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These 10 Dreamy Winter Spots in Hokkaido Are a Must For Your Bucket List

These 10 Dreamy Winter Spots in Hokkaido Are a Must For Your Bucket List

Last updated: 22 November 2023

Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido is filled with fairy-tale wilderness in winter, with the snow producing some of the most gorgeous landscapes!

Here, we will feature some of the most popular spots where you can witness winter wonders, such as Hokkaido animals, sightseeing trains, and boats that can only be enjoyed during the cold months.

Table of Contents
  1. 1. Retro Steam Locomotive SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train
  2. 2. Hot-Tubbing Monkeys at Hakodate City Tropical Botanical Garden
  3. 3. Goryokaku Park: A star-shaped structure that emerges at night
  4. 4. Enjoy spectacular views and hot springs at Noboribetsu Jigokudani and Noboribetsu Onsen
  5. 5. Lake Shikaribetsu Igloo Village: A village in Lake Shakribetsu that only appears in winter
  6. 6. Otaru Gas Lamps Illumination
  7. 7. Ningle Terrace: Shop while sightseeing at Furano
  8. 8. Garinko: A boat for Hokkaido drift ice sightseeing
  9. 9. Penguin Walk: A popular event at Asahiyama Zoo
  10. 10. Hokkaido's Famous Jewelry Ice

1. Retro Steam Locomotive SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train

1. Retro Steam Locomotive SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train

The SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train is a sightseeing train that winds through the Kushiro Marsh, a designated national park. It operates for a limited time from January to February every year and has become part of Kushiro's tradition.

The scene as it blows smoke and barrels through the snow on the railroad tracks is a sight to behold. The boarding time is around 90 minutes one way between Kushiro Station and Shibecha Station.

Beer, coffee, snacks, sweets, original merch, and more are also sold on the train.

In addition, the cabins were renovated in January 2022. You can enjoy the charm of the SL train even more.

During winter, many of the trees have already shed their leaves, providing an unobstructed view of the gorgeous land. From inside the train, you will have more chances to see Japanese cranes, a special monument that lives in Kushiro Marsh.

Featured in the 1000-yen bill, the Japanese crane is a familiar existence in Japanese people's lives, and seeing one in the wild might make for a valuable experience.

2023 Operation
  • Dates: January 20–21, 26–28, February 2–12, 16–18, and 23–25, 2024 (March schedule TBA)
  • Departure/arrival times: Kushiro to Shibecha – 11:05 AM to 12:35 PM; Shibecha to Kushiro – 2 PM to 3:42 PM
  • Schedule subject to change. Please confirm via the official website.
  • Fare: 2,970 yen one-way (includes 1,290 yen base fare + 1,680 yen reserved seat ticket); children half price
  • Inquiries: JR Hokkaido Information Center – 011-222-7111

2. Hot-Tubbing Monkeys at Hakodate City Tropical Botanical Garden

2. Hot-Tubbing Monkeys at Hakodate City Tropical Botanical Garden

Located in Hakodate City's hot spring district, the Tropical Botanical Garden features around 300 tropical plants species. It is easily accessible as it is a two-minute walk from the Nettai Shokubutsuen-mae bus stop. This botanical garden is well-known for its Hot-Tubbing Monkeys. From December to early May, a hot spring fills the pool inside the monkey enclosure.

The northern limit of Japanese macaques is actually in Aomori Prefecture. To survive the harsh cold climate, the monkeys in Hakodate began to bathe in hot springs. The warm monkeys all look comfortable, and onlookers also feel relaxed just by looking at them!

Hot-Tubbing Monkeys Schedule
  • Held from December 1 to early May

3. Goryokaku Park: A star-shaped structure that emerges at night

3. Goryokaku Park: A star-shaped structure that emerges at night

Boasting cherry blossoms and autumn leaves all year round, Goryokaku Park is a staple when on a sightseeing spree in Hakodate. In winter, the water in the moat freezes, and snow accumulates on it, turning the entire park white.

For a limited time, tourists will be able to see the Goryokaku no Yume wherein the park is lit up at night. Lights adorn the moat from sunset to 8:00 pm, emphasizing the star shape of Goryokaku.

We recommend going up the Goryokaku Tower to enjoy the view from above. Here, you can watch how Goryokaku's charm transforms as the night approaches. The park is a 10-minute walk from the Goryokaku Park entrance bus stop.

