One of Sapporo’s major attractions is its balance of city convenience with easy access to some of Hokkaido’s top sightseeing destinations on day trips.

Classic destinations include the historic port town of Otaru, Lake Shikotsu, home to a fantastical ice festival held each winter, as well as Niseko and Rusutsu Resort, known worldwide for powder snow, within a few hours from Sapporo.

With well-developed transport options including JR trains, highway buses, and dedicated shuttle services, travellers can easily get to and from Hokkaido’s snowy landscapes, hot springs, skiing, regional food, and nature, all while using Sapporo as a convenient base.

Blending vibrant city life with stress-free regional travel, Sapporo is the perfect gateway to Hokkaido for travellers of all kinds, from FIT to group tours.

1. Otaru Sightseeing from Sapporo

Easily reachable from Sapporo, Otaru is a popular destination known for its nostalgic port town scenery. In winter, it is blanketed in snow, taking on an even more romantic charm.

Two signature winter events not to be missed are the “Blue Canal,” a light-up held around the famous canal, and the “Otaru Snow Light Path,” where the warm glow of candlelight adorns the town. Snow-covered historic streets, illuminations reflected across the canal’s surface, and countless flickering candles combine to form a truly magical winter scene. Otaru is also home to many museums and cafes set inside beautifully preserved historic buildings, letting you explore art and culture while escaping the cold.

Otaru is equally famous for its exceptional cuisine centred on fresh seafood. Visitors can savour delicious food and drinks while soaking up the rich historical vibe. Along with a day trip from Sapporo, Otaru can also be reached in around 60 minutes by car from Jozankei Onsen, Sapporo’s hot spring retreat. Spend the morning enjoying snow near Sapporo, head to Otaru in the afternoon to wander its retro streets, then finish the day with canal illuminations and dinner as the sun sets. This luxurious winter escape brings together some of Hokkaido’s most memorable seasonal highlights, perfect for travellers of all ages.

Otaru Portal: https://otaru.gr.jp/
After opening, please select “English” from the top left of the homepage.

2. Lake Shikotsu Sightseeing and Ice Festival from Sapporo

Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity around 32,000 years ago. Encompassed by rich natural scenery, the lake waters are known for their exceptional transparency, even ranking first multiple times in national water quality surveys conducted by the Ministry of the Environment.

From late January to February, the lake hosts the Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, one of Hokkaido’s leading winter events. Ice sculptures of all sizes, created by spraying and freezing the lake’s crystal-clear water, present an unforgettable winter spectacle. During the day, the ice glows in a natural hue known as “Shikotsu Blue,” while at night colourful illuminations transform them into a fantastical winter wonderland.  A true winter hotspot where chills turn into thrills. At the adjacent venue, visitors can also try thrilling snow activities like tube sliding and snow rafting.

The area around the venue is also home to high-quality natural hot springs, including Shikotsuko Onsen, known for waters said to beautify the skin, and Marukoma Onsen, which offers stunning views directly over the lake. After admiring the ice art in the freezing winter air, soaking in a day-use hot spring is the perfect way to warm up from the core.

The site is located around 40 minutes by taxi from New Chitose Airport, and during the festival period, the reservation-only shuttle bus “Hyoutou BLUE LINER” also runs (service for 2027 is yet to be confirmed). This festival is a fantastic stop before or after sightseeing in Sapporo, or on the way to the airport.

2026 Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival “Ice Museum”: https://hyoutou-special.asia/
*After opening, please select “English” from “Select Language” at the top right of the homepage.

3. Niseko Sightseeing and Day Trip Skiing from Sapporo

Niseko is considered one of the world’s leading snow resorts, and can be accessed from Sapporo in around two hours by direct bus or JR train. Along the way, the scenery gradually shifts from urban streets to snow-covered mountains, making the journey itself part of the experience.

Niseko’s greatest appeal lies in its exceptional powder snow and vast ski terrain. Known collectively as “Niseko United,” four interconnected ski resorts, Grand Hirafu, HANAZONO, Niseko Village, and Niseko Annupuri, are linked across the mountain. With an all-mountain lift pass, visitors can freely explore a huge variety of courses throughout the resort area. From first-timers to advanced skiers and snowboarders, Niseko is a winter paradise where everyone can make the most of some of the world’s finest snow conditions.

Niseko’s appeal also goes far beyond skiing and snowboarding. Around the slopes are stylish cafes perfect for warming up with a hot coffee, fine dining showcasing local ingredients, superb ramen restaurants, and lively izakaya. The region is also home to abundant natural hot springs and spa facilities, ensuring blissful relaxation after an active day.

A day trip to Niseko is the ultimate chance to experience the world’s premier winter resorts while enjoying exceptional snow, outstanding cuisine, and soothing hot springs all in one unforgettable day.

NISEKO by NATURE: https://www.nisekotourism.com/
NISEKO UNITED: https://www.niseko.ne.jp/en/

4. Rusutsu Day Trip Skiing from Sapporo

Rusutsu Resort, located around 90 minutes by car from central Sapporo or New Chitose Airport, is a mountain resort that promises something for every skier. Complimentary shuttle buses (advance reservation required) are available from central Sapporo, making it easy to stay in the city and enjoy a day trip to a snow resort.

Spanning three mountains, West Mt., East Mt., and Mt. Isola, the resort boasts a total ski run distance of 42 km, the largest for a single resort in Japan. From powder-filled ungroomed runs and tree runs through beautiful forests, to long cruising courses and night skiing, visitors can run wild in a huge variety of conditions across expansive terrain. Despite the resort’s impressive scale, hooded lifts and gondolas make it easy to move around comfortably while staying protected from the cold.

Rusutsu Resort is also part of the “Epic Pass,” the world’s largest shared pass, and its world-class quality has been recognised globally with a record six wins as “Japan’s Best Ski Resort” at the World Ski Awards.

After a full day on the slopes, skiers can rejuvenate in a snowfield tent sauna equipped with a wood stove, try a unique “kamakura” outdoor cooling experience, or kick back in an open-air bath with spectacular snowy views at The Westin Rusutsu Resort.

This winter, why not carve unforgettable tracks at Rusutsu Resort, renowned for its overwhelming scale and world-class powder snow?

https://rusutsu.com/en/rusutsu-in-winter/