Day 1 — Arrival & Sapporo Snow Festival Preview
Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Japan · Wed, 14 Jan 2027
Sapporo
- 15:00 — ❄️ Sapporo Snow Festival opening walk — Odori Park, Sapporo. Begin with an exploring stroll through Odori Park to enjoy the majestic snow and ice sculptures at the festival's onset, capturing the stunning creations in gentle winter light.
- 19:00 — 🍜 Dinner at Ramen Shingen — Susukino, Sapporo. Savor the rich miso ramen at Ramen Shingen, famous for its hearty broth and chewy noodles—a perfect winter meal immersed in local atmosphere.
- 21:00 — ♨️ Relaxation at Jyogakura Onsen — Chuo Ward, Sapporo. Unwind at Jyogakura Onsen with soothing hot springs baths, a cozy welcome after a long trip and chilly day, warming muscles and refreshing for tomorrow.
Day 2 — Sapporo Snow Festival & Winter Flavours
Odori Park, Sapporo, Japan · Thu, 15 Jan 2027
Sapporo
- 9:00 — 🛍️ Visit Nijo Market — Chuo Ward, Sapporo. Explore Sapporo’s famed seafood market, sampling fresh winter seafood delicacies and vibrant local produce in a bustling, authentic setting.
- 13:00 — ❄️ Explore Tsudome Festival Site — Tsudome, Sapporo. Enjoy more festival attractions including snow slides and sculptures, a lively family-friendly winter experience at the Tsudome venue just north of the city center.
- 19:00 — 🍣 Dinner at Sushi Tanaka — Susukino, Sapporo. Experience exquisite Hokkaido winter sushi with local seasonal fish, served in a refined, traditional setting showcasing craftsmanship and flavour.
Day 3 — Otaru Canal Illuminations & Seafood Markets
Otaru Canal, Otaru, Japan · Fri, 16 Jan 2027
Otaru
- 09:00 — 🥾 Otaru Canal Walk — Otaru Canal, Otaru. Stroll along the picturesque Otaru Canal lined with historic warehouses, beautifully lit under winter snow. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and photo opportunities of old gas lamps amid icy scenery.
- 12:00 — 🦐 Explore Otaru's Sankaku Market — Sankaku Market, Otaru. Discover fresh Hokkaido seafood stalls with specialties like uni, crab, and sashimi. Sample winter delicacies and shop for local produce at this bustling market near the canal.
- 15:30 — 🍜 Savor Kaisendon at Masazushi — Masazushi, Otaru. Dine on a fresh kaisendon rice bowl topped with seasonal sashimi, a classic winter meal here. This well-regarded eatery is steps from the canal, great for warming up after canal walking.
Day 4 — Onsen & Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
Noboribetsu Onsen, Noboribetsu, Japan · Sat, 17 Jan 2027
Noboribetsu
- 09:00 — ♨️ Relax at Noboribetsu Onsen — Noboribetsu Onsen, Noboribetsu. Unwind in the steaming onsen baths with mineral-rich water known for healing properties, surrounded by snowy winter landscapes—perfect for soaking tired muscles.
- 12:30 — 🔥 Explore Jigokudani (Hell Valley) Trail — Jigokudani, Noboribetsu. Walk the volcanic valley trail featuring dramatic fumaroles, boiling vents, and snow-covered sulfur formations, giving a dramatic winter landscape unlike any other.
- 15:00 — 🍲 Lunch at Onsen Dining Yorimichi — Onsen Dining Yorimichi, Noboribetsu Onsen. Enjoy hearty local winter cuisine including Hokkaido crab and miso-based hot pots in a cozy, traditional setting steps from the onsen area.
Day 5 — Shikotsu Ice Festival & Lakefront Onsen
Lake Shikotsu, Chitose, Japan · Sun, 18 Jan 2027
Lake Shikotsu
- 09:30 — ❄️ Shikotsu Ice Festival exploration — Lake Shikotsu. Discover stunning ice sculptures and illuminated artworks at the annual Shikotsu Ice Festival, offering a magical winter atmosphere beside the frozen lake's edge. Perfect for photography and local snacks.
- 13:00 — 🌿 Lake Shikotsu Nature Walk — Shikotsuko Onsen area. Enjoy a serene winter walk along the lakeshore, spotting frosted trees and frozen waterways, with crisp fresh air invigorating your senses amid peaceful natural surroundings.
- 17:00 — ♨️ Relaxing at Shikotsuko Onsen — Shikotsuko Onsen. Soak in outdoor hot spring baths facing the icy lake panorama. This traditional onsen offers therapeutic waters ideal for soothing muscles after chilly exploration.
