13-Night Japan Winter Highlights Itinerary from Sapporo to Tsurui

Afternoon — Arrival and check-in

From New Chitose Airport, take the JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station; the ride is about 37 minutes, with departures roughly every 10–15 minutes and fares around ¥1,200–¥1,500. It is the easiest winter option, though allow extra time for luggage and icy platforms. From Sapporo Station, use a short taxi ride to the hotel if the group has heavy bags—snowy pavements can be awkward, particularly after dark. After checking in, keep the afternoon unhurried and dress with proper winter layers, including shoes with good grip.

Late afternoon — First walk through the city

Make Odori Park your gentle introduction to Sapporo. The park stretches east–west through the city, and a 45-minute stroll is enough to see the main central section without overdoing it. In early December, the trees and surrounding streets may already be illuminated for the winter season; the park is especially pleasant around sunset, when the snow reflects the city lights. If walking becomes uncomfortable, simply explore the area around Odori Station and use the underground walkways, which connect many central blocks and are warm and step-free.

Early evening — City views

Continue to Sapporo TV Tower, at the eastern end of Odori Park. The observation deck is indoors and reached by elevator, making it a comfortable first evening activity for older travelers. Opening hours vary by season, but it commonly stays open until around 21:00, with final admission approximately 30 minutes before closing; confirm the timetable on the day. Admission is typically around ¥1,000–¥1,200. Allow about an hour for the panorama over the illuminated park, Susukino, and the mountains beyond. On clear evenings, the view just after sunset is usually the best balance of daylight and city lights.

Dinner — Sapporo Station

Finish at Sapporo Station Stellar Place, a convenient indoor dining complex above the station with elevators, escalators, and many restaurants in one place. Expect around ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person for dinner. Look for Hokkaido specialities such as grilled seafood, soup curry, or sushi, but avoid committing to a long queue on the first night—several restaurants display menus outside, making it easy to choose comfortably. After dinner, return to the hotel via the station’s underground passages or take a taxi if snow has accumulated; keep the evening early so everyone is rested for the first full day.

Morning

Start at Hokkaido University, one of Sapporo’s nicest winter walks. From Sapporo Station, it is about a 10-minute walk north; use the station’s underground passages if the pavement is icy. Allow around an hour for the historic campus avenue, the red-brick Former Hokkaido Government Office nearby, and the snow-covered gingko-lined paths. The grounds are open throughout the day and free, though wear shoes with good grip—snow can be compacted and slippery.

Walk or take the subway south toward Sapporo Clock Tower for late morning. The small museum inside takes about 30–45 minutes and explains the building’s role in the city’s early development; it generally opens from 8:45 to 17:10, with admission around ¥200. Afterward, continue on foot through the Odori area to Nijo Market, roughly 10–15 minutes away. For lunch, choose a seafood bowl at Donburi Chaya Nijo Market, or browse the stalls for grilled scallops and seasonal crab. Most shops operate approximately 7:00–17:00, but individual restaurants vary, so aim to arrive before 13:00; budget ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person.

Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, take the subway from Odori Station toward Nishi 18-chome, then walk about 10 minutes to the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art. This is a welcome warm indoor stop, with around 1½ hours for its Hokkaido-focused collection and changing exhibitions. It is usually open 9:30–17:00 and closed on Mondays; admission commonly ranges from ¥500–¥1,500 depending on the exhibition. Return by subway to Susukino as dusk falls, when the neon signs and snowy streets are at their most atmospheric. Keep the evening easy: stroll along Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade before settling into Kushidori Susukino, a relaxed yakitori izakaya where dinner is typically ¥3,000–¥5,000 per person. The underground passages are particularly useful for getting around after dark and avoiding icy sidewalks.

Morning — Transfer from Sapporo to Niseko

Take your reserved resort coach or private transfer from Sapporo at around 08:00. The journey to Niseko Village generally takes 2.5–3 hours in December, depending on snow and road conditions. Confirm that the booking includes door-to-door drop-off at your hotel and assistance with luggage; winter coaches may make a short rest stop, but it is worth carrying water and a snack. On arrival, leave your bags with the concierge if the room is not ready and allow a little time to settle into the resort atmosphere.

