Hokkaido's Winter Wonderland: Ski, Snow, and Serenity in Japan

Once-in-a-lifetime winter wonders anchor this 13-day Hokkaido itinerary, which stretches from Sapporo's mountain ski slopes to Jozankei's onsen hot springs.

Country
Japan
Duration
13 days / 12 nights
From
$5,670 /person
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Your trip at a glance

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Preview:

Stories of Sapporo: Chocolate, Beer, and History

Sapporo Beer Museum.jpg

Overview

Yesterday acquainted you with Sapporo's city culture — so today expands upon everything you've seen thus far through a museum crawl. The morning's museum pilgrimage kicks off at Shiroi Koibito Park, where you’ll enter a charming, fairy-tale-like complex dedicated to one of Hokkaido’s most famous sweets. Inside the museum, you'll learn all about the history of the Shiroi Koibito brand, witness steps in the chocolate-making process, and explore playful, interactive exhibits. After Shiroi Koibito Park, you'll experience another side of Sapporo's gastronomic identity and unpack the city's legacy through its signature drink. The Sapporo Beer Museum focuses on the city’s brewing heritage and will connect you with Japan's beer legacy. From here, you'll make your third and final stop at an open-air museum that walks you through the prefecture's history — literally. At the Historical Village of Hokkaido, you'll step through recreated streets and buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. When these activities wrap up, you'll have the remainder of the evening to enjoy Sapporo at your own pace. Whether that means grabbing a beer — now you know the story behind it! — or a miso ramen, the choice is yours.

Highlights

Shiroi Koibito Park

Willy Wonka's wonderland comes to life at Shiroi Koibito Park, a chocolate-centric attraction that's a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Yet while the museum's interior exhibits will take up the bulk of your time, don't skip the facility's outdoors. Along the park grounds, beautifully maintained gardens, decorative buildings, and seasonal displays create a lovely place to wander, relax, and take photos, even if you prefer vanilla to chocolate.

Sapporo Beer Museum

From chocolate to beer, your next stop at the Sapporo Beer Museum will educate you on the city's signature drink. Here, you'll learn all about how beer production developed in Hokkaido and why, exactly, Sapporo has become such an important brewing center. The museum's brick building further adds to the unique atmosphere, while you'll also have the chance to partake in a tasting session nearby.

Historical Village of Hokkaido

The Historical Village of Hokkaido has carefully relocated and preserved former homes, schools, shops, and public buildings from all over the prefecture, allowing you to experience what daily life was like during the region’s early development. With a spacious layout and changing seasonal scenery, the Historical Village of Hokkaido feels less like a museum and more like a time machine into Hokkaido’s past.

Accommodations

Sosei Sapporo MGallery Collection (or similar)

A 21st-century reinterpretation of a Sapporo pioneer’s residence, Sosei Sapporo MGallery Collection stands out as one of Sapporo's most atmospheric stays. The property blends refined designs with a deep sense of place and pairs contemporary elegance with subtle nods to the city’s past. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, the hotel creates an environment that's both polished and soulful, thanks to its serene, art-forward interiors; warm and attentive service; and easy access to the city's cultural and culinary highlights.

Location:

Higashi, Sapporo Factory West Hall, 3 Chome Kita 2 Jo, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0032, Japan

Phone:

+81112421111

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How it works

01

Fill out request form

Provide your ideal trip dates and details to be matched with one of our local planning experts.

02

Meet your expert

Schedule a call with your expert to confirm dates, pricing and any recommended edits to the itinerary.

03

Book your trip

Once your itinerary is set, it’s time to pay the deposit to secure your trip.

04

Take-off

Let the journey begin! Your expert will offer real-time support and concierge service while traveling.

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What's included

Included in the final price

  • Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
  • 24/7 on-the-ground support
  • On-trip concierge service
  • Personalized trip crafting
  • Entry and exit information and assistance
  • Accommodations for 12 nights
  • All meals, experiences, and tours mentioned in the itinerary
  • All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • All transfers and vehicles mentioned as included in the itinerary

Not included in the final price

  • International flights tickets
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Anything else not mentioned or listed as optional in the itinerary

Ready to see the full itinerary?

Submit a free request to talk with our local experts.

Let's Go
Day 1:
Welcome to Japan!
Day 2:
Sapporo’s Urban Charm and Natural Beauty
Day 3:
Stories of Sapporo: Chocolate, Beer, and History
Day 4:
Day Trip to Otaru's Charming Oasis
Day 5:
Into the Countryside: Asahikawa and Biei
Day 6:
Sapporo Snow Day: Skiing or Snowboarding
Day 7:
Hitting the Slopes — Part Two!
Day 8:
One More Run: Snow Activities, Part Three
Day 9:
Onward to Jozankei: Hot Spring Haven
Day 10:
Natural Joys of Jozankei
Day 11:
Culture and Community: Upopoy Ainu Center
Day 12:
Rest, Relaxation, and Rejuvenation
Day 13:
Sayonara, Japan!