Travel to Hokkaido in December | What to expect, what to wear, and what to pay for? A comprehensive guide to recommended activities

Traveling to Hokkaido in December | Temperature, clothing, and prices? Recommended activities

Entering the real winter Hokkaido in December .

Sapporo or Asahikawa Snowfall was also seen in various cities in Hokkaido, such as snow activity will also begin to be implemented. Although the cold is getting harsher, The season when Hokkaido gets hot is coming.
In this article, Hokkaido in December How to enjoy the festival, tips on choosing the right clothes, and areas to look out for. Useful information for planning your trip We will inform you of the following.

Concentrate and work hard Miscellaneous goods making experience Or playing with snow winter activities Such, Ranking of recommended experiences We will also be introducing it so don't miss it!

Reasons why you should visit Hokkaido in December

Snow and ice season begins

Reasons why you should visit Hokkaido in December

Snowfall is common in Hokkaido in December.
Hokkaido In some places, snow starts falling as early as late October, December is already in the middle of the snow and ice season It can be said that.
In Hokkaido, where snow falls even in April, Snowy scenery for nearly half a year It is not uncommon for this to continue.

Reasons why you should visit Hokkaido in December

The largest city in Hokkaido Sapporo There are underground passages. Hokkaido is a snowy region, and in addition to the daily snowfall, snow piles up high on the side of the roads during snow removal. The snow has become permanent and frozen, making the roads very difficult to walk on. Become.
As a countermeasure Sapporo Underground shopping malls and passageways have been developed in Tokyo. Plans are currently underway to extend these passageways, so it looks like things will become even more convenient!
December, Hokkaido If you are bringing a carry-on bag or using a stroller with small children, A route that uses an easy-to-walk underground passage It would be a good idea to look it up on a map in advance.

The best season for sightseeing

Reasons why December is a great time to visit Hokkaido: The perfect season for sightseeing

It's snowing and the colors of winter are getting darker Hokkaido in December .
Feel pensive, nostalgic, or calm your mind. A season of tranquility is. Create artistic works in a relaxing time Manufacturing experience Then you can enjoy it without worrying about the cold!

Otaru area Glasswork is popular here. In contrast to the cold outside warm burner flame It might be a good idea to take a closer look at and immerse yourself in an artistic glasswork experience.
In addition, Otaru in winter nostalgic atmosphere wrapped in charter taxi We also recommend taking a tour of Otaru.

[Hokkaido/Otaru City] Otaru sightseeing before and after the "fusing experience" experience that combines your favorite glass to make small items!

Otaru Glass Honpo - Japanese storehouse -
Otaru/Kiroro/Shakotan
1,100 Yen~ (tax included)

Fusing is a method of combining various types of glass and applying heat to melt them. At our shop, we arrange colorful glass beads on a glass plate of your choice and heat it in an electric kettle. You can make accessories with cute patterns that look like embedded beads.

[Hokkaido/Otaru] Chartered taxi "Otaru sightseeing free plan" (half-day course)

Hokkaido Tourism Individual Ikuta Taxi
Otaru/Kiroro/Shakotan
28,880 Yen~ (tax included)
  • 4.5
  • (2 reviews and testimonials)

★Enjoy the scenery of historical buildings, the Sea of Japan, and seafood ★Example course: JR Otaru Station or a hotel in the city → Tanaka Sake Brewery → Music Box/Glass → Otaru Canal Stroll → Otaru North Canal → Herring Palace → Otaru Takashima Cape → Kihinkan Former Aoyama Villa → Financial Museum → Tomioka Catholic Church → Mt. Tengu (Ski Museum/Tengu House) → Dining and shopping

Reasons why you should visit Hokkaido in December Illuminations in Sapporo

Also, every December, Sapporo In various parts of the city Illuminations and light up Some events are held over several months, December only There is also a venue that decorates objects associated with Christmas.

If you visit Hokkaido in December, be sure to add viewing the illuminations to your schedule.

Related article

Tends to get crowded at the end of the year

Reasons why you should visit Hokkaido in December 3.

Sightseeing spots that you want to visit only in winter, Hokkaido While the weather is bitterly cold, the end of December tends to be crowded with tourists seeking snow and ice, as well as people returning home for the New Year. Tourist season " It can be said that we are entering a new era.

