9 Things to Do in Hokkaido in Winter

 Ever dreamed of wandering through a winter wonderland where snow falls like powdered sugar and everything looks like a postcard? That’s Hokkaido in winter for you. I’m not even exaggerating—this Japanese island transforms into one of the most magical places on Earth when the temperature drops. Whether you’re a powder hound chasing the fluffiest snow, a foodie ready to devour steaming bowls of ramen, or someone who just wants to soak in an outdoor hot spring while snowflakes kiss your face, Hokkaido’s got you covered. In this post, I’m breaking down the nine absolute must-do experiences that’ll make your Hokkaido trip unforgettable. Trust me, you’ll want to bookmark this one.

Why Hokkaido Winter Should Be On Your Bucket List

Look, I’ve traveled to plenty of snowy destinations, but nothing quite compares to what Hokkaido serves up between December and March. The snow here isn’t just regular snow—it’s this incredibly light, dry powder that skiers literally travel across the globe for. The landscape looks like someone frosted an entire island with whipped cream, and the vibe? Super chill (pun intended).

But here’s the thing: Hokkaido winter isn’t just for snow sports fanatics. Whether you’re into photography, food, culture, or just want to experience something completely different from your usual vacation, this place checks all the boxes. Plus, the locals are incredibly welcoming, the food will blow your mind, and you’ll collect memories that’ll last a lifetime.

1. Shred the Powder at Niseko

Let’s start with what Hokkaido is probably most famous for: the skiing and snowboarding. Niseko sits at the top of every powder hound’s wish list, and for good reason. This resort gets dumped on with an average of 15 meters of snow each season. Fifteen meters! That’s taller than a three-story building.

The snow quality here is absolutely insane—super light and dry, which means face shots for days and forgiving landings when you inevitably wipe out. Niseko actually consists of four interconnected resorts (Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri), so you’ve got tons of terrain to explore. Beginners have gentle slopes to build confidence, while advanced riders can venture into the backcountry with a guide.

The après-ski scene is pretty solid too, with tons of restaurants, bars, and even onsens (hot springs) to soak those tired muscles. IMO, even if you’re not a hardcore skier, just experiencing Niseko’s vibe during your Hokkaido trip is worth it.

2. Soak in an Outdoor Onsen

Speaking of onsens, you absolutely cannot visit Hokkaido winter without stripping down and hopping into a natural hot spring. Picture this: you’re sitting in steaming mineral-rich water, surrounded by snow-covered rocks and trees, with snowflakes gently falling on your face. It’s as zen as it sounds.

Noboribetsu Onsen is one of the most famous hot spring towns on the island, known for its sulfurous waters and “Hell Valley” (Jigokudani), where you can see volcanic steam vents bubbling away. If you want something more off-the-beaten-path, check out Sounkyo Onsen in the Daisetsuzan mountains.

Pro tip: most onsens have rules about tattoos (they’re often not allowed), so do your research beforehand. Some places offer private baths if you’re inked up or just prefer more privacy. Either way, this experience will reset your soul.

3. Get Your Mind Blown at the Sapporo Snow Festival

Every February, Sapporo hosts one of the biggest winter events in the world: the Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri). We’re talking massive snow and ice sculptures that look like they belong in a museum or fantasy movie. Teams from around the globe compete to create these insane artistic masterpieces.

The main site is Odori Park, which runs through the center of Sapporo, but there are also events at Susukino (where you’ll find illuminated ice sculptures) and Tsudome (more family-friendly activities). You’ll see everything from replicas of famous buildings to giant anime characters carved out of snow.

The atmosphere is electric, with food stalls selling hot treats like grilled scallops, corn, and sweet potato, plus plenty of warm sake to keep you toasty. Honestly, planning your Hokkaido trip around this festival is a smart move. Just book your accommodation early because half the planet has the same idea 🙂

4. Spot Wildlife in Shiretoko National Park

If you’re into nature and wildlife, Shiretoko National Park needs to be on your itinerary. This UNESCO World Heritage site sits on the northeastern tip of Hokkaido and remains pretty wild and untouched.

During winter, you can spot Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed eagles perched on ice floes or hunting for fish. If you’re lucky, you might even see red foxes or Ezo deer wandering through the snow. The park also offers winter hiking trails (with proper gear and sometimes a guide), and the frozen waterfalls are absolutely stunning.

You can take boat tours to see drift ice and wildlife from the water, which brings me to another epic winter activity coming up. Shiretoko gives you that raw, untouched nature experience that’s harder to find in more developed areas of Japan.

5. Feast on Fresh Seafood and Ramen

Let’s talk food because honestly, this alone is worth the plane ticket. Hokkaido’s seafood is legendary—we’re talking sea urchin (uni), king crab, scallops, salmon roe (ikura), and squid so fresh it practically jumps onto your plate.

