Sapporo TV Tower looms over at the Odori Park. ABS-CBN News fileMANILA — Cebu Pacific said it flew its maiden flight from Manila to Sapporo on Thursday, making it the only airline to offer direct flights between the two cities. 

Sapporo, which many refer to as "Japan's Winter Capital" is Cebu Pacific's fifth destination in Japan. The Gokongwei-led airline said starting January 16, it will operate direct flights between Manila and Sapporo thrice weekly, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. 

The direct flight shortens the journey by up to five hours and offers passengers the opportunity to save up to 63 percent on airfare, Cebu Pacific said.

“We are excited to bring Sapporo much closer to our Filipino travelers in our commitment to make air travel even more accessible and affordable for every Juan,” said Xander Lao, the airline's President and Chief Commercial Officer.

Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo, Philippine Transportation Undersecretary Bobby Lim, and Japan National Tourism Organization Executive Director Makoto Watanabe attended the launch of Cebu Pacific's new route at the NAIA Terminal 3, the company said.

“I would like to encourage everyone in the Philippines to come visit and make Hokkaido your next adventure. The Japanese government is actively working with the Philippine Department of Tourism to promote tourism and foster deeper cultural exchanges between our two countries,” Kazuya said. 

Cebu Pacific currently operates in 37 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.