Hokkaido Winter Festival 2026 | 9 Days | Sapporo Snow Festival

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Hokkaido Winter Festival

9 days 8 nights
from
RESERVE ONLINE RESERVE
2026
Sapporo Snow Festival
Sapporo, Otaru, Asahikawa, Sounkyo, Abashiri, Shiretoko, Kawayu, Kushiro, Tokachigawa

The Festival of Winter is here

In Sapporo's winter, the ice comes alive,
Larger than life, where our adventures thrive.
Snowshoe trails and ships through ice,
Cranes in dance, a graceful slice.
We taste, we soak, in warmth we find,
Memories shared, in the cold, we're entwined.

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Highlights

A once-in-a-lifetime trip designed to share and celebrate the beauty of winter in Hokkaido with you. Watch the city of Sapporo transform into a winter wonderland at the Sapporo Snow Festival. Admire snow and ice sculptures lining Odori Park. Be amazed at the Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival.

  • Sapporo | Join one of the world's most famous winter festivals.
    • See the city transform into a winter wonderland during the annual Snow Festival.
    • A variety of amazing ice sculptures are on display. Larger than life and lit with colorful lights, sculptures here are tremendously impressive.
  • Asahikawa | Meet adorable penguins, polar bears, and other animals at the Asahiyama Zoo.
  • Sounkyo | Visit the Ice Waterfall Festival.
    • This festival takes place at the foot of Sounkyo Onsen.
    • Ice Waterfall Festival features buildings and structures made with snow and ice. Visitors enter and enjoy the delicate sculptures.  
  • Abashiri | Journey to the remote depths of Japan's far north.
    • Feel the chill in a -15c° room at the Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum and learn about local drift ice.
    • Icebreaker Cruise: Board an icebreaker ship to see and hear a vast expanse of drift ice crumble right before your eyes. Be in awe of the fantastic drift ice view and learn how icebreakers break through with their weight.
    • Abashiri Prison Museum: Japan's most famous prison. Dating back from the Meiji era, learn about daily life in the only prison museum in the country.
  • Shiretoko Peninsula | Travel to one of Japan's most remote and breathtaking national parks.
    • Join an optional Ice Walk on the drift ice. Put on a wetsuit for a once-in-a-lifetime intimate experience. Not only can you savor the wonderful view by walking on the ice, you can also jump into it to feel the chill!
    • Stroll and admire the natural lakeside beauty of the Shiretoko Five Lakes. 
    • Get up close to pristine nature with a short snowshoe hike in Furepe.
  • Kushiro | Enjoy fresh seafood and encounter red-crowned crane.
    • Washo Market: Enjoy a variety of local seafood from Kushiro and create your own Katte Don (DIY Seafood bowl)
    • Red-crowned Crane: Watch Japan's iconic bird dance elegantly on Kushiro Marsh, the only place in the world where they reside year round.

 

Special Hotel Arrangements Included

Enjoy six nights of hot spring hotels, each with unique spring qualities and stunning views, creating unforgettable memories. Immerse yourself in the warm, silky waters from the icy world outside. 

  • Hotel Taisetsu Sounkyo Onsen: Located next to the Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival, where you can enjoy the colorful lights of the festival directly from the hotel.
  • Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort: Stay in specially-upgraded "Okhotsk Club" sea-facing rooms, where you can witness the drift ice on the sea as soon as you open your eyes.
  • Lake Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga: Enjoy a refined stay in the lakeside annex - Lakeview Japanese-Western Suite, where fireworks over Lake Akan can be admired right from your room. Unwind in the exclusive lounge, Nanakamado, where light snacks and stunning lake views create the perfect moment of quiet elegance.
  • Tokachikawa Onsen Daiichi Hotel: Experience the vast beauty of the Tokachi Plain and enjoy Japan's only plant-based hot spring, known as the "Beauty Bath" for its renowned moisturizing effects.

