Winter in Hokkaido
Powder Snow Paradise

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  Sapporo Snow Festival

  The 2015 Sapporo Snow Festival will be held from February 6th to the 15th.

  An annual tradition since 1950, the Sapporo Snow Festival now boasts over 2 million visitors each year, flocking to see massive snow sculptures exquisitely crafted from pure white snow. Beautiful during the day and as well as during the night, when the sculptures are lit up, the festival can be admired at three different sites: Odori Park, Susukino, and Community Dome Tsudome.

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  Sapporo White Illumination

  Through much of winter (mid-November through mid-February), visitors to Odori Park are mesmerized by what seems to be an infinite number of sparkling lights in a rainbow of colors. The popular spectacle draws many to Sapporo in conjunction with the Sapporo Snow Festival.

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  Sapporo Tokeidai (Clock Tower)

  Considered by many to be the foremost symbol of Sapporo, this building of historical import was constructed in 1878 and is a testament to the American ties that helped to make Sapporo the metropolis it is today. The erstwhile drill hall of the Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University) is one of the few extant examples of American-style architecture from this period and currently serves as a historical museum detailing Sapporo's development.

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  Susukino Nightlife

  For a taste of Sapporo's big city nightlife, head to Susukino. You won't find a bigger entertainment district north of Tokyo. Grab a drink, grab a bite in any of the numerous shops, bars, and restaurants crammed together in a dizzying array of neon signs and glowing billboards--a great place to enjoy yourself while taking in some of the local color. Of note is Ramen Yokocho, a little alley packed full of ramen shops. Along with Odori Park and the Sapporo Community Dome, Susukino is one of the sites of the Sapporo Snow Festival.

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  Jingisukan ("Genghis Khan")

  There may be no definitive answer as to why this dish of grilled mutton is named after the famous Mongolian warlord, but nonetheless, Jingisukan is considered a must when visiting Hokkaido. With jingisukan joints found all over the island (with some of the more famous shops in Sapporo), this won't be hard to check off your list. Typically prepared on a dome-shaped skillet and served with veggies, guests usually take over grilling duties for a fun hands-on culinary experience that won't break the bank.

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  Miso Ramen

  One of Japan's most famous dishes, ramen is extremely popular throughout Japan. Hokkaido is without exception; each region here boasts its own special version. The Sapporo standard is miso ramen, where a rich and savory fermented bean paste forms the basis of the broth. Butter and corn are typical toppings, which may sound strange at first but definitely have their appeal. Try it once and you may never want it another way again!

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  Soup Curry

  Widely considered by Hokkaido natives as soul food, soup curry is pretty much what it sounds like--a curry soup. Fragrant blends of savory herbs and spices make for a broth that is sophisticated and multi-dimensional. Add to this meats and veggies in the soup and rice on the side and you'll have a meal that is both healthy and satisfying. The popular of soup curry, which was invented in Sapporo in the 1970's, is now spreading to the rest of Japan, but you'll do well to make it a point to try the real deal in the land of its tasty origins.

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  Moerenuma Park

  A startling skyline formed by pyramids of earth, stone, metal, and glass set against the massive and endless Sapporo sky is the first sight you will marvel at as you approach Moerenuma Park, the brain-child of legendary Japanese-American sculptor, the late Isamu Noguchi. Simultaneously an artistic achievement as well as a functional city park, various sports grounds are found among the art installations, vast lawns, and fountains. In wintertime, much of the geometric forms become ideal for sledding and cross-country skiing is also a popular pastime here.

Urban Gateway to Hokkaido

By far the biggest city in all of Hokkaido, Sapporo lacks none of the urban conveniences usually found in metropolitan areas. There is plenty to enjoy, whether shopping at the most fashionable shops and prestigious department stores, having a night out on the town in the nightlife district of Susukino, or stuffing yourself silly with Hokkaido specialities like miso ramen and jingisukan. The downtown area is easily traversed on foot; taxi cabs are also plentiful. Interesting landmarks of historical or cultural value are interspersed throughout the city, so there is always something to spice up a stroll.

What really sets Sapporo apart from other big cities in Japan is the environment. Mountains often cloaked in mist or decked in veils of white snow surround the city. Especially in winter, the frosty air will liven you up as it nips at your nose. The locals can be seen walking down the street with a characteristic shuffle so as to not slip on any icy patches. Piles of snow cover the urban landscape, transforming areas such as Odori Park into ideal venues to showcase the enormous snow sculptures of the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival.

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  Otaru Canal Area

  The sight of the Otaru canal in the darker hours bespeaks a nostalgic poetry even to first-time visitors. In an earlier time, the iconic canal was integral to the flourishing shipping industry of the Port of Otaru, serving as a point for from larger vessels to warehouses along the canal via smaller ships. With advances in the shipping technology, the canal has been rendered obsolete, yet remains together with the adjacent warehouses as a scenic reminder of Otaru's hayday. Complete with Victorian-style street lamps, the canal area makes for a pretty picture.

