hokkaido in 6 days, 5 nights

A winter trip: two days of ramen, seafood and snow in Sapporo, a day trip to Otaru's canal, then two days in Niseko's powder before the bus back to the airport. Plan it for December to February, and early February if you want the Snow Festival.

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Sapporo

    Morning
    Fly from KL to New Chitose Airport, usually with a change in Tokyo or another hub.
    Afternoon
    JR train to Sapporo, about 40 minutes, and check in. Pick up gloves or a warmer jacket in town if you need them.
    Evening
    Miso ramen, Sapporo's own style, in Susukino. Ramen Yokocho, a narrow alley of small ramen shops, is the classic spot.
  2. Day 2

    Sapporo

    Morning
    Seafood donburi for breakfast at Nijo Market: crab, uni and salmon roe over rice. Then walk a few minutes to Odori Park.
    Lunch
    Soup curry, a spiced broth with big pieces of chicken and vegetables. Good on a cold day.
    Afternoon
    The Sapporo Beer Museum, in an old red-brick brewery building, a short taxi ride away.
    Evening
    Jingisukan, lamb grilled on a dome-shaped hotplate, at the beer garden next door.
    Night
    During the Snow Festival, go back to Odori Park to see the snow and ice sculptures lit up.
  3. Day 3

    Otaru

    Morning
    JR train to Otaru, about 40 minutes along the coast. Walk the canal, lined with old stone warehouses.
    Lunch
    Seafood donburi or sushi. Otaru is known for both.
    Afternoon
    The glassworks and shops along Sakaimachi Street, and a Hokkaido milk soft serve, even in the snow.
    Evening
    Train back to Sapporo for dinner.
  4. Day 4

    To Niseko

    Morning
    Bus from Sapporo to Niseko, about 3 hours on snowy roads.
    Lunch
    Lunch in Niseko, then hire ski gear or snow boots.
    Afternoon
    An easy first afternoon in the snow: sledding, a short snowshoe walk or a first ski lesson.
    Evening
    Soak in an onsen, then warm up with a bowl of ramen.
  5. Day 5

    Snow day

    Morning
    A full morning on the slopes. Ski and snowboard lessons in English are easy to find.
    Lunch
    Lunch on the mountain, then a rest.
    Afternoon
    More skiing, or snowshoeing with views of Mount Yotei if the sky clears.
    Evening
    Back to the onsen, then a slow dinner.
  6. Day 6

    Home

    Morning
    Airport bus from Niseko to New Chitose, about 3 hours, so start early.
    Afternoon
    Fly home via your connecting hub.

Good to know

  • Book early for the Snow Festival in early February. Sapporo's hotels fill up months ahead.
  • Use the JR trains and buses rather than driving. Winter roads are icy, so only drive if you're used to snow.
  • Not skiing? Swap Niseko for Hakodate, about 4 hours from Sapporo by JR, for the night view from Mount Hakodate and the morning market.
The Hokkaido guide