Sapporo is a great winter travel destination with children.
Asahiyama Zoo, famous for its cute penguin walks, the fairytale-like Otaru Canal, and even steaming Sapporo Ramen. This is a course where the whole family can create warm memories.
4 days and 3 nights family trip to Sapporo in the snow – from the zoo to ramen
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Sapporo city tour Sapporo Station area, Ramen Republic, Odori Park, TV Tower, Genghis Khan JR Rapid Airport 37 minutes from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station (1,150 yen). Convenient subway and bus access by purchasing an IC card (Kitaca).
Around Sapporo Station, Ramen Republic, Odori Park, TV Tower, Genghis Khan
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A walk around Sapporo Station. The starting point of sightseeing in Sapporo. View the city of Sapporo from the JR Tower Observation Deck (T38), and check out Hokkaido's specialties at Paseo and Apia, the underground shopping malls of the station. In winter, you can also see snow sculptures in the square in front of the station. Admission to the JR Tower Observation Deck is 740 yen. On a clear day, you can even see the Ishikari Plain. You can store your luggage in coin lockers (400-700 yen).
10:00 1시간The starting point of Sapporo sightseeing. View the city of Sapporo from the JR Tower Observation Deck (T38), and check out Hokkaido's specialties at Paseo and Apia, the underground shopping malls of the station. In winter, you can also see snow sculptures in the square in front of the station.
JR Tower Observation Deck entrance fee is 740 yen. On a clear day, you can even see the Ishikari Plain. You can store your luggage in coin lockers (400-700 yen).
2
Sapporo Ramen Republic Ramen theme park located on the 10th floor of the Esta Building at Sapporo Station. There are eight famous ramen stores from all over Hokkaido, so you can compare different styles in one place. Sapporo's signature miso ramen has a rich flavor that even children love. Miso ramen from 900 yen, shoyu ramen from 850 yen, mini ramen from 500 yen (for children). Lunch peak (12-13:00). Wait time at each store for 10 to 20 minutes. Shirakaba Sanso is popular.
12:00 RamenRamen theme park located on the 10th floor of the Esta Building at Sapporo Station. There are eight famous ramen stores from all over Hokkaido, so you can compare different styles in one place. Sapporo's signature miso ramen has a rich flavor that even children love.
3
Odori ParkA 1.5km green park that runs east to west through downtown Sapporo. In winter, a giant snow sculpture is displayed as the main venue of the Sapporo Snow Festival (February). There is a beer garden in the summer and Otam Festa in the fall, so there is plenty to see in all seasons. Non-slip shoes are required when visiting in the winter. Taste Hokkaido corn at a corn stall (open even in winter).
14:00 1시간A 1.5km green park that runs east to west through downtown Sapporo. In winter, a giant snow sculpture is displayed as the main venue of the Sapporo Snow Festival (February). There is a beer garden in the summer and Otam Festa in the fall, so there is plenty to see in all four seasons.
Non-slip shoes are required when visiting in winter. Taste Hokkaido corn at a corn stall (open even in winter).
4
Sapporo TV Tower A 147.2m high radio tower located at the eastern end of Odori Park. Enjoy a panoramic view of Odori Park and Sapporo city from the 90m high observatory. The night view is especially beautiful, and souvenirs featuring the TV tower character "TV Father" for children are also popular. Admission to the observatory is 1,000 yen (500 yen for children). If you visit at sunset, you can enjoy both the day and night views.
15:30 45분A 147.2m high radio tower located at the eastern end of Odori Park. Enjoy a panoramic view of Odori Park and Sapporo city from the 90m high observatory. The night view is especially beautiful, and souvenirs of the TV tower character "TV Father" for children are also popular.
Observation deck admission fee is 1,000 yen (children 500 yen). If you visit at sunset, you can enjoy both the day and night views.
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Daruma Genghis Khan, synonymous with Sapporo Genghis Khan, founded in 1954. It is a Hokkaido soul food made with lamb grilled on a convex iron plate. Even children can eat raw lamb (nama), which has a low odor, without any objection. The Susukino main store is the most famous. Raw radish set 1,290 yen, ramu roll 990 yen, vegetable set 390 yen. Wait for more than 30 minutes after 6pm. Susukino 4jo store is relatively quiet. Beware of the smell of smoke and Benny's coat.
18:00 Genghis Khan (Lamb BBQ)A name synonymous with Sapporo Genghis Khan, founded in 1954. It is a Hokkaido soul food made with lamb grilled on a convex iron plate. Even children can eat raw lamb (nama), which has a low odor, without any objection. The Susukino main store is the most famous.
Today's Key Tips
From New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station, 37 minutes by JR Rapid Airport (1,150 yen). Convenient subway and bus access by purchasing an IC card (Kitaca).
