Snowshoe trekking experience on Sapporo’s powder snow
Snowshoeing is a great activity for visitors who are looking to experience wintertime Hokkaido’s great nature.
Snowshoeing is a type of hiking that involves walking over snow using special footwear made specifically for the purpose of snowshoeing and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Indulging in great food at Sapporo is one way to enjoy Hokkaido, but another great way is to go snowshoeing on fresh snow.
Snowshoeing in Sapporo
Snowshoes are specifically made for the purpose of walking on snow.
It latches onto the bottom of your shoe and enables you to walk over a fresh patch of snow easily.
The tour package that Basho Trip introduces comes with an experienced guide, so even guests who may not have any prior experiences in snowshoeing can be rest assured to have a great time.
Unlike the hard-packed snow that snowboarders and skiers may be familiar with, the snow that snowshoers will experience in the winter mountains is very fluffy and difficult to trek through with normal hiking gear. With the help of a snowshoe that’s specifically designed for walking on fluffy, un-packed snow, visitors will be able to witness a side of Sapporo that they have never seen before.
How to enjoy snowshoeing in Sapporo
There are many ways that one can enjoy snowshoeing.
Why not dash across the vast snow-covered plains, or even a nose dive into the bed of fluffy snow?
One can take off their snowshoe to make a snow angel, or even build a snowman taller than their height.
As long as you are mindful of staying away from dangerous parts of the trail, there are so many ways that one can destress by snowshoeing in the outskirts of Sapporo.
The greatest thing about this activity is the lack of an age limit – anybody, from young to old, can enjoy this activity.
Enjoy sculptures while snowshoeing as well!
One special snowshoe experience that is perhaps unique to Sapporo is the ability to walk through Moerenuma Park, measuring 1.89 square km in area and home to the “Circular Greenbelt Concept” that combines the green spaces of the city in a loop.
In addition to being able to walk around the great snow-covered areas of the park, one can get up and close to many sculptures that were designed by Isamu Noguchi, a notable Japanese American landscape architect whose arts represented Japan in the 20th century.
This snowshoe package offers round-trip rides to and from Sapporo city center to Moerenuma Park, so it’s even recommended for those traveling in bigger groups. Please do consider visiting the park to experience nature and the artistic sculptures placed throughout the park.
Nature tour in Sapporo while snowshoeing
Nopporo Forest Park situated not too far from Sapporo is home to over 140 species of birds, 110 species of trees, 400 species of grasses, 200 species of mushrooms, and 1,300 species of insects; visitors can immerse themselves in nature by snowshoeing through the park, coming close with many different species of living things in their home habitat.
The Ural owl, long-tailed bushtit bird, and the black woodpecker are examples of rare animals who can only be found in Hokkaido – visitors are encouraged to bring along a good pair of binoculars (Link to external website) to observe any animals they can catch a glimpse of in the park.
Tours come with a veteran guide, as well as a delicious hot coffee from a quaint cafe during break time.
Snowshoe tour at Heidi Farm
Heidi Park located in Naganuma-cho (southeast of Sapporo) is also another location where visitors can experience snowshoeing.
Guests can interact with various farm animals like cows, goats, sheep, and horses while snowshoeing.
Visitors can also observe the fresh footsteps of different rabbits and deers in the fresh snow, giving them a real immersive experience in Hokkaido’s beautiful winter scenery.
Some plans offer you to have lunch at the farm using only locally sourced ingredients, or even relax at a nearby hot spring.
Roundtrip rides to and from New Chitose Airport are offered, so visitors can make their way to Heidi Farm immediately after getting off the plane!
Nighttime snowshoe tours
Guests can also enjoy a nighttime snowshoe experience from nearby Asahiyama Park, giving them a glimpse of nighttime Sapporo, often referred to as one of the three most beautiful nighttime sceneries in Japan.
With the help of a local guide, visitors can trek through the trees for a view of Sapporo lit up at night, offering a beautiful contrast with the surrounding white snow.
Visitors can partake this tour with a significant other to make it a romantic evening that will surely be one for the books.
Complimentary hot drinks will be offered to keep the visitors’ warm during the tour.
What kind of gear is needed to snowshoe?
Because you will be snowshoeing in the outdoors, please bring plenty of layers to keep your body warm.
Be sure to bring gear that will cover hands, legs, and ears.
As long as you are comfortably warm, you are sure to have a great time snowshoeing in Hokkaido’s great outdoors.
