Are you going to take a trip to Hokkaido this winter? Have you begun planning your trip? Don’t panic if you have not started planning the trip yet.
Let me introduce you a simple recommended itinerary for your Hokkaido trip. And that’s supposed to be in the winter. Am I right?!
Visiting Hokkaido without the perfect travel plan would make you cry and disappointed. Therefore, I strongly recommend planning your visits in advance or follow this itinerary to make sure you get the most out of your time in Hokkaido.
Those who are eagerly waiting to be there to experience an exciting adventure must read this itinerary and then plan accordingly. If you desire to explore the best winter attractions in Hokkaido, you have got to read this guide.
My extensive travel experiences help me organize this perfect itinerary for first-timers who would be visiting Hokkaido in February and have already intended to experience the snow festivals including other exciting winter attractions. I never say myself that I could create great itinerary.
To be honest, I always find it difficult to rate my own work. In fact, you are the one who would judge my work here.
Often I receive messages from others saying that I help them creating good suggested itineraries. Hearing such inspiring words inspires me more than anything else!
And yet I try my best to deliver you with a lot of information to make your future trip awesome. Let’s get started now!
Day 1 – Sapporo
Ok, you are in Sapporo now! I hope you slept nicely last night and have already taken your breakfast. Let’s get ready for a day trip to Sapporo in February.
Please note that the Sapporo snow festival 2026 will be held from February 4 to February 11. Let’s enjoy this year’s snow festival!
I have a perfect one day Sapporo itinerary for you which you must read right away. As the main attraction of visiting Sapporo in February is the snow festivals, so I want you to spend most of the time in Odori Park.
Take as many as time you need to experience the whole festival area. Actually you could skip the evening session off the “One day Sapporo itinerary.”
You will have a lot of time to do shop in the capital of Hokkaido later on this 7 day trip.
If you want to stay in the heart of Sapporo which I mean near Sapporo Station then make a reservation online in advance at Nest Hotel Sapporo Ekimae. Stay overnight there. Good night guys!
Day 2 – Sapporo to Asahikawa
It is time to get to Asahikawa. Right after taking your breakfast you should head to Sapporo Station. Hop on one of JR limited express trains that depart from Sapporo to Asahikawa every 30 minutes.
The entire one way ride takes about 80-85 minutes. If you have a Japan Rail Pass or Hokkaido Rail Pass then you don’t need to buy any tickets. It would cover the cost!
Asahikawa is an impressive city with a number of exciting winter attractions. When people think of visiting Asahikawa in winter, their “bucket list” is filled with three most amazing places: Asahikawa Winter Festival, Asahiyama Zoo, and Asahikawa Ramen Village.
Asahikawa Festival will be held from early to mid February in 2026.
Visitors can see and enjoy the stunning fireworks display at night on the opening ceremony. Usually I don’t miss seeing the opening ceremony.
Therefore, after you hop off the train at Asahikawa Station, immediately check in to a hotel to stay overnight there, you should prefer a hotel that is located near the station.
I stayed at JR Inn Asahikawa, it was an awesome stay so why don’t you check this hotel out?
The journey would definitely make you feel tired, so have some rest there for a while. Then leave your luggage in your room and start your trip heading towards a restaurant. You can find tons of them around the station.
Your next destination would be Asahiyama Zoo. It welcomes thousands of visitors each day during winter.
It is said to be the largest Zoo in Hokkaido which is home to more than 800 animals of 150 different species. The penguin parade show at the zoo in winter is a must thing to see.
You should dedicate your evening time only for the winter festival. At first, visit the Heiwa Dori site to see the amazing ice sculptures and then head to the Asahibashi site for viewing the firework show and giant snow sculptures.
When you are done, get back to the hotel and have a nice comfortable sleep.
Make your hotel reservation at JR Inn Asahikawa, located near JR Asahikawa Station.
Day 3 – Asahikawa to Abashiri
In order to see Hokkaido’s real winter beauty you have got to come to Abashiri. And the best way to get there is by train from Asahikawa, not from Sapporo! Guess what?!
The distance between Asahikawa and Abashiri is shorter than the distance between Sapporo and Abashiri. Get up early in the morning and catch the train to Abashiri.
Abashiri is one of the best tourist destinations in Hokkaido in winter. Usually every year, a lot people get there for experiencing the beautiful drift ice (Ryuhyo) in the Sea of Okhotsk as they know February is the best time to see them.