Day 6 — Asahikawa Winter Festival & Ramen
Asahikawa, Japan · Mon, 19 Jan 2027
Asahikawa
- 09:30 — 🏯 Asahikawa Winter Festival visit — Central Asahikawa. Explore dazzling snow and ice sculptures, winter illuminations, and vibrant local festivities in the city center during Asahikawa’s celebrated Winter Festival.
- 13:00 — 🥢 Ramen Village tasting experience — Asahikawa Ramen Village. Sample an array of Asahikawa’s famous soy sauce-based ramen in a cluster of popular eateries under one roof, perfect for warming up in winter chill.
- 17:30 — 🌌 Mt. Asahi Panorama & Onsen — Mt. Asahi Onsen Resort. Relax in hot spring baths with panoramic nighttime views over snow-covered Asahikawa and surrounding mountains, providing calm after a day of festival bustle.
Day 7 — Red-Crowned Crane Observing in Kushiro Marsh
Tsurui Village, Kushiro, Japan · Tue, 20 Jan 2027
Tsurui (Kushiro area)
- 8:30 AM — 🦩 Red-Crowned Crane Observation Tour — Tsurui Community Hall, Tsurui Village. Join an expert-led guided tour through Kushiro Marsh to observe majestic red-crowned cranes in their natural winter habitat. Binoculars provided for intimate wildlife viewing.
- 12:30 PM — 🍲 Lunch at Washo Izakaya — Kushiro City Center. Savor regional Hokkaido specialties including fresh seafood and kamameshi rice pots in a cosy local izakaya atmosphere, perfect for warming up after the morning outing.
- 3:30 PM — ❄️ Kushiro Shitsugen National Park Visitor Centre — Kushiro Marsh Visitors Center. Explore exhibits about the ecology and preservation of Hokkaido's largest wetland, including interactive displays focused on migratory birds and cranes' life cycle.
Day 8 — Akan Lake Winter Scenery & Onsen
Akan-ko, Kushiro, Japan · Wed, 21 Jan 2027
Akan (Akan-ko)
- 9:30 AM — 🌅 Akan-ko Frozen Lake Walk — Akan-ko Shore. Stroll along marked trails beside the icy shores of Akan Lake, observing stunning winter vistas and ice formations unique to the region’s cold climate.
- 1:00 PM — 🛁 Hot Springs Soak at Tsuruga Wings Akan — Tsuruga Wings Akan Onsen. Relax in the soothing hot spring baths with views of snowy mountains, easing muscles after morning outdoor activities in a serene ryokan setting.
- 6:30 PM — 🍣 Dinner at Ganso Kushiro Shibazushi — Akan Onsen District. Enjoy traditional Hokkaido sushi specialties featuring fresh local fish and winter pickles, served in an intimate, rustic dining room.
Day 9 — Return to Sapporo & Last Winter Experiences
Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Japan · Thu, 22 Jan 2027
Sapporo
- 9:00 AM — ❄️ Sapporo Snow Festival Finale Walk — Odori Park, Chuo Ward. Explore the final day of the Sapporo Snow Festival at Odori Park, marveling at intricate snow sculptures and local artists' work amid crisp winter air. Enjoy lively festival atmosphere and street snacks.
- 12:30 PM — 🍜 Winter Lunch at Nijo Market — Nijo Market, Chuo Ward. Sample fresh Hokkaido seafood, including crab and scallops cooked on the spot. Try warm bowls of ramen and other winter specialties in this lively market setting.
- 3:30 PM — ♨️ Relaxing Soaking at Jozankei Onsen — Jozankei, Minami Ward. Unwind in natural hot spring baths surrounded by snowy scenery at a traditional onsen in Jozankei. Serene atmosphere offers calm after a festival-packed trip.
Day 10 — Departure from Sapporo
Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Japan · Fri, 23 Jan 2027
Sapporo Depart
- 8:00 AM — ☕ Breakfast and Souvenir Shopping — Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, Chuo Ward. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a cosy café followed by browsing local specialty shops for last-minute souvenirs like sweets and crafts.
- 10:30 AM — 🛍️ Visit Sapporo Factory Mall — Sapporo Factory, Chuo Ward. Explore this historic shopping and entertainment complex with indoor options out of winter cold, featuring boutiques, eateries, and a brewery.
- 12:30 PM — 🚋 Transit to New Chitose Airport — Sapporo Station to New Chitose Airport Station. Take the JR Rapid Airport train for a swift, comfortable journey to the airport. Reliable timing for international departures without stress.