Winter is long in Hokkaido, lasting up to 5 months in some regions. So with all that cold, locals have taken on new activities such as dogsledding. 

For most visitors, a dogsledding experience is one of the highlights of their trip. The dogs are well-trained, spirited and lovable. Dogsledding operators provide short training sessions, maintain well-groomed courses and provide snowmobile lead-teams for the perfect photo-ops.

Most operators use single-person sleds pulled by teams of 6-8 dogs who gallop at full speed around set courses. This activity is considered safe for solo-riders over 13 years old, while younger riders ride tandem.

---

Dogsledding Operators

Takasu City near Asahikawa

• Professional operator with English instruction available
• Ride solo
• Over 7 km of well-maintained track
• Prices starting from 7,500 yen pp

NPO Donkoro in Tomamu

• Professional operator 
• Day tours ranging from 2.5-6.5 hours
• Overnight tours with igloo-camping available!
• Full instruction and guiding
• Prices start from 9,000 yen pp

Shikaoi in Northeast Hokkaido

• Drive the Alaskan Huskies yourself
• Tours ranging from 2-6 hrs
• Prices start at 16,000 yen pp
• Free video and photography from a lead-driver included!
• Learn about the history of dogsledding in Hokkaido

Rusutsu Resort

• Especially suited for kids
• English language instruction
• Solo and tandem riding
• Easily combined with snowboarding/skiing activities at the resort