15 Epic Things to do in Sapporo this Winter

Last Updated on March 10, 2025 by Audrey

Sapporo in winter is pure magic. The city transforms into a snowy wonderland, seeing nearly 600 cm (almost 20 feet) of snowfall annually. It’s one of the rare big cities in the world where you can experience a thriving metropolis in a deep winter landscape. Despite all the powder, the city doesn’t stop, and there’s an endless amount of fun things you can still do. 

Many visitors flock to Sapporo for the famous Sapporo Snow Festival that happens in February. Massive and intricate ice sculptures illuminate Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsu Dome, and the whole city becomes a glowing ice kingdom. And beyond the festival, there’s so much more to enjoy. 

You can hit the powdery slopes, soak your body in an outdoor onsen as snow falls around you, or warm up with delicious dishes special to Hokkaido.

I still remember the core memory of trying Genghis Khan barbecue for the first time after a chilly day out in Sapporo. The sizzling lamb warmed me up enough that I ordered a Sapporo beer. I remember sipping on it and gazing down at the city it was named after, taking in the glowing lights below and feeling so happy and comfortable at that moment. And now that’s going to be you!

In this guide, we’ll go over the best things to do in Sapporo in winter. You can ride a snowmobile, visit a Fairy town, and end off indulging in the most comforting Hokkaido cuisine! I guarantee during your visit you’ll fall in love with Sapporo in the Winter.

Cultural Experiences

1. Experience the Sapporo Snow Festival

If you’re able to visit during the first week of February, then you have to see the Sapporo Snow Festival! It’s the largest annual event in Sapporo, attracting over 2 million visitors a year! 

You’ll get to walk through spectacular displays of elaborate ice sculptures. In both Susukino and Odori Park, artists sculpt dazzling snow creations modeled after famous landmarks, famous characters, or even their own unique works of art. The best part is when night falls, and the sculptures light up in vibrant colors and shimmer in the night.

👍 Pro tip: Make sure to head up to Sapporo TV Tower at the end of Odori Park to see all the displays lit up from afar!

In addition to the sculptures, you can also enjoy various winter activities like snow slides, snow rafting, and ice skating all around town. There are food stalls around that cook up fresh food like yakitori skewers, ramen, takoyaki, and more! Cultural performances also take place throughout the day. It’s an extremely unique and exciting event, and honestly, the greatest time to visit.

2. Warm Up in Jozankei Onsen

Winters in Hokkaido become a bit more bearable when you get to make a stop at an onsen, and there’s no better place than Jozankei, only an hour from Sapporo. Situated between Sapporo and Shikotsu-Toya National Park, this onsen town is a popular getaway for those looking to warm up in a steaming onsen.

Jozankei is a pretty developed onsen town and has tons of high-quality ryokan, restaurants, and shops. Many of the town’s hotels offer free shuttle service from Sapporo, so it’s incredibly easy to visit for a night or weekend, even without a car. 

If you only have time for a day trip, several onsens allow day-use entry for a small fee (¥500-¥2000), so you can still enjoy the onsen. There are also free foot baths all over town, where you can warm up your feet during the cold winter.

👍 Pro tip: I recommend staying at least one night at a ryokan, and make sure to include dinner or breakfast. The service is usually outstanding, the food is delicious, and most importantly, you get to enjoy the onsen rushing back home!

While visiting an onsen is a great idea all year round, it’s especially magical during the winter. It’s an unexplainable feeling soaking in a hot bath while snowflakes fall all around you. 

While there are a few onsen in Sapporo itself you can check out, I can’t deny the onsen in Jozankei are leagues better. Since transportation is so convenient, I strongly recommend looking into spending some time here if you can.

My Top Jozankei Hotel Recommendations

Here are my top hotel recommendations in Jozankei! You can read more details about each one here.

If you don't think you can spend a night at Jozankei, you might want to look into this package that takes you to Jozankei Tsuruga Spa. You get to try out their onsen for the day, and Sapporo transportation is included!

3. Taste Sapporos Cozy Winter Specialties

One of the best parts of Sapporo is undeniably their amazing cuisine (for affordable prices!). Hokkaido is well-known for its delicious food culture, and I can’t wait for you to try the regional specialties. After a long day of running around in the city, it feels amazing to warm up with some warm barbecue or a hot steaming bowl of ramen.