Goryokaku no Yume (2023-2024) Information
  • Dates: December 1, 2023 – February 29, 2024
  • Illumination hours: Sunset to 7 PM
  • Goryokaku Park Stroll: Open 5 AM–7 PM (Apr–Oct), 5 AM–6 PM (Nov–Mar); Admission free
  • Goryokaku Tower Observation: Open until 7 PM during the event; Admission: 1,000 yen (adults), 750 yen (junior/senior high), 500 yen (elementary); group discounts available
  • Inquiries about Goryokaku no Yume: 0138-51-4785 (Goryokaku no Yume Executive Committee)

4. Enjoy spectacular views and hot springs at Noboribetsu Jigokudani and Noboribetsu Onsen

4. Enjoy spectacular views and hot springs at Noboribetsu Jigokudani and Noboribetsu Onsen

As Noboribetsu's iconic tourist destination, Noboribetsu Jigokudani is an explosion crater formed through the eruptions of a volcano. The steam rising from a plethora of springs and fumaroles and the bubbling and boiling hot water looks like a scene in hell. The hot spring that wells from the source of Jigokudani is supplied to inns and hotels in Noboribetsu Onsen.

After watching the pure white steam rise in the cold of winter, warm up your body's core by thoroughly bathing in a hot spring at the hot spring district. Jigokudani is a 10-minute walk from the Noboribetsu Onsen bus stop.

5. Lake Shikaribetsu Igloo Village: A village in Lake Shakribetsu that only appears in winter

Ice bar
Ice bar

Lake Shikaribetsu is the highest lake in Hokkaido. It takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes by local bus from JR Obihiro Station to Lake Shikaribetsu. Every winter, an event called Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan is held on a frozen lake for about 60 days. "Kotan" means "village" in the Ainu language. At the venue, edifices made of ice such as igloos are built to form a village.

Open-air bath on ice
Open-air bath on ice

At the Kotan, you can drink at their ice bar, bathe in their open-air bath on ice, and ride snowmobiles, among other activities. Experience the world of ice only at Lake Shikaribetsu during winter!

Schedule for 2024
  • Open: January 27 to March 10, 2024
  • Entrance fee: Charges may apply
  • Lake Shikaribetsu Igloo Village
    しかりべつ湖コタン
    • Address Kitaurimaku, Kato Gun Shikaoi Cho, Hokkaido, 081-0344, Japan
    • Phone Number 0156-69-8181

6. Otaru Gas Lamps Illumination

6. Otaru Gas Lamps Illumination

The Otaru Canal is a popular tourist destination lined with stone warehouses and historic buildings. As night approaches, the gas lamps are lit, and the lights on the warehouses are turned on, transforming the scenery into a nostalgic landscape.

In winter, the roofs of warehouses and the walkway are covered in snow, which exudes a romantic atmosphere. If you plan on strolling along the canal and enjoying the scenery, be sure to wear adequate clothing. If you want to take a photo of the Otaru Canal, we recommend that you take it from Asakusabashi Park, which is around 15 minutes on foot from Otaru Station.

Otaru Gas Lamps Illumination
  • Otaru Canal Promenade (Gas Lamps): Lit from sunset to 12 AM (January–May)
  • North Canal Promenade (Gas Lamps): Lighting controlled by ambient light sensors
  • In front of Canal Plaza (Gas Lamps): Lit from sunset to 12 AM
  • Canal Warehouse Lighting: Lit from sunset to 10:30 PM

7. Ningle Terrace: Shop while sightseeing at Furano

7. Ningle Terrace: Shop while sightseeing at Furano

Ningle Terrace is located within the premises of the Shin Furano Prince Hotel in Furano City. A two-minute walk from the hotel lies an area lined with 15 log houses inside a forest. This area is called the Ningle Terrace.

The log houses exhibit and sell handmade products, so you can enjoy shopping. At night, the log house and sidewalks are lit up. The white snow illuminated by the warm light creates a fantastic atmosphere. We also recommend this place for dates.

8. Garinko: A boat for Hokkaido drift ice sightseeing

Garinko II
Garinko II
Garinko III IMERU
Garinko III IMERU

Garinko is a boat for sightseeing drift ice in the Sea of Okhotsk. An Archimedes' screw is attached to its bow to break drift ice and move forward. You can see the screw working from the window in front of the ship, so be sure to take a peek.

