Visiting Hokkaido in Winter: 10 Must-Do Activities
Located near Siberia, in the north of Japan, the island of Hokkaido is blessed with a (very) cold climate between November and March, as well as numerous ski resorts…
Located near Siberia, in the north of Japan, the island of Hokkaido is blessed with a (very) cold climate between November and March, as well as numerous ski resorts… However, the island is far more than just a skier's paradise! From the city of Otaru to the cranes of Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, passing through Sapporo and the finest ice festivals: here are the absolute must-see and must-do things in Hokkaido in winter!
What to See and Do on Hokkaido Island in Winter?
Note: First things first—in winter, the sun sets around 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Hokkaido! Whatever activities you choose, make sure you leave yourself enough time to make the most of them. |
1. Skiing
Japan is an excellent destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Between December and March (and sometimes even into April), the mountain ranges are blanketed in beautiful white snow, delighting skiers and snowboarders alike.
The island of Hokkaido is home to numerous ski resorts, renowned for their distinctive atmospheres. Depending on the resort, the vibe can vary, with state-of-the-art facilities (such as at Niseko) or more rustic, picturesque stations (like Asahidake).
What they all share is exceptional powder snow, prized for its outstanding quality (reportedly superior to other mountainous regions). Among the most sought-after ski resorts:
● Rusutsu: with 37 runs spread across 3 mountains and 18 lifts, this resort is one of Hokkaido's largest. It offers numerous winter sports activities, including dog sledding, snow rafting, snow biking, and snowmobiling.
● Niseko United: equipped with 32 lifts, this ski area boasts some fifty kilometers of runs spread across 3 difficulty levels [beginner (22 km), intermediate (18 km), and advanced (10 km)]. The resort also offers stunning views of Mount Yotei's summit.
● Sapporo Teine: located about 40 minutes' drive from the city of Sapporo, this resort spans 20 km of runs and has 10 lifts. The intermediate slope stretches 8 km.
● Furano: the resort has 32 km of runs and 9 lifts. Of its 32 km, 15 km are beginner runs, and 14 km suit intermediate skiers. This is an ideal resort for families, offering snowmobile rides and ice fishing sessions!
What are the temperatures in Hokkaido during winter? Due to its extremely cold winter temperatures, Hokkaido is nicknamed Japan's "Little Siberia." During winter, temperatures hover around -5°C during the day and -10°C at night! |
2. Attending Winter Festivals
Winter festivals are a true institution in Japan. In Hokkaido, three must-see events stand out:
Sapporo Snow Festival: Created in 1950, this event attracts countless visitors and locals each year. The festival features numerous ice sculptures scattered throughout the city, food stalls, and a festive atmosphere.
Asahikawa Winter Festival: Hokkaido's second-largest winter festival (held at the same time as Sapporo's), this event showcases gigantic ephemeral masterpieces each year. These are accompanied by illuminations, fireworks, and numerous entertainment options and dining experiences. It's a chance to try your hand at ice sculpture and enjoy live concerts. The festival is easily accessible by train from Sapporo.
Otaru Light Festival: During this event, the city sparkles with thousands of lights, floating candles in the canal, and ice sculptures. Otaru also offers many activities, such as making luminous garlands. How to get there? Take the train from Sapporo (30-35 minutes).
3. Visiting Otaru
A former capital of Hokkaido, Otaru is a port city located 30 km west of Sapporo—the current capital. Once popular for its herring trade, Otaru remains an important port in Ishikari Bay today.
The city is also renowned for its glassmaking art. During your visit, you'll discover small glass furnaces and merchants selling glassware. Mount Tenguyama is also accessible from the city's outskirts.
4. Visiting Sapporo
Sapporo is often compared to New York because of its rectilinear avenues. It's a former colonial city, once occupied by Japanese settlers who came to the island to "civilize" the Ainu—the indigenous people of Hokkaido.
