In December, when white snow falls, Hokkaido is enveloped in a magical atmosphere.

Here, we introduce events you can enjoy in December, such as "Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo" and "Hakodate Christmas Fantasy."

We'll also tell you about the best foods to enjoy during this season, as well as what to wear in December, and other things you should prepare for your trip to Hokkaido.

The illuminations shining amidst the white snow are incredibly beautiful and moving.
Hokkaido in December also has many attractions.

After reading this article, please consider visiting Hokkaido.

Table of contents
12. Recommended sights and events in December
1-1. Hakodate - "Hakodate Christmas Fantasy"
1-2. Sapporo and the "Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo"
1-3. Biei in Winter and the "Blue Pond Illumination" and "Shirahige Falls Illumination"
1-4. Kushiro and the Red-crowned Crane
1-5. Lake Toya and the "Lake Toya Onsen Illumination Street"
2. Flavors to eat in Hokkaido in December
3. Suitable clothing and preparations for a trip to Hokkaido in December
Final thoughts

1-1. Hakodate - "Hakodate Christmas Fantasy"

First, let me introduce you to Hakodate.

The Hokkaido Shinkansen, connecting Shin-Aomori and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, opened in March 2016, further increasing excitement in the area.

If you're visiting Hakodate in December, the event I highly recommend you check out is "Hakodate Christmas Fantasy."

The venue will be the area around the Red Brick Warehouses, which is a 10-minute walk from Hakodate Station.

With the sea as a backdrop, the illuminated red brick warehouses and the giant fir Christmas tree glow beautifully.
Many people visit every year.

A soup bar is set up inside the venue. You can enjoy original soups from various shops for 600 yen (tax included) per bowl.

It's cold in Hakodate at this time of year, but drinking soup warms you up from the inside out.
Try walking around the venue with a bowl of soup in hand.

The exhibition will run from December 1st (Saturday) to December 25th (Tuesday).
The lights will be on from 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. (from 6:00 p.m. on December 1st), and from 6:00 p.m. until midnight the following day (until 2:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and from December 22nd to 25th).
Please note that the soup bar booth will be open from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

You can also see the premium red tree for a limited time (daily at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. for about 15 minutes).

In addition to these, Hakodate is also attractive for its beautiful streetscape, with many historical buildings such as churches and Western-style houses that exude an exotic atmosphere.
Also recommended are the local delicacies unique to Hakodate, such as seafood and Hakodate salt ramen.

In particular, the Hakodate Morning Market in front of Hakodate Station offers an easy way to enjoy incredibly fresh seafood, so be sure to get up early and savor some delicious fish.

[Related Articles]:A magical night in Hakodate! Hakodate illuminations & winter events

1-2. Sapporo and the "Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo"

Next, we'll introduce Sapporo.
Sapporo is the fifth largest city in Japan, home to approximately 30% of Hokkaido's population.

If you're visiting Sapporo in December, be sure to stop by the "Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo."

This event originated when Sapporo adopted the Christmas market held in Munich, Germany, a sister city of Sapporo. In 2018, it celebrated its 17th anniversary and has become a well-established Christmas event in Sapporo.

Every year, a variety of Christmas decorations, candles, and other items are sold.
Just looking at it makes you feel excited. You can also enjoy German cuisine, such as mulled wine.

The exhibition will run from November 22nd (Thursday) to December 25th (Tuesday).
The event will run from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The venues include Odori Park 2-chome and the Sapporo White Illumination venue.

While this event can be enjoyed during the day, I especially recommend visiting after sunset when the lights come on.

Walking through the illuminated grounds while it snows and looking at Christmas decorations really enhances the Christmas spirit.

In addition, there are many other sights to see, including the Sapporo Clock Tower, the former Hokkaido Government Office building, and observation decks such as the JR Tower Observation Deck T38, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Sapporo.

Scenery in the snow has a different kind of charm.

Within the city, there are restaurants where you can enjoy a variety of Hokkaido delicacies, such as Jingisukan (grilled lamb) and seafood.
If you dress warmly, I think you'll enjoy taking a stroll around Sapporo.

[Related Articles]:Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo - Enjoy Christmas in Sapporo!

