Hokkaido is famous for a lot of reasons. Its natural beautiful scenery is one of the main attractions. The nature in Hokkaido is always breathtaking whenever you visit, including during winter.

Yup, winter in Hokkaido is like a paradise on earth. Aside from being famous as the best spot for skiing and snowboarding, there are more things to do in Hokkaido winter that will make an unforgettable visit with your loved ones. Those stunning nature will be more captivating when covered with snow. The onsen will feel warmer when it’s winter. Not to mention the festive and vibrant snow festival spread at several spots in Hokkaido—making the winter season even more lively and enjoyable.

Overall, winter has never been so fun until you visit Hokkaido. Discover all the things to do in Hokkaido winter and plan your visit around December to February to witness the lovely winters in Hokkaido!

Let’s start your winter journey in Hokkaido with Sapporo Mt Moiwa Ropeway and Mini Cable Car! It’s the only best way for you to enjoy the stunning view of covered Mount Moiwa and the surroundings during winter through the ropeway and mini cable car.

Both the ropeway ride and the mini cable car ride offer you the best natural scenery of Hokkaido. Later, you will arrive at the observation deck to enjoy the 360-degrees of your surroundings. Please make sure that you have your camera or your smartphone fully charged and have enough space to capture all those beauty?

Nothing beats dipping in a hot spring during winter. In Hokkaido (located in Minami Ward, Sapporo, to be exact), there’s Jozankei Hot Spring, an onsen that turns into heaven when winter comes. Well, it’s already heaven, but when it’s winter, the area is surrounded by snow-covered mountains and forests, offering breathtaking winter scenery.

You should try to dip in the outdoor baths (rotenburo). It offers a serene experience with views of the snowy landscape. Aside from being warmed by the hot springs amidst the cold of the winter, Jozankei offers various winter activities, such as snowshoeing and hiking, allowing you to explore the beautiful surroundings.

Also, there’s usually a special winter event called Jozankei Onsen Snow Light Path. It features illuminated snow sculptures and pathways, creating a magical evening atmosphere.

You might want to suit your visit when the Sapporo Snow Festival is being held. It happens annually in February, almost at the end of the winter season (but sometimes winter stays until March too). Just so you know, Sapporo Snow Festival is the most popular and awaited winter festival in the whole of Japan.

The festival features hundreds of intricate snow and ice sculptures that are mainly displayed in Odori Park. It originated in 1950 with just six statues and now it has grown significantly in popularity.

Today’s ice sculptures are not only majestic, but they are also stunning, especially with the illuminated lights when the sky turns dark. Skipping this one thing to do in Hokkaido winter will make you regret it. Plan your visit from Today!

Visiting a zoo during winter offers a different experience. When you’re in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, you can experience Asahiyama Zoo in winter with the whole family! Most people say that this zoo is best to visit during winter. Hmm… you might be wondering why.

Of course, the highlight is that you can see a lot of winter animals doing their activities during winter. This will be a unique experience because you might never see it anywhere else. The Polar Bears, Reindeers, Penguins, and Arctic Foxes may get busier this season–and they are so cute to observe!

Wait for the schedule of the penguin walks because it is so delightful to see. Another cute thing that you can’t skip is seeing the Red Pandas playing on the snow. It’s a must thing to do in Hokkaido in winter, especially when you’re having the trip with your children.

Engage in winter nature by strolling around the breathtaking Shiretoko National Park, located in Shari, Hokkaido. When the winter comes, the park’s rugged cliffs, frozen waterfalls, and snow-covered forests will get you mesmerized. It is indeed a must-go thing to do in Hokkaido in winter.

You can do a lot of winter activities in Shiretoko National Park, including ice trekking. But, the most memorable one will be riding the icebreaker and meeting the wildlife at the park, even the polar bears!

Built in the early 20th century, the canal played a crucial role in Otaru's development as a bustling port city during Japan's industrialization. It is lined with restored stone warehouses that now house shops, cafes, and museums, creating a charming blend of historical architecture and modern amenities.

