Popular spots in Hokkaido
Sapporo area
The well-known central city of Hokkaido and its largest city, it has many tourist attractions and is the most popular city.
From New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station, it takes about 40 to 50 minutes by train and about 1 to 1.5 hours by car, and access from the airport is very good.
Centered around Odori Park, Sapporo offers various tourist attractions such as the Sapporo Clock Tower, Nakajima Park, and Susukino, the largest entertainment district in Hokkaido. One of its highlights during winter is the underground walkway 'Chikaho,' which allows for snow-free travel.
Additionally, sightseeing buses are recommended for those looking to explore Sapporo city and its nearby areas with ease.
hot spring
From Sapporo, you can access hot spring areas such as Jozankei Onsen, Lake Shikotsu area, and Otaru area within about an hour by car. Jozankei Onsen, in particular, is one of Hokkaido's representative hot spring areas, offering a popular type of spring quality with a comfortable temperature that warms you from the core.
Ski Resort
Sapporo International Ski Resort
There are particularly many users from Asia, and the proportion of foreign visitors to Japan is about 15%.
There are programs to enjoy snow experiences, hot springs, and local food culture, offering a variety of content that can be enjoyed even by those who do not ski.
Visitors can experience the charm of winter through activities other than skiing.
- Snow Play Area: Snowshoeing, snow rafting, snow racers, and more
- Gondola Experience: Ride an 8-person gondola to the summit and enjoy a panoramic view of Ishikari Bay.
Sapporo Teine
Sapporo Teine has 15 courses that can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced skiers. Notably, the longest run is about 6,000 meters, with a total run distance of 16,430 meters.
The location, just 40 minutes by car from the center of Sapporo, is very convenient.
Kids Park: It is well-equipped with attractions for children.
Backcountry: Backcountry fields for advanced skiers.
Events: Seasonal events are held.
Relaxation: Nearby hot spring facilities are also available
Other Activities
- You can experience ice fishing for smelt near Sapporo.
- Bus tours departing from Sapporo that visit major tourist attractions in Sapporo
- Popular tent saunas near Sapporo are available for rent
- A snow trekking and snowshoe trekking tour at Nopporo Forest Park, home to the Ural owl, about 30 minutes from Sapporo Station.
Furano area
Furano, located almost in the center of Hokkaido, is famous for its summer lavender, but winter in Furano also offers a wealth of activities, making it just as recommended as summer.
There are activities that allow you to run through the snowfields, which are rare experiences, and Furano Ski Resort, where you can enjoy the best snow quality, is also available, catering to everyone from beginners to advanced skiers.
hot spring
- Fukiage outdoor bath
A natural open-air hot spring full of rustic charm, located a short walk down a forest road from Shirogane-so at Fukiage Onsen.
- Tokachidake Hot Springs
Located on the slopes of the Tokachi Mountain Range at an altitude of 1200m, this is the highest hot spring village in Hokkaido. Nestled in a primeval forest of Akaezomatsu, it overlooks the Furano Basin and is home to three secluded hot spring inns.
Ski Resort
Furano Ski Resort (Furano City): One of the largest ski resorts in Hokkaido, attracting many skiers from overseas. There are 23 courses spread over two mountains, catering to a wide range of skill levels from beginners to advanced skiers. Some courses exceed 4 kilometers in length. Additionally, there is a 101-passenger ropeway, the fastest in Japan, that takes you to the summit in a short time.
activity
- Experience the thrill of racing across the snowfields on a snowmobile.
- Snow rafting, where you glide over the snow on a rafting boat.
- Enjoyable snow banana boat rides, where you slide over the snow on a banana-shaped boat.
- Experience the thrill of dog sledding, racing across the snowfields pulled by dogs.
- Smelt fishing at Lake Kanayama in Minami Furano Town from late December to mid-March.
Tomamu area
About 90 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport. Tomamu, located almost in the center of Hokkaido, is a recommended stay-type resort for families. With a slope of up to 4,200m and an Ice Village made of ice, it offers a world of snow and ice that satisfies both children and adults. Over 80 activities, including hot air ballooning and fishing, are also popular.
hot spring
Tomamu has various types of hot spring facilities within the Hoshino Resort, which you can enjoy multiple times during your stay.
Additionally, if you venture a little further, you'll find Tokachidake Onsen, a hot spring area with numerous inns, each offering unique spring qualities and atmospheres.
The open-air baths set in the magnificent nature are highly recommended.
Ski Resort
Risonare Tomamu is a comprehensive resort with hotels and ski areas within an area of about 1,000 hectares.
You can enjoy slopes surrounded by magnificent nature. In winter, the enchanting world of snow and ice, the 'Ice Village,' is also held.
activity
- In the Ice Village created in winter Tomamu, there are an Ice Bakery & Café and an Ice Bar.
- Snowmobiling across the snowfields with a dedicated guide.
- Enjoy camping in a tent and savor marshmallows and hot milk by the campfire during snow camping.
- Not only can you ski down the snowy mountains, but you can also enjoy cross-country skiing.
- Family picnics where you can enjoy exploring the snowy mountains together.
