best place to visit japan during winter

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12 most beautiful winter destinations in Japan

From snowy mountains to a white onsen town, there are plenty of places to make the most of the chilly season

Sure, Japan is popular for spring cherry blossoms and colourful autumn foliage, but don’t pass up the winter season. Come the cooler months, Japan has many magical spots boasting some of the country’s best scenery.

Whether you prefer to spend your time at a sprawling ski resort , a snowy onsen town or to catch a stunning ice festival, there’s so much to see when the weather cools down. And don’t worry about the cold – you can always warm up after an outdoor excursion by dipping into a hot spring or slurping up a hearty bowl of ramen. If you’re looking for a new place to explore this winter, add these gorgeous destinations to your itinerary.  RECOMMENDED: The best hot spring getaways in Japan

Japan's winter wonderlands

Zao Snow Monsters, Yamagata

The Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort  is home to these chilling ice monsters otherwise known as juhyo . These natural formations are actually evergreen trees that become enveloped with snow and make for a stunning winter sight. For the ice monsters to appear, specific climate conditions have to be met, meaning there’s only a limited number of places and times that you can see this natural phenomenon.

Shirakawa-go, Gifu

The immaculately preserved Japanese village of Shirakawa-go is a sight to behold during the winter. Also designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site, the village is made up of numerous gassho-zukuri thatched-roof farmhouses that have been converted into hotels, restaurants and museums. The houses are designed to withstand heavy snowfall and make for a whimsical sight when covered in fresh snow.

Kamakura Snow Hut Village, Nagano

This magical igloo village in Nagano is actually a restaurant , and opens every winter. Restaurant Kamakura Village is made up of 20 pop-up igloos nestled in the snowy Japanese Alps in the small town of Iiyama. Each igloo fits up to four people and you'll be treated to a noroshi nabe, a tasty local hot pot made with miso, pork and local veggies. The snowy restaurant will return this winter from January 20 to February 29 2024.

Yunishigawa Onsen, Tochigi

This magical winter wonderland can be found at the Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival in Tochigi prefecture. The snowy festival takes place annually from late January to early March and showcases hundreds of illuminated mini snow huts known as kamakura . You can stroll through the kamakura, which are set up around the Sawaguchi riverbed at Yunishigawa Onsen. This year the festival is scheduled to be held from January 26 to February 25 2024.

Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano

Head to this park to meet the Japanese macaques, better known as snow monkeys, who lounge around in its steamy hot spring waters. You’ll find this winter retreat inside Joshinetsu Kogen National Park in Nagano prefecture. The monkeys often bathe in the onsen year round, but if you’d like to catch them with snowy surrounds, head up to the park between January and February.

Nabana no Sato Illuminations, Mie

This festival may not be snow-related, but the light-up at Nabana no Sato is one of the best winter illuminations in Japan . This botanical garden on the small island of Nagashima in Mie prefecture turns into a brilliant display of winter lights, showcasing millions of sparking LEDs forming iridescent rivers, waterfalls and more. The illumination continues all the way through to May, so there’s plenty of time to stop by and see it.

Sapporo Snow Festival, Hokkaido

Every February, Sapporo turns into a winter fairytale land during its annual Snow Festival . The festival first started back in 1950, when students began building snow statues in Odori Park, and has since become a full-blown week-long event with extravagant ice sculptures taking over the park, the grounds of Tsudome community dome and the city’s Susukino district. For this winter, the festival returns from February 4 to 11 2024.

Otaru, Hokkaido

Hokkaido’s port city of Otaru hosts an annual snow festival every February, and it sure is a showstopper. Known as the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival , the city's streets are illuminated with hundreds of lights and snow statues. We particularly love the view of the floating lights along Otaru’s main canal, which runs near the trendy Warehouse District. Hoping to check it out? Mark your calendars for this season’s festival scheduled from February 10 to 17 2024.

Kenrokuen, Ishikawa

Kenrokuen in Ishikawa prefecture is considered one of Japan’s three great gardens. The well-manicured space is a popular spot to visit year-round, but during the winter, it’s particularly special. When snow falls, a blanket of white covers the grounds and turns the landscape into a truly serene space. The garden is often lit up during winter evenings and sometimes mini concerts are even held at the on-site Uchihashi-tei teahouse.

Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata

Once a former silver mine, Ginzan Onsen has since been turned into one of the most picturesque onsen resort towns in all of Japan. As a reminder of the past, it’s name literally means ‘silver mountain hot spring’ and the area features numerous ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), which line the river that runs through the town. Ginzan Onsen really is a stunner in winter when fallen snow collects on the rooftops and streets. Best of all, the town centre is pedestrian-only, so you can meander through this picture-perfect spot at your own pace.

Misotsuchi Icicles, Saitama

Heading up to see the Misotsuchi Icicles in Chichibu makes for an ideal day trip from Tokyo. Best seen in January and February, this natural phenomenon is the result of spring water from the Arakawa River being frozen to the surface of rocks. The icicles are also worth a visit in the evening as they are lit up in different colours to add to the mystical atmosphere.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Toyama

This spectacular route through the Japanese alps stretches from Toyama all the way to Nagano prefecture and offers some pretty impressive scenery. Most notable is the staggering snow corridor, where the buildup of snow can reach as high as 20 metres. Due to the danger of collapse, the snow corridor is only open from spring onwards, but you could fool anyone into thinking its winter with a few photos from this spot.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Japan in Winter 2023-2024

Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Japan during Winter

Planning a trip to Japan? Are you wondering which season to visit??

Visiting Japan in winter is one of the greatest options as you can enjoy numbers of seasonal attractions and activities only this time of the year!

From snow events to winter illuminations, the winter in Japan offers some of the most spectacular scenery that you may wanna see once in your lifetime!

Check out my picks of the 10 best places to visit in Japan during winter 2023-2024 and find where to go in Japan in winter!

1. Abashiri Drift Ice

Hokkaido is the coldest city in Japan, and various kinds of spectacular winter phenomena and scenery can be captured in this northernmost land during the cold season. The drift ice is one of them (Ryuhyo in Japanese). The Sea of Okhotsk along Abashiri City, Hokkaido is known as the southernmost point see drifting sea ice just like in the Arctic.

Visitors can take the ice breaker sightseeing ship and watch the dynamic drift ice in close for the limited time of the year.

Related link: https://ms-aurora.com/abashiri/en/

2. Sapporo Snow Festival

Winter in Hokkaido is really cold, yet it’s definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in the world. The world’s famous Sapporo Snow Festival takes place in the capital city, Sapporo for 2 weeks and turns the whole city into the dreamy winter wonderland.

Over 2 million visitors attend the event every season from Japan and overseas and they are indulged with spectacular snow and ice sculptures.

More info: Sapporo Snow Festival

3. Ginzan Onsen

Winter is arguably the best season to enjoy Onsen (hot spring bath) as there is nothing better than soaking up our bodies in a hot bath when it’s cold outside. Moreover, to enjoy it in even better way could be in snow. There are hundreds of Onsen towns in Japan, but if you wish to enjoy snowy Onsen experience, definitely head to north.

Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture is one of the most historical and picturesque Onsen towns in Japan. The town offers an amazing preserved nostalgic townscape from 19th century and has been featured on numbers of medias in past. It was chosen as “Japan’s most charming winter village” by CNN.

More info: Ginzan Onsen: Nostalgic Hot Spring Town from 19th Century

Winter phenomena can be captured in Japan, not only in Hokkaido, and one of them can be seen at a popular ski resort in northern Japan. Zao’s ice trees (Juhyo) is one of the most unique and spectacular snow arts made by nature.

Hundreds of snow monsters covered the slope at Zao Ski Resort, and visitors can actually enjoy skiing and snowboarding passing by the trees. At night, the snow monsters are lit up and displays mystical winter scenery.

More info: Zao Onsen: Meet the Snow Monsters

5. Kamakura Festival

Besides Sapporo Snow Festival, numbers of snow events are held in the northern part of Japan during winter. Kamakura is one of the traditional winter items in Japan which is a dome shaped snow sculpture in various sizes. Yunishigawa Kamakura Festivals is held annually at Yunishigawa Onsen Town in Tochigi Prefecture.

The event features countless small Kamakura domes lightened up dreamy during the night. The event runs for a month from February to March and offers several fun snow activities to visitors.

More info: Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival

6. The Icicles of Misotsuchi

Another winter phenomena in Japan, and this one is more accessible from Tokyo. The icicles of Misotsuchi is gigantic icicles created by flowing water over the cliffs upstream from the waterfall in Chichibu area in Saitama Prefecture, which is located next to Tokyo.  During the peak season, the special light-up event is held and lightens up the icicles mystically.

