A First Timer’s Guide to Winter Events and Destinations in Hokkaido: Night Views, Skiing, Onsen and More!

• Table of Contents
• 1. Mt. Moiwa (Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway)
• 2. Sapporo TV Tower
• 3. Moerenuma Park
• 4.Jozankei Onsen
• 5. Sapporo ski resort | Sapporo Teine
• 6. Sapporo Snow Festival
• 7. Sapporo White Illumination
• 8. Munich Christmas Market in SAPPORO

1. Mt. Moiwa (Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway)

Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido. The night view is so beautiful that the lights of the cityscape spread out in an orderly grid pattern are so beautiful that it has been selected as one of Japan's New Three Great Night View Cities since 2015.

Mt. Moiwa, located close to the city center, is a representative spot from which to view Sapporo's night view. In winter, take the ``Moiwa Mountain Ropeway'' to the top of the mountain. The glittering view of Sapporo city seen from inside the ropeway and from the observation deck at the top of the mountain is a spectacular view unique to Sapporo that we Sapporo residents never get tired of seeing.

Sapporo Moiwayama Ropeway (official)

2. Sapporo TV Tower

If you come to Sapporo, you must see the "Sapporo night view" at least once. For those who don't have time to go to Mt. Moiwa, we recommend the Sapporo TV Tower, which towers over Odori Park. You can enjoy a panoramic view of Sapporo city from the observation deck approximately 90m above ground. Especially in the winter, you can enjoy up close the illumination of Odori Park, which is the main venue for events such as the Sapporo White Illumination and the Sapporo Snow Festival. You can also enjoy the sight of the city covered in white snow during the day.

Sapporo TV Tower (official )

3. Moerenuma Park

Moerenuma Park, located in the northeastern part of Sapporo, is approximately the size of 40 Tokyo Domes (approximately 188 hectares in area), and the basic design was carried out by world-famous sculptor Isamu Noguchi. The park's symbolic building, the glass pyramid "HIDAMARI," is recommended not only in the summer when the lawn is beautiful, but also in the winter when it stands out against the snow-covered landscape. In winter, you can also rent sleds, walking skis, and snowshoes, making it easy to enjoy playing in the snow.

Moerenuma Park (official)

4.Jozankei Onsen

When you think of traveling to a northern country in the winter, you definitely miss hot springs. Although Sapporo has a strong image of being an urban tourist destination, Sapporo is home to some of the best hot springs in Hokkaido. That is Jozankei Onsen, located in the mountainous area southwest of Sapporo city. Jozankei Onsen has a long history and was first opened in 1866. It has an abundant amount of hot spring water of 8,600 liters per minute, and is home to many hot spring inns. You can get there in about an hour by bus from Sapporo city center, so you can enjoy it not only by staying overnight, but also on a day trip while staying in Sapporo city center.

In addition, from January 27th (Saturday) to February 3rd (Saturday), 2024, the winter light event “Yukitouro 2024” will be held at Jozankei Shrine. It is a romantic event where a fantastical world spreads out with 2000 candles decorating the shrine grounds.

Jozankei Onsen (official)

5. Sapporo ski resort | Sapporo Teine

Skiing and snowboarding are Hokkaido's standard winter sports. Niseko, Rusutsu, and Furano are famous, but Sapporo is also dotted with authentic ski resorts where you can enjoy powder snow.

Among them, "Sapporo Teine" is a full-fledged ski resort located on Mt. Teine, which rises to the northwest of Sapporo city at an altitude of 1,023 meters, and was once the venue for the alpine ski competition at the 1972 Sapporo Olympics. The easy access to the slopes is also attractive, as you can reach the slopes in about 50 minutes by direct bus from Sapporo city.

Enjoy skiing during the day and enjoy Sapporo gourmet food in the city at night. One of the attractions of Sapporo in winter is that you can experience such a ski life.

Sapporo Teine (official)

6. Sapporo Snow Festival

Sapporo Snow Festival is a winter event that represents Hokkaido. This event, held every year in early February for about a week, is a big event that attracts more than 2 million people from Japan and abroad. In 2024, it will be held for 8 days from February 4th to February 11th.

It will be held at two venues in the center of Sapporo, Odori Park venue and Susukino venue, but the main venue is Odori Park venue. The sight of giant snow sculptures lined up is a sight to behold! There will also be events using projection maps, so there are plenty of things to see! During the Snow Festival, hotels in Sapporo will be very crowded and accommodation rates will rise considerably, so we recommend that you reserve your accommodation early.

Sapporo Snow Festival (official)

7. Sapporo White Illumination

Sapporo White Illumination is one of Japan's leading illuminations held at multiple spots in Sapporo city, including Odori Park, and uses a whopping 730,000 light bulbs! (As of 2021). In 2023, it will be held from November 22nd until March 14th, and gorgeous illuminations will decorate the city of Sapporo.

Sapporo White Illumination (official)

8. Munich Christmas Market in SAPPORO

The last thing we would like to introduce is the Munich Christmas Market in SAPPORO, which is part of the Sapporo White Illumination event. For about a month leading up to Christmas, there are many Christmas-style miscellaneous goods shops and German food shops lined up inside the venue, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere as if you were at an authentic Christmas market. Enjoying the Christmas spirit while drinking mulled wine is the best way to enjoy it♪ In 2023, it will be held from November 22nd to December 25th.

Munich Christmas Market in SAPPORO (official)

in conclusion

Above, we have introduced a selection of the most representative sights and events that you should visit during your winter trip to Hokkaido and Sapporo.

Especially for people from Honshu and other countries, I think there is a strong impression that Hokkaido is very cold in winter, but as long as you come with warm enough clothes, you'll be fine! Please enjoy the charm of winter in Sapporo to the fullest.

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