbing lunch at Tozanken Ramen! The miso ramen, a Hokkaido specialty, is delicious and affordably priced (around ¥800-1300).
It’s also conveniently located right next to the Hirafu Welcome Center, a central area near Niseko’s ski resorts.
👍 Pro tip: I recommend going just before they open to grab a ticket so you won’t have to wait too long.
Afternoon: Ski! (Or Snowboard)
Niseko United consists of the 4 main ski resorts in Niseko on top of Mt An’nupuri (1,308m). These include: Niseko Hanazono Ski Resort, Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Resort, Niseko Village Ski Resort, and Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort. If you buy the Niseko United All Mountain Pass or have the Ikon Pass, you can visit all the ski resorts in Niseko.
Niseko Grand Hirafu is the main resort (largest) of the four. Most people spend the majority of their time here, and there's a wide variety of runs suitable for all skill levels. Ski passes for Niseko Grand Hirafu are full day for ¥6200, and half-day for ¥5100. You could can also buy combo tickets that come with free transportation from Sapporo.
If you’re a beginner like me and prefer to start off easy, Annupuri Ski Resort is known to be the most groomed and kindest in gradient to get your skills locked down first.
If you’re a beginner at skiing, I recommend taking a private lesson here! I took 2-3 lessons when I first started skiing and it helped soo much for my skills and feeling more confident.
👍 Pro tip: I recommend downloading the Niseko app. You’ll have access to daily snow reports, lift status, restaurant options, ski maps, bus timetables, and more.
How to get to the slopes and around Hirafu
There is a free shuttle bus in Hirafu that runs every day from December to March. You can find more information about it here.
Alternatively, if you book a ski tour with transportation or stay at a hotel with its own pick up van you can get to the slopes that way.
Equipment rentals
If you don’t want to haul your own equipment all over Hokkaido, the two most common equipment rentals in Niseko are Rhythm and Grand Hirafu Mountain Center.
Rhythm has over 7,000 skis and snowboards to choose from, and is one of the best value rentals. Click here to book ski and snowboard rentals at Rhythm.
For the most convenient option, you can also choose Grand Hirafu Mountain Center, which is very conveniently located right at the foot of Grand Hirafu and is next to the gondola. It's 10,500 for full gear. Click here for more information about rentals in Grand Hirafu.
Dinner: Bang Bang Izakaya
Bang Bang is an incredible cozy izakaya with an extensive menu all the way from chicken skin yakitori to A4 wagyu beef steak which is so good! It’s a fun vibe too because the grill master wears the same hat as One Piece character Luffy.
However, this restaurant is booked out 3 months in advance, so make sure to reserve ahead of time!
Otherwise, there’s lots of food truck options all around Grand Hirafu and Hirafu Village. You could also hop on a bus to the nearby city Kutchan for more dining options.
Evening: Grab a drink at Bar Haku
Bar Haku serves amazing concoctions, and their bartenders are jaw-droppingly skilled. If you love lavender flavors, I recommend trying their Bees Knees cocktail which has a yummy lavender scent topped with a bit of honey.
Where to Stay in Niseko
For the best location next to the ski resort and for a night atmosphere, you should stay in Hirafu. If you stay in the Kutchan area, which is much cheaper but farther away, you might have to rent a car because it’s a fight to get spots on the bus to head to Niseko in the mornings.
Mid-Range: Niseko Prince Hotel (Hirafu) ($$)
It looks a bit dated from the outside, but they have Japanese style rooms with private onsen that are perfect for relaxing after all day skiing.
Photo Credit: Expedia
It’s also in a prime location, with a short walk to lots of bars and restaurants and right next to the Ace Family quad lift. It’s incredibly convenient, and you can go from your room to hitting the slopes in less than 5 minutes.
Day 5 – Niseko
For your last day in Niseko, you could either hit the slopes for skiing or snowboarding one more time, or you can explore the town a bit. Here are some winter things to do in Niseko for a non-ski day!
Morning: Snowshoe Hike
For a slower paced activity that still lets you enjoy Niseko's fresh snow, try a guided snowshoe hike to Half Moon Lake at the base of Mt. Yotei.
If you've never worn snow shoes before, they're fun. They're stable and sturdy, so you don't have to worry about accidentally stepping into a deep hole and getting stuck in some random spot (I'm speaking from experience).
You’ll trek through a silver forest of untrekked snow for about 1-1.5 hours with a fantastic guide who will safely take you to enjoy Niseko's natural beauty.
❄️ Book your snowshoe tour through Niseko’s beautiful snowscape! ❄️
Lunch: Prativo
Surprisingly, Japan has some pretty amazing pizza. One of the best places to enjoy a pizza slice in Niseko is at Prativo, a restaurant inside Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm. You can also spend the afternoon around here.
