Question:

... or in the prefecture's city of Sapporo or even the city's Atsubetsu ward?

Answer:

I just went Hokkaido a week ago.
My wife was born in Asahikawa, about 150 km away from Sapporo.
So we usually visit Asahikawa, Biei and Furano.
There are a lot of good spas( onsen ), tasty food and beautiful parks.
In winter, there are good for skiing.

Jozankei Spa:
http://www.welcome.city.sapporo.jp/engli…
especially Furukawa
http://www.yado-furu.com/english.html

Biei:
http://biei.web.transer.com/bb_url_ej.ph…

Farm Tomita:
http://www.furano-kankou.com/english/hyp…

Asahiyama Zoo:
http://www5.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/a…