The train journey from Asahikawa to Abashiri would be delightful as you would witness amazing picturesque Hokkaido countryside.
The shores of Okhotsk in Abashiri receive a huge amount of drift ice. The ocean freezes and seeing drift ice is typically a great outdoor winter activity there.
The best way to witness this winter wonder is by icebreaker cruise. You can get onto one of the Aurora icebreaking ships to begin your journey.
You must take a binocular that would help you spotting some seals, Steller’s Sea Eagles and other birds from the ship. The entire boat journey takes about an hour.
If the weather condition is too bad then the cruise ship trip will be postponed.
Stay overnight at Hotel Sun Abashiri and leave the town for Sapporo on the following day. The early the better!
Attention please! If you want to explore the destination with a group tour from Sapporo then take a look at this one day Abashiri drifting ice adventure tour.
If you are interested in this guided tour, get back to Sapporo instead of heading towards Abashiri from Asahikawa.
Day 4 – Abashiri to Sapporo
I hope you would reach Sapporo before 12:00, if you catch the early direct train to Sapporo from Abashiri.
You have to stay overnight here again in Sapporo, so check in to the hotel you have already taken a reservation online. Cover the rest of the places you have missed on the first day trip to Sapporo.
In fact, this time it would be nice if you spend some times on shopping. You should walk along the Tanukikoji Shopping Street and find your perfect souvenirs.
I don’t care how much time you spend for this but make sure you find some nice souvenirs. Again in the evening time you can head to Odori Park and enjoy live stage events in the festival arena.
For a cozy dining time you can go to one of my favorite restaurants located near the park called Aburiya Odori Bisse. Often it is said to be the best place to have your dinner near Odori Park.
Stay overnight at JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo.
Day 5 – Sapporo to Otaru
Otaru, the historic port city in Hokkaido would be packed with a lot of visitors during its Snow Light Path Festival, which will be held from early February to mid-February, 2026.
The festival is known as one of the most famous snow festivals in Japan. The main festival areas look amazingly wonderful with lit up snow sculptures in the evening and at night, especially the area around the Otaru Canal.
In fact, the whole city gets decorated with different sizes of stunning snow sculptures and night illuminations.
In Otaru, no trip is complete without a leisurely walk down the Sakaimachi Street. Museums, Souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes there are regarded as the top attractions. Grab a quick dinner before you get to sleep! Stay the night in Otaru.
Here is the recommended hotel to stay an overnight in Otaru town: Dormy Inn Premium Otaru. I bet your stay there will be amazing!
Day 6 – Otaru to Niseko
Accessing to Niseko from Otaru is the best choice than getting there from Sapporo. In the morning, wait for the train at JR Otaru Station, get in when it arrives. In fact, this is the same train you get in to get to Otaru from Sapporo.
Please note you are going to stay in Niseko 2-day and 1-night in Niseko. So, plan yourself what you can do there.
When you read about “what are the best things to do in Hokkaido during winter?” then one thing’s for sure that skiing and snowboarding in Niseko United is on the top after the snow festivals.
It is the country’s most famous and biggest ski resort, where night skiing facility is absolutely brilliant compared to other ski resorts you find throughout the country.
The resort is family-friendly with great ski infrastructures. It is the perfect ski resort for beginners to start learning skiing or snowboarding. If you are afraid of skiing and snowboarding there, you have other outdoor winter recreational activities to try.
It is recommended to stay a night there if you would like to try night skiing on the ski slopes. If not then get back to Sapporo before nightfall.
The hotel to stay overnight in Niseko: Always Niseko Hotel, located at the Grand Hirafu resort area. Enjoy a great view of Mt. Yotei from there!
Day 7 – Niseko to Sapporo
Get up early in the morning, have you breakfast, and then discover the places you missed visiting on Day 6. You are going back to Sapporo after taking your lunch in Niseko.
You may want to go out in the evening in downtown Sapporo to do a little bit shopping or just to take a stroll, no problem! Go for it and enjoy the evening.
Hotel to stay in Sapporo: HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Aspen.
Those who plan on visiting Hokkaido only for 7 days, I have to tell you that your trip ends here. However, you can add one more day to take a trip to Jozankei.
Day 8 – Sapporo to Jozankei Onsen
Today you are off to a lovely hot spring resort town.
