Winter Hokkaido with Aero K | 4-day / 3-night model course visiting Sahoro Ski Resort, Obihiro & Sapporo

It takes about three hours from Cheongju to Hokkaido on Aero K. This convenient route lets you base yourself in Obihiro, enjoy skiing at Sahoro Resort, and easily experience a 4-day / 3-night trip combining Obihiro and Sapporo.

If you join an ntabi tour, you can rent all your ski gear on-site and travel light with minimal luggage. This model course introduces a trip that condenses all the charms of winter in Hokkaido—from sublime dry powder snow, Tokachi gourmet, and moor hot springs to strolling around the streets of Sapporo.

From Cheongju to Tokachi-Obihiro in about 3 hours

From Cheongju International Airport in Korea, it’s only about three hours by direct flight to Tokachi-Obihiro Airport, the gateway to the Tokachi region of Hokkaido (the flight from Obihiro to Cheongju is about two and a half hours). With round-trip fares sometimes available from around 20,000 JPY, this route is a popular and easy way to visit wintertime Hokkaido.

After arriving at the airport, it’s about 40 minutes by airport shuttle bus to downtown Obihiro, making access smooth and straightforward. Even first-time visitors to Hokkaido will find it easy to get around.

The appeal of sightseeing in Obihiro

Within Hokkaido, Tokachi and Obihiro are especially known for their harsh winters. The average temperature in January is around −8°C, and in the early mornings and evenings it can drop below −15°C.

However, this very “extreme cold” is what elevates winter in Obihiro into a truly special experience. Free-flight hot air ballooning in the crisp, clear air is a liberating activity unique to Tokachi. Skiing on fluffy powder snow also lets you feel the vast land of Hokkaido with your whole body.

To warm up your chilled body, there are moor hot springs—rare plant-based hot springs even by world standards. Their amber-colored water has excellent moisturizing properties and is popular as a “beauty bath.”

The abundance of local gourmet food is another major draw of Obihiro. Specialty pork rice bowls and desserts made lavishly with Tokachi ingredients will make your travel memories even more vivid.

Amid the cold, fun and warmth stand out all the more strongly—Tokachi and Obihiro offer plenty of reasons why winter is exactly the time you should visit.

2 nights of skiing at Sahoro in Obihiro + 1 night in Sapporo tour

This tour includes a packaged ski experience at Sahoro Resort (with full rental gear, so you can come empty-handed), allowing you to fully enjoy high-quality powder snow.

Here we introduce a 4-day / 3-night model route that combines a day of skiing at Sahoro with free-time sightseeing in Obihiro and Sapporo. In addition to skiing, you can savor Tokachi’s food, hot springs, and city strolls, as well as shopping and night views in Sapporo—an itinerary that lets you experience the diverse charms of Hokkaido all at once.

What’s included in the tour price

• Hotel accommodation in Obihiro
• Shuttle bus from your hotel in Obihiro to Sahoro Ski Resort
• Lift ticket
• Rental fees for ski / snowboard equipment

DAY1｜Arrival in Obihiro & hotel check-in

On the first day, you arrive in Obihiro from Cheongju, have dinner in the city, and then head to your hotel. The simple flow—from airport to Obihiro Station and then checking in to the hotel—makes it easy and reassuring even for first-time visitors to Tokachi.

16:35　Arrive at Tokachi-Obihiro Airport

Fly directly from Cheongju to Obihiro. The airport is compact and easy to navigate, so you can start moving shortly after arrival.

17:10　Board the airport shuttle bus (Tokachi Bus)

For travel from Tokachi-Obihiro Airport to the city center, the airport shuttle bus is very convenient. No reservation is required; the fare is 1,000 JPY per person and the ride takes about 40 minutes.

You can check the latest timetable on the page below.

空港連絡バス

17:50　Arrive at Obihiro Station bus terminal

Your destination, Obihiro Grand Hotel, has very few restaurants in the immediate vicinity. It’s smoother to finish your meal around Obihiro Station before heading to the hotel.

18:00　Dinner: Enjoy Obihiro’s specialty “pork rice bowl”

When it comes to Obihiro specialties, the first dish that comes to mind is pork rice bowl. Charcoal-grilled pork rice bowl is a must-try when visiting Obihiro. Head to “Butahage,” a long-established restaurant located inside the station building.

Their secret sauce, perfected over more than 80 years, is still carefully cooked by hand, simmered in a single pot for more than half a day. With a punch of black pepper, the spicy meat pairs perfectly with the rice.

There are bottles of sauce and pepper on the table so you can adjust the flavor to your liking.

【information│Inquiries】

帯広豚丼（ぶた丼）専門店を一挙公開！十勝・帯広に来たら食べてほしい美味しい豚丼 – MATOKA

「豚丼って、どこで食べても似たような味じゃないの？」―-そんな風に思っていませんか？でも、帯広の豚丼は“ただの丼もの”ではありません。今回は観光客から豚丼通の地元客も通う名店を一気にご紹介します。どれも絶品なので、旅の予定にぜひ加えてみてくださいね！

We recommend taking a taxi to get to the Grand Hotel. Taxis are always waiting in front of the station, so you can hop in right away.

