Winter in Japan: Enjoy the Ice Vibes in Tohoku’s Hokkaido with Easy Bus Travel to Shirogane Gorge

Text by Qidou Travel Network; Photos by Xihong Holidays and shutterstock.com

For exploring the beautiful sights of Eastern Hokkaido in winter, the “Tohoku Hokkaido Sightseeing Bus” is your most convenient and great choice. Especially the northern route between Sapporo and Shirogane Gorge, which remains extremely popular. The bus offers WiFi and English audio guides, allows for flexible boarding and disembarking, and lets you explore top sightseeing spots with ease—even solo travelers can join without worry.

▲ The Sapporo Snow Festival is Hokkaido’s biggest winter event (Photo provided by shutterstock.com)

The Sapporo Snow Festival features hundreds of ice sculptures of various sizes every year. The Odori venue showcases large-scale ice sculptures, while the Susukino venue highlights exquisitely crafted and translucent creative ice works. Another venue, the TSUDOME stadium, offers fun snow activities. The Odori venue is especially recommended. Located in central Sapporo’s Odori Park, stretching east-west across 1.5 kilometers, the artworks carved from snow and ice by sculptors are incredibly intricate and vivid, forming a spectacular sight.

▲ The 2018 Shirogane Gorge Ice Waterfall Festival runs from January 25 to March 18 (Photo provided by shutterstock.com)

Shirogane Gorge, located at the foot of the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range, is famous for its canyon landscape and hot springs, and gained widespread fame thanks to the travel writings of Japanese author Ogawa Keigetsu. The gorge is home to waterfalls of various sizes, such as the Milky Way and Shooting Star falls. Every winter, a grand Ice Waterfall Festival is held here, featuring massive ice waterfalls with awe-inspiring presence, along with various ice structures. You can also try ice wall climbing, ice skating, enjoy illuminated ice waterfalls, and watch performances. Aside from the Ice Waterfall Festival, soaking in hot springs is another major highlight in Shirogane Gorge. The well-organized hot spring town boasts numerous modern hotels, ranging from those with views of majestic mountains to secluded mountain hot springs—perfect for every preference.

▲ The Kurodake Ropeway shows greenery in summer and snowy views in winter. (Photo provided by the Hokkaido Tourism Organization)

In addition to the canyon and hot springs, the nearby famous Kurodake Mountain, nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, offers seasonal views including alpine plants, autumn foliage, and snowscapes. Winter is the perfect time for skiing here, and you can also take the ropeway for a bird’s-eye view of the natural landscape from above. Moreover, snowshoeing is a popular local activity where guides provide insight into the ecology of the snowy world as you walk through the snow.

▲ Don’t miss the Penguin Parade at Asahiyama Zoo (Photo provided by shutterstock.com)

Asahiyama Zoo, Japan’s most northern and popular zoo, has even been featured in a themed movie and is a must-visit attraction in Asahikawa. This unique zoo operates with a philosophy of respecting life. While striving to boost its popularity, it also prioritizes the animals’ living environment, offering them as much freedom and comfort as possible. At Asahiyama Zoo, you might witness a Penguin Parade, seals swimming, or polar bears diving, allowing you to observe animal behavior up close.

▲ Must-try crab dishes in Hokkaido (Photo provided by shutterstock.com)

Hokkaido excels in agriculture, fishing, and livestock farming. When visiting, you can’t miss its delicious culinary offerings. Winter is when crabs are at their plumpest—their long legs are sweet and succulent. Whether served in shabu-shabu hot pot, crab soup, or sushi, they are delicious in any form. A feast of the “Big Three Crabs” is an especially satisfying treat. Also recommended is Sapporo’s miso ramen, which rivals that of Asahikawa and Hakodate—you’ll definitely want to have multiple bowls. Don’t forget the grilled corn at Odori Park and Hokkaido’s wide variety of flavored ice creams.

Tour Information:
● Winter Fun—5-Day Tohoku Hokkaido Shirogane Gorge Hot Spring Self-Guided Trip
https://goo.gl/zqr3Mt
● Winter Fun—6-Day Tohoku Hokkaido Shirogane Gorge Hot Spring Self-Guided Trip
https://goo.gl/14B9ck
★ Sign-up Bonus: Sapporo Smile Shopping Guide (includes discount coupons)
★ “Encountering the Beauty of the Four Seasons in Tohoku Hokkaido” Sightseeing Guide
★ 10% Discount Coupon for Sapporo Drugstores
★ Free WiFi Voucher (one per room, based on participation duration)
★ Round-trip 20KG Checked Luggage Allowance
Contact: Xihong Holidays
Phone: 412 - 8618 (add 02 for mobile)
Website:www.besttour.com.tw