Hokkaido in March can still be good for snow! + Things to do in Hokkaido Japan in March ⛄ Northern Japan

Hi there!

Is March a good month to visit Hokkaido?

March can be a time to visit Hokkaido for a chance to see snow and Japan’s winter landscape!

Since it’s nature, the exact time of the month that the snow melts can vary from year to year depending on when it starts to get warm.

But in general, it’s possible that you may see a winter landscape with snow if you visit Hokkaido in March!

Things to do in Hokkaido in March

Again, your experience with Hokkaido in March can vary based on whether the current year is cooler than usual (snow will last longer!) or warmer than usual (snow will disappear faster!).

But in general, you can expect snow in Hokkaido in March, and even into April.

I was in Hokkaido in March in 2019.

1. Asahiyama Zoo penguin walk

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2. Abashiri drift ice cruise

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I was actually a little late for the Abashiri drift cruise in March. THE reason to do the Abashiri drift cruise is to be able to see ice drifting out in the ocean! But, by the time I got to Abashiri, the ice on the water had all melted and there was no drift ice to be seen. Still, you can do a Hokkaido cruise in March if you want to take a (cold 😂) winter boat ride!

3. Lake Shikaribetsu ice village

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4. Mount Moiwa winter hike with city views

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5. Noboribetsu Onsen hot springs town

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Bring a towel to dry off your feet so you can take a natural foot bath in Hokkaido!

Hokkaido itinerary for March

This is how I did Hokkaido in March!

Day 1: Sapporo to Asahikawa / Asahikawa activity

Sapporo to Asahikawa by train
Asahikawa to Asahiyama zoo by bus
Asahiyama zoo for penguin walk
Overnight stay in Asahikawa

Day 2: Asahikawa to Abashiri / Abashiri activity

Asahikawa to Abashiri by train
Drift ice cruise
Abashiri to Kushiro train (be alert for Japanese cranes when passing Kayanuma Station)
Overnight stay in Kushiro

Day 3: Kushiro to Obihiro / Obihiro activity

Kushiro to Obihiro by train
Obihiro to Lake Shikaribetsu by bus
Lake Shikaribetsu igloo village
Overnight stay in Obihiro

Day 4: Obihiro to Sapporo / Sapporo activity

Obihiro to Sapporo by train
Ramen alley
Overnight stay in Sapporo

Day 5: Sapporo activities

STAY PUT in Sapporo!
Mt Moiwa hike OR day trip to ski resort
Overnight stay in Sapporo

Day 6: Day trip to Noboribetsu Onsen

Sapporo to Noboribetsu by train
Noboribetsu Station to Noboribetsu Onsen by bus
Noboribetsu Onsen hot springs town
Overnight stay in Sapporo (…or make it an overnight stay in Noboribetsu!)

Day 7: Sapporo to Hakodate / Hakodate activity

Sapporo to Hakodate train
Goryokaku Tower for city views
Overnight stay in Hakodate

If this sounds good to you, then see more details for the Hokkaido winter itinerary!