Snowshoeing and Onsen in Sapporo: Winter trails with hot spring

You navigate snow on your own two feet, not skis, which opens terrain most winter visitors never reach.

Snowshoeing and onsen adventure in Sapporo combines a guided winter trek around the city's trails with instruction in cold-weather travel, a meal eaten outside in the snow, and entry to a traditional hot spring. The activity starts at Makomanai subway station and runs about six hours total, including a five-hour snowshoe circuit and transport to and from the onsen. Equipment (snowshoes, trekking poles and gaiters) is provided, as is the guide in English and pickup to the trailhead.

The experience

The trek begins at 7:30am at Makomanai subway station, where you meet your guide and travel about half an hour by private transport to the trailhead. Before you set off, the guide walks you through the basics: how to pace yourself in the cold to conserve energy, how to read the terrain ahead, and how to pick the safest line downslope. Unlike skiing or snowboarding, snowshoeing is accessible to almost everyone (it does not require prior winter sport experience), and it lets you move into areas that other winter visitors cannot reach.

The five-hour circuit takes you through snow-covered terrain at a slower pace than a typical hike, which is the point. You stop for a hearty lunch eaten outside, surrounded by the quiet of the winter landscape. The guide shares knowledge of the local trails and the environment around Sapporo, and you practice the navigation skills you learned at the start. Difficulty is rated 4 out of 10, so the physical demand is moderate and the route is designed to be manageable for people at different fitness levels.

After the hike, you return to the transport and head to an onsen: a traditional Japanese hot spring bath. Entry is included, so you step straight in to warm up and soak. Then it is back to Sapporo. The whole day, from pickup to return, takes about six hours.

What’s included

• Snowshoes, snow trekking poles and gaiters.
• onsen admission.
• guide in English.
• private transport from Makomanai subway station to the trailhead and back to Sapporo.

Options for this experience

2 options

Group booking.Guide in English · Available from 1 Dec · 08:00Booking for a group of 3 or more; pickup is included

Winter wonderland snowshoeing and onsen experiences in SapporoGuide in English · Available from 21 Nov · 07:30 and 08:00Pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:30 and 08:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (16 to 80 years) · Under 16: can't be booked

GroupUp to 5

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Trekmate Hokkaido

Is this one for you?Choose the group booking if you want to share the cost and meet other travelers. Book the private option if you prefer a guide focused only on your group. Either way, the half-hour transport to the trailhead means you start your trek far enough from the city to find the quiet, snow-covered terrain that makes this different from a city walk.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What do I need to bring for the snowshoeing trek around Sapporo?

Snowshoes, trekking poles and gaiters are all provided by the operator. You need to bring cold-weather clothing suited to a full day outside and hiking footwear designed for snow and cold conditions. These are not included. Public transportation options are available near the meeting point if you prefer not to use the included pickup.

How long is the actual snowshoeing part of the day?

The snowshoe circuit itself runs five hours, which includes a lunch stop. The full day from pickup at Makomanai subway station to return to Sapporo is about six hours total.

Do I need experience with winter sports to do this?

No. Snowshoeing is accessible for almost everyone regardless of prior experience, and the guide teaches you how to move safely in snow before you start. The difficulty is rated 4 out of 10, and the activity suits all physical fitness levels.

Is the guide fluent in English?

Yes, the guide leads in English and provides instruction on winter travel skills, local trail knowledge and navigation techniques throughout the trek.

What happens at the onsen after the hike?

The onsen is a traditional Japanese hot spring bath where you soak and warm up after the trek. Admission is included in the activity price, so there is no separate entry fee.