Winter Activities in Hakodate

Hakodate, located in southern Hokkaido, is a fantastic winter destination where you can enjoy stunning city views. One of the highlights is the breathtaking night view from the top of Mount Hakodate, where the city is blanketed in snow and beautifully illuminated.

The snowfall in Hakodate is truly magical, offering a perfect winter wonderland for those who eager to experience Hokkaido’s winter charm. Most tourists do not expect the temperature here to drop to -13 degrees Celsius during the winter, especially from January to February. So, if you are planning to travel during this time, be sure to bring warm clothes.

Must-Do Activities in Onuma Quasi-National Park

If you’re visiting Hakodate to enjoy the snowy season, don’t miss the chance to experience the beautiful snow scenery at Onuma Quasi-National Park!

Located in Nanae Town, just 16 km north of Hakodate City, — about a 25-minute drive — this area has long been known as a scenic spot.

Glide Across the Frozen Lake Onuma on an ATV, Go-Kart, Fat Bike, or Snowmobil

During the winter, Lake Onuma freezes over, offering a unique opportunity to glide across the ice and enjoy various thrilling activities.

Even if you have no experience driving on ice, don’t worry! A guide will accompany you, and an instructor will provide step-by-step instructions on how to operate a snowmobile (Be sure to check with each company regarding foreign language support). The course is long and circles the lake, so be cautious—going too fast might cause you to veer off track! As you ride, you’ll see hills and scenery that can only be appreciated when it snows, as the lake doesn’t freeze in other seasons.

There are several types of vehicles to choose from, allowing you to pick the experience that suits you best—whether you prefer riding solo, with a companion, or in a group. There are even buggies available that small children can enjoy! (Only available during the Snow Festival)

Smelt Fishing

Smelt fishing is a very popular winter leisure activity in Hokkaido! The best part of smelt fishing is drilling a hole in the ice of a frozen lake, casting your line into the snowy expanse as far as the eye can see, and enjoying a delicious meal right on the spot.

Fishing equipment is available for rent, so you can enjoy the experience without bringing your own gear. There are four (4) companies offering smelt fishing in Onuma Park, each with their own packages to suit different tastes and budget. They’ll assist you in drilling holes in the ice, show you how to change the bait, and provide helpful tips for catching fish. While you wait for a bite, you can relax and take in the stunning views of the snowy mountains and the lake.

Fishing equipment rentals include fishing rods, bait, chairs, and buckets. Some companies even offer the opportunity to fry up the smelt you catch and enjoy it as tempura right there on the spot!

Company information is as follows:

• Japanese and English available
• Address: 1023-1 Onuma, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun (5-minute walk from JR Onuma Koen Station)
• Contact：0138-67-2229　
• Website

• Japanese only
• Address：1023-25 ​​Onumacho, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun (10-minute walk from JR Onuma Park Station)
• Contact：090-2810-7347

• Please inquire about foreign language support.
• Address：北海道龜田郡七飯町字西大沼318-2前（JR大沼公園站約開車10分鐘）
• Contact：080-4040-7575・Facebook
• Website

• Please inquire about foreign language support.
• Address：Higashionuma, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido (10-minute drive from JR Onuma Koen Station)
• Contact：080-4501-5694
• Website

Enjoy the Snow and Ice Festival

Every February, the Onuma Hakodate Snow and Ice Festival takes place in Nanae Town, drawing locals and families for fun-filled winter experiences. This event is perfect for families with children, offering a chance to explore snow and ice sculptures featuring cute and funny characters, all created with the help of local residents!

Children will especially love playing on the jumbo ice slide! There are also plenty of food stalls set up throughout the festival. The event lasts for only two days, so don’t forget to mark your calendar.

• Venue: Onuma Park Square
• Access: 5 minutes on foot from JR Onuma Park Station
• Organizer: 59th Onuma-Hakodate Snow and Ice Festival Executive Committee
• Date: February 8th (Sat) – 9th (Sun), 2025
• Contact: Nanae Onuma International Tourism and Convention Association
• Tel: 0138-67-3020
• Official website

Skiing and Snowboarding at Hakodate Nanae Snow Park

When it comes to winter, skiing and snowboarding are exciting and fun sports. Take a ride on the six-seater gondola to the mountain top, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of Lake Onuma and the majestic Mt. Komagatake as you ski down a forested course.

The six-seater gondola at Hakodate Nanae Snow Park is one of the longest in Japan, stretching over 3,319 meters. Beginners and intermediate skiers can enjoy incredibly long runs through stunningly beautiful scenery, making it perfect for families.

During peak season (usually January and February), you can even ride the gondola to view the “snow monsters”—trees covered in frost that create a magical winter spectacle. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own snowboard or gear, rentals are available, so you can easily come empty-handed and still enjoy the slopes (advance reservation required).

• Address: 666 Higashionuma, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido 041-1351
• Opening hours:
  • Regular: 2024/12/14 (Sat) – 2025/3/30 (Sun)
  • Night skiing: Open only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and days before holidays between 2024/12/28 (Sat) – 2025/3/2 (Sun)
• Lift operating hours:
  • Regular: 9:00-17:00
  • Night skiing: 17:00-21:00 (except December 31st)
• Closed Days: Open year round
• Inquiries/Reservations: 0138-67-3355
• Website　

Ice Skating at Hakodate Civic Skating Rink

Why not try ice skating outdoors under the snowy sky? The Hakodate Civic Skating Rink, located in the city center within the Hakodate Municipal Keirin Stadium, offers a fantastic ice skating experience. The rink features a 250-meter speed course and a sub-rink with handrails, making it perfect for beginners who can skate with confidence and ease. Rental shoes are available, so you can try skating without having to bring your own gear. Gloves and a hat are essential.

It’s a good idea to start by warming up your feet on the sub-rink with handrails. Even if your footwork feels a bit awkward at first, your body will get used to it after going around the handrails once or twice. Once you feel confident, you can move on to the speed course with ease.

• Address: Hakodate Municipal Hakodate Keirin Stadium, 10-8 Kanabori-cho, Hakodate City
• Opening Hours:
  • Open from: Saturday, December 14, 2024 – Sunday, February 16, 2025
  • Weekdays: 12:00-19:00
  • Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays: 10:00-19:00
• Closed: December 31st, January 1st (and may close in bad weather.
• Website

Climbing Mount Hakodate in Winter

Did you know that climbing Mount Hakodate is a unique and rewarding activity in winter? While it’s common to take a ropeway or drive to the top in the summer to enjoy the stunning night view, the road to the summit is closed in winter. However, you can still reach the top by hiking the mountain trail. All you need is a pair of boots and warm clothing— no advance climbing gear is required. For those who want to enjoy the beauty of nature, climbing Mount Hakodate is an activity you should definitely try!

There are 11 well-maintained walking courses on the mountain, and the most popular route is the old mountain trail, which directly connects to the summit observation deck. The trail is just under 3 kilometers one way, and it takes about an hour to climb at a leisurely pace. As you ascend, you will pass through forests, and if you are lucky, you might spot the Japanese long-tailed tit, a charming bird native to Hokkaido.

• Address: 6-12 Aoyagi-cho, Hakodate
• Hours: 8:45-17:30
• Closed: New Year’s holiday (12/29-3/1)
• Contact: 0138-22-6799
• Website
• Access to Mount Hakodate

Lastly

Hakodate located in the southern part of Hokkaido, enjoys relatively mild winter temperature compared to other areas in Hokkaido. This makes it an ideal destination for those experiencing winter and snow for the first time. You can enjoy beautiful winter scenery around Hakodate!