Travel to Hokkaido in December | What to expect, what to wear, and what to pay for? A comprehensive guide to 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!
table of contents
- 1 Reasons why you should visit Hokkaido in December
- 2 Recommended Hokkaido Travel Areas in December
- 3 Hokkaido temperature comparison in December
- 4 December Hokkaido clothing and coordination ideas
- 5 Hokkaido in December Recommended Activities, Leisure, Experiences and Fun
- 6 Ranking of Popular Activities You Can Experience in Hokkaido in December
- 7 Editorial department recommended feature articles
Reasons why you should visit Hokkaido in December
Snow and ice season begins
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.
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
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] Chartered taxi "Otaru sightseeing free plan" (half-day course)
- 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
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.
Tends to get crowded at the end of the year
Sightseeing spots that you want to visit only in winter, Hokkaido While the weather is bitterly cold, the area tends to become crowded in late December with tourists seeking snow and ice, and people returning home for the New Year. Peak tourist season It can be said that we are entering a new era.
As the year draws to a close, travel prices for hotels, flights, tours, etc. will increase. If you want to travel to Hokkaido in December at a bargain price,
Early to mid-month travel dates
In addition, to keep costs low,
Early booking discount (early bird)
You may also want to consider using.
Plan early, book early
However, this is the key to traveling cost-effectively!
Recommended Hokkaido Travel Areas in December
Central Hokkaido area
"
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.
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
In addition to the popular restaurants in Hokkaido, such as conveyor belt sushi, and the chocolate factory tour facility, there is also a hot spring!
Relaxing at the airport
is also recommended.
Not just at the airport,
Chitose area
teeth
lots of activity
Popular with families with small children!
horse trekking
You can enjoy it without worrying about the weather.
Manufacturing experience
There are a wide variety of experience plans available.
This is an area that tends to be used only for planes to arrive and depart, but
Chitose area
Why not choose one and visit?
[Hokkaido Eniwa City] Dosanko horse trekking
- 4.7
- (24 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
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 on a flat, paved road, it's not easy to travel with large luggage. If there's snow underfoot, it's even more difficult! Especially when traveling with small children or three generations of a family,
Travel distance and time as compact as possible
I want to finish it.
Hokkaido
The central Hokkaido area is also home to New Chitose Airport, the gateway to Hokkaido.
Central Hokkaido
This will reduce the hassle of traveling and allow you to use your time more efficiently.
The largest city in Hokkaido
Sapporo
too
Central Hokkaido
Skiing and other activities
winter sports
, a zoo tour popular with children, and local gourmet tours,
Packed with the charm of Hokkaido
Sapporo
Why not create a schedule around this?
Central Hokkaido area
There are countless fun spots!
Hokkaido temperature comparison in December
| 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
In December, Hokkaido experiences mid-winter with average temperatures below freezing.
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 of your feet. Boots designed for snow accumulation and cold-weather boots with boa lining are recommended. Non-slip and warm shoes At the same time, it is recommended to wear gloves and scarves that are used in mid-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)
Hokkaido in December Recommended Activities, Leisure, Experiences and Fun
Please check the status of the event carefully , please make a reservation.
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!
[Departing from Asahikawa] Snowshoe hiking around Mt. Asahi with a professional guide<初心者OK・レクチャー付>
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.
You can easily experience this even in a short time between sightseeing! Come see the artworks that combine Isamu Noguchi's works with the snowy landscape! ★Highlights★◾️Enjoy touring the artworks that change their appearance every day as they combine with the snow at Moerenuma Art Park, supervised by the world-famous sculptor Isamu Noguchi. ◾️Dive into the fluffy snow! Have fun in the snow to your heart's content.
- 4.9
- (50 reviews and experiences)
====================================■ You can choose your favorite plan, day or night! ■ We offer free rental of "snowshoe sets" for walking comfortably on the fluffy snow! ■ (Day) Held in a forest where small animals such as Japanese long-tailed tits and Hokkaido squirrels live! ■ (Night) Held on a snowy hill with a panoramic view of one of Japan's three great night views! ■
- 5.0
- (17 reviews/testimonials)
This is a smelt fishing experience that you can enjoy in the ponds and river lakes of the Ishikari River system, about 50 minutes from the center of Sapporo. In the era of Corona, we need to avoid fishing methods where people are crowded together in tents of about 1 tsubo (about 1 tsubo), follow the new Hokkaido guidelines and go-to travel, and at the same time provide winter fun without any reservations. Masu. So, we went on the ice with our customers.