 

Itinerary

Open All Days
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Arrive in New Chitose Airport (CTS) 2
32 mi
, 1 hr

Sapporo
Sapporo Odori Park Snow Festival
Sapporo Odori Park Snow Festival
Street Food Stands Dinner at Snow Festival
Street Food Stands Dinner at Snow Festival
Welcome to ! For guests within our pickup timeframe, a Supera representative will greet you at the arrival airport. Have a wonderful journey with us!
Sapporo:
  • Sapporo Snow Festival:
    Join the most popular festival in Sapporo and feel the energy of this fascinating snow world. Choose your dinner by preference from a variety of food stands here.
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Sapporo Grand Hotel
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
Sapporo 2
24 mi
, 1 hr
30 mins

Otaru 2
24 mi
, 1 hr
30 mins

Sapporo
Odori Park Site
Odori Park Site
Otaru Canal
Otaru Canal
Sapporo:
  • Odori Park Site:

    See the city transform into a winter wonderland during the annual Snow Festival.

Otaru:
  • Otaru Canal:

    Walk along nostalgic historical buildings lining the charming canal, symbol of Otaru.

  • Sakaimachi:

    Explore Otaru's local specialties. Visit one of the largest museum shops at the Music Box Museum and the famous glass blowing factory, Kitaichi Garasukan.

Sapporo:
  • Susukino District:

    In winter, Susukino glows with neon light dancing on snowy streets. Ice sculptures shimmer in the chill, perfect for pausing, posing, and capturing a moment of magic at the Snow Festival.

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Sapporo Grand Hotel
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
Sapporo 2
84 mi
, 2 hrs

Asahikawa 2
74 mi
, 2 hrs

Sounkyo
Asahiyama Zoo Penguin Parade
Asahiyama Zoo Penguin Parade
Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival
Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival
Asahikawa:
  • Asahiyama Zoo:

    Enjoy a close-up view of adorable penguins and polar bears at Japan's northernmost zoo.

Sounkyo:
  • Ice Fall Festival:

    Wander through frozen icefalls and caves at Sounkyo Gorge. See the festival lit up by colorful lights at night.

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Hotel Taisetsu
Sounkyo 2
104 mi
, 3 hrs

Abashiri
Meet the Sea Angel at Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum
Meet the Sea Angel at Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum
Abashiri Icebreaker Cruise
Abashiri Icebreaker Cruise
Abashiri:
  • Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum:

    Touch drift ice in a 5F° simulated room. Also learn about the science behind drift ice and fascinating sea creatures such as Clione, known as the sea angel.

  • Abashiri Icebreaker Cruise:

    Feel the cruiser beak through drift ice on the Sea of Okhotsk. (Weather may affect departure availability; itinerary subject to change. Refund will be provided if we are unable to sail).

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Hokuten No Oka Lake Abashiri Tsuruga Resort
Abashiri 2
52 mi
, 1 hr
30 mins

Shiretoko
Abashiri Prison
Abashiri Prison
Shiretoko Drift Ice Walking
Shiretoko Drift Ice Walking
Abashiri:
  • Abashiri Prison Museum:

    Walk through the prison gates of "Japan's Alcatraz." This Meiji-era prison is Japan's most famous. Today, the prison is a museum, and a great place for us to learn about the daily lives of its exiled residents.

Shiretoko:
  • Shiretoko World Heritage Conservation Center:

    Tour the center with a professional conservationist guide to learn about the unique nature of Shiretoko.

  • Shiretoko Drift Ice Walk:

    Change into a wetsuit and have a once-in-a-lifetime intimate experience on drift ice.

    • 65USD/person (Height: between 4ft 3in-6ft 3in., Weight: less than 242.5lb., Age: under 75)
    • Total activity time including changing and traveling: 90-120mins; actual experience time: 40-50mins depending on weather conditions. 
     
    ( Difficulty )
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Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort
Shiretoko 2
79 mi
, 2 hrs

Teshikage 2
36 mi
, 1 hr
30 mins

Lake Akan
Shiretoko Active Snowshoeing Walk Trip
Shiretoko Active Snowshoeing Walk Trip
Swans Bath in Hot Springs in Lake Kussharo
Swans Bath in Hot Springs in Lake Kussharo
Shiretoko:
  • Snow Shoes Hiking:

    Today's new experience! Hike the serene winter forest with snowshoes while searching for animal tracks (Distance: 1.5 mi. Total activity time: 2-3 hours)

Teshikage:
  • Lake Mashu Observatory:

    Visit the observation deck at Lake Mashu and see one of the clearest lakes in the world.

