Unique Winter Experiences in Hokkaido Beyond the Slopes

There’s more to Japan’s northernmost prefecture than skiing.

 

Many people associate Hokkaido winters with skiing. They’re right — resorts like Niseko and Furano in Japan’s northernmost prefecture are top ski destinations as the region receives some of the world’s best powder.

 

However, Hokkaido has much more to offer than ski slopes, and not everyone from Malaysia wants to spend their vacation skiing! If you’re looking for unusual and memorable winter experiences, read on for suggestions to help you plan your next trip up north.

 

1. Join an awe-inspiring cruise through the Okhotsk drift ice

 

An awe-inspiring cruise through the Okhotsk drift ice. Photo Credit: Doutoukankoukaihatsu Co., Ltd

 

You might know what an iceberg or a snowy landscape looks like, but have you ever seen the ocean covered in chunks of ice?

 

Drift ice refers to ice floes, large, detached pieces of frozen seawater broken apart by the wind or ocean currents. As the name suggests, these white chunks of ice meander and ride with the sea. Originating in Russia, they float and drift across the Sea of Okhotsk.

 

Located on the northeastern coast of Hokkaido, Abashiri City is the southernmost place in the Sea of Okhotsk where seasonal drift ice can be seen. Cruise company Aurora operates cruises through the drift ice between late January through to the end of March (exact dates vary every year) when these ice floes are most likely to appear. If you’re lucky, you might even spot seals and white-tailed eagles.

 

Variable weather conditions from year to year mean that drift ice is not always guaranteed on your visit, especially later in the season. However, whether the sea is completely covered with ice floes or whether these ice floes float like sparkling islands in brilliant turquoise waters, it is a truly breathtaking sight that’s worth including on your bucket list.

 

2. Marvel at ice sculptures and more at Lake Shikotsu Hyoto Festival in Chitose

 

Ice sculptures are illuminated at night for an otherworldly experience. Photo Credit: City of Sapporo

 

Originally conceived by local volunteers to boost winter tourism, the Lake Shikotsu Hyoto Festival has been an annual event since the late 1970s. It typically takes place from late January to mid-February. “Hyoto” means “ice pillars” in Japanese, which hints at the stunning sculptures that transform the shores of Lake Shikotsu into a magical kingdom straight out of "Frozen". At 360 meters deep, Lake Shikotsu is Japan’s second-deepest lake. This stunning caldera lake, ringed by three volcanic mountains, boasts some of the clearest, purest waters.

 

The festival’s sculptures aren’t carved out of snow like those at the Sapporo Snow Festival, but are instead created by first submerging a “skeleton” of the intended sculpture in lake water, then spraying water and allowing each layer to freeze. They are sheared into the intended shapes with chainsaws, and further details are added by hand using pickaxes. The resulting sculptures are a shade of blue that almost seems to glow in the sunlight, a blue so remarkable it’s been dubbed “Shikotsu blue.” By night, multi-colored lights illuminate these icy creations.

 

Simply wandering around to marvel at these towering sculptures is a lot of fun. But there are other activities at the festival, too. You can hurtle down an ice slide, glide around an ice skating rink, and even go horseback riding. If you need to warm up after all of that, there are stalls selling warming foods like hot soba and oden, as well as hot spring facilities in the vicinity.

 

3. Sightseeing and more in Furano

 

Furano’s winter landscape is just as beautiful as it is in summer.

 

Apart from the approximately nine meters of excellent powder snow that falls every winter, the city of Furano is famous for its pastoral summer landscapes, especially the lavender fields that paint the hills purple. Beyond its scenic appeal, Furano is renowned for its local produce, including carrots, cheese, and milk pudding.

 

Even for non-skiers, Furano offers plenty to explore during the winter months. The area boasts gorgeous attractions, like the snow-blanketed Miyama Pass and the magical, icy-blue Shirogane Blue Pond. Active travelers can indulge in snow-based adventures like snowshoe trekking, hot air ballooning, ice-hole fishing, snow tubing, or the adorable experience of dog sledding. The Furano Ski Festival also provides a festive atmosphere, promising fun for all ages. Skiing isn’t mandatory – simply enjoy the fireworks displays or take a trip down the slides on the massive snow castle.

 

4. Drive a snowmobile around Lake Shikaribetsu

 

An invigorating snowmobile drive is a great way to explore the area. Photo Credit: Lake Shikaribetsu Nature Center

 

Hokkaido has no shortage of places for winter activities, but a great destination that combines the best natural scenery and cultural experiences is Lake Shikaribetsu. Located in the Daisetsuzan mountains, Lake Shikaribetsu is Hokkaido’s highest altitude lake at an elevation of 810 meters. While it’s gorgeous year-round, it’s especially beautiful in winter, especially when you explore the vast terrain of Daisetsuzan National Park surrounding the lake. Driving a snowmobile allows you to experience the magical tranquility of a snow-blanketed oasis. If you’re fortunate, you might see tracks left by winter animals, like foxes and rabbits, or even spot wildlife like white-tailed eagles and Blakiston’s fish owls. Very early in the morning you might see “diamond dust,” a kind of snow that’s so fine it catches the sunshine and glitters like its namesake.

 

Every winter when the lake freezes over, a “village” is built. This is Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan, a winter-only event held at the lake. Highlights here include the Ice Bar, where you can sip a drink out of an actual ice glass, and an open-air hot bath in the snow. There’s nothing quite like a hot soak in the snowfall, so don’t forget to bring your towel and bathing suit!

 

Conclusion

There are more ways to experience winter in Hokkaido beyond skiing. Whether you’re an active snow bunny or someone who prefers to take things slow, there’s something for everyone here. Consider adding some of these experiences to your itinerary up north. They’re sure to add an extra-special wintry glow to your trip.

 

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