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  Otaru Snow Light Path Festival

  The 2015 Otaru Snow Light Path Festival will be held from February 6th to the 15th.

  Held each year on the same days as the Sapporo Snow Festival so travels can visit both, the Snow Light Path Festival offers a more intimate, quiet experience. The festival takes place in two sites: the canal area, and the Temiyasen area along abandoned railroad tracks. Lanterns are made up of snow, lighting up for a silently dazzling view that is both dream-like and romantic.

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  Sushi and Seafood

  Owing to the richness of the catch to be had in the ocean waters nearby, Otaru is Japan's premier sushi destination, with sushi enthusiasts flocking to Otaru in order to sample the best in fresh seafood. Favorites include uni (sea urchin), sake (salmon), ikura (salmon roe), kegani (hairy crab), hotate (scallops), hokke (Okhotsk atka mackerel), and more. You can find most of Otaru's popular sushi eateries lined up one after the other along the aptly-named Sushi Street (Sushiya Dori), easily accessible on foot from Otaru Station.

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  Otaru Glass

  The delicate craftsmanship evident in Otaru-manufactured glass recalls the Victorian age. You'll find all sorts of glassware in Otaru, from classic oil lamps produced by local giant Kitaichi Glass, to little buoys that double as candle holders during the Snow Light Path Festival. Glass is such an industry in Otaru that visitors are welcome to try their hand at one of the various glass-producing workshops in town.

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  Music Boxes

  Besides exquisite glasswares, Otaru is also well-known for its locally-made music boxes; this is very evident as you hear their fragile melodies as you wander about the town. You can learn more at the Otaru Music Box Museum located on Sakaimachi Street in a beautiful historic building from 1912. There are also many shops selling music boxes, with assortments so vast you'll have trouble choosing which one to take home with you.

Industrial Chic and Historical Charm

Otaru exudes a particular ambience all its own, thanks to unique historical circumstances. Facing Ishikari Bay, the Japanese Imperial government established Otaru in 1899 as a international port open for trade. Because of this, Otaru flourished well into the 20th century--at its peak, Otaru was the chief economic hub of Hokkaido, until Sapporo eventually emerged as the bigger city.

Much quieter than bustling Sapporo, Otaru provides a restorative contrast to its urban neighbor. The highlights of Otaru include the romantic atmosphere provided by its many Victorian-style historic buildings and beautifully preserved canal. Otaru is also renowned for its glasswork and music boxes, while sushi lovers will rejoice in some of the best, freshest seafood Japan has to offer.

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  Perfect Powder Snow

  Looking to shred some snow? Look no further than Niseko. High altitudes and a drier climate makes this area an ideal powder playground for winter sports enthusiasts.

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  Hirafu

  The largest of Niseko's resorts, Hirafu offers visitors plenty of high-quality snow without being too crowded. There are over a dozen lifts and the slopes are particularly excellent early in the morning or at night. The resort area itself has a comfortable town-like atmosphere that is fun to explore and easy to navigate.

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  Hanazono

  Regardless of level, both novices and aficionados alike are welcome at Hanazono. Dedicated learning facilities are available and great for children and beginners while experienced individuals can look forward to terrain parks, train runs, and more--all with impressive views. Families will enjoy the snow park, offering snow tubing, sledding, ziplines, and even winter rafting.

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  Niseko Village

  Enjoy long, scenic trails at Niseko Village, formerly know as Higashiyama. More daring skiers will delight in the courses here--some of the steepest in all of Japan. Those less experienced will enjoy the gently, beginner-friendly slopes. Located between Hirafu and Annupuri, Niseko Village is easily accessed, making it a great base for visitors.

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  Annupuri

  The charm of Annupuri lies in its close proximity to a national park at the foot of a mountain. Thanks to the high altitude, the snow is stunning. Also, if you keep your eyes peeled, lucky visitors might spy some of the Hokkaido wildlife (such as foxes and the like) living nearby.

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  Niseko Onsen

  In addition to world-class skiing, Niseko is also home to 15 different naturally occurring hot springs--many of which can be enjoyed from the comfort of your hotel. An outdoor dip in the onsen surrounded by beautiful winter scenery is highly recommended.

Catering to the Powder-Hungry

Arguably the most internationally-famous ski resort area in Japan, Niseko draws avid winter sport enthusiasts from across the globe. The reason why is simple: the powder snow here is superb for skiing and snowboarding. Niseko is also well-adapted to foreign visitors--English is common, there are many shops and eateries, and everybody is there to have a good time. As officially regarded, Niseko is divided up into 4 resort areas: Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri. Also located nearby is the smaller Moiwa ski area, which offers a bit more intimacy, as well as Rusutsu, which boasts Japan's biggest ski resort.

