After coming all the way to Hokkaido, you’ll want to enjoy not only skiing but some sightseeing as well. Staying in Sapporo, there are many fun destinations where you can spend some of your travel time. Here are a few carefully selected highlights, places where you’ll have a great day even if you don’t ski!

【Snow play spots】Takino Snow World

Stay in Sapporo and enjoy a full day of playing the snow with your family

Located approximately 40 minutes by car from Sapporo, Takino Snow World is very popular among families with children; here is a spacious setting for fun in the snow. One especially popular activity is the tube sled. At a length of 200 meters, it’s one of the longest courses in Japan, and is fun for adults as well as children. Tube sleds are available for use free of charge, with short courses available for younger children. Snowshoeing is also recommended. There are three locations where you can enjoy this activity, which gives you the chance of possibly meeting some small animals in the forest.

Information
Takino Snow World
Access: Approximately 20 kilometers from central Sapporo by car or bus
Hours: 9 am to 4 pm (until March 31)
Website: https://www.takinopark.com/

---

【Onsen (hot springs)】Jozankei Onsen

For sightseeing, skiing and indulging this is the place!

Easily accessible about an hour from central Sapporo, here you’ll find great value combinations of hot springs, dining, beauty treatments and open-air baths, as well as famous restaurants serving gourmet meals. Kokoro no Sato Nono Terrace, which opened in 2022, is a complex that has attracted considerable attention and provides tours, an outdoor terrace, restaurants and market. There’s also a private footbath in the forest, a relaxing lodge and the Nakajima Bunko oriental art gallery. The package also includes a box of sweets and a drink, so you’ll have a full day of fun, even if you’re not staying here.

Recently, a stay at Jozankei Onsen has become poplar. While soaking deep into the Japanese hot spring culture at Jozankei, you can also take in trips to Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, Niseko and Rusutsu. For sightseeing, skiing or just indulging yourself, you’re sure to be satisfied!

Information
Jozankei Onsen
Access: Approximately eight kilometers by car or bus from central Sapporo
Website: https://jozankei.jp/ (Jozankei Tourism Association)

---

【Onsen (hot springs)】Hoheikyo Onsen

Enjoy a hot spring atmosphere and authentic curry—all within Sapporo City!

Located 35 kilometers from central Sapporo, Hoheikyo Onsen is a world away from the city and offers a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. The hot spring source is untouched: this is 100-percent natural hot spring water flowing straight into the bath, something rare even in Japan, and is highly effective as it has not oxidized through contact with the air. The rotenburo open air bath is one of the largest in Japan, capable of accommodating 200 people; the rustic atmosphere here as you gaze out onto the snow provides real relaxation.

Even more popular than the excellent quality of the hot spring is the authentic Indian curry from the famous Onsen Shokudo.

It’s spicy, with a strong tartness and a smooth texture, while the chewy, fluffy naan bread is baked in a special ceramic oven. A special recipe that is super-delicious! There are many repeat customers who come here just for the curry. Be sure to make a visit when you’re staying in Sapporo, or traveling to Niseko.

Information
Hoheikyo Onsen
Hours: 10 am to 10:30 pm (guests accepted until 9:45 pm)
Entrance: Adults ¥1,000
Access: Approximately 35 kilometers by car or bus from central Sapporo
Webpage: https://hoheikyo.co.jp/

---

【Cultural Experience】Kimono

A special chance to wear a kimono, take a commemorative photo and go out for the day

A special chance to experience Japanese culture by wearing a beautiful kimono. Select from the wide variety of kimono available at the kimono shop; choose the design you’d like to wear, put in on with the help of the staff, then take a commemorative photo in the studio. You can shoot with your own camera, or ask the professional photographer to capture the moment to remember later in 50 photographs.

There’s also a plan for going out from 10 am to 5 pm, as you wear your kimono while walking through Sapporo streets and enjoying the local sights. In winter, over-kimono are also available, so you don’t have to worry about the cold. Enjoy dressing in kimono style from 10am to 5 pm. You can also have the professional photographer accompany you, and have 150 wonderful photos taken outside.

Information
Furisode Furifuri Mode
Access: Five-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station
Hours: 10 am to 6 pm (closed Tuesdays)
Fee: Studio plan from ¥5,500; going out plan from ¥6,600 (additional ¥11,000 for studio with professional photographer)
Website: https://furifuri-mode.com/

---

【Cultural Experience】Flower Arrangement

Experience Japan’s four seasons through flower arrangement

Flower arranging is one of Japan’s best-known traditional cultures. Enjoy the four seasons through flower arrangement and feel the unique design sense of wabi-sabi, because the appeal of flower arranging is that it’s actually easy to enjoy the beautiful flower arrangements. In a calm, quiet Japanese space, arrange seasonal Japanese flowers and spend a bit of time on appreciating the nature and culture of Japan. Lessons accepted at any time.