Early Afternoon — Niseko Village and lunch

Spend the first part of the afternoon gently exploring Niseko Village, where the snowy fir trees, wooden buildings, and mountain views provide plenty of winter scenery without requiring a ski day. Keep the walk short and use the resort’s covered areas where possible, as paths can be icy. For lunch, dine at Hilton Niseko Village, choosing from the resort restaurants and cafés; budget roughly ¥2,000–¥5,000 per person. Ask the concierge which outlets are open that day, since winter restaurant schedules can change and some evening venues require reservations.

Afternoon and Evening — Mountain views and an onsen

If operating and weather permits, ride the Niseko Gondola for a relaxed hour of panoramic views over the snowy resort and surrounding forests. Check the day’s operating status before setting out, as strong winds can cause closures; warm clothing, gloves, and non-slip footwear are essential. Later, return to the Niseko Village Onsen for about 1.5 hours of soaking and recovery. Confirm access rules and opening hours with the hotel, particularly if using a public facility rather than the Hilton’s own baths. Towels may be available for hire, but bringing a room towel is convenient; remember that guests bathe without swimwear, and shower thoroughly before entering the pools. Keep dinner simple at the resort tonight—an early meal and a restful evening will make tomorrow’s snowy sightseeing much more enjoyable.

Morning — Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area

Take a gentle morning outing to Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area, arriving around 9:30. Ask at the base station whether the sightseeing gondola is operating; winter wind can occasionally suspend it, and sightseeing access is separate from ski-lift arrangements. The ride and mountain views take about 1½ hours, with snow-covered forests and broad views toward Mount Yotei on clear days. Dress warmly and wear shoes with good grip—the areas around the gondola station can be icy. If driving, use the Annupuri base parking area; resort shuttle buses are preferable if your accommodation offers them.

Late morning, continue to Niseko Annupuri Onsen Yugokorotei, only a short drive from the ski area. Allow about 1½ hours for the indoor and outdoor baths, particularly the open-air bath surrounded by snow. Towels can usually be rented or purchased, but bring a small towel if you have one; guests bathe without swimsuits, and the changing rooms are well arranged for a relaxed visit. Check the day’s bathing hours before setting out, as schedules can vary seasonally. A short soak is enough for older travelers—there is no need to rush between the different baths.

Lunch and Afternoon — Milk Kobo and Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm

Drive about 10–15 minutes to Milk Kobo at Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm for lunch and dessert. The café is known for fresh cream puffs, yogurt, cheesecakes, and soft dairy-based sweets; allow ¥1,000–¥2,500 per person for a light meal and treats. December hours can be reduced, so confirm opening times with your hotel that morning, and expect some outdoor paths to be snowy. After eating, spend another 45 minutes browsing the farm shop and enjoying the quiet winter views across the fields. Keep this unhurried: the attraction is the setting and fresh dairy rather than a long list of activities.

Evening — Niseko Grand Hirafu

In the late afternoon, head approximately 20 minutes by car or resort shuttle to Niseko Grand Hirafu. Around dusk, the illuminated buildings and snow-covered streets make this one of the nicest places in Niseko for a short evening wander, though the slopes and pavements can be slippery. Finish with dinner at a hotel restaurant in the Hirafu area, budgeting roughly ¥3,000–¥6,000 per person; reservations are sensible in December, especially for Japanese or fondue-style dining. Allow extra time for the return journey to your accommodation, as evening snowfall can slow traffic considerably.

Morning to Late Afternoon — Private transfer from Niseko to Abashiri

Leave Niseko around 07:00–08:00 in your pre-booked private vehicle. This is a long winter transfer—usually 6–7 hours—so ask the driver to plan regular comfort stops, particularly around Asahikawa or Kitami. The route is scenic but can be slow after snowfall; keep warm layers, water, and a few snacks in the vehicle, and avoid adding sightseeing stops that might make the arrival too late. A private transfer is strongly preferable to self-driving on icy roads.

Aim to arrive at Abashiri Station in the late afternoon, allowing about 30 minutes to settle in, collect a local map, and ask the station staff or your hotel to help arrange taxis for the following day. The station area is compact and convenient, but December daylight fades early, so keep the first outing gentle.

