A Hokkaido Winter Itinerary for Frosty Fun
Yes, winter is coming!
Only in Hokkaido is there no bleak threat of White Walkers pummelling through the Seven Kingdoms with their army of the undead and a never-ending wrestling match for who gets to sit on the Iron Throne.
In fact, Hokkaido is the ultimate winter fairytale-land for all snow lovers, with powdery snow, ice sculptures, and sub-zero temperatures tailor-made for slurping on a hot piping bowl of ramen and saying “oishii.”
Trust us, there’s no better time to visit Japan’s northernmost island, especially after it undergoes its yearly transformation into postcard-perfect, snow-blanketed landscapes, with its capital, Sapporo, becoming one of the snowiest cities in the world.
If you’re planning a visit to Hokkaido during the winter months and are short on ideas, here’s a list of activities to add to your itinerary for your next trip to this majestic island.
Your winter trip bucket list awaits.
Skiing (Not Walking) Through a Winter Wonderland: Top Ski Resorts
When you visit Hokkaido in winter, skiing is a non-negotiable activity, especially with the many ski resorts available.
You can dive into world-famous powder skiing at Prince Snow Resorts, which features two zones: Furano and Kitanomine.
It’s as good as it gets here for skiers, with a total of 28 trails to tackle, a maximum run length of 4,000 metres, and stunning views of the Daisetsuzan Mountains.
Next on your wishlist should be Niseko, one of Japan’s top ski resort areas, for a truly epic winter adventure.
The ski resorts are all located on Mount Niseko-Annupuri, where you can ski between the three major resorts: Grand Hirafu, Annupuri, and Niseko Village.
Each has its own appeal.
Grand Hirafu is the largest resort, with more than a dozen lifts and the lively Hirafu Town around its base. Niseko Village is the second-largest resort, with two sizeable hotels in the area.
Finally, Annupuri is less crowded and more of a hidden gem, though its ski trails aren’t as steep or extensive as those at the other two resorts. We recommend getting the Niseko All Mountain Pass if you’re planning to visit the big three Hokkaido ski resorts.
You can also head to Moiwa (which unfortunately isn’t covered by the Niseko All Mountain Pass), but its smaller size makes it ideal for beginners.
If you’re into skiing and snowboarding, Rusutsu Ski Resort is a must-visit, just a 40-minute drive from New Chitose Airport. The tiny but well-loved Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is also worth checking out, perfect for first-timers.
If you're not that into skiing but would like to get a taste and feel for the sport, you can always visit the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, take a lift to the top of a mountain, and soak in breathtaking views of central Sapporo.
At the end of the day, whichever ski resort you choose, you’ll be guaranteed incredible views and plenty of adrenaline once the snow falls. You can find out more with our guide to the best ski resorts in Hokkaido before your trip.
Drift Ice, Ice Baby: See Frozen Waters Like Never Before
Who says freezing temperatures can’t be fun?
If you’re looking to celebrate winter in style, why not take a cruise through the Arctic-like landscape of drift ice on the Aurora Icebreaker Ship in the Okhotsk Sea?
The Okhotsk Sea is the southernmost point where the ocean freezes, with a massive, pure white mass of ice floating from the Amur River in Russia.
As you sail, keep your eyes peeled to spot adorable seals, cool birds like the Steller's sea eagle and white-tailed eagle resting on the ice, and other critters like Yezo sika deer on land.
For the best time to see the drift ice in Hokkaido, plan your trip from roughly mid-February to early March. However, with global warming, the ice-viewing season may vary depending on the climate. In fact, this floating ice phenomenon has lost up to 30% of its thickness in the last 30 years.
But you can still enjoy a drift ice experience in Hokkaido for now, so perhaps it's time to plan that trip before things change irreversibly.
If you'd like to get even more hands-on (or should we say, feet-on), join a drift ice walk in Utoro, Shiretoko. It’s undeniably one of the coolest things to do in Hokkaido in winter, both literally and figuratively!
Culture vultures also shouldn’t miss exploring the Okhotsk Ryūhyō Museum in Abashiri to dive deep into what makes this unique winter wonderland special.
