5-Day Winter Adventure in Hokkaido: Hakodate, Sapporo & Snow Festival Experience

Day 1: Arrival and Hakodate

Hakodate, Japan on February 4, 2026

9:00am

Breakfast at Lucky Pierrot

Start your day with a local specialty hamburger at Lucky Pierrot, a beloved Hakodate chain known for its unique flavors and cozy atmosphere.
JPY800, 1h0m

10:30am

Hakodate Morning Market

Explore the vibrant Hakodate Morning Market where you can sample fresh seafood and local produce; great for souvenir shopping and experiencing local life.
Free entry, food varies, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ajisai Ramen

Enjoy a hearty bowl of Hakodate’s famous shio (salt) ramen at Ajisai, known for its clear broth and tender noodles.
JPY900, 1h0m

1:30pm

Goryokaku Tower and Fort

Visit the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort and enjoy panoramic views from the observation tower; perfect for history enthusiasts and photographers.
JPY900, 2h0m

4:00pm

Motomachi Historic District Walk

Stroll through Motomachi’s charming streets filled with Western-style buildings and churches dating back to the 19th century.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Kaisentei Hakodate

Savor fresh seafood kaiseki dining at Kaisentei, renowned for its exquisite seasonal Hokkaido ingredients and elegant presentation.
JPY4000, 2h0m

8:30pm

Mount Hakodate Night View

Take the ropeway to Mount Hakodate and witness one of Japan’s top night views, offering stunning city lights and harbor scenery.
JPY1280 round-trip, 1h30m
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Day 2: Hakodate to Sapporo

Hakodate & Sapporo, Japan on February 5, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Faro

Enjoy coffee and freshly baked pastries at this cozy cafe known for its warm atmosphere and local treats.
JPY700, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Sapporo by train

Take the Limited Express Super Hokuto train from Hakodate to Sapporo; the journey offers scenic winter landscapes and lasts about 3.5 hours.
JPY8500, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sapporo Soup Curry GARAKU

Relish a spicy and warming soup curry, a popular Hokkaido specialty, in the heart of Sapporo city.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Sapporo Clock Tower and Odori Park

Visit the historic Sapporo Clock Tower and then wander through Odori Park, the main site of the Snow Festival’s sculptures and events.
JPY200 for Clock Tower, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Sapporo TV Tower

Head up the Sapporo TV Tower for panoramic views over Odori Park and the cityscape dusted with snow.
JPY720, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden

Enjoy a classic Hokkaido Genghis Khan (lamb barbecue) dinner accompanied by fresh local Sapporo beer in a lively atmosphere.
JPY3500, 2h0m
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Day 3: Snow Festival Day

Sapporo, Japan on February 6, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Kinotoya Bake

Try their famous cream puffs and freshly brewed coffee; a perfect sweet start before exploring the festival.
JPY600, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore Odori Park Snow Festival Site

Spend the morning admiring the large, elaborate snow sculptures at the core venue of the Sapporo Snow Festival, open from 9am.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ramen Alley

Experience a variety of local ramen styles in this famous narrow alley filled with authentic shops around Susukino.
JPY1000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Susukino Ice Festival

Explore the Susukino site featuring stunning illuminated ice sculptures in the downtown district; best experienced in daylight and dusk.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Tsudome Site

Head to Tsudome, the family-friendly festival venue with snow slides, snow rafting, and large snow sculptures, open until 8pm.
JPY800, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sapporo Kani Honke

Indulge in premium Hokkaido crab dishes in a traditional setting, perfect after a day full of festival excitement.
JPY5000, 2h0m
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Day 4: Sapporo Surroundings

Sapporo & Otaru, Japan on February 7, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Fuel up early with a light breakfast before heading to Otaru, known for its canals and quaint streets.
JPY700, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Otaru

Take a 30-40 minute train ride from Sapporo to the charming port town of Otaru, famous for its historic canal and glassworks.
JPY750, 0h40m

10:00am

Otaru Canal Walk & Museum Visit

Walk along the iconic Otaru Canal, lined with old warehouses now converted to cafes and shops, and visit the Otaru Music Box Museum.
Museum fee JPY1000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sushi Dai

Taste some of the freshest sushi in Hokkaido at Sushi Dai, a local favorite with superb seafood from nearby waters.
JPY3000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Sapporo & Snow Festival revisit

Return to Sapporo in the afternoon to revisit any favorite Snow Festival sites or shop at Tanukikoji Shopping Street before it closes around 8pm.
Train JPY750, 0h40m + 2h shopping

6:30pm

Dinner at Soup Curry Yellow

End your day with a comforting bowl of soup curry with a variety of toppings in a trendy, casual setting.
JPY1400, 1h0m
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Day 5: Departure Day

Sapporo, Japan on February 8, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at LeTao Pathos

Enjoy a French patisserie style breakfast with famous cheesecakes and pastries before heading to the airport.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:00am

Last stroll in Odori Park

Take a relaxing morning walk through Odori Park to soak up final views of snow sculptures and the city ambiance.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Travel to New Chitose Airport

Depart from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport for your flight home, approximately 40 minutes by train.
JPY1070, 0h40m
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