Early Evening — Abashiri Central Shopping Street

From Abashiri Station, walk into Abashiri Central Shopping Street for a short, atmospheric introduction to town. Many smaller shops close by around 18:00, but the covered sections and illuminated storefronts make this a pleasant 45-minute stroll without committing to a major sightseeing excursion after the long drive. Wear shoes with good grip—snow and refrozen slush can be slippery at crossings.

Dinner — Seafood near Abashiri Station

For dinner, try Kaniya, a popular local choice near the station known for crab and other Hokkaido seafood; alternatively, Yakiniku Abashiri Beerkan offers hearty grilled dishes and locally brewed Abashiri beer if you would prefer something warmer and more substantial. Expect approximately ¥2,000–¥5,000 per person, with crab dishes potentially costing more. Reservations are useful in winter, and it is worth checking opening days before setting out, as some Abashiri restaurants close one evening each week. After dinner, return by taxi or take the short walk back to your accommodation.

Morning — Abashiri Prison Museum

Take a taxi from central Abashiri to Abashiri Prison Museum on Tenjōzan; allow about 10–15 minutes and roughly ¥1,500–¥2,500 each way. The museum is spread across a gently sloping open-air site, so wear warm, non-slip shoes and ask about the shortest accessible route. Allow around two hours to see the preserved prison buildings and exhibitions. It usually opens around 9:00 and admission is approximately ¥1,080; check winter hours before setting out, as some outdoor areas may be restricted in heavy snow.

Late Morning to Afternoon — Mount Tento and the northern peoples museum

Continue by taxi a few minutes uphill to Mount Tento Observatory, where the small viewpoint gives an excellent winter panorama over Abashiri, Lake Abashiri, and—on a clear day—the Sea of Okhotsk. Spend about 30 minutes here; the wind is strong, so this is a quick look rather than a long stay. Then walk or take a short taxi ride to the Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples, an especially worthwhile cold-weather stop. Its thoughtfully presented displays cover the cultures and traditions of northern communities, including clothing, hunting, food, and spiritual life. Allow 1–1½ hours; it generally opens at 9:00, costs about ¥750, and is closed on Mondays, so December 6 should be suitable unless the seasonal calendar changes.

In the afternoon, visit the Abashiri Drift Ice Museum, also on Tenjōzan, for an hour indoors. The exhibits explain the Okhotsk drift-ice season, and the chilled room is a fun highlight—bring the hand towels or warm clothing provided, as the temperature is kept well below freezing. Admission is usually around ¥750, with opening hours commonly from 8:30 or 9:00 to 18:00. From the museum, return by taxi toward the harbor area rather than walking in the dark; snow and early winter sunset make the road less pleasant than it looks on a map.

Evening — Seafood around the harbor

Have dinner at Kita no Ryōba, near Abashiri’s harbor, for a relaxed introduction to local seafood such as scallops, salmon, crab, and seasonal Okhotsk fish. Expect roughly ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person, depending on whether you order a set meal or add sashimi. Aim for an early dinner around 17:30–18:00, when seating is easier and you will not be returning late on snowy streets. A taxi from Tenjōzan should take about 10–15 minutes; arrange the return through the restaurant or your hotel, as local evening taxis can be limited.

Morning — Abashiri to Bihoro Pass Observatory

Leave Abashiri around 08:30 by your pre-arranged private transfer or a 4WD rental car. Follow Route 39 toward Bihoro, then Route 243 over Bihoro Pass; allow roughly 2½ hours in December, plus extra time if snow is falling. The pass viewpoint is an excellent first stop: on a clear day, Lake Kussharo spreads below as a broad blue-white basin surrounded by forest and volcanic peaks. Allow about 30 minutes, but keep the visit flexible—wind at the lookout can be fierce, and the parking area may be icy. If driving, confirm that the car has proper winter tyres and avoid rushing the descent.

Afternoon — Lake Kussharo Sand Bath and Wakoto Peninsula Nature Trail

Continue down to the lake and Wakoto Peninsula, where the unusual Lake Kussharo Sand Bath is warmed naturally by volcanic heat beneath the shore. Plan around 45 minutes and wear boots with good grip; access paths can be slippery, and the area may be closed temporarily for weather or maintenance. Bring a towel and swimsuit if you hope to sit in the sand, although in winter many visitors simply warm their hands and enjoy the steaming shoreline. Afterward, take the nearby Wakoto Peninsula Nature Trail, a gentle one-hour loop through coniferous woodland and along the lakeshore. Snow can make the path uneven, so shorten the walk if visibility drops or footing becomes tiring. A packed drink is useful, as facilities around the peninsula are limited in winter.