Taxi fares in Obihiro City (as of December 2025)

Taxis within Obihiro City have an affordable base fare of 690 JPY (about 6,500 KRW), but the additional distance-based fare is slightly higher than in Korea, and the cost tends to rise as the distance grows.

To keep travel expenses down, it’s a good idea to walk around the area near Obihiro Station and use taxis only for destinations that would take 10–15 minutes or more on foot.

However, winter roads in Obihiro can be slippery and difficult to walk on, so it’s best to prioritize safety, avoid overexerting yourself, and use taxis as needed.

*Late-night surcharge, reservation fees, etc. may apply separately.

19:00　Check-in at Obihiro Grand Hotel

Located in a quiet area about five minutes by taxi from Obihiro Station, the hotel offers clear, crisp air and a calm atmosphere at night. It’s a relaxing place to unwind away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Turn in early and get ready for the skiing tomorrow.

DAY2｜Full day of skiing at Sahoro Resort

Day 2 is the main event of this trip—the ski experience. Let’s take a quick look at today’s schedule.

You will depart Obihiro Grand Hotel at 8:20.

9:30　Arrive at Sahoro Resort & start skiing

Sahoro Ski Resort is known for its high rate of sunny days and superb “dry snow,” offering one of the most comfortable ski environments in Hokkaido.

The snow is light and fluffy, making falls less painful and giving beginners peace of mind.

The slopes are spacious and uncrowded, so you can safely pick up speed with plenty of room around you. The courses make use of the natural terrain and are easy to navigate, which keeps the experience stress-free even for first-time skiers.

The resort is highly rated by professional skiers as well and is popular for its well-balanced courses that cater to everyone from beginners to advanced skiers.

On this tour, you’ll use a “hands-free pack” that lets you fully enjoy skiing or snowboarding even if you don’t have your own gear.

【Rental items】

• Ski or snowboard set
• Boots
• Poles (for skiing)
• Jacket & pants

Because you can enjoy everything while essentially bringing no gear, the trip places less burden on you and is perfect if you want to combine skiing with sightseeing.

16:30　Return to hotel

After skiing, relax and rest at your hotel in Obihiro.

18:00　Dinner: Yakiniku at “Heiwaen”

After a full day of activity on the slopes at Sahoro, warm up inside and dig into a hearty yakiniku meal.

For yakiniku near Obihiro Station, we recommend “Heiwaen Main Store,” a long-established restaurant with great access.

With a history of more than 60 years, this beloved local favorite is known for serving fresh meat at reasonable prices. Dishes like jingisukan (lamb) and sagari (hanging tender) offer distinctly Hokkaido flavors that are also very popular with travelers.

【information│Inquiries】

地元民おすすめ！焼肉平和園のコスパも味も大満足メニュー7選 – SUMAHIRO

仲間や家族と集まった時に食べたい「焼肉」。夏の北海道らしく外で炭火焼肉も楽しいですが、火おこしや片付けが大変というデメリットも。そんな時は食べに行くのが一番です。帯広で有名な焼き肉屋と言えば「焼肉平和園」さん。今回は地元民が紹介するおすすめメニュー7選をご紹介します。

19:30 Moor hot spring

Tokachi’s signature moor hot springs are rare plant-based hot springs found only in limited regions of the world, including Tokachigawa Onsen and parts of Germany.

They are rich in humic acid, an organic component created as ancient plants break down and mature in the earth’s strata. Thanks to this, your skin feels moist and smooth after bathing, earning them the nickname “beauty baths.”

The amber-colored water has a slight viscosity and a soft texture that gently envelops your body. Soaking in an open-air bath while gazing at a snowy landscape is a winter-only luxury.

Obihiro has many facilities where you can enjoy moor hot springs on a day trip. Check out the article below and be sure to stop by.

2025.10.16

2025.10.30

12 Best Day-Use Hot Springs in Obihiro–Tokachi | Popular Spots to Enjoy Moor Hot Springs

Obihiro–Tokachi is a treasure trove of the world-rare “moor hot springs.” From neighborhood bathhouse-style spots rooted in local life to premium s...

21:00 Return to hotel & sleep

DAY3｜Obihiro sightseeing & transfer to Sapporo

DAY3 starts with sweets at Rokkatei and takes you around Tokachi gourmet spots, hot springs, and Obihiro Racecourse. In the afternoon, you’ll take JR to Sapporo, the central city of Hokkaido.

10:00 Rokkatei Obihiro Main Store

The perfect starting point for sightseeing in Obihiro is Rokkatei Obihiro Main Store, a long-established sweets shop that represents the city. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Obihiro Grand Hotel, and nearly the entire Rokkatei lineup is available, so you’ll have no trouble choosing souvenirs.

A must-buy is the long-time classic “Marusei Butter Sandwich.” This popular confection features a special cream made from white chocolate, 100% fresh cream butter, and California raisins, sandwiched between biscuits. A hint of brandy adds depth to the flavor, making it an exquisite treat.

At the main store, you can also enjoy freshly prepared sweets that are only available here, such as “Sakusaku Pie,” which is filled with cream after you place your order.

