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Sapporo

Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, is an unmissable destination for travellers seeking both world-class skiing and vibrant city life.

Updated: Oct 16 2024

Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido is home to Chitose International airport, the first port of call for voyaging snow explorers venturing into the Hokkaido snow country. There is lots to explore in the city itself with its mix of local culture and city life. Dining, shopping and accommodation options are easy to find and are linked by an efficient transport system and underground network centered around Sapporo station. The city is truly a gateway to some of the finest skiing in Japan and the world.

Sapporo Ski Resorts

From Sapporo, skiers and snowboarders have access to a wealth of superb ski areas all known for their excellent snow conditions. Just a short trip from the city center is Moiwayama, a “ski only” resort popular for night skiing. Also close by is Bankei Ski Resort, another local favorite, with excellent terrain and parks for freestyle skiers and snowboarders. Further afield there are Sapporo Teine and Sapporo Kokusai, larger ski areas with a range of slopes catering to all skill levels. Both resorts are also known to deliver that famous powder snow experience. Travellers frequent Sapporo as a transit point before heading to international resorts like Niseko United resorts and Rusutsu for some of the world's best powder skiing.

Bankei Ski Area

Elevation
482m

Vertical Drop
282m

Longest Run
1250m

Difficulty


30%	40%	30%

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort

Elevation
1100m

Vertical Drop
470m

Longest Run
3600m

Difficulty


30%	50%	20%

Sapporo Teine Ski Resort

Elevation
1023m

Vertical Drop
683m

Longest Run
5700m

Difficulty


35%	40%	25%

Mt Moiwa Ski Resort

Elevation
448m

Vertical Drop
275m

Longest Run
2620m

Difficulty


40%	40%	20%

Compare Sapporo ski resorts

Access

Bankei Ski Area
	Drive Car / Taxi	30 mins
	Sapporo station to Maruyama Koen station: 18 mins Bankei shuttle to ski area: 15 mins	33 mins
	Sapporo station to Hassamuminami station: 25 mins Bankei shuttle to ski area: 20 mins	45 mins
	Sapporo station to Makomanai station: 21 Bankei shuttle to ski area: 10	31 mins
Mt Moiwa Ski Resort
	Drive	20 mins
	Subway Namboku Line from Sapporo Station to Makomani Station: 18 Jotetsu Bus to Moiwayama: 15	33 mins
Snow Cruise Onze
	Drive	40 mins
	Free Winter shuttle bus from Asabu station	50 mins
	Free Winter shuttle bus from Miyosawa station	45 mins
Sapporo Teine Ski Resort
	Drive	40 mins
	Sapporo Station to Teine Station South exit: 15mins Bus from Teine Station to Teine Olympia: 16 mins Bus from Teine Olympia to Teine Highland: 12 mins	31 mins
	Big Runs shuttle bus from Sapporo Hotels to Teine Olympia: 50mins	50 mins
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
	Drive	60 mins
	Hokkaido Resort Liner from Sapporo Station. Daichi Kanko/ Jotetsu bus	90 mins

Where to Buy & Hire Ski Gear in Sapporo

You are definitely spoilt for choice in Sapporo for ski & snowboard gear. Here you will find flagship stores for international brands like Salomon and Burton, independent stores specialising in backcountry skiing and local surf / snowboard shops. Don’t miss out on the factory outlets where you can score yourself a bargain.

View all ski & snowboard shops in Sapporo

Where to Stay in Sapporo

The best thing about using Sapporo as a base, is the variety of accommodation options tailored to winter sports enthusiasts. There is something for every budget from upscale hotels with panoramic city views to budget-friendly hostels catering to ski vagabonds. Some hotels cater to skiers and snowboarders by offering ski to door access with resort liners and shuttle buses conveniently stopping at the front door and equipment storage which is very handy in Japan where rooms can be quite small.

View all hotels in Sapporo

Sapporo Food

Hokkaido is as much a foodies destination as it is a mecca for powder seekers, and you will find the best it has to offer right here in Sapporo. One of the things you have to do in Sapporo is to try the seafood. Local seafood like uni, scallops & crab is possibly the freshest and tastiest you will find anywhere in the world. The seafood markets are good places to have sushi, sashimi or kaisendons (seafood bowls). Lookout also for nearby restaurants which are a cheaper less touristy alternative. Hokkaido is also famous for it’s exceptional dairy products and in Sapporo you can try freshly baked cheese tarts, milk puddings and soft serves.