1-3. Biei in Winter and the "Blue Pond Illumination" and "Shirahige Falls Illumination"

The third place I'd like to introduce is Biei.
Biei boasts a rural landscape reminiscent of Europe. While it's a great place to visit from early summer to autumn to enjoy the beautiful scenery, winter in Biei is also highly recommended.

If you visit Biei in December, I highly recommend checking out the "Blue Pond Light-up" and the "Shirahige Falls Light-up."

First, let me introduce you to the "Blue Pond Light-Up."
The Blue Pond is about a 20-minute drive from Biei Station.

The blue pond, with its striking contrast against the larch trees, is illuminated at night. Please enjoy the beautiful scenery while being careful of your footing.

The event is scheduled to run from November 1st (Thursday) to March 31st, 2019 (Sunday). You can encounter a mystical landscape unlike anything you've seen before.

Next, let's talk about the "Shirahige Falls Illumination." Shirahige Falls is located in Shirogane Onsen.
Groundwater from the Tokachi Mountain Range flows into the Biei River, creating a beautiful and fantastical atmosphere. The illumination period is scheduled from November 1st (Thursday) to March 31st, 2019 (Sunday).

Seeing the scenery that can only be seen at this time of year, when everything is covered in snow, allows you to truly appreciate the beauty of nature.

After enjoying the illuminations at the Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls, be sure to stop by Shirogane Onsen as well.
Shirogane Onsen boasts 100% free-flowing natural hot spring water and is said to be effective for treating neuralgia and muscle pain.

After enjoying the magnificent scenery, why not relax and unwind in a hot spring?
I also hope you'll try the vegetables and dairy products made in the Biei region.

Related article:I went to see the light-up of Shirahige Falls in Shirogane Onsen, Biei, on its first day!

1-4. Kushiro and the Red-crowned Crane

The fourth place I'd like to introduce is Kushiro.
Kushiro is famous for its fishing industry. It's a great place to enjoy fresh seafood, with options like robatayaki (charcoal-grilled food) and the "Katte-don" (build-your-own seafood rice bowl) at the Washo Market.

If you visit Kushiro in December, I highly recommend seeing the Japanese cranes.

In Japan, red-crowned cranes can only be found in eastern Hokkaido.
It is currently carefully protected as a special natural monument.

While you can encounter Japanese cranes in the summer as well, you can observe them more closely in the winter.

The Akan International Crane Center "Gruss" is located a 20-minute drive from Kushiro Airport.
Here, you can learn about the life cycle and anatomy of cranes.

There is an outdoor enclosure where you can see red-crowned cranes in near-natural conditions throughout the year, but if you're visiting in December, be sure to observe the wild cranes.

This facility has a branch called the "Red-crowned Crane Observation Center."

Wild Japanese cranes can be observed from November to March.
Take a look at the Japanese cranes living their lives to the fullest in the natural environment of Hokkaido.

1-5. Lake Toya and the "Lake Toya Onsen Illumination Street"

The last place I'd like to introduce is Lake Toya.
Lake Toya is the third largest caldera lake in Japan.

The movie "Shiawase no Pan" (Bread of Happiness), starring actor Yo Oizumi, who hails from Hokkaido, is set in the Tsukiura district on the west side of Lake Toya.

Lake Toya has many hotels and inns, and is also famous for its hot springs.
Be sure to visit Toyako Onsen, which is effective for relieving neuralgia and fatigue.

source:Hokkaido Photo do photo

If you visit Toyako Onsen in December, be sure to check out the "Toyako Onsen Illumination Street."
The path connecting the hot spring town and the lakeside is bathed in beautiful light.
Currently, the lights are on year-round, from sunset until 10 PM.

The "Illumination Tunnel" located in the bustling plaza in the heart of Toyako Onsen is another highlight.
A 70-meter-long illuminated tunnel. Being enveloped in this fantastical world of light fills you with a sense of happiness.
The illuminated tunnel will be lit from 6 PM to 10 PM from November 1, 2018 to March 3, 2019.

Enjoying the illuminations in the hot spring town is also a wonderful way to spend time.

Photo courtesy:Toyako Town

A famous souvenir from Lake Toya is Wakasaimo from "Wakasaimo Honpo".

