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Snow Tubing and Sledding Spots in Sapporo City

December 24, 2022
By Editor
Snow Tubing and Sledding Spots in Sapporo City

Best Snow Tubing and Sledding Spots in Sapporo City

Sapporo city transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland every single year. Travelers visit from around the globe to experience deep, powdery snow. You will find many exciting snow tubing and sledding spots in Sapporo city. These locations offer safe and fun activities for children of all ages.

This guide highlights the top places for winter thrills in the 2026 season. You can easily find parks located within the city limits. Most spots offer rental equipment for a very low cost. Detailed information on travel times and prices is included for your convenience.

For more ideas, check out our Sapporo family winter activities guide for your vacation. We focus on spots that provide the best value and local charm. These parks ensure that every family member creates lasting winter memories.

Takino Snow World Thrills

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Takino Suzuran Hillside Park becomes Takino Snow World during the winter months. This park features one of the longest snow tubing runs in Japan. The main course extends for a massive 200 meters of icy fun. It is a favorite among local families and tourists alike.

The park offers free tube rentals for all visitors to use. You only need to pay for the lift ticket to reach the top. A single tow lift ride costs about 200 JPY in 2026. This makes it an affordable day out for large families.

Getting there is easy when visiting Takino Suzuran Hillside Park during the snowy season. Take the Namboku subway line to the Makomanai station first. Then, catch the Chuo Bus number 102 directly to the park gates. The ride takes approximately thirty minutes from the subway station.

Safety is a top priority at this well-managed Sapporo facility. Staff members actively monitor the tubing lanes to prevent any collisions. Younger children can use a separate, smaller hill for gentle sledding adventures. The park remains open from December 23 until March 31 annually.

Check the weather before you leave your hotel for the day. High winds can sometimes cause the lift to close for safety. Wear waterproof snow pants to stay dry while sliding down the hills. Bring extra hand warmers to keep your fingers toasty during the cold.

Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Fun

Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill offers iconic views of the Sapporo skyline. You can see the famous statue of Dr. William S. Clark here. During winter, the grounds turn into a massive white playground for kids. It is one of the most scenic snow tubing and sledding spots in Sapporo city.

The park provides plastic sleds and tubes for free to all guests. You only pay the admission fee of 600 JPY for adults. Children can enter the grounds for a much lower price of 300 JPY. This fee includes access to all the snowy play areas.

Kids love the snow strider bikes available on the flat areas. These bikes have small skis instead of wheels for winter use. It is a great way for toddlers to practice their balance. The staff keeps the snow groomed and safe for young riders.

After sledding, you can visit the local rest house for warm snacks. They serve hot cocoa and delicious local milk from Hokkaido farms. The interior of the building is heated and very comfortable for families. It is a perfect spot to take a quick break.

The observation hill stays open daily from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. We recommend visiting in the morning to avoid the largest tour groups. The snow is usually freshest and most powdery during the early hours. Always wear layers to adjust to the changing winter temperatures.

Moerenuma Park Winter Landscape

Famous artist Isamu Noguchi designed the massive and artistic Moerenuma Park. In winter, the park's large hills become perfect spots for winter sports. Mount Moere is the highest point for adventurous sledding and tubing. The steep slopes offer a fast ride for older children.

You can rent sleds and boots at the Glass Pyramid building. The rental prices are very reasonable at around 300 JPY per item. The pyramid itself is a great place to stay warm before heading out. It offers a stunning view of the snowy geometric landscape.

Cross-country skiing is also popular on the flatter paths of the park. You can see many locals practicing their winter fitness here. The wide-open spaces prevent the park from ever feeling too crowded. It is a peaceful place to enjoy the quiet Hokkaido winter.

Entry to the park grounds is completely free for everyone. You only spend money if you need to rent equipment or buy food. This makes it a budget-friendly option for travelers in 2026. Parking is also free for those who choose to rent cars.

