Planning a winter trip to Hokkaido to experience the winter wonderland? Here’s a fun 7-Day Hokkaido Winter Itinerary for you!

This itinerary is…

Perfect for nature lovers - It’s full of winter outdoor activities!
Public transportation-friendly - You don’t have to drive a car on snow.
No big cities - No Sapporo, Asahikawa, or Hakodate.

I will also share some 3-day winter itineraries and the top 12 things to do in winter Hokkaido that you shouldn’t miss!

Let’s dive in!

Useful Resources

✨Planning a winter trip? Check out my Winter Hokkaido Travel Planner

✨Traveling to Eastern Hokkaido? Grab my Eastern Hokkaido Travel Planner

✨Stuck in your trip planning? Ask for my Local Expert Advice

This post contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission to enjoy a cup of coffee on my trip☕

Can I drive in winter Hokkaido?

This is one of the questions that I often get from people who reach out to me for trip planning advice. My simple answer is, I wouldn’t recommend driving in winter.

Why? Because it is for your safety. Of course, local people drive throughout the year to go about their lives, but they know how to drive on snow under different weather conditions, which roads to avoid, how to control speed at specific intersections, and so on. But you as a traveler don’t know all of these.

Unfortunately, there have been sad traffic accidents in Hokkaido caused by international travelers who were not used to driving on snow in recent years. Especially if you are from tropical countries and not familiar with snow, I would suggest traveling by public transportation (and yes, I will give you public transportation itineraries below).

PRO TIP

🚆 Get JR Hokkaido Rail Pass to take unlimited rides across Hokkaido!

📍 Traveling just around Sapporo? Then Sapporo-Furano Area Pass or Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass are for you✨

💰 Save money by booking your pass online in advance - It's cheaper than buying in Japan!

In the end, it’s up to your driving skills and comfort level for driving on snowy, icy roads. If you decide to drive a car, be mindful of the following.

You will have to drive slower on snow than usual, so your travel takes much longer.
Note that you will need more focus driving on snow, which will make you more tired than on regular roads.
Avoid driving after sunset as much as possible (which is around 4.40 pm in February in Hokkaido, for example).
You might be stuck in one place in case of heavy snow. After severe snowfall, it will take time (eg. a whole day) for the local governments to shovel snow from the roads.

How is the weather in winter Hokkaido?

Winter in Hokkaido is quite long, almost lasting for half a year. The amount of snowfall varies in areas throughout Hokkaido. For example, Asahikawa, Furano, Otaru, Niseko have more snow, while cities in the South, such as Kushiro, Muroran and Hakodate, have less snowfall. Here’s a general idea of the winter weather in Hokkaido by month.

November - It starts to snow in most places by mid-November.
December - Snow starts to pile up and roads get icy.
January - The coldest month with the heaviest snowfalls in a year. Even the highest temperature in a day remains below the freezing point.
February - It continues to be cold and the snow depth will be biggest in February.
March - Snow starts to melt but big chunks still remain.
April - Most of the snow melts away by mid-April.

Note that it could still snow in April, although it will melt soon. Always be prepared for snowfall when traveling in Hokkaido in winter.

7-Day Hokkaido Winter Itinerary for Nature Lovers

Eastern Hokkaido offers a variety of beautiful natural spots and winter activities. If you are looking for a getaway destination away from the crowds, this is the perfect region for you to spend a week in winter.

This Hokkaido winter itinerary starts from Memanbetsu Airport and could end at either Kushiro Airport or Memanbetsu Airport. For the 6 nights, you will be staying…

Two nights in Abashiri
Two nights in Shiretoko
One night in Kushiro
One night in Lake Akan

The best time to fully enjoy all the activities included in this winter itinerary is between early February to mid-March.

Day 1 - Head to Abashiri

How to get there

This Hokkaido winter itinerary starts at Memanbetsu Airport. Once arriving at the airport, quickly go to the Tourist Information Center and get Abashiri Free Pass for 2 days (2,000 yen). This pass will save you a little bit of money if you were to follow this itinerary while you’re in Abashiri.