More Winter Fun in Hokkaido
There's a reason why people flock to Hokkaido, even though there's plenty of snowfall on mainland Japan.
Hokkaido takes the cake when it comes to all sorts of wintery fun, from snow tubing and ice skating to amusement parks and festivals.
For instance, North Snow Land in Chitose has it all - whether it’s snowmobiling, snow tubing, or snowshoeing - think of it as the ultimate wintery amusement park to experience Hokkaido. And best of all, it’s only an hour’s drive away from Sapporo if you’re basing yourself in the capital.
Another cool Japanese winter activity you can try is snowshoeing, which lets you stretch your calves as you trek through snow-covered ground for a truly unique experience. There are tours you can take from Sapporo if this is up your alley.
Don’t miss out on ice fishing or snow view rafting, both of which can be done at Jōzankei, an ultra-scenic hot spring resort.
Finally, make your winter trip worth your while by visiting the annual Sapporo Snow Festival, typically held in early February, where you can see ice sculptures of all shapes and sizes at Odori Park, from anime characters like Hello Kitty to life-sized pieces of jewelry ice art.
The snow festival attracts more than two million visitors annually, so do plan your trip accordingly.
Relax in Natural Hot Springs: Switched On for Onsens
When the average temperature drops below zero, seriously, what beats soaking in a calming and relaxing onsen (hot spring) to heal your aching bones and soul?
To fully experience Japanese culture, you absolutely have to visit an onsen in winter. Whether you choose indoor or outdoor pools, immersing yourself in hot water on a cold wintry day is a must.
Some onsens you should add to your list include Sounkyo Onsen, a narrow, picturesque gorge lined with towering, forested cliffs 100 metres high in the majestic Daisetsuzan National Park.
The onsen experience itself offers multiple hot spring baths to soak in. The town also has several ryokan (traditional Japanese-style inns), which are open to daytime visitors who aren’t staying as guests.
Make sure to check out the two gorgeous waterfalls, Ginga no Taki (Milky Way Falls) and Ryusei no Taki (Shooting Star Falls), near the village.
And if you’re onsen-hopping in Daisetsuzan, be sure to stop at Asahidake Onsen. Besides being the perfect jump-off point to explore Hokkaido’s highest mountain, Mount Asahidake (2,290 metres), this hot spring resort has several hiking routes, including one from the summit of Kurodake, where you can descend to Sounkyo Onsen.
For travellers short on time, you can even relax at an onsen in Shin-Chitose Airport - imagine that!
No need to be stressed before your flight.
Exploring Hokkaido’s Jaw-Dropping Natural Beauty
If white snow is a top priority for you, then you can't go wrong with Hokkaido.
After all, the region is chock-full of eye-popping natural attractions that’ll instantly make you go “wow,” especially when a photo pops up on Instagram, and it’s one of Hokkaido in winter.
There’s the super pretty town of Biei, known for its rolling hills and vast fields, but with ethereal, dreamy vistas in winter, from the mystical Aoi-Ike (or Blue Pond) to Farm Tomita, which won’t be covered with its iconic lavender fields but instead a frosty veil of snow.
If you can tolerate the cold, you can cycle the lengthy Patchwork Road route, or check out the famous Ken and Mary Tree, named after it was featured in a Nissan commercial, and arguably even prettier in a winter landscape.
You can also head to Lake Shikaribetsu to see the entire lake freeze over and even take a dip in a natural hot spring right in the middle of the frozen lake - now, how cool is that?
Sapporo: The Capital of Winter Activities
When the first snow hits Sapporo, that’s when the city truly comes alive.
For all you folks planning a winter itinerary in Hokkaido, do save at least two nights to fully experience what the city has to offer.
Basing yourself in Sapporo during winter makes it convenient for you to try activities like traditional smelt fishing or snowshoeing through powdery snow forests - things you typically wouldn’t do elsewhere, which is super cool.
Also, don’t miss the Sapporo Snow Festival, which you should definitely plan your trip around. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
And sometimes, nothing beats a good ol' fashioned city stroll, and the Sapporo White Illumination lights make that incredibly tempting.