You will surely enjoy the experience as the boat crushes drift ice one after another. During the day, you can enjoy the view of the wide expanse of drift ice. However, the view during the sunrise and sunset trips is also exceptional. On these trips, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery as the colors of the sunrise and sunset dyes the drift ice.

Garinko III IMERU is the newest ship in the fleet. The inside of the ship is wider than the Garinko II, allowing for more passengers. It is also a notch above in terms of speed, which would increase your chances of seeing drift ice.

Garinko III IMERU Schedule (2024)
  • Operation Period: January 16 to March 31, 2024
  • Fare: 4,000 yen (junior high and up), 2,000 yen (elementary); free for preschoolers
  • Cruise Duration: Approx. 1 hour
  • Note: Fare remains the same regardless of drift ice conditions
Garinko II Schedule (2024)
  • Operation Period: January 27 to March 3, 2024
  • Fare: 3,000 yen (junior high and up), 1,500 yen (elementary); free for preschoolers
  • Cruise Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours
  • Capacity Limit: 140 people (normally 195)
  • Note: Fare remains the same regardless of drift ice conditions
  • Okhotsk Garinko Tower Co., Ltd.
    オホーツク・ガリンコタワー株式会社
    • Address 1, Marine Park, Monbetsu City, Hokkaido, 094-0031
    • Phone Number 0158-24-8000
    • Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

9. Penguin Walk: A popular event at Asahiyama Zoo

9. Penguin Walk: A popular event at Asahiyama Zoo

The Penguin Walk is an annual winter event at Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa City. Penguin naturally walk long distances in a group to the sea in search of food, and this event is held to help the penguins get sustained exercise.

In addition to the cute king penguins walking, you can sometimes see them crawl on their bellies to propel their bodies forward. This event allows you to marvel at the sight and charm of penguins that move differently when in water.

However, please note that the event may be suspended, or the course may be changed depending on the weather and snow conditions.

2023 Schedule
  • Season: November 11, 2023 – April 7, 2024
  • Hours: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM (last entry at 3 PM; For summer hours, please check the official website)
  • Admission: 1,000 yen (high school and up), free for junior high and younger; Group rate: 900 yen; 2-Day Hospitality Ticket: 1,000 yen; Zoo Combo Ticket: 1,400 yen; Science Museum Combo Ticket: 2,230 yen
  • Closed: November 4–10, 2023; December 30, 2023; January 1, 2024; April 8–26, 2024; November 4–10, 2024; December 30, 2024

10. Hokkaido's Famous Jewelry Ice

10. Hokkaido's Famous Jewelry Ice

"Jewelry Ice" is the transparent ice found on the Otsu Coast in Toyokoro. It has become a popular spot for pictures because of the beauty of its "jewels" as it shines in the sunlight.

Unlike drift ice, jewelry ice is transparent and its brilliance changes depending on the time of the day. The best time to see it is from mid-January to early March, depending on the weather.

The average lowest temperature in Toyokoro during this period is -15℃, so before enjoying the scenery, be sure to protect yourself from the cold. There is no public transport to the Otsu Coast, but you can book a tour or take a taxi or rental car. It is an hour away by car from JR Obihiro Station.

  • Jewelry Ice
    ジュエリーアイス
    • Address Otsu Beach, Nakagawa Gun Toyokoro Cho Motomachi Chisaki, Hokkaido, 089-5461, Japan
    • TEL: 015-578-7202 (Toyokoro Town Tourism Association)

Written by:
Minna no Kotoba Sha
Minna no Kotoba Sha

Minna no Kotoba Sha is a production company founded by an editor with extensive experience in editing local magazines in Sapporo. For over 20 years, our team has conducted research and written articles across Hokkaido, with Sapporo as our primary hub. Our diverse portfolio includes the production of various books such as travel guides, informational magazines, and collections showcasing the picturesque landscapes of Hokkaido. Comprised entirely of women, the team at Minna no Kotoba Sha boasts diverse interests, including a passion for travel, culinary delights, and alcoholic beverages. The scope of our communication efforts spans a wide range, covering everything from introducing notable restaurants to providing coverage of local events and sharing stories of leisure experiences.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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