2025/11/18

For many guests, the ideal Hokkaido itinerary is simple: base yourself in Sapporo and add a special day trip to Otaru. From the perspective of our Susukino staff, we see this pattern every winter. Guests leave their hotel in the morning, spend the day at the Otaru Canal, and return to Sapporo in the evening to relax and warm up in their rooms. This staff blog introduces an easy-to-follow Otaru day trip plan from Sapporo, with English support, especially recommended for those staying near Susukino, Odori, or Sapporo Station. Access to Otaru from Sapporo Otaru is one of the most convenient day trips from Sapporo. From Sapporo Station, frequent JR trains run along the coast, and you can reach Otaru in approximately 30-45 minutes on express or local trains. Many visitors staying in the Susukino or Odori areas walk or take the subway to Sapporo Station, then transfer to a train and arrive in Otaru before noon. The trip is short and easy, so there’s no need to change hotels. You can use Sapporo as your base for sightseeing in Otaru and return to your Susukino hotel that evening. Recommended Activities in Otaru (Especially in Winter) The most famous tourist attraction is the Otaru Canal. This picturesque waterway is lined with historic brick and stone warehouses. In winter, snow piles up on the roofs and sidewalks, creating one of Japan’s most iconic canal views. Many of the warehouses have been converted into cafes, restaurants, and shops, so you can take photos, warm yourself with a hot drink, and enjoy the atmosphere. From the canal, it’s an easy walk to Sakaimachi Street, Otaru’s main shopping street. Here, you can enjoy the following activities: Glass Studios and Workshops Music box shops, including the famous Otaru Music Box Museum Dessert cafes and small bakeries If you’re visiting in early February, don’t miss the Otaru Snow Light Path. Snow candles and lanterns decorate the canal and old railroad tracks, transforming Otaru into a soft, romantic nightscape. For many couples, this is the highlight of their winter trip to Otaru. Sample Itinerary: Otaru by Day, Susukino by Night At THC Sapporo, we recommend creating a simple itinerary based on the season. Morning: Depart from your hotel in Susukino, Odori, or Sapporo Station and take the train to Otaru. Afternoon: Stroll along the Otaru Canal and down Sakaimachi Street. Enjoy glass shops, music boxes, and sushi and seafood. Evening (Winter) – If you time it right, you can enjoy the Otaru Snow Light Path and the canal illuminated at night while you stay. Evening – Return to Sapporo by train and return to your Susukino hotel. Leave your shopping in your room, grab some ramen or soup curry nearby, and escape the cold for a relaxing evening. This plan is light and stress-free, as your luggage will be stored in Sapporo. Enjoy the quiet, historic side of Otaru during the day, and return to Sapporo’s cityscape in Susukino at night. Why Stay in the Susukino Area For guests looking to enjoy sightseeing in Otaru, Sapporo’s nightlife, and stay comfortable late into the night, the benefits of staying in the Susukino area are clear. Easy access to Sapporo Station means you can catch the morning train to Otaru. After returning home, there are many restaurants and bars within walking distance. It’s convenient for returning home late on cold winter nights. Our staff is based in Susukino, where they watch the flow every winter. Enjoy the Otaru Canal and snow lights in the afternoon, then return to Sapporo for a warm, relaxing evening. If you’re planning your first day trip from Sapporo to Otaru, choosing a hotel in the Susukino-Odori-Sapporo Station triangle is one of the easiest ways to make your entire trip smoother and more comfortable. It is also possible to make an outcall from Otaru!We will come to your hotel promptly.It may take some time depending on snow and road conditions.Please contact our staff for more details.

