Japan, Asia

Hokkaido in January

Peak powder in Niseko, Furano, and Rusutsu. Cold, dark afternoons, but this is what winter visitors come for.

BestSnowy and cold, Sapporo highs near 30F (-1C)

A lone tree on snow-covered hills near Biei, Hokkaido — HokkaidoPhoto: Yascolo, CC BY 3.0

The straight answer

January is one of the best months of the year to visit Hokkaido. Peak powder in Niseko, Furano, and Rusutsu. Cold, dark afternoons, but this is what winter visitors come for.

Weather: Snowy and cold, Sapporo highs near 30F (-1C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What January is like in Hokkaido

January is peak powder season in Hokkaido. Sapporo highs sit near 30F (-1C), snow falls often, and resorts like Niseko, Furano, and Rusutsu get the famous light, dry powder. Afternoons are cold and dark early. Prices are high at the ski resorts, and late in the month drift ice starts reaching Abashiri and Shiretoko in some years. Snowstorms can cancel flights or trains for a day.

This month suits skiers, snowboarders, and onsen lovers who want deep snow and cozy evenings. Families with young kids should plan short outdoor stints. If you want green hills and lavender instead, come in July.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Hokkaido this month.

Peak powder in Niseko and Furano

January is one of the two best powder months. Furano, Rusutsu, and Kiroro are often quieter than Niseko.

Snowy onsen soaks

Sitting in an open-air bath at Noboribetsu or Jozankei while snow falls is a classic Hokkaido moment.

Asahiyama Zoo's penguin walk

The winter penguin walk in Asahikawa is a huge hit with kids.

What to pack for January

A warm, waterproof ski jacket and pants
Thermal base layers and wool socks
Waterproof winter boots with good grip
Warm gloves, hat, and neck gaiter
Heat packs for cold afternoons

Our timing tip

Build a buffer day into your trip, since heavy snowstorms can cancel flights at New Chitose and shut roads and trains.

Book Hokkaido for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Hokkaido
Opens a hotel search for Hokkaido in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Hokkaido
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Hokkaido
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Hokkaido for January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in January

Drift ice season

Roughly late January into early March, peaking in February, varies by year

Sea ice from the Sea of Okhotsk reaches Abashiri and Shiretoko. Icebreaker cruises run from Abashiri and Monbetsu.

Things to do in Hokkaido

Full guide

Sapporo Snow Festival

Giant snow and ice sculptures in Odori Park and Susukino for about a week in early February. Book lodging months ahead.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Niseko and the ski resorts

Niseko is the most international; Furano, Rusutsu, and Kiroro are often quieter. January and February are the powder months.

Tickets and tours →

Furano and Biei lavender

The fields peak in mid to late July. Go early morning to beat tour buses at Farm Tomita and the Blue Pond.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Otaru

Canal town with glassworks and sushi, 30 to 40 minutes from Sapporo. Magical during the Snow Light Path festival in February.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Shiretoko Peninsula

Five Lakes walk and bear-watching boat cruises in summer; drift ice walks in February and early March.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Asahiyama Zoo

Famous for its winter penguin walk and animal viewing design. A great family stop in Asahikawa.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

If you want the Snow Festival, book Sapporo hotels three to six months out, or stay in Otaru and commute.
Ski in early to mid January or March for good snow with fewer people and lower rates than Christmas, Lunar New Year, and February.
At Farm Tomita and the Blue Pond, arrive before 8am in July. By 10am the tour buses are in.
Avoid Obon week in mid August for rental cars and lodging, and book summer rental cars early; they sell out.

Know before you go

Shiretoko Pass (the road across the peninsula) and many mountain roads close in winter, usually from roughly early November to late April.
Many summer attractions, ropeways, and lodges in national parks close from about November to April; check any specific site.
Ski resorts generally open in late November or December and close between late March and early May depending on the resort and snow.
Heavy snowstorms can cancel flights at New Chitose and shut roads and trains for a day. Build a buffer day into any winter itinerary.

Hokkaido in January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Hokkaido?

January is one of the best months of the year to visit Hokkaido. Peak powder in Niseko, Furano, and Rusutsu. Cold, dark afternoons, but this is what winter visitors come for.

What is the weather like in Hokkaido in January?

Snowy and cold, Sapporo highs near 30F (-1C).

Is Hokkaido crowded in January?

Crowds in Hokkaido are moderate in January; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Hokkaido in January?

Drift ice season (roughly late january into early march, peaking in february, varies by year).