Hokkaido Spring Ski + Osaka Sakura Itinerary
Spring in Japan is a magical season, and there’s no better way to experience it than combining spring skiing in Hokkaido with sakura (cherry blossom) viewing in Osaka! This itinerary lets you enjoy the best of both worlds—powdery snow and breathtaking pink blooms. Plus, I’ll share pro tips on how to save money with ANA Blue Sale and KKday cherry blossom deals.
Day 1: Arrival in Hokkaido (Sapporo / New Chitose Airport) → Niseko
✈ Pro Tip: If flying into Japan via ANA, maximize the ANA Blue Sale to get a free multi-city domestic flight (e.g., Tokyo → Sapporo → Osaka).
Pick up rental car (Honda) for your Hokkaido trip
Optional stop in Sapporo:
Lunch at Ramen Shingen (Sapporo’s famous miso ramen)
Quick visit to Odori Park & Sapporo TV Tower
Drive to Niseko (2-hour drive)
Check-in at Torifito Hotel Niseko (one of my favourite budget hotel with onsen)
Rent ski gear if needed
Dinner in Niseko
Try Max Value 20% off sashimi / uni / sushi!!
Day 2-3: Niseko Skiing
Day 2: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Annupuri
Full day skiing at Grand Hirafu (best spring ski terrain)
Après-ski at Gondola Snowscape Café
Day 3: Niseko Hanazono & Local Attractions
Morning ski at Hanazono (less crowded)
Afternoon: Snowmobile tour / Snowshoeing
Visit Milk Kobo for fresh Hokkaido dairy desserts
Day 4: Niseko → Kiroro Ski Resort
Drive from Niseko to Kiroro (1.5 hours)
Check-in at Kiroro Resort
Full afternoon skiing at Kiroro (famous for powder snow even in spring)
Dinner at Kiroro Resort
Day 5: Kiroro Ski + Return to Sapporo
Morning Ski at Kiroro – Enjoy fresh powder before crowds arrive
Afternoon: Drive back to Sapporo
Check-in to Sapporo hotel (e.g., JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo)
Evening:
Sapporo Beer Museum & Genghis Khan BBQ
Shopping at Tanukikoji
Day 6: Sapporo → Osaka (Flight)
✈ Pro Tip: Use your ANA Blue Sale free multi-city domestic flight to fly from Sapporo to Osaka!
Morning flight from New Chitose to Osaka (Kansai Airport)
Check-in to Osaka Hotel (e.g., near Namba/Dotonbori)
Osaka Sakura Spot:
Osaka Castle Park – One of the best hanami (cherry blossom) spots
Use KKday’s Buy 1 Free 1 Cherry Blossom Tour for guided hanami trips
Dinner at Dotonbori: Try takoyaki, okonomiyaki & kushikatsu
Day 7-8: Kyoto & Nara Sakura Trips
🌸 Pro Tip: Book Kyoto & Nara sakura tours via KKday for the best deals!
Day 7: Kyoto Sakura Day Trip
Philosopher's Path – Beautiful canal walk lined with sakura
Maruyama Park & Yasaka Shrine – Best night hanami spot
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Togetsukyo Bridge for scenic sakura views
Day 8: Nara & Yoshino Sakura
Nara Park: Friendly deer & sakura views at Todaiji Temple
Yoshino Mountain: Japan’s top sakura viewing spot
Day 9: Free & Easy in Osaka + Shopping
Morning: Kuromon Market for fresh sushi & seafood
Afternoon: Umeda Sky Building for city views
Evening: Last-minute shopping at Shinsaibashi
Day 10: Flight Home from Kansai Airport
Final souvenir shopping at Kansai Airport (try matcha snacks & Royce chocolate)
My Favorite Ski Resorts in Hokkaido
If you love powder snow, fewer crowds, and easy slopes, these are my top picks:
1️⃣ Annupuri – Best for laid-back skiing with amazing snow quality and fewer people. The slopes are wide, making it great for beginners and intermediate skiers.
2️⃣ Kamui Ski Links – A hidden gem with excellent powder and almost no crowds. The runs are long and enjoyable, perfect for those who want a peaceful skiing experience.
3️⃣ Furano – Offers a great mix of powder snow and easy slopes. Less crowded than Niseko but still has great facilities and breathtaking views.
⛷️ Why Not Niseko Hirafu? The slopes are great, but it’s too crowded! If you want a quieter, more enjoyable skiing experience, the resorts above are much better choices.
Final Pro Tips for a Budget-Friendly Trip:
✅ Use ANA Blue Sale for free multi-city domestic flights (Tokyo → Sapporo → Osaka)
✅ Book KKday Buy 1 Free 1 Sakura Tours for Kyoto & Nara hanami savings
✅ Get Hokkaido Expressway Pass / Tocoo Expressway Pass or ETC Card to save on road trip tolls
✅ Pre-book ski passes on Klook for better discounts than on-site purchases
KKday Buy 1 Free 1 Promo : https://www.kkday.com/en-my/promo/my-cherryblossom2025?cid=21363