On the outskirts of downtown Sapporo there is a beautiful hot spring resort town called Jozankei Onsen.
The onsen is particularly beautiful in the autumn and winter. The valley’s surrounding snowy landscape is breathtaking!
I admire the scenery and you would do too. To get rid of Hokkaido’s extreme cold weather, often people head to hot spring baths and you should choose this one instead of getting to Noboribetsu hot spring resort town.
You know your time is limited! Soak your body in one of the hot spring baths there and feel good. Take the bus to get back to Sapporo and literally your trip ends there.
I don’t know what your next destination would be especially when you are a solo traveler. Anyway, wishing you all the best!
Winter Travel Tips for Hokkaido
1) Buying a Japan Rail Pass is highly recommended for this dream trip to Hokkaido.
2) Dress up well to survive the winter, learn about what to wear in Hokkaido during winter.
3) Those of you who are concerned about big suitcase to travel with on snowy grounds could use Takuhaibin – a nationwide delivery service. In fact, you can rely on Yamato Transport Co., LTD. It would deliver your big suitcase from hotel to hotel all over Japan. If it does not suit you then I would suggest you pack light as much as possible. Read this post to get some ideas on how to pack light for winter trip to Hokkaido.
4) Eat and drink to keep your body warm.
If your winter holiday time does not match with this suggested itinerary, please let me know here or just leave a comment below. I hope I have the right solution for you.
Don’t be disappointed if you are going to stay from late December to early January. You can celebrate the New Year’s Eve and still there is a lot of things to see and do.
While exploring this island in winter, whenever you get hungry you can stop for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at restaurants you find nearby.
I have shared this 9-day Hokkaido suggested itinerary for this year winter holiday that is packed with the best of Hokkaido for some inspiration.
There are other Hokkaido itineraries I could share with you, for example this 10-day Hokkaido winter itinerary. Just contact me right away, if you need to know them.
I have spent a lot of time in Hokkaido sometimes as a resident and tourist. Based on this it was kind of easy to come up with this perfect itinerary.
Hello,
Arriving Chitose on 27th Jan & departing 3rd Feb 2019 with my wife and 3 adult children in 20s with 3 big suitcases and will get 7-day JR Pass.
Please suggest an value for money itinerary complete with hotel.
Thanks in advance
pak
Dear Park,
I have sent you an email. You will find a suggested itinerary there. Thank you.
Hi, I am planning to travel with 2 teenagers. Planning to travel for Tokyo-Hokkaido-Tokyo.
Planning to take Shinkansen to and fro from Hokkaido and planning to stay in Hokkaido from 13th 17th.
Any suggested itineraries?
Ps: planning to places that only has public transports
Hi,
Good morning. I have sent you a suggested itinerary, please check your email.
Thank you very much.
Hi,
I am planning a trip for 2 families (each with 2 adults and 2 young children ) for a 11D10N trip to Hokkaido. We wanted to cover
1. Tomamu ice village (evening)
2. Asahiyama Zoo (1 day trip)
3. Otaru (1 day trip)
– Mt. Moiwa
– Otaru Museum
– Otaru Aquarium
4. Niseko village for Ski resort (2 day 1 night)
5. Hakodate (2 day 1 night)
6. Lake Toya
7. Noboribetsu for Jigokudani (Hell valley)
8. Sapporo as our last stop for outlet shopping as our flight back is in the morning.
Like to seek your advice on the suggested itinerary
Hi Richard,
I hope you have received my message to your email address. Thank you.
Hi, planning a trip to Hokkaido on late November for 8 days with my family. Family of 2 teenagers. Any suggested itineraries?
Hi, kindly check your email as I have sent a suggested itinerary for your trip to Hokkaido. Thanks.
Hello! I did your winter itinerary except for Niseko (needed more time to learn skiing). My trip was amazing. Just want to thank you for sharing your ideas. Hope to visit Hokkaido again next year during the snow festivals. ?
Hello, I am very glad to hear that! 🙂
Thank you and take care.
Hello I’m planning a trip to Hokkaido for mid January and all the cool festivals are in february, do you have other recommendations? I’m traveling with my boyfriend and we were wondering if its better to rent a car or to buy the day JR passes ? we are planning to stay for 3-4 days
Thanks!
Hello, a message has been sent to your email address with the answer of your questions. Thank you.