Sapporo Miso Ramen

Locals love their Sapporo Miso Ramen which originated in their city. This dish is made by first frying the ingredients and miso with the broth resulting in a richer flavour.

Kaisendon

Big bowls of rice topped with the freshest Hokkaido seafood. Choose from toppings like sashimi, crab, sea urchin and grilled prawns and savor the quality of Hokkaido’s seafood.

Genghis Khan BBQ

Great meal to have with friends especially in the chilly Winter months. Juicy slices of lamb and onions are cooked on a hotplate resembling a Mongol warriors helmet. Pick them off when done and wash down with beer.

Soup Curry

Another delicious Sapporo invention. It bears no resemblance to other Japanese curries. A broth is added to the curry mix resulting in a lighter, drinkable soup which is topped with a variety of ingredients. Restaurants will let you choose your spice level so you can definitely warm yourself up.

Sapporo Restaurants

Sapporo has a diverse and dynamic restaurant scene, offering a wide range of dining from cozy izakayas and ramen stalls, to upscale restaurants offering exquisite kaiseki dinners and seafood delicacies. Don’t miss the Nijo Market and Sapporo Central Wholesale Market where you can enjoy freshest Hokkaido seafood. Susukino district has numerous fine dining establishments and Sapporo's vibrant night scene with an array of wine, whisky bars and beer houses

Sapporo Kani Honke

Sapporo Kani Honke is instantly recognizable by the huge animated crab storefront display. This is where you will find Hokkaido crabs served in all kinds of ways from hotpots to sashimi. There is even an all you can eat option for crab lovers.

Kita No Gurume Tei

Kita No Gurume Tei is a restaurant in the Sapporo Central Market where you can order the best & freshest seafood.

Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho

The best place to try Sapporo’s miso ramen is Sapporo’s original ramen alley. The Ganso Yokocho in Susukino has 17 shops of by the best ramen masters in Hokkaido.

Things to do in Sapporo

Sapporo has lots of activities to keep you entertained on your lay days and down time. During Winter, the city is lit up with lights and installations as part of the “Sapporo White Illumination” event. The Sapporo Snow Festival is a major event which draws in tourists from all over. There are colossal snow sculptures, live performances, ice sculpture competitions, family fun activities and street food stalls. Shoppers and sight-seers will enjoy Tanuki Koji - the covered shopping street home to over 200 shops, restaurants and bars. Keep out of the cold at Pole Town and Aurora Town - the bustling underground shopping malls connected to Sapporo station.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Every year, during the first week of February, Japan’s largest snow festival takes place in 3 locations in Sapporo.

Sapporo White Illumination

A free event in Winter, with light installations and exhibits set up in the city to enhance the ambience and atmosphere.

Tanuki Koji

Built in 1869, this is Hokkaido’s most famous shopping arcade with over 200 shops ranging from restaurants, drug stores, 100 yen shops and karaoke bars . Lots to look at even if you are not shopping.

Mega DonQuijote

Huge discount shop that sells everything from food and alcohol to fashion and electronics. A total assault on the senses once you walk in. The costume section is a must see.

Nijo Market

Next to Tanuki Koji, the Nijo Seafood Market is a feast for the eyes and stomachs with a variety of seafood on display that can be cooked to order.

Sapporo

Sapporo Ski Resorts

Bankei Ski Area

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort

Sapporo Teine Ski Resort

Mt Moiwa Ski Resort

Access

Where to Buy & Hire Ski Gear in Sapporo

Where to Stay in Sapporo

Sapporo Food

Sapporo Miso Ramen

Kaisendon

Genghis Khan BBQ

Soup Curry

Sapporo Restaurants

Sapporo Kani Honke

Kita No Gurume Tei

Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho

Things to do in Sapporo

Sapporo Snow Festival

Sapporo White Illumination

Tanuki Koji

Mega DonQuijote

Nijo Market

ski resorts

ski shops

accommodation

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