To reach Moerenuma, take the Toho subway line to Kanjodori-higashi station. From there, take the bus numbered Higashi 61 or Higashi 76. The bus stop is very close to the park entrance. Make sure to check the return bus schedule before you play.

Sapporo Satoland Winter Farm

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Sapporo Satoland is a theme park based on local agriculture. During the winter, it opens a special area called Satoland Snow Park. You can experience unique activities like tractor-pulled bananaboat rides on snow. This is a thrilling way to see the snowy fields.

The park features two main hills dedicated to sledding and tubing. One hill is gentle for small kids and beginners to enjoy. The second hill is steeper for those seeking more speed. Both hills are well-maintained by the park staff throughout the day.

A variety of rental equipment is available at the central building. You can find sleds, snow tubes, and even walking skis for rent. Most rentals cost between 200 JPY and 500 JPY per session. The park is closed on Mondays during the winter season.

Families often enjoy the indoor hands-on workshops available at the farm. You can try making butter or sausages inside the heated buildings. These activities provide a nice break from the freezing outdoor air. It is a very educational experience for young travelers.

Visit the local market inside the park to buy fresh Hokkaido produce. They sell seasonal vegetables and dairy products from nearby farms. The park is located in the Higashi ward of the city. It is easily accessible by bus from the downtown area.

Tsudome Snow Festival Experience

The Tsudome site is a major part of the annual snow festival. It focuses specifically on family-friendly snow slides and tubing runs. In 2026, the festival will feature even more lanes for sliding. It is widely considered one of the best snow tubing and sledding spots in Sapporo city.

The outdoor area boasts several massive ice slides for all ages. Some slides are even 10 meters high for the bravest children. You will find separate areas for toddlers to play safely in snow. Please refer to our Sapporo Snow Festival 2026 guide for dates.

Inside the large dome, you can escape the cold and eat. There are many food stalls serving hot ramen and fried chicken. There is also a large indoor playground for very small children. This makes the Tsudome site perfect for families with mixed ages.

Wait times for the popular slides can be long on weekends. We suggest visiting on a weekday morning to beat the crowds. The festival atmosphere makes the experience very exciting and memorable. Admission to the site and the indoor area is free.

Shuttle buses run frequently between the city center and the Tsudome site. You can also walk from Sakaemachi Station on the Toho subway line. The walk takes about ten to fifteen minutes on flat ground. Wear shoes with good grip to avoid slipping on the ice.

Frequently Asked Questions

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When is the best time for sledding in Sapporo?

The best time is from early January until early March. The snow is deepest and most consistent during these weeks. Many parks open their snow areas just before Christmas Day. Always check local weather reports for daily snow conditions.

Do I need to bring my own sled to these parks?

No, you do not need to bring your own sled. All the major snow tubing and sledding spots in Sapporo city have rentals. Rental fees are usually very low, often under 500 JPY. This is much easier than carrying bulky gear on public transport.

Are these snow tubing spots safe for toddlers?

Yes, most parks have dedicated areas for very young children. These slopes are shorter and much less steep for safety. Staff members are often present to help families with kids. Always supervise your children closely while they are playing in the snow.

What should my kids wear for snow tubing and sledding?

Kids should wear high-quality waterproof snow suits and warm layers. Thermal base layers help to keep their body heat inside. Waterproof gloves and warm beanies are also essential for outdoor fun. Good snow boots will prevent their feet from getting wet and cold.

Sapporo offers some of the best winter experiences for families in Japan. You can find many snow tubing and sledding spots in Sapporo city. Each park provides unique views and different levels of excitement. We hope you have a wonderful time exploring these snowy hills in 2026. Book your flight to Hokkaido today and start your winter fun!

Key Takeaways

  • Takino Snow World features a massive 200-meter tube run.
  • Hitsujigaoka and Satoland offer free rentals for most sliding equipment.
  • The Tsudome site is best for families durant the Snow Festival.

Related reads: polarcityguide.com, sapporo winter travel guide 2026, kid friendly activities at sapporo snow festival 2026.