Hello,is 4 days is enough to spend in Hokkaido?could you please suggest the best spot to visit mid December?Thank you so much
Hi, I am here to inform you that I have sent you a suggested itinerary to your email address, kindly check it. Thanks! 🙂
Hello,
We also plan to visit hokkaido end of december for 5 or 7 days. Would 5 days be enough? Could you share the itineraries you’ve sent to other members please for a trip during that time. We saw also saw your 9 day recommended itinerary. But don’t think we can spend that much time. Travelling with young children so definitely the zoo, and also we probably don’t want to be travelling too much during our short stay, so maybe we can only see 3 places.
Thanks Kele.
Hello Kele, check your email and see what I have sent you there. Thanks. 🙂
Hi
I am going to Hokkaido w my family and parents plus 1 toddler fr 30 dec to 7 jan. Can u send me an intinerary for our reference? Much thx!
Li
Hi Li,
Kindly check your email as I have sent you a suggested itinerary for your trip. Thanks a lot.
dear takkhis
i’ll be landing at chitose airport at Jan 20, 2018. Could u give me any suggestions for hotels n best itinerary for stay around 2-3 nights? 🙂
it will be perfect if u can give me any recommendation for romantic places bcos this our honeymoon trip.
Hi, I have sent you a message, please check it. Thank you.
Hi there
Great itinerary thanks. I am going to arrive in CTS from Seoul and am thinking if I follow your itinerary I should get a Hokkaido rail pass instead of the Japan rail pass since it is cheaper, right?
Thanks,
Dillon
Hi Dillon,
No problem, Thanks!
Yes you are right. And Hokkaido Rail Pass works great if you are planning to travel across Hokkaido region. Have a wonderful trip, thank you.
HI THERE. What about if I have only 4 full days in Hokkaido. We arrive February 5 evening. and leave sapporo February 10. Can you suggest ITINERARY? thanks in advance
Hello Karen, I just sent you a suggested itinerary to your email address. Thank you so much.
Great Article! I have booked hotel at Asahikawa between 5-10 Feb since Sapporo hotels fully booked and price is at higher end. Good to know Abashiri is near also. Did not include the Aurora ice drift tour earlier, but your article helps me to re-do our itinerary. Hope we really enjoy the winter in Hokkaido. Thanks! By the way, is there any recommended good place to taste Hokkaido seafood? Looking for street food but cannot found any yet.
Hi,
Check your email and you will see my answer there. Thanks!
Hi. Do u have suggestions iterinary for 30/1-3/2?
Hi,
Yes I have! Check your email please. Thanks.
Hi, I am going to Hokkaido on 12th December to 19th December, do you advise to go lake shikaribetshu if the kotan is not ready? Or better to visit Beie? Noboribetshu Marine park and Asashimaya Zoo, which one is nicer? Thank you
Hello Elaine,
I would be very glad if you read the message that I just sent you. Thank you.
What a great write up.Just wondring- Im planning to go Hokkaido for 6 days end of Jan2018 with 2 kids (8 and 2) for the 1st time..is there like a day trip for skiing with kids and what other activities can you recommend for the kids.Thank you.
Hi, I hope you have received my message that I just sent you to your email address. Thanks!
Do you know of any snow festivals in late-February? or even early March? Thanks!
Hi Allison,
You should visit this winter festivals and events calendar.
Thank you.
Hi there,
I’m planning to visit in Hokkaido from 4/2/18-11/2/18, Can send me the details which hotel and where to stay with this literary btw, do i have enough time to ski as well? please advise.
Hi, I would glad, if you read the message carefully that I have sent you today. Thank you.
Hi. We are going to Hokkaido in March 2018 and its our first time. Any leads please? Travelling with husband and 2 kids ( 16 & 13).
Our flights from Tokyo will arrive Chitose airport around 6:30 pm. Where can we stay in Sapphoro?
Hi Sandra,
How many days do you want to stay in Hokkaido? Please answer me this first, then wait for my reply. Thank you.
Hi… I am only able to arrive Hokkaido from the 20th February onwards! Will I then miss out what seems to be the primary reasons to visit Hokkaido during winter for the snow festivals? I do have 14-18days to spend in Hokkaido which mean I can spend more time in each town mention. Do you think I should still make my way to Hokkaido? I am a foodie hunter and does enjoy nature….pls help!
Hi, I think you should make your way to Hokkaido as there are few other winter festivals to be visited. Check your email address for more info. Thank you.