By Fadil, Independent local guide in Sapporo
Published
Things to Do in Sapporo in January: New Year & Winter Festivals
Welcome to your ultimate guide to events in Sapporo in January! Kick off the year with unique New Year's Day celebrations, enjoy winter sports, and experience enchanting snow candle festivals. Our curated list of Sapporo January activities will help you plan an unforgettable Hokkaido winter adventure.
Planning ahead or catching up on holiday events? Peek at December events in Sapporo or browse all our Hokkaido travel guides.
Past Events
Missed these? Many run annually. Bookmark this guide for next year.
The First Sunrise at Mt. Moiwa (Past Event)
January 1, 2025
Watch the first sunrise of the year around 7 a.m. from the top of Mt. Moiwa. The Mt. Moiwa Ropeway operates from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. (last lift at 9:30 a.m.) on New Year's Day. Fees: Ropeway round trip ¥1,400 for junior high and over, ¥700 for elementary and under; Ropeway and Mini Cable Car round trip ¥2,100 (¥1,050 for elementary and under).
Location: Mt. Moiwa Ropeway
Address: Chuo-ku, Fushimi 5-3-7, Sapporo, Japan
Learn MoreFirefighters Events: Dezome Shiki (Past Event)
January 7, 2025
Experience the traditional New Year's ceremony, Dezome Shiki, by the Sapporo Fire Department at Kanamoto Hall. Firefighters perform acrobatics on ladders from 10:30 to 11 a.m., followed by a brass band concert from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Admission is free.
Location: Kanamoto Hall
Address: Chuo-ku, Kita 1, Nishi 1, Sapporo, Japan
Learn MoreChallenge! Sports Park (Past Event)
January 7-8, 2025
Join the Challenge! Sports Park event at Daiwa House Premist Dome, featuring a school physical education area, general sports area for baseball and soccer, a skateboard park, a para-sports area, and a gourmet area. Special guests demonstrate skateboarding and BMX riding. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free; bring sports clothes and shoes.
Location: Daiwa House Premist Dome
Address: Toyohira-ku, Hitsujigaoka 1, Sapporo, Japan
Learn MoreSmelt Fishing at Barato (Past Event)
January 7 - March 23, 2025
Try smelt fishing (wakasagi-tsuri) at Barato in Sapporo from January to March. Packages include round-trip bus transportation and fishing equipment. Weekend plan with buffet lunch: ¥7,680; weekday plan with ¥1,000 dessert voucher for Chaterase Gateaux Kingdom: ¥6,480. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Gather at JR Sapporo Station North Exit at 10:50 a.m.
Location: Barato
Address: Kita-ku, Sapporo, Japan
Learn MoreCalendar Recycling Market (Past Event)
January 11-16, 2025
The 36th Calendar Recycling Market supports Sapporo UNESCO Association and similar organizations. Held at Kaderu 2.7 on Jan 11-12 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) and Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway on Jan 14-16 (noon-8 p.m., until 5 p.m. on Jan 17). Donate unused 2025 calendars or planners at Kaderu 2.7 on Jan 9-10 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.).
Location: Kaderu 2.7 and Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway
Address: Chuo-ku, Kita 2, Nishi 7 and Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Japan
Learn MoreYukitoro 2025 (Past Event)
January 25 - February 1, 2025
Experience the solemn mood of snow candles at Yukitoro 2025 at Jozankei Shrine. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with an admission fee of ¥500. A beautiful winter light display in a serene setting.
Location: Jozankei Shrine
Address: Minami-ku, Jozankei Onsen Higashi 3, Sapporo, Japan
Learn MoreSosei River Park Machi no Akari (Past Event)
January 25, 2025
Join volunteers at Sosei River Park to make and light snow candles. Snow candle-making starts at 1 p.m., with lighting at 4:30 p.m. Open to all without application; admission is free. A community event to enjoy the fantasy of candlelight.
Location: Sosei River Park Tanuki 2-jo Square
Address: Chuo-ku, Minami 3, Higashi 1, Sapporo, Japan
Learn MoreReady for the Snow Festival season? Our February events guide is up next. Keep exploring!
