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JAPAN | Travel Guide: Sapporo during the winter season

Kara Santos

Like most Filipino travelers, I’ve always wanted to experience winter. While our tropical country is blessed with beautiful beaches and islands, the fact that we don’t ever get to experience snow firsthand makes it extremely captivating. Traveling to a winter destination is just one of those things most of us have on our travel bucket-lists. Maybe it’s all the Hollywood movies and fairy tales we’re exposed to during Christmastime, but winter just looks like such a magical experience. My trip to Sapporo, the capital and largest city of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island was my first taste of winter.

Last December 2018, Philippine Airlines launched direct flights from Manila flying to Sapporo, making it more accessible to Filipino travelers. I was lucky enough to be invited by PAL along with travel bloggers, media and influencers to tour around Sapporo. There’s really something really magical about seeing landscapes blanketed in powdery white, waking up to the sight of snow-capped mountains in the horizon and walking around as snowflakes fall from the sky. I would love to share this experience again with friends and family.

#TRAVELPalsinSapporo: Marcelo, Jed, Abi, Tia, Aira, Mark, Mimai, Koryn, Me, Vins, Yosh & Kenneth

Most visitors flock to Sapporo during the annual Sapporo Snow Festival held in February, but the official winter season lasts from December to March. For those planning a trip here soon, I’m sharing some basics from our itinerary including how to get there, the best time to go, what to do & where to stay in Sapporo to help you plan your trip.

Where exactly is Sapporo?

Sapporo is located in the central area of Hokkaido, the second largest island of Japan and the largest and northernmost prefecture. The island of Hokkaido is located at the north end of Japan, near Russia. It has coastlines on the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Pacific Ocean. Sapporo is roughly 831 kilometers away from Tokyo. By bullet train, it will take at least 8 hours to get from Sapporo to Tokyo.

When is the best time to go?

Hokkaido is characterized by four distinct seasons, with very short summers and long, snowy winters. There are seasonal events and attractions that make it worth visiting any time of the year including the blooming of cherry blossoms during spring, lush lavender fields during summer and autumn foliage during fall months. But for people who live in the tropics and want to experience snow and winter sports, winter is really the best time to travel to Sapporo, especially in time for their Snow and Winter Festivals.

The first snowfall usually occurs in late October and by early December onward, the ground should be continuously covered with snow. They get an average of 5 meters of snow each year. Our guide Kunisan told us that winter started late this year. We visited in December 2018, just a week after the snow started to fall. Weather was mostly fair, with sunny blue skies, and powdery snow, except for one day, when the sky was overcast and gray. Expect subzero temperatures at night during winter.

How to get there and getting around

Sapporo is accessible directly by air or through stopovers at larger Japanese airports an. It can also be reached by Shinkansen or bullet train from Tokyo and Osaka. For overseas travelers, the New Chitose Airport in Sapporo can be reached by direct flights from China, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, Russia, Guam as well as multiple connecting flights daily from Tokyo.

For those traveling from the Philippines who want to maximize their time in Sapporo, it’s great that Philippine Airlines offers the first ever nonstop flights between Manila and Sapporo! PAL currently has an introductory promo price of just USD $399 for a RT Manila-Sapporo-Manila flights, inclusive of baggage allowance, meals, and other surcharges. Travelers flying on PAL will be landing in the New Chitose Airport, an hour away by land from Sapporo City.

For the Manila-Sapporo flight, PAL uses a brand new AIRBUS A321 Neo, which was really comfy seats and wide legroom. They also have personal TV screens in every seat, with over 300 hours of TV shows and music + inflight WiFi. I really enjoyed the in-flight meals (you get a choice of Filipino or Japanese) and the entertainment options. Since it’s a new offering, flights don’t get full yet, so there’s a high chance you’ll get a whole row to yourself. where you can have more space or even lie down comfortably. Be sure to pick a window seat for the most amazing views during landing and take-off.