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  Noboribetsu Onsen

  Hokkaido's most famous hot spring destination, Noboribetsu is an easily traversable town nestled in quiet mountain scenery, literally adjacent to famous natural attraction Jigokudani. Because of this proximity, the hot springs here are quite robust and numerous. The town itself is primarily populated with onsen visitors, giving the area a peaceful, leisurely feel.

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  Jigokudani

  Billowing pillars of steam, boiling rivers and bubbling pools--a dramatic landscape bleached white with tinges of red and green: the aptly-named Jigokudani, or Hell Valley, is a lingering remnant of a prehistoric eruption. This volcanic valley is just a few minutes walk from the hot springs of Noboribetsu. The free attraction is lit up in evening for a view that's nice and intimate, as long as you don't mind the smell of the sulphur too much.

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  Geothermal Footbath

  A short hike from Jigokudani, a small stream can be found flowing by nearby Oyunuma, a steaming sulfurous pond. A little further downstream, you'll see a ledge made of logs perfect for sitting on. Take off your shoes and let your feet take a dip. This natural footbath is exactly the right temperature--warm, soothing, and comfortable.

  Please note that while the footbath remains open during winter, the hiking trails may not always be accessible.

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  Lake Toya

  Being a caldera lake, Lake Toya never ices and is renowned for the clarity of its water--picture-perfect all year round. The surrounding mountains, including active volcano Mt. Usu, and a small a group of islands in the middle of the lake add to the scenery.

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  Toyako Onsen

  You'll find many hotels and ryokan around the lake offering access to the natural hot springs. What's so special? Why, the view of course! Depending on the facility, you might find yourself floating on the lake itself. The springs here feature a mixture of chloride, sulfate, and hydrogen carbonate, said to work wonders for the skin.

Hot Springs and Geothermal Wonders

Any hot spring lover needs to put Noboribetsu and Toyako on their bucket list. These hot springs, or onsen in Japanese, owe their greatness to the unique features of the local terrain--in this case, its important to note that both areas exist within Shikotsu-Toya National Park.

Noboribetsu is perhaps Hokkaido's most famous onsen resort worldwide. Within its borders is the infamous Jigokudani, or Hell Valley, a volcano mouth from which the town's hot spring is sourced. Because of this, Noboribetsu boasts 11 different kinds of hot spring water--all of them luxuriously relaxing.

Toyako, on the other hand, is known for its crater lake--Lake Toya. The town also is situated at the foot of an active volcano, giving the onsen here an extra geothermal edge. Visitors to Toyako Onsen may enjoy panoramic views of Lake Toya as they soak in the hot spring.

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  Kan Kan Mura

  Come at night to Kan Kan Mura--open from late December to early March from 4 pm until 8 pm. A massive construction of blocks of snow, Kan Kan Mura features a cafe and bar built out of snow, as well as Japan's longest snow tube course--fun for the whole family. You don't need to be a proficient athlete in snow sports to enjoy Kan Kan Mura--you just need to be young at heart.

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  Furano Ski Area

  With some runs that are long and fast, and others wide and gentle, Furano's two snowy peaks, complete with terrain parks, a half-pipe and some downhill courses, make the town a very popular ski resort. Snow sport enthusiasts of all levels are sure to enjoy themselves.

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  Blue Pond

  A forest of stark white birch trees jut forth from the mysterious aquamarine depths. The blue pond, or Aoi Ike as it is referred to in Japanese, was created as part of an erosion control system, but while the structure may be man-made, the color of the pond itself is completely natural--a result of minerals dissolved in the water. The pond is located a 30-minute bus ride away from Biei.

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  Patchwork Road

  Softly rolling hills blanketed with snow make for a glorious sight that's almost too beautiful to be real. This area north-west of Biei is completely rural, hence the vast expanse of fields that get covered up by snow in the winter. Isolated trees dotting the landscape create a strikingly beautiful images.

Family Fun and Scenic Views

Practically located smack dab in the middle of Hokkaido, the farming towns of Furano and Biei draw visitors from all over the world looking for a taste of Hokkaido's simple life.

Furano is especially well-known, thanks to it's world famous flower fields that paint endless stretches of bright colors in the fields. In the wintertime, folks flock instead to Furano's ski area and Kan Kan Mura, where you don't have to know how to ski to have fun in the snow.

While Furano is quiet though, Biei is much more quiet. Mostly known for its pleasant, idyllic scenery such as Patchwork Road, that becomes fully-covered with snow in the winter, as well as the hypnotically turquoise waters of the Blue Pond.