Snow bunnies flock to Hokkaido’s ivory slopes during the winter season, seeking powder ski runs and art-filled festivities. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, there are onsens, soul-warming winter staple dishes to feast on and shopping villages to discover across the region.

From Niseko to Asahikawa, there’s much to see and do in Hokkaido, and narrowing it down can be a challenge, so we’ve put together a guide to winter in Hokkaido detailing the best ski resorts, festivals and other attractions to visit while you’re in the area. Don’t forget to bundle up and stay warm!

Hokkaido weather during winter

Hokkaido temperatures start to rapidly drop from November until April, with residents donning puffy coats and thermals for the season. Asahikawa is the coldest city in the region, with temperatures falling as low as –12.7°C in February. Come prepared, as you’ll see weather ranging between –13°C to 9°C depending on where in Hokkaido you are. 

Best Hokkaido ski slopes

Hokkaido is an essential pilgrimage for powder hounds, as metres of fluffy snow settle on its ski slopes every year. Niseko is the region’s most famous ski area, filled with gorgeous trails and forested off-piste runs. However, those-in-the-know typically head to the less crowded Hokkaido Powder Belt : a 200km stretch of stunning ski resorts encompassing Tomamu, Furano, Asahikawa, Asahidake and Kurodake. 

Each area has something different to offer, from beginners’ slopes to challenging backcountry trails, so it’s worth investing in a rental car and exploring the resorts at your own pace. The Hokkaido Expressway Pass will also make things much easier for those driving, as it allows visitors to pay highway tolls digitally without having to pull over

Hokkaido winter festivals

Towering architectural marvels, religious icons and anime characters are fashioned from snow at the February Sapporo Snow Festival, which has been running since 1950. Artists from all over the world compete to craft exquisite snow sculptures, with the best of them found in Odori Park .

Ice takes centre stage at Lake Shikotsu, where artisans use the crater lake’s crystal waters to create statues for the Shikotsu Ice Festival . In chilly Sounkyo, visitors can explore an icicle-filled network of frozen tunnels as part of the Ice Waterfall Festival. 

Spark off the new year in Kamifurano with the Northern Daimonji Wildfire Festa , where flames are lit across the hills of Hinode Park in the shape of the Japanese character for “big”, symbolising the start of a new chapter. Lit at midnight with sacred flames, the blaze is a powerful, moving spectacle set to inspire you for the year to come. 

In February, fireworks burst for the Lake Akan Ice Festival, during which members of the indigenous Ainu community congregate on the lake for ritual dances and feasts – welcoming one and all to share in Ainu culture.

For those who find retail therapy to be the best kind of festivity, winter sales hit Hokkaido in full force and there’s nowhere better to indulge than Mitsui Outlet Park : Hokkaido’s biggest outlet village with brands like Marc Jacobs, The North Face, Adidas, Le Creuset, Salvatore Ferragamo and more on offer. From now till 8 January 2024, Cathay members shopping here can also earn JPY100 = 2.

Hokkaido onsen hunting

After a long day of endless activity in chilly weather, there’s nothing quite like settling into a steaming onsen, and that’s why people ritually flock to Hokkaido’s mineral-rich waters for a dip. 

Tucked away in the mountains, Jozankei Onsen offers a forested retreat away from the crowds, with numerous resorts providing indoor and outdoor pools overlooking the scenery. On the outskirts of the wild Jigokudani Valley, hot spring resorts in Noboribetsu Onsen draw their waters from volcanic pools which are believed to have healing powers. 

Over at Toyako Onsen, Toyako Manseikaku Hotel Lakeside Terrace and Toya Kohan Tei provide sprawling views over Lake Toya. Best of all, gigantic light-covered archways are set up across the city to bring festive magic to the season; head to the lakeside trail where 12,000 LED lights guide the way to the water.

What to eat in Hokkaido

Hokkaido offers some of Japan’s best produce, including the country’s most delicious dairy products, as well as sweetest fruits and fresh seafood. Crimson king crabs, herring and scallops result in stunning cuts of sashimi and grilled delights, whether you’re tucking in at the humble fisherman-run Minshuku Aotsuka Shokudo or Sapporo’s three Michelin-starred Sushi Miyakawa .  

Those looking to warm their bones should follow their noses to jingusukan lamb barbecue restaurants, named after the Mongolian ruler Genghis Khan. Soup curry is also a popular staple here and best enjoyed at Furanoya , while ishikari nabe, a salmon-based hot pot dish, brings families together over the stove. 

If a slurp-worthy bowl of hot noodles is what you’re after, Asahikawa – a region known for its soy sauce shoyu ramen – has its own dedicated ramen village with eight different shops serving up their own spin. Noodle obsessives can pay their respects at the village’s ramen shrine once done. Sapporo’s miso-based ramen and Hakodate’s shio (salt) ramen give Asahikawa a run for its money and naturally, you’ll have to try all three.

Looking for places to stay in Hokkaido? Check out our guide here.