Hokkaido, Japan Okurayama Ski Jumping Stadium + White Lover Park Half Day Tour: Sapporo Morning Sightseeing Day Tours

Must Do Experiences

• Ride the chairlift to the top of the Okurayama Ski Jumping Stadium for a breathtaking panoramic view of Sapporo and the Ishikari Plain.

• Stand at the very edge of the 90-meter ski jump landing hill to truly grasp the terrifying and exhilarating height the athletes face.

• Watch the mesmerizing process of Shiroi Koibito cookies being baked and packaged on the factory observation deck.

• Draw your own original chocolate art or decorate a giant cookie at the interactive Shiroi Koibito workshop.

Hidden Gems

• The Winter Sports Museum at the base of Okurayama features actual Olympic medals and vintage ski gear that most visitors breeze past on their way to the chairlift.

• Shiroi Koibito Park hides a beautiful, meticulously maintained English-style rose garden behind the factory building that blooms spectacularly in the summer months.

• Look for the hidden fairy-tale murals and intricate clockwork mechanisms scattered around the exterior walls that tell the story of the White Lover legend.

What Makes it Special

• Experience the rare opportunity to stand exactly where the 1972 Winter Olympics ski jumping champions launched themselves into history.

• Enjoy a seamless, stress-free morning with round-trip transportation and all main attraction tickets included, maximizing your sightseeing time.

• Combine the adrenaline of extreme winter sports history with the sweet, nostalgic charm of Hokkaido's most famous confectionery in a single half-day itinerary.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

This morning tour is ideal year-round, though winter offers a magical snow-covered landscape at the stadium and park, while summer provides lush greenery and blooming rose gardens. Arriving early in the morning ensures you beat the midday crowds at the chairlift and the chocolate factory observation deck. Dress in warm, layered clothing during the snowy months, as the stadium summit can be quite windy and chilly.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the sweeping curvature of the ski jump hill from the base, using a wide-angle lens to emphasize the sheer scale and height of the structure.

• The vintage European-style architecture of Shiroi Koibito Park looks best in the soft morning light, especially when framed with the surrounding seasonal foliage or snow.

• Take close-up, macro shots of the intricate chocolate-making machinery and the delicate icing details on the cookies through the factory's glass viewing panels.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Japanese culture values punctuality, so please arrive at the meeting point at least ten minutes before the scheduled departure time to respect the guide and fellow travelers. When sampling treats or shopping at the park, it is polite to queue orderly and handle the beautifully packaged goods with care. Tipping is not customary in Japan, as excellent service and gratuities are already thoughtfully included in your tour package.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• The Sapporo Snow Festival in February transforms the city and often features special illuminated snow sculptures near the park and stadium areas.

• Shiroi Koibito Park hosts a magical Christmas Market and illumination event in December, complete with horse-drawn carriage rides and festive light displays.

• During the summer months, the rose garden reaches peak bloom, offering special floral workshops and outdoor tea parties.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Hold onto the chairlift safety bar tightly and follow the operator's instructions when boarding and disembarking at the Okurayama summit.

• Be cautious of slippery surfaces and icy patches around the stadium and park pathways during the winter months by wearing appropriate footwear.

• Keep a close eye on young children near the factory machinery observation decks and the decorative water features.