Hokkaido in Winter 2026/2027: Weather, Top Things to do, & Tips

冬季是游览北海道的最佳时节。您可以体验许多日本冬季特有的活动，例如滑雪、在雪景温泉中放松身心、参加冬季祭典、乘坐破冰船等等。

然而，北海道在这个季节非常热门。许多酒店需要提前预订或很快就会客满，因此提前计划至关重要。

在本文中，我们将分享您完美旅行所需的一切，包括去哪里、做什么、如何打包以及其他有用的提示。

北海道的冬天是什么时候？天气如何？

北海道的冬季通常从11月持续到次年3月。

最佳旅游时间是12月中旬至2月。这段时间雪景最为迷人，而且有很多冬季活动可以体验。

• 11月至12月初：天气还不算很冷（0–7°C / 32–46°F）。通常11月中旬开始下雪，但雪量不大。
• 12月中旬至2月：这是北海道最冷的时期（-10°C至-1°C / 14-30°F）。注意保暖，仍然可以进行户外活动。几乎每天都会下雪，还会举办许多雪节。
• 三月：天气与二月相似（-5°C 至 3°C / 22–37°F）。大雪仍然常见，尤其是在三月初。

如果您喜欢气候温和、人少清静、价格实惠的旅游旺季，建议在11月至12月初前往。虽然积雪还不深，但您已经可以欣赏到迷人的冬日景色了。

想在人少雪道上享受滑雪或其他雪上活动，又不想花费太多？三月是绝佳之选。此时降雪量依然很大，三月中旬之后才会逐渐减少。

第一次冬季北海道之旅，应该去哪里？

北海道的许多城市都能提供独特的冬季体验，但哪些城市最适合您的首次到访呢？根据我们的经验，我们精心挑选了6个最佳城市。

1. 札幌：通往经典北海道冬季的门户

札幌是北海道冬季旅行的理想出发点。您可以在这里体验许多经典的日本冬季活动，而且前往该地区的其他城市也很方便。

从札幌出发，您可以轻松前往手稻等滑雪胜地（车程约 30 分钟），在附近的定山溪享​​受雪景温泉，并在二月参加札幌冰雪节。

札幌是北海道的主要交通枢纽，方便前往函馆、旭川等其他热门城市。札幌拥有国际机场，因此也是从东京或大阪飞往北海道的首选机场。

2. 小樽：札幌附近的浪漫小城

If you're looking for a quiet, historic city full of romantic charm, Otaru is our top pick! It's about a 50-minute drive from Sapporo, making it perfect for a day trip.

You can stroll along the historic canal and see the red brick warehouses. In early February, the canal and streets are lit up with thousands of handmade snow lanterns and ice candles, which is the biggest winter highlight.

You can also try making glass or music boxes, and enjoy the snow-covered city from the top of Mount Tengu.

3. Hakodate: Famous for Its Night view

Hakodate is a perfect place to slow down. It mixes Japanese culture with a Western atmosphere, and you can take your time exploring it.

The city is famous for its night view. From above, you can see the whole illuminated city and coastline in one picture, which is ranked among the top three in the world. In winter, snow covers the city, making it even more beautiful.

You can also stroll through the Western-style architecture district, explore the local seafood market, and even see snow monkeys bathing in hot springs.

4. Asahikawa: Watch penguins Walk Along the Snow Path

Asahikawa is Hokkaido's second-largest city and a popular winter destination, especially if you travel with your kids.

Your family will love watching penguins waddle along the snow path at Asahiyama Zoo! It's the biggest winter highlight in this city. You can see the penguins waddling in a line along the snow path up close, and it's just too cute.

You can see this from January to March. We suggest going in January or February when there are sessions in the morning and afternoon. In March, it's only available in the morning.

5. Noboribetsu: Unique Hell Valley Scenery

Noboribetsu is all about onsens. You can admire the view-only Hell Valley and also soak in high-quality onsens.

Don't miss exploring Jigokudani (Hell Valley). It's a unique volcanic valley with steaming hot springs, where you can walk along trails and watch steam and gas rise from the ground. But be careful, it's for viewing only, and you can't soak in it!

If you want to relax in onsens, you can stay one night in Noboribetsu. Most ryokans and hotels in the city offer hot springs.

6. Abashiri: Enjoy Icy Adventures

If you're looking for icy adventures or something unique, Abashiri is the place to be.