More info: The Icicles of Misotsuchi: Take a Winter Day Trip from Tokyo

7. Jigokudani Monkey Park

Besides Mount Fuji and Cherry Blossoms, one of the most iconic and unique scenery of Japan is the Snow Monkeys. The sight of wild monkey bathing in hot bath surrounded by white snow can be captured at Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture.

The snow monkeys literally live around the park so you can meet them through the year, but the best season to visit is definitely winter. It’s located in Yamanouchi Town, in the Shiga Kogen Highland on the Japanese Alps.

More info: Meet the Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park

8. Nabana no Sato

Numbers of illumination events are held across the country through winter, and it’s now a top tourist attraction in Japan among locals and tourists. One of the most spectacular and popular winter illuminations is held at Nabana no Sato, the amusement park in Mie Prefecture.

Approx 8 million LED lights are used to create the stunning arts of lights at the vast park including the famous the “Tunnel of Lights”. The illumination event runs from mid autumn till early spring annually.

More info: Nabana no Sato: Spectacular Winter Illumination

9. Shirakawago

Shirakawago Village is a charming and rustic traditional Japanese village located in Gifu Prefecture, the Central Japan. The village displays the beautiful scenery in each season collaborating with the surrounding nature.

In winter, the snow covers the whole village and creates a wonderful view. The special light-up events are held several times during winter.

More info: Shirakawago: the Best Time to Visit

10. Kifune Shrine

Kyoto is the top tourist destination in Japan through the year, and there are hundreds of historic sites to visit. Kifune Shrine is one of the best hidden gems in Kyoto. The shrine can be enjoyed all year around but winter could be the best time to visit. The light-up event is held at night during January and February only when it snows.

More info: Kifune Shrine: New Travel Destination in Kyoto

How did you enjoy the list? For more beautiful places in Japan in other seasons, please check out listed articles!

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"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have lived and explored countries around the world. As a resident of Japan and based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling Japan with my readers. I hope my story will help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈

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Boutique Japan

Top 8 Reasons to Visit Japan in Winter

Even if you don’t love cold weather, it’s hard to resist the magic of winter in Japan, the coziest time of year (with delightfully few tourists).

Japan is well known for the beauty of its seasons. The cherry blossoms in spring . Vibrant fall foliage . Even the lively festivals ( matsuri ) of summer.

Yet winter is often overlooked, despite offering some of Japan’s most sublime experiences — and fewer tourists. (See our full article on the seasons and when to visit Japan ).

Because we love winter in Japan both for its unique experiences and its relative lack of crowds, we’ve compiled a few of our favorite things about this underrated season. Get yourself cozy and read on!

Is Winter a Good Time to Visit Japan?

Weather in japan in winter, 8 experiences that make winter a unique time to explore japan.

Originally written in November 2014, this post was updated and republished on December 6, 2021.

Most people are drawn to Japan’s peak seasons, spring and fall, so we’re always thrilled when a new client asks us, ​​”Is Japan worth visiting in winter?”

The answer is a resounding yes!

If you can handle a bit of cold weather, and love exploring with fewer tourists around, winter is a great time to visit Japan. As you can read in more detail below, winter in Japan offers amazing sushi and sashimi, heartwarming comfort foods and cozy izakayas , soothing hot springs and gorgeous snow-covered landscapes, and fewer crowds throughout the country.

How cold is Japan in winter? Well, let’s be honest. The weather in most parts of Japan in winter is cold – this much is true. But if you enjoy the art of coziness, you will love the feel of winter here.

When are the Winter Months in Japan?

Winter in Japan generally lasts from early to mid-December until the middle of March, but the duration and intensity vary by geography.

• In most parts of central Japan (including Tokyo , Kyoto , and Osaka ), winter temperatures range from about 25 to 45 °F (-4 to 7 °C).
• In mountainous and northern parts of Japan (such as Tohoku and Hokkaido , and the Japan Alps) it can get much colder. These areas experience a longer and more intense winter and are also blessed with abundant snowfall.
• In southern and western parts of Japan (such as Kyushu, Shikoku, and Okinawa ) it can still get cold, but on the whole, winter tends to be a bit milder.