Afternoon: Takashi Dairy Farm
This local dairy farm is famous for their delicious desserts made from fresh milk at the farm. A must try their custard-packed cream puff at Milk Kobo, which is a sweets shop, cafe, and restaurant all in one.
You’ll find soft serve, cream puffs, roll cakes, and my personal favorite, yogurt milk! It’s also a great place to visit to pick up some sweets for souvenirs, and there’s a stunning view of Mount Yotei on a clear day.
Relax in an Onsen
My muscles always ache after a couple of hours of skiing, so dipping in a steaming onsen afterwards is perfect! If you didn’t book a hotel with a private onsen, Goshiki Onsen and Yuchichibu Onsen are both onsen that allow day trip bathing until 7-8 PM.
These day-use onsen are part of Niseko Onsen Village and are surrounded by magnificent natural scenery. Both have spacious open-air baths where you can soothe your body while overlooking the beautiful scenery of Niseko Annupuri and Yanupuri.
Goshiki Onsen is tattoo friendly, and Yuchichibu Onsen will allow people who can cover their tattoos with a tattoo sticker.
👍 Pro tip: Make sure to bring cash, around ¥1,000 for admission and ¥300 for the towel as they do not accept credit cards. Children are ¥600.
On the other hand, if you prefer a private onsen, then I have some options for you:
- Sansui Niseko: ¥5,000/45 mins (Only available until 11/30/2025)
- Chalet Ivy Niseko: ¥10,000/45 mins
Dinner: Crab Hot Pot at Crab Dining Kanon
My favorite food is hot pot, and if you love hot pot and crab, this shabu shabu restaurant is a must-try.
Crab Dining Kanon offers a 7 course menu that begins with a specialty Hokkaido hairy crab filled with rich kani miso! As you dig into it the snow crab hot pot cooks.
The entire dinner is decadent from start to finish, with seafood broth and sweet snow crab, oysters, and marbled kobe beef. It’s super delicious and the perfect way to end your last day in Hokkaido.
Evening: Bar Gyu (Fridge Door Bar)
Bar Gyu+ is Niseko’s most unique bars: you enter through a fridge door that turns into a cozy little cabin. I love me a good speakeasy.
There’s always a line though, and they don’t take reservations, so make sure to get there right when it opens. I’d say they’re still worth the wait, though. The cocktails are amazing, and they also have whiskey flights and small charcuterie boards.
Hokkaido Winter Itinerary FAQ
How Many Days Do You Need in Hokkaido in Winter?
This one is a hard one… 5 days is enough to explore Sapporo, Otaru, and enjoy skiing in Niseko for a few days. But in order to experience the region fully without rushing through it, I definitely recommend staying in Hokkaido for a week so you can also explore Biei, Furano, and Asahikawa.
Should I visit Hokkaido in the winter?
Yes, yes, and YES! Hokkaido is famous worldwide for its beautiful ski season, and it doesn’t disappoint. Even if you’re not a big skier, there are tons to do here. You can go sledding, enjoy Otaru’s canal, and enjoy the night illuminations at the Sapporo Snow Festival.
How do you travel around Hokkaido in winter?
I personally would use public transportation to make my way around Hokkaido. Sapporo has a fantastic train system to other cities.
You might have more trouble in Niseko, but as long as you stay near the ski resorts you won’t have to travel very far, and there’s convenient transportation to the airport.
Should I rent a car in Hokkaido in Winter?
While I love renting a car in Japan and usually recommend it, I don’t think you should rent a car in winter.
It’s already an adjustment driving in a foreign country, but add poor visibility and lots of snow on top and you have a dangerous situation. If you don’t have any experience driving in wintry conditions, I wouldn’t rent a car in Hokkaido in winter.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
While traveling in a foreign country, it's essential to get full coverage trip insurance just in case of an accident or illness. I recommend VisitorsCoverage for affordable prices and great insurance benefits.
Additionally, if you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card, you get automatic trip insurance!
Thanks for Reading!
There you have it! I hope my Hokkaido winter itinerary will help prepare you for Japan’s incredible snow season.
From Sapporo’s bustling energy, Otaru’s incredible street food, and Niseko’s fresh powder, it’s hard not to fall in love. Who knows, 5 days in Hokkaido might not be enough!
For more ideas of things to do in Sapporo, feel free to check out my other Sapporo posts here.
And if you need any help planning your trip, feel free to drop a comment or email me at audrey@getlostinjapan.com! Let me know what your favorite spot was in Hokkaido!
Related Posts