1Sapporo White Illumination

The lights sparkling in the city are incredibly romantic

The Sapporo White Illumination starts in late November every year. During the period, the center of Sapporo is decorated with illuminations. The venues are divided into several locations, such as Odori Park and the Sapporo Station Square, and each has a different atmosphere, so we recommend visiting each venue.
Starting in 2022, the event will be renewed and new objects will be introduced. At the Odori venue, symbolic objects designed for each theme will sparkle from Nishi 1-chome to Nishi 6-chome.

Shop in a special shopping area

During the Sapporo White Illumination period, the "Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo" is also held at the Odori 2-chome venue. The reason why the traditional German annual event "Christmas Market" is held in Sapporo is because Sapporo is a sister city of Munich, Germany.
Original goods such as limited edition mugs and masking tape are popular souvenirs, and many locals look forward to this event every year.

▼ミュンヘン・クリスマス市 in Sapporo
URL：https://www.sapporo.travel/white-illumination/event/munich/
期間：2024年11月22日(金)～12月25日(水)11:00～21:00
会場：大通公園(札幌市中央区大通西2丁目)
お問い合わせ：011-206-6780

Sapporo White Illumination

• https://www.sapporo.travel/white-illumination/event/illumination/
• Odori Venue (Odori Nishi 1-6-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido)
  Ekimae-dori venue (Kita 4-jo to Minami 4-jo)
  Minami 1-jo Street Venue (Minami 1-jo Nishi 1-chome to 3-chome)
  Sapporo City Kita 3-jo Plaza Venue (Kita 2-jo Nishi 4-chome, Kita 3-jo Nishi 4-chome)
  Sapporo Station South Exit Station Square Venue (Kita 5-jo Nishi 3-chome) MAP
• (Fri) November 22, 2024 -(Fri) March 14, 2025 16:30-22:00
  *Varies by venue. Check website for details.
• 080-5830-6001（さっぽろホワイトイルミネーション実行委員会）
  イベント期間以外は011-281-6400（一般社団法人札幌観光協会））
• None

2Sapporo Snow Festival

The tall snow sculptures are truly spectacular

When it comes to Sapporo in the winter, many people visit to enjoy the nationally known "Sapporo Snow Festival." The main venue is in the center of Sapporo, and the whole city comes alive during the week-long event, despite the cold.
One of the highlights of the event is the large snow sculptures at the Odori site, which are a symbol of the snow festival. The huge yet intricately crafted sculptures have different designs every year, so you're sure to be surprised no matter how many times you visit. The citizen snow sculptures often feature popular characters or people in the news that year, and there's always a line of people taking commemorative photos in front of the popular snow sculptures.

There's plenty to do outside of Odori Park

There are various ways to enjoy the Snow Festival depending on the venue. At the Odori venue, you can Experience snow sculptures and projection mapping, as well as curling. At the Susukino venue, you can enjoy the fantastic world of ice sculptures, and at the Tsudome venue, you can Experience attractions such as tube sliders and snow rafts. It's so difficult to see everything in one day. Both adults and children are guaranteed to have fun.

Sapporo Snow Festival

• https://www.snowfes.com/
• Odori Venue (Odori Nishi 1-chome to Nishi 11-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido)
  Susukino venue (Minami 4-jo Street to Minami 7-jo Street)
  Tsudome Venue (885-1 Sakaemachi, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido) MAP
• February 4th (Tue)- 11th (Tuesday/Holiday), 2025
• None

3Sapporo Moiwa Ski Resort

A ski resort with excellent Direction from central Sapporo

Located just 30 minutes by car from Sapporo Station, the easy access to the Sapporo Moiwa Ski Resort is one of Direction. With a short travel time from the city center, you can enjoy sightseeing during the day and night skiing in the evening. There is also a wide selection of ski equipment and ski wear available for rental. You can get a panoramic view of the Sapporo cityscape, and the night view in the clear winter air is very beautiful, making it a great memory of your trip.
If you want to enjoy the night view, the "Usagidaira Course" is recommended for advanced climbers. The upper part of the "Dynamic Course" is also popular and can be enjoyed by beginners.

A slope where kids can practice safely

This is the only "skier-only" ski resort in Hokkaido, and does not accept snowboarders. It has an environment where beginners, people who are skiing for the first time in a while, and small children can ski safely, and families come to enjoy skiing especially during the winter holidays.
Although they do not operate their own ski school, they are affiliated with a variety of ski schools and clubs, so you can choose the lesson that suits you best from a wide range of programs. Please check the website for details of the school.

