Detailed Itinerary for Hokkaido Winter Trip: Late January to Early February (2025)
Hokkaido, Sapporo
Image by lifeforstock on FreepikDay 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.
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. Stay tuned for more information on Winter Tour to Asahiyama. 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.
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
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.
