Visit Hokkaido in Winter 2025: Travel Tips & Inspiring Itineraries for Your Frosted Adventure

Hokkaido dazzles year-round, but Hokkaido in winter is especially appealing (though crowded), with a spectrum of activities and festivals. Despite the season's cool weather and shorter days, Hokkaido's ski resorts, food markets, and Japanese onsens always offer a warm, cozy welcome. However, you should be aware that travel to Hokkaido in winter, from December to March, tourist crowds are at a maximum, and airfare and hotel rates are generally more expensive.

Are you wondering how cold Hokkaido is in winter? In this post, we explain Hokkaido's winter weather and temperatures. Looking for what to wear, places to go, and the best things to do in Hokkaido in winter? Whether it's an exciting family vacation or a romantic honeymoon, Hokkaido, one of the most iconic cities in Japan, offers a range of unique attractions guaranteed to make your journey enjoyable and memorable.

Top Reasons to Travel to Hokkaido in Winter

What makes Hokkaido Japan’s top winter wonderland?

1. Hokkaido's world-famous powder snow is a favorite among skiers of different levels. Famous ski resorts include Niseko, Furano, Rusutsu, etc.

2. Have fun with Hokkaido’s winter festivals such as the Sapporo Snow Festival, the Asahikawa Winter Festival, and the Otaru Snow Light Path.

3. Enjoy snowy scenery while soaking in a hot spring -- one of the most fascinating experiences in Hokkaido.

4. Taste delicious local winter cuisine such as miso ramen, Genghis Khan kebab, soup curry, and seasonal seafood.

5. Take in the stunning winter landscapes, such as silver-covered forests, frozen lakes, and snow-covered villages.

When Is Winter in Hokkaido & How Long Does It Last?

Winter in Hokkaido usually starts in early December and ends gradually in late February and early March. However, the exact time varies slightly depending on the area.

The first snow arrives in most cities in mid-December (or even mid- to late-November). Temperatures begin to consistently fall below 0°C, and ski resorts open one after another.

January is the coldest month of the year in Hokkaido, with the most frequent snowfall.

From mid-March, daytime temperatures slowly rise and the snow begins to melt. However, it is in April that the northern and mountainous regions are completely out of winter overall.

Overall, winter in Hokkaido lasts for about 3-4 months, making it one of the longest, coldest, and snowiest winters in Japan.

How Cold Is Hokkaido in Winter - Weather & Temperatures

Hokkaido is significantly influenced by the Northwest Monsoon in winter, and most of the time it is mainly sunny and cold or cloudy, with a large temperature difference between day and night, accompanied by frequent snowfall. The average high temperature is 1°C ~ 5°C (34°F ~ 41°F) and the average low temperature is -12°C ~ -6°C (23°F ~ 30°F). In the north, such as Wakkanai, Abashiri, and Asahikawa, the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures can be 10°C or more. The south, such as Sapporo, Hakodate, and Noboribetsu, has milder temperatures than the north.

More than 90% of winter precipitation in Hokkaido is in the form of snow, with an average snowfall of about 120-150 centimeters.

Sunshine hours are short, with only about 6-7 hours of sunshine per day from December to January.

Month-by-Month Average Temperatures

What to Wear: Clothing Advice

It is recommended that you wear a waterproof and windproof jacket/ski jacket / down jacket, wool sweater, fleece jacket, light down undershirt, woolen thermal underwear, warm hat, scarf, windproof and waterproof gloves, and non-slip snow boots.

Goggles, ski caps/helmets, and ski gloves are required if you plan to go skiing in Hokkaido or join other outdoor snow activities.

Best time to visit Hokkaido in the Winter Season

Early January to mid-February is the perfect time to experience the charms of winter in Hokkaido. It snows very heavily, and the quality of the snow is the best (Japow), so you can enjoy various winter activities such as skiing, snow viewing, and hot springs. In addition, Hokkaido's best winter festivals, such as the Sapporo Snow Festival and Asahikawa Winter Festival, are held in early February, when the streets are filled with snow & ice sculptures, illuminations, and winter foods.

Another tip, it is recommended to avoid mid-November to early December, when many snow parks are not fully open. Also, it is not the best idea to go to Hokkaido in mid-March to April, when winter ends and the snow melts quickly, therefore not for any snow and ice activities, yet with not much to see or explore.

Top Attractions & Best Things to Do in Hokkaido in Winter

From world-class ski resorts to the drift ice of the Sea of Okhotsk, from centuries-old snow festivals to the hidden secrets of Japanese hot springs, Hokkaido winter travel tours offer a wealth of choices for travelers with different needs and interests.

Go Skiing & Snowboarding

Places to go: Niseko, Furano, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Tomamu, Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, and more!

Best for: Ski enthusiasts, families with kids, couples

Niseko Ski Resort is for international tourists and advanced players. The quiet Furano is perfect for families with children. Rusutsu has several family-friendly slopes and theme hotels, making it a top choice for skiing plus relaxation. Sapporo International Ski Resort, close to downtown Sapporo, is a cost-effective choice.

Experience the Nature and Culture with Winter Festivals

Places to go: Sapporo, Otaru, Asahikawa, Jyuzankei, Obihiro

Best for: First-time visitors, couples, photography enthusiasts, culture lovers

There are numerous well-known festivals in Hokkaido during the winter. The Sapporo Snow Festival features thousands of ice and snow sculptures on display. And at night, they are illuminated by lights, creating a dreamy world.

