Everything Takino Snow World Has To Offer In Winter!

We have recently moved to Sapporo from the UK, and as it’s our first winter season here, what better way to settle in and embrace our new life here in Hokkaido than enjoying all the winter sports it has to offer us.

Sapporo is surrounded by ski resorts, both small and large so it’s pretty much the perfect place to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities. It’s also a lot quieter than larger and well known resorts, such as Niseko.

We initially headed to Takino Snow World which is situated in Suzuran Hillside Park for the day with our dog to venture down to Ashiribetsu falls, but when we discovered how much more the park had to offer, we returned the following day to start teaching my wife how to ski!

Takino Park comes alive in different ways throughout the seasons, and it’s a place that’s ideal for families, couples and kids. Here’s everything you can enjoy here, along with up to date pricing and our own experiences at Takino.

Takino Snow World

Location: 247番地 Takino, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 005-0862

Parking cost: ¥500 / ¥2,200 for annual parking pass

Open: Daily, December – March 31, 2026

Free attractions: Snow tubing, sleds and snow shoes

How to get here by bus (Total travel time: roughly 50–60 minutes from central Sapporo): From Sapporo city centre (Sapporo Station / Odori / Susukino), take the Nanboku Subway Line south to Makomanai Station (about 20 minutes). At Makomanai Station, go to Bus Stop No. 2 outside the station. Take the Hokkaido Chuo Bus #106 (Takino Line / 真106) toward Takino Suzuran Park. Ride the bus for about 30–35 minutes and get off at “Suzuran Park Higashiguchi (East Entrance)”. From the bus stop it’s about a 5-minute walk to Takino Snow World inside the park. 

Skiing for Beginners

If you’re new to skiing or just want to get some more practice in, Takino is honestly one of the best places to do it in Sapporo! Ski rentals are available, so if you’re here on holiday you don’t need to worry about buying anything for the occasion.

They have a tiny beginner area to practice slowing down, taking skis on and off and falling over in a safe, controlled area. Once you’re ready for the main affair, the slope at Takino is ideal for beginners to make their way down.

You’ll also find a lot of the schools come here to practice during the winter, so it’s perfect for kids and adults who are wishing to get into the sport. The staff are so friendly and on hand to help you on and off the ski lift if it’s your first time, or you require a little extra help.

The ski lift is reasonably priced, and you have the option to pay per lift, half a day (1,360 yen) or a whole day pass (2,040 yen).

Snow Tubing

During the winter, you can enjoy snow tubing for FREE at Takino! We were so surprised when we turned up and it was free, such an incredible place for families with kids to enjoy if you’re visiting the area during winter.

It is also one of the longest snow tubing runs in Japan, and is 200m long! It is incredibly exhilarating for kids and adults, and we couldn’t believe the speed you pick up when you come down (check out our Youtube video below to see it in action!). You get to the snow tubing after walking past the ski slope, and it is a must visit if you’re at Takino during the snowy season.

The snow tubing is suitable for ages 4+, and smaller children can ride with an accompanying adult.

The Restaurant

In the Country House at Takino you’ll find toilets, a rest area, vending machines, a little shop, ski rental hire/lift passes and a restaurant. The restaurant is super cosy and has a good selection of Japanese and Western dishes. It was slightly more expensive here than typical restaurant prices in Japan, but to be expected for a ski area.

We grabbed a pizza, chips and sausages and it was absolutely delicious after a few runs on the slope and the cold started to get to us! They also do Hokkaido milk soft serve which is an essential, no matter the weather!

Walk To Ashiribetsu Falls

Whilst not all of Takino is dog friendly, you can enjoy a lovely walk to Ashiribetsu Falls (also known as the ice waterfall) which is a must visit during winter. If you time it right during the season, you can see witness the falls completely frozen!

Ashiribetsu Falls lies within the mountain stream area of Takino Suzuran Hillside National Government Park, offering a striking natural escape just outside the city. As one of Sapporo’s largest waterfalls, it has earned national recognition as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, celebrated for its impressive scale and scenic beauty.

The walk took around 30 minutes from Takino to reach the falls. It also follows a cross country skiing track, so you have the option of taking skis down onto this route too. Just be mindful that there aren’t any toilet facilities open in this area during the winter.

Despite it being the middle of winter, the route was incredibly quiet and it provided us with the perfect, quiet photo spot when we arrived. The falls weren’t completely frozen on our visit in February, so we’ll have to try again next winter, but it was still a breathtaking sight to see.

In the spring, it might be nice to take a picnic with you as there are areas to sit on route! We will definitely be returning in the spring.

Takino Snow World is a family friendly place and if you’re looking for something fun to plan or do during your trip here in the winter, this is the place to do it! They also have a great indoor play area for kids (FREE!) which is a really nice touch, and a place to warm up during the winter. Whilst you’re in the area, I really recommend tying it in with a trip to see the Hill of the Big Buddha!