Things to Do in Winter in Hokkaido | Book Sapporo Area Tours, Activities & Things to Do with VELTRA
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Things to Do in Winter in Hokkaido

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A visit to Hokkaido, considered to be one of the best winter destinations in Japan, will complete your holiday vacation. Find the best things to do in Hokkaido in winter, from guided snowshoe tours from Sapporo to must-try smelt ice fishing activities in the region’s frozen lakes. Check out our Hokkaido winter tours and activities, and make your stay one for the books!
Things to Do in Winter in Hokkaido
Winter Sightseeing Tours
Go on a Hokkaido winter tour and explore the snow-capped wonderland with expert guides. Get to attend the iconic Otaru Snow Light Path Festival 2020, see the polar bears in Asahiyama Zoo, and visit the best Sapporo winter attractions. Don’t forget to include in your Japan winter itinerary a guided visit to the popular Ice Village located on top of the frozen Lake Shikaribetsu; truly a sight to behold.
Smelt Ice Fishing
This winter, why don’t you try your hand at a local Japanese pastime, smelt ice fishing, in frosty Hokkaido? Go to some of the best places to ice fish in the northernmost prefecture: Barato River, Lake Shinotsu, and Lake Kanayama. Then, make a hole in the lake’s thick covering, learn how to catch fish with your friendly instructor, and get to taste the fruit of your labor: fresh wakasagi (smelt) or tempura.
Snowshoe Tours
Explore Hokkaido’s winter wonderland on seasonal snowshoeing tours, a fitting alternative to skiing or snowboarding. These Hokkaido nature tours let you trek through glittering forests of icicles or snow-capped mountains, and see the region’s beautiful landscape and local wildlife, even without prior experience.

Top-Rated Activities for Sapporo Area

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1

Sapporo Ice Fishing Tour on Barato River with Tempura Tasting and Gear Rental
USD 39.71
(1)
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2

Asahiyama Zoo & Shirahige Falls with Bus Tour from Sapporo

From USD 52.94
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3

Noboribetsu Day Tour from Sapporo with Bear Park & Hell Valley
USD 53.44
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4

Asahiyama Zoo & Shirahige Falls & Blue Pond with Bus Tour from Sapporo
From USD 46.19
(1)
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5

Sapporo to/from Niseko & Rutsutsu Ski Bus Shuttle Service
From USD 36.40
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6

Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway Roundtrip Ticket : VIEWTIFUL SAPPORO
From USD 11.91
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7

New Chitose Airport WiFi Router Rental with Easy Pick-up and Return
From USD 5.10
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8

Sapporo Half-Day Bus Tour to Ski Jump Stadium, Shiroi Koibito & Central Market
USD 26.47
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9

JR Tower Observatory T38 Ticket
From USD 4.24
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10

【sapporo】Sapporo Winter Culture: Snow, Temples & Local Food
USD 52.94
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11

Sapporo Nearby Highlights Day Tour: Culture, Nature & Fresh Seafood
USD 52.94
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12

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort Direct Bus Tour with 1-Day Lift Ticket & Round-Trip Transfer
USD 64.86
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13

Direct Bus from Sapporo to Jozankei with Daily Departures and Exclusive Gifts
USD 31.77
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14

Jozankei Day Trip from Sapporo with Unlimited Jotetsu Bus Pass and Local Perks
USD 31.77
(1)
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15

[Jun-Jul] 1 Day Bus Tour: Furano Marche, Farm Tomita, Blue Pond and Rokkatei
USD 46.26
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16

One-way shuttle bus: Sapporo City/New Chitose Airport ⇔ Tomamu Area
From USD 39.71
(4)
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17

Sapporo Half-Day Bus Tour to Ski Jump Stadium and Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
USD 26.47
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18

Lake Toya Kisen Cruise Ticket: Enjoy Scenic Lake Views
USD 10.59
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19

Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck Ticket
USD 7.94
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20

Lake Toya & Noboribetsu 1-Day Bus Tour from Sapporo
USD 67.50
(2)

Latest reviews of Things to Do in Winter in Hokkaido

Sapporo Ice Fishing Tour on Barato River with Tempura Tasting and Gear Rental

Good time group of 12

2026/01/14 Families with Young Children Fisherman

Enjoyed it, something we've wanted to try for a while and everything was as described, guides speak excellent english.

Sapporo Bus Tour : Snow Park in UPOPOY（National Ainu Museum and Park)

GREAT TOUR!

2024/02/05 Solo Travelers Cindy, US

Very professional staff at tour company. Good value and convenient as Upopoy is over an hour away. There was someone on hand to translate into English, I don't know if this person goes to all the tours. (Staff at Upopoy... more

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SUPER FUN! MUST TRY!

2019/02/15 Families Hua & Tin

Jim-san & Masahiko-san gave my mom and a memorable smelt Fishing experience! They kindly fetched us at an agreed time, took great care of our wellbeing and safety throughout the day. Thought us with patience, helping us ... more

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Great fun made easy!!

2017/03/04 Friends Sean

Everyone had a great time!! Both the guys made it very easy and extremely enjoyable. Was definitely a highlight of the trip for everyone and will 100% consider doing again next time we come. Thanks a lot Giro!!

Great experience!

2017/03/01 Couples Gavab

Junjiro and Jin were our tour guides. They were very friendly and they set everything up for you! Prompt pick up, and they drop you off too. They also drive you to a small but great mom and pop restaurant where they temp... more

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Ice Fishing

2016/03/13 Families with Young Children Gift

The children enjoy it very much. The staffs are very friendly and kind. This is really the great experience to my family. Thank you.

Things to Do in Winter in Hokkaido | Book Sapporo Area Tours, Activities & Things to Do with VELTRA
A visit to Hokkaido, considered to be one of the best winter destinations in Japan, will complete your holiday vacation. Find the best things to do in Hokkaido in winter, from guided snowshoe tours from Sapporo to must-try smelt ice fishing activities in the region’s frozen lakes. Check out our Hokkaido winter tours and activities, and make your stay one for the books!