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

Day 1: Hakodate Arrival

Hakodate, Japan on February 1, 2026

9:00am

Breakfast at Lucky Pierrot

Start your day with a signature hamburger at Lucky Pierrot, a unique local fast food chain known for its quirky decor and tasty offerings.
JPY700, 0h45m

10:00am

Visit Hakodate Morning Market

Explore this vibrant market where fresh seafood and produce are abundant. Don't miss tasting fresh crab or uni (sea urchin), open daily from early morning to 2pm.
JPY0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ajisai

Enjoy a bowl of miso ramen, a Hakodate specialty, at Ajisai famous for its rich, hearty broth and fresh noodles.
JPY900, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the Goryokaku Fort & Tower

Explore the star-shaped fort and ascend the tower for panoramic views of Hakodate. Winter scenery adds to the experience. The tower is open 9am-6pm.
JPY900, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll Motomachi District

Walk through this charming historical neighborhood known for its Western-style churches and old buildings, beautifully illuminated in winter evenings.
JPY0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Uni Murakami

Savor fresh sea urchin dishes at this renowned seafood restaurant, a must-try for ocean delicacies in Hakodate.
JPY3000, 1h30m

8:00pm

Hakodate Night View from Mt. Hakodate

Ride the ropeway to Mt. Hakodate for one of Japan’s best night views. Offers a spectacular cityscape blanketed in snow during winter. Ropeway runs until 10pm.
JPY1280, 1h
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Day 2: Hakodate to Sapporo

Travel to Sapporo, Japan on February 2, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Bakery Kanako

Taste freshly baked breads and pastries in this popular local bakery before departing Hakodate.
JPY500, 0h45m

9:30am

Travel by Limited Express Super Hokuto to Sapporo

Enjoy a comfortable train ride (approx. 3.5 hours) with scenic views traveling north from Hakodate to Sapporo.
JPY8500, 3h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Ramen Republic, ESTA Sapporo

Sample a variety of local ramen styles in this famous Sapporo ramen food court inside ESTÀ complex, open 11am-9pm.
JPY900, 1h

2:30pm

Check-in and Rest at Hotel

Relax at your hotel in central Sapporo to prepare for the upcoming Snow Festival days.
JPY0, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Odori Park – Snow Festival Site Preview

Take a stroll through Odori Park to see early snow sculptures and festival preparations. Festival runs from Feb 4-11, so this is a good preview.
JPY0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Visit Sapporo TV Tower

Ascend the TV Tower for views over Odori Park and the city. Open 9am-10pm.
JPY720, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Soup Curry GARAKU

Try Hokkaido’s famous soup curry at GARAKU, close to Odori Park, open until 9:30pm.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 3: Sapporo Snow Festival Day 1

Sapporo, Japan on February 3, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at café Morihiko

Enjoy hand drip coffee and pastries at this cozy café, known for its stylish interior and Japanese hospitality.
JPY800, 1h

9:00am

Sapporo Snow Festival at Odori Park

Marvel at the world-famous snow and ice sculptures, featuring intricately detailed large-scale works. Festival hours 9am-10pm.
JPY0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hanamaru Kaiten Sushi

Savor fresh Hokkaido seafood on conveyor belt sushi at Hanamaru, open 11am-9pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Susukino Ice Festival

Experience the ice sculptures and illuminations in Susukino district, part of the Snow Festival, open until 10pm.
JPY0, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Sapporo Beer Museum

Learn about the history of beer in Japan and taste samples. Open until 7pm, last entry 6:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden

Enjoy Genghis Khan lamb barbecue paired with local Sapporo beer in a lively atmosphere.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 4: Sapporo Snow Festival Day 2

Sapporo, Japan on February 4, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Kinotoya Bake

Taste the famous Hokkaido cheese tarts and fresh bakery items at Kinotoya in Sapporo Central.
JPY600, 1h

9:30am

Visit Tsudome Site of Snow Festival

Enjoy family-friendly snow activities, snow slides, and smaller sculptures at this expansive festival site open 9am-5pm.
JPY0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Soup Curry Samurai

Relish another variation of Sapporo's famous soup curry featuring rich flavors and vegetables.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Historical Village of Hokkaido

Explore this open-air museum showcasing buildings from Hokkaido’s pioneer days, open 9am-4:30pm.
JPY800, 2h

5:00pm

Evening walk in Odori Park

See the illuminated snow sculptures and lively festival atmosphere after dusk.
JPY0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nijo Market

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes in the market area with many small restaurants open till late.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Day Trip to Otaru

Otaru, Japan on February 5, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the half-day trip to Otaru.
JPY0, 0h45m

