Winter season in
Japan is the most admired season by tourists from all over the world. For those
heavenly for those who love snow, pure and clean nature, spend your time in
Hokkaido, it is definitely a great choice ever! The winter visitors can
experience from frolicking in the cold, frozen landscape to dipping in incredibly
idyllic natural hot springs. There are 5
experiences you need to complete in Hokkaido in winter season. Challenge
yourself to strike everything off this list before you return home!
1. Skiing & Snowboarding
You
can’t go Hokkaido in winter season without skiing
& snowboarding! The Hokkaido's
slopes have the finest powder snow
compared to other slopes in Japan and thus, it is the best for skiing and
snowboarding activities. For advanced riders, the chance to be shown the best side
country runs at each resort through a knowledgeable and safety-first oriented
guide is precious. For beginners, it is the best choice to choose Hokkaido as
the place for learning ski or snowboard as you will always land on soft powder
snow.
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| Skiing in Niseko Photo Credit: Outdoor Japan |
The best places for ski and snowboard is definitely Niseko. It is known for having powder snow of such quality that it is internationally recognized for it, and it is a holy land for skiers and snowboarders. The landscape in Niseko Village is stunningly beautiful, and it will definitely take your breath away! There are also a huge variety of courses for everybody from families to experts.
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| Snowboarding and skiing at Niseko Photo Credit: IACE Travel |
2. Sightseeing Icebreaker
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| The Sea of Okhotsk Photo Credit: Inside Asia Tours |
The shores of Okhotsk in Abashiri receive a huge amount of drift ice. It is located the southernmost place on earth where he ocean freezes and drift ice is observable. The best way to witness this winter phenomena is by icebreaker cruise. The entire boat journey takes about an hour. You will feel as if you have been transported to the Ice Age, where the frozen earth dominates the landscape in every direction. You must take a binocular that would help you spotting some seals, Steller’s Sea Eagles and other birds from the ship. Therefore, go to have a try for a unique sea experience you have never had before!
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| Ice Breaker Cruise Photo Credit: 新浪看点 |
3. Soak your stress away in natural onsens (hot springs)
The
warm soothing waters of a natural onsen
will take your worries away! Be sure to complete your winter experience by
dipping your body in natural onsens surfacing in many parts of Japan. There are
many places in Hokkaido to experience hot spring, from small ryoukans, large
hotels, "wild" hot springs, foot baths to even onsen waterfalls.
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| Onzen in Hokkaido Photo credit: The Green Leaf Niseko Village |
One
of the best onzen in Hokkaido which located near Sapporo city is Hoheikyo Hot Spring. This place owns
immaculate Japanese gardens, spacious outdoor baths, and a variety of indoor
baths. The natural hot spring contains calcium carbonate and iron minerals
which help to maintain the health of your body. Another famous hot spring
resort is Jozankei Onsen. The onsen
is particularly beautiful with snowy landscape in winter season.
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| Outdoor Onzen Photo Credit: Bigodino |
4. Enjoy the winter festivals
There
are varieties of festivals held in Hokkaido to celebrate the winter season. The
largest Japanese yearly snow festival is Sapporo
Snow Festival. This festival lasts for seven days and is held yearly in the
second week of February in Sapporo. Odori Site, Susukino Site,
and Tsu Dome Site are the three main
different sites where the Sapporo Snow Festival is held. The most attractive
site is Odori site where you can
witness the gigantic snow sculpture depicting
famous structures of the world including Japanese
castles. Though, hundreds of small sculpture could be seen here as well.
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| Sapporo Snow Festival Photo Credit: CNN.com |
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| Ice Sculpture in Odori Park Photo Credit: Pinterest |
Another
attraction in winter season is Otaru
Snow Light Path Festival. It is the iconic winter event held in Otaru Canal. Both Sapporo Snow Festival
and Otaru Snow Light Path Festival are held at the same time. The whole city
gets decorated with different sizes of stunning snow statues and night
illuminations. You can stroll along Otaru’s romantic canal and historic side-streets;
take pictures of adorable snow sculpture and staying warm with hot mugs tea. If
you had experience both festivals before, you may proceed to Sounkyo for its Ice Festival, Jozankei
for its Snow Festival and Asahikawa for its Winter Festival. These festivals are popular for its sculptures,
ice caves and traditional Japanese cultural activities which cannot be missed!
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| Otaru Snow Light Path Festival Photo Credit: govoyagin.com |
5. Celebrate Christmas at Hokadate Christmas Fantasy
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| The gigantic tree in Hokodate Photo Credit: http://www.beautifuljapan.or.kr |
Hakodate Christmas Fantasy is a popular yearly Japanese Christmas event and is known as Seaside Winter Wonderland in Japan. A huge Christmas tree is put up on a barge in front of Red Brick Warehouses in the Bay area. The gigantic tree stands 20 meters tall and colored with illumination of 50,000 lights. This event is lasts for the whole month of December. From December 2nd to December 22nd, the daily lighting up ceremony of the Christmas tree is held. During the Christmas Eve, there will be the magical Christmas illuminations, fireworks display and Christmas concerts held to create a truly romantic Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, the tree is turned off at 8 PM for the final time. The night is celebrated by one last fireworks display with romantic illuminations to liven up the event.
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| Christmas illuminations in Hokadate Photo Credit: FAST JAPAN |
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| Last fireworks display on Christmas Day Photo Credit: Travel Hokadate |
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