I’ve listed below the top Hokkaido specialties that you should try this winter in Sapporo:

🍜 Miso ramen – Miso ramen originates from Sapporo, a rich and flavorful ramen variation that’s especially comforting on a freezing winter day. I recommend checking out Ramen Shingen, Ebisoba Ichigen, and the famous Sapporo Ramen Alley in Susukino.

🍲 Soup curry – This is objectively what Hokkaido is most well known-for, a lighter, broth-based version of traditional Japanese curry loaded with roasted vegetables and lots of healthy protein. Suage+ and Garaku are two of the best spots to try this dish. Both are located in Susukino, Sapporo’s high-energy downtown area.

🍖 Jingisukan (Genghis Khan) – Jingisukan is Hokkaido’s famous lamb barbecue grilled on a dome-shaped metal skillet. It’s popular during hanami season and winter. The tender, flavorful lamb paired with a chilled Sapporo beer makes for a perfect meal, and it’s fun grilling your own meat with family or friends. Check out Extreme Salt Cured Genghis Khan or Sapporo Beer Garden.

🍣 Fresh seafood – okay, okay, I know, seafood isn’t really a “winter food”. But the seafood in Hokkaido is just soooo good, it had to be included. It’s an any-season food. Nijo Market is great, or you can try different variations like crab ramen or takoyaki, or try out unique presentations like conveyor belt sushi.

4. Visit Shiroi Koibito Park for a Festive Winter Experience

Have you ever tasted a Shiroi Koibito cookie from Hokkaido? You may have, without knowing what it was or where it was from (I’m speaking from personal experience). It’s a white chocolate cookie made from Hokkaido with chat de langue cookies sandwiched on each side, creating the perfectly delectable snack that doubles as a great souvenir. 

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The Shiroi Koibito Park in Sapporo is already a popular attraction all year round, but in winter it transforms into a magical European-style winter wonderland complete with rainbow lights and a grand Christmas tree. Covered in fresh snow, the park’s cute Tudor buildings and immaculate gardens look straight out of a Christmas postcard. It’s one of the most enchanting places to visit in Sapporo during the holiday season.

It’s a small fee of ¥400-¥800 to enter, and once inside you can wander around the railway, gardens, and clocktower as you please. There’s also a chocolate factory tour where you can watch how the cookies are made, or you can join a workshop to make your own Shiroi Koibito cookies and decorate your own tin to take home. Keep in mind some of the best workshops are an additional cost ranging between ¥500 to a few thousand yen.

👍 Pro Tip: If you want your custom tin, make sure to show up early as it can be a long wait. 

Overall, the park is a chocolate wonderland complete with a white Christmas background! Even if you only come for the vibes and to take some pictures, make sure to take some cookies home. Me and my family brought back 8 boxes and they’re great hits as gifts!

❄️ This tour package combines Shiroi Koibito with a visit to Otaru for shopping and the Snow Park for a chance to ride on a snowmobile! ❄️

5. Ring in the new year at Hokkaido Shrine

One of the most special ways to welcome the new year in Sapporo is by visiting Hokkaido Shrine, a beautiful Shinto shrine around West Sapporo. During hatsumōde, the first shrine visit of the year, thousands of visitors come here to pray for good fortune, health, and happiness in the coming year.

The shrine will look absolutely breathtaking in Winter, surrounded by powdery snow and grand trees. One of my favorite things to do during my visit there was to make a wish and tie it into a paper knot on one of the shrine trees.

We also bought lots of good luck fortunes for ourselves and our families. They’re absolutely beautiful, and you can get certain prayers like “pregnancy”, “marriage”, “business”, and more. 

During winter, there will be stalls around Hokkaido Shrine and the adjacent Maruyama Park selling street snacks and New Year’s snacks. You might also spot some local snow sculptures around the park, adding to the festive energy! 

Outdoor Winter Adventures

6. Hit the Slopes

There are so many great places you can ski or snowboard around Sapporo. Sapporo Teine and Sapporo Kokusai are great ski resorts, Takino Suzuran Hillside offers rentals, and heck, you could even ski at Moereunma Park if you really wanted to. 

I’d say that for the more experienced snow sports enthusiasts, Sapporo Teine is one of the best ski resorts in Japan. There’s perfect snow and scenic slopes, and it’s only 30 minutes away from Sapporo, on Mt. Teineyama.

