PROVINCIAL PARADISE

✤ ICE VILLAGE

The ice village is a fantastic experience that appears at Tomamu in winter only when the temperature reaches -30°C. It is a winter tradition where one can create wonderful memories with loved ones through the world of ice, such as the Ice Hotel and Ice Church.

✤ TERRACE OF FROST TREE

Terrace of Frost Tree is a single ride on the Unkai Gondola from the mid-mountain area, where visitors can see glorious white trees glistening with covered snow and the magnificent Hidaka mountains. The terrace is located at an altitude of 1,088 meters on Mount Tomamu.

✤ SNOWSHOE TOUR

A tour through Hokkaido's wonderful landscape set deep in winter. Guided walking and snowshoeing tours are led in less-visited, snowy regions; where visitors can walk over pristine snow, spot abundant wildlife and survey crater lakes shimmering in the crystal-clear air.

✤ HOT AIR BALLOON

Catch clear blue Furano skies on a hot air balloon; breathtaking and spectacular panoramic views of vast fields, vibrant flowers, rural landscapes, and snow-capped mountains while ascending up to 1000 metres. Visitors can enjoy a one-of-a-kind bird’s eye view while basking in the warmth of the morning sun while descending.

✤ SKIING IN FURANO

Furano boasts a lot of areas for skiing, making it a popular destination to enjoy this winter sport. Lifts operate from the end of November to the beginning of May. Over eight metres of the lightest and driest powder snow falling on 24 runs, 10 lifts, and Japan’s fastest cable car whisks 101 skiers up the hill at a speed of 10 metres per second. The mountain’s diverse terrain offers runs suited to all levels of skiers.

✤ RELAXING IN NOBORIBETSU ONSEN

Noboribetsu is located inside Shikotsu-Toya National Park and is an ideal one or two-night onsen escape from Sapporo. With most of its hot springs fed with water flowing from the steaming Hell Valley, Noboribetsu boasts nine different kinds of spring quality, each with unique healing properties. There is nothing as enjoyable as a steaming hot soak while surrounded by falling snow in winter.

✤ CLIMB MOUNT ASAHIDAKE

At 2,291 metres in height, Mount Asahidake is the tallest mountain on the island of Hokkaido and an active volcano. It is easy to climb and hikers find it a popular destination in summer. In winter, it transforms into a magical wonderland, ideal for skiers and snowboarders. Hiking Hokkaido’s highest mountain is a rugged and exhilarating experience.

✤ SAPPORO SNOW FESTIVAL

The Sapporo Snow Festival started in 1950, when junior and high school students built a few snow statues in Odori Park. It has since developed into a large, commercialized event, featuring spectacular snow and ice sculptures and attracting more than two million visitors. It is held during one week every year in February and is one of Japan's most popular winter events.

✤ SAPPORO BEER MUSEUM

Sapporo Beer, one of the oldest and most popular beer brands in the country, has been brewed in Sapporo since 1877. The Sapporo Beer Museum was opened in 1987 in a former brewery from the Meiji Period. The museum introduces the history of beer in Japan and the process of beer making. After the exhibitions, beer tastings are available at a small fee. Alternatively, paid tours are held in Japanese that includes a tasting session at the end.

✤ THE BLUE POND IN BIEI

The Blue Pond in Biei, Hokkaido has become a prevalent tourist spot in recent years. It displays various hues of blue depending on the season and the weather. Even a slight breeze will change the pond’s appearance. When there is no wind at all, the pond looks as if it were an enormous mirror laid out on the ground. The water’s enigmatic colour has also made the pond a popular spiritual spot.