Then take a bus to Abashiri, which departs shortly after every arrival flight. The bus will take about 40 min and costs 1,050 yen to JR Abashiri Station. If you don’t have a Free Pass, make sure to have cash in hand. Buses in Hokkaido don’t accept credit cards.

Now check in at your hotel, and take a rest or explore the city!

Where to Stay in Abashiri

Luxury hotel - Hokuten no Oka Abashiriko Tsuruga Resort
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Great Buffet
A relaxing onsen resort hotel featuring the Ainu art in its well-designed interior
Mid-range hotel - Kagariya
⭐3 stars, 🛁Private Hot Spring, 🍴Local Food Dining
An onsen ryokan with a lake view, offering seafood Kaiseki dinner and breakfast.
Budget-friendly hotel hotel - Dormy Inn Abashiri
⭐3 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ♨️Hot Spring
A budget business hotel with 7-eleven nearby.

Day 2 - Drift icebreaker ship & museum hopping

Drift ice breaker ship

Embarking on a journey with the icebreaker vessel, "Aurora," is an absolute must when you're in Abashiri during winter! The coastline of Abashiri is covered by drifting ice that originates from Russia's Amur River and travels through the Okhotsk Sea. What makes this ride thrilling? The Aurora gracefully cuts through the icy sea, presenting an extraordinary experience for all aboard.

The ship sets sail 4-5 times daily between late January to March. These schedules can change, so be sure to glance at their official website for the most updated timings. Each ride lasts approximately an hour.

JR Abashiri Station to the Aurora Terminal for 230 yen. If you have a Free Pass, you can get a free coffee at a store inside the ship. Just a 3-min walk away from the Aurora Terminal, check out this cute local glass craft shop, or join a workshop to make your own glass cup!

Museum hopping

Abashiri has interesting museums that can be easily reached by bus.

Abashiri Prison Museum
🚌 Aurora Terminal to Prison Museum (360 yen)
🎟 1,080 yen (with Free Pass: 970 yen)
Drift Ice Museum
🚌 Prison Museum to Drift Ice Museum (210 yen)
🎟 770 yen
With Free Pass, you can get a 50 yen discount on their signature soft-served ice cream.
Northern Peoples Museum
🚌 Drift Ice Museum to Northern Peoples Museum (180 yen), or walk for 10-15 min)
🎟 550 yen (with Free Pass: 500 yen)
Back to JR Abashiri Station (480 yen)

Stay in Abashiri

Day 3 - Head to Shiretoko

How to get there

Let’s head to Utoro, which is a small port town on the Shiretoko Peninsula and the center of the Shiretoko tourism. Take a train from Abashiri to Shiretoko Shari Station (970 yen, 50 min) and then take a bus to Utoro (1,650 yen, one hour).

On the train from Abashiri, you will see drift ice filling up the coastal line between early February to mid-March. Once you arrive in Utoro, enjoy onsen (hot spring) at your hotel, just relax, and get ready for tomorrow’s activitiy!

Where to stay in Shiretoko

Luxury hotel - Kita Kobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 👀 Beautiful View
Located right in front of Utoro Port, offering deluxe room options with a private open-air hot spring.

Mid-range hotel - Shiretoko Dai Ichi Hotel
⭐4 stars, 🍴Great Buffet, ♨️Hot Spring
Offering the massive 80-dish buffet featuring Japanese and international cuisine and the gorgeous public hot spring made with natural jade.
Budget-friendly hotel - Route Inn Grantia Shiretoko Shari Ekimae
⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Breakfast Buffet Available
An affordable stay near JR Shari station with a natural hot spring and free breakfast.

📍Pick up

Looking for a cozy hotel where you feel connected with a warm-hearted owner? Then Sekka Shiretoko is a perfect place to stay for you. Check out the blog post below for a deeper look!

