A route that takes in the winter events held in Sapporo, Otaru and Asahikawa, which overlap in February. From snow sculptures and candlelight to the penguin walk and Biei's evening illuminations, you can see Hokkaido's classic winter scenery in a single trip.
Stop first at Lake Shikotsu, close to New Chitose Airport, then head into Sapporo in the evening to see the Snow Festival site and the illuminations.
After arriving, head from the airport toward Lake Shikotsu. For airport access, see the airport guide.
View guide →
A festival of ice sculptures made by spraying lake water. Since it is close to the airport, fitting it into your first or last day saves travel.
View guide →
Move to Sapporo and go to the Odori site. The large snow sculptures are lit up at night, so you can still enjoy them if you arrive late.
View guide →
In February, the illuminations are shown not at Odori but at sites such as Sapporo Ekimae-dori and Minami 1-jo-dori. You can see them on the way back to your hotel from the Snow Festival.
View guide →Spend the morning in Sapporo, then take JR to Otaru in the afternoon and enjoy the light event after dark.
Close to Miyanosawa Station on the Tozai subway line, with illuminations to enjoy in winter.
View guide →
Take JR to Otaru. Walk along the snow-covered canal and stone warehouses while it is still light.
View guide →
Snow candles are lit once it gets dark. You can walk between the Canal site and the Temiya Line site.
View guide →Take the limited express to Asahikawa, go from Asahiyama Zoo to the Winter Festival, and in the evening head out to the illuminations in Biei.
Take the limited express from Sapporo to Asahikawa. For details, see the intercity travel guide.
Take a bus from Asahikawa Station to Asahiyama Zoo. Entering early to catch the morning penguin walk gives you a better view.
View guide →
Return to the station area and see the ice sculptures at the Kaimono Koen site and the large snow sculptures at the Asahibashi riverside site.
View guide →
Take JR to Biei and head toward Shirogane to see the evening illuminations. Check your return transport in advance.
View guide →Return from Asahikawa to Sapporo, spend your last hours in the city, then head to the airport.
An indoor aquarium close to Odori Station where you can stay comfortable even on a cold day.
View guide →
Break your JR journey to the airport at Kitahiroshima Station and have a meal or do some shopping at the ballpark.
View guide →Take JR from Kitahiroshima Station to New Chitose Airport.
View guide →Sample itineraries from day trips to 5 days, by region and season. Every stop links to its guide, and you can save any itinerary as your own trip plan and rearrange it day by day.
🗺 2 days, 1 nightWinterHokkaido ・ 6 stops ・ December・January・February
A winter route covering snowy Goryokaku, the Bay Area illuminations and the night view from Mt. Hakodate in one night. With a stay at Yunokawa Onsen, you can take your time enjoying Hakodate, a city with plenty to see after dark.
🗺 3 days, 2 nightsSummerHokkaido ・ 9 stops ・ July
A summer route that starts with Sapporo's summer festival and continues to Asahiyama Zoo, the hills and Blue Pond of Biei, and the lavender fields of Furano. Timed for the flower season, it packs in Hokkaido's classic summer scenery.
🗺 3 days, 2 nightsHokkaido ・ 10 stops
A classic route with two nights in Sapporo, covering the city's main sights and Otaru. You can get around using only the subway and JR, making it ideal for a first trip to Hokkaido or for travel without a car.
Check prices, opening hours and access on each stop’s guide and official website. Seasonal events and peak seasons vary from year to year.
