The Best of Sapporo Before the Deep Snow Arrives

Food, winter lights, cozy cafés, and the magic of Hokkaido before deep snow arrives.

INTRO — HOKKAIDO’S WINTER STARTS EARLY BUT NOT TOO CRAZY (YET)

Sapporo is famous for deep snow in January–February,
BUT December is the best of both worlds:

• cool weather

• early snow dusting

• winter lights

• hot ramen

• no blizzards (yet)

• fewer tourists

It’s cozy, magical, and delicious.

Let’s explore Hokkaido’s winter capital before peak season.

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🍥 WHY SAPPORO IS AMAZING IN DECEMBER

❄️ 1. Mild early winter

Mostly 0–8°C — cold but manageable.

🎄 2. Christmas lights everywhere

Odori Park + Susukino glow beautifully.

🍜 3. Hot ramen hits harder

Sapporo ramen is elite winter comfort food.

🍺 4. Beer museums & warm bars

Sapporo Beer Museum and cozy izakayas.

🎿 5. Early ski slopes open

Nearby resorts start operating.

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🍥 TOP THINGS TO DO IN SAPPORO (2025)

🍺 1. Sapporo Beer Museum

Learn, taste, and buy limited editions.

🍜 2. Ramen Alley

A narrow street full of steaming ramen shops.

🌲 3. Odori Park Illumination

Trees glowing everywhere.

🏙️ 4. Sapporo TV Tower

Great night view.

🧊 5. Historic Village of Hokkaido

Open-air museum + winter atmosphere.

🦀 6. Nijo Market

Seafood feast: uni, crab, scallops, salmon roe.

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🍜 WHAT TO EAT (SAPPORO WINTER MENU)

• Miso ramen

• Crab hot pot

• Soup curry (Hokkaido specialty)

• Grilled scallops

• Fresh uni bowls

• Corn butter ramen

• Yakitori with hot sake

Perfect for December cold.

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💸 PRICES (2025)

• Ramen: ¥900–1,200

• Beer museum ticket: FREE entry, ¥500–¥600 tasting

• TV Tower: ¥1,000

• Seafood bowls: ¥2,000–¥4,000

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❄️ WEATHER NOTES

• Light snow showers possible

• Nights get cold — wear gloves & scarf

• Streets are NOT icy yet (good for first-time winter travelers)

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📸 PHOTO SPOTS

• TV Tower (night)

• Odori Park tree lights

• Ramen Alley steam & neon

• Red Brick Government Building

• Snow-dusted streets

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🧠 LESSONS (Travelers / Agencies / Remote Workers)

Travelers

Great starter destination for winter lovers who aren’t ready for heavy snow.

Agencies

Promote “Early Winter Sapporo” packages — less competition.

Remote Workers

Sapporo cafés are AMAZING for productivity.

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❓ FAQ

Q: Is December too cold?
A: Manageable — far less severe than January–February.

Q: Can you ski?
A: Yes — early-season trails open.

Q: Are restaurants open normally?
A: Yes — winter is peak food season.

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