Day 2
Asahiyama Zoo All Day Asahikawa Penguin walking, polar bears, and red panda viewing at Asahikawa Asahikawa, about 1 hour and 25 minutes by JR limited express from Sapporo to Asahikawa (5,220 yen). Check the round-trip discount ticket (6,640 yen). The zoo operates on a shortened schedule in winter, from 10:30 to 15:30.
Walk with penguins and see polar bears and red pandas at Asahikawa Asahiyama Zoo
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Asahiyama ZooA legendary zoo that is the northernmost zoo in Japan and ranks first in number of visitors in the country. With the unique concept of “behavioral exhibition,” you can observe the natural behavior of animals up close. The winter-only “Penguin Walk” is a highlight that will make children cheer. The penguin walk is held at 11:00 and 14:30 (winter only, December to March). Be sure to reserve a seat 30 minutes in advance. Don't miss out on a visit to the Polar Bear Museum and Red Panda Forest.
10:30 4시간It is the northernmost zoo in Japan and a legendary zoo with the highest number of visitors in the country. With the unique concept of “behavioral exhibition,” you can observe the natural behavior of animals up close. The winter-exclusive “Penguin Walk” is a highlight that elicits cheers from children.
Penguin walk is at 11:00 and 14:30 (winter only, December to March). Be sure to reserve a seat 30 minutes in advance. Don't miss out on a visit to the Polar Bear Museum and Red Panda Forest.
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2
Soup Curry Karaku A famous restaurant with a unique curry culture originating from Sapporo, “Soup Curry.” Large vegetables and a whole chicken leg are added to the spicy broth blended with 25 spices. You can choose the spiciness level, so children can choose mild level, adults can choose spicy level. Chicken soup curry 1,200 yen, vegetable soup curry 1,100 yen, mild level for children. Dinner wait 20~40 minutes. Reservation is not possible. Susukino branch is convenient to access.
18:30 Soup curryA famous restaurant for “soup curry,” a unique curry culture originating in Sapporo. Large vegetables and a whole chicken leg are added to the spicy broth blended with 25 spices. You can choose the spiciness level, so children can choose mild and adults can choose spicy.
Today's Key Tips
JR Limited Express from Sapporo to Asahikawa, about 1 hour and 25 minutes (5,220 yen). Check the round-trip discount ticket (6,640 yen). The zoo operates on a shortened schedule in winter, from 10:30 to 15:30.
Day 3
Otaru day tripOtaru Canal, Music Box Hall, LeTAO cheesecake, sushi street. Approximately 32 minutes by JR rapid train from Sapporo to Otaru (750 yen). Unlimited city bus rides with the Otaru Free Pass (750 yen per day).
Otaru Canal, Music Box Hall, LeTAO Cheesecake, Sushi Street
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Otaru CanalA historical canal completed in 1923. The scenery lined with stone warehouses and gas lamps is like a scene from a fairy tale. In winter, snow piles up on the canal and the light of gas lamps reflects, creating a fantastic atmosphere. Canal boat cruises (summer) are also available. Walk along the canal promenade for about 20 minutes. The most beautiful time is at sunset when the gas lights are turned on. Asakusabashi Street is the main photo zone.
09:30 1시간A historical canal completed in 1923. The scenery lined with stone warehouses and gas lamps is like a scene from a fairy tale. In winter, snow piles up on the canal and the light of gas lamps reflects, creating a fantastic atmosphere. Canal boat cruises (summer) are also available.
Approximately 20 minutes walking along the canal promenade. The most beautiful time is at sunset when the gas lights are turned on. Asakusabashi Street is the main photo zone.
2
Otaru Music Box Hall is a beautiful building where over 3,400 types of music boxes (music boxes) are displayed and sold. The steam clock at the entrance sounds a melody along with steam every 15 minutes. The experience of making your own music box (from 1,500 yen) is a special memory for children. Admission is free. The music box making experience is available without reservation on the 2nd floor. Takes approximately 30 minutes.
10:30 45분A beautiful building where more than 3,400 types of music boxes are displayed and sold. The steam clock at the entrance sounds a melody along with steam every 15 minutes. The experience of making your own music box (starting at 1,500 yen) is a special memory for children.
Admission is free. The music box making experience is available without reservation on the 2nd floor. Takes approximately 30 minutes.
3
LeTAO Main Store A famous cheesecake restaurant originating in Otaru. The signature “Double Fromage” is a two-layer baked + rare cheesecake that melts in your mouth. There is also a limited menu that can only be tasted at the cafe on the 2nd floor of the main store, so it is worth waiting in line. Double fromage set 880 yen, chocolate parfait 1,100 yen. Wait 20 to 30 minutes at the 2nd floor cafe on weekends. There is no waiting for takeout on the 1st floor.
12:00 Dessert/CafeA famous cheesecake restaurant originating in Otaru. The signature “Double Fromage” is a two-layer baked + rare cheesecake that melts in your mouth. There is also a limited menu that can only be tasted at the cafe on the second floor of the main branch, so it is worth waiting in line to eat.
