Sapporo Snow Festival Tour 2025

Itinerary

• Day 1: Sapporo, Arrival

  Welcome to Hokkaido! This magnificent northernmost island is famous for its stunning natural beauty, unique indigenous culture, abundant powder snow, and fresh seafood. Upon your arrival at Sapporo Airport, be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel for check-in.

  • Sapporo

• Day 2: Sapporo Highlights Tour

  Today, start your exploration of Sapporo with a visit to the iconic Sapporo Clock Tower, one of the few remaining Western-style buildings in the city. Take some photos and explore the exhibitions inside, which showcase Sapporo's history.

  Next, make your way to ShiroiKoibito Park, a sweet paradise where you can watch the famous ShiroiKoibito cookies being made at the Ishiya Chocolate Factory. You can also taste delicious treats and even create your own cookies or chocolates.

  In the afternoon, proceed to Odori Park, the heart of the Sapporo Snow Festival. During the winter, the park transforms into an incredible display of ice and snow sculptures created by artists from around the world. Be sure to catch the stunning nighttime light show, which illuminates the sculptures and creates a magical winter wonderland.

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  • Sapporo

• Day 3: Explore Sapporo Snow Festival Venue

  Drive to Tsudome in the morning, a popular site with a large area offering a wide range of snow activities. Enjoy various snow games, from tube slides to snow rafting, as well as large mazes and an indoor gourmet food court. Tsudome is highly recommended for a family visit. In the afternoon, the driver will take you back to the Susukino area near the city center to admire the exquisite ice sculptures created by local hotel and restaurant owners. Nearby is Sapporo's largest entertainment district, where you can enjoy a drink at an ice bar or sample regional delicacies. As night falls, the ice sculptures are illuminated, creating a striking contrast with the vibrant atmosphere of the area, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the unique ambiance of the Snow Festival.

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  • Sapporo

• Day 4: Sapporo, Day Excursion to Otaru

  Go on your journey to the romantic port city Otaru, renowned for its preserved canals, charming brick warehouses, and nostalgic gas lamps, as well as its music boxes and lively fresh seafood. Start with the Otaru Music Box Museum, where you can experience the delicate artistry of handcrafted music boxes, a timeless souvenir from the region.

  Next, head to Sankaku Fish Market, a vibrant spot to savor fresh, seasonal seafood like the famous Kaisendon (seafood rice bowl), perfect for warming up in the winter chill. Afterward, stroll along the iconic Otaru Canal, where the old warehouses are illuminated by the soft glow of winter lights, evoking a serene and picturesque atmosphere.

  As evening sets in, don't miss the Otaru Snow Light Path, a magical winter event where thousands of lanterns and candle-lit snow sculptures line the streets, creating a dreamy scene as the snowflakes gently fall.

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  • Sapporo

• Day 5: Sapporo - Noboribetsu, Venture to the Mysterious "Hell Valley"

  Spend an entire day in Noboribetsu, a town famed for its rejuvenating onsens and the dramatic Hell Valley (Jigokudani). Start your adventure by visiting Hell Valley, a volcanic crater formed by the eruption of Mount Kuttara. As you approach, the sharp scent of sulfur fills the air, and steam rises from the hot springs. The sight of hissing vents and blood-red rocks adds an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere to the landscape, making the valley feel like a gateway to another realm.

  Venture further into the hills to reach the tranquil River Oyunuma Natural Footbath, where you can soak your feet in the warm waters and unwind as the heat relaxes your muscles. In the afternoon, head to Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura, a theme park that immerses you in the Edo period of Japan. Experience the past firsthand through traditional games, cultural activities, and street performances. You can better learn its culture by enjoying Ninja and Samurai shows there, but please check the schedules in advance.

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  • Noboribetsu

• Day 6: Noboribetsu - Lake Toya

  After breakfast, depart for Lake Toya, a crater lake located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, which is home to many species of birds and deer. Take in the panoramic view of Lake Toya from the Silo Observatory. Next, head down to take a sightseeing cruise on this picturesque lake. The nearby Toyako Volcano Science Museum explains how Lake Toya was formed. If you're interested in some exciting snow activities, we recommend an extension tour to Niseko for skiing, snowboarding, sledding, etc.

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  • Lake Toya

• Day 7: Lake Toya - Sapporo, Departure

  Bid farewell to Hokkaido! Make your way to New Chitose Airport in Sapporo for your onward flight home. The seasonal Hokkaido awaits your next holiday to experience other charms.

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