Chilly Hokkaido Awaits: Embrace the Silver Wonderland & Snowy Fun – Endless Romance in Otaru’s Winter Scenery

Text by Qidou Travel Network | Photos by Hokkaido Tourism Organization

Winter is the season for snow play, and the silver-white landscape is calling you to join in the vibrant fun and joy of Hokkaido, Japan.

As Japan’s northernmost and largest prefecture, Hokkaido dons its winter coat when snow blankets the vast land — making it the perfect time for snowy adventures.

Traveling with friends or your girls’ squad? Building snowmen or having snowball fights are joyful activities hard to come by in Taiwan. For thrill-seekers, try snowmobiles, banana boats, or sleds for unforgettable winter memories.

Beyond the adrenaline-pumping snow activities, the serene white beauty of the north is worth savoring. Lake Toya (Lake Tōya), part of Lake Toya National Park on the eastern side of Hokkaido’s Oshima Peninsula, may be the smallest national park in the region, but it’s one of Japan’s Three Great Views. Linked by the picturesque Moon Viewing Bridge, the two lakes — Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu — are surrounded by lush trees, with Mount Komagatake looming in the distance, painting a stunning winter scene.

Hakodate at Hokkaido’s southern tip is a vital gateway connecting Hokkaido to Honshu. Blessed with a strategic location, rich history, and charming Western-style architecture, it also boasts one of the world’s three great night views.

In Meiji 31 (1898), France sent eight nuns to Hakodate to spread Christianity, and they built a convent whose gardens exude classic European charm, attracting countless visitors. The convent houses an exhibition room showcasing the missionaries’ lives. Nearby, in the park known as “Citizens’ Forest,” there’s a shop selling ice cream so rich and delicious, it’s hailed as the best in Hokkaido — a must-try for ice cream lovers.

Among Hakodate’s historic sites, Goryokaku stands out. This star-shaped fortress, surrounded by a moat and complemented by a semicircular bastion, was constructed in the late Edo period. To commemorate its 100th anniversary, the 60-meter-tall Goryokaku Tower was erected to the south, offering panoramic views of the site. In winter, the snow-covered scenery adds seasonal magic.

No trip to Hokkaido is complete without visiting Otaru. The scenic Otaru Canal beckons visitors to take photos, while nearby attractions like the Kitachi Glassworks, European-style steam clock, Otaru Music Box Museum, Silver Bell Café, plus a delightful array of snacks and restaurants, make your journey a feast for both the eyes and taste buds — a treat for both sight and flavor.

More Related Information
Recommended Itinerary: 【Powdery Snow & Silver Hokkaido 5-Day (Chitose/Hakodate)】～Triple Snow Fun. Hakodate Million-Dollar Night View. Goryokaku Ruins. Penguin Parade. Romantic Otaru Stroll
Highlights: Special Triple Snow Activity Package – Experience snowmobiles, banana boats, sleds, and more

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