This international ski resort is easily accessible, with lots of easy transportation to and from the city. It’s the top choice for both beginners and experienced skiers looking to experience a great day on Hokkaido’s snow.

The resort offers a range of difficulties, from gentle beginner-friendly slopes to high-speed advanced runs. It was even used for some of the runs in the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics.

However, although Teine is known for having the best pow, I think the best part is the beautiful view of Sapporo and the sea you’ll get as you glide down the mountain. Sapporo Teine also offers night skiing, which is a magical experience in itself. 

If you’re closer to a beginner, don’t sweat it, because there are fantastic slopes perfect for those who are just starting out! You can try Kokusai Resort, which is best for beginners and intermediate skiers. There are wide runs and a gondola so you can skip getting off the ski lift. 

👍 Pro tip: make sure to check the Sapporo Teine and Sapporo Kokusai live cams to see the weather conditions before heading up.

Kokusai is about 60 minutes from Sapporo and only 30 minutes from Jozankei, so it’s perfect if you want to hit the slopes then relax in a steaming onsen to soothe your muscles. 

Another huge plus is how affordable skiing in Sapporo is compared to other places. A day pass at Sapporo Teine or Kokusai costs a fraction of what you'd pay in the States. I’m from California, and we usually have to cough up $200-$300 for one single-day lift ticket. It pains me every time.

Here, the tickets are where California resorts can charge as much as $200 for a single-day lift ticket. Here, you’re looking at maybe $45 for world-class powder and incredible scenery (so worth!).

7. Go on a Winter Snowmobile Adventure

The best part about a winter vacation is all the unique snow activities you get to do, and I think riding on a snowmobile is at the top of my list!! Who doesn’t want to shred the snow in a speedy winter car?

While I love skiing, intense slopes can scare me sometimes. This safe activity is great for all ages (and more my vibe, to be honest).

Snowmobile Land Sapporo offers a guided snowmobile tour where you can glide around the powder! It’s only available for three months in the winter and is an extraordinary way to explore Sapporo’s snowy landscapes.

Tours last between 60 to 90 minutes, and you can choose to ride solo or with a partner. Guided lessons are also available as well if you’ve never ridden one before.

Given how rare it is to find an activity like this, I think it’s one of the best ways to enjoy winter in Hokkaido. 

⛄ Want to go on an all-inclusive trip with a snowmobile, Snow Park, Genghis Khan BBQ, and free dessert? Check this out!⛄

What to Expect on a Snowmobile Tour

• Duration: Tours typically last 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the package.
• Solo or Tandem Riding: Choose to ride alone or with a partner.
• Guided Lessons: First-time riders can take a lesson with an instructor to learn the basics.
• Gear Provided: Helmets and necessary equipment are usually included in the price.
• Pricing: Costs range from ¥13,000 to ¥30,000 for adults and around ¥9,000 for children, depending on the tour type.
• Availability: Only offered during winter for about three months, so book in advance!

8. Ice Skating at Odori Park

Every winter, an outdoor ice skating rink opens in Odori Park, letting visitors skate right in the middle of Sapporo city. 

Ice skating is one of the most fun seasonal activities that all ages and groups can enjoy! Plus, Odori Park becomes super festive with the twinkling city lights, snow-covered trees, and stunning snow sculptures all over. 

Skate rentals are available for a low cost, so all you need to bring is yourself. If you visit during the Snow Festival, the rink is especially illuminated as part of the Snow Festival, making it even more magical.

9. Sledding and tubing at Takino Suzuran Hillside Park

For a fun and family-friendly winter adventure, Takino Suzuran Hillside Park Snow World is the perfect place to spend a day playing in the snow. 

Located 40 minutes from Sapporo, this winter wonderland has large dedicated areas just for sledding and tubing, and it’s free to rent! 

In addition to sledding, you can hit the slopes here for the extremely low cost of ¥200! There are hills of various difficulties, but mostly suited for beginners. There are also snowshoe trails and scenic walking paths around the area.

10. Snowshoe hiking through the forest

If you’re interested in hiking around the snow, Sapporo also offers a unique snowshoe hiking tour that ends with a relaxing dip at either Jozankei Onsen or Hoheikyo Onsen. 

