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8 Hokkaido Winter Activities That’ll Satisfy Your Icy, Snow-Loving Heart

Come December, Hokkaido transforms into a winter wonderland. Tourists flock to see the snow-covered cityscape and enjoy fun winter activities with family and friends. Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost main island and is where the ski resorts, grand snow festivals, and popular hot spring areas are. So if you’re eyeing to spend the coldest season of the year in Japan, you’ve come to the right place!

Winter in Hokkaido is usually from December to February, quite longer than in the rest of Japan. To maximize your stay, try these cool winter activities in Hokkaido. Break out that winter jacket, dust off your ski boots, and get ready to head out and discover the wintry charms of Japan with these activities.

 

Snow rafting at North Snow Land

via KKDay supplier

Embrace the winter season in Hokkaido full-on as you try out thrilling activities for kids and adults. At North Snow Land, get to try winter sports you’ve never tried before! Get unlimited access to snow rafting, mini snowmobile, 4-wheeled ATV, snow tubing, or skiing, all day long. Plus, dig into your Japanese cuisine favorites for lunchtime! 

Aside from these fun winter activities, you can explore the picture-perfect snowy landscape view, or shop at their souvenir store. North Snow Land is near Sapporo and New Chitose Airport for your convenience. 

Location: 26 Rankoshi, Chitose, Hokkaido 066-0068, Japan, Within Hokkaido Golf Course
Operating Hours: 9 am to 4 pm (Monday to Sunday) last entry at 3:30 pm

 

 

Snowshoe trekking in the winter forest

via KKDay supplier

If you like to go cozy and slow into your winter escapade, try snowshoe trekking instead. Snowshoe isn’t as riveting as skiing, but it’s still an otherwise awesome activity you should try. As you trek in Nopporo Forest Park, listen to or get a chance to meet the drumming woodpeckers, enjoy birdwatching with your binoculars, and enjoy your time learning to snowshoe easily! Just make sure to wear warm and comfortable clothes and snowshoes for a fun and safe time outdoors in the forest of Ezo owls. 

Location: 12-chōme-2-17 Minami 23 Jōnishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0923, Japan

 


Horse trek in Obihiro, Hokkaido

via KKDay supplier

Make winter more magical with a horseback riding experience in Obihiro, Hokkaido! Horse trekking is a popular winter activity, wherein you are trained to ride calm and smart horses as you trek along the snow-covered trails along riverbeds and forests. There’ll be guides to assess your skill level and the horse so you can enjoy the ride safe and sound. It’s an unforgettable experience you shouldn’t miss– you’ll surely enjoy your time with these friendly horses of Obihiro.

Location: 11-3 Sasagawa Kita 7 Line, Shikaoi-cho, Kato-gun, Hokkaido, Japan

 

 

Smelt fishing

via KKDay supplier

Looking for a new winter activity to try this time? Why not go smelt-fishing on ice? Fishing for smelt or wakasagi tsuri, is a winter tradition in Hokkaido as smelt is a native fish to Hokkaido’s waters. This interesting activity lets you fish for smelt at Onuma, and even get to cook it as tempura afterward. The activity offers you rods and bait that you can use to fish for as many smelts as you’d like. 

Location: 1023-1 Ōnumachō, Nanae, Kameda District, Hokkaido 041-1354, Japan

 

 

Standup paddleboard at Shiretoko

via KKDay supplier

Have you ever tried paddleboarding on ice? If you’re curious about how this works, book a schedule at Shiretoko Arpa, the only place that offers drift ice standup paddleboarding in Japan. This exciting winter activity lets you paddle sitting, standing, or laying down on the board with the guidance of professionals. You’ll just have to wear a dry suit, and then you can enjoy a wonderful drift ice adventure as you paddle, swim, and walk on ice.

Location: 170 Utoronishi, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido 099-4354, Japan

 

 

Explore the Shiroi Koibito Park

via KKDay supplier

Aside from winter sports, there are other places where you can make the most out of your winter visit to Hokkaido. Head to Shiroi Koibito Park, and discover this tourist spot via a factory tour and see how Hokkaido’s famous cookies, the Shiroi Koibito, are made. When you visit during winter, you’ll be able to witness their colorful winter illumination outdoors. 

Location: 2 Chome-11-36 Miyanosawa 2 Jo, Nishi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 063-0052, Japan
Operating hours: 10 am to 5 pm daily, last entry at 4 pm

 

 

Snow park all-you-can-do and BBQ

via KKDay supplier

Can’t decide what to do outdoors? You can simply book an all-you-can-do at the Snow Park, and get to do all the must-try winter activities there are– from snow rafting to snow banana boats. Then, have an all-you-can-eat barbecue for lunch too. This activity is very family-friendly and perfect for traveling in groups.

Location: 478 Fukui, Nishi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 063-0012, Japan

 

 

Sightseeing aboard a cruise ship

via KKDay supplier

Another winter activity that doesn’t involve extreme activities would be a romantic sunset cruise to the northernmost sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk. On this winter day trip, get to meet cute winter creatures of Asahiyama Zoo, take the boat as you enjoy sightseeing during sunset, and see the drift ice with a dramatic glow. 

 

 

 

Looking for more winter activities to enjoy in Japan? We’ve got a long list over at KKDay! 

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