Sapporo is a winter couple’s travel dream.
Walk together along the snow-covered Otaru Canal and look down on the city lights while holding hands at Mt. Moiwa, one of Japan’s three greatest night views. Tasting at Nikka Whiskey Distillery and Jozankei open-air hot springs. A warm winter story just for the two of us begins.
Arrival at Sapporo Station, soup curry lunch, Nikka Whiskey Yoichi Distillery, sushi dinner, Susukino night view
A famous soup curry restaurant near Sapporo Station. The signature ebi (shrimp) soup curry is a combination of large shrimp and Hokkaido vegetables. The clean interior and comfortable seating for couples make it perfect for the first meal upon arrival.
A historic distillery founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whiskey. Couples can take a tour together while smelling the scent of single malt whiskey aged in Yoichi's climate, which is similar to Scotland. Free tastings include limited edition whiskey tastings.
The top conveyor belt sushi in Hokkaido, the size and freshness of neta (sushi ingredients) are on a whole new level compared to the mainland. The winter-only botan ebi (sweet shrimp), salmon ikura, and crab sushi are especially popular. Even though two people can eat to their fill, the reasonable price is attractive for couples.
Sapporo's largest entertainment district and a famous neon night view. In winter, snow and neon combine to create a fantastic atmosphere. The Nikka Whiskey sign is a symbolic photo spot in Sapporo. A night walk with a cup of warm cocoa is romantic.
Yoichi Distillery is about 1 hour from Sapporo by JR. You cannot drive after tasting at the distillery, so be sure to take the train.
Otaru Canal, glass workshop, LeTAO, wine shop, canal night view, sushi
A famous glass crafts company founded in 1901. In Building No. 3, 167 oil lamps decorate the ceiling, creating a fantastic cave-like atmosphere. If a couple participates in a glass making experience together (starting at 3,000 yen), they will receive a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
LeTAO's premium cafe line. You can enjoy seasonal parfaits and double fromage in a more spacious space than the main store. Enjoy a sweet time overlooking Otaru Street from the window seat on the second floor.
A winery shop where you can taste wine made from Hokkaido grapes. The fruity white wine of the Niagara variety is famous. A leisurely time for couples to choose and taste wine together. The wine gift set is also beautifully packaged.
After sunset, when the 63 gas lamps light up, Otaru Canal becomes a completely different world. One of the most romantic night views in Japan, with the warm lighting of the stone warehouse, the lights reflecting off the canal, and even snowflakes in winter. During the “Otaru Snow Road” festival in February, thousands of candles are lit up on both sides of the canal.
A famous Otaru sushi restaurant, counter sushi with 50 years of tradition. Omakase style, where a craftsman prepares sushi right in front of you, is the best for a couples dinner. Limited to winter, Shimaebi (striped shrimp), Botan-ebi, and Hokkaido sea urchin are special.
The highlight of Otaru is the canal night view after sunset, so we recommend leaving in the afternoon and staying until evening. JR Rapid Service Sapporo → Otaru 32 minutes.
Moiwa Observatory, French lunch, Jozankei Onsen half day, airport
The best view point in Sapporo, selected as one of Japan's top three night views. When you transfer to the ropeway and mini cable car and climb to the top (531m), you will see a 180-degree panorama of Sapporo cityscape. There is a legend that good luck will come to couples if they ring the observatory's "Bell of Happiness" together.
One of the best French restaurants in Sapporo. An authentic French course using only Hokkaido ingredients is perfect for a couple's lunch on a special day. This Michelin Guide Hokkaido-starred restaurant is impressive with its neat plating and elegant atmosphere.
A mountain hot spring village one hour away by bus from downtown Sapporo. It is a hot spring area with 150 years of history, and in winter, the combination of snow-covered valleys and open-air baths is fantastic. You can enjoy some alone time by using the private open-air bath (Kashikiriburo) exclusively for couples.
1 hour by bus from Jozankei to Sapporo Station → 37 minutes by JR Rapid Airport. Or return to Sapporo city and go directly to the airport. If you have time, you can also enjoy a final healing at the hot spring "Manyo no Yu (万葉の湯)" within the airport.
Moiwa Mountain is great during the day, but the night view is overwhelming. However, since it is the last day, it is recommended to visit Jozankei after visiting in the morning. There is a direct bus from Jozankei to the airport.