When the winter comes, the canal will be blanketed in snow, transforming the area into a mesmerizing winter wonderland. The stone warehouses and cobblestone paths look especially charming under a layer of snow. Somehow, it feels so romantic to be here during winter, especially when it’s evening,

Some boat rides are available even in winter, allowing visitors to experience the serene, snow-covered canal from the water. If you find one, you’d better try it.

The next thing to do in Hokkaido winter that is unique and not easily found anywhere else is riding a dog sled. Yes, you are going to hop on a sled that is being pulled by either Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes. Don’t be afraid, they are all well-trained and actually very friendly, you might want to go home with one.

You can find a lot of dog sledding spots in Hokkaido, including in Niseko, Furano, and Asahikawa. It is recommended to join a tour, whether for a short ride, or a half-day or full-day tour. Enjoy the winter landscapes on the sled!

Overall, Niseko Village Ski Resort is a place for everyone with different interests. What you can do there is not only skiing, though it’s one of the main activities there. Niseko Village Ski Resort is filled with luxurious accommodations, fit for visitors that only want some relaxing time surrounded by the season of winter.

Of course, adventurous people will try skiing here, and even though they are first timers, the skiing trails here are available on all ski levels. In fact, they have a ski school even for kids.

Anyway, the breathtaking winter scenery, including snow-covered forests and mountains, provides endless opportunities for photography and nature appreciation.

Kushiro Shitsugen National Park is located in eastern Hokkaido. It offers a unique opportunity to observe various species in their natural habitats. Nature lovers should add this one to the list of things to do in Hokkaido winter.

The park is popular for its elegant red-crowned cranes, often seen dancing in pairs against the snowy landscape. See by yourself the white-tailed eagles hunt along frozen rivers, while Ezo deer graze in the snow. Marsh harriers and owls also inhabit the area.

Seeing all those wild animals in a winter setting is somehow thrilling yet mesmerizing at the same time. We recommend you to have a guided tour to enhance your experience.

You will have a magical experience in the beautiful Lake Shikaribetsu. It is situated within the Daisetsuzan National Park, known for its pristine natural landscapes, including mountains, forests, and lakes. In winter, Lake Shikaribetsu turned into a heaven. No wonder it’s a must-try thing to do in Hokkaido winter.

During winter, the lake freezes over completely, creating a vast expanse of pristine ice, with mountains and forests around being covered by the snow. It is so refreshing to see, and for sure, it will stay in your memory forever.

You can make your visit more interesting by engaging in some winter activities like snowmobiling or ice fishing. But, the most interesting one would be visiting the ephemeral Ice Village, featuring igloos, ice sculptures, and even an ice bar. You can explore these frozen structures and enjoy drinks served in ice glasses.

In another part of Hokkaido, there’s another winter festival that you should visit too! The Asahikawa Winter Festival is located in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido. It is also held annually in February.

You will enjoy yourself amidst numerous ice creations and illuminated displays. Highlights include the massive snow sculptures depicting various themes, from popular characters to iconic landmarks. Don’t forget to hunt for some delicious local cuisine, and cultural performances too!

Lastly, there’s another recommended onsen in Hokkaido that should be on your things to do in Hokkaido winter list: the Hokkaido Onsen Furano.

Let’s enjoy the picturesque landscapes while dipping in the therapeutic waters rich in minerals. The winter cold will enhance your relaxation feeling.

After a day of skiing or snowboarding on nearby slopes, soaking in these hot springs is indeed the perfect way to unwind. Furano Onsen also offers accommodations with traditional Japanese hospitality, completing the tranquil retreat.

There are a lot of fun things to do in Hokkaido winter for you to create new core memories with your loved ones. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make plans and open your Traveloka app to book everything for your journey to Hokkaido, from flights, accommodations, and activities. Enjoy the seamless process and the best deal available only at Traveloka!