Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

We begin the tour in central Hokkaido, close to Asahikawa—a city that is connected through its nearby airport or centrally located train station. A great spot to have lunch in the area is Higashikawa Rakuza, where you can enjoy a true Japanese staple—soba noodles—paired with a sampling of local sake to warm up. Begin the tour in earnest with a visit to Domaine Raison, which has recently garnered attention for winning the gold prize for its 2023 Sauvignon Blanc at the Japan Wine Competition. The picturesque winery, which also features numerous goats living onsite, offers a taste of Hokkaido’s unique terroir—an exclusive tasting experience.

Afterwards, head to the well-known New Furano Prince Hotel for the night. At the resort, situated right at the foot of the Furano Ski Resort, relax in the onsite hot spring or explore Ningle Terrace, a charming village of log cabins set in a forest. This enchanting spot is known for its artisan shops and beautiful winter illumination.

The first half of day two offers an opportunity to experience Hokkaido’s legendary powder snow first-hand at the Furano Ski Resort. The slopes here are extensive, featuring a bunny hill just outside of the hotel grounds as well as numerous lifts transporting winter sports revelers all the way to the top of the mountain, which stands at a height of about 1200 meters and features slopes for every skill level. The higher you go, the higher quality the powder snow becomes, with the descent offering stunning views of the surrounding area.

After an exciting morning on the slopes, spend the second half of the day exploring more of the region. This includes a stopover at the stunning Shirahige Falls in Biei, with “Shirahige” meaning "white beard," a nickname the falls earned due to the way the water cascades down the rocks, resembling a white beard. The falls are particularly beautiful in winter, when the surrounding area is covered in snow and ice, creating a breathtaking scene. Finally, end of the day by venturing back into Asahikawa. There you will find Takasago Sake Brewery, which offers sake tasting sessions. Established in 1899, Takasago Sake Brewery is one of Hokkaido's oldest breweries, offering a variety of premium sakes. Learn about the traditional brewing process and sample different types of sake. After checking in at one of the numerous centrally located hotels, including the WBF Grande Asahikawa Hotel, enjoy a stroll through downtown and dinner at a local izakaya. 

The third day starts with a visit to the bustling Asahikawa Station, followed by a train ride to New Chitose Airport. After a brief tour of the airport—and the seemingly endless array of souvenir shops and eateries within the main departure hall—you can visit the spectacular Portom International Hotel. This hotel is a relatively new arrival on the scene, known for its modern, minimalistic design as well as its extensive displays of Edo-period art. Even if you are not staying the night, we recommend the delicious lunch offerings at the onsite restaurants. 

Next, visit Upopoy, the National Ainu Museum and Park, to learn about the indigenous Ainu culture through interactive exhibits and performances. The day ends with an overnight stay at the Hoshino Resorts KAI Poroto, situated just next to Upopoy along the lake. This resort, which features extensive Ainu influences in their interior design and food offerings, is probably best known for its open-air hot spring. After another stimulating day, the feeling of bathing in hot volcanic waters while being simultaneously exposed to the cold, crisp Hokkaido night is the perfect way to wind down and relax.

After breakfast, travel from Upopoy up north to Otaru, a historic city that gained fame in the early Meiji period for herring fishing, which attracted immense wealth and development to the region. After a walk through the charming old town—complete with a sampling of local confectionary giant Le Tao—lunch is a quintessential Japanese experience: Sushi. At Masa Sushi, you also have the opportunity to partake in a very special sushi-making experience led by an experienced local chef and using only the freshest seafood from the region. In the afternoon, pop over to neighboring Yoichi to visit the historic Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, known as the father of Japanese whisky. The distillery offers tours and tastings, providing insight into the whisky-making process—which would not be complete without sampling the good stuff, of course.

The day is not done, however, as the journey continues to Sapporo, Hokkaido’s cosmopolitan capital. Here, more sweets are on the docket at Shiroi Koibito Park, a bustling experience that is half amusement park, half factory tour in a stimulating ode to what is probably the most famous sweet in Hokkaido. After checking your hotel in Sapporo, for which we recommend the Courtyard Marriot in Sapporo—a just-opened modern and luxurious abode—the day concludes with a nighttime walk through the city’s bustling downtown, before reflecting on another busy day at dinner.

The fifth day begins with a visit to Hokkaido Jingu, a Shinto shrine situated in Sapporo’s posh Maruyama district. The shrine, surrounded by a serene forest, is a popular attraction year-round for people looking for a peaceful atmosphere within the bustle of the city. Afterwards, head to Sapporo Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, a venue used for international ski jumping competitions. Marvel at the impressive structure and enjoy panoramic views of Sapporo from the observation deck, although the highlight is the ongoing practice session—watching professional ski jumpers preparing for an upcoming competition.

If you want to explore Sapporo’s vibrant hotel scene some more, consider switching it up and staying at the unique THE ROYAL PARK CANVAS SAPPORO, which features a modern vibe, focus on sustainability, and—most impressively—a massive record collection which guests can enjoy at the second-floor bar or in their room.

On the final day, depart from New Chitose Airport, heading back to Tokyo before returning to your respective home. With a thorough overview of the winter attractions Hokkaido has to offer, this sample itinerary serves as inspiration for travelers interested in exploring the region.