Featured

hotel, sekka, shiretoko

Sekka Shiretoko: A Family-Run Hotel with Warm Hospitality

hotel, sekka, shiretoko

Stay at Sekka Shiretoko in Hokkaido - A cozy family-run hotel featuring a natural onsen and homemade local cuisine. Perfect for nature and outdoor enthusiasts!

hotel, sekka, shiretoko

Day 4 - Winter Activities in Shiretoko

Drift Ice walk

Can you imagine what it feels like to swim in a frozen sea? Join a drift ice walking tour to best experience drift ice in Utoro, Shiretoko! You will be provided with a very thick drysuit that prevents coldness and an experienced local guide. Make sure to book a tour with a local guide company, as it’s not allowed to enter on the drift ice without professional supervision.

🕒 From early February to mid-March
🎟 6,000 yen per person
📒 Book a tour with Gojiraiwa Kanko or Shinra

Snowshoeing

Enjoy snowshoeing in the winter wonderland! The Shiretoko National Park offers several snowshoeing paths, going through the untouched forest, viewing waterfalls and the coastal line filled with drift ice, and the beautiful Shiretoko Mountain Range covered by white snow.

🕒 From December to March
🎟 5,000 -12,000 yen depending on the route
📒 Book a tour with Shinra or other guides

Stay in Utoro, Shiretoko

Day 5 - Explore Kushiro

How to get there

Kushiro is a port town facing the Pacific Ocean in the southern part of Eastern Hokkaido. Take a bus from Utoro to Shiretoko Shari Station (1,650 yen, one hour) and a train to Kushiro (3,190 yen, 2.5 h).

If you have time before getting on a bus in Utoro, check out Shirietok for local products and souvenirs! It’s just 5 min walk from the bus station.

Things to do in Kushiro

Washo Seafood Market - A must-visit to experience a local fish market and make your own seafood rice bowl.
Fisherman’s Wharf Moo - A shopping center full of local souvenirs and restaurants. There are tourist information exhibitions as well.
Eat Robata - Robata is a local signature in Kushiro. It’s a Japanese-style seafood BBQ. It will make a nice winter dining experience to warm up yourself!

Where to stay in Kushiro

Mid-range hotel - ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kushiro
⭐3 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ✨Modern Design
Conveniently located near JR Kushiro Station, offering great guest services and a breakfast buffet using fresh local ingredients.

Budget-friendly hotel - Comfort Hotel Kushiro
⭐3 stars, 🍴Free Breakfast, 🏢Excellent Location
A modern city hotel just a 2-min walk away from JR Kushiro Station

Day 6 - Enjoy Onsen in Lake Akan

How to get there

Akan is a small, cozy onsen (hot spring) town sitting right next to Lake Akan. To get there, take a bus from Kushiro Station to Lake Akan (2,750 yen, one hour).

If you like birdwatching, get off the bus at Tancho no Sato and visit Akan International Crane Center to see wild red-crowned cranes that migrate to this area every winter.

Things to do in Akan

Between mid-January and late March, the frozen Lake Akan offers many fun winter activities as below for you to try. Get your warm jacket and go active! This is a perfect way to spend a day for outdoor lovers and families with kids.

Ice fishing (and tempura the fish at a nearby restaurant!)
Snowmobile
Banana boat
Cross-country ski
Ice skating

Where to Stay in akan

Luxury hotel - Tsuruga Besso Hinanoza
⭐4.5 stars, 🛁Private Hot Spring, 🍷Fine Dining
All 25 rooms come with a private hot spring with a beautiful lake view. Dinner features fresh local and seasonal ingredients.
Mid-range hotel - Akan No Mori Tsuruga Resort Hana Yuuka
⭐4 stars, 🍴Great Buffet, ♨️Hot Spring
A cozy lake-side onsen hotel offering delicious buffet meals with various options
Budget-friendly hotel - Hotel Gozensui
⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 👀 Beautiful View
A classic Japanese-style onsen hotel overlooking the lake

Day 7 - Head to the Airport

It’s time to wrap up your winter trip in Eastern Hokkaido! The closest airport to Akan is Kushiro Airport, but there is a way to go back to Memanbetsu Airport as well.