As the year draws to a close, the travel prices for hotels, flights, etc. will also increase. If you want to travel to Hokkaido in December at a bargain price, Early to mid-month travel dates or early booking discount We recommend using the following.

Plan early, book early However, this is the key to traveling cost-effectively!

Recommended Hokkaido Travel Areas in December

Central Hokkaido area

Hokkaido trip in December

" Central Hokkaido area "teeth, Sapporo, the prefectural capital of Hokkaido, and the surrounding area Refers to:
Hokkaido's largest city Sapporo , Also known as "Okuzashiki in Sapporo" Jozankei , "Canal City" Otaru , popular for powder snow Niseko Rusutsu famous for hot springs Toya and Noboribetsu you can experience the majestic nature Ishikari/Sorachi , Sacred place of Ainu culture・ Hidaka Erimo These and other things that are characteristic of Hokkaido are Central Hokkaido area is.

Hokkaido trip in December

Do you think that an airport is just a place to get on and off a plane?
Central Hokkaido area Located at the gateway to Hokkaido, New Chitose Airport There are also some popular restaurants in Hokkaido, such as conveyor belt sushi, a chocolate factory tour facility, and even a hot spring! spend time in the airport It's also fun.

of course, Chitose area There are many places to enjoy other than the airport in lots of activity is. especially, horse trekking is popular with families with small children.

Besides, you can enjoy without worrying about the weather Manufacturing experience There are many fulfilling experience plans such as the above. Choose an area that you might pass by What do you think?

[Hokkaido Eniwa City] Dosanko horse trekking

HOSE GARDEN MURANAKA
Ishikari/Sorachi/Chitose
4,000 Yen~ (tax included)
  • 4.7
  • (21 reviews and experiences)

Would you like to go for a ride with your cute "Dosanko" in the nature of the four seasons? We are located between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport, the gateway to Hokkaido, and close to the Eniwa Interchange on the expressway, so access is very convenient! If you think, "I have a little time before my flight," please contact us right away.

Central Hokkaido in December Recommended Reasons

Central Hokkaido in December Recommended reason 1

entered the winter season Hokkaido in December . For those who are not used to snow, Even walking on a snowy road is difficult You may feel ugly.

Even paved flat roads are not easy to navigate with large suitcases and bags. If the snow is piled up under your feet, it will be even more difficult!
Especially when traveling with small children or three generations, Travel distance and time as compact as possible I want to finish it.
Hokkaido New Chitose Airport, which can be said to be the gateway to the area, is located in the central Hokkaido area. If your destination is in the central Hokkaido area, you will not have to worry about getting around, and you will be able to use your time effectively.

Central Hokkaido in December Recommended reason 2

In the center of Hokkaido, there is Hokkaido's largest city, Sapporo there is.
Hokkaido in December When traveling, skiing, etc. winter sports , a zoo tour popular with children, and local gourmet tours, Packed with the charm of Hokkaido Sapporo We recommend building your schedule around this!
Central Hokkaido area There are countless fun spots!

Hokkaido temperature comparison in December


Source: Japan Meteorological Agency "Sapporo/Hakodate/Nemuro/Wakkanai/Tokyo average values (values for each year and month)"
area average temperature average maximum temperature average minimum temperature
Sapporo (Central Hokkaido) -0.9℃ 2.0℃ -4.0℃
Hakodate (Southern Hokkaido) -0.1℃ 3.2℃ -3.6℃
Nemuro (Eastern Hokkaido) -0.5℃ 2.1°C -3.6℃
Wakkanai (north of Hokkaido) -2.1°C 0.0℃ -4.2℃
Tokyo 7.7℃ 12.0℃ 3.8℃

December Hokkaido clothing and coordination ideas

clothing point

What to wear in Hokkaido in December

In Hokkaido in December, the average temperature is below freezing. Midwinter climate .
There are days in Tokyo and Osaka where you can wear just a trench coat, but in December Hokkaido When traveling, a down jacket, etc. sturdy winter clothes be prepared.

You also need to be careful about your feet. It's a good idea to wear warm shoes that won't slip easily, such as boots made for snow or cold-weather shoes with boas on the inside. At the same time, use gloves and mufflers in the middle of winter. Preparing winter accessories Also don't forget!

