Famous as a winter destination, Hokkaido attracts thousands of travelers every year, mainly from Asia, including China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, while Western tourists are fewer. Asian travelers (THINGS TO DO IN COLOMBO SRI LANKA) are drawn to Hokkaido’s heavy snowfall, winter festivals, hot springs, and snow-covered landscapes. The snow season typically lasts from late November to early April, making it one of Japan’s snowiest regions.
Apart from volcanic mountains, natural hot springs, and scenic landscapes, Hokkaido is known for snow activities, local food specialties, and shopping, which together make up the top things to do in Hokkaido, Japan.
New Chitose
Airport (CTS), Hokkaido, Japan
Most travelers
begin their Hokkaido trip at New Chitose Airport, the island’s main
international gateway. Opened on July 20, 1988, the airport has expanded
several times to handle growing passenger traffic and became Japan’s first
24-hour airport in 1994.
As the hub for
both international and domestic flights, including seasonal routes, New Chitose
Airport is busy around the clock and serves all types of travelers. Beyond
flights, the airport offers plenty to see and do, including food, shopping, and
attractions, for anyone arriving at New Chitose Airport and sightseeing in
Hokkaido.
New Chitose
Airport Food
New Chitose
Airport offers a wide variety of food outlets, ranging from traditional and
modern Japanese cuisine to cafés and fast food, including Japanese-style fast
food and fusion dishes. It is advisable to check prices beforehand, as meals
can be expensive for travelers from other Asian countries, so knowing the cost
in your own currency helps.
A great feature of dining at New Chitose Airport is that menus are clearly displayed at the entrance of restaurants or inside the cafés. Eateries also showcase sampuru (plastic food displays) under glass covers, often with prices included. This makes it easy for travelers to see what dishes look like and know the cost before deciding what to eat in Hokkaido.
Hokkaido Ramen
Ramen lovers
will be delighted by the variety of outlets at New Chitose Airport. Hokkaido
Ramen Dojo features famous ramen shops from across Hokkaido, offering regional
styles, from miso ramen in Sapporo to shio (salt) ramen in Asahikawa.
The selection
includes both dry-style ramen and soup-based ramen, with a wide range of
toppings. Flavors can vary from spicy to subtle or bold, and the servings are
generous, making ramen a fulfilling and tasty winter meal in Hokkaido.
Hokkaido
Desserts
It’s hard to
resist the wide variety of Hokkaido desserts and sweets at New Chitose Airport.
For those visiting Hokkaido or Japan for the first time, it can feel like a
dessert galore, with displays that are tempting and inviting.
The desserts
are made from local ingredients such as butter, cheese, chocolate, and melon.
Popular items include Shiroi Koibito white chocolate biscuits, Rokkatei Marusei
Butter Sand, creamy cheese tarts, and soft-serve ice cream made from Hokkaido’s
top-range dairy.
There are dessert shops to dine in, while other sweets are for takeaway, or packaged desserts can be bought as souvenirs or gifts, as a taste of Hokkaido.
Shopping at New Chitose Airport
New Chitose
Airport is a major shopping destination in Hokkaido, with a wide range of
choices under one roof. Visitors can find clothes, shoes, souvenirs, regional
crafts, and specialty stores, all featuring made-in-Japan products. Food items,
such as Hokkaido chocolates, confectioneries, dairy products, and seafood
snacks, are also part of the shopping experience.
Not to be
missed are the airport-exclusive stores featuring limited-edition products from
famous brands like Shiroi Koibito and Rokkatei. Other items can be picked up at
convenience stores, fashion boutiques, and lifestyle shops.
A highlight for
fans is the Hello Kitty Store, which is a must-visit for Hello Kitty
collectors, where Hello Kitty bags, stationery, plush toys, keychains, hand
towels, music boxes, and more can be purchased.
Accommodation
in Hokkaido, Japan
Hokkaido offers
a wide range of accommodation options for all types of travelers. Booking
online in advance ensures better discounts and convenience. Options include
resorts, hotels, budget hotels, and A&B accommodations, catering to
different preferences and budgets.
Luxury Stay in
Hokkaido
One of the top
luxury stays is Hilton Niseko Village, about 2 hours from New Chitose Airport.
Why choose
Hilton Niseko Village?
Prime location
At the base of Mount Annupuri, with direct access to ski slopes.
Luxury amenities
Rooms, onsen (hot springs), dining options, and ski-in/ski-out
convenience. Rooms feature Shiseido bathroom products, heated toilet bowls, and
high-tech gadgets.
Popular choice
Perfect for families, couples, and ski enthusiasts seeking a premium winter
experience.
Dining experience
Luxury buffets with breakfast offering views of snowfall and
nature.
Other
Accommodation Options
For travelers
seeking mid-range or budget stays, Hokkaido has business hotels, guesthouses,
hostels, and A&B accommodations. Many are well-connected to destinations
like Sapporo, Otaru, and Niseko, offering comfortable and convenient stays
without the luxury price.
Snow Activities
in Hokkaido
One of the main reasons travelers visit Hokkaido in winter is for the snow activities. Hokkaido truly is a winter wonderland, offering snow experiences suitable for all ages and skill levels. Besides skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling, there are other snow activities in Hokkaido:
Snowshoeing
Walking across snowy landscapes with special snow shoes.
Sledding/Tobogganing
Fun for families and kids on gentle slopes.
Ice fishing
Especially on frozen lakes like Lake Shikotsu or Lake Toya.
Snow rafting or tubing
Riding inflatable rafts down snowy hills.
Dog sledding
Traditional sled rides pulled by huskies through snowy trails.
Snow kayaking
Paddling or riding along snow-covered terrain.
Guided snow tours
Exploring Hokkaido’s forests, mountains, and scenic winter spots.
Winter festivals with snow sculptures
Including the famous Sapporo Snow Festival with
giant ice and snow sculptures.
For skiing and
snowboarding enthusiasts, the slopes are conveniently located within Niseko
Village, so there’s no need to travel far.
Snowmobile in
Hokkaido
Snowmobiling
tours require a short drive outside Niseko Village to reach designated trails.
The paid package includes a winter helmet, gloves and protective winter boots. It’s
either single or in pairs, riding along narrow slopes in single file, assisted
by local guides.
For
first-timers, snowmobiling can be challenging, as controlling the machine and
going up slopes in heavy snow requires strength and balance. Upon reaching the
designated distance, a short break at the mountain top is the moment to admire
the winter scenery before riding back down the same slope.
Overall, snowmobiling is a fun and adventurous winter activity in Hokkaido, coupled with an outdoor experience to admire the snow falling on nature.