Lake Akan to Kushiro Airport - Take a bus to Kushiro Airport (1-1.5 hours, 2,190 yen)
Lake Akan to Memanbetsu Airport - Take a bus to Kitami (one hour, 2,100 yen, booking required at the bus stations in Kushiro or Akan) and change to another bus to Memanbetsu Airport (40 min, 1,200 yen)

Useful Resources

✨Planning a winter trip? Check out my Winter Hokkaido Travel Planner

✨Traveling to Eastern Hokkaido? Grab my Eastern Hokkaido Travel Planner

✨Stuck in your trip planning? Ask for my Local Expert Advice

Get yours now

3-Day Winter Travel Itineraries

Here are some other shorter winter itineraries. Check out my travel itineraries for the best winter destinations in Eastern Hokkaido. A bonus point? These are also public transportation-friendly itineraries!

3-Day Winter Shiretoko Itinerary Without a Car

If you are looking into other parts of Hokkaido as well, definitely grab my Winter Hokkaido Travel Planner. This is the ultimate winter guidebook - it is full of winter travel tips, the best ski resorts, local winter festivals, winter view spots, and hot springs, as well as area guides covering major 10 destinations and 7 itineraries that you can follow along.

The 12 Best Things to Do in Eastern Hokkaido in Winter

Drift Ice Walk
Drift Icebreaker Ship
Winter Festivals
Hot springs - Onsen
Jewelry Ice
Skiing
Snowshoeing
Winter Views
Winter Animals
Winter Lakes
Oysters
Hokkaido-Style Lamb BBQ - Jingisukan

1. Drift Ice Walk

Drift Ice Walk in Shiretoko is unlike anything you've ever done before. Picture this: You’re not just walking on a frozen sea but actually swimming in it!

What exactly is drift ice? They are blocks of sea ice, journeying all the way from Russia's Amur River, converging along Hokkaido's Okhotsk Sea coast. That makes a winter wonderland that stretches as far as your eyes can see. The best time to catch this icy spectacle is from mid-February to early March.

For this experience, make sure to book a guided tour. The local tour operators set you up with these snazzy dry suits, so no worries about the freezing temperatures. After a quick safety brief, you're off, "walking" on the sea of ice for about 20 minutes. Take in the crunch of ice underfoot and the stark, beautiful scenery all around. Then comes the fun part — you dive into the cracks of ice and swim! It's like floating in a slushy. The dry suits make it easy to float, so it's less difficult than you'd think.

If you're looking to amp up your Hokkaido winter experience, the Drift Ice Walk should be right at the top of your list. It's not just an activity; it's a lifetime memory!

2. Drift Icebreaker Ship

Embarking on a journey with the icebreaker vessel, "Aurora," is an absolute must when you're in Abashiri during winter! The coastline of Abashiri is covered by drifting ice that originates from Russia's Amur River and travels through the Okhotsk Sea. What makes this ride thrilling? The Aurora gracefully cuts through the icy sea, presenting an extraordinary experience for all aboard.

The ship sets sail 4-5 times daily between late January to March. These schedules can change, so be sure to glance at their official website for the most updated timings. Each ride lasts approximately an hour.

JR Abashiri Station to the Aurora Terminal for 230 yen. If you have a Free Pass, you can get a free coffee at a store inside the ship. Just a 3-min walk away from the Aurora Terminal, check out this cute local glass craft shop, or join a workshop to make your own glass cup!

3. Winter Festivals

If you're planning a winter trip to Hokkaido, the local festivals are something you shouldn't overlook. These aren't just ordinary gatherings; they're remarkable events where the season's cold and snow are transformed into works of art. Think awe-inspiring ice sculptures and radiant light displays that fill the winter nights with an ethereal glow.

Also as you stroll through the festival grounds, you'll find the flavors of Hokkaido at various food stalls, offering local specialties, snacks, and something warm to keep you cozy.

Want to visit one of these winter festivals? Check out my Winter Hokkaido Travel Planner, which gives you the best local festivals in Hokkaido, as well as other winter activities that you shouldn’t miss.

4. Hot springs - Onsen

Soaking in a steaming hot spring amid Hokkaido's snowy landscapes is a must-do winter experience. Hokkaido is home to some of the best hot springs in Japan, from bustling resort towns to secluded mountain hideaways. Wherever you visit in Hokkaido, chances are there is a nice onsen town nearby where you can stay over a night at a cozy onsen hotel or just have a drop-in dip. So make sure to include a hot spring or two in your winter trip itinerary.

