JAPOW Gets Closer: 4 Direct Flights from Sapporo in Winter 2026/27

Before, getting to Sapporo always meant a layover in Tokyo, a domestic transfer at Haneda, and a short prayer that your ski bag would survive the journey. This coming winter season, four major carriers are launching direct service into New Chitose Airport (CTS); great news for travellers booking flights from Singapore, Manila, Vancouver and San Francisco for JAPOW adventures.

Winter 2026/27 brings four new direct routes into Hokkaido — fewer connections, more time in Niseko, Furano, and Rusutsu.

Route: San Francisco (SFO) → Sapporo (CTS) 
Launch date: 11 December 2026 
Season: 11 December 2026 – 26 March 2027 
Frequency: 3x weekly 
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

America’s quickest path to JAPOW is soon even shorter. United Airlines launches three-times-weekly nonstop service from San Francisco (SFO) to New Chitose (CTS) on 11 December 2026, through 26 March 2027. The 787-9 seats 257 across Polaris business, Premium Plus, and Economy. With SFO connecting to nearly 80 US cities, most of America just got a swifter route to JAPOW. 

Launch date: 17 December 2026 
Season: 17 December 2026 – 26 March 2027 
Frequency: 3x weekly 
Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Air Canada, launches nonstop Vancouver (YVR) to Sapporo on 17 December 2026, running through 26 March 2027 on the 787 Dreamliner. Plus, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) connects to over 45 cities across Canada, the US, and Mexico.

On this route, the Signature Class dining is curated by Michelin-starred Chef Masaki Hashimoto — a proper meal before you’ve even landed.

Route: Manila (MNL) → Sapporo (CTS) 
Launch date: 23 November 2026 
Season: 23 November 2026 – 26 March 2027 
Frequency: 3x weekly 
Aircraft: Airbus A321neo

The Philippines is already one of Niseko's fastest-growing source markets; Philippine Airlines is taking the hint. The Manila–Sapporo route returns for winter 2026/27 — 23 November through 26 March, three times weekly on the A321neo. Early-morning departures mean you could be on the slopes sooner than you think. The carrier has committed to the route every winter going forward.

Route: Singapore (SIN) → Sapporo (CTS) 
Season: Late November 2026 – End of February 2027 
Frequency: Daily (plus daily Scoot service via Taipei) 
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900

Singapore has always known about Niseko; now the flight calendar agrees. Singapore Airlines has worked the Singapore–Sapporo route since 2014, and this winter is its longest season yet, running from late November 2026 through end of February 2027. That’s the full powder window, Chinese New Year, and the Sapporo Snow Festival in one unbroken run. Sister carrier Scoot adds daily flights via Taipei. 

Planning a trip to Hokkaido this winter? Explore our ski-in/ski-out residences, alpine chalets, and resort properties across Niseko, Furano, and Rusutsu.