You'll get breathtaking scenery, soul-warming good food and jaw-dropping shopping - all in Hokkaido.

Hokkaido's Sapporo is the fifth largest city in Japan and host to the celebrated Sapporo Snow Festival. This city holds something for everyone within arm's reach, with several major department stores, a myriad of restaurants and the famous Susukino entertainment area conveniently located near the Sapporo station.

Capering in stores and squealing over the exquisite ware should help beat the frigid cold, but if that fails, tuck into steamy hot noodles in Susukino's Ramen Alley or get tipsy-warm at Sapporo Beer Brewery, which conducts free hour-long tours daily.

As dusk falls, stroll over to Odori Park as it twinkles to life, and meander your way among the dazzling trees twinkling with Christmas lights.

Next, hop onto a jet and soak off the day's exhaustion at the Niseko ski resorts. From gentle inclines to heart-stopping pistes, seasoned skiers and wobbly novices alike will have a great time on the icy slopes.

Or you can simply pick up a hot meal from the resort, sit back and just enjoy the magnificent view.

This article was first published in The New Paper on August 1, 2008.