This city is famous for its drift ice activities. You can ride an icebreaker ship through the frozen sea and hear the ice crack beneath you. You can also try a drift ice walking tour with special waterproof clothing.

Top 5 Things to Do in Hokkaido in Winter

Hokkaido's winter is more than just skiing. You can also relax in hot springs surrounded by snow, join unique winter festivals, ride icebreaker ships, and see wildlife up close. These experiences make your winter trip truly unforgettable.

1. Skiing in the Best Powder Snow

Skiing is always at the top of the must-do winter activities in Hokkaido. With the most ski resorts, the finest powder snow, and the longest ski season in Japan, Hokkaido is truly a skier's paradise.

The ski season usually runs from late November to early April. Thanks to some of the earliest snowfall in Japan, heavy snow often lasts even into mid-March.

The most popular ski resort in Hokkaido is Niseko. It offers the finest powder snow, caters to everyone from beginners to experts, has the most international atmosphere, and provides the widest range of accommodations.

Other famous ski resorts include Rusutsu, Kiroro, and Furano. We can help you choose the best one for your interests and travel plans. It's best to book your ski trip a year in advance, as hotels tend to sell out quickly.

2. Join the Sapporo Snow Festival

If you want to experience just one winter festival in Hokkaido, the Sapporo Snow Festival is your top pick!

It is perfect for everyone, especially if you travel with your kids. You can admire amazing snow and ice sculptures and enjoy kid-favoured fun activities like sliding down long snow slides, exploring snow mazes, skiing, and even making your own snow sculptures.

The festival is held every February and lasts about a week. In 2026, the Sapporo Snow Festival will run from February 4 to 11.

3. Soak in Onsens Surrounded by Snow Scenery

How could you miss soaking in an outdoor hot spring while surrounded by snowy scenery? With Hokkaido's abundant geothermal resources, there are plenty of high-quality hot springs to enjoy.

Winter is the best time to enjoy hot springs. Even though the weather is cold, your body is wrapped in warm water, and you can see the surrounding snow-covered forests or mountains. It's a wonderful way to relax and soak up the Japanese atmosphere.

We highly recommend Jozankei Onsen for your hot spring experience. This traditional onsen town offers beautiful scenery and a peaceful vibe. It's only a 50-minute drive from Sapporo and has a wide range of accommodations, from Japanese-style inns to boutique hotels.

4. Hop on an Icebreaker Ship to Explore the Floating Ice

Want a one-of-a-kind winter adventure? Hop on an icebreaker and explore the drifting sea ice!

Abashiri is the best place in Japan for this. Its icebreaker is the largest, so you can feel the ship shake as it breaks through the ice and hear the ice crack beneath you.

This experience runs from January to March each year. We recommend going in February, when there is the most drift ice.

5. Observe Various Wild Animals

Winter is the best time to see wildlife in Hokkaido. Many animals come together to look for food, so they are much easier to spot.

If you enjoy seeing animals in the wild, you can visit Kushiro to see red-crowned cranes, watch seals on the drift ice in Abashiri, and spot Ezo deer while hiking in Shiretoko.

If you want to see many animals in one place, I recommend Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa. You can see penguins, polar bears, moose, and more. Don't miss the penguins'famous walk along the snow path.

How Many Days to Spend in Hokkaido for Your Winter Trip?

Most travelers spend 5-10 days in Hokkaido. It all depends on your trip length and what you want to do.

For Your First-Time Visit

If it's your first trip to Hokkaido, we recommend spending 5–7 days here. Since it's your first time in Japan, you'll likely spend about 7 days in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Together, this makes a perfect two-week itinerary.

With limited time, we recommend focusing on 1 or 2 cities. Hokkaido is a large region, and traveling between cities usually takes 2 to 3 hours. It is also far from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, so you will need to fly there.

If skiing is your main goal, 5 days in Hokkaido is usually enough. You can spend 2 - 3 days at the ski resort and 1- 2 days exploring Sapporo.

For Your Second Visit

If this is your second trip to Japan and you plan to focus on Hokkaido, 7–10 days is ideal. This gives you enough time to enjoy a classic Hokkaido winter route and explore the main cities.

You can visit Sapporo to soak in onsens with snowy views, Hakodate for its famous night view, Asahikawa to watch penguins walk along the snow path, and Abashiri to ride an icebreaker ship.

