Sapporo
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Sapporo Snow Festival | Huge snow and ice sculptures in Odori Park and other sites, with free entry. | Thursday 4 to Thursday 11 February 2027 |
| Mount Moiwa | A ropeway to a summit overlooking the city lights, one of Japan's finest night views. | Sapporo |
Otaru and Asahikawa
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Otaru Canal | An old canal lined with stone warehouses, lit by lanterns during the Snow Light Path festival in February. | About 32 to 40 minutes by train from Sapporo |
| Asahiyama Zoo | Famous for its penguin walk through the snow every winter, plus polar bears and foxes. | Asahikawa; half a day is enough |
Snow and nature
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Niseko | Four linked ski resorts with famous powder snow, plus sledge and snowmobile tours. | Western Hokkaido |
| Abashiri drift ice | A trip on an icebreaker among the drifting ice floes on the sea. | Roughly late January to March |
| Biei and Furano | White hills and fields, and ski slopes with powder snow. | Central Hokkaido |
Tips before you go
- Book your Sapporo hotel months ahead of the Snow Festival: hotels fill up fast.
- Wear warm layers and non-slip shoes, as the streets are covered in snow and ice.
- Combine Sapporo and Otaru in one trip: they're under an hour apart by train.
Flights to Tokyo
More places nearby
- Things to do in Japan
- Things to do in Tokyo
- Things to do in Kyoto
- Things to do in Osaka
- Things to do in Mount Fuji and Hakone
Visa
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Frequently asked questions
When is the Sapporo Snow Festival 2027?
Thursday 4 to Thursday 11 February 2027, with free entry.
How far is Otaru from Sapporo?
About 32 to 40 minutes by train.
Where can I ski in Hokkaido?
In Niseko with its four linked resorts, and in Furano.
Planning your trip to Japan? Read Travel to Japan from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.