Sapporo Snowscape: A Family-Friendly Adventure on a Budget

Discover the charm of Sapporo - the perfect destination for a family adventure in Japan!

19 July 2023

Sapporo, Japan offers a delightful family-friendly trip with its captivating blend of nature, culture, and entertainment. Embark on a fascinating journey to the enchanting Odori Park, where kids can indulge in refreshing outdoor activities amidst picturesque landscapes. Discover the marvelous Sapporo Snow Festival, where towering ice sculptures, concerts, and thrilling snow slides will leave the whole family in awe. After exploring, relish mouthwatering Hokkaido cuisine, including their famous miso ramen, ensuring that your family's trip to Sapporo is filled with unforgettable memories.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Chillin' in the Snowy Wonderland

  • Check into the cozy Sapporo Snowflake Hotel and feel like a cool snow bunny in their themed rooms.
  • Zip up your snowsuit and head to the charming Odori Park for a snowball fight beneath majestic snow-laden trees.
  • Warm up with a steaming bowl of delicious miso ramen at the iconic Ramen Alley.
  • Discover the mystical charm of the Sapporo Clock Tower, a historic landmark that ticks to its own beat.
  • Unleash your inner child at the Sapporo Winter Sports Museum, where you can test your skills on virtual ski slopes.
Day 2

Flavors of Sapporo

  • Start your day with a fluffy pancake feast at the legendary Café Miroir, where pancakes are elevated to a heavenly status.
  • Embark on a culinary adventure through the enchanting Nijo Market, sampling fresh seafood delights like king crab and scallops.
  • Let your taste buds dance with delight as you slurp on a bowl of comforting soup curry at the heartwarming Soup Curry Garage.
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth with a melon pan, a delightful bun topped with a thin layer of crisp cookie crust, from Kinotoya Bake.
  • Enjoy an evening of hearty Japanese pub food, pairing sake with yakitori at the lively Susukino district.
Day 3

Winter Wonderlands

  • Embark on a scenic winter wonderland journey to Mount Moiwa, where you can ride a cable car up the mountain for breathtaking panoramic views.
  • Immerse yourself in the magical world of ice sculptures at the Sapporo Snow Festival, where artists create frozen masterpieces.
  • Treat yourself to a piping hot bowl of DIY shabu-shabu at the bustling and interactive Sapporo Beer Garden.
  • Indulge in a shopping spree at the Stellar Place shopping center, where you can find trendy fashion, quirky gadgets, and delectable snacks.
  • End the day by snuggling up in your hotel room, sipping on a steaming cup of Sapporo's famed melon soda.
Day 4

Cultural Delights

  • Engage in the traditional art of tea ceremony at the tranquil Hokkaido Shrine, where serenity and tranquility reign.
  • Wander through the vibrant Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, hunting for unique souvenirs and intriguing vintage treasures.
  • Visit the Sapporo Art Park, a whimsical oasis where art installations and sculptures blend seamlessly with nature.
  • Savor the flavors of Sapporo's famous Genghis Khan BBQ, grilling succulent lamb and vegetables over a hot charcoal fire.
  • Bid farewell to Sapporo by taking a leisurely stroll through the Maruyama Park, a peaceful haven with gorgeous cherry blossom trees.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Sapporo by plane is to fly into New Chitose Airport, which is located approximately 45 minutes outside of the city center. There are direct flights to New Chitose from many major cities in Japan, as well as from other countries in Asia. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a train or bus into the city.

Car

If you plan on driving to Sapporo, the most common route is to take the Hokkaido Expressway from Tokyo. The journey can take up to 17 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions. You can also take the ferry from Aomori to Hakodate and drive from there.

Train

There are several train options for getting to Sapporo, but the most popular is the JR Hokkaido Limited Express from Tokyo to Sapporo. The journey takes approximately 9 hours and includes a transfer in Hakodate. Alternatively, you can take the Hokkaido Shinkansen to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto station and transfer to a local train to Sapporo. This option takes approximately 5 hours.

Boat

The ferry is a popular option for getting to Hokkaido from other parts of Japan. The most popular ferry route is from Aomori to Hakodate, which takes approximately 3 hours. From there, you can drive or take a train to Sapporo. Another option is to take the ferry from Niigata to Otaru or Tomakomai, which takes approximately 19 hours.

Bus

There are several bus options for getting to Sapporo from Tokyo, Osaka, and other major cities in Japan. The journey can take up to 24 hours depending on your departure point and the bus company you choose. The most popular bus companies for traveling to Sapporo are Willer Express and Hokkaido Access Network. Both offer comfortable seats and amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and power outlets.

Destination

Sapporo

Welcome to a city where winter coats are a fashion statement all year round and ramen is as ubiquitous as air. Yes, we're talking about the place that brews beer so good, you'll forget you're standing in sub-zero temperatures.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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