The result? Progressive colonization of their territory ultimately led to the decline of their culture during the Meiji era (1868-1912). During this period, the Ainu were forbidden from speaking their language and practicing their ancestral rituals—all in the name of "assimilation" with the rest of Japanese territory…
This city with a rich history is a pleasure to visit in winter. Its must-see attraction? A breathtaking view of snow-covered landscapes from the summit of Mount Moiwa!
While it's accessible on foot (about 1 hour's walk), taking the cable car during bitterly cold periods is highly recommended. Expect to pay around 8€ per person. During your stay, don't miss the magnificent Hokkaido Jingū shrine.
5. Visiting Makomanai Takino Cemetery
More than just a place of remembrance, Makomanai Takino Cemetery is a true open-air museum in Sapporo. The site was designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Tadao Andō—who has received numerous prestigious awards.
His minimalist work and preference for concrete are evident in the cemetery's colossal statues, which stand 10 meters tall toward the sky. Their distinctive feature? They represent the moaï: the famous statues of Easter Island!
The site spans over 180 hectares across vast grassland, covered with snow in winter. In the cemetery's upper reaches, you can admire a gigantic Buddha, built in an underground structure with its head protruding above ground!
Entry to see the Buddha is paid (approximately 2€), accessed via a tunnel. To reach it, follow a specific path along a basin. Tadao Andō's intention? To invite visitors to symbolic purification before arriving at the statue!
This unique site is accessible by bus from Makomanai Station or by taxi. Tip: check opening hours before visiting.
6. Discovering the Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls
The blue pond of Biei (or Aoiike) is an artificial basin (created to contain mudslides from the river of the same name). It's renowned for its turquoise color, worthy of Okinawa's finest beaches! Its color, which sometimes shifts toward cobalt blue or emerald, is due to minerals (rocks) in the water…
These minerals come from Shirahige Falls, located in the hills above the town. This "white-bearded waterfall" is particularly beautiful in winter, thanks to its shimmering ice stalactites. During the winter season, the pond is also illuminated by stunning nighttime lights!
How to get there? Simple: just take a dedicated tour bus from central Biei (located about 2h20 drive from Sapporo).
7. Snowshoeing or Ice Fishing at Lake Akan
Looking to venture off the beaten path? Opt for a snowshoeing expedition on Lake Akan with a professional guide—an experience that will leave unforgettable memories of your time in Hokkaido…
Lake Akan is also popular for ice fishing sessions! For around 12€/hour, you can fish for wakasagi—small fish similar to smelt. Shops near the lake let you fry your catch and eat it on the spot.
8. Observing Japanese Cranes
The crane is a migratory bird of great importance in Japanese culture. In the Land of the Rising Sun, this animal symbolizes wisdom, luck, peace, and fidelity—the crane is monogamous, choosing its partner for life!
This elegant and majestic bird, found in countless tales and prints, once inhabited Honshu, Japan's main island, and nearly vanished from the archipelago due to land urbanization and hunting…
Today, cranes live primarily on Hokkaido, where you can see the tanchō (the "red-crowned crane") in Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, particularly in the village of Tsurui (recognized as Japan's "crane sanctuary"). An opportunity for stunning wildlife photography against snow and ice.
9. Relaxing in an Onsen
After a day in the cold, nothing beats a stop at one of Hokkaido's finest hot springs! Unwind in warm baths (indoor or outdoor), heated by the region's volcanic springs—whose therapeutic benefits are well-established.
Note: nudity is required in onsens, whether in natural hot springs or bath facilities at thermal resorts…
10. Observing Sika Deer at Notsuke and Walking on Ice
If you visit the eastern coast during your Hokkaido trip, be sure to explore the Notsuke Peninsula (or Notsuke hantō). Renowned for its beauty and pristine nature, this part of Hokkaido is home to a large population of Sika deer—which can be observed from several viewing spots. You may also spot White-tailed Sea Eagles.
As for scenery, you can observe the fury of the Sea of Okhotsk along the coastline. In extreme cold (January to mid-March), the inner bay freezes, offering a sublime expanse of ice to walk on. Called Ice Horizon Walk, this snowshoe trek offers a glacial horizon stretching endlessly. An unforgettable experience guaranteed!
