Sapporo Weather in January

January: deep winter

Sapporo is cold, damp and often grey in January. Highs reach -3°C and lows fall to -9°C, with snow or rain on many days. You'll get little sunshine, and the short days make outdoor sightseeing feel brief. December is wetter, while February is drier.

Snowy streets can make long walks tiring, but Odori Park and the view from the Sapporo TV Tower still have winter charm. Save a cold afternoon for the indoor displays at the Sapporo Beer Museum, or warm up with soup curry. Skip exposed hikes unless you're experienced with winter conditions.

New Year in the city

New Year is a major holiday in Japan. Hokkaido Shrine draws visitors for hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year. Some shops and restaurants may close around the holiday, so don't count on every favourite spot being open.

January is generally quieter than February, when the Sapporo Snow Festival brings large crowds. It's also usually a calmer, less costly time to visit than that festival period, though New Year can be busy. Families who prefer quieter streets may find mid-January easier than the holiday break.

Getting around on snowy days

For an easy city break, use Sapporo's underground walkways between Sapporo Station, Odori and Susukino. They keep you out of the wind and snow, and link to shops and subway stations. You can still head above ground for Odori Park, but icy pavements can slow you down.

The cold and frequent wet weather don't suit a beach trip or a packed day of outdoor stops. Build indoor breaks into your plans, and leave time for the journey between sights. A bowl of hot miso ramen in Susukino is a welcome end to a grey afternoon.