Japan in December

In early December, it’s already winter in Hokkaido, but in places like Tokyo and Kyoto, it may still feel like late autumn. It’s common to have crisp, chilly weather and blue skies (hence the term akibare , referring to the clear sunny skies common in fall), and not uncommon to have views of Mount Fuji from Tokyo skyscraper hotels (such as Aman Tokyo and Park Hyatt Tokyo, among many others ).

By late December, it’s fair to say it feels like winter throughout Japan, though as usual the parts of the country furthest south and west (such as Kyushu, and especially Okinawa) remain milder.

Japan in January

As the crowds begin to thin following the New Year holidays , and mid-winter begins to set in, expect cold weather most everywhere you go. Even though the ski season starts before January, in most ski areas like the Alps, Tohoku, and Hokkaido, your probability of getting great conditions starts to increase once January rolls around.

For the most part, there are also very few tourists in January, other than at ski resorts. Most travelers use all their vacation time over the holidays, so if you can visit Japan in January you may have popular places like Kyoto mostly to yourself.

Japan in February

By February, most people in Japan are starting to get excited about spring (which usually begins to make itself felt by mid-March), and February can feel cold and dreary for residents. But for tourists, it’s another excellent time to visit, if you don’t mind the cold.

For travelers who enjoy spectacle, consider planning in advance to attend the remarkable Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri) . Held annually in February, Hokkaido’s Yuki Matsuri is one of the world’s great winter celebrations and features awe-inspiring ice sculptures, local cuisine, snow slides, snowball fights, ice bars, and more.

Just keep in mind that any holiday period tends to mean big crowds, and the Chinese New Year period (which often occurs in early February) is also a very busy time of year, with visitors flocking to Japan from throughout Asia.

Technically, winter lasts into March, though by the middle of March the cherry blossom season starts getting into full swing.

It can be hard for travelers to resist the pull of sakura (cherry blossoms) or fall foliage, but we think even people who normally dislike cold weather should consider visiting Japan in winter.

To help you decide when to travel to Japan, and whether this less crowded time of year is for you, let’s dive into what makes Japan such an appealing winter destination!

1. Fresh Sushi and Seafood

Eating local and seasonal food is nothing new in Japan, where people think little of traveling across the country to sample a local specialty in season. But while food is always a great reason to travel to Japan , winter is in some ways the best time of year for culinary travelers.

You’ll find extraordinary seasonal specialties at top sushi shops in Tokyo , and other sushi meccas such as Kanazawa , Toyama, Fukuoka , and Hokkaido. Hiroshima and Tohoku are just two of many destinations for oysters, where you can savor the bounty of winter paired with local nihonshu (sake) .

2. Japanese Wintertime Comfort Foods

Along with seafood, Japan is also outstanding when it comes to comfort foods. If you’re in Sapporo, on the northern island of Hokkaido, make sure to sample the heartwarming specialties of soup curry and miso ramen .

Winter also marks the appearance nationwide of two wintertime favorites: oden and nabe .

Oden can be found everywhere from oden -specialty restaurants to izakayas (see below) and even convenience stores . Large simmering pots of dashi -based broth slow cook ingredients such as daikon, boiled eggs, tofu, and more.

Nabe are stews (often translated as “hotpot”) composed of any of a wide range of ingredients, from vegetables to meat and seafood. Nabe is traditionally shared with friends or family, and there’s nothing more convivial than gathering around the table to enjoy one, especially in winter!

3. Cozy Bars, Izakayas , and Cafes

Speaking of conviviality, few things are more comforting than warming up at a local izakaya over small tapas-style plates and sake (see our full post on izakayas in Japan ).

An izakaya is typically a neighborhood establishment where locals go both for the food and the drink (it’s often translated as “Japanese-style tavern”). Izakayas have eclectic menus featuring anything from tofu, tsukemono (Japanese pickles), and grilled vegetables, to sashimi, yakitori, and karaage (fried chicken).

Eating and drinking at an izakaya is a great way to mingle with locals, and particularly comforting during winter.

4. Luxury Ryokans and Onsen

Without onsen (hot springs), winter in Japan would be beautiful, but perhaps not transcendent. Many countries around the world have pristine hot springs, but in Japan, the art of the onsen experience has been perfected to an extraordinary degree.

Visiting a ryokan (Japanese-style inn) with onsen, particularly in winter, is a quintessential Japanese experience and not to be missed (see more wonderful things to do in Japan ).