Niseko area
Niseko Town is a resort area blessed with rich natural surroundings, where you can enjoy canoeing, rafting, mountain climbing, and trekking in the summer.
In winter, the world-renowned 'powder snow' attracts many tourists from both domestic and international locations to the ski resorts, allowing for year-round enjoyment of outdoor sports.
hot spring
Niseko, long famous as a hot spring area, is also popular for its spring quality, which is said to make the skin smooth.
- Niseko Konbu Onsen Hotel Kanronomori.
Enjoy the nearly colorless and transparent water with a faint sulfur scent, reputed as 'beauty skin water' for making the skin smooth.
The open-air bath allows you to feel nature up close, almost within reach of the forest trees.
- Niseko Konbu Onsen Tsuruga Bessou Moku no Sho.
Enjoy the famous hot spring of Niseko Onsen Village, Konbu Onsen, at the bathhouse 'Meisen no Yu.' In winter, Niseko can reach minus 10 degrees, so bathing in the open air offers a unique snow country charm.
Ski Resort
In the Niseko area, there are four major ski resorts: Niseko HANAZONO Resort, Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village Ski Resort, and Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area.
These ski resorts are integrated as 'Niseko United' and can be accessed with a common lift pass.
- Niseko HANAZONO Resort: Northeast-facing with excellent slope conditions.
- Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu: The largest ski resort with 30 courses.
- Niseko Village Ski Resort: Many advanced courses, but also well-equipped with beginner courses.
- Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area: Many gentle slopes, friendly for beginners.
activity
- Snowboarding and snowshoeing are popular.
- Tube parks and sledding for children.
- There are restaurants and cafes within the resort, allowing you to enjoy meals.
- There are many hot spring facilities, perfect for relaxing after skiing.
Rusutsu area
It is conveniently located about 90 minutes by car from both Sapporo city and New Chitose Airport. Rusutsu Resort, which boasts one of the largest ski areas in Hokkaido, offers the best snow quality, attracting skiers from not only other parts of Japan but also from around the world during winter. Among them, Rusutsu Resort is one of Hokkaido's premier resort destinations, featuring a variety of amusement facilities such as a theme park, golf courses, and ski areas.
hot spring
Rusutsu Village has several attractive hot spring facilities, and the hot springs within Rusutsu Resort feature spacious large baths and open-air baths, allowing you to relax while enjoying the beautiful scenery of each season.
- Rusutsu Onsen Kotobuki no Yu.
The indoor bath has a spacious impression with large windows. Beyond the windows, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery unique to Hokkaido.
In winter, you can overlook a world of silver with falling snow. You can enjoy the snow-viewing open-air bath while leaning back.
Ski Resort
Rusutsu Resort Ski Area is a ski resort with 37 courses spread across three mountains. It boasts one of the largest scales in Hokkaido.
Not only is there a large number of courses, but there are also courses where beginners and children can enjoy safely, as well as ultra-advanced courses with a maximum slope of 40 degrees, offering a wide variety of features.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy a variety of winter activities such as dog sledding, snow rafting, and snowmobiling.
activity
- Thrilling snowmobiling racing through the snowy mountains.
- Snow rafting, where you glide across the snow pulled by a snowmobile.
- Dog sledding that even small children can enjoy.
- Ice fishing for rainbow trout, a winter-exclusive activity.
- Snow tent sauna where you can also enjoy an outdoor air bath in an igloo.
Popular Activities in Hokkaido
Sightseeing Bus (Limited-time Tour)
Hokkaido offers magnificent seasonal landscapes. With a tour bus, you can efficiently visit tourist spots without worrying about getting lost on unfamiliar roads.
Drift ice tour
One of Hokkaido's winter traditions, the drift ice tour allows you to see ice that has drifted to the Hokkaido coast by cruiser or walk on the ice in a dry suit, offering experiences unique to Hokkaido.
Smelt fishing
Another winter tradition in Hokkaido, smelt fishing involves dropping a line through a hole in the frozen lake surface and enjoying the caught smelt as tempura.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding on some of the world's finest soft snow (powder snow) and vast slopes.
Sightseeing Taxi
Recommended for those who are uneasy about driving on snowy roads or don't want to be tied to a schedule. The course is set, but changes can be made upon consultation. Drivers may also share local recommended shops.
horse riding
Unlike the lively and lush atmosphere of summer, the charm of winter horseback riding lies in the ability to spend time wrapped in emotion and tranquility.
Drifting Experience
Experience snow driving! Try out a new sensation of driving on a dynamically managed, dedicated course.
Dog sledding experience
Dog sledding experience where you race across vast lands while viewing the silver world with friendly dogs.
Canoeing
Despite the harsh cold in Hokkaido, you can enjoy canoeing year-round, including winter (except in some areas).
Snowmobile
Snowmobiling on private property, allowing you to enjoy it without a driver's license if you have the skill to ride a moped.
Snowshoe (Snow Trekking)
Snowshoeing (snow trekking) involves wearing snowshoes designed for walking on snow to explore Hokkaido's forests and climb mountains.