Joanna James
Known as the northern wonderland of Japan, Hokkaido remains one of the most popular destinations in Japan. Blessed with natural beauty in the cities, cooler climes and plenty of mouthwatering food Hokkaido gets carpeted in snow during the New Year Holidays becoming a magnificent winter wonderland.
Being a shrine much venerated by the people of Hokkaido as a place of worship as well as being the guardian overlooking the island of Hokkaido for many years. On New Year's eve crowds of devotees and even visitors flock to this shrine. For devotees, it is their wish to visit this shrine as the New Year dawns. At midnight on New Year's eve when gates open people eagerly enter, some to fulfil their devotion and others such as those from hotels in Hokkaido, to explore this well-known shrine and buy some good luck charms sold there.
A bustling market full of seafood brought from all over Hokkaido and an intriguing place to explore. Many locals make a trip to this market at year-end to buy various things for their New Year festivities and for stocking up. You can also witness guests from properties like Grand Park Otaru enjoying seafood and a variety of other steaming dishes at the many restaurants at the market.
If you are looking for shopping with amazing discounts visit the Chitose Outlet Mall Rera, a huge shopping mall with over 400 brand outlets. Practically all the shops here offer their lucky bag too on this day. The shops are not that crowded on this day and there are plenty of restaurants to fill you whenever you feel hungry.
Have a thrilling experience of skiing at Niseko in Hokkaido. The powdery snow slopes keep enticing many visitors to Niseko with 04 interlinked resorts providing a consistent 15 metres of snow each year. With 30 lifts, English-speaking instructors, and even novices would have an experience of a lifetime skiing and witnessing the surrounding beauty.
With a lot of excitement happening during the day with travelling, exploring and sightseeing take time to savour a hot dinner during these cold days of winter. An ideal choice for many visitors is a filling bowl of soup and more often than not it is a bowl of ramen. With each restaurant doing its unique recipe the flavour full bowl of ramen includes medium-sized curly noodles making it a filling and yummy dish.
A harbour city close to Sapporo, it is worth doing a day trip here to view the streets, the canals and the old warehouses of this port city of the 19th century. The eye-catching snowy Otaru canal makes a lovely site for a memorable photo. If time permits visit the Otaru Art Village and the museum.
With magnificent scenery to make you feel in awe visit the glorious winter scene at Tomamu Ice Village, having started in 1998 this is the oldest ice park in Japan. Be sure to be properly covered to ensure you can enjoy this lovely ice village as temperatures reach -30C.
Take time to visit one of the many onsen facilities to savour Japan's long and relaxing tradition of hot spring baths. Many of these hot springs offer baths separated by gender which can be used for a small fee.
Dating back to 1981, this spectacular night event lights up Odori Park which gets heavy snowfall during winter. The displays vary from magical to whimsical to majestic keeping the crowds enthralled as do the booths providing them with tasty bites to relish.
Take the Usuzan ropeway up the volcanic Mount Usu, though it had a minor eruption in 2000 therefore closely monitored now, the viewing deck at the top offers a breathtaking view of Lake Toya and the snow environment, A cool sight to take away with you.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
