Hokkaido trip in December | What is the climate, clothing, and fees? Recommended Activities In-depth Guide

Entering the real winter Hokkaido in December .
Sapporo or Asahikawa Snow began to pile up in each city in Hokkaido, snow activity will also begin to be implemented. Although the cold is getting harsher, The season when Hokkaido gets hot is the beginning!
In this article, Hokkaido in December We will give you lots of information that will be useful when planning your trip, such as how to enjoy it, tips on choosing clothes, and areas to look out for!
color early winter Manufacturing experience , play with snow winter activities Recommended experiences such as Ranking format I will introduce it here. Year-end travel and homecoming Please use this information in your planning.
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

In Hokkaido in December,
Snowfall is common
.
Hokkaido
Snow can start falling as early as the end of October, so December is already in the middle of the snow and ice season.
Snow can remain until late April! It is not uncommon for Hokkaido to experience snowy scenery for nearly half a year.

The largest city in Hokkaido
Sapporo
Did you know that there is a big underground mall in ?
In addition to daily snowfall, the snow that piles up high on the side of the road due to snow removal becomes root snow and freezes. The road is very difficult to walk on Become. As a countermeasure Sapporo Underground malls and underground passages have been constructed that are easy to walk around even during snowy weather. Plans are currently underway to extend the underground passageway, and it looks like it will become even more convenient!
December, Hokkaido If you are bringing a carry-on bag or using a stroller with small children, Walkable underground mall It would be a good idea to look it up on a map in advance.
A season of nostalgia

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
It tends to be crowded at the end of the year

Sightseeing spots that you want to visit only in winter,
Hokkaido
. While the weather is bitterly cold, December tends to be crowded with more tourists looking for snow and ice as well as people returning to their hometowns at the end of the year. After Christmas, Hokkaido enters the so-called "tourist season."
Travel expenses such as hotels and flights will also increase. Nowadays, many people make travel reservations at the last minute.
early booking discount
It is recommended to use such as
Plan early, book early
But that's the key to a great value trip!

Every year in December,
Sapporo
At various places in the city
Illuminations and light up
event will be held. Some venues have been held for several months;
December only
There is also a venue that decorates objects associated with Christmas.
If you're visiting Hokkaido in December, be sure to check it out.
Let's go to the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, one of Hokkaido's three major winter events! The fantastic ice sculptures illuminated by colorful lights are a must-see. ~Schedule~ [Departures on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays] ●ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo (Meet at 15:20/15:
Recommended Hokkaido Travel Areas in December

"
Central Hokkaido area
” refers to Sapporo, the prefectural capital of Hokkaido, and the surrounding areas.
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
It is full of Hokkaido-like charm such as
Central Hokkaido area
is.

The gateway to Hokkaido, located in the central Hokkaido area.
New Chitose Airport
. Does anyone think that an airport is just a place for getting on and off planes?
New Chitose Airport, which is also an international airport, has restaurants that are popular in Hokkaido such as conveyor belt sushi, a chocolate factory tour facility, and even a hot spring! The arrival and departure dates are
spend time in the airport
How about You can play to your heart's content without worrying about going past the check-in time.
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. Areas that people tend to pass through only when planes take off and land Dare to choose What do you think?
[Hokkaido Eniwa City] Dosanko horse trekking
- 4.7
- (17 reviews/testimonials)
Would you like to ride outside with the cute "Dosanko" in the nature of the four seasons? It is located right next to the Eniwa Interchange on the highway, between New Chitose Airport, the gateway to Hokkaido, and Sapporo, making access very convenient! If you feel like you have a little time before your flight, please contact us immediately. We will pick you up from JR Eniwa Station for free. Please feel free to make a reservation.
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.

