Hokkaido travel guide for winter in Hokkaido's uniqueness.
Hokkaido is a representative of northern Japan, and as you know, it is cold. If you carelessly neglect your preparation, you may end up not being able to enjoy your trip because of the cold. On the other hand, if you do your homework in advance, you will be able to enjoy Hokkaido's unique winter attractions to the fullest and make your trip memorable.
Here is some information on winter clothing, what to bring, recommended events, seasonal delicacies, and other information that will help you enjoy Hokkaido in winter even more.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Temperatures, Clothing, and Preparation - Average daily temperatures will be below freezing. -
It is no secret that Hokkaido's winters are bitterly cold; in December, the average daily temperature in Sapporo is below freezing.
During the winter season from December to February, it is essential to wear heavy down jackets and coats. It is also important to protect yourself from the cold with gloves, hats, earmuffs, and other small items. If you do not have warm outerwear, consider renting winter clothes.
Enjoy the cold! How to enjoy Hokkaido during the winter season
- Snow Resorts
- Winter in Hokkaido is all about snow! Skiing and snowboarding are the best ways to enjoy the snow to its fullest.
Once you experience the world-class snow quality, you will be captivated by Hokkaido's snow. 
- View more (Japanese site)
- Winter Activities
- There are endless ways to enjoy winter, from "dog sledding," where you can experience the powerful running of dogs, to "wakasagi fishing," where you can enjoy fishing in holes drilled in the ice!
We hope you will take the time to experience the unique northern fun of a trip to Hokkaido. 
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- Ice hockey
- Ice hockey is one of the most popular winter sports. Those who see it for the first time are amazed at the overwhelming speed and intensity of the play that takes place on the ice. The season runs from September to March each year, so if you are visiting during this time, please check the game schedule.
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- Drift ice
- The sight of the entire ocean covered in white ice is breathtaking. The icebreaker is a must-see experience, as the ship crashes through the ice with a "thud, thud, thud" and "crunch" sound! To experience drift ice with your whole body, we also recommend the "drift ice walk" where you can explore on the ice floes.
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Let's warm up your cold body in a hot spring!
It is precisely because it is cold in winter that people miss the warmth of a hot spring.
The "Yukimi-Roten" (snow-viewing open-air bath) is a luxury that can only be experienced in winter, as you soak in the bathtub and look out over the rising steam at the silvery white world beyond.
It will relieve your mind and body. Hokkaido's winter delicacies!
- Ishikari nabe
- Ishikari nabe is one of Hokkaido's representative local dishes. Even today, it is a popular winter staple dish that warms the body during the cold winter months.
The soup, which is infused with the flavor of salmon and vegetables, gently envelopes the body and soul. We hope you will enjoy the taste of Hokkaido's hometown. 
- View more (Japanese site)
- Ramen
- Ramen is a warm gourmet food that should not be missed. While tasting a unique bowl of ramen in each region of Hokkaido, it is also a good idea to learn about the history and culture behind the dish.
Sapporo's miso, Hakodate's salt, Asahikawa's soy sauce.... What kind of ramen is your favorite? 
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- Oyster
- Oysters are said to be in season from December to February in Akkeshi, a famous oyster producing area.
Oysters that have grown slowly and carefully in the cold sea, storing plenty of nutrients, have a concentrated flavor and are truly exquisite. 
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- Tachi (milt)
- A Hokkaido winter delicacy, cod milt is called "tachi" (cod roe) and is well-known among the people of Hokkaido.
The soft, creamy texture is sure to be addictive. 
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Events that add color to winter that are unique to this time of year and place
- Snow Festival
- This is a major winter event, as we all know! Snow festivals are held all over Hokkaido, and the snow sculptures of all sizes are overwhelming to behold. In particular, the Sapporo Snow Festival is one of the most popular events in Hokkaido, attracting many visitors from Japan and abroad.
- View more (Japanese site)
- SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train
- Even those who are not railroad fans can enjoy the sight of a heavy-bodied SL train, billowing black smoke as it rushes across the silvery white marshland. Sometimes you can even see wild animals such as red-crowned cranes and Ezo sika deer soaring across the snowfield.
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- Shikaribetsuko Kotan
- Did you know that there is a magical village that appears for only 60 days during the winter? Even the buildings and drink glasses are made of ice, as if you were lost in a storybook world. This is a great place for those who want to experience a romantic world!
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- Illumination
- One of the joys of winter is illumination. The white snow falling on the ground makes the illumination even more fantastic. It gets very cold after sunset, so please come warmly.
- View more (Japanese site)
Be careful on unfamiliar snow-covered roads!
Driving a car is dangerous if you are not used to snowy roads in winter.
If you can't get to an area by train, take a regular sightseeing bus.
They efficiently take you to popular spots, and are recommended for first-time travelers to Hokkaido.
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