Evening — Wakoto Onsen and dinner in Teshikaga

Before heading into town, enjoy an hour at Wakoto Onsen, a simple lakeside bathing spot subject to seasonal access and local conditions. Check with your accommodation first, as bathing arrangements and opening times can change; bring your own towel and follow the posted etiquette. After drying off, drive approximately 25–30 minutes to Teshikaga for dinner. Restaurant Izumiya is a dependable local choice for handmade soba and warm Hokkaido dishes, while Soba Noodle Shop Matsumoto is another good option if open—small restaurants here may close early or take an occasional unscheduled day off. Expect roughly ¥1,000–¥2,500 per person, and ask your accommodation to call ahead, especially if arriving after 18:30.

Morning — Lake Kussharo and Sunayu

Begin with a quiet drive to the Lake Kussharo lakeshore, allowing about an hour for the shoreline scenery and winter waterfowl. In December, the lake may be partly frozen, while patches of open water attract birds; visibility and road conditions can change quickly, so use your arranged 4WD transfer or rental car rather than relying on infrequent buses. Keep the lakeside stop gentle—paths can be icy—and bring binoculars, warm footwear, and hand warmers.

Continue along the eastern shore to Sunayu, a short drive away, for around 45 minutes. Steam rising from the dark shoreline beside the frozen lake is one of the area’s most atmospheric winter sights. There is usually no admission charge, and the small rest facilities make this a useful comfort stop. The lakeside can be slippery, so stay on cleared areas and avoid standing too close to the hot-water vents.

Midday — Lake Mashū Observatory No. 1

Drive approximately 45–60 minutes to Lake Mashū Observatory No. 1, depending on snow and ice. Allow about an hour at the viewpoint, with extra time if the caldera is clear; cloud and mist often arrive suddenly, and the famous “Lake Mashū blue” is never guaranteed. The observatory area has parking and basic facilities, but bring a snack and drink because café options are limited in winter. Check the road status before leaving Teshikaga, as access can be restricted during heavy snowfall.

Afternoon and Evening — Mashū Onsen and a warm café stop

Return toward town for a relaxing 1½-hour break at Mashū Onsen. Choose a bathing facility recommended by your accommodation and confirm towel rental, bathing hours, and whether it accepts visitors without an overnight booking; day-use fees are commonly around ¥500–¥1,500. This is an ideal point to slow the day down after the exposed viewpoints—allow time to warm up fully before driving again.

Finish at an Akan-Mashū National Park visitor-area cafe in Teshikaga for coffee and a light meal, budgeting roughly ¥1,000–¥2,500 per person. Early evening is quiet in this rural area, and some cafés close before dinner, so verify the day’s hours before setting out. If the weather has worsened, go straight back to the accommodation after this stop rather than driving the smaller roads late; winter darkness arrives early and wildlife can appear near the roadside.

Morning — Teshikaga to the crane country

Leave Teshikaga around 08:00 in your pre-arranged private transfer or 4WD rental car. The drive to Tsurui takes roughly 1½ hours in good conditions, but allow closer to two hours in December for icy roads and occasional wildlife sightings. Route 391 and Route 243 are rural and beautiful, with very little traffic; keep the schedule flexible rather than rushing through the snowy scenery.

Arrive at Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary late in the morning, ideally before the main feeding period. Allow about 1½ hours for the indoor visitor centre and the observation area, where red-crowned cranes often gather against the snow. The centre generally operates from around 09:00 to 16:00, though winter hours and feeding times can change, so confirm locally before setting out. Entry is usually a few hundred yen. The paths are short but can be icy, so sturdy shoes with good grip and warm gloves are important.

Midday to Afternoon — Crane conservation and a village lunch

Continue by car toward the Akan International Crane Centre, allowing roughly 35–45 minutes depending on road conditions. This is a more educational stop, with conservation displays and enclosed viewing areas that are particularly useful if wind or snow makes prolonged outdoor observation uncomfortable. Plan around 1½ hours; the centre commonly opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon, with admission generally around ¥480–¥750. Check feeding schedules on the day, as they are one of the best chances to see several cranes together.

