Best Things to Do in Hokkaido in Winter

Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, is a gem known worldwide for its collection of volcanoes and onsens (hot springs), its lively winter festivals hosted by the capital, Sapporo, and its extreme weather temperatures, which make winter the perfect time to visit. Winter in Hokkaido offers up some truly unforgettable experiences, from world-famous ice and snow festivals to popular ski resorts and winter sports. 

Whether you’re a skiing enthusiast, a tourist who wants to see everything the island has to offer, or a local who wants to enjoy the winter activities year after year, Hokkaido is the perfect place to indulge in your favourite cold activities. 

What are Hokkaido’s best winter activities?

7. Bibai Snowland

Hokkaido’s most popular winter sports venue, Bibai Snowland, allows you to partake in various snow-based activities and winter sports all in the same day. Essentially just a large adult and kid-friendly playground where you can partake in pretty much any winter sport you can think of, it’s a true gem of the island. Partake in a range of winter sports like snowmobiling, biking, snow tubing, and even snow golf, as well as child-friendly activities that involve the whole family. 

It’s one thing just strolling through snow-covered woods or around town squares, but it’s another to try your hand at specialised sports and experience a true thrill like never before. Hokkaido experiences extremely cold temperatures during the winter months from December to February, so you can expect the island to turn into an icy and snowy paradise that makes winter sports the perfect activity. 

6. Fukiage Hot Spring

Hokkaido is rife with volcanoes and volcanic activity, and a result of this is the island’s plethora of onsens, which you know as hot springs. When the temperatures drop, there’s no greater feeling than sinking into the depths of a steamy spring, and one of Hokkaido’s most revered is the Fukiage Hot Spring. 

The best thing about this is, according to JapanToday, “not only are the views incredible, the springs are completely free to use.” You can define your experience here based on your preferences, as you can bathe unattended in the 45-50°C water, or you can turn it into a full wellbeing experience with the Fukiage Hot Spring Health Centre and Hotel. 

5. Lake Shikotsu

Another jewel of this Japanese island, Lake Shikotsu, is a true icy paradise during Hokkaido’s winter months. Japan’s northernmost lake’s depths miraculously don’t freeze, even in the middle of winter, yet you can still enjoy ice-based activities along its shoreline. Although the lake itself doesn’t freeze or produce ice, it still forms at various points along the shore, allowing for unique activities like ice walking. 

Lake Shikotsu has a reputation for being one of Japan’s clearest lakes, and ice walking enables you to walk atop the water and have crystal-clear views of the depths below. Aside from ice walking, other popular activities include the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, where you can marvel at magnificent ice sculptures and formations. 

4. Biei Shirahige Waterfall

A wondrous sight all year round, but particularly magical in winter, Biei Shirahige Falls is the perfect place to visit for nature lovers. In winter, the falls freeze over, creating a picturesque winter wonderland that leaves most visitors in awe. Even when it freezes, the water retains its stunning blue tone, adding to the beauty of the falls. 

From November to late March, there are regular evenings where the falls are illuminated in a spectacular light display, creating a truly magical experience for inquisitive spectators. For the ultimate blue water experience, visit the nearby Shirogane Blue Pond, which also freezes over in winter to become a beautiful winter wonderland. 

3. Niseko Snowboarding 

Arguably Japan’s most famous snowboarding site, Niseko combines stunning snow-capped mountain views with snowboarding and ski slopes of varying difficulty levels to create the perfect winter sports paradise. The resort is world-famous, known for its perfectly groomed ski and snowboard slopes and base resort amenities like restaurants, ski lodges, and hotels. 

Mirroring the classic Alpine ski experience, Niseko is ideal for beginners who want to learn how to snowboard or ski, or snowboarding experts who want to expand their knowledge of the sport and try out some not-too-challenging slopes. 

2. Asahikawa Festival 

One of Japan’s most iconic winter festivals, the Asahikawa Festival features spectacular ice and snow sculptures that stand tall across several days in February of each year. The festival was created in 1947 to cheer people up during the harsh winter and encourage them to get involved in community events. 

Each year, the sculptures are built to varying heights and sizes, but there is always a standout larger sculpture that acts as a stage for live music performances. In 1994, one of the sculptures at the festival was actually featured in the Guinness World Records for being the largest snow sculpture. Aside from the snow sculptures, the festival also hosts live performances, light shows, and fireworks.

1. Sapporo Snow Festival

The largest and greatest snow festival in Japan, and one of the largest in the world, the Sapporo Snow Festival holds a special place in the hearts of locals and in Japan’s culture and history. Each year, around the same time as the Asahikawa Festival, the Sapporo Festival takes place in Odori Park and various other venues across Sapporo. 

The festival first began in 1950, when students created snow sculptures in Odori Park. It has since evolved into a world-famous, full-scale event that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Characterised by awe-inspiring sculptures and live performances, the festival is certainly a cornerstone of Japanese culture in Hokkaido, and is a unique and creative way to celebrate the winter months.