【information│Inquiries】

11:00　Tokachimura

“Tokachimura” is easily accessible, costing about 850 JPY by taxi from Obihiro Station (about 7,500–8,500 KRW). Tokachimura is adjacent to Obihiro Racecourse.

With eateries and cafés gathered in one place, it’s an ideal spot for lunch. At the popular restaurant “My Favorite Eggs,” you can enjoy egg dishes and sweets.

Their American-style cinnamon roll (500 JPY including tax) in particular is a full-fledged, cinnamon-forward treat reminiscent of a luxury hotel breakfast and has many repeat fans.

Other options include Tokachi’s famous pork rice bowl, “Tokachi Men Village,” where popular ramen shops rotate monthly, and “Matena Coffee,” a café serving rich soft-serve ice cream made from farm-fresh milk—so you’re sure to find something you’d like to eat.

For souvenirs, we recommend the “Farmers’ Market” (direct sales market). Shelves are lined with sweets, bread, processed foods, and dairy products, making it easy for visitors to take home the unique flavors of Tokachi.

【information│Inquiries】

13:30　Obihiro Racecourse (Ban’ei Tokachi)

Adjacent to Tokachimura, Obihiro Racecourse is the only place in the world where Ban’ei horse racing is held. Unlike regular horse racing, the competition is not about speed but about “strength and endurance.” Watching 1-ton draft horses pull heavy iron sleds is truly impressive.

Races start just after 13:30 on Sundays, Saturdays, and Mondays. Even on non-race days, you can still enter the racecourse and visit the “petting zoo” (closed on Tuesdays), where you can meet Ban’ei horses and ponies, so be sure to stop by.

15:00 From Obihiro Station to Sapporo by JR

Return to Obihiro Station and purchase your ticket to Sapporo at the “Midori no Madoguchi” ticket office in the station. The fare is roughly 8,000 JPY per person (about 72,000 KRW). If you take the 15:37 train from Obihiro, you’ll arrive in Sapporo at around 18:00.

18:30 Sapporo Station

Once you arrive at Sapporo Station, check into your hotel and head out to enjoy the city at night.

If you visit in early February, you may be able to catch the “Sapporo Snow Festival,” a major event held in Odori Park.

Just a short walk from Odori Park is Susukino, the largest entertainment district in Hokkaido. It’s lined with restaurants and bars where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks, so why not head over and explore?

DAY4｜Sapporo sightseeing & departure

On the final day, you’ll start with a casual winter stroll in central Sapporo. Odori Park and the area around the Clock Tower, where the snowy scenery is beautiful, are full of must-see spots within walking distance, making it easy to enjoy the essence of Sapporo even in a short time.

9:00 Check out & Odori Park

Odori Park is a green urban park stretching 1.5 km east–west in the center of Sapporo. In winter, it becomes a beautiful walking spot where the snowy scenery stands out against the clear air. You can enjoy the views, including the TV Tower, and relax on a bench while soaking up the atmosphere of the city. It’s also very easy to access, just steps from the subway.

10:00 Sapporo Clock Tower

Sapporo Clock Tower is a popular tourist spot located just a short walk from Odori Park. Even in winter, you can comfortably reach it by using the underground walkway.

12:00　Free time in the city: shopping & lunch

The underground walkway connects directly to Sapporo Station. The station building is home to many commercial facilities, making it an ideal place to enjoy shopping.

For lunch, we recommend “Sapporo ramen,” a must-eat local specialty when sightseeing in Sapporo. The piping hot, rich broth packed with the umami of stir-fried vegetables pairs perfectly with firm, medium-thick wavy noodles and is very popular among visitors.

There are many popular Sapporo ramen shops around Odori Park and Sapporo Station, so it’s easy to drop by between sightseeing stops.

14:00 Transfer to New Chitose Airport, check-in & departure preparations

To catch your 16:45 flight, head from JR Sapporo Station to New Chitose Airport. The train ride takes about 40 minutes and is generally convenient, but winter weather can cause delays, so it’s best to leave with plenty of time to spare.

New Chitose Airport is known as one of the largest gourmet hubs in Hokkaido. You can enjoy all the “taste of Hokkaido” favorites loved by travelers in one place, including seafood, ramen, soup curry, and sweets.

The shopping area is also very extensive, featuring many of Hokkaido’s most famous confectionery brands such as Rokkatei, ROYCE’, LeTAO, Kitakaro, and Shiroi Koibito. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs before heading home.

16:45　Depart for home

Though it may be hard to say goodbye, complete check-in and prepare for your journey home as the trip comes to a close.

Savor winter in Hokkaido in your own way with a 4-day / 3-night trip

Winter in Hokkaido offers completely different charms from region to region. The light, fluffy dry snow of Sahoro, gourmet experiences that showcase the bounty of Tokachi, heartwarming moor hot springs, and the lively cityscape of Sapporo—each area leaves a vivid impression on your heart, even on a 4-day / 3-night trip.

If you join an ntabi tour, you can rent your ski gear on-site, giving you endless freedom in how you travel. You’re free to enjoy winter in Hokkaido exactly as you like. Each encounter in the crisp, clear air is sure to become an unforgettable travel memory.