  • Lake Kussharo:

    Bird watching: See nature's captivating performance of Whooper Swans dancing and singing.

  • Mt. Io:

    An active volcano whose name means "nude mountain" in the Ainu language. Observe yellow sulfur crystals and dynamic volcanic fumes up close.

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Akan Yuku No Sato Tsuruga
Lake Akan
Activities on Lake Akan
Activities on Lake Akan
Snowmobile Guide
Snowmobile Guide
Lake Akan:
  • Akan International Crane:

    Encounter Japan's national bird and watch the red-crowned crane dance elegantly between prairie wetlands (Weather and other factors may affect the number of cranes that can be seen).
    Depending on weather conditions, we will visit the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary or visit the Akan International Crane Center to learn more about conservation and research efforts of these national treasures.

  • Outdoor activities on frozen Lake Akan:

    Choose from ice fishing, snowmobiling, or banana boating.

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Akan Yuku No Sato Tsuruga
Lake Akan 2
45 mi
, 1 hr
30 mins

Kushiro 2
70 mi
, 1 hr
45 mins

Tokachigawa Onsen
Washo Ichiba Market
Washo Ichiba Market
Build your own seafood bowl
Build your own seafood bowl
Kushiro:
  • Washo Market:

    Taste delicious Kushiro delicacies. Hand pick and savor your own bowl of seafood delights.

Tokachigawa Onsen:

The only place to try Moor hot springs, also known as "hot springs for beauty." Moor hot springs contain rich organic plant-derived matter, which are said to have excellent skin moisturizing and smoothing effects.

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Tokachikawa Daiichi Hotel

2
104 mi
, 3 hrs

New Chitose Airport (CTS)
A great journey always feels short, let’s look forward to seeing each other again!
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Related Tours

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  • Deposit:A deposit of per person is due within 5 days of reservation confirmation to secure your space on tour.
  • Balance:Due days before tour departure.
  • Flights:We are happy to arrange air tickets with the best balance between price and flight quality. If you are purchasing your own flights, please book flights scheduled to arrive/depart within the times listed below. If you are arriving/departing on the same day as our tour but outside timeframes, we may still be able to arrange service - please contact us for transfer options. Please be aware missed portions of the itinerary will not be refunded. Prior to issuing tickets, please reconfirm with us to avoid unexpected expenses.
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Stays of a Lifetime

Don't be too tired to remember your trip!
A hotel is not merely a place to rest your head. We hand-pick each one to give you comfort, great views, unique experiences, and above all, memorability. We carefully consider locations to let your mind, body, and spirit wander freely while feeling at home.


Sapporo Grand Hotel

Centrally-located in Sapporo city, within walking distance from great shopping areas and restaurants.

Standard Large Room in East Building    
40 m² (431 ft²)
120 x 205 cm * 2 Bed    
200 x 205 cm * 1 Bed
Arranged with Standard Large Room + Rollaway Bed (100 x 188 cm)

JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo

Directly connected to Sapporo Station and Daimaru Department Store, JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo has one of the top-rated locations in Sapporo. 40-minute train ride from New Chitose Airport, 10-minute walk to Odori Park, and within walking distance to some other historic sites such as the Clock Tower and Former Hokkaido Government Office Building in Sapporo.

Moderate Room    
30 m² (323 ft²)
120 x 203 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Corner Twin Room 40m² (431 ft²) + Rollaway Bed (100 x 200 cm)

Hotel Taisetsu

Relax in the outdoor hot springs surrounded by the snowy mountains of Sounkyo. This hotel offers majestic panoramic views of the mountain range and beautiful gorge.

30 m² (323 ft²)
167 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Special Room Yukihotaru Twin + Extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)

Hokuten No Oka Lake Abashiri Tsuruga Resort

At this resort, taste fresh seasonal delicacies of Okhotsk and experience the natural healing properties of the unique hot springs.