For lunch, return toward central Tsurui and choose a small village cafe or farm-to-table restaurant—your accommodation can phone ahead, as opening days and winter hours are limited. Expect a simple set meal featuring local vegetables, dairy products or venison, usually ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person. After lunch, avoid adding another major attraction: a slow drive through the Tsurui countryside, with stops at safe roadside viewpoints, is more enjoyable than trying to fit in too much.

Evening — A quiet soak at Tsurui Onsen

Spend the evening at Tsurui Onsen, either at your ryokan or a participating local bathing facility. Allow about 1½ hours for a leisurely soak, changing, and a warm drink afterward. Confirm day-use availability and towel arrangements in advance; some facilities are reserved primarily for overnight guests. The mineral-rich water is especially welcome after a cold day outdoors, but take care on frosty paths and use the handrails. If you are driving, return before the roads become fully dark and icy, or arrange a taxi through your accommodation.

Morning — Kushiro Marsh Observatory and Hosooka Observatory

Arrange a private taxi or hotel vehicle from Tsurui after breakfast, ideally around 08:00. The drive to Kushiro Marsh Observatory takes roughly 35–45 minutes, depending on snow, and the lookout area is the easiest way to begin: allow about an hour for the broad wetland views without attempting a long trail. Afterward, continue toward Hosooka Observatory on the eastern side of the marsh, allowing another 35–45 minutes by car. Spend around 45 minutes there; this is the more dramatic classic panorama, especially when frost outlines the reeds and the distant hills are clear. Both sites are free, but facilities are limited in winter, so carry water and use shoes with good grip.

Lunch and Afternoon — Lake Tōro and the Kushiro Marsh Norokko Train

Continue north to Lake Tōro, roughly 30–40 minutes from Hosooka Observatory. Set aside an hour for lunch at a lakeside restaurant or café—expect about ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person—and take a few minutes afterward to look across the quiet lake. Check the Kushiro Marsh Norokko Train timetable well in advance: it is seasonal and may not operate on this December date. If running, board at Tōro Station for the scenic journey toward Kushiro, allowing around two hours including boarding and the slow views through the marsh. Reserve seats through JR Hokkaido where possible; if services are suspended, make the same journey by private vehicle along the marsh roads, stopping only at safe signed viewpoints rather than pulling onto snowy shoulders.

Evening — Dinner in Tsurui

Return to Tsurui before dark, usually allowing 45–60 minutes from Tōro by car. For dinner, ask your inn to arrange a table at its dining room or at a well-reviewed small local restaurant; choices are limited outside the accommodation area, and many kitchens close early or require advance notice. Budget approximately ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person. This is a good night to keep things unhurried: roads can be icy after sunset, and a warm inn meal is more enjoyable than attempting a late drive into Kushiro.

Morning — Tsurui to Kushiro Station

Leave Tsurui around 07:00–08:00 by your pre-arranged private transfer or rental car, allowing about an hour for the winter drive to Kushiro Station. Build in extra time for icy roads and arrange the driver the evening before; arriving 20–30 minutes before departure gives you time to find the platform, buy drinks and snacks, and board without rushing. Reserve the Limited Express Ozora seats in advance, ideally together on the same side of the carriage, and ask your accommodation whether they can provide a simple breakfast box.

Late Morning to Afternoon — Kushiro to Sapporo

The Limited Express Ozora takes roughly four hours to Sapporo, with wide views of eastern Hokkaido’s snowy coast, forests, and open farmland. Keep lunch simple on the train—station bento boxes or convenience-store snacks are easiest—and expect possible winter delays. Once in Sapporo, leave large luggage at your hotel or use station lockers before taking a taxi to Sapporo Factory in East Sapporo; the taxi is worthwhile after the long rail journey, while the nearest subway stop, Bus Center-mae, is about a 10-minute walk away. Spend around 1½ hours indoors among the former brick brewery buildings, shops, cafés, and seasonal displays. Shops generally close around 20:00, though individual hours vary.

Early Evening and Dinner — Sapporo Beer Museum and Sapporo Beer Garden

From Sapporo Factory, a taxi of about 10 minutes is easiest, or walk for roughly 20 minutes if conditions are clear. Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum, where the main exhibition area is usually open until around 18:00, with last admission earlier; confirm the day’s hours and tasting availability before setting out. The paid Premium Tour requires advance booking, while the self-guided museum area is more flexible. Tastings are subject to service rules and identification checks, so non-drinkers can choose soft drinks.

