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.
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)
- 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 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
"
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
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
- 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
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.
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
| 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 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)
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!
- 4.7
- (3 reviews/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! ■
- 4.7
- (11 reviews/testimonials)
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.
[Departing from Asahikawa] Snowshoe hiking around Mt. Asahi with a professional guide<初心者OK・レクチャー付>
- 4.9
- (4 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.
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.
Tour highlights: The sight of the mysterious drift ice that washes ashore in the Sea of Okhotsk as the two large propellers crush the drift ice is a spectacular sight! Enjoy fresh seafood grilled on a robata grill! Also see the Sounkyo Ice Festival Illumination! Plan flow: Sapporo View Hotel Odori Park (*Meet at 7:50/Depart at 8:00) ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel
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]
Tour highlights: The mysterious sight of drifting ice in the Okhotsk Sea is the sight of the two large propellers crushing the drifting ice as the ship moves forward. Enjoy a fresh seafood bowl! Also see the Sounkyo Ice Festival Illumination! Plan flow: ☆Departure from January 25th to January 31st☆Sapporo View Hotel Odori Park (*Meet at 7:20/Depart at 7:30)A
Handmade 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 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!
- 5.0
- (1 review and testimonial)
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.
- 4.3
- (3 reviews/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.
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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