Top 10 winter locations and activities by campervan in Hokkaido
Winter tourism in Hokkaido is becoming increasingly popular. In this blog, we will introduce you to the top 10 locations and activities you may visit when renting an Campervan in Hokkaido.
Renting a car in Hokkaido is advised because every place is far apart, but renting a RV can be more convenient because it allows you to bring large suitcases while remaining comfortable on the trip. JAPAN ROAD TRIP has a branch in Shinchitose Airport. You can hire a campervan from the airport.
When you think of Hokkaido festivals, the first thing that comes to mind is the Sapporo Snow Festival, but there are many more festivals and places to visit in Hokkaido. Here is the top 10 Festival and places that we recommend that you can visit by campervan in Hokkaido.
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Held from late January until early February.
This is a winter festival in Hokkaido that features various sizes of ice sculptures created by pouring water from Lake Shikotsu with sprinklers and freezing it.
During the day, it glows a natural blue color known as Lake Shikotsu Blue, and at night, it is illuminated with bright lights, creating a magical ambience.
The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, however the illumination begins at 4:30 p.m. Admission costs 500 yen.
For more information visit there website:
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Asahikawa Winter Festival
Held in early February.
This event has been held for more than 60 years, beginning in 1960, and is one of the largest winter festivals in Hokkaido featuring impressive snow and ice sculptures, illuminations, fireworks, food stalls
The site is surrounded by volunteer-made snow sculptures, including one of the world’s largest (the main sculpture is 140m wide and 20m high).
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and admission is free. Fireworks will be displayed on the first and last day of the festival. The event will last for one week, at the same time as the Sapporo Snow Festival.
For more information visit there website:
https://asahikawa-winterfes.jp/
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Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival
Held from late January to mid-March.
The annual Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival has been held for over 40 years, celebrating the beauty of Hokkaido’s harsh, cold winters.
Beautiful fireworks are often displayed during the occasion, entertaining guests who stay until evening.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and admission is 500 yen. Firework displays are often held on weekends around 8:30 p.m., but check the official website for the schedule.
For more information visit there website:
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Jozankei Onsen “Yukitouro”
Held from late January until early February.
The ‘Yuki Touro’ (Snow Candle Way) event takes place when the snow is the deepest.
The warm light of snow candles, which can only be made in extreme cold temperatures, is a natural illumination.
The event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission begins at 5:20. The candle will be light up from 5:40 p.m. if you come early you can join to light up the candles. Admission fee is 500 yen.
For more information visit there website:
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Shikaribetsuko Kotan
Held from late January to late March.
For 40 years, Lake Shikaribetsu has hosted a stunning winter festival. Snowshoe, ski, or snowmobile over the lake and into the forest, then unwind in one of the numerous igloos built in the area. There is also an Onsen nearby, as well as a variety of other activities.
In the evening, grab a drink at a bar made entirely of ice.
Operating hours of the open -air Onsen will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (5 p.m.to 6:30 p.m. Male only/6:30 p.m. to
8 p.m. Female only)
A season pass ( sponsorship ) will be required at the entrance before into Kotan. The pass will cost 500 yen and you can avail it on there website in advance.
For more information visit there website:
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Hoshi No Yume Illumination
Held from December to February.
Every winter, the star-shaped Goryokaku fortress is illuminated with nearly 2,000 lights for the “Hoshi no Yume Illumination” event, which brings the stronghold to life against the gloomy winter nights and highlights its unique architecture. The illuminations will be turned on from sundown to 19:00.
There are two ways to enjoy the Hoshi no Yume Illumination.
The first is taking a stroll along the moat around sundown. Before snowfall, the lights will reflect beautifully on the water. The moat will be frozen when snow is on the ground, and a fantastic sight will appear.
Next would be to view the Hoshi no Yume Illumination from Goryokaku Tower.
You can enter Goryokaku Tower from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and admission fee is 1,000 yen.
For more information visit there website:
https://www.goryokaku-tower.co.jp/en/
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Otofuke Tokachigawa Hakucho Festival “Sairinka”
Held from late January until February.
At Tokachigawa Onsen, there is a festival called “Hakucho Matsuri (Swan festival)” in honor of the swans that visit the Onsen.
During the festival, “Sairinka” is the primary event that attracts about 50,000 people. “A beautiful and magical winter beauty nobody has seen or experienced” is the event’s slogan, and it lives up to the expectation.
The light up will start at 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. but there are only 100 free parking lots so, we advice to go early. Admission fee is free.
For more information visit there website:
http://www.tokachigawa.net/english/
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Otaru Snow Light Path
Held in early February.
Otaru holds the “Snow Light Path” event, which involves a romantic journey through the historic northern town. Explore the Asarigawa Onsen Village, the Former Temiya Railway Line, and the Otaru Canal.
There are glass spheres filled with candles in the canal, the old railway line is illuminated up like a fairy tale, and there are snow-covered stones for hot spring baths in the village.
The event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission fee is free. There are no parking spaces near the event, but you may walk from Otaru station, which is around an 8-minute walk.
For more information visit there website:
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Garinko
Winter operations begin in late January and run through March.
The “Garinko” icebreaker cruises through the Sea of Okhotsk’s drift ice, providing a winter-only experience complete with heated cabins and an observation deck.
The ship also offers sunrise and sunset trips, which provide beautiful views of the sun and drift ice.
To join the tour, you must make an advance reservation. You may make a reservation on their website, and depending on the trip you choose, the fee will range from 3,150 yen to 17,800 yen.
For more information visit there website:
https://booking.o-tower.co.jp/?lng=en-US
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Hokkaido’s Famous Jewelry Ice
Although it varies depending on the weather of the year, it usually lasts from mid-January to late February.
Jewelry ice is made from ice from the Tokachi River that flows into the Pacific Ocean and washes up on the coast. As it gets hit by the waves, the corners of the ice break off and turn into crystal-clear ice.
Jewelry ice displays various expressions depending on the time of day. Crystal-like ice blocks that change colors instantly from yellow, gold, orange, red, purple, and blue.
It takes 3 hours and 50 minutes to drive from Sapporo. Take Do-oh Express and Do-to. There will be a free parking lot near the area; for more information, see their website.
For more information visit there website:
https://www.toyokoro-kankoh.com/
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Summary
There are still many other places that you can go by renting a campervan in Hokkaido.
Our you can also rent a campervan and go experience winter in Kyoto or visit some winter festival around Japan.
And if you’re looking for a rental campervan, motorhome, or RV in Japan, just contact JAPAN ROAD TRIP and we’ll find you an RV that meets your needs!
We can also suggest other places so contact us anytime!
03-6777-6565