Finish at Sapporo Beer Garden, next door, for a relaxed dinner of Hokkaido-style grilled lamb. Reserve ahead, particularly for the popular Genghis Khan Hall, and allow ¥4,000–¥7,000 per person depending on the course and drinks. After dinner, a taxi back to central Sapporo is usually the most comfortable winter option; the nearest subway connection is Higashi-kuyakusho-mae, approximately 15 minutes on foot.

Morning — Shiroi Koibito Park

Take the Tozai Subway Line from Sapporo Station to Miyanosawa Station, then walk about 7–10 minutes to Shiroi Koibito Park. Allow roughly two hours for the chocolate-themed buildings, factory viewing areas, and winter decorations. The park generally opens around 10:00, with admission commonly around ¥800–¥1,500 depending on the areas operating; check the official site before going, as exhibit access and opening times can change. The grounds are spread out, so comfortable shoes are useful, and the café is a good place for a warm drink and a small sweet rather than a full lunch.

Midday to Early Afternoon — Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine

Return on the Tozai Line toward Maruyama-koen Station, then walk into Maruyama Park for an easy 45-minute winter stroll. Snow usually softens the park’s wooded paths, but some surfaces can be uneven or slippery, so take the broadest cleared routes. Continue to Hokkaido Shrine, reached through the park in about 10–15 minutes. Spend around an hour among the large torii gates and forested approach; there is no admission charge, though the shrine grounds may feel especially quiet in December. If you want a break, the cafés around Maruyama are more convenient than relying on food stalls, which are limited outside major festival periods.

Late Afternoon and Evening — Sapporo Ramen Republic and JR Tower Observatory T38

Head back to Sapporo Station by subway, allowing about 15 minutes from Maruyama-koen, and have an early dinner at Sapporo Ramen Republic on the 10th floor of ESTA’s former site area—check the current station-building location before travelling, as tenants and access arrangements can change. The ramen selection typically includes several Hokkaido styles, with bowls around ¥1,000–¥2,000; expect compact seating and possible queues around the dinner rush. Finish at JR Tower Observatory T38, directly above the station, ideally around sunset. Admission is usually about ¥740–¥1,000, and the indoor observation deck is particularly comfortable in winter. On a clear evening, the city lights, surrounding mountains, and snowy rooftops make this one of the best low-effort final views of Sapporo.

Morning — Final city view at Norbesa Ferris Wheel

If your flight is later in the day and the hotel can hold your luggage, begin around 09:30 with the Norbesa Ferris Wheel in Susukino. From central Sapporo, it is easiest to walk through the underground passageways toward Susukino, avoiding icy pavements; the wheel itself takes about 45 minutes including boarding and photographs. The enclosed gondolas make this a comfortable winter activity, although operation can pause in strong winds. Check the day’s opening time before setting out—morning hours can vary—and expect to pay roughly ¥1,000–¥1,500 per person.

Late Morning — Souvenirs along Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade

Walk north from Susukino to Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, allowing about 10 minutes. Spend an unhurried hour beneath the covered arcade, which is particularly useful in snowy weather. This is a good final stop for Hokkaido sweets, packaged seafood, cosmetics, warm socks, and small gifts; look for local favorites such as Shiroi Koibito, Rokkatei, and Royce products. Most shops open from around 10:00 or 10:30, while restaurants and drugstores may keep longer hours. Keep purchases compact and ask shops to seal liquids or fragile items for air travel.

Lunch and airport transfer

For lunch, make your way to the Sapporo Station food hall rather than taking a separate restaurant reservation. The station complex has ramen, sushi, donburi, soup curry, and Hokkaido seafood counters, with a typical meal costing ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person. Allow about an hour, then collect your luggage and board the JR Rapid Airport from Sapporo Station to New Chitose Airport. The ride normally takes about 37–40 minutes, but in December allow extra time for snow-related delays and crowded trains; reserved seats are worthwhile with luggage. Depart Sapporo Station roughly three hours before your flight, and arrive at the airport with time for check-in, security, and the long walk to some international gates.