Hokkaido Must See in Winter | Bucket List Ideas | Attractions | Activities

Winter is here, and what better way to enjoy a breathtaking winter landscape than through the eyes of Hokkaido's ski resorts? Hop a train to Niseko, Sapporo, Furano, or Otaru and enjoy the vast slopes, stunning views, and a chance to challenge yourself with some of the most beautiful slopes in the world.

For those interested in getting away from the daily routine or the avid skiers in the family, these Skiing & Snowboarding in Hokkaido activities are for you!

Hokkaido, Japan, is not only known as the "powder capital" of Japan, but it also offers an array of activities to do in winter! The best way to explore Japan's natural white wonderland is to strap on a snowboard and find your adventure. These world-class snowboarding terrains should be on your Hokkaido travel itinerary winter list:

Japan's snowiest region, the island of Hokkaido, is a dream destination for any winter sports enthusiast. But there's more to the area than snowball fights and skiing! At high speeds, glide down snowy hills on an inflatable snow bodyboard (air-board)!

Looking for an adventurous yet unique activity to do on the snow? Grab a banana or rafting boat and get pulled by a snowmobile on the snow. It's a good way to get your adrenaline flowing for the rest of the day.

Hop on a dogsled for an amazing adventure. Glide across the snowfield behind a team of huskies and ride past icy ridges. Have an entire sled to yourself as dogs pull it and run faster than you'd expect. This is an exhilarating experience that should not be missed!

View majestic Hokkaido's deep forests, wide open plains, and beautiful lakes and rivers. Snowmobile through it on your own adventure in Hokkaido with a professional guide. You'll find yourself in a winter wonderland filled with snow and wildlife. Ride past towering fir trees, over frozen lakes, and deep forests covered in snow. The experience is unforgettable!

Utoro is where you can experience drift ice drifting from the northern seas. Experience this miracle of nature by wearing a special dry suit, walking on the ice, and even floating on it! Come and be awestruck, as if you have been whisked away to another world.

Explore and hike in the wild, untouched nature with Snowshoes! Discover the beauty of Lake Shikotsu, and gain the courage to venture into Nopporo Forest Park. Hokkaido snowshoes trekking tours will take you far from city lights and into the heart of nature.

Hot springs provide several health benefits. It's the perfect location to find peace of body and mind. Take a pleasant dip into these cleansing hot springs in Hokkaido. Reduce your stress, detoxify and boost your immune while you relax, refresh and recharge!

Northeastern Hokkaido is famed for its beautiful scenery, and nowhere is this scenery more apparent than its "sea of ice," Okhotsk Sea. A frozen sea that stretches out beyond the horizon in all directions, the ryuhyo (drift ice) is a breathtaking sight to behold.

The best and easiest way to see the drift ice is from an Aurora Sightseeing Boat. The boats travel out into the Sea of Okhotsk where ice is more likely to be found. Get a bird's eye view of ryuhyo (drift ice) and the rare wildlife on board!

Asahiyama Zoo is a municipal zoo just outside central Asahikawa. The zoo won popularity for how visitors can observe animals from different angles as if they were in their natural habitats. You can witness penguin walks, follow the birds' underwater flights through glass tunnels, appreciate polar bears' wading performance, and much more at this one-of-a-kind zoo.

Visiting the Blue Pond area, one can feel an air of romance and adventure. Massive willow trees cascade over the pond, their branches rustling in the wind. Winter nights can't get any more magical at this artificial pond. The Shirogane Blue Pond is perfectly illuminated during evening time, creating a fairy-tale-like and truly enchanting spectacle. Further up the Biei River, the Shirahige falls are another of Mother Nature's wonders!

This is Shirahige Falls, a waterfall about 600 meters above sea level in the town of Biei, southeast of Asahikawa. The name is derived from its resemblance to an old man's white beard. The water springs with such force that it splashes up into the air, creating a beautiful blue mist as it cascades down.

Climb into a wicker basket, pinch your nose, and let go! Pull out that camera and take memorable pictures as you soar to the sky above massive floes of drift ice on the sea! This is an experience you won't soon forget!

Sapporo, Japan's fifth-largest city, hosts an annual snow and ice sculptures festival, one of Japan's most popular winter events. The Sapporo Snow Festival takes place over the course of one week in February. Three sites—the Odori Site, Susukino Site, and Tsu Dome Site—hold snow and ice sculptures displayed throughout the festival. We can't do justice to it with words: You have to see it for yourself!

Sapporo Snow Festival 2023 will be held on Feb. 4-11. The festival will take place at only two venues (Odori and Susukino) and not at the Tsu Dome venue. The best part? Entry is free!

Ice fishing in Japan is the new winter obsession! Hit your target and get your hands on delicious Japanese smelt. Cook the fish you caught and enjoy a day out in the winter wilderness! All equipment is provided including rods, reels, lines, and hooks. Experience the wonder of ice fishing with other lovers of the sport at one of Japan's most famous areas for ice fishing.