When staying at a ryokan with hot springs, you pass the time by soaking in healing mineral waters, contemplating nature, drinking green tea in your tatami -lined room, napping, and partaking in incredible, memorable meals. Yes, food is also an integral part of the onsen experience. A ryokan stay typically includes dinner and breakfast, both of which normally feature a beautiful array of local and seasonal specialties.

The exceptional combination of nature, culture, food, and omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) result in an experience that is both incredibly relaxing and culturally fascinating.

5. Powder Paradise: Japan’s Legendary Skiing and Snowboarding

If you love outdoor sports, what could be better than skiing or snowboarding all day, then enjoying a delicious hot meal of local Japanese cuisine and a soak in the onsen ?

Japan is blessed with abundant snowfall throughout its many mountainous regions, and you can find winter resorts around the country, particularly in Hokkaido, Tohoku, and the Japan Alps.

In Hokkaido, snowfall is so plentiful that skiers and snowboarders consider it to have some of the best-quality powder in the world. Niseko is by far Hokkaido’s best-known ski destination and is home to luxury accommodations and a thriving culinary scene. A small handful of Hokkaido’s other notable ski areas include Rusutsu, Furano, and Tomamu.

Tohoku and the Japan Alps are both slightly easier to get to (both are fairly convenient to reach by train , whereas the easiest way to get to Hokkaido for most people is by domestic flight), and can be great alternatives if you’re not attached to the idea of skiing in Hokkaido.

The 1998 Winter Olympics were held in Nagano, in the Japan Alps, and the region’s many ski resorts include Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, and Nozawa Onsen. In the Alps, you’re also within easy reach of the famous snow monkeys (see below). As for Tohoku, it’s one of Japan’s most off-the-beaten-path regions, and in addition to its many ski areas features pristine nature, history, and some of Japan’s best onsen .

While it varies a bit depending on the area, the ski season generally lasts from December to April, though expect the best conditions around January and February (naturally, it can vary a lot from year to year). And for the non-skiers traveling with the powderhounds, enjoy gorgeous snow-covered landscapes, onsen and spa treatments, and warm nihonshu !

6. Japan’s Snow Monkeys Love Winter

Humans are not the only ones enjoying onsen . Especially in winter, the Japanese macaques of the famous Snow Monkey Park soak in the remote onsen of Jigokudani.

Located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture in the Japanese Alps, the Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen) is especially popular among family travelers , photographers, and of course animal lovers.

The Snow Monkey Park is open throughout the year, but it’s best experienced in the dead of winter, when the landscape is covered in deep snow and the local macaques have good reason to spend time savoring hot springs.

7. New Year’s Celebrations in Japan

While many restaurants and other establishments close for several days around the New Year’s period, which holds great significance in Japanese culture, it can also be a very special time to be in Japan.

Sure, you’ll find countless New Year’s Eve parties at bars, clubs, and restaurants in cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, which have some of the best nightlife on Earth. But while we love a good party, perhaps the real magic of New Year’s in Japan is found in its more old-fashioned side.

This is especially apparent in historic cities like Kyoto and Kanazawa, where locals flock to traditional districts and Buddhist temple bells ring out at midnight, creating an unforgettable, timeless atmosphere. On New Year’s Day, many Japanese people visit Shinto shrines, such as Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo.

8. Enjoy Fewer Crowds in Winter

If you’re the type of traveler who loves getting off the beaten path, and avoiding touristy times of year, winter may be the ideal time for you to visit Japan.

Apart from the winter holidays, winter is generally a low season. However, keep in mind that this doesn’t quite apply to ski resorts, which tend to be at their most popular throughout the winter.

Ski areas notwithstanding, when speaking with clients who have flexible travel schedules we often ask: would you rather have warmer weather, or fewer tourists around? If you can tolerate a bit of cold, and enjoy feeling like you have a destination almost to yourself, consider bundling up for the chilly weather and travel to Japan in winter!

When to Begin Planning Your Winter Trip to Japan

We hope our introduction to the joys of winter in Japan helps you as you plan your adventure!

Depending on your dates and trip priorities, we recommend planning about 6-12 months in advance to ensure you can get your first choice accommodations and experiences.

You can see our real-time availability here, and if you’re curious to learn more about how we design each custom trip, check out our trip-planning process .

