3 reasons why Hokkaido is the ultimate Japanese winter getaway
When my boyfriend first suggested heading to Hokkaido for a winter getaway, I told him that we would be better off heading to an Onsen in mainland Japan. I’m happy that he was quick to prove me wrong!
Let’s discuss the top 3 reasons why Hokkaido is the ultimate Japanese winter getaway!
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1. Ease of accessibility
Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido prefecture, is very easy to get to, with multiple daily flights from major Japanese cities. For those who prefer traveling by land, there is the possibility of catching a train ride. Although the Tokyo<>Sappro train is more expensive than flying and takes about 9 hours, I’ve heard that the view is nice and relaxing.
Although Sapporo is easy to access, it is still not included in most traveler’s Japan itineraries, making the town a little oasis of calmness. Although the average traveler does not visit Sapporo, skiers most definitely do because there is…
2. Lots of powdery snow!
Hokkaido is one of the snowiest places on Earth, and visitors can spot snow there from November to March. Because of the immense amount of dreamy powdery snow in Hokkaido, the island is home to some of Japan’s best ski resorts. When it comes to skiing, Niseko takes the spotlight!
Being surrounded by powdery snow also sets the perfect vibe to enjoy a traditional Japanese Onsen, which is the next reason why you head to Hokkaido next winter!
3. Hot springs (luxury and free options!)
Hokkaido is home to many hot spring towns, where you can find a wide range of onsens, which are traditional Japanese hot spring resorts. Japanese Onsen have a whole ritual associated with it, and baths are typically communal and separated by gender. Onsens are particularly more fun in Hokkaido because of their long snow season! Not only the view is a lot prettier, but some Hokkaido Onsens also offer outdoor hot springs that feel 10x more magical while it is snowing.
Here’s a fun fact: to enter traditional Japanese baths, you must be completely naked! Before I visited an onsen, the thought of being in a large hot tub with other naked women seemed uncomfortable and a bit gross. But I kept an open mind and decided to give it a try. The onsen ritual ended up being a life-changing experience—it helped me feel more comfortable in my body and created a sense of connection with others that I had never felt before.
For an authentic and relaxing Japanese experience, staying at a Ryokan is a great choice. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn featuring tatami-matted rooms, hot spring baths, and communal areas where guests can wear provided traditional clothing called nemaki.
Important to note: tattoos are typically taboo in Japan. At all the onsens I visited, there were signs saying that tattoos are not allowed. When reading threads about this topic online, I found that some resorts allow tattooed people to enter the baths if they completely cover the tattoos with tape. If you have tattoos, I recommend calling the resort you are planning to bathe in to ask about their policies.
Affordable traditional hot-spring stays in Hokkaido
During my stay in Hokkaido, I spent a night at Ryokan Hanamomiji, a traditional inn located in Jozankei, one of Hokkaido’s top onsen destinations. Hanamomiji is an affordable Ryokan that’s conveniently accessible by bus from Sapporo, making it a popular choice for tourists like myself due to its affordability and easy access.
There, I got to experience things unique to Japan, such as:
Wearing a Nemaki
Each room in the hotel had a super cute Nemaki, a lounging kimono, for guests to wear while walking around the facilities!
Traditional food
Our Ryokan reservation included dinner and breakfast, and the wide selection of local food did not disappoint!
Onsen self-care
Onsen is a whole ritual, and it involves way more than bathing! The hotel bathing areas provided lots of skincare and grooming items for guests to use.
Sleeping in a shikifuton
Sleeping in shikifuton is way more comfortable than I imagined! This picture might make it seem quite odd, but it was taken at a funny time: I melted into sleep immediately after getting back from the most relaxing hot spring bath!
Budget-friendly ways to enjoy the hot springs
Staying in resorts is not the only way to access the energizing hot water!
Some Ryokan offer day passes for the more budget-conscious traveler. If you want to save even more, a good option is to stay at a regular hotel that has communal hot spring pools. I spent one night at the Dormy Inn Premium Otaru in Sapporo and appreciated accessing their hot springs. For those who are on a really tight budget, there is also the option to just soak hands and feet in streams in the street or in some restaurants!
Important to note: although these alternative stay options provide you access to the hot springs, I highly recommend spending at least one night at a Ryokan to experience traditional and immersive Japanese Onsen and gastronomy experience.
Are you now convinced that Hokkaido is the ideal winter retreat? Whether you’re a skier looking for world-class slopes or simply want to unwind in an onsen surrounded by snowy landscapes, Hokkaido can do the trick!