4
Otaru Sushi Street (Sushiya Dori)A famous sushi street famous for fresh seafood delivered directly from Otaru Port. There are about 20 sushi restaurants concentrated here. You can enjoy high-quality neta (sushi ingredients) at a reasonable price, enough to be called one of Japan's three major sushi cities. Special sushi set (10 pieces) 2,500 yen~, sea urchin gunkan 500 yen, salmon ikura 400 yen, Nikkai, and Masasushi are popular. 15-30 minutes wait for lunch. The conveyor belt sushi “Guru Gurusushi” is convenient for those traveling with children.
13:30 sushiA famous sushi street famous for fresh seafood delivered directly from Otaru Port. There are about 20 sushi restaurants concentrated here. You can enjoy high-quality neta (sushi ingredients) at a reasonable price, making it one of the three major sushi cities in Japan.
Today's Key Tips
From Sapporo to Otaru, about 32 minutes by JR Rapid Service (750 yen). Unlimited city bus rides with the Otaru Free Pass (750 yen per day).
Day 4
After Shiroi Koibito & shopping, return home to Roi Koibito Park, soup curry lunch, Tannukikoji shopping, and visit Shiroi Koibito Park at the airport in the morning. If you have an afternoon flight, arrive at the airport 2 hours early.
Shiroi Koibito Park, soup curry lunch, Tannukikoji shopping, airport
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Shiroi Koibito Park A theme park for Hokkaido's representative snack, "Shiroi Koibito (白い恋人)." There are plenty of things for children to enjoy, including a tour of the cookie manufacturing process, making your own cookies, and a chocolate fountain. The English-style gardens and buildings are also popular photo spots. Admission is 800 yen (children 400 yen). Cookie making experience 1,500 yen (advance reservation recommended). 7-minute walk from subway Miyanosawa Station.
09:30 2시간A theme park for Hokkaido's representative snack, "Shiroi Koibito (白い恋人)." There are plenty of things for children to enjoy, including a tour of the cookie manufacturing process, making your own cookies, and a chocolate fountain. British-style gardens and buildings are also popular photo spots.
Admission fee is 800 yen (children 400 yen). Cookie making experience 1,500 yen (advance reservation recommended). 7-minute walk from subway Miyanosawa Station.
2
Soup Curry SAMURAI Popular Sapporo soup curry chain. The visual of Hokkaido vegetables being put in a colander is overwhelming. 15 kinds of vegetables in one bowl, including chicken leg, potatoes, carrots, and broccoli. You can choose spiciness from 0 to 30. Chicken and vegetable soup curry 1,380 yen, ramu (lamb) soup curry 1,480 yen. Wait for lunch at the main store near Sapporo Station. 20 minutes. You can choose the amount of rice (a small amount is OK for children).
12:00 Soup curryPopular Sapporo soup curry chain. The visual of Hokkaido vegetables being put in a colander is overwhelming. 15 kinds of vegetables in one bowl, including chicken leg, potatoes, carrots, and broccoli. You can select spiciness levels from 0 to 30.
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Tannukikoji Shopping Street Sapporo's largest arcade shopping street. Approximately 200 stores are lined up over 1km, making shopping comfortable even when it rains or snows. One stop for drugstore (Matsumoto Kiyoshi), Don Quijote, clothing store, and souvenir shop. Between subway Odori Station and Susukino Station. Duty-free shopping at Don Quijote (passport required). Recommended gifts include Lloyd's Chocolate and Marusei Butter Sand.
14:00 1시간 30분Sapporo's largest arcade shopping district. Approximately 200 stores are lined up over 1km, making shopping comfortable even when it rains or snows. One-stop to drug store (Matsumoto Kiyoshi), Don Quijote, clothing store, and souvenir store.
Between subway Odori Station and Susukino Station. Duty-free shopping at Don Quijote (passport required). Recommended gifts include Lloyd's Chocolate and Marusei Butter Sand.
4
Transfer to New Chitose Airport: 37 minutes by JR Rapid Airport from Sapporo Station. There are many facilities in the airport that are good for spending time with children, such as "Doraemon Sky Park" and "Royd's Chocolate World", so you won't be bored even if you arrive early. You can also get the last ramen at the ramen street on the 3rd floor of the airport. Don’t miss out on Lloyd’s Raw Chocolate Airport Limited Edition.
16:0037 minutes by JR Rapid Airport from Sapporo Station. There are many facilities in the airport that are great for spending time with children, such as “Doraemon Sky Park” and “Royd’s Chocolate World”, so you won’t get bored even if you arrive early.
The last ramen is available at the ramen street on the 3rd floor of the airport. Don’t miss out on Lloyd’s Raw Chocolate Airport Limited Edition.
Today's Key Tips
Visit Shiroi Koibito Park in the morning. If you have an afternoon flight, arrive at the airport 2 hours early.