Information
Omori Chihoko Flower Academy
Hours: 10:30 am to 9:30 pm
Fees: Ikebana trial lesson ¥1,650; arrangement trial lesson ¥3,500
Access: Close to Exit 5 of Nishi 18-chome Station, Sapporo Subway Tozai Line (about 20 minutes from Sapporo Station)
Webpage: https://www.flower-school.co.jp

---

【Cultural Experience】Ninja Experience

Train to become a ninja

Ninja existed in Japan from the Muromachi Period (1336-1573) to the Edo Period (1603-1867). Serving the daimyo, or feudal lords, they were a secret, spy-like unit making use of skills known as ninjutsu. At Ninja Do! you can dress in a ninja costume, take part in ninja training, and really feel like a ninja! Experience two hours of raining using real weapons including swords, shuriken (throwing stars) and blowguns. At the end you’ll receive a ninja certificate and have your photo taken. Very popular with international guests.

Information
Hokkaido Ninjado Ninja Do!
Access: Approximately 20 minutes from Sapporo Station on the Toho Line, exiting at Gakuen-mae Station, then walking about 10 minutes.
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm
Fee: From ¥5,000
Website: https://hokkaido-ninjado.com/

---

【Cultural Experience】Soba Making

Handmade noodles, using traditional Japanese ingredients

With a delicious chewiness that is indescribable, and an aroma and flavor that continues to build as you chew, soba noodles are a representative of Japanese food culture. In this program, you can make your own soba noodles using Hokkaido buckwheat flour. Success is guaranteed, as the chef will be right there to lend you support. Later on, you can enjoy a set of your own handmade noodles and three types of local Hokkaido saké. This 1.5-hour program is limited to one group.

Information
Teuchi Soba Mondo
Access: Two-minute walk from Miyanosawa Station on the Sapporo Subway Tozai Line (about 35 minutes from Sapporo Station)
Hours: 11 am to 2:30 pm (closed Thursdays)
Fee: ¥5,500
Website: https://mondo-sapporo.jp/

---

【Cultural Experience】Nihonshu (saké)

Enjoy saké brewing and tasting at a local brewery

Learn about the saké brewing process at Tanaka Saké Brewery Kikkogura, built in Otaru around 1905, then sample the various brews produced here. Find the type that suits your palate, while also enjoying the classic design of the brewery.

Information
Tanaka Saké Brewery Kikkogura
Access: Approximately 32 minutes on the Rapid Airport train from Sapporo Station to JR Otaru Station, then a 10-minute walk to the brewery.           
Hours: 9:05 am to 5:55 pm
Fee: Free
Website: https://tanakashuzo.com/

---

【Cultural Experience】Upopoy

Experience Hokkaido’s indigenous Ainu culture, in Sapporo

At the Ainu Culture Promotion Center, Sapporo Pirka Kotan, get hands-on with Ainu clothing and tools as you experience Ainu culture. Some 300 items are on display, all of which you can touch and appreciate. The life of the Ainu people is recreated within the facility. You can also experience making traditional Ainu instruments and embroidery.

Information
Ainu Culture Promotion Center, Sapporo Pirka Kotan
Access: 40 minutes by car from Sapporo Station, 75 minutes from New Chitose Airport
Hours: 9 am to 5 pm (closed Mondays and holidays)
Fee: Free (¥200 to enter the exhibition room)
Website: https://www.city.sapporo.jp/shimin/pirka-kotan/

---

【Exploration】Sapporo City Central Wholesale Market, Outer Market

A collection of gourmet Hokkaido food! This is Japanese seafood

Surrounded on all sides by the ocean, Hokkaido is a treasure chest of fresh seafood. This mrket is the kitchen of Sapporo, where freshly caught fish from the fishing ports, fresh fruits and other ingredients are all lined up from 6 am. Enjoy sushi and seafood bowls and crab dishes, all made with fresh ingredients from the market, at prices cheaper than in the city.

In addition to seafood, fruit and vegetable vendors, there is a large outdoor market with some 60 restaurants, as well as the compact, easy to access Nijo market. These are great walks right into Japanese food culture.

Information
Sapporo City Central Wholesale Market, Outer Market
Access: Five minutes’ walk from Nijushiken Station on the Tozai Subway Line; approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Sapporo Station, Odori Park or Susukino; buses are also available from Sapporo Station.
Hours: 6 am to 5 pm (for restaurants)
Website: https://www.jyogaishijyo.com/

---

【Exploration】Susukino

The night place to be in Sapporo!

The Susukino area in central Sapporo is said to be packed with some 4,000 restaurants, bars and other entertainment facilities, and is known as one of the top three entertainment districts in Japan. Neon signs shine with famous beer and other brands; it’s a busy downtown area crowded with Japanese and international visitors throughout the week. The area is full of cafés, bars, izakaya pubs, game centers and more, and just walking around will get your heart pumping.

Many places also provide English menus. Many cultural events are also held in the area. So after enjoying sightseeing all day, why not head to Susukino in the evening to have a nice drink to end the day?

Information
Susukino
Access: Via Susukino Station on the Namboku subway line.
Website: http://www.susukino-ta.jp/ (Susukino Tourism Association)