Winter in Hokkaido
Why visit
Spending a week or two in Japan during the Northern Hemisphere winter is a great way to escape summer's heat and humidity, find exciting new subjects for your camera and experience a different culture that is interesting and engaging. Hokkaido, blessed with an abundance of ice and snow, dramatic landscapes and seascapes and opportunities to photograph wildlife close-up, is located between the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Pacific Ocean.
Ranging from Hakodate in the south to Wakkanai in the north, Hokkaido boasts the longest winter season in Japan, making it a magnet for anyone interested in snow sports. Visitors can participate in activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snow rafting, ice fishing, dog sledding and drift ice sightseeing cruises where the winter scenery is, literally, breathtaking due to sub-zero temperatures.
Fortunately, Hokkaido is safe, clean, and easy to get to. It has excellent public transport, delicious and healthy food and even if you don't speak the language, the people are courteous and friendly. Tourist visits peak between mid January and early March and many attractions are crowded at this time.
If you've never been to Japan before we recommend taking an organised tour