8:30am

Train to Otaru

Short 30-minute train ride from Sapporo to Otaru, known for its charming canal and glass workshops.
JPY640, 0h30m

9:15am

Stroll Otaru Canal and Sakaimachi Street

Enjoy a scenic historic canal walk and boutique shopping in glassware and music boxes.
JPY0, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Otaru Sushi Dai

Savor fresh sushi in one of Otaru’s best sushi restaurants known for quality and value.
JPY2500, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Kitaichi Glass Museum

See exquisite handmade glass art and shop for unique souvenirs.
JPY300, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Sapporo

Train ride back to Sapporo to relax and prepare for evening plans.
JPY640, 0h30m

4:00pm

Free time or visit Sapporo Clock Tower

Explore this iconic symbol of Sapporo, open 8:45am-5pm.
JPY200, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Jingisukan Daruma

Experience traditional Hokkaido lamb barbecue at one of Sapporo’s best Jingisukan restaurants.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 6: Asahiyama Zoo & Surroundings

Asahikawa, Japan on February 6, 2026

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast before the trip to Asahikawa for the zoo visit.
JPY0, 0h45m

7:30am

Train to Asahikawa

2-hour JR train ride from Sapporo to Asahikawa known for winter wildlife attractions.
JPY3600, 2h

10:00am

Visit Asahiyama Zoo

Famous for its unique animal enclosures simulating natural habitats; during winter, watch the penguin parade. Open 9:30am–5:00pm.
JPY1000, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Asahikawa Ramen Village

Try Asahikawa’s renowned soy sauce ramen at this collection of top ramen shops, open 11am-9pm.
JPY900, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Sapporo

Train back to Sapporo for evening leisure.
JPY3600, 2h

5:00pm

Relax or visit local shopping

Free time to shop or rest at hotel in central Sapporo.
JPY0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Misono Soup Curry

End your day with another delicious bowl of soup curry, a Sapporo specialty.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 7: Snow Festival Highlights

Sapporo, Japan on February 7, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Kinotoya Bake

Choose your favorite Hokkaido baked goods before heading to the festival sites.
JPY600, 1h

9:00am

Odori Park Snow Festival

Spend the morning admiring the largest and most famous snow sculptures with intricate details and themes.
JPY0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nijo Market

Try fresh seafood donburi or grilled scallops from vendors and restaurants in this lively market.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Moerenuma Park

Explore this modern park designed by Isamu Noguchi, featuring snow-covered artistic sculptures and playgrounds, open daily 9am-4:30pm.
JPY0, 2h

4:00pm

Susukino Ice Festival

Enjoy spectacular ice sculptures illuminated at dusk in Sapporo’s entertainment district.
JPY0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden

Another opportunity to enjoy the lively atmosphere with local beer and classic dishes.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 8: Relax & Culture

Sapporo, Japan on February 8, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at café Morihiko

Relax with a hand-drip coffee and homemade sweets at this beloved café.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hokkaido Shrine

Explore this tranquil Shinto shrine surrounded by snowy forest, open daily 6am-5pm.
JPY0, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk through Maruyama Park

Enjoy a serene winter park walk adjoining Hokkaido Shrine, scenic and peaceful.
JPY0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Sapporo Central Wholesale Market

Dine on fresh seafood bowls and local delicacies in the market eateries open till mid-afternoon.
JPY1800, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Sapporo Art Park

Outdoor and indoor exhibitions showcasing contemporary art in nature, open 9:30am-5pm.
JPY500, 2h

5:00pm

Return to city center

Prepare for a peaceful evening in Sapporo downtown.
JPY0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Soup Curry King

Try a hearty bowl of the celebrated spicy soup curry in a relaxed atmosphere.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 9: Last Snow Festival Day

Sapporo, Japan on February 9, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on your final full festival day.
JPY0, 1h

9:00am

Final exploration of Odori Park and Susukino

Take your time to revisit favorite sculptures and enjoy last-minute festival shopping and photography.
JPY0, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ebisoba Ichigen

Try rich shrimp broth ramen, a local specialty popular among festival visitors.
JPY1000, 1h

2:30pm

Shopping at Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade

Spend the afternoon browsing souvenirs, snacks, and specialty shops along this covered shopping street.
JPY0, 2h

5:00pm

Rest at Hotel

Relax before your final dinner celebration.
JPY0, 2h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Sapporo Kani Honke

Indulge in premium crab dishes, a Hokkaido winter delicacy, to celebrate the end of your trip.
JPY4500, 2h
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Day 10: Departure

Sapporo, Japan on February 10, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast and pack up for departure.
JPY0, 1h

9:00am

Transfer to New Chitose Airport

Take the JR rapid train or airport limousine bus to New Chitose Airport for your flight home.
JPY1150, 1h30m
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