You’ll get to put on snowshoes, which are a fun boot (kind of reminds me of mini-skis), and venture through an untouched trail in the Nakayama Pass with an experienced guide. You’ll be able to walk along deep snow with ease, and you’re guaranteed to spot some wildlife during this easy two-hour hike. 

Afterward, you’ll head to the onsen and take a nice long soak to reduce your fatigue and soothe your muscles! 

It has great reviews, and if 76-year-old Barbara can do it, that gives me hope for you and me.

Transportation from Sapporo, clothes, and gear are all included. It’s a fun activity to experience the abundant beauty of Hokkaido without doing anything too strenuous. 

11. Horseback riding in the mountains

I love horseback riding. Absolutely love it! Maybe because I'm short, but it's so fun to ride on a horse and tower above everything! 

Here in Sapporo, you can go horseback riding through the snow-covered mountains in the winter. After a short introductory lesson, you’ll hop on your horse and traverse through the orchards, forest, and mountains. Riding through the quiet snow-covered trees of Hokkaido will be absolutely magical, and an experience you’ll never forget. 

Tours offer free pick-up in Sapporo, and the excursions last around 2.5-3 hours. It is a little on the pricier side, but overall I think $160 for a 3-hour horseback ride is a good value. It’s suitable for all ages and all activity levels, so I highly recommend checking it out!

Sightseeing & Citylife

12. Explore Hokkaido's Winter Wonderland on a Guided Tour

While Sapporo has a lot to do on its own, there’s so much of Hokkaido that is worth checking out as well, but it’ll be tough if you don’t rent a car to get around as some of these areas aren’t easily accessible. 

I went on a guided tour during my trip to Sapporo and it was a great decision. We got to explore some of the top destinations of Hokkaido in a relatively short amount of time, and I got to nap and recover my energy during the transit time between sites. 

Instead of worrying about long train rides or driving a car, you can sit back and enjoy the journey while a knowledgeable guide takes you to some of Hokkaido’s most breathtaking destinations like Noribetsu, Lake Toya, or Biei. Whether it’s exploring volcanic hot springs, seeing snow-covered mountains, or getting to break through drift ice, these tours allow you to see so much in just one day. 

Here are the top-rated and most unique tours I’ve been on and recommend to make the most out of your stay in Hokkaido!

1. Visit Noribetsu Hell Valley, Lake Toya, and Mitsui Outlet

This is a tour that I’ve personally been on and recommend! It’s also the #1 booked tour in Sapporo, with over 10,000 tours booked and a 4.7/5 star rating!

You’ll embark on a full-day tour from Sapporo to explore some of Hokkaido's most iconic natural attractions. We started our day walking around the dramatic sulfur springs at Noboribetsu's Hell Valley (Jigokudani). 

Then we got to travel to Lake Toya, a picturesque caldera lake within Shikotsu-Toya National Park, offering serene views and the sight of Mount Usu blanketed in snow. It’s very difficult to get to Shikotsu-Toya without a car, and I wouldn’t have been able to get there otherwise.

The tour also makes a stop at Bear Park if you want to Hokkaido's native brown bears. Personally, I didn’t like it at all, and it’s an extra expense not included with the tour. It’s a super brief stop that is completely optional, and the rest of the tour is awesome. 

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 perfect alternative if you’ll miss the Sapporo Snow Festival.

The day concludes at the Mitsui Outlet Park, Hokkaido's largest outlet shopping mall. I did a ton of shopping here, and got to sample various different Hokkaido dashi seasonings that I ended up purchasing and bringing home to make my own Hokkaido broth at home! 

Overall, I loved my tour experience. The guide was fluent in both English and Chinese and was really easy to talk to. He was engaging and kept us all on track throughout the day.

2. Break Through Drift Ice on the Garinko Go III Icebreaker Cruise!

The Icebreaker Garinko Go III Cruise is a new once-in-a-lifetime winter experience that has already gathered tons of bookings. You get the rare opportunity to ride on a drift-ice crushing ship and explore the frozen Sea of Okhotsk up close. Along the way, you might spot white-tailed eagles, Steller’s sea eagles, and even seals resting on the ice.

This special full-day tour includes round-trip transportation from Sapporo, and you’ll also get to visit the Okhotsk Tower, where you can observe the marine life that thrive underneath the drift ice. 

Lunch is also included, a luxurious ryuhyo donburi, featuring fresh snow crab, salmon roe, and scallops from the Okhotsk Sea, paired with steaming crab soup. 