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Winter in Japan: 20 Best Things to Do in Japan’s Cold Season

• Joshua Furr
• Steve Csorgo

Winter in Japan is an exciting time filled with unique activities and breathtaking landscapes. Whether it’s skiing down powdery slopes, soaking in hot springs, or dining on snow crabs, winter has no shortage of things to do, see, and eat. If you remember to pack the proper attire, and don’t mind a bit of adventure, this list of 20 things to do in Japan in winter is your ticket to a cool time indeed!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

When Is Winter in Japan?

Winter in Japan typically lasts from December until February, and reaches its peak in January. However, as Japan runs long from north to south, the winter climate differs greatly between regions. For example, in Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido , wintery weather can start as early as October, while Japan’s southernmost Okinawa barely has a winter at all. That’s why it’s important to plan your itinerary before packing clothes and gear.

How Cold Does Japan Get In Winter?

Tokyo in winter is chilly but relatively mild and sunny, with the temperature averaging 0-8°C, and snowfall a rarity. Sapporo , the capital of Hokkaido, regularly drops below 0°C between December and March, and snow is a given. The Hokuriku and Tohoku regions are also notorious for their snow, including Niigata , Yamagata , Akita, Aomori, and Toyama , where accumulated snowfall is often measured in meters in particularly snowy spots!

The Best Things to Do in Winter in Japan

1. hit the powdery slopes.

One of the top reasons to visit Japan in winter is skiing and snowboarding. Ski resorts can be found in much of Japan, including the well-established Niseko in Hokkaido, which sits in the shadow of Mt. Yotei. Niseko’s powder snow is light and dry, and there are loads of resorts suiting all skill levels.

Closer to Tokyo is the valley town of Hakuba , Nagano Prefecture , which hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics, and boasts 10 fantastic slopes frequented by a vibrant community. Just over an hour from Tokyo is also the highly accessible Echigo-Yuzawa , home to 12 ski resorts including GALA Yuzawa, which has its very own bullet train station!

Recommended Accommodation in Niseko: Annupuri Lodge at Niseko

2. Warm Up Inside a Kamakura Snow Hut

Like the Inuits of Canada, winter in Japan comes with its own frozen domiciles called “kamakura.” These hollowed-out snowdomes were originally built as shrines to the God of Water, and continue to be a beloved winter tradition providing a surprisingly snug nook against the frigid climate.

Several areas throughout Japan hold kamakura festivals, such as Yunishigawa Onsen in Nikko , which is famous for both large-scale snowdomes that you can sit in, along with rows of adorable mini-kamakura illuminating the night. Further north, the annual Yokote Snow Festival is held in Yokote, Akita Prefecture, on February 15 and 16. It features more than 80 kamakura, including those set up at the foot of the magnificent Yokote Castle.

3. Admire the Architecture of Shirakawa-go

Situated at the foot of the sacred Mt. Haku in Gifu Prefecture , the old homesteads in the UNESCO World Heritage site Shirakawa-go appear even more spectacular during winter in Japan. These structures, some of which are around 300 years old, were built with triangular thatched roofs in a traditional style called “gassho-zukuri” to keep the heavy snowfall that regularly hits the region from building up.

In addition to viewing these impressive dwellings, Shirakawa-go also holds several festivals throughout winter, like the Silkworm Festival and the Katteko Snow Fireworks, both in February.

Recommended Accommodation in Shirakawa-go: Onyado Yuinosho

4. Relish Japanese Winter Delicacies

Winter in Japan wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the bounties of the season. Seafood delicacies are particularly plentiful between December through February, with Japanese crab being the staple. There are several crab varieties to sample in winter, such as king crab in Hokkaido, and snow crab in the Hokuriku region, which includes Echizen crab in Fukui Prefecture and Matsuba crab in Tottori Prefecture .

Other winter must-tries include fresh “fugu” (pufferfish) in Shimonoseki, plump salty oysters from Hiroshima , firm and succulent monkfish in the fishing village of Kazamaura, and “buri” yellowtail from Toyama Bay.

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5. Thaw Out in an Onsen Hot Spring

Whether you’ve spent the day on the slopes, or a night out at a winter festival, nothing beats a soak in one of the many “ onsen ” hot springs that dot Japan. There are loads of remarkable resort towns to choose from, like the evocative Ginzan Onsen with its charming retro gas lamps and wooden inns, or Kusatsu Onsen , famous for its picturesque Yubatake hot water field.

If you feel squeamish about bathing nude with strangers, here are 12 Japanese onsen hot springs you can visit with swimsuits.

