12 Must-Do Activities in Hokkaido in December

December in Hokkaido is a magical time of year, with snow-covered landscapes, twinkling lights, and festive cheer. If you’re planning a trip to Hokkaido in December, be sure to add these 12 activities to your itinerary.

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1. Visit the Sapporo Snow Festival

The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of the largest and most famous snow festivals in the world. It takes place every February in Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido. During the festival, you can see incredible snow and ice sculptures, as well as enjoy live music, food, and drinks.

2. Go skiing or snowboarding

Hokkaido is a skier’s and snowboarder’s paradise, with some of the best powder snow in the world. There are dozens of ski resorts to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.

what to do in hokkaido in december

3. Take a snowshoe hike

Snowshoeing is a great way to explore Hokkaido’s backcountry. There are many snowshoeing trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging.

4. Visit the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival

The Otaru Snow Light Path Festival is a charming festival that takes place in Otaru, a port city on the west coast of Hokkaido. During the festival, the streets of Otaru are lined with thousands of candles, creating a magical winter wonderland.

12 Must-Do Activities in Hokkaido in December

5. Go ice fishing

Ice fishing is a popular winter activity in Hokkaido. There are many lakes and rivers where you can ice fish, and you can catch a variety of fish, including salmon, trout, and char.

1. Visit the Sapporo Snow Festival

6. Visit the Hakodate Winter Festival

The Hakodate Winter Festival is a smaller but equally charming festival that takes place in Hakodate, a city on the southern tip of Hokkaido. During the festival, you can see snow and ice sculptures, as well as enjoy live music, food, and drinks.

7. Take a dip in an onsen

Onsens are natural hot springs that are found all over Hokkaido. They are a great way to relax and rejuvenate after a long day of exploring. There are many different types of onsen to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.

8. Visit the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art

The Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in Japan. It houses a collection of over 18,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and prints.

9. Go shopping in Sapporo

Sapporo is a great place to go shopping, with a wide variety of stores to choose from. You can find everything from souvenirs to high-end fashion.

10. Eat delicious food

Hokkaido is known for its delicious food, including seafood, ramen, and sushi. There are many great restaurants to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to your taste.

11. Visit the Toyako caldera

The Toyako caldera is a beautiful natural wonder that is located in the center of Hokkaido. The caldera is home to a number of lakes and mountains, and it is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and fishing.

Average Temperatures in Sapporo in December

12. Take a day trip to Noboribetsu

Noboribetsu is a hot spring resort town that is located about an hour’s drive from Sapporo. Noboribetsu is home to a number of hot springs, as well as a number of other attractions, such as the Jigokudani Valley and the Bear Park.

Planning Your Trip

Here are a few tips for planning your trip to Hokkaido in December:

Book your flights and accommodations in advance, as December is a popular time to visit Hokkaido.
Pack warm clothes, as the weather in Hokkaido can be cold in December.
Bring a camera to capture all of the beautiful sights that you will see.
Be sure to try some of the delicious food that Hokkaido has to offer.

Useful Tables

Here are a few useful tables that can help you plan your trip to Hokkaido in December:

| Average Temperatures in Sapporo in December |
|—|—|
| High | 32°F (0°C) |
| Low | 23°F (-5°C) |
| Average Snowfall | 11.1 inches (28 cm) |