Sapporo Day-Trip Ideas - Nature Excursion

Lake Shikotsu is a treasure trove of nature easily accessible from Sapporo for a day trip. Known for its high clarity, this caldera lake is also famed as the northernmost lake in Japan that does not freeze. It is the second deepest lake in Japan, with warm waters deep below the surface preventing the lake from freezing over.

Visitors can enjoy nature throughout the seasons and partake in popular activities like canoeing year-round, thanks to the lake’s resistance to freezing. The high clarity of the water allows for a unique "flying canoe" experience, where paddlers feel as though they are floating in midair. Hot springs dot the area around the lake, offering relaxation after a day of nature exploration.

Don’t miss the local delicacy—Himemasu salmon, native to Lake Shikotsu, is known for its rich, firm texture thanks to the consistently low water temperatures. It can be enjoyed as sashimi, including in its popular frozen form known as "ruibe," which melts tantalizingly in the mouth. Of course, it is also delicious grilled or fried.

Official Website: https://lake-shikotsu.jp/
Access from Sapporo: About 1 hour 30 minutes by bus from Chitose Station, which is reachable by train from Sapporo Station.

Sapporo Teine is accessible from downtown Sapporo and is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. It has been a venue for the Olympics and is known for its high-quality facilities and beautiful natural scenery.
It is one of the largest ski resorts in the vicinity of Sapporo, with a total of 15 slopes covering 16 km, catering to both beginners and advanced skiers. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy tubing and snowshoeing. The resort features rental shops and restaurants, allowing visitors to enjoy a full day of activities. One highlight is night skiing, offering a rare chance to ski while overlooking the night lights of the mega-city of Sapporo. The snow quality, known as "Japow," is also a guaranteed pleasure.
The resort is foreigner-friendly with many English-speaking staff, making it an accessible venue for visitors staying in Sapporo.

Official Website: https://sapporo-teine.com/snow/lang/en/
Access from Sapporo: Direct buses operate from Sapporo Station and Miyanosawa Subway Station, with frequent services, especially during the ski season.

Located about an hour from Sapporo, Jozankei Hot Springs is a popular hot spring destination surrounded by rich nature, featuring dramatic waterfalls and peaceful river streams. Visitors can enjoy the changing beauty of nature with each season. The hot spring town hosts many inns, most of which offer open-air baths. Immersed in hot springs surrounded by lush mountains, guests can soothe the weariness of daily life.

Depending on the season, a variety of activities are available, such as rafting, canoeing, and trekking in summer; and snow hiking, dog sledding, and horse riding in winter. The area is also known for its delicious local cuisine and is recommended for fruit picking, as it is one of the largest fruit-growing areas near Sapporo.
The sequence of tiring out from activities and then rejuvenating in a hot spring is an experience not to be missed in Japan.

Official Website: https://jozankei.jp/en/
Access from Sapporo: Direct buses run from the front of Sapporo Station and Makomanai Subway Station, especially during the tourist season, making access convenient (about 1 hour).