Detailed Itinerary for Hokkaido Winter Trip: Late January to Early February (2025)
Hokkaido, Sapporo
Image by lifeforstock on Freepik
Day 1: Departure from Singapore
Thursday, January 30th
11:00 PM: Departure from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to New Chitose Airport (CTS), Sapporo via Singapore Airlines SQ 660. Estimated flight duration is about 8 hours and 30 minutes.
Cost: Approx. $1,200 (SGD) for a round trip when booked 9-12 months in advance.
Tips: Book your flight at least 9 to 12 months in advance as prices will surge up to 2 times when book 3 to 6 months in advance
Day 2: Arrival in Sapporo and Transfer to Noboribetsu
Friday, January 31st
7:30 AM: Arrival at New Chitose Airport (CTS), Sapporo.
9:00 AM: Transfer to Noboribetsu (Approx. 1 hour 39 minutes drive, 110 km). You can also opt to take a reserved bus on Donan Bus which cost ¥1,800 per adult for one way. (https://www.donanbus.co.jp/)
10:45 AM: Check-in at Dai-ichi Takimotokan.
Cost: ¥84,800 for two nights.
11:30 AM: Visit Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe (Aquarium with marine life, underwater tunnels, penguin parades, and dolphin shows).
Estimated cost: ¥2,500 per person.
2:00 PM: Explore Jigokudani (Hell Valley) - Crater with boiling sulfuric hot springs and volcanic steam plumes.
4:00 PM: Relax at Dai-ichi Takimotokan's onsen (hot spring).
Tips: Be sure to try out their breakfast and dinner buffet experience at the hotel!
PHOTO: Dai-ichi Takimotokan
Day 3: Exploring Noboribetsu
Saturday, February 1st
9:00 AM: Visit Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village (Theme park devoted to Edo-period history).
Estimated cost: ¥2,900 per person.
1:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant.
2:30 PM: Explore Shikotsu-Toya National Park and Lake Shikotsu.
6:00 PM: Return to Dai-ichi Takimotokan and enjoy the evening at the onsen.
Check out Klook’s Tour from Sapporo here!
Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village
Image by topntp26 on FreepikDay 4: Transfer to Lake Toya
Sunday, February 2nd
9:00 AM: Check out from Dai-ichi Takimotokan.
10:00 AM: Transfer to Lake Toya (Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes drive, 110 km). You can also choose to take local train or bus.
11:30 AM: Check-in at The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort.
Cost: ¥96,140 for two nights. (We choose to go splurge as the view is perfect!)
1:00 PM: Visit Lake Toya for a boat tour and hot-spring baths.
3:00 PM: Explore Mount Usu (Active volcano offering pedestrian walkway to lookout point with vistas).
5:00 PM: Return to the resort for dinner and relaxation.
PHOTO: Japan Travel
Day 5: Lake Toya and Surroundings
Monday, February 3rd
9:00 AM: Visit Showa-shinzan (Prominent lava dome emitting volcanic smoke).
11:00 AM: Explore Ukimido Park.
1:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant.
3:00 PM: Return to The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort and enjoy the spa facilities.
5:00 PM: Relax at the resort and enjoy dinner.
Day 6: Transfer to Sapporo
Tuesday, February 4th
9:00 AM: Check out from The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort.
10:00 AM: Transfer to Sapporo (Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes drive, 120 km). There is a shuttle bus from Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort that costs ¥1,000 per adult for one way to Sapporo station.
Tips: Remember to contact the hotel and make reservation to the shuttle bus in advance!
11:30 AM: Check-in at Sapporo Grand Hotel.
Cost: ¥114,048 for four nights.
Tips: Make early reservation at least 6 months in advance to secure the rates at a lower price as this is the peak period!
1:00 PM: Visit Sapporo TV Tower for panoramic views of the city.
3:00 PM: Explore Odori Park, where the Sapporo Snow Festival takes place.
Tips: Sapporo Snow Festival 2025 will take place from 4th Feb (Tuesday) to 11th Feb (Tuesday) 2025.
Website for more information: https://www.snowfes.com/en/
6:00 PM: Return to the hotel for dinner and relaxation.
Day 7: Sapporo Snow Festival
Sapporo Snow Festival
Photo: Japan-GuideWednesday, February 5th
9:00 AM: Spend the day at the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Activities: Viewing ice sculptures, snow slides, and enjoying food stalls.
Estimated cost: Free entry, but budget for food and souvenirs.
6:00 PM: Return to the hotel.
Day 8: Exploring Sapporo
Thursday, February 6th
9:00 AM: Visit Asahiyama Zoo (Contemporary zoo with reptiles, marine mammals, and daily penguin parades).
Estimated cost: ¥1,000 per person.
Tips: Opt to go for a day trip tour via Klook here. The tour usually comprise of trips to Asahiyama Zoo, Biei Blue Pond and Furano.
1:00 PM: Lunch in Asahikawa and explore the city.
3:00 PM: Return to Sapporo and visit Mount Moiwa Observation Deck.
Estimated cost: ¥1,700 per person (round trip ropeway).
6:00 PM: Return to the hotel.
Photo: Pop Japan
Day 9: Free Day in Sapporo
Friday, February 7th
9:00 AM: Free day to explore Sapporo at your own pace.
Optional Activities: Shopping, visiting local markets, or exploring historical sites.
6:00 PM: Return to the hotel.
Tips: Check out Klook’s Tour to Otaru here!
Day 10: Departure from Sapporo
Saturday, February 8th
9:00 AM: Check out from Sapporo Grand Hotel.
10:00 AM: Transfer to New Chitose Airport (CTS).
1:30 PM: Departure from New Chitose Airport (CTS) to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) via ANA NH 64.
3:10 PM: Arrival at Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND).
4:40 PM: Departure from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) via Singapore Airlines SQ 633.
11:20 PM: Arrival at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).
Estimated Costs
Flights: $1,200 per person (Singapore to Sapporo round trip).
Accommodation:
Dai-ichi Takimotokan: ¥84,800
The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort: ¥96,140
Sapporo Grand Hotel: ¥114,048
Activities and Transportation:
Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe: ¥2,500 per person
Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village: ¥2,900 per person
Asahiyama Zoo: ¥1,000 per person
Mount Moiwa Observation Deck: ¥1,700 per person
Total Estimated Cost:
Flights: $1,200 x 2 = $2,400
Accommodation: ¥84,800 + ¥96,140 + ¥114,048 = ¥294,988 (Approx. $2,700)
Activities: ¥2,500 + ¥2,900 + ¥1,000 + ¥1,700 = ¥8,100 (Approx. $75)
Food: ¥10,000 x 8 = ¥80,000 (Approx. $682)
Total: $2,400 + $2,700 + $75 + $682 = $5,857 (for 2 pax) / $2,928 per pax
Check out the various Hokkaido JR Pass here!
JR Hokkaido Rail Pass- Click here
JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass- Click here
JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass- Click here
JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Furano Rail Pass- Click here
This detailed itinerary ensures a memorable winter trip to Hokkaido, highlighting the famous Sapporo Snow Festival and other attractions while providing estimated costs for better planning. For more tips on Hokkaido Trip, visit our other articles here!
