Qantas announce winter flights to Japan's popular ski destination Sapporo

Qantas has just announced its fifth route between Australia and Japan. The A330 service will operate three times per week between Sydney and Sapporo, on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido.

Qantas International Acting CEO, Naren Kumar, said “Sapporo was a highly sought-after destination for Australian travellers, with the new service making it easier to reach popular resorts such as Niseko and Rusutsu”.

A little about Sapporo

Sapporo meaning "important river flowing through a plain" in Ainu language, is the capital of Hokkaido and Japan's fifth largest city.

Sapporo became famous in 1972 when the Olympic Winter Games were held there. Today, the city is well known for its ski resorts, local beer, and annual snow festival Yuki Matsuri.

Home to six ski resorts: Mount Moiwa Ski Resort, Sapporo Bankei Ski Area, Fu's snow area, Sapporo Teine, Sapporo Kokusai Skiing Resort and Takino Suzuran Hillside Park Snow World. It is no wonder why this city is a popular destination for tourists keen to hit the slopes.

Sapporo Winter Festival (Friday 31 January - Tuesday 11 February 2020)

The Sapporo Snow Festival or otherwise known as Yuki Matsuri is a winter wonderland that you should seriously consider planning your trip around if you’re are visiting Japan. For one week every year, Sapporo hosts a giant festival of snow and ice. The festival is home to hundreds of snow and ice sculptures. However, there are many other activities on offer including snowboarding, an ice bar, skating rink, an air jump ski ramp and even a beauty contest. The festival takes place on three sites each offering a unique experience; Odori Park and Susukino are close together in central Sapporo, while the third, Tsudome, is a few kilometres away.

Fly January 2020 to see Sapporo’s Winter Festival

Economy $1421 (return)

Depart 29 January - Return 13 February

Business $6101 (return)

Depart 29 January - Return 13 February