As the city’s largest winter lighting event held at Odori Park, get ready for a wintry kaleidoscopic display of spectacular proportions that’ll have you whipping out your camera in no time.
Learn about the Ainu People's Fascinating Culture
Technically, you could visit any time of the year, not just in winter, but the Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum is a must for all culture buffs.
It's where you can trace the ancient tales of human history and learn about the fascinating yet difficult history of the Ainu people, one of the few ethnic minorities in largely homogenous Japan.
Another option is the Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples in Abashiri, a stunning domed museum that offers insights into the culture and traditional everyday life of the people who inhabited the subarctic and northern regions of the globe, including the Ainu.
The Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples is open every day during February, July, August, and September.
Visit the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival & Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival
Can’t make it to the Sapporo Snow Festival? No need to stress. You can still explore the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival from early to late February for some icy magic.
At this festival, sculptures crafted from pristine lake water are illuminated with stunning light displays once frozen, featuring everything from impressive ice castles that might make you want to shout "Let It Go" to dazzling fireworks.
But that’s not all - there are plenty of other fun arctic activities to enjoy. You can go ice skating, zip down ice slides, and even take horseback rides. What’s not to love?
The 2025 edition will be held from 1st February to 24th February and is easily accessible, just a 40-minute drive from New Chitose Airport.
Another option is the Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival, which takes a mind-boggling three months to create.
The effort is definitely worth it, as the festival features ice climbing, futuristic projection mapping on the ice, and even an icefall shrine.
This festival runs from late January to mid-March, so keep your calendar clear when you visit Hokkaido.
Keep Your Belly Warm (and Happy) This Winter
Foodie or not, you can't say you've visited Hokkaido without trying the prefecture's famous dairy products, like creamy baked cheese tarts and fresh milk ice cream.
The region’s specialties also include plump Yubari king melons, potatoes, and all sorts of crabs, from the sweet and delicate flesh of the Hokkaido snow crab (zuwaigani) to the ultra-popular king crab, which is abundant during the winter months from mid-November to February.
One of the best ways to get acquainted with the flavors of Hokkaido? Simple.
Join a food tour to sample local delicacies from food stalls. Or, you could always go the independent route and explore things yourself.
One great spot to check out is Asahikawa Ramen Village, a collection of branches from eight famous ramen restaurants in Asahikawa.
Here, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to trying the iconic Asahikawa ramen, known for a slight layer of oil on the soup's surface, with typical toppings including pork, bamboo shoots, and green onions.
Day Trips and Excursions to Add to Your Hokkaido Winter Itinerary
Hokkaido is meant for exploring, and there’s a raft of extraordinary day trips you can take, whether you're starting from Sapporo or not.
If you are beginning your journey in Sapporo, why not explore the charming canal town of Otaru?
The town is steeped in history and seemingly stuck in time - a dreamy anomaly in our modern world.
Or, if you’re in the mood for something more serene, take a scenic drive to Lake Toya in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Nature lovers will be captivated by the vast, staggering views here. And don’t forget to soak in the hot springs while you're there.
Love animals? Head straight to the Kushiro marshlands, which take on an otherworldly feel in winter with their almost supernatural landscape.
Here, you can spot majestic red-crowned cranes from the observation deck at the Hosooka tenbōdai Observatory.
Wrapping Up: Your Hokkaido Winter Itinerary
Hokkaido in winter is pure magic.
And trust us, there’s no better time to experience this region than when the snow starts to fall.
From skiing down the mountain’s powdery snow at top resorts to taking in the views over Lake Toya - you've got so many options available, that you've probably got to plan a second trip!
More Ways to Enjoy Your Hokkaido Winter Trip Like a Pro
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the snowiest place in Hokkaido?
If you’re chasing the snowiest spot in Hokkaido, Sapporo should be your go-to. The capital city is known for its heaviest snowfalls, with around 600 cm (19 feet 8 inches) of snow yearly.
How cold is Hokkaido in winter?
In winter, central Hokkaido can get supremely cold, with temperatures often dipping below -30℃ (-22℉). But don’t worry - this frosty weather usually comes with clear skies and less snow, making it a special and enjoyable winter experience.