Hokkaido, Japan · Route map
Winter Wonders of Hokkaido
An immersive winter journey through Japan's premier northern island, perfectly suited for January's world-class snow and seasonal seafood.
- 1
Sapporo
2 nights
Vibrant food scene and local craft beer
- 2
Niseko
3 nights
Deep powder snow and cozy onsen
- 3
Otaru
1 night
Historic canal port and fresh sushi
- ✦3 stops · 6 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Welcome to Snowy Sapporo
Arrive at New Chitose Airport
Flight · Morning · Chitose
Rapid Airport Express train to Sapporo
Transfer · Morning · Sapporo
A scenic 40-minute train ride directly into the heart of the city.
Wander the snow-draped Odori Park
Excursion · Afternoon · Downtown Sapporo
Grab a hot canned coffee from a vending machine to keep your hands warm while walking.
Explore Ganso Ramen Yokocho
Excursion · Evening · Susukino
Find Menya Shirakaba Sansou inside the alley for the ultimate rich miso ramen experience.
Overnight in Sapporo
Accommodation · Evening · Downtown Sapporo
Seafood Feast and City Views
Breakfast at Nijo Market
Excursion · Morning · Central Sapporo
Order the uni-ikura don (sea urchin and salmon roe bowl) at Ohiso.
Tour the historic Sapporo Beer Museum
Excursion · Afternoon · East Sapporo
The star-shaped tasting set lets you sample exclusive brews only available in Hokkaido.
Ropeway up Mt. Moiwa for sunset
Excursion · Evening · South Sapporo
Hokkaido's crisp winter air makes the night views incredibly sharp and beautiful.
Overnight in Sapporo
Accommodation · Evening · Downtown Sapporo
Journey into Powder Paradise
Ski bus transfer to Niseko Hirafu
Transfer · Morning · Sapporo to Niseko
A comfortable 3-hour coach ride through beautiful mountain passes.
Settle into snowy Hirafu Village
At leisure · Afternoon · Hirafu
Walk the heated footpaths of Hirafu to find cozy ski-wear boutiques.
Soak in Mokusho no Yu onsen
Excursion · Evening · Niseko
Floating in mineral-rich water while snow falls on your head is pure magic.
Overnight in Niseko
Accommodation · Evening · Hirafu
Niseko Powder and Local Brews
Skiing or snowboarding on Mount Annupuri
Excursion · Morning · Niseko Grand Hirafu
Experience Japan's famous light and dry powder snow.
If you don't ski, take the gondola up just for the breathtaking mountain views.
Taste local sake at Niseko Shuzo
Excursion · Afternoon · Kutchan
Try their dry sake made using pure melted snow water from Mt. Yotei.
Drinks at Bar Gyu+
Excursion · Evening · Hirafu
Look for the vintage red fridge door that serves as the secret entrance.
Overnight in Niseko
Accommodation · Evening · Hirafu
Winter Nature and Seafood Feast
Snowshoeing around pristine Lake Hangetsu
Excursion · Morning · Kutchan
A peaceful trek through snow-covered birch forests at the foot of Mt. Yotei.
Rent gear in Hirafu the night before to get an early start on the trail.
Relax by the fire in Niseko
At leisure · Afternoon · Hirafu
Grab a hot, fresh cheese tart from Takahashi Dairy Farm's Milk Kobo.
Intimate Izakaya dining at Raku
Excursion · Evening · Hirafu
Book this tiny, charcoal-grill spot months in advance to secure a counter seat.
Overnight in Niseko
Accommodation · Evening · Hirafu
Romantic Canal Town of Otaru
Scenic local train to Otaru
Transfer · Morning · Niseko to Otaru
A gorgeous 1.5-hour train ride hugging the snowy coastline.
Stroll Sakaimachi Street glass workshops
Excursion · Afternoon · Otaru
Pop into Kitaichi Glass to see their cafe illuminated entirely by 167 oil lamps.
Walk the gas-lit Otaru Canal
Excursion · Evening · Otaru Canal Area
After photos, walk to Masa-zushi for incredible, locally caught winter herring sushi.
Overnight in Otaru
Accommodation · Evening · Otaru
Final Pastries and Departure
Pastry tasting at LeTAO Pathfinder
Excursion · Morning · Otaru
Their double fromage cheesecake is legendary; try the slice served straight from the oven.
JR train to New Chitose Airport
Transfer · Afternoon · Otaru to Chitose
Direct train ride of about 75 minutes from Otaru to the airport.
Departure flight from New Chitose Airport
Flight · Afternoon · Chitose
Like the shape of it?
Make this trip yours.
Start from this plan and tell us what's different about your trip — your dates, your pace, your people. We'll rewrite it around you.