Model courses and notes for the best Hokkaido travel in December
Table of Contents
- 1 How cold is Hokkaido in December? Temperatures, snow conditions and travel advisories
- 2 Hokkaido Sightseeing in December Recommended Model Courses
- 3 Sapporo and Otaru Area Standard Winter Sightseeing Model Course
- 4 Touring Asahikawa and Biei Area Model winter course with spectacular views
- 5 Enjoy in Hakodate Area Model Christmas Travel Course
- 6 Be careful of snow and cold in Hokkaido in December! Is it safe to rent a car?
- 7 Traveling in Hokkaido in December Basic Warm-weather Items You Need
- 8 FAQ for December travel to Hokkaido
- 9 summary
How cold is it to travel to Hokkaido in December?
Temperature and snow conditions and travel advisories
Winter is in full swing in Hokkaido in December,Average around 0 degrees Celsius in Sapporo and severe cold below freezing in Asahikawawill be.
On the other hand,Opening of ski slopesand ... andilluminationThere is a wealth of winter attractions such as ☆.
firmlymeasures against coldand to suit the road conditions.Safe TransportationIt is important to choose a â
This article is designed to help you comfortably enjoy your trip to Hokkaido in December.Model courses and notes by regionin an easy-to-understand manner.
◆To know the approximate temperature, snow and cold
◆Those looking for a Hokkaido winter sightseeing model course
◆Those who want to eliminate the anxiety of rental car travel and winter roads.
◆If you want to know what to wear and what to bring for a trip to Hokkaido in December.
Hokkaido
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Enjoy Hokkaido sightseeing in December
Recommended Model Course
Hokkaido in December is the perfect season to enjoy snowy scenery.
Each area of Hokkaido in winter, such as Sapporo, Otaru, Asahikawa, Biei, and Hakodate, has its own unique attractions, so you can choose the one that best suits your purpose.Creating a model courseis important.
Here are some recommended winter courses in popular tourist destinations☆.
Sapporo and Otaru Area
Standard winter sightseeing model course
Sapporo is rich in winter events, and December isSapporo White Illuminationwill be held and the entire city will be enveloped in lights.
Illuminations in Odori Park and Ekimae-dori Avenue are popular among touristsAnd I recommend a stroll in the evening or later.
During the daytime, you cannot miss the Sapporo Clock Tower, Odori Park, Maruyama Zoo, and other classic spots, as well as the Sapporo Outside Market, where you can enjoy fresh seafood.
The illumination of the Otaru Canal and the streetscape of historical buildings are a perfect match with the snowy scenery ◎.
Sapporo Clock Tower
The Sapporo Clock Tower, built in 1878, is one of the oldest wooden structures in Hokkaido and is a familiar symbol of Sapporo.
Inside the museum, visitors can see an exhibition of materials from the pioneer days,The classic triangular roof and clock tower on the exterior are popular as a photo spot♪
Located in the center of the city for easy access and shortEasy to stop by tourist attractionsIt's ☆.
Access: Approx. 10 min. from JR Sapporo Sta. to Odori via underground walkway (Exit 9)
5 min. walk from Odori Sta. on Subway Namboku Line, Tozai Line, Toho Line and Shiyakusho (City Hall) side exit.
Odori Park
Odori Park is a recreational area for citizens that stretches more than 1.5 km east to west through the center of Sapporo,A popular tourist spot with beautiful scenery in every season.Â
In winter, it becomes the site of white illumination and snow festivals, creating a fantastic sight.
It is dotted with fountains, flower beds, and monuments,Great park for strolling and photography.'It's good to be here'
◆Access: Directly connected to Odori Subway Station
Sapporo Maruyama Zoo
Access: 15-minute walk from Maruyama Koen Station on the Subway Tozai Line
Admission: Adults: 800 yen / High school students: 400 yen / Junior high school students and younger: free
◆Opening Hours:opening, either for the day or permanently (e.g. theme park, botanical garden etc.) 9:30 a.m. ~ (after a number N) closing, either for the day or permanently (e.g. theme park, botanical garden etc.) 4:00 p.m. (Last admission at 15:30)
Otaru Canal
The Otaru Canal is lined with historic warehouses,Otaru's representative romantic scenic spotIt is.
You can take a stroll against the backdrop of stone warehouses, a retro townscape by day and lit by gas lamps at night.You can enjoy a fantastic sight☆.
In winter, the snow-covered canals are even more beautiful and ideal for photography. It is a popular area to visit in combination with shopping and visiting cafes.