🚨 This tour is limited, so I recommend booking early! It’s a rare and unforgettable way to experience Hokkaido’s wilderness during winter.

3. Experience Fairy Terrace, Shiraisu Waterfall, and Biei Pond illuminated at night

If you're seeking a magical winter experience in Hokkaido, this highly booked 10-hour guided tour from Sapporo is a must. You’ll get to visit the Furano Fairy Terrace, see a dreamy waterfall, and visit the vibrant blue Biei Pond.

I recommend choosing Option B, so you can see Biei Blue Pond’s colorful water brightly illuminated at night. It’ll be so different than seeing the pond during daylight hours.

When you walk into the charming village that is Furano’s Ningle Terrace, you’ll get to explore 15 differently themed cabins that feel like a fairy tale in a wondrous forest. There are specialty craft shops, workshops, and cozy elf cafes.

You’ll also make a stop at the snow park Shiki-sai-no-oka, you have your choice between snowmobiles, snow rafting, or sledding! It’s a pretty action-packed day, but you’ll get to explore so much of Hokkaido and gain so many fun memories.

13. Explore Sapporos Nightlife in Susukino

During your trip to Sapporo, you need to spend at least one night exploring Susukino, Hokkaido’s largest entertainment district conveniently located in downtown Sapporo. 

It’s one of the sites where you can see hand-carved ice sculptures during the Sapporo Snow Festival, and there are tons of restaurants, bars, clubs, and stores in the area. 

You can admire the sculptures as you walk around the area and grab some hot pot or soup curry for dinner from Garaku or Suage. Afterward, you can explore the city’s nightlife and pop into a bar or club like Precious Hall or Bar Yamazaki. 

Susukino is a red-light district, so there are many places to visit for adult entertainment like hostess clubs and the like. Or you could be like me and spend all night at the 24-hour Round 1 after getting drunk and win a big Winnie the Pooh that you’re forced to haul all over Japan. Your choice, really. 

14. See Sapporo From the eyes of an Olympic skier

While the snow is fresh, you should head up to Okurayama Viewing Point for an incredible view from the eyes of an Olympic skier!

Located 307 meters above sea level, Okurayama Viewing Point was the competition venue for the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympic Games. It's one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Sapporo, especially in winter. You can take in a panoramic view of downtown Sapporo, Odori Park, the Ishikari Plains, and the Miyanomori Ski Jump Stadium.

During winter specifically, you can enter the Viewing Lounge and stand at the same jump-off point as ski jumpers. See the thrilling perspective of what it's like to launch off an Olympic-grade slope!

Nearby, the Sapporo Olympic Museum shows the history of the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics. There's also a cozy café on the first floor, and there’s also a gourmet French restaurant called Nouvelle Pousse Okurayama on the second floor that serves a superb dining experience with the stunning Sapporo nightscape.

15. Visit the glass pyramid in Moerenuma Park

Moerenuma Park is a massive, beautifully designed park by famed architect Isamu Noguchi, and in the winter, it turns into a stunning snowy landscape. 

The park has several aesthetic, yet totally interactive large-scale art installations such as the Hidamari Glass Pyramid, a striking glass structure that looks even more magical with snow all around. 

It’s a beautiful place for photos, but what’s really exciting is that you can actually go sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing here too! There’s a designated sledding hill that’s perfect for a fun, laid-back winter activity. 

You can rent equipment and explore the park’s serene winter trails. It’s a peaceful, scenic way to enjoy Sapporo’s winter beauty, and it’s much quieter than Odori Park.

Sapporo Things to Do in Winter FAQs

Conclusion: Best Things to do in Sapporo in Winter

Sapporo is one of the absolute best winter destinations to visit in the world, with tons of snow-filled activities to experience and delicious food to keep you warm.

I hope this post gave you some ideas of what to do during your winter trip to Sapporo! Race around in a snowmobile, soak in a hot onsen, or party in Susukino!

While there are enough things to do in the city to keep you busy during your whole stay, you could also add in a tour or day trip to explore adjacent Hokkaido areas like Otaru or Jozankei.

I can't wait for your winter trip, let me know how it goes and if you enjoyed it! And as always, if you need any help with your Hokkaido trip feel free to reach me at audrey@getlostinjapan.com!