Hokkaido Love

Hokkaido is the coldest region in Japan. Which means, you can try lots of fun winter activities! There are more than one hundred ski resorts in Hokkaido, and the quality of the powder snow is amazing. The low-humidity powder snow is called "JAPOW," and many people visit Hokkaido for the finest quality of snow from all over the world. Though this year was warmer than usual, most ski resorts in Hokkaido are typically open from the beginning of December to the beginning of May. Niseko may be the most famous ski resort in Hokkaido. If you are looking for new ski resorts with the same quality of snow, you may want to try Furano, Sapporo, Tomamu, Rusutsu and many more places.

Don't worry about snow gear, you can rent the latest style of skis, snowboards and snow gear for less than $100 a day. With a one day lift ticket costing less than $90. Compared to the U.S., hotels and restaurants are not expensive. You don't need to pay tips in Japan, and the U.S. dollar is still stronger than the Japanese Yen. You could get full from tasty food and drinks paying half the price you would in the U.S.

Winter Events

Sapporo Snow Festival

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido. More than two million people come to see this world-famous event every year from all over Japan and across the world.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Date: February 4^th∼11^th
Venues: Odori Park, Susukino, and
Tsudome in Sapporo

Otaru Yukiakari no Michi

Otaru is a historical port city.
A number of snow candles line up and decorate the Otaru canal. Travelers also visit Otaru for fresh seafood.

Otaru Yukiakari no Michi

Date: February 10^th∼17^th
Venues: Otaru Canal and the former Japan Railways Temiya

Asahikawa Winter Festival

Asahikawa is the second largest city in Hokkaido. Enjoy ice sculptures and a snow slide, that are lit up at night by projection mapping and fireworks.

Asahikawa Winter Festival

Date: February 7^th∼12^th
Venues: Asahi Bridge River side and Heiwa Shopping Street

Abashiri Drift Ice Cruise

Abashiri is a city located in the Okhotsk Subprefecture. This one-hour icebreaking cruise is a wonderful adventure. Enjoy the beautiful panorama view.

Abashiri Drift Ice Cruise

Date: Late January to late March Venue: Abashiri Harbor

[ Hokkaido Tourism Organization will participate in the following event ]

February 3^rd-4^th: LA Travel & Adventure Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Come to explore the charms of Hokkaido as a great destination!

Asahikawa Winter Festival

Abashiri Drift Ice Cruise

Please click here to learn more about Hokkaido adventures and hot springs.