◆Access: 10-minute walk from JR Otaru Station
▼Click here for recommended tours in Otaru.
Sapporo OTC Market
Sapporo Outside Market arrives from all over Hokkaido. Popular market area with fresh seafood and seasonal produceIt is.
More than 60 stores line the streets, offering a wide variety of Hokkaido's typical seafood such as crab, sea urchin, salmon roe, scallops, and more.
Seafood bowls and grilled fish are available in the market. Many cafeterias and a very popular breakfast spot.It is.
It is easily accessible from central Sapporo, making it a great place to stop by between sightseeing tours.
◆Access: 7-minute walk from Exit 5 of Nijushiken Station on the Subway Tozai Line
9 minutes walk from the left exit of the west ticket gate of JR Kuwazono Station.
Touring Asahikawa and Biei Area
Model courses with spectacular winter scenery
Asahikawa is one of the coldest regions in Hokkaido, but the clear air is beautiful and offers spectacular winter scenery.
At Asahiyama Zoo, the animals can only be seen in winter.Behavioral Exhibits in Snow and Ice."is a point of interest.
especiallyPenguin Walkingis a winter specialty from December onward.
It takes about 30 to 40 minutes by car to get to Biei, where the vast hills are covered with snow,The scenery is picturesque no matter where you take a picture.
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Asahiyama Zoo
Asahiyama Zoo offers "behavioral exhibits" that allow visitors to observe the true behavior of the animals up close.One of the most popular spots in Hokkaido, famous throughout Japan.Â
In winter, you can see penguins walking and seals swimming, which are lively and unique to the cold region◎.
The facility is compact but worth seeing,Families and couples alike can enjoy the park!
Access: 40 minutes from Asahikawa Station by local bus.
◆Admission fee: Adults: 1,000 yen (Citizens: 700 yen) / Junior high school students and younger: Free
◆Opening hours: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from November 11 to December 29 (last admission at 3:00 p.m.)
Opening hours vary depending on the season, so please check the official website in advance.
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Shirogane Blue Pond
The blue pond in winter is different from the bright blue of summerMysterious beauty is its charm.It's ☆.
The lights are on from November to the following March, and the snow and the blue pondFantastic sightIt creates a
Because temperatures can drop below -10°C,Warmth is essential for strong cold weather.It is.
◆Access:20 minutes by car from JR Biei Station / 20 minutes by Dohoku Bus
Click here for recommended tours ▼
Enjoy to the fullest in Hakodate area
Christmas Travel Model Course
Hakodate is a popular destination in December,Perfect area for those who want to get in the Christmas mood.'It's good to be here'
The Red Brick Warehouse is decorated with Christmas lights, and you can enjoy shopping and dining♪.
Also,Night View of Mount Hakodate" is one of the top three night views in JapanThe clear winter air makes it shine brighter.
Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse
Kanamori Red Brick Warehouses are a group of historical buildings that symbolize the Hakodate Bay Area,Shopping and sightseeing spot utilizing red brick architecture from the Meiji periodIt is.
Lined with general stores, cafes, and restaurants, you can enjoy strolling along with the seaside scenery♪
It is illuminated at night,Popular area with romantic atmosphere.It's ☆.
◆Access: 15-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station
Mount Hakodate Observatory
Mount Hakodate is a 334-meter-high mountain known as a landmark of Hakodate City,The greatest attraction is the breathtaking night view, one of the "World's Three Greatest Night Views.It is.
From the top of the mountain, you can see the lights of the city that surrounds the bay, especially in winter when the air is clear and the lights are even more beautiful.
It is easily accessible by ropeway,Popular spot for daytime scenery and nature walks.It is.
Access: From Hakodate AirportMount Hakodate Ropeway to the base stationApproximately 30 minutes by car
Hokkaido in December is noted for snow and cold weather!
Is it safe to rent a car for transportation?
It is possible to travel by rental car in Hokkaido in winter, though,If you have no experience driving on snowy or icy roads, it can be risky.
Road conditions vary greatly from day to day, especially in December, when temperatures are low and snowstorms can suddenly turn into blizzards.
The main roads are well plowed, though,Careful driving is required in the suburbs and at night when the road tends to become icyIt is.
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When using a rental car in Hokkaido in winter
Road conditions and precautions
The roads in December areCharacterized by the occurrence of hard-to-see icy patches called "black ice burns."It is.
especiallyBe careful on bridges, in the shade, and at tunnel exits.
