* This is a sponsored post featuring our partner, Diners World Travel, for TSSTakeMeToJapan. All opinions and thoughts expressed are our own.
Winter may be a time of bitter cold, but it’s also the best time to dress warmly and head out to bask in the snow-capped vistas Japan is richly blessed with! Hokkaido, in particular, garners a merited reputation for world-class ski slopes and resorts. Don’t settle for the dreamy postcards this season – check out what Diners World Travel has to offer in Hokkaido and be there to soak in the wintry beauty!
Skiing and Snowboarding
Ski down white slopes of snow at Rusutsu Resort!
In winter, the dramatic snowscapes and powdery white slopes in the famous ski resorts in Niseko and Furano are amongst some of the must-visits for beginner and advanced skiers and snowboarders alike. While Hokkaido is dotted with ski resorts of various sizes and types, Niseko remains one of the hot favourites, and it’s not hard to see why. With an annual average snowfall of more than 15m, Niseko enjoys extremely fine, fluffy snow forming white slopes that are a dream to ski down from. The more popular ski resorts are always in great demand during peak season, so why not book a couple of nights at Diners World Travel’s recommended Japan itinerary of 8D7N Hokkaido Snowy Ski Paradise by Singapore Airlines? You could spend the days on the ski slopes with qualified and experienced instructors as you learn the basic ropes at Rusutsu Resort. Get together your friends and family to double the ski fun! There’s nothing quite like some light falling over soft snow and conquering white mountains with your loved ones!
Sapporo Snow Festival
Sapporo Snow Festival, the biggest winter festival in Japan.
One of Japan’s largest winter events, the annual Sapporo Snow Festival held in early February over seven days brings ice and snow to life! Over two million people travel to Sapporo every winter for the splendid display of artful snow and ice carvings. The winter wonderland features intricate and massive snow and ice installations – some are soulful interpretations of architecture and majestic animals, while others depict hilarious dramatization of comic characters and stories. These sculptures line Odori Park, the grounds at Tsudome and along the main street in Susukino, and you’ll be able to access the different sites with ease with the shuttle bus services. If you are there soaking in the festivities at night, light displays and stage performances are guaranteed to leave you spell-bound too.
Diners World Travel has the perfect 2 itineraries that bring you to the event where you could indulge in the snowy season at Hokkaido! Check out our 7D Hokkaido Wonder Delights and 7D Hokkaido Snowy Fantasy by All Nippon Airways.
Asahikawa Winter Festival
Apart from the Sapporo Snow Festival, a major highlight in winter would be the Asahikawa Winter Festival. Like the former, this festival is held in early February, so a well-timed trip would mean you could visit both festivals, which are sited within 80 minutes of each other. While slightly smaller in scale than the Sapporo Snow Festival, the Asahikawa Winter Festival boasts of massive snow structures, as well as a myriad of winter activities to keep everyone merrily engaged! Look out for the two famed 100-metre-long ice slides – queues do snake a bit due to their popularity, but it’s worth the time for a free slide down the snowy fun structure! Snow rafting, sledding, banana boat as well as light displays are also available. As the days draws to a close, end your day in the Winter Market for a hot beverage as the fireworks light up the winter sky.
Dog Sledding
The dogs love the snow as much as we do, and you’ll love dashing down the snow with them!
Besides skiing and snowboarding, do you know you can also dog-sled in Hokkaido? An age-old tradition, this activity has gained quick popularity as a unique winter activity in Japan. The adrenaline-pumped experience brings you down plains of snow on a traditional sled pulled by beautiful Alaskan Huskies. In a vast bed of white snow, allow the canine team to be your hosts. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself holding on tight to your sled! These canine drivers pull hard and fast and take your sled ride experience very seriously. Whoosh across the picturesque Japan with the huskies and let this stunning memory be yours to keep this winter.
With Diners World Travel’s flexible itineraries, you can take in the glory of the season in your own pace with our 4D3N Hokkaido Special Excursion Package by Japan Airlines, and spend indulgent winter days in Hokkaido.
Contact Diners World Travel now for an unforgettable winter in Japan TODAY!
Diners World Travel Pte Ltd
7500E Beach Road #02-201
The Plaza Singapore 199595
Tel: 6292 5522
Email: tours@dinerstravel.com.sg
Operating hours: 9am – 6.30pm
Open on Mon- Friday, Closed on Sat, Sun and Public Holidays