Hakodate, located in southern Hokkaido, which is warmer than other regions in Hokkaido. A historical seaport with western buildings covered with white snow. It’s sunny and snowy in winter Hakodate. The romantic scenery is different as you see in other seasons.
Things Before You Visit
How to wear clothes is important if you visit Hokkaido in winter. It’s snowy and cold outside and warm in the buildings. You have to wear clothes in layers, and don’t forget to wear waterproof snow boots.
Hokkaido Weather – Climate And Temperature
Hokkaido Autumn Season Clothing Tips
3 Tips Choice Snow Shoes For Hokkaido Winter Season
Best Spots To Visit With Kids In Winter Hakodate
Below I will show you some of my favorite good places to go, and outdoor winter activities for days out with the kids.
Cutest Ever Hot-Tubbing Japanese Snow Monkeys
1 December – Early May Golden Week
During the snow season, you can see Japanese snow monkeys taking baths in the hot spring. How adorable they can be!
Japanese Snow Monkeys Bathing In The Hot Springs
Hakodate Chrismas Fantasy
1-25 December
A big event in Hakodate winter, where the illumination of a giant tree floating on the sea is beautiful. Held in front of the Red Brick Warehouse in the Bay Area. There are some small Christmas installation art and food shops you can stroll around.
Hakodate Christmas Fantasy – A Giant Christmas Tree Floating
The star illumination of Goryokaku
December-February
Over 2000 lights shine in the oldest fort in Japan. The view from Goryokaku Tower is covered with snow. And the romantic and historical atmosphere surrounds you when you walk through Goryokaku Park. It’s gorgeous!
The Star Illumination of Goryokaku – Hoshi No Yume
Hakodate Illumination
December 1st-Late February
Hakodate illumination is the major event of the Hakodate Winter Festival. There are over 50,000 lights that decorate the streets. The two slopes at the foot of Mt. Hakodate, Hachiman Zaka Slope, and Nijukken Zaka Slope are glittering with full lights on the roadside. Also, Kaiko-Dori in front of Hakodate Meijikan with illuminations is beautiful and colorful. During this festival, the city is a corridor of glittery.
Hakodate Illumination – Brightly Illuminate Slopes and Streets
The Onuma Hakodate Snow and Ice Festival
Early February
Slider made of ice at Onuma Quasi National Park. Snow slide on ice is one of the local kid’s favorite winter activities. You also can do other activities here, such as ice-fishing, snowmobile.
Popular Ice Slide For Family Days Out – The Onuma Hakodate Snow and Ice Festival
Mount Hakodate Observatory, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses & Hakodate Asaichi
All year
Although, there are no festivals at Mt. Hakodate, Kanemori red brick warehouse, and Hakodate Asaichi. There are must-see tourist attractions that you won’t miss out on.
Mount Hakodate Observatory – The Spectacular Night View In Hokkaido
