Hi Hokkaido travelers,

Imagine this.

You’re in a winter wonderland — ice sculptures, snow domes, candle-lit paths.

The air is freezing cold, but the warmth of street food and hot drinks keeps you going.

And after a full day of festivities, you drip into a warm onsen to relax…

I have so many sweet memories of winter festivals like this from my childhood growing up in Hokkaido.

❄️Want to experience it for yourself this winter?

The dates for 12 winter festivals in 2025 is out! You can check the full list on my blog.

(and also my winter Hokkaido travel planner)

Here are my pro tips to help you enjoy Hokkaido’s winter festivals like a local!

1. Layer up and stay warm

Many of Hokkaido’s winter festivals happen in February, the coldest month of the year. Wear multiple layers and cover your ears, neck, and hands—these areas are often overlooked, but keeping them warm makes a huge difference!
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2. Get heat packs for extra warmth

A must-have for anyone staying outside for a while is what we call "Kairo" in Japnese. It's a small, disposable heat pack. You can find them at convenience stores, and they heat up when shaken. Trust me, they’ll be your lifesaver in the cold!
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3. Timing is Key

To avoid big crowds, plan your visit for a weekday. Weekends, as well as the first and last days of festivals, tend to be the busiest. And since the sun sets before 5 PM in February, arrive earlier in the day if you want to take photos under daylight.

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4. Check Transportation Options

Driving to festival venues can be tricky—parking fills up fast, and roads may be closed off, especially for larger events like the Sapporo Snow Festival. Instead, take public transportation. Just be sure to check the return schedules, so you can easily make it back to your hotel!

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❄️Winter Hokkaido Travel Planner

Your trip planning made easy! This 54-page guidebook will save you weeks of research and help you make a perfect winter trip to Hokkaido.

It covers the Sapporo area, Asahikawa area, Eastern Hokkaido, Hakodate, and many other spots across Hokkaido.

--> Click here and get yours now​

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Happy trip planning!

Best,
Yuuka