It has now become a representative souvenir of Hokkaido. Please give it a try!

Hokkaido is a place where delicious ingredients abound throughout the four seasons.

There are many delicious Hokkaido specialties, such as miso ramen (which originated in Sapporo), soup curry, and Jingisukan (grilled lamb).
Also, sweets made with Hokkaido ingredients such as butter and flour are delicious.

If you come to Hokkaido, you should definitely try the local specialties and exquisite sweets.

However, since you've come to Hokkaido in December, I think many people would like to eat something that can only be enjoyed at this time of year before they leave.

If you're in Hokkaido in December, I recommend oysters. Their peak season is said to be from around November to March.
Oysters are harvested in Hokkaido, particularly in towns like Akkeshi.
Oysters from Akkeshi, in particular, are rich in nutrients from the sea area where plankton-rich seawater and freshwater mix.

The flesh is firm and springy, and when you put it in your mouth, the delicious flavor spreads throughout.
Please enjoy Hokkaido oysters prepared in your favorite way, whether raw, steamed, or fried.

Besides these, Hokkaido has many other delicious seafood options.
If you come to Hokkaido, be sure to eat your fill of Hokkaido's delicious cuisine and savor every bite.

Many people may be wondering what to wear and what to prepare to enjoy events and other activities in Hokkaido in December.
December is the season when Hokkaido is covered in snow.

The average temperature in Sapporo in December is -0.9°C. For clothing during this time, after layering your clothes, wear a thick, windproof coat.

A scarf and gloves are also essential, as your head will get wet if it starts snowing.
Cover your head with a hooded coat, or use a hat or umbrella.

Also, when walking on snowy or icy roads, it's a good idea to have winter boots, such as long boots that are snowproof and can keep snow out.

Please take precautions to prevent slipping, such as using anti-slip devices attached to the soles of your shoes. It would be terrible to fall and get injured while visiting Hokkaido.

Even though walking on snow can seem easy, there's ice hidden beneath the snow. Be especially careful on winter roads.

When I asked people living in Hokkaido about how to walk on snowy roads without slipping, the answers varied from person to person, with some taking smaller steps and others deliberately taking longer strides.
Please walk carefully and be careful not to slip on winter roads.

If you spend a long time walking outside at Christmas events or similar occasions, your body will get cold.
When you're walking outside for a long time, hand warmers come in handy.

If you feel even a little bit cold, drink a warm beverage or go indoors.

Even people born and raised in Hokkaido sometimes dislike winter.
Winters in Hokkaido are cold, so please be sure to take proper precautions against the cold and enjoy your trip to Hokkaido.

Final thoughts

What did you think.
We've introduced some recommended events and sights to see in December, such as the Hakodate Christmas Fantasy.

December is a busy season, so for those who can only go to Hokkaido during the New Year holidays,

Related article:Traveling to Hokkaido during the New Year holidays! Event and business information and recommendations summarized!

.

We're introducing events and recommended spots for the year-end and New Year holidays.

Winter in Hokkaido is cold, but in return, you can encounter beautiful scenery that can only be seen at this time of year.
There are also many delicious foods that are especially good to eat in winter.

Please make sure you dress warmly and come discover Hokkaido in December, a place you can only experience then.

Please also check out these related articles.

• 

  6 Tips to Avoid Mistakes at the Sapporo Snow Festival & Budget Tour Information 2019

• 

  Let's go to Moerenuma Park, a park in the suburbs of Sapporo where you can enjoy nature and art!

• 

  Three of the best Spakatsu restaurants in Kushiro! Satisfying taste and portion size, a local food loved by residents♪

• 

  Hashitani Confectionery | Addictive texture! Nemuro's famous confection, "Holland Senbei"

• 

  Enjoy the best of Hokkaido! 6 festivals to enjoy snow and ice

• 

  Find healing in wild birds and nature! The charm of Lake Utonai, a sanctuary for migratory birds.

• 

  Asahiyama Zoo & Must-See Attractions! 7 Recommended Tourist Spots in Asahikawa

• 

  Namara? Chosu? ? 13 Basic Hokkaido Dialect Words Taught by a Hokkaido Native

Introducing our sister site (please check it out if you're interested)