What Clothes Should You Pack for Visiting Hokkaido in Winter? It's essential to pack warm clothing to face the freezing cold. But beware: opt for clothes that are easy to remove, as most establishments maintain indoor temperatures of around 30°C! A tip? Also bring shoes suitable for walking in snow, plus a small reusable hand warmer. You can purchase one locally at one of Japan's many konbini—24/7/365 convenience stores. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it snow in Hokkaido in February?
Yes, Hokkaido does get snow in February! Known as Japan's northernmost major island, it's located near Siberia—and experiences extremely low temperatures. Hokkaido's mountain ranges tend to get snow earlier than other Japanese regions and experience more frequent snowfall during January and February.
When can you ski in Hokkaido?
Japan's ski season runs from December through April—with different opening dates depending on the region, based on geography and weather. Hokkaido's peak season is January-February, with exceptional powder snow (renowned as some of the lightest in the world).
Is there snow in Hokkaido in December?
Hokkaido's first snowfall occurs in November, so there's definitely snow on the slopes in December (while the year's first freezing temperatures begin to set in).
Reminder of Must-See Winter Events in Hokkaido! ● Otaru Snow and Light Festival (Yuki Akari no Michi) takes place in the first half of February. In 2025, it runs February 8-15. ● Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri) occurs in early February. The 2025 edition runs February 2-4. A chance to celebrate the event's 75th anniversary! ● Asahikawa Winter Festival (Asahikawa Fuyu Matsuri) also takes place in the first half of February. In 2025, it runs February 6-11. ● Observe cranes at Tsurui Park, where you can admire hundreds of specimens between December and March. ● Visit Notsuke Peninsula to observe Sika deer and walk on ice. |
Frequently asked questions
The best time to visit Hokkaido in winter is between January and February. During these two months, powder snow is most abundant and lightest, major festivals (Sapporo Yuki Matsuri, Asahikawa Fuyu Matsuri, Otaru Yuki Akari no Michi) take place, and snow-covered landscapes are most spectacular. If you want to avoid festival crowds, mid-December or early March remain good alternatives with cold temperatures and plenty of snow.
Two main options exist for reaching Hokkaido from Tokyo: flying (approximately 1.5 hours from Haneda or Narita airports to Sapporo's New Chitose Airport, starting from 50-80€) or taking the Hokkaido Shinkansen bullet train (approximately 4 hours from Tokyo to Sapporo, covered by Japan Rail Pass). Flying remains the fastest and often most economical option.
Hokkaido is home to several renowned thermal destinations. Noboribetsu is the most famous, with its diverse mineral springs. Jozankei, just 1 hour from Sapporo, offers a magnificent snowy forest setting. Yunokawa, near Hakodate, and Toyako, on Lake Toya's shores, are also highly appreciated stops for relaxation after a day of skiing or snowshoeing.
No, French citizens do not need a visa to visit Japan, including Hokkaido, for tourist stays of less than 90 days. A valid passport is sufficient. However, it's recommended to check current entry requirements with the Japanese Embassy or your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before departure.
To face temperatures of -5°C during the day and -10°C at night, it's essential to pack layered clothing: thermal underwear, warm wool sweater or fleece, waterproof and wind-resistant insulated jacket. Don't forget a hat, scarf, waterproof gloves, and insulated snow boots with good traction. Indoors, heating is very strong (up to 30°C), so choose outfits that are easy to remove. Disposable or reusable hand warmers (available at Japanese convenience stores) are an excellent supplement.
Absolutely! Hokkaido in winter offers numerous activities beyond ski slopes: ice and snow festivals in Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Otaru; observing Japanese cranes at Kushiro Shitsugen National Park; snowshoeing on Notsuke Peninsula; ice fishing at Lake Akan; relaxing in hot springs; visiting Sapporo and Biei's blue pond. The island is very enjoyable to explore without skis!
