Flights to Sapporo

The vibrant capital of Hokkaido, Japan, Sapporo, is a dream escape for snow lovers and foodies alike. Refreshingly different to Japan’s bigger cities like Tokyo or Osaka, Sapporo’s world-class ski resorts, natural landscapes, and mouthwatering food scene keep visitors coming back year after year. Keen to find the most authentic bowl of ramen? Or perhaps you’re ready to indulge in the freshest slices of sashimi. Whether you’re chasing powder or ready to eat your heart out, Sapporo offers a tasty adventure unlike any other. 

Flight time to Sapporo from Australia

As there are currently only direct flights from Sydney to Sapporo during peak season. From other Australian cities, you’ll typically connect through Sydney, Tokyo, Osaka, or other major Asian hubs. The time it takes for you to get to Sapporo will depend heavily on your stopover location and flight. 

• Sydney to Sapporo: 10 hours, 50 minutes
• Melbourne to Sapporo (via Tokyo or Osaka): 14 hours, 25 minutes
• Brisbane to Sapporo (via Tokyo): 13 hours, 25 minutes
• Adelaide to Sapporo (via Sydney/Tokyo): 19 hours, 35 minutes
• Perth to Sapporo (via Singapore/Tokyo): 13 hours, 25 minutes 

Airlines flying direct to Sapporo

• Qantas: You can fly with Qantas to Sapporo during peak season from Sydney. As Australia’s national carrier, Qantas offers full-service perks where Frequent Flyer members can earn points with this route.

For additional options, several full-service airlines offer one-stop flights via major Asian hubs such as Tokyo, Osaka, or Singapore.

• Thai Airways: Connect via Bangkok from major Australian cities. Thai Airways is known for its warm hospitality, full-service experience, and generous baggage allowance.
• Japan Airlines: Fly from Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane with a stop in Tokyo. Japan Airlines is a premium full-service airline known for excellent hospitality, comfortable seating, and reliable connections to Sapporo.
• Chinese Eastern Airlines: Connect via Shanghai from cities like Sydney and Melbourne. China Eastern offers competitive fares and a decent full-service experience, including meals and generous baggage allowance.
• China Airlines: With routes via Taipei, China Airlines combines affordability with comfort and friendly service.
• Asiana Airlines: Expect spacious cabins, delicious in-flight meals, and smooth transfers to Sapporo. 
• Cathay Pacific: Known for its premium service, modern fleet, and comfortable cabins (especially for long-haul flights), Cathay Pacific is a top choice for frequent flyers on this route. 
• Air China: Perfect for budget-conscious travellers, Air China offers competitive fares, friendly service, and easy transit from Beijing to Sapporo.
• EVA Air: Clean and comfortable cabins coupled with an exceptional safety record. EVA Air is a top choice for those looking to connect to Sapporo via Taipei. 
• All Nippon Airways: Offers smooth one-stop flights via Tokyo from major Australian cities. ANA is highly rated for service quality, in-flight comfort, punctuality, as well as exceptional in-flight dining. In Economy you can choose from Japanese washoku cuisine or Western options, all served with attention to detail.
• Korean Air: With a professional and attentive service, as well as a mix of Korean and international dishes in-flight, you’ll be well looked after on a Korean Air flight. They’ve also recently revamped their special/dietary meals for low-fat, diabetic, gluten-free, or low-salt options, too. 
• Singapore Airlines: Singapore Airlines offers a one-stop service to Sapporo via Singapore, connecting from cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Singapore Airlines is known for its world-class service — often ranked among the world’s best in customer satisfaction — award-winning food, and generous baggage allowances.

Where you can fly direct to Sapporo from

Qantas: Sydney

There are currently no other direct flights from Australia to Sapporo, but it's easy to reach with one or two stopovers, usually via Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Taipei, or Singapore. Here’s how you can get there from major Australian cities:

Japan Airlines (via Tokyo): Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

All Nippon Airways (via Tokyo): Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

Singapore Airlines (via Singapore): Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide

Korean Air (via Seoul): Sydney, Brisbane

Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong): Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

China Airlines (via Taipei): Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

Asiana Airlines (via Seoul): Sydney, Melbourne

Thai Airways (via Bangkok): Sydney, Melbourne

China Eastern (via Shanghai): Sydney, Melbourne

Air China (via Beijing): Sydney, Melbourne

EVA Air (via Taipei): Brisbane, Sydney

Where is the airport in Sapporo?

New Chitose Airport is the main gateway to Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido. While it’s approximately 45 kms from central Sapporo, the airport is well connected and easy to reach. Just hop onto the JR Rapid Airport train takes just 35–40 minutes from Sapporo Station.

For a more door-to-door service, taxis are also available, with the drive taking around 1 hour, depending on traffic. 

When is the cheapest time to fly to Sapporo

Keen to explore Sapporo without breaking the bank? Choosing to fly during shoulder seasons is a great idea. March and April is just after winter and before the Golden Week rush where domestic and international travel are at its peak. You’ll not only find cheaper flights, but you’ll see deals on hotels and experiences too. The weather is nice — cool, but not freezing — and you’ll get to explore the city with fewer crowds. It’s a win-win in our books!

You’ll want to avoid visiting in February, as that’s when the famous Sapporo Snow Festival is on. Crowds are big and flights and accommodation prices are guaranteed to skyrocket. 

Passport and visa requirements when flying to Sapporo

Want to get head straight to the fun in Sapporo? Well, you can. For Australian passport holders you can visit Sapporo for up to 90 days without a visa in advance. Just make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay as well as a having a return ticket back to Australia. 

How early to arrive at the airport

For international flights to Sapporo, it’s recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. This gives you enough time to check in, clear security and immigration, and relax before your flight.

Whether you're chasing powder snow or planning a foodie adventure, Traveloka has great deals on flights, hotels, car hire, and experiences to help you make the most of your Sapporo trip.