When the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival is held, the banks of the ancient canal are lit up with candles and snow lanterns, creating a romantic atmosphere.

The Asahikawa Winter Festival is second only to the Sapporo Snow Festival in size.

What is Jozankei Yukitouro (Snow Light Path)? It is a traditional Onsen town, dotted with soft lights and snow scenes.

Soak in Outdoor Hot Springs

Places to go: Noboribetsu, Jozankei, Yunokawa, Tokachigawa, Lake Akan

Best for: Couples, senior travelers, health resort visitors, and those seeking relaxation after skiing

Soaking in an open-air Japanese hot spring while snowflakes fall is the ultimate travel experience in Hokkaido in winter — the outdoors is bitterly cold, but the indoors is warm. The volcanic geothermal onsen of Noboribetsu and the plant-rich hot springs of the Tokachi River are both perfect choices. At Lake Akan, you can even experience an “ice lake onsen.”

Further Reading:
• 10 Best Onsen in Hokkaido

Spot Winter Wildlife & Nature

Places to go: Shiretoko, Lake Akan, Kushiro Marsh, Abashiri, Mt. Asahi

Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, families, eco-tourists

Head for the Shiretoko Peninsula to see drift ice floating in the Sea of Okhotsk, a World Natural Heritage Site. We highly recommend an icebreaker cruise. In Wakkanai, you can also take an icebreaker to view drift ice, as well as seals.

In winter, at Kushiro Marsh, you can watch red-crowned cranes gracefully dance in the snow. At Lake Akan in winter, you can enjoy ice fishing and ice motorcycling.

Enjoy Winter Gourmet Delights

Places to go: Hakodate Morning Market, Sapporo Nijo Market, Shakotan, Otaru, Kushiro Port

Best for: Foodies, seafood lovers

Winter is the peak season for Hokkaido seafood, including king crab, snow crab, oysters, cod, and salmon roe. At Hakodate Morning Market, enjoy the fresh seafood bowls as early as dawn while witnessing the local shopkeepers’ busy lives.

To warm your body in this cold winter, we recommend hot and yummy local food in Hokkaido, like Sapporo miso ramen, Genghis Khan-style grilled lamb, and soup curry.

Take Incredible Photos of Winter Snowy Landscape

Places to go: Biei, Furano Hills, Tokachidake, Asahidake, Shiretoko Cape, Lake Toya

Best for: Photographers, influencers, landscape enthusiasts

Biei's Blue Pond takes on a dreamlike blue hue in winter, creating a scene reminiscent of Japanese anime when paired with snowy landscapes. The snow-covered fields and trees of Furano and Biei hills form minimalist compositions, evoking a sense of ultimate tranquility. And don’t miss Lake Toya, where the morning mist and snow-capped mountain reflections also offer an ideal location for winter photography in Japan.

Sample Hokkaido Winter Travel Itineraries

How Many Days to Spend in Hokkaido in Winter?

Generally, it is recommended to spend at least 3 to 5 days experiencing Hokkaido's urban culture and winter festivals. You will need 5 to 7 days for skiing, various snow activities, and onsen experiences. If you have 7 to 10 days, or even longer, you can add a deep exploration of Hokkaido's natural beauty.

Recommended 3-5 Day Hokkaido Winter Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Sapporo: Sapporo Snow Festival at Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower at night, Sapporo Station night view

Day 2: Otaru Day Trip from Sapporo by JR train: stroll along the Otaru Canal in the snowy landscape, visit the Music Box Museum & Kitano Glass Craft, and experience the Otaru Snow Light Path in the evening

Day 3: Asahikawa Day Trip: Take the JR train to Asahikawa, visit Asahiyama Zoo, and return to Sapporo

Days 4–5 (if time permits) optional additions: Jozankei Onsen, visit Hokkaido Shrine, and Sapporo Ski Resort

Recommended 7-10 Day Hokkaido Winter Itinerary

You can refer to the itinerary for Days 1 to 3 above.

Day 4: Asahikawa-Furano: Furano Ski Resort

Day 5: Furano-Noboribetsu: Jigokudani Snow Scenery, Noboribetsu Onsen

Day 6: Noboribetsu-Lake Toya: Winter Scenery, Nighttime Lakefront Fireworks Show

Day 7: Return to Sapporo

Day 9–10 (if time permits): Wakkanai Icebreaker Cruise, Kushiro Marshland

Practical Hokkaido Winter Travel Tips

How to Get Around Hokkaido

If it is your first trip, you are suggested to take JR trains to travel between cities in Hokkaido, which are efficient, punctual, and largely unaffected by weather conditions. JR trains connect major cities in Hokkaido, such as Sapporo, Otaru, Asahikawa, and Hakodate.

However, to visit the tourist attractions, onsens, and ski resorts, you may need to transfer to a bus.

Self-driving is more flexible, but only recommended for those with experience driving in snowy conditions.

Further Reading:
• How to Get to Hokkaido & Travel Around

Is it Safe to Drive in Hokkaido in Winter?

There are indeed risks. If you choose to drive, snow tires and a four-wheel drive vehicle are a must. In addition, be sure to drive carefully and pay attention to weather forecasts.

Ready to Plan Your Hokkaido Winter Holiday?

Whatever your interests, our Japan travel specialists will help you to customize your Japan trip with knowledge and experience.