In addition, the more you can wear short sleeves indoors, Heating works well That's not uncommon either. temperature difference between indoors and outdoors Try to wear thin layers of clothing so that your clothes are easy to put on and take off.

What to bring (example)

Long-sleeved shirt / long bottoms and long skirt / leggings / tights / down jacket / coat / parka / cardigan / easy to put on and take off / snow boots / winter shoes / thick socks / muffler / gloves / earmuffs / knitwear Hats / Disposable body warmers / etc.

Hokkaido in December Recommended Activities, Leisure, Experiences and Fun

Notes
Due to the weather and climate, The holding situation fluctuates To do.
Please check the status of the event carefully , please make a reservation.

Snow shoes/Snow trekking

Snow shoes/Snow trekking

You can fully enjoy the winter of Hokkaido, the land of the north. Snow shoes/Snow trekking ”. While traveling through snowy mountains and forest roads Observing winter flora and fauna I enjoy doing things like that.

a walking tool called a snowshoe By wearing it, it will sink deeply into shoes and boots. Easy to walk on snow Become. This is a must-try activity in Hokkaido in December!

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1 rank

☆ Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage Site ☆ Snow trekking 3-hour course View of the virgin forest and cliffs stretching to Cape Shiretoko

Shiretoko Nature Guide Starhours
Shiretoko/Abashiri/Kitami
5,000 Yen~ (tax included)
  • 4.5
  • (21 reviews and experiences)

スノーシューで原生林を歩き、知床岬まで続く断崖を眺めに行きます.オホーツク海に流れる滝と巨大な氷柱、時期によっては流氷も見えます.主にエゾシカor野鳥が観察できます.天然記念物のワシorキツツキ、モモンガが見えることもあります.暴風雪など悪天候の場合はお客様の携帯端末に連絡をさせていただき、ご希望により

2 rank

[Departing from Asahikawa] Snowshoe hiking around Mt. Asahi with a professional guide<初心者OK・レクチャー付>

Guide Office Pika
Asahikawa・Sounkyo
17,000 Yen~ (tax included)
  • 4.9
  • (5 reviews and experiences)

Departing and arriving at Asahikawa Station! This is a snowshoe hiking tour that starts at Sugatami Station on the Daisetsuzan Ropeway and explores the Asahidake area. A professional guide will give a lecture on the key points of winter mountain hiking. This tour is recommended for those who want to try snowshoes for the first time. After arriving at Sugatami Station by ropeway, you will put on snowshoes and walk through the vast, pure white snow fields.

3 rank

☆Shiretoko, a natural world heritage site☆Easy 2-hour snow trekking☆ A 2km round trip course through virgin forests, cliff waterfalls, and animal hunting☆

Shiretoko Nature Guide Starhours
Shiretoko/Abashiri/Kitami
4,000 Yen~ (tax included)
  • 4.6
  • (8 reviews/testimonials)

世界自然遺産の知床国立公園を積雪期はスノーシューで歩きます.雪が無い場合はスノーシューを使わずに歩きます. 自然林を歩き、オホーツク海に流れる滝と巨大な氷柱、時期によっては流氷も見えます.主にエゾシカor野鳥が観察できます.天然記念物のワシorキツツキ、モモンガが見えることもあります.暴風雪など悪天候の

Bus tour

Bus tour

" Bus Tour too, Hokkaido in winter Travel Must-do activities Even in the cold season, Traveling by bus is easy You don't have to worry about luggage or the cold.

The bus tour is Recommended for three-generation trips The destination is also popular. Zoo There are a wide variety of tours available, including those that include a seasonal gourmet lunch.

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1 rank

【日帰り】旭山Zoo|ケンとメリーの木|四季彩の丘|森の妖精テラス|HokkaidoA

Shuzenji Takitei Co., Ltd.
Furano/Biei/Tomamu
11,000 Yen~ (tax included)

開催期間:12月1日~03月31日08:00 Sapporo駅北口団体BUS乗り場 住所:Sapporo市中央区北七条西3丁目(集合場所で乗降)10:30 旭山Zoo(入園券付き・自由昼食/約120分)13:30 Ken & Merry Tree(車ツアー)(約5分)14:00 四季彩の丘(約40分)15:50 美瑛青