2025/11/17

Recommended Ski Resorts in the Sapporo & Hokkaido Ski Resort GuideIf you’re planning a winter trip to Hokkaido and looking for a place to ski near Sapporo, you’ll have more options than you’d expect. Within a one- to two-hour radius of the city, you’ll find several ski resorts renowned for Japan’s powder snow. They range from compact local slopes to large, international ski resorts. This staff blog has created a simple, English-language Sapporo Ski Resort Guide for travelers who want to enjoy the slopes during the day while staying in the city (Susukino, Odori, Sapporo Station). Sapporo Teine – Olympic History and Easy AccessSapporo Teine is one of the closest full-scale ski resorts to central Sapporo, located about a 40-minute drive from the city center. Kamori Kanko Co., Ltd. +1Located on Mount Teine, it was used as a venue for the 1972 Winter Olympics. Teine currently offers the following services: 15 courses for beginners to advanced skiers A well-balanced combination of wide, groomed slopes and steep runs On clear days, you can enjoy stunning city views For many travelers, the answer to the question, “Where can I ski near Sapporo?” is Teine Ski Resort. You can leave in the morning, ski all day, and return to Susukino or Odori by dinnertime. Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort – Powder Snow Close to the CitySapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, located about 60 minutes by bus or car from central Sapporo, is known for its deep, consistent powder snow and long season, which runs from November to May. Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort +1Despite its relative proximity to the city, Kokusai Ski Resort boasts abundant snowfall and long runs for intermediate and advanced skiers. For travelers looking to experience Japan’s “JAPOW” without traveling far to a resort hotel, a day trip to Kokusai Ski Resort from Sapporo is a very practical option. 3.Kiroro – Powder Snow, About an Hour from SapporoKiroro Ski Resort is another popular option. It’s about a 60-minute drive from Sapporo (approximately 55-60km depending on the route).Kiroro Features: Frequent fresh snowfall and excellent powder snow. State-of-the-art lifts and gondolas Compared to more well-known resorts, the season is longer and the slopes are relatively uncrowded. Search “Kiroro Ski Resort from Sapporo” or “Kiroro day trip from Sapporo” to find options such as shuttle buses, transfer services, and rental cars. It’s easy to combine city nightlife with deep mountain snow. Rusutsu Resort – 90-120 minutes to the big mountainsThough a little farther away, Rusutsu Resort is a practical option for day trips and overnight stays. The drive from Sapporo is about 90 minutes, or 1.5-2 hours by bus, depending on the route and conditions. Rusutsu ResortRusutsu is one of Hokkaido’s largest ski resorts, offering the following unique features: It connects three mountains: the West Ski Resort, the East Ski Resort, and Mount Isola. Long tree runs and groomed snow courses On-site hotels, restaurants, and winter activities are available. For many skiers, Rusutsu offers a good balance of convenience and scale. Its appeal lies in its larger size than Sapporo’s city resorts and its proximity to Niseko. Niseko United – An International Powder Snow ResortIf you have time, consider visiting Niseko United, arguably Japan’s most famous ski resort. Niseko consists of four resorts on the slopes of Mount Annupuri: Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri. Niseko is known worldwide for: Approximately 15 meters of light, dry snow each season Long winters from late November to April English-speaking services, ski schools, and restaurants It typically takes 2-3 hours to get from Sapporo to Niseko by direct bus, private car, or train and bus combination. Many tourists split their trips between Niseko for its ski-in/ski-out convenience and Sapporo for its dining, events, and shopping. English-speaking services, ski schools, and restaurants It typically takes 2-3 hours to get from Sapporo to Niseko by direct bus, private car, or train and bus combination. Many tourists split their trip between a few nights in Niseko for the convenience of ski-in/ski-out and a few nights in Sapporo for dining, events, and shopping. The best decision is to stay at a hotel in Sapporo city and take one or two day ski trips, or stay in Niseko or Rusutsu and spend one final day in Susukino, and then book THC Sapporo. If you’re planning your first ski trip to Sapporo, first decide on a base area in the city, and then choose one or two resorts that fit your schedule. Once you’ve made your reservations, don’t forget to contact THC Sapporo to confirm your reservation. With the right combination, you can create a Hokkaido trip that combines the world’s best powder snow with city convenience.