Itineraries Hokkaido’s ultimate winter escape Ski, soak, and immerse in Hokkaido’s charms

Tackle the ski slopes brightly-lit at night

Niseko has some of the best night skiing and snowboarding terrains in the world, available at Niseko Village, Annupuri (for uncrowded long runs), and Hirafu resorts. Their extensively-lit slopes offer everything from beginner slopes to expert pistes; and most resorts have lifts that operate till 8.30pm.

Experience Niseko’s legendary powder snow

Niseko is known for its abundance of soft powder snow, as well as its variety of ski runs that attract beginners as well as experts for its backcountry runs, all in the shadow of Mt. Yotei. Thanks to its international reputation, English is widely spoken here.

For delicious freshly-made milk-based desserts

Set amidst a snow-covered meadow with Mt. Yotei as a backdrop, Takahashi Ranch operates ‘Milk Kobo’, an ice cream shop that has expanded into a dessert parlour offering soft serves, yoghurt, and choux cream pastries. A favourite with locals, their products are made with milk fresh from the farm.

Soak in hot springs in the shadow of 'hell'

Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring resort, Noboribetsu is also home to Jigokudani (Hell Valley), a geothermal park that provides the therapeutic waters to the baths in the area. The resort consists of mostly large ryokan inns and hotels, many of which have baths that are open to day-trippers.

See brown bears, and walk along a candle-lit path

This is the world’s only dedicated bear park, which features over 70 local brown bears that you can observe via glass enclosures or the ‘human cages’. At night, stroll along Onibi no Michi (Demon’s Fire Trail), which is a candle-lit path through Jigokudani, for an ethereal 30-minute experience.

Discover Otaru’s historic charms

The charming port of Otaru retains its beautiful warehouse-lined canal and historic merchant buildings that line Sakaimachi Street. Explore the canal on a cruise, explore the various craft shops, and get hands-on with workshops at the Music Box Museum and Kitaichi Glass – maker of Otaru’s historic glass lamps.

Dine on a mountaintop with views across Sapporo

One of several forested mountains southwest of Sapporo, Mt. Moiwa is a popular observation point for its beautiful views, especially after sunset. Accessible via a ropeway and a cable car, the summit has an observation deck and restaurant with views over the city, as well as a planetarium and theatre.

Enjoy Hokkaido’s seafood bounty

Hokkaido is famous for its abundance of fresh seafood, which can be enjoyed at a variety of restaurants that cater to every budget. Winter is the best time to sample fresh sushi, because this is when they’re at their juiciest. Popular staples include crab, sea urchin, and salmon roe.