2 rank

【Sapporo市内3ホテルから出発】行動展示で一躍人気になった旭山Zooをたっぷり満喫!白い雪とのコントラストが幻想的な美瑛・青い池散策欲張りツアー

Wonder Styles Inc.
Asahikawa・Sounkyo
8,700 Yen~ (tax included)

愛らしい動物のありのままの姿を間近で感じる事ができ、行動展示で一躍有名になった旭山Zooを満喫.雪に覆われたwinterの幻想的な青い池を散策する欲張り日帰りBus tour!〜当日のスケジュール〜〇TマークシティホテルSapporo (7:50集合/8:00発)※注1)〇ホテルアベストSapporo (8:05集合/8:15発)〇A

3 rank

Enjoy Hokkaido in winter! One-day bus tour from Sapporo, Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo + Shirohige Falls + Hokkaido local gourmet buffet lunch <Departure from 1 person / Departure and return from Sapporo city>

Y.H International Travel Co., Ltd.
Toya, Noboribetsu, Tomakomai
12,000 Yen~ (tax included)

Asahiyama Zoo in winter: A 1 hour 30 minute stay will allow you to observe the lively animals. In Biei, you will be guided to the beautiful Shirahige Falls and Ninguru Terrace. For lunch, we will provide a buffet using local Hokkaido ingredients. [Period of operation] December 1st to April 7th *No operation during Asahiyama Zoo's closure period (December 30th to January 1st, 2025) [Time required]

Handmade goods

Making sun catchers by the Hokkaido company Glass Studio Ponte

In fact, there are many Manufacturing There are many workshops. Hokkaido in December .warm Indoor Activities is also recommended!

Handmade goods teeth, Travel mementos and souvenirs If you are looking for a plan that you can enjoy for about an hour, Travel gap time You can easily enjoy it using etc.
" Time to focus on something Spending time relaxing might be one of the best parts of traveling!

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1 rank

9/29~10/1 3 days only! Soap art experience (^^♪ Beginners welcome from 6 years old to seniors! Conveniently located in the basement 1st floor plaza of Sapporo Sosei Square

Thai Carving Class Lemongrass
Sapporo
2,500 Yen~ (tax included)

東南アジア・タイ発祥の石鹸アート〖ソープカービング〗のワークショップです(^^♪タイ製のソープカービング専用彫刻刀で石鹸を削ってお花を作ります.ビーズでデコレーションしたり・・・世界で一つだけのオリジナルソープアートを作ります.彫刻刀は石鹸専用の安全なタイ製の道具を使うので、小さなお子様からご年配の

2 rank

9/29~10/1 3 days only! Soap art experience (^^♪ Beginners welcome from 3 years old to seniors! Conveniently located in the basement 1st floor plaza of Sapporo Sosei Square

Thai Carving Class Lemongrass
Sapporo
1,800 Yen~ (tax included)

香りよい石鹼にペーパーフラワーorビーズでデコレーションしたり、専用の彫刻刀で模様をつけたり・・・世界で一つだけのオリジナルソープアートを作ります.彫刻刀は石鹸専用の安全なタイ製の道具を使うので、小さなお子様からご年配の方まで安心してご参加いただけます.お部屋のインテリアor芳香剤としてお使い頂いたり、

3 rank

[Hokkaido, Otaru] "Paste-on stained glass photo frame or mirror making experience" A new craft of glass art!

Craft Shop Ren
Otaru/Kiroro/Shakotan
1,980 Yen~ (tax included)

This is a new craft of glass art! The special color film is relatively resistant to sunburn. When it is exposed to sunlight, it looks like stained glass. You can enjoy the magical craft of color film, which originated in England. Our shop is the only place in Otaru where you can experience this!

Ranking of Popular Activities You Can Experience in Hokkaido in December

Ranking of Popular Activities You Can Experience in Hokkaido in December

In December Hokkaido We have summarized the information for you when traveling to! What did you think.
Tourist attractions and clothing Please consider these points when preparing your travel plans.

Hokkaido is covered with snow in December. Besides introducing Snowmobile or Backcountry Tours Such, Hokkaido in winter Activity Japan handles many plans and tours to enjoy.
Hokkaido in December , once the itinerary is decided, flight and hotel reservations at the same time Plan and book activities Also don't forget!

*Information on plans, prices, featured facilities, etc. is current as of October 2024.

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