Flight Schedule: Manila – Sapporo via PAL

PR 406: Manila to Sapporo | MNL – CTS (5h 35m nonstop)

PR 405: Sapporo to Manila | CTS-MNL(5h 30m nonstop)

Getting around

From the New Chitose Airport, you can ride the JR Rapid Airport Line going to Otaru or Sapporo. Once you’re in Sapporo, you can can easily get around to other major cities and tourist attractions by train (Limited Express and JR Hokkaido Rail Pass), by Ferry (to other islands in Southern and Northern Hokkaido), by car (car rentals are available for those who prefer to drive on their own) and by bus (both Intercity bus services and Sightseeing buses).

If you’re in a big group and want to maximize the time, without having to stick to bus schedules and wait to check in and out of hotels, it might be more convenient to book a private tour which comes with chartered cars or vans, so you also have a place to leave your bags while you go around.

Suggested Itinerary for Sapporo (5D4N)

Our 5D4N Itinerary around Sapporo and other spots in Central Hokkiado was prepared by Philippine Airlines in partnership with Hokkaido Tourism. They took us to the most scenic spots, including filming locations of the movie Kita Kita (marked with *), which will be of interest to Filipino travelers. You can adjust the itinerary depending on your interests, but the places we went to are the most popular ones usually recommended by top local guides.

READ MORE: Winter in Japan: 10 things to do in Hokkaido

Day 0: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Transit)

Day 1: Arrival + Around New Chitose + Noboribetsu

Noboribetsu is a city known for its natural hot springs, geopark and unique volcanic attractions. 

Day 2: Usuzan + Niseko

Niseko is the home of major ski centers and modern ski resorts like Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu on the slopes of Mt. Niseko-Annupuri. The surrounding mountains are dotted with numerous hot spring resorts. 

Day 3: Otaru + Sapporo

Otaru is a port city known for its glasswork, picturesque streets, fishing industry and fresh seafood.

Day 4: Sapporo

Sapporo is Hokkaido’s fashion, culture and information center, with an abundance of historic and scenic city attractions.

Day 5: New Chitose Airport –> Manila (Transit)

Where to Stay in Sapporo

JR Tower Hotel Nikko

For luxury and business travelers who value comfort and convenience, JR Tower Hotel Nikko is an upscale hotel that offers stunning views of Ishikari Bay and the city. Their well-appointed rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and desks. Breakfast is available in an airy cafe. They also have a bar and 3 restaurants with city views, including a French eatery. Male and female spas have natural hot spring water, saunas and beauty treatments. They are directly connected to the New Chitose Airport.

Hotel Resol Trinity Sapporo

This modern hotel is centrally located across the street from Odori Park, and about 7-minutes walk from Sapporo Clock Tower. Their comfortable rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minifridges, plus tea and coffeemaking facilities. Japanese and Western-style breakfast buffet is served in an informal restaurant. Their spa includes indoor stone baths.

What to eat in Sapporo

READ MORE: Japan Eats: What and where to Eat in Hokkaido

What to wear / what to bring for winter trips

Temperatures drop below freezing during winter. An overcoat, winter gloves and a hat are necessary. High heels or regular flat shoes are not practical for Hokkaido winters. Rubber shoes with good traction can also work, but it’s best to wear winter shoes / boots or attach anti-skid devices to your shoes if you plan to walk on snow and slippery ice. While it can be pleasantly cool in the mornings, the temperature really dips at night. Take note that indoor establishments and vehicles are mostly heated, so you will find yourself constantly taking off and putting on layers. Here are some travel essentials that came in handy:

Most of us wore at least 3 layers during the day and about 4-5 at night. You’ll want to bring a large suitcase to check in all the bulky and heavy coats. Also bring a sturdy backpack to pack all the stuff you need for the day, extra layers, accessories and essential gadgets.

READ MORE: Planning a white Christmas? What to pack for a winter trip

Useful Expressions

I’ll be writing separately about the different things to do, what / where to eat, and of course the beer, but hopefully this itinerary gives you an idea of the places you can visit in Sapporo and Central Hokkaido.

For a more detailed travel guide, check out Sapporo on a Budget: Travel Guide & Itineraryby The Poor Traveler. Here are some video highlights of the trip.

NOTE: This trip was made possible by Philippine Airlines and Hokkaido Tourism.

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