The central Hokkaido area includes 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, Charm of Hokkaido packed tightly 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 Think about this, and try to make it easy to put on and take off, such as wearing thin layers.
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!
- 5.0
- (11 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.
This is a powder snow forest Sapporo snowshoe trekking tour where you walk crunchily on deep snow. Unlike snowboarding or skiing, it's an easy way to play in the snow that anyone can do! ! ★During the tour, we will have fun taking photos and videos★While the game is easy to play, the way to play is authentic! ! When you enter a forest covered in powdery snow, the first thing you see is the snow piled up on the trees.
[Hokkaido/Biei] Unexplored snowshoe tour with a professional guide in Shirokane Onsen<初心者OK・レクチャー付>
This is a snowshoe tour that takes you to the hidden spots of Shirokane Onsen, which is surrounded by white birch forests in the depths of Biei. We will aim for the ``Blue River,'' the Biei River that has the same cobalt blue color as the Blue Pond. A professional guide will give you various lectures on the key points of winter mountain hiking. We provide free transportation to and from Asahikawa Station and Biei Station. Snowshoe debut for a different snowshoe experience
backcountry

Downhill on skis or snowboards in places other than controlled areas such as slopes backcountry ”. Just like playing with snow, Powder snow in Hokkaido It is an activity that you can fully enjoy.
A certain level of skiing skill is required, but you can rest assured that a guide will accompany you. note that, Consider safety But, be sure to go to the backcountry. Take a tour with an expert guide and experience let's do it.
[Hokkaido/Furano] Backcountry guided tour to the "secret mountain"
We will tow a snowmobile to the bottom of the mountain where not many people go, and then hike up. This is a tour for experts as the hike is difficult. ~ Flow of the day ~ 8:00 Meet at Lawson and travel to your destination (15 minutes) After advance briefing and equipment confirmation, we will depart. 12:30 Arrive at the summit, have lunch If the weather is good, aim for the summit.
The Furano/Biei area, home to the majestic Tokachidake mountain range, has many mountains over 2,000 meters high. Among them, Mt. Furano is relatively easy to access, and we will guide you to the most suitable area, taking into account the weather and snow quality of the day. ~ Flow of the day ~ 8:00: Parking space next to the bus stop After receiving a pre-departure briefing and checking your equipment, you will depart. 10:30 Arrive at the top
The Furano/Biei area, home to the majestic Tokachidake mountain range, has many mountains over 2,000 meters high. Among them, we will guide you to the most suitable area, taking into account the weather and snow quality of the day, Mt. Mae-Tokachi, which is relatively easy to access. ~ Procedure of the day ~ 8:00 We will depart after giving a preliminary explanation and confirming the equipment. 10:30 Arrive at the summit If the weather is good
Smelt fishing/Ice fishing for smelt

In Hokkaido, from the end of December, "
Smelt fishing
” will be lifted.
tool rental
and cooking the fish you catch,
Availability of toilets and tents
If you participate in a smelt fishing tour, you can reduce your worries.
In addition to smelt fishing, Snowmobile Such, along with other activities There are also tours for you to enjoy.
- 5.0
- (11 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.
This is a powder snow forest Sapporo snowshoe trekking tour where you walk crunchily on deep snow. Unlike snowboarding or skiing, it's an easy way to play in the snow that anyone can do! ! ★During the tour, we will have fun taking photos and videos★While the game is easy to play, the way to play is authentic! ! When you enter a forest covered in powdery snow, the first thing you see is the snow piled up on the trees.
Smelt fishing equipment included! You can do it empty-handed! Great location, 15 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport! Kitchen cars such as soup curry are also available! Experience fishing easily with a tent exclusively for smelt fishing! *There is no heating equipment. ~Basic information~ Dedicated tent: ◎ (for courses with tent) Restroom: 〇 (simple toilet) Unique measures to prevent the spread of infection: 〇 ~ Schedule example with tent
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.
sightseeing spots, clothes, etc.
Reference for travel planning
Please try it.
Hokkaido is covered with snow in December. Besides introducing
Snowmobile
or
Bus tour
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, fees, introduced facilities, etc. is current as of September 2023.
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