You can find a remarkable range of winter experiences in Sapporo, from intensive snow activities to family-friendly snow play, relaxing forest saunas, and laid-back stays in hot springs. Sapporo caters to all kinds of travel styles, ensuring clients’ needs are well met.

One of Sapporo’s key strengths is the close proximity between urban convenience and pristine natural landscapes. Within just 30 to 60 minutes of the city centre, visitors can access powder snow, untouched winter landscapes, tranquil forests, and onsen resorts, promising an authentic Hokkaido winter holiday without long travel times.

Sapporo is also suited to a wide range of travellers, from families with young children to couples and groups of friends. There are safe snow play areas for first-timers, saunas, wellness activities, nature-focused stays, and scenic onsen with snowy vistas, giving you plenty of ways to shape a winter itinerary across different ages and interests.

Sapporo is the ultimate destination for a well-rounded Hokkaido winter stay that goes far beyond skiing and snowboarding, making it the perfect choice for clients seeking more than just snow sports.

1. Snow Activities for Families with Young Children

Here we’ll introduce snow activities for families travelling with young children, from preschool through to early primary school. Across Sapporo, you’ll find plenty of safe, hands-on snow spots that make the perfect introduction for children.

One of the best sites for families is Hitsujigaoka Snow Park (located at the Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill). Here, kids can get creative making mini snowmen and glide down snow slides (mini slopes). Even children who aren’t used to snow will be delighted to touch and play in the soft, fluffy powder. Popular activities such as snow striders (a pedal-free bike adapted for snow) and tubing runs let parents and children have a blast together without any special skills.

Best known for its iconic statue of Dr Clark, Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is located approximately 11 km from central Sapporo (around 30 minutes by car). Moerenuma Park, another great spot for cross-country skiing and sledding, is also about 12 km (30 minutes) from the city centre, making both options easily manageable without the long travel times difficult for young children.

Another key advantage for families is the wide availability of equipment and clothing rentals. Travelling with children often involves a lot of luggage, but in Sapporo, bulky winter wear and snow gear can be easily hired on-site, allowing for a more convenient, hassle-free time.

With proper cold-weather preparation, Sapporo’s snow-covered landscapes become a playground for children. Families are bound to create precious winter memories together.

Hitsujigaoka Snow Park: https://www.hitsujigaoka.jp/snowpark/?lang=en_US
Moerenuma Park: https://moerenumapark.jp/english/

2. Forest Wellness and Sauna Sessions

For clients seeking a slower, more restorative holiday, Sapporo has many retreats to unwind in quiet, snow-covered forest settings, including unique options such as snow tent saunas and tiny hotels nestled in the woods, complete with private saunas.

At Yukimi Tent Sauna (operated by Friluftsliv), guests can cool down by diving into soft powder snow instead of a traditional cold bath, followed by outdoor relaxation in crisp winter air for a uniquely northern moment of wellness.

Private sauna facilities such as those at Geimori W-AWESOME are ideal for families or groups of friends. There are also seasonal highlights such as a winter-only ice dining bar (https://snowsapporo.com/en/activity/icediningbar/) and BBQ options, with on-site dining for added convenience. For clients seeking a deeper connection with nature, a snowshoe or snow hike through the forest, before a sauna session or the morning after an overnight stay, is a memorable addition that elevates the overall itinerary.

Another unique appeal of Sapporo is the ability to stay within the city while also immersing in nature, thanks to the close proximity between urban areas and the natural environment. Spending the day unwinding in a sauna and with great food alongside family or friends is an easy and appealing option to include in travel plans.

*Available in Japanese only, please use a translation tool for English.

GEIMORI W-AWESOME：https://w-awesome.com/
777Friluftsliv：https://www.friluftsliv.website/english/
Snow Sapporo ：https://snowsapporo.com/en/activity/icediningbar/

3. Relaxed Winter Experiences

For clients who prefer a slower pace to absorb Hokkaido’s winter scenery without intensive physical activity, Sapporo has numerous gentle, more scenic options.

Particularly recommended are snowshoeing, snow hiking, and cross-country skiing, which allow clients to explore snowy forests at their own pace without strain. Snowshoes enable easy walking over even soft, fluffy fresh snow without sinking. Guided tours are also available, facilitating a safe way to discover nature by learning about the winter forest ecosystem and animal tracks. In addition, activities such as nature walks and Nordic walking in the Jozankei area are popular healthy ways to encounter the outdoors.

After a day of light activity, a visit to Jozankei Onsen, a peaceful hot spring retreat located around 50 minutes by car from central Sapporo, is the perfect way to wrap up. With over 160 years of history and set within the scenic Shikotsu-Toya National Park, this hot spring resort provides a peaceful retreat deep among winter landscapes. The recently opened Futami Foot Bath (December 2024) allows visitors to warm their feet while taking in views of the Toyohira River and snowy valley.

Even those not confident in their physical fitness can fully uncover the essence of winter in Hokkaido through its beautiful snowy panoramas and the warmth of its beloved hot springs. Clients are guaranteed a peaceful and relaxing stay with partners or friends!

Jozankei Tourist Association: https://jozankei.jp/en/