March in Hokkaido is a little milder, but it's still too early to call it spring. However, March is a great time for graduation trips or for those who want to enjoy skiing and snowboarding as much as possible. So, let's take a look at some of the must-see sights in Hokkaido that you should visit in March.

<Table of Contents>
Introduction
1. Hakodate
2. Asahiyama Zoo
3. Shikaribetsu Lake Kotan
4. Rusutsu
5. Daisetsuzan Asahidake
6. Drift ice in the Sea of ​​Okhotsk
Final thoughts

First, the reason why I recommend Hokkaido in March

First, let me briefly introduce three advantages and reasons why you should visit Hokkaido in March.

Part 1: Enjoy Hokkaido in its unique winter form!

Rusutsu Ski Resort in Winter

One of Hokkaido's greatest charms is its world of white snow, wouldn't you agree? Unlike Honshu, which is welcoming spring, Hokkaido is still in winter. This means you can still fully enjoy the scenery of white snow! From skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing to ice fishing for smelt, the opportunity to fully enjoy winter activities is a major draw.

Part 2: The seafood is delicious!

From Washo Market, Kushiro

Next up is the quintessential reason to visit Hokkaido: the food. March, in particular, is the season when you can enjoy the finest seafood from the north, such as hairy crab, scallops, and sea urchin (though some varieties are subject to fishing bans). This alone makes the trip well worth it!

Third, travel expenses are a great deal!

This is a popular time of year for graduation trips!

And finally, there's the cost of the trip. March is generally the off-season for Hokkaido. Travel packages from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, especially in early March before spring break, are generally about half the price of the summer season (this is a very rough estimate). It's great if you can go twice for the price of one!

So, while Hokkaido in March is quite appealing, it tends to get crowded, especially on weekends. Therefore, the best day to go is the day you want to go. We recommend making reservations early!

So, from here on, I'll introduce six carefully selected must-see spots for this time of year!

1. Hakodate

Hakodate, with its beautiful, exotic scenery and abundance of incredibly delicious, fresh seafood, is a place you should definitely visit at least once. Once you go, you'll be sad to leave after only a day or so.

■ Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

Whether you enjoy shopping, a beer hall, or delicious food and beer, spending time at Kanemori Warehouse will be a very enjoyable experience, as it's also a great place for taking photos. It's lively during the day and beautifully lit up at night.

■Night view from Mount Hakodate

Take the ropeway up, and from Mount Hakodate100 years of experienceWhy not enjoy the night view? There are restaurants with night views. Perfect for a date! I'm sure someone has proposed here!

Speaking of night views, there's also the "backside night view" seen from the hilly area on the opposite side of Mount Hakodate. This is also a quietly popular spot.

Also, the long-awaited Hokkaido Shinkansen opened on March 26, 2016! Traveling to Hokkaido has become even more accessible♪

【Related article】
・Spectacular Views! Everything You Need to Know and Hidden Gems to Enjoy Hakodate's Night View to the Fullest
Enjoy a leisurely trip around Hakodate by streetcar! A model itinerary for exploring Hakodate by streetcar.

2. Asahiyama Zoo

Let's go to the incredibly popular Asahiyama Zoo and be soothed by the sight of the animals! It's a zoo full of attractions, and it's easy to see why people become repeat visitors after their first visit.

■Penguin walk

The penguin parade is scheduled to run until around mid-March, but this may vary depending on the snow conditions. If you absolutely want to see it, it's probably best to plan your visit to Asahiyama Zoo by early March.

■ Asahikawa Ramen

This is ramen from Asahikawa Ramen Yoshino♪
Since you're in Asahikawa, you'll definitely want to try Asahikawa ramen. About 1km away from Zoo Street, you'll find a few Asahikawa ramen shops. It's different from Sapporo ramen. Let's go and find out the difference!

Asahiyama Zoo Homepage

【entrance fee】
Adults (high school students and older): General admission 820 yen, Citizens 590 yen
Children (junior high school age and younger) are free.
• Passport: 1,020 yen
• Group (25 or more people, paying admission): General admission 720 yen, Citizens 490 yen
[Opening period]
(Winter 30)
2018 11 / 11 - 4 / 7
10:30 am to 3:30 pm
*We will be closed from December 30th to January 1st.

Next page 3. Shikaribetsu Lake Kotan

Please also check out these related articles.

• 

  In search of jewelry ice and ice art | Toyokoro Town, Tokachi

• 

  A breathtaking view! Cape Notoro is a must-see spot that's rapidly gaining popularity thanks to an airline commercial!

• 

  Four carefully selected bakeries in and around Hakodate, chosen by Hakodate Kaldi Coffee Farm.

• 

  8 must-buy delicacies and snacks to enjoy with drinks in Hokkaido: including salted seafood, Matsumae-zuke pickles, and pickled herring!

• 

  How to enjoy sightseeing at Cape Erimo, the remote cape you must visit at least once.

• 

  Siesta Hakodate is born! A thorough analysis of the new face of Hakodate and Goryokaku♪

• 

  Japan's northernmost sake brewery, Kunimare Sake Brewery in Mashike | A journey through Hokkaido's finest sake

• 

  Who would you like to go with? I was so impressed by the amazing scenery at Furano Ski Resort!

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