Head to places like Hakodate Morning Market or Nijo Market in Sapporo to sample seafood bowls that’ll ruin all other seafood for you. The vendors often let you grill your own scallops or crab legs right there.

And then there’s Sapporo ramen—specifically miso ramen, which was born here. After spending hours out in the freezing cold, sliding into a tiny ramen shop and slurping down a steaming bowl of rich, buttery miso broth with perfectly chewy noodles is pure heaven. Some of my favorite ramen experiences during Hokkaido winter have been in hole-in-the-wall spots with only eight seats and a line out the door.

Don’t skip the soup curry either—it’s a Sapporo specialty that’s lighter than traditional Japanese curry but packed with vegetables and your choice of protein.

6. Wander Through Otaru’s Romantic Canal District

About 30 minutes from Sapporo by train, you’ll find Otaru, a charming port town that looks like it stepped out of a romantic movie. The Otaru Canal is the main attraction, especially in winter when it’s lined with vintage gas lamps and surrounded by snow.

The old warehouses along the canal have been converted into shops, cafes, and museums. Otaru is famous for its glassworks and music boxes, so if you’re into unique souvenirs, you’ll find plenty here. The LeTAO chocolate and cheesecake shops are dangerously good—I may or may not have bought way too much to bring home :/

Walking through Otaru at dusk when the lamps start glowing and snow is gently falling feels incredibly magical. It’s the perfect spot for couples, but honestly, even solo travelers will fall in love with this place. Add a half-day or full-day trip to Otaru during your Hokkaido trip—you won’t regret it.

7. Chase the Drift Ice in Abashiri

Here’s something you probably didn’t know existed: drift ice. Every winter, chunks of ice drift down from Russia and reach the northeastern coast of Hokkaido, creating this otherworldly frozen seascape.

The town of Abashiri is the main spot to experience this phenomenon. You can hop on an ice-breaker ship (Aurora) that literally crunches through the ice sheets while you stand on deck watching. The sound alone is incredible, and if you’re there on a clear day, the sight of pure white ice stretching to the horizon is surreal.

The drift ice season typically runs from mid-January to late March, depending on conditions. FYI, it can get brutally cold out on the water, so layer up like your life depends on it. This is one of those bucket-list experiences that most people have never even heard of—which makes it even cooler (pun intended again).

8. Learn About Ainu Culture

Hokkaido’s indigenous people, the Ainu, have a rich cultural heritage that’s finally getting the recognition it deserves. During your Hokkaido winter adventure, take some time to learn about their history, language, and traditions.

The Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park in Shiraoi (opened in 2020) is an excellent starting point. You can watch traditional dance performances, see Ainu crafts, and learn about their spiritual connection to nature. Many of Hokkaido’s place names actually come from Ainu language—for example, “Sapporo” comes from words meaning “important river flowing through a plain.”

Supporting Ainu cultural initiatives adds meaningful depth to your trip and helps preserve an important part of Japan’s heritage that was historically suppressed.

9. Try Ice Fishing on a Frozen Lake

Want to do something totally different? How about sitting on a frozen lake, drilling a hole through the ice, and catching your own fish? Ice fishing (wakasagi fishing) is a popular winter activity in Hokkaido, especially on lakes like Lake Shikaribetsu and Lake Akan.

You’ll be set up in a heated tent with a small hole in the ice, dropping your line down to catch **smelt (wakasagi)**—small, delicate fish that are absolutely delicious when fried up tempura-style. Many operators will cook your catch right there, so you can enjoy the literal fruits of your labor while staying warm.

It’s a surprisingly meditative activity, and even if you’re not normally into fishing, the novelty of doing it on a frozen lake makes it memorable. Plus, kids usually love it, so it’s a great family-friendly addition to your Hokkaido trip.

Wrapping Up Your Hokkaido Winter Adventure

So there you have it—nine absolutely killer ways to experience Hokkaido winter in all its snowy glory. Whether you’re carving through powder at Niseko, soaking in an outdoor onsen while snow falls around you, or stuffing your face with the freshest seafood you’ve ever tasted, this island knows how to do winter right.

The beauty of planning a Hokkaido trip is that you can mix adventure, relaxation, culture, and food all into one epic journey. Sure, it gets cold—like really cold—but that’s part of the charm. Pack your warmest gear, bring an adventurous spirit, and prepare to fall head over heels for Japan’s northernmost island.

Have you been to Hokkaido in winter, or is it on your bucket list? Either way, I promise you—this is one winter destination that delivers on every single promise. Now stop reading and start planning. Your snow-covered adventure awaits! 😉