Sapporo Moiwa Ski Resort

• https://www.rinyu.co.jp/moiwa/
• 1991 Moiwashita, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido MAP
• Approximately 30 minutes by car from Sapporo Station
• (Sat), December 21, 2024 -(Sun) March 23, 2025
• Lift ticket (7 hours): Adults (junior high school students and above) 4,100 yen, elementary school students and below 2,900 yen
  Night game: 2,200 yen
  Rental: Ski set from 4,100 yen, clothing set from 3,500 yen
• 011-581-0914
• free

4Hoheikyo hot spring

Enjoy the beautiful scenery while soaking in Outdoor hot spring

This day-trip hot spring is located in the suburbs, about a 20-minute drive from Sapporo Station. It is a rare spot where you can enjoy 100% pure hot spring that is 100% sourced and has not been heated or diluted in any way. It is a sodium calcium bicarbonate chloride spring, commonly known as the "beauty bath," and is a very popular spring quality among hot spring lovers.
The president himself brought rocks from Mt. Yotei for Outdoor hot spring, and arranged them as chair rocks that you can sit on and baths that you can lie down in. You can relax to your heart's content while gazing at the mountains stretching out in the distance.

The curry, which is popular among locals, is a must-try

Just as highly acclaimed as hot spring are the Indian curry served at the restaurant on Property. The authentic curry uses dozens of different spices imported from overseas, and is said to have been tailored to suit Japanese tastes.
The specialty naan is specially prepared by a Nepalese chef using a local pot, and has a chewy and fluffy texture that is addictively delicious. You can choose your preferred level of spiciness for the curry from five levels, so even those who don't like spicy food don't have to worry.

Hoheikyo hot spring

• https://hoheikyo.co.jp/
• 608-2 Jozankei, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido MAP
• Approximately 20 minutes by car from JR Sapporo Station
• Bathing hours: 10:00-22:30 (last admission 21:45)
  Restaurant hours: Indian cuisine 11:00-21:00 (last order), Japanese cuisine 11:00-14:00/17:00-20:00 (last order)
• Admission fee: 1,000 yen for adults, 500 yen for children
• 011-598-2410
• free

5Moerenuma Park

A popular snow play spot for locals, located close to the city center

For those who want to enjoy playing in the snow more easily than skiing or snowboarding, Moerenuma Park is perfect. Located about 30 minutes by car from the center of Sapporo, it is an easy location to visit even in the cold winter months, and is crowded with many people, especially families, even in winter.
If you need a break, stop by the Glass Pyramid next to Parking. You can warm yourself up, enjoy shopping at the shops, and there are plenty of facilities, including a nursing room.

A world of silvery white that stretches out as far as the eye can see, making it hard to believe you're in Sapporo city

Unlike ordinary parks, sledding at Moere Numa Park is very exciting. The 52m high Mt. Moere has gentle and steep sections, so children and adults can enjoy long sledding by choosing the section they want to slide down. Sleds can be rented for a fee, so you don't need to bring your own snow equipment. Snowshoes, cross-country skis, and boots can also be rented.
There aren't many spots in the city where you can sled on such a long slope, so adults are also encouraged to come dressed for playing in the snow.

Moerenuma Park

• https://moerenumapark.jp/
• 1-1 Moerenuma Park, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido MAP
• Approximately 30 minutes by car from JR Sapporo Station
• 7:00-22:00 (varies depending on each Property)
• None (Each Property within the park has fixed closing days)
• 011-790-1231
• free
• Winter sports equipment rental
  Period: January 5th (Sun)- March 2nd (Sun) 2025 *Closed on Mondays (Tuesdays if Monday is a public holiday)
  Time: 10:00-16:00 (final return time)
  Rental location: Glass Pyramid 1F Shop *Please show your ID

6Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill

Not only the Dr. Clark statue, but also a variety of snow play programs

Hitsujigaoka Snow Park, held in the winter at the Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observatory, famous for the statue of Dr. Clark, is a very popular event every year. While still in Sapporo city, you can enjoy playing in the snow on a vast, pure white snow field, and Experience Activity such as tube sliding, cross-country skiing, making mini snowmen, and snow striders (for ages 2 to 5 only).
There are both single and double sized tubes available, so even small children can safely Experience together with adults.

Hitsujigaoka Snow Park
URL: https://www.hitsujigaoka.jp/snowpark/?lang=ja#googtrans(ja|ja)
Date and time: January 10, 2025 (Fri)- March 9, 2025 (Sun) 10:00-15:00
Admission fee: 600 yen for adults, 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students, free for preschoolers

After having lots of fun, warm up with some local Hokkaido cuisine

Restaurant Hitsujigaoka Rest House is the place to warm up after playing in the snow. The spacious restaurant has a wide selection of dishes on the menu, including Hokkaido's specialty Jingisukan. Each table is equipped with a grill dedicated to Jingisukan, and the coziness of being able to leisurely dine while gazing at the magnificent nature outside the window is also an appealing point.
The "Lamb Jingisukan Set Meal" is very popular as it uses lamb shoulder meat with a mild flavor and comes with rice, miso soup, and vegetables. Be sure to try the restaurant's original dipping sauce, which goes perfectly with the meat.

Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill

• https://www.hitsujigaoka.jp/
• 1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, HokkaidoMAP
• Take the bus from Fukuzumi Station on the subway and get off at Hitsujigaoka Observatory
• Observatory: October to May 9:00-17:00, June to September 9:00-18:00 (last admission 15 minutes before closing)
  Hitsujigaoka Rest House May to September 11:00 to 16:00, October to April 11:30 to 15:00 (last order 30 minutes before closing)
• Adults: 600 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 300 yen, preschoolers: free
• 011-851-3080
• free

7Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, North Snowland in Chitose

Enjoy the fantastic scenery that can only be seen in winter

An ice festival is held every year in Chitose, about an hour's drive from Sapporo. The Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is an event that makes use of the bitterly cold climate of Lake Shikotsu, using the water from Lake Shikotsu, one of the clearest lakes in Japan.
The ice sculptures of various sizes are made by spraying lake water onto a framework using sprinklers. They glow a natural blue during the day and are lit up with colorful lights at night, creating a fantastical world.

Snow Activity to enjoy at a separate venue

A separate venue, "North Snowland in Chitose", a winter leisure spot in Chitose, has opened. Although it is a separate venue from the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, it is very conveniently located about 35 minutes by JR train from central Sapporo and about 15 minutes by Direction from New Chitose Airport. You can enjoy Activity that can only be enjoyed on snow (some items require a fee), such as tube sliders, 4-wheel buggies, the very popular snow rafting, and mini snowmobiles.
The exhilarating feeling of running through the clear winter air is sure to become addictive, regardless of age.

▼ノース・スノーランドin千歳
URL：https://www.northsnowland.com/
住所：北海道千歳蘭越26
開催期間：2024年12月30日(月)～2025年3月5日(水)
入場料：中学生以上800円、小学生500円、5歳以下無料 ※他オプション料金あり
TEL：0123-27-2121

Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, North Snowland in Chitose

• https://hyoutou-special.asia/
• Hokkaido Chitose City hot spring MAP
• (Sat), February 1, 2025 - Monday, February 24, 2025, 10:00-20:00
  Illumination: 16:30-20:00
• Junior high school students and above: 1,000 yen (elementary school students and below: free)
• 0123-23-8288(支笏湖まつり実行委員会)

8Smelt fishing Giro21

You can come empty-handed, and it's convenient because you can request a pick-up service from the city center.

One of the winter pleasures in Hokkaido is smelt fishing, which can be Experience in the outskirts of Sapporo. In the winter, tents for smelt fishing line the Barato River, which runs from Sapporo to Ishikari, and visitors of all ages visit the river.
Giro21 will pick you up from hotels in Sapporo's Chuo-ku or Kita-ku, and from the north exit of JR Sapporo Station, making it easy to get to your accommodation or destination. Snow boots and winter trousers are available for free rental, but it's a good idea to bring a winter hat, hooded outerwear, and gloves.

A homely atmosphere and a friendly atmosphere during Experience

All necessary equipment is provided, and even if you are new to smelt fishing, you don't have to worry as you will be guided through how to fish and feed the fish. With the support of Staff/staff member, you can create memories with a private feeling by drilling a hole in the ice for your own fishing, frying tempura together, and doing it the way locals enjoy it. Cooperate or compete with your family or friends, and enjoy a heart-warming Experience in the snowy scenery typical of Hokkaido.

Smelt fishing Giro21

• https://www.giro21.com/
• Approximately 30 minutes by car from central Sapporo (pick-up available) MAP
• Smelt fishing tour (Tue) January 14, 2025 to (Mon) March 10, 2025 *May change depending on freezing conditions
  9:00-13:00 Approximately 4 hours including pick-up and drop-off time (subject to change, please check website)
  
• Please check the website
• Half-day course: Adults 9,000 yen, Junior/senior high school/university/vocational students 8,000 yen, Children (ages 5 to 6th grade) 7,000 yen
  What is included in the price: Smelt fishing guide fee, tent rental fee, rental of fishing gear, boots and overpants, tempura tasting, transportation, insurance fee
• Ages 5 and up *Elementary school students and younger must be accompanied by a guardian
• We accept reservations for groups of 2 or more. For safety reasons, children under 5 years old and pregnant women are not allowed to participate or be accompanied by others.
  In the event of bad weather, the tour may be cancelled. In that case, there will be no cancellation fee.