In addition, blizzards can cause poor visibility and a complete whiteout, which is a whiteout of the world.
◆not driving too fast
◆Avoid sudden braking and steering
◆ Early light-up to indicate the vehicle's position.
Tips for traveling on snow-covered roads and visiting tourist attractions
Hakodate is an area with relatively little snow, though,Slippery conditions due to freezing in December are a problem.will be.
Efficient sightseeing by tramIt is also safe for those who are anxious about driving.
When going to see the three major night views, take the ropewaystatus of operationsAlso check the
studless winter tire (tire)
The need for four-wheel drive and how to choose it
If you want to use a rental car in Hokkaido in winter,Studless tires are a must.It is.
Most car rentals areStudless are already installed for the winter period, but confirm at the time of reservation.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles are used on snow-covered roads.stabilityis high, especially if you plan to go to suburban areas such as Biei and Furano, it is safer to choose this option.
However, even with four-wheel drive, it is slippery on icy road surfaces.Don't be overconfidentIt is important to
Comparison of benefits of public transportation and car rental
Public transportation such as JR and buses are available for winter travel in Hokkaido,Public transportation alone is enough to enjoy major tourist destinations, especially Sapporo, Otaru, and Hakodate.
On the other hand, public transportation in Biei and Furano is scarce, and the convenience of a rental car stands out.
No need to drive on snowy roads
Delayed but safe
Strong city center tourism
Advantages of renting a car
Highly flexible in terms of time
Easy access to regions and scenic spots
Convenient for people with a lot of luggage
Points for choosing a safe means of transportation even on snowy days
The weather is not stable in December,"Can I move around safely?"The first priority should be to
If you are not confident in your driving ability, it is better to take the easy way out and use public transportation.
In addition, the latest information is available from the Japan Meteorological Agency and Hokkaido's traffic information website.road informationIt is safe to act while checking the
Hokkaido trip in December
Basic winter protection items needed
The basic attire isWarmth."and"Wind protection."The emphasis will be on
Especially on windy days, the temperature is much lower,Ideally, wear clothing that avoids exposing skin.It is.
Knit caps, gloves, and scarves
Moisture-absorbing, heat-absorbing innerwear such as HEATTECH
Fleece, sweaters, and other intermediate clothing
Waterproof shoes
Dressing points and recommended coordinates for women
Women should use lined tights or leggings for enhanced protection against the cold when wearing skirt styles.
Pants style is more secure,Boots with non-slip soles are best.
Recommendation,Long down + knit one-piece + lined leggings + non-slip short bootsA combination of the two.
By warming the neck, wrists, and ankles, which tend to get cold easilyamenitywill vary greatly.
Winter accessories for comfortable sightseeing and photography
Cameras and smartphones because the cold drains batteries quickly,Mobile battery is a mustIt is.
Warmer, in particular, not only warms the body but alsoCold FingertipsIt is also useful for
Waterproof spray
Hand cream (anti-drying)
Sunglasses (to protect against snow glare)
Snow day footwear and shoe selection
Hokkaido in December has many icy roads and it is easy to fall over.Shoe selection is very importantIt is.
Boots with non-slip soles, waterproofing, and ankle coverageYou may want to choose the
Non-slip spikes that can be retrofitted to the soles of shoes are also useful and can be purchased at convenience stores in the city.
Especially on days when there is a lot of snow.waterproof bootsis safe.
FAQ for December travel to Hokkaido
Depending on the region, Sapporo is about -1 to -4°C and Asahikawa is about -5 to -8°C, making it feel even colder.
It is especially cold in the mornings and evenings, so warm outerwear and windproof measures are essential.
It is possible, but care should be taken if you are not used to snowy or icy roads.
Black ice slopes are especially dangerous, so choose a vehicle with four-wheel drive and studless tires and plan for a reasonable distance.
Long down, knit hat, gloves, scarf, inner lining, waterproof boots, etc. "Full winter protection" is the basic rule.
Women in particular tend to get cold easily, so layering leggings or tights is also recommended.
summary
Hokkaido in December can be the most enjoyable winter trip by taking measures against cold and snow.
The charm of each area is further accentuated by the snowy scenery,Seasonal delights such as illumination, hot springs, and gourmet food are abundant♪.
If you plan according to the model course and take the proper precautions against cold and traffic, you will never forget your trip to Hokkaido in December!memorieswill be ☆.
▼Click here for columns to read in conjunction with this article.