- 4.6
- (23 reviews and experiences)
Walk through the virgin forest on snowshoes and view the cliffs that stretch all the way to Cape Shiretoko. You can see waterfalls flowing into the Sea of Okhotsk, huge icicles, and, depending on the season, drift ice. You can mainly observe Ezo deer and wild birds. You may also see eagles, woodpeckers, and flying squirrels, which are protected species. In the event of bad weather such as a snowstorm, we will contact you via your mobile device and, if you wish,
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.
【Hokkaido・Sapporo発着】12月1日〜3月31日winterの旭山Zoo＆ライトアップ青い池・日帰りBus tour
人気の旭山Zooと、美瑛白ひげの滝をまわる、Sapporoからの往復Bus tour.旭山Zooteeth約3時間滞在To do.～プランの流れ～集合／出発〇Sapporoビューホテル大通公園(10:00集合/10:10発)〇ANAクラウンプラザホテルSapporo(10:20集合/10:30発)|〈Central Hokkaido自動車道〉(砂川サービスエリア[休憩])|
ツアーのポイントオホーツクに流れ着く神秘の光景『流氷』の中を、2本の大きなスクリューで流氷を砕きながら進む迫力teeth圧巻！新鮮な海鮮丼をお召し上がりください！氷の祭典ライトアップ層雲峡氷瀑まつりtoo見学！～プランの流れ～☆1月24日～1月31日出発☆Sapporoビューホテル大通公園(7:20集合/7:30発)AN
This round-trip bus tour from Sapporo includes popular spots like Asahiyama Zoo, Biei, and Furano. The tour will take approximately two hours at Asahiyama Zoo. Plan flow: Meet/Depart at 7:20/7:30 a.m. Sapporo View Hotel Odori Park, 7:35/7:45 a.m. ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo ↓ Do-o Expressway (planned break at Sunagawa Service Area, approximately 15 minutes) ↓ Asahiyama Zoo (approx.
[Day trip] Asahiyama Zoo | Ken and Mary's Tree | Shikisai Hill | Forest Fairy Terrace | Hokkaido A
Event period: December 1st to March 31st 08:00 Sapporo Station North Exit Group BUS Stop Address: Sapporo City Chuo Ward Kita Shichijo Nishi 3-chome (boarding and disembarking at the meeting point) 10:30 Asahiyama Zoo (admission ticket included, free lunch / about 120 minutes) 13:30 Ken & Merry Tree (car tour) (about 5 minutes) 14:00 Shikisai no Oka (about 40 minutes) 15:50 Biei Blue
Handmade and original goods
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!
This is an experience to make a colorful wooden 10cm square mandala and a threaded coaster or bag charm. 1. One bag charm + one 10cm square mandala 2. One coaster + one 10cm square mandala (2 pieces) 1,200 yen per person Please let us know your course number when you apply. Our staff will be happy to assist you.
[Hokkaido, Obihiro] Make your own original mirror! Glass etching experience
This is a workshop in Obihiro, Hokkaido, with the theme of "Make and have fun." Making things together with family, friends, or as a couple will be a memorable experience. Children can also participate with peace of mind as there will be support (parents must accompany them). The store is lined with products and miscellaneous goods from various handmade artists, so it's fun just to look at them while you wait.
- 3.8
- (4 reviews and experiences)
Make a one-of-a-kind original music box to remember your trip or give as a gift to a special someone. Why not try making your own music box in Otaru, the city of music boxes? Choose your favorite song and box from over 400 songs, combine accessories such as wood, glass, and acrylic, and paint to create your own music box right on the spot.
New walnut button wreath production
You will choose your favorite fabric and create a walnut button wreath. You can also choose your ornaments from a selection of options. Once your wreath is made, you can go home immediately. The size of the canvas board is approximately 20cm in length and width (please note that this may change depending on the material situation).
Ranking of Popular Activities You Can Experience in Hokkaido in December
In December Hokkaido We have compiled all the information you need to know when traveling to Japan! What do you think?
Hokkaido is covered in snow in December. In addition to the places we have introduced, there are also other places where you can walk through pure white snow fields. Snow shoes/Snow trekking Feel the snow dynamically Backcountry Tours , a winter tradition Smelt fishing/Ice fishing for smelt Such, Hokkaido in winter Activity Japan handles many plans and tours to enjoy.
Once your travel dates are decided, flight and hotel reservations At the same time, Plan and book activities Also don't forget!
*Information on plans, fees, featured facilities, etc. is current as of October 2025.
![When does the New Year's holiday start and end? [2025-2026 Edition] Image](https://img.activityjapan.com/wi/year-end-new-year-holidays_thumb.jpg)
