Sapporo & Otaru: Winter Classic Model Course, 3-Nights, 4-Day Entry and departure from New Chitose Airport Arrive at and depart from New Chitose Airport

Take the train from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station. Enjoy a stroll through the streets around Odori Park, which divides Sapporo’s city center into north and south. First, head to the Former Hokkaido Government Office clad in massive red bricks.

A red carpet is spread out in the entrance hall, a trace of the deep influence from the Meiji Era. Next, head to the Sapporo Clock Tower, a symbol of Sapporo that continues ringing to this day, 140 years after it was first built.

At the edge of Odori Park stands the Sapporo TV Tower. The observation deck 90 meters above ground lets you view all of Sapporo, of course, but on a day with good weather, even as far as the Sea of Japan and the Ishikari Plains. For dinner, make a toast at the Sapporo Beer Garden with draft beer delivered directly from the brewery and with Genghis Khan too! When your belly is full, warm up your weary body with a relaxing bath at Sapporo’s popular Jozankei Hot Spring.

After having a tasty breakfast at Jozankei Hot Spring’s lodging, get ready for another day enjoying the streets of Sapporo. To the north of Sapporo Station is Hokkaido University, a retro school building amid ginkgo trees—a spot rich with charm. After walking through the grounds dotted with historical buildings, enjoy a lunch of Sapporo’s specialty: soup curry.

On the outskirts of Hokkaido University are numerous popular restaurants serving soup curry, so you are sure to find one you like. After the meal, visit Hokkaido Shrine, located in the lush forest, to pray for a safe trip. Walk a bit further to reach the popular Maruyama Zoo, where you can observe animals from various angles. The sight of polar bears swimming through underwater tunnels is indeed breathtaking. After being soothed by the cute animals, take the bus from Maruyama Zoo to the Mount Moiwa Ropeway Sanroku Station.

From there, take the ropeway and cable car up to the Mount Moiwa summit observation deck. You’ll be left in a daze by the stunning view, considered one of Japan’s top three nightscapes. After the nightscape sends shivers throughout your body, head to the Sapporo Ramen Republic, which houses a collection of popular ramen restaurants. Each shop offers its own individual variation of exquisite ramen dishes. Enjoy the meal and the night in Hokkaido.

Once you’re done with breakfast at your hotel, take the train from Sapporo Station to Otaru. Today you will enjoy a retro-modern tour of Otaru, the port city rich with history. First, ride the Otaru Canal Cruise and enjoy the satisfying scenery of stone warehouses and gas lanterns lining the riverside from aboard the ship.

After getting off the ship, head to the No. 3 Kitaichi Glass Co., where numerous glass handicrafts are on display and for sale. The adjoining cafe, Kitaichi Hall, will leave you immersed in the magical atmosphere created by kerosene lamp lighting.

The next place to head to is Mother Nature’s favorite, Otaru Aquarium. Several hundred of the fish and aquatic species living in Hokkaido reside here, in a state close to nature. Shows of various kinds are held, and the cute penguins walking through the snow are a must-see!

Once the sun starts setting, head back to the Otaru Canal. The canal, lit by 10,000 bright LEDs, offers a romantic scene different from daytime. After taking pictures of the photogenic scenery, check in to one of the hotels inside Otaru. Enjoy a relaxing sleep.

Finally, the last day of your trip. After returning to Sapporo from Otaru, head towards the Shiroi Koibito Park. Here, you can enjoy various chocolatey experiences, from a tour of the production facilities that make Sapporo’s famous Shiroi Koibito confectionary, to getting a chance to make your own original Shiroi Koibito, to seeing a projection mapping teaching you about the four great chocolate revolutions.

The shop, lined with special exclusive goods and Shiroi Koibito products, will leave you in a daze as you pick souvenir gifts! The winter exclusive illumination is also popular, enchanting visitors with the fantastic lights in the courtyard.

After enjoying plenty of time in this dreamy theme park, head back by train from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport. Keep the numerous scenes of Hokkaido’s winter in your heart as you make your way back home.