Book your customers to Sapporo with Qantas

Flight information

Route updates

Qantas doubles capacity on popular Sydney – Sapporo service

Qantas has increased capacity on its popular Sydney – Sapporo route for the 2026/27 season, with flights expanding from three per week to up-to five per week in response to strong performance and exceptional demand during the current ski season.

The enhanced schedule represents over a 50 per cent capacity increase for next season, adding more than 10,000 additional seats to cater for Australians chasing Hokkaido's famous snow and a total of nearly 35,000 seats between the two cities.

This comes after new data from the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) revealed that over one million Australians visited Japan in 2025*, an increase of 15 per cent on an already record-breaking 2024, with 121,300 visitors visiting the country during the December school holiday rush alone and start of the popular winter season.

Qantas is the only airline to establish a non-stop link between Sydney and Sapporo, with the seasonal service launching in December 2025.

Sapporo also became the 100th destination to join the airline's international network, boosting tourism in both directions and catering to the increasing demand from customers looking to experience Japan's ski slopes.

Accommodation

With an impressive range of accommodation, your customers can choose from sleek boutique hotels to luxurious city stays. For a unique stay, the boutique Cross Hotel is a great option, while those wanting to indulge can unwind at the iconic Sapporo Grand Hotel or the elegant JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo, complete with sweeping city views.

For food lovers and night owls, Susukino is the ideal base. This lively entertainment district is packed with shopping, bars, and some of the city's best miso ramen. Those after a quieter stay can head to Nakajima Koen, where reasonably priced hotels sit beside beautiful parklands and striking architecture, offering a peaceful retreat just minutes from the city centre.

Sapporo is also a rare destination where world‑class skiing is within easy reach. Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort lies just an hour from downtown and is known for its deep powder and varied terrain. Sapporo Teine, host of the 1972 Winter Olympics, offers slopes for all levels and is accessible by bus or train in under an hour. For a more local experience, Sapporo Bankei ski area is around 30 minutes from the city, perfect for hitting the slopes by day and enjoying Sapporo's dining scene by evening.

With exceptional snow quality, convenient access to full‑scale ski resorts, and endless opportunities for sightseeing, dining, and relaxation, including hot springs, Sapporo blends urban energy with winter adventure in a way few cities can match.

Destination inspiration

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Festivals

Sapporo hosts many unique festivals during the year. In January and February, enjoy the winter wonderland of snow sculptures, light shows and warming food stalls that take over during the famous Sapporo Snow Festival. See Sapporo in full bloom at r the Lilac Festival that begins in May or the Flower Festival starting in June. If you want beers over blooms, July also welcomes the Beer Festival, when Odori Park comes alive with frothy favourites. No matter the season, Sapporo knows how to celebrate.

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Skiing

Famous for its powdery-white snowcapped mountains, buzzing food scene and annual snow festival, this vibrant city sits on the doorstep of one of the world's best ski regions. From soaking in hot springs in the Hokkaido Mountains to the finest powder in Niseko Ski Resort, paired with the fascinating culture of Japan's fifth largest city, Sapporo is the prefect destination for a magical winter holiday and ski destination in Japan.

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Getting around

From the airport: The best way to get from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo city is via JR rapid train. Departing from the airport four times every hour, the journey takes just 35 mins and costs 1150 yen (one way). Otherwise, buses operate from the airport to various parts of Sapporo every 15 mins and take over an hour to reach city-centre. Charter bus services can be arranged to connect passengers to major ski resorts.

In and around the city: Sapporo's subway and tram services make it easy to get around the city, and run frequently to nearby ski areas. Grab a day pass from a nearby vending machine and enjoy unlimited use of Sapporo's subway. The city is also very walkable, bikes are available to hire or Uber and taxis are an option.