【せんりみち公式】Find unforgettable experience activities you can enjoy in Hokkaido in winter! /

Hokkaido is the largest prefecture in Japan, and its rich natural environment makes it a very attractive tourist destination. Hokkaido in winter is particularly famous for the various special experiences you can enjoy amidst the pure white snowy scenery. In this article, we will thoroughly explain the many attractive activities you can experience in Hokkaido in winter. Please read it as a reference when planning your trip.

Experience the Snow Festival

The Snow Festival is an indispensable part of talking about Hokkaido in winter. This event is enthusiastically supported by tourists from both Japan and abroad, and the Sapporo Snow Festival in particular can be said to be its symbol. This major event, which takes place in Odori Park, displays many magnificent snow sculptures, and everyone is overwhelmed by their intricate design and large scale. During the day, the whiteness of the snow is dazzling, creating a view that truly symbolizes the beauty of winter, and at night, the lights are turned on to create a completely different, fantastical world.

Not only Sapporo, but Asahikawa and Hakodate also hold their own snow festivals, and you can experience the different charms of each region. In Asahikawa, snow sculptures themed on nature and animals are particularly popular, and there is a wide range of content that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. In Hakodate, the beautiful scenery created by the exotic cityscape and snow is impressive, and it is popular with people looking for a romantic atmosphere. Snow festivals are like a mirror that reflects the unique culture and background of each region, and no matter which venue you visit, you can fully enjoy the unique atmosphere of the place.

Enjoy an even more fantastic atmosphere with lighting

The best part of snow festivals is the extraordinary space created by the lighting. At night, colorful lights envelop the snow sculptures, creating a dreamlike scenery that is different from the pure white beauty of the daytime. The contrast between light and shadow is sure to be photogenic, and will be a moment that will be deeply engraved in the memories of those who visit.

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Along with the illuminations, the festival also has food stalls where you can enjoy local flavors. The food stalls selling warm Genghis Khan and mulled wine will not only help you forget the cold, but will also double the fun of your trip. You can also experience the diverse culture of Hokkaido by tasting the foods and drinks that reflect the characteristics of each region.

Enjoy Winter Sports

Hokkaido, with its vast snowy landscapes, can be said to be a mecca for winter sports. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are also plenty of experiences unique to Hokkaido, such as snowshoeing and dog-sledding. Each activity is suitable for a wide range of people, from beginners to advanced skiers, so people of all levels can enjoy it.

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The ski resort is characterized by its high-quality powder snow, which is extremely comfortable to ski on, attracting skiers from Japan and abroad. On the other hand, a walk through the snowy forest on snowshoes allows you to experience the mysteries of nature that can only be seen in the deep snow. Searching for animal tracks in the silent snow-covered forest and observing the frozen trees up close, you can experience an experience that makes you feel as if you have wandered into another world.

The appeal of snowshoes and dog-sledding

Snowshoeing is like a special adventure where you can walk freely in places closed off by snow. You can go to areas of deep snow that are normally inaccessible, so you can observe the life of wild animals and the beauty of winter nature up close. On the other hand, dog-sledding allows you to enjoy the thrilling experience of running through the snowy fields on a dog sled. This activity of running through the great outdoors with energetic dogs provides thrills and impressions that you can’t find anywhere else.

Both activities offer completely different ways to enjoy them, but both are special experiences that allow you to fully enjoy the unique charm of Hokkaido’s winter. Whether you’re traveling with your family, friends, or of course alone, you’ll be able to create unforgettable memories.

Warm up in a hot spring

After enjoying Hokkaido’s winter, take some time to relax in a hot spring. The snowy scenery you can see while bathing in a hot spring will give you the ultimate healing that will make you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Famous hot springs such as Noboribetsu Onsen and Yunokawa Onsen are popular with many tourists due to their abundant hot spring water and its beneficial effects. Each hot spring has its own unique charm and warmly welcomes its visitors.

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In the Niseko area, hot springs attached to ski resorts are popular. After an active day, you can relax in a hot spring, so you can enjoy winter sports and hot springs at the same time. In addition, Jozankei Onsen, located near Sapporo, is attractive for its easy access and excellent accommodation, making it ideal for short-term travelers.

Enjoy the characteristics of each region

Each hot spring in Hokkaido has its own unique charm. Noboribetsu Onsen is adjacent to an active volcanic area called “Hell Valley,” and the sulfur-scented steam from the hot springs creates an extraordinary experience. Yunokawa Onsen is popular for its beautiful evening scenery that takes advantage of its seaside location. On the other hand, Niseko’s hot springs are characterized by their international atmosphere and are popular with foreign tourists. In these hot springs, the experience of watching the snowy scenery and starry sky from the open-air bath is especially recommended.

Summary

Winter in Hokkaido is a special tourist destination that offers unforgettable experiences to visitors with its magnificent nature and diverse activities. At the snow festival, you can enjoy unique snow sculptures and events in each area, and the fantastic lighting that shows different expressions during the day and night will captivate visitors. In addition to the standard winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, unique experiences such as forest exploration on snowshoes and dog-sleeping are also unique attractions of Hokkaido.

Furthermore, Hokkaido’s hot springs are known for their diversity and high quality, making them the perfect place to heal your body that has become cold from the winter cold. In hot springs where the characteristics of each region shine, you can enjoy different atmospheres and scenery, providing a comfortable and healing end to your trip.

If you visit Hokkaido in winter, be sure to take proper precautions against the cold and fully enjoy the beauty of nature and local culture. It will undoubtedly be a special, once-in-a-lifetime trip. The pure white earth you see, the cold air you touch, and the heart-warming interactions with the local people will be memories you won’t be able to replace. Why not start planning your trip now and experience the magical time that Hokkaido’s winter brings?

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