We highly recommend keeping your itinerary flexible. Heavy snowfall can delay or cancel flights and trains, so you may need to change your plans depending on the weather.

A Classic 10-Day Hokkaido Winter Itinerary

Here is a classic 10-day winter itinerary for Hokkaido. It covers the main cities and must-try winter experiences, helping you make the most of your time and see the top highlights.

• Day 1-2: Sapporo and Otaru ( Odori Park, Sapporo Beer Museum, Otaru canal area, and making glass)
• Day 3-4: Asahikawa (watch the penguins walk along the snow path at Asahiyama Zoo, and Ramen Street)
• Day 5-6: Abashiri (take an icebreaker ship, and walk on drift ice)
• Day 7: Lake Akan (enjoy onsens)
• Day 8-9: Back to Sapporo (Nijo Fish Market, and enjoy some free time)
• Day 10: Departure

What to Wear for Winter in Hokkaido?

Without a doubt, you must pack warm clothing and waterproof shoes! Winters in Hokkaido are very cold, usually between –10°C to 5°C (14°F to 41°F), and it often snows.

• Bring Warm Clothes: Down jackets, sweaters, thermal underwear, scarves, knit hats, gloves, snow boots, and waterproof shoes.
• Dress in layers: This can help you stay comfortable in different temperatures. Even though it's cold outside, indoor heating is strong, so a light layer is usually enough indoors.
• Pack non-slip shoes or ice grips: Hokkaido often snows in winter, and roads and sidewalks can get very icy. Without proper shoes, you'll easily slip and fall.

If you don't have enough clothes or non-slip shoes, you can buy affordable winter gear at stores in Sapporo.

How to Get to and Get Around Hokkaido in Winter?

Getting to Hokkaido from Tokyo or Osaka

Flying to Sapporo in Hokkaido is the most common choice.

Hokkaido is far from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, so flying is faster and easier. Flights from Tokyo to Sapporo take about 1.5 hours, and from Osaka to Sapporo, about 2 hours

You can take the train from Tokyo to Hokkaido, but we don't recommend it. The Shinkansen (bullet train) only goes as far as Hakodate, and getting to other cities in Hokkaido from there is far and inconvenient.

Getting Around Hokkaido

We recommend using a private car to get around Hokkaido in winter.

Public transportation in Hokkaido is convenient, but heavy snowfall can often delay or cancel trains and buses, especially in January and February. Also, traveling to remote attractions by bus can take a long time.

We don't recommend renting a car and driving yourself in Japan. If you've never driven in snowy conditions, the risk of accidents is higher. Plus, Japan drives on the left-hand side, so if you're used to driving on the right, it might take a few days to adjust.

乘坐配备私人司机的私家车可以帮您避免这些问题！您将有更多时间享受旅程，行程安排更加灵活，并能直接、舒适、快捷地抵达景点，无需在雪地里步行。

冬季北海道旅游常见问题解答

1. 不滑雪的话，北海道值得去吗？

当然！北海道的冬天远不止滑雪。您可以乘坐破冰船，在雪景中泡温泉，参加冬季祭典，体验冰上漫步，还可以观赏野生动物。您依然可以拥有一次真正难忘的冬季之旅。

2. 北海道11月会下雪吗？

北海道通常是日本最早下雪的地方。雪通常在11月中旬左右开始下，但雪量不大，也不频繁。

从11月下旬开始，降雪量增加，大雪也更为常见。北海道的许多滑雪场也在此期间开始开放。

3. 冬季去北海道旅游什么时候更便宜？

冬季前往北海道旅游通常在淡季（11 月、12 月初和 3 月）期间价格更便宜。

• 十一月：游客较少，但由于不常下雪，雪上活动也受到限制。
• 12月初：在旺季人潮到来之前，可以享受雪景和冬季活动的宁静时光。
• 三月：旺季已过，但大雪通常会持续到三月中旬，所以你仍然可以享受冬季活动。

旺季是从圣诞节和新年到二月份，这段时间价格最高。

现在就计划您的北海道冬季之旅吧！

不知道从哪里开始计划您的旅行？我们可以帮您安排一切，从酒店和交通到行程等等。今天就联系我们，让我们一起规划您的旅行吧！

来看看我们包含北海道的日本冬季旅游线路吧：

• 14天日本精华游及北海道滑雪之旅
• 9天日本冬季精华游——北海道私人定制之旅