Best Places to Visit in Hokkaido: Japan’s Ultimate Winter Wonderland (Image credit: Canva)
Hokkaido in winter really does feel like you’ve wandered into a snow globe. The snow is soft, almost powdery, and it covers everything—lakes freeze over, hot springs send up clouds of steam, and even the smallest towns seem to glow under a blanket of white. Japan’s northernmost island turns into this magical playground between December and February. Maybe you want to race down some of the best ski slopes in the world, soak quietly in an onsen while snow drifts around you, or just stroll through lantern-lit festivals that feel straight out of a dream. Hokkaido has that classic “winter wonderland” vibe that slows you down in the best way. It’s beautiful, peaceful, and honestly, it just makes you want to breathe a little deeper. Here are five spots you really shouldn’t skip.
Sapporo
Sapporo (Image credit: Canva)
Sapporo is where you want to start. It’s the heart of Hokkaido and seriously comes alive in winter. In February, the Sapporo Snow Festival turns the city into this wild outdoor gallery, with massive snow and ice sculptures lining the main streets. At night, everything glows—it’s festive and a bit surreal. Make time for steaming bowls of miso ramen or sweet grilled corn at the winter markets. There’s plenty of shopping, a lively bar scene, and it’s easy to hop from here to other great winter spots nearby.
Niseko
Niseko (Image credit: Canva)
Niseko is a favourite among skiers and snowboarders. The slopes are great for both beginners and advanced levels. After a day out in the snow, nothing beats soaking in a natural hot spring with a view of Mount Yotei, sometimes called “Hokkaido’s Mount Fuji.” Even if you’re not into skiing, Niseko’s cosy lodges and snowy scenery make the trip worth it.
Otaru
Otaru (Image credit: Canva)
Otaru’s just an hour from Sapporo, but it feels like you’ve stepped into a painting. The old warehouses along the canal, the little gas lamps glowing in the snow—it’s pure winter charm. If you’re around during the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, the whole town is filled with handmade ice lanterns and glowing snow domes. It’s like walking through a fairy tale. Otaru’s famous for its fresh seafood and sweets, too—think glass-blown gifts and cream-filled pastries. It’s perfect for a slow, scenic day out.
Asahikawa
Asahikawa (Image credit: Canva)
Asahikawa is all about big snow sculptures and heartwarming moments. The Asahikawa Winter Festival has huge snow displays—sometimes even bigger than the ones in Sapporo. There are ice slides, snow mazes, and plenty for families to do. And don’t skip the Asahiyama Zoo, especially the penguin parade. Watching penguins waddle by through the snow is just pure joy. It’s one of those experiences that sticks with you.
Lake Shikaribetsu
Lake Shikaribetsu (Image credit: Canva)
If you want something a little different, make your way to Lake Shikaribetsu in Tokachi. When winter hits, the whole lake freezes solid and transforms into the Shikaribetsu Ice Village—a tiny, temporary town made entirely out of ice and snow. You can wander through ice bars, chapels, igloos, and even slip into an open-air onsen right in the middle of the frozen landscape. It feels like you’ve found a secret world that vanishes with the thaw. It’s quiet, a little surreal, and easily one of Hokkaido’s most memorable winter spots.
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