Want to know more about onsen in Hokkaido? Check out these posts!

5. Jewelry Ice

In the coldest months of the year, Toyokoro near Obihiro presents a dazzling natural spectacle known as "Jewelry Ice." These glittering ice formations are created when the freezing waters of the Tokachi River flow into the Pacific Ocean. Shaped by waves and eventually deposited on sandy shores, these transparent ice pieces resemble precious gemstones, especially when they catch the morning or evening sun.

For those looking for a unique, Instagrammable moment, Jewelry Ice offers a stunning visual treat that makes braving the Hokkaido cold absolutely worth it. For the best experience, visit there between mid-January and late February.

6. Skiing

Known for its fluffy, light-as-air snow, Hokkaido is a skier's paradise. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, there's a slope here with your name on it. There are many ski resorts across Hokkaido, each offering a unique vibe and views. And let's not forget what comes after skiing — unwind in a steamy onsen!

Wondering where to visit for skiing in Hokkaido? Check out my Winter Hokkaido Travel Planner, which gives you a dive into the best ski resorts as well as other winter activities that you should try.

7. Snowshoeing

Ready to take a walk on the winter wonderland side? Snowshoeing in Hokkaido is an adventure you won't want to miss. You don't need to be a snow pro to enjoy this; it's super accessible for all ages and skill levels. Imagine crunching through untouched snow, surrounded by Hokkaido's majestic forests and mountains.

Some of the nice snowshoeing locations are Furano, Shiretoko, Niseko, Rusutsu, and Lake Shikotsu. You can join a guided tour for a full experience deep into the nature, or get rental snowshoes and go at your own pace. A tourist information center in each destination would be able to give you detailed information about local snowshoeing trails for you.

8. Winter Views

Winter in Hokkaido transforms the region's natural landscapes into scenes of ethereal beauty. From frozen waterfalls and lakes to snow-covered mountain ranges, you never run out of beautiful winter view spots while traveling in Hokkaido. There are many places that are accessible by public transportation, so don’t give up chasing the breathtaking winter sceneries even if you’re not driving (and I recommend not driving in winter Hokkaido!).

Want some suggestions for the must-visit view spots? Check out my Winter Hokkaido Travel Planner!

9. Winter Animals

Wildlife also adds to Hokkaido’s winter spectacle; imagine red-crowned cranes dancing in the snow or Japanese monkeys enjoying natural hot springs. At Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa, you can see a pack of cute penguins take a stroll around the zoo in wintertime.

10. Winter Lakes

Winter in Hokkaido takes the natural beauty of its lakes to a whole new level. Imagine crystal-clear water transformed into icy wonderlands. If you are looking for amazing winter lake views, head to Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo, and Lake Toya. Lake Akan, Lake Shikotsu, Lake Nukabira, and Lake Shikaribetsu offer abundant winter activities, from ice-fishing and snowshoeing to simply taking in the breathtaking views that look like they're straight out of a winter fairy tale.

11. Oysters

If you think oysters are just a summer treat, wait until you try them in Hokkaido during winter! Known for their incredibly rich and creamy texture, winter oysters in Hokkaido are a true culinary gem. The colder months make the oysters plump and sweet, giving you a mouthful of oceanic goodness in every bite. You can enjoy them raw, steamed, grilled, or even in a hearty oyster hot pot, perfect for the chilly weather. Saroma and Akkeshi in Eastern Hokkaido are best known for their high-quality oysters!

12. Hokkaido-Style Lamb BBQ - Jingisukan

You can't visit Hokkaido and not try Jingisukan, the famous Hokkaido-style lamb BBQ. Named after Genghis Khan, this dish brings people together around a hot grill, perfect for warming up on a cold winter day. A dome-shaped metal skillet simulates the helmet warriors would've cooked their meat on. Lamb slices, vegetables, and sometimes seafood are cooked right at the table, making it a fun and interactive meal. The dish is often accompanied by a special dipping sauce that complements the meat's flavors beautifully. After a day of exploring Hokkaido's snowy landscapes, nothing hits the spot like Jingisukan!