Winter Romance in Hokkaido: Ice-breaking, Illuminations, Snow Fun & Onsen Delights

Text by Qidou Travel Network; Photos by Hokkaido, Sapporo City, shutterstock.com

Experience the unique beauty of winter in northern Japan—Hokkaido is your top choice. In this vast land, head east to see drifting ice by boat; go south to take in Hakodate’s night view, ranked among the world’s top three; visit Asahikawa to witness adorable penguin parades; and in Sapporo, enjoy the White Illuminations and Snow Festival. Most importantly, you can also enjoy a variety of snow activities, indulge in delicious cuisine, and warm your body and soul in steaming hot springs for a feast for all five senses.

Hokkaido’s icebreaker cruises typically run from mid-January to late March each year. Ships carry passengers through the ice floes of the Sea of Okhotsk, where you can listen to the cracking of ice and watch ice blocks float alongside the vessel—the powerful spectacle is both awe-inspiring and immersive. If you’re lucky, you might even spot wild seals, white-tailed eagles, or Steller’s sea eagles.

Sapporo was the first place in Japan to host a light tree festival. This year’s White Illuminations kicked off on November 18 and will continue until February 12, 2017. During the event, hundreds of thousands of light bulbs illuminate the city in dazzling colors, with the Odori Park, Sapporo Station Front Avenue, and South 1st Avenue all aglow with brilliant displays. If you visit between late November and late December, don’t miss the Sapporo Munich Christmas Market at Odori Park for a festive atmosphere. From February 6 to 12, 2017, Sapporo will also host Japan’s largest snow festival. Beyond Sapporo, the Hakodate Illuminations (December 1, 2016, to February 28, 2017) and the Shikisai Sekkei Icefall Festival in Shirakaba-dake (January 25 to March 20, 2017) are also highly recommended winter events.

Hokkaido is famous for its dry, powdery snow, making it Japan’s premier destination for snow play. After experiencing the icebreaker cruise, illuminations, and snow festival, be sure to try exciting snow activities like snowmobiling, banana boats, and sledding—or build snowmen and have snowball fights with family and friends for unforgettable winter memories.

Japan’s northernmost Asahiyama Zoo, which inspired a movie of the same name, captured hearts with the resilient spirit of its characters, boosting its popularity. At this zoo, you can observe wildlife up close from unique perspectives—watch polar bears swim and dive, gaze at a mysterious leopard’s slumber, see monkeys lick honey in amusing ways, or even stroll with a group of adorable penguins, offering a truly heartwarming experience.

Head south to Hakodate in southern Hokkaido, home to night views ranked alongside Hong Kong and Naples, Italy. From Mount Hakodate, the city and harbor sparkle like jewels under the night sky. Other highlights include the historic Glover Warehouse complex, the bustling Hakodate Morning Market, the star-shaped Goryokaku Park, and the European-style Our Lady of the Angels Convent.

Hot springs are another highlight of a winter trip to Hokkaido. In a typical five-day, four-night itinerary, the classic arrangement includes three nights at an onsen ryokan and one night in Sapporo, balancing relaxation with urban exploration.

Recommended Itinerary: Hokkaido Icebreaker + Snow Fun Trio (Sapporo–Hakodate) 5-Day Tour
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