For Filipinos dreaming of snow-covered streets, steaming bowls of ramen, ski slopes, and winter festivals straight out of a postcard, getting to Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido is about to become much easier.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) will resume its seasonal nonstop flights between Manila and Sapporo starting November 23, giving travelers a direct gateway to one of Japan’s most sought-after winter destinations in time for the 2026 holiday season.
The Manila-Sapporo route will operate three times weekly until March 26, 2027, with flights arriving at New Chitose Airport, the main gateway to Hokkaido.
PAL said the revived route is expected to attract both first-time and returning travelers looking to experience Hokkaido’s famous powder snow, winter scenery, hot springs, seafood, and seasonal attractions beyond Japan’s usual tourist hubs like Tokyo and Osaka.
The nonstop service also removes the need for multiple flight connections, helping shorten travel time and allowing passengers to maximize their winter itineraries. Flights from Manila will depart in the morning and arrive in Sapporo by midday, while return flights from Japan will leave in the afternoon.
The airline will operate the route using its Airbus A321neo aircraft, offering Business Class seating, inflight entertainment, Wi-Fi connectivity, and full-service onboard amenities suited for medium-haul travel.
PAL said Sapporo and the wider Hokkaido region continue to grow in popularity among Filipino travelers seeking a quieter and more immersive winter experience during the Christmas and New Year season.
The flag carrier currently operates the largest network between the Philippines and Japan, with nonstop flights from Manila to Osaka Kansai, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Tokyo Haneda, and Tokyo Narita, as well as direct Cebu flights to Osaka Kansai and Tokyo Narita.
To meet the expected surge in holiday travel demand, PAL will also increase flight frequencies on its Manila-Osaka and Manila-Narita routes from December 19 to January 11.
Beyond tourism, the airline said the resumed Sapporo service will also support growing cargo demand between the Philippines and Japan by providing additional capacity for the movement of goods and strengthening economic ties between the two countries.