35 m² (377 ft²)
120 x 203 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Japanese Western Style Room + Extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)

Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort

Enjoy a panoramic view of the Okhotsk coast from the top floor observation deck. This hotel is located near the Utoro port, an area with abundant natural resources. Guests can taste many fresh local specialties. 

Okhotsk Club Japanese Modern Twin Room    
50 m² (538 ft²)
120 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Okhotsk Club Japanese Modern Twin Room+Rollaway Bed (95x200cm)

Akan Yuku No Sato Tsuruga

This stylish Ryokan resort offers world-class service and beautiful hot spring baths.  We specially reserve the hotel's top lake-view rooms for our guests and include access to the exclusive VIP lounge for a comfortable stay you won't forget.

45 m² (484 ft²)
97 x 190 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Lake view Japanese- Western Room+ Extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)

Tokachikawa Daiichi Hotel

This hotel is the only hotel in Japan that offers rare moor hot springs (hot springs containing bio-organic algae). Moor hot springs are considered one of Hokkaido's heritages.

Hoshu-tei Deluxe Room    
40 m² (431 ft²)
100 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Hoshu-tei Deluxe Room+Sofa Bed (100 x 200cm)
Jerly L.
(02/19/2024) Jerly L.

Hokkaido Winter Festival was my second trip to Japan with Supera. Our trip last year to Niigata/Sado Island Japan was so amazing that we decided to join this trip and it did not disappoint us. Blessed with good weather , well organized itinerary made it perfect and food and lodging are the best ever.

A big thank you to Supera for making our vacation a memorable one. I highly recommend Supera to everyone if you want a relaxing, stress free and fun vacation. I can't wait to plan another trip with you

Edward L.
(01/21/2024) Edward L.

We have been with Supera and its sister company Signet Tours for three trips now with the last one at Kansai: Heart of Culture tour at the end of 2023. The tour is nothing but excellent. From their front office planning everything out considering we have an extra stay at Tokyo to the tour guide (Junko)'s excellent knowledge and personality and the food. Oh my god the food... my wife jokely said that we are either eating or on our way to eat. I LOVE the pace of the tour, the rich and vibrant culture, and the fun activities we experienced. Supera Tours and Signet is no doubt our one and only tour company we are ever going to go with. I would love to experience more of Japan with Junko. Thank you for the memories!

Greg K.
(02/19/2023) Greg K.

Just finished a great tour to the winter festival in Hokkaido. A lifetime of great memories for our family. Colin is a super guide. Fun , energetic, knowledgeable, good communicator and always looking after our wellbeing. This tour exceeded my expectations. Accommodations were first class, the meals excellent and the schedule was well planned with great diversity. We also had fun active outings such as snowshoeing and snowmobiles. It was also educational learning the history of Hokkaido and visiting the crane reserve. We will surely be repeat customers with Supera. Thank you Supera Tours for paying attention to details and your great support staff, Sachi et. al.

Judy F.
(03/06/2018) Judy F.

AWESOME FUN!!!  We just returned from the 2018 Sapporo Winter Festival and all the many activities around Hokkaido Island.  It was the most fun trip we've ever taken!  The weather was around zero-degrees Fahrenheit and sometimes it snowed heavily.  But if you layer up in  snow gear, you won't be cold.  Thanks to our wonderful guide, Junko, for a truly great trip !!!

William C.
(08/24/2017) William C.

I have been on their tours to Hokkaido Snow festival, as well as a custom-designed group tour to Szechuan and Yunnan recently. Their itenaries are well thought out, expertly balancing times, travel, sumptuous meals and great lodging. Tour guides are experienced and accommodating to travelers' needs. I highly recommend them and hope to attend their tour again.

Linda T.
(02/17/2020) Linda T.

I had no idea of the things that could be done in Hokkaido in winter, so thanks to Supera Tours for an excellent itinerary. There were many firsts for me on this trip, and thank you to our guide Colin for the fun time, along with our driver Kiyoshi for our safe journey through winter conditions.