6. Sapporo Snow Festival

The Sapporo Snow Festival started back in 1950 with just a few snow sculptures, but has since exploded into a massive spectacle drawing in over a million visitors each year.

The attractions are spread out across three distinct venues: the central Odori, where many of the biggest and best snow sculptures are exhibited; the nightlife district of Susukino, which is decorated by glimmering ice sculptures; and Tsudome, an interactive venue with snow slides and more. A skating rink and a plethora of food stalls add to the fun, while after-dark light-ups bathe the scene in an enchanting glow.

Sapporo is also near many renowned hot springs, like Jozankei Onsen, and is the birthplace of miso ramen, giving you plenty of warmth and nourishment to fight against the cold.

Recommended Accommodation in Sapporo: Hotel Resol Trinity Sapporo

7. Bask in Stunning Illuminations

Although night comes early during winter in Japan, magnificent “ illumination ” displays stave off the darkness to cheer up locals and attract visitors during these otherwise dreary months.

Yomiuriland, one of Tokyo’s largest amusement parks, hosts the Jewellumination, where magical jewel-colored LED lights transform the grounds into a radiant wonderland. Closer to Tokyo Station is the Marunouchi Illumination, which sees over a million golden bulbs on hundreds of trees make the already bright Tokyo streetscape even more dazzling.

Winter in Osaka likewise has its central Namba area lit-up with a festive kaleidoscope of a million lights, while Osaka Castle is adorned by illuminated artworks. Most cities in Japan also have their own renditions, so be sure to check them out while visiting!

8. Ring in the New Year With Hatsumode

Hatsumode is a Japanese New Year’s tradition dating back to the Heian Period (794-1185). It is the custom of visiting a shrine or temple during the first week or so of the New Year to make an offering and pray for the coming year.

However, there’s more to hatsumode than just praying. As the entire community is involved, it has a festive mood complete with food stalls and activities. You can scoop up decorative “omamori” good-luck amulets, and have your fortune told via “omikuji” paper slips. For those unfamiliar with how to pray the Japanese way, we suggest checking out this article , too.

Popular hatsumode spots include Tokyo’s Meiji Jingu Shrine and Senso-ji Temple, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura , Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto , and Izumo Taisha in Shimane . Keep in mind that crowds will be massive, so be prepared to wait in line.

9. Hunt For Bargains With Fukubukuro

Those who love a good deal will do well to visit Japan in winter! Japanese lucky bags, called “fukubukuro” are packed with a bunch of goodies sold all together at a discount, often with the contents inside kept secret until opening!

The process is simple: visit a store of your choice between January 1-3 (or even afterwards) and try to get your hands on one of these fleeting fukubukuro. While they can be found easily enough, some popular stores may require a reservation months in advance!

Why the appeal? Mystery may have something to do with it, especially since fukubukuro are a way for stores to unload old inventory, and could be filled with anything. Check out our guide to fukubukuro to learn how to secure your own.

10. Mingle With the Snow Monkeys

While Japanese macaques can be found throughout the nation, none are more entertaining than the “ snow monkeys ” that live at Jigokudani Monkey Park in mountainous northern Nagano Prefecture. Here, visitors can walk amongst dozens of these playful primates as they freely run, roam, and even bathe in nearby hot springs.

Due to the area’s high volcanic activity, natural hot springs abound, and the snow monkeys adorably take to the onsen much like we humans do, visibly enjoying the steaming water as snow falls around them. Thanks to their tame nature, it’s easy to snap great photos, but don’t get too close to them.

11. Engage In Alternative Snow Activities

If skiing and snowboarding isn’t your thing, there are plenty of alternatives to make the most of winter in Japan. For a more relaxed experience, join a snowshoeing tour, which are available with both modern snowshoes or traditional “kanjiki” Japanese-style snowshoes. If you’re seeking speed, then a thrilling snowmobile ride through forest trails would be right up your alley.

For younger visitors and those young at heart, airboarding down a slippery slope, ice-skating at one of the many rinks set up during the season, or just making some good old-fashioned snow angels is sure to leave you with unforgettable winter in Japan memories!

12. Cruise Through the Okhotsk Drift Ice

Every January, ice chunks from the mouth of Russia’s Amur River drift down the Okhotsk Sea into northeastern Hokkaido, forming drift ice famous in places like Mombetsu, Abashiri, and Shiretoko. These wide sheets of ice are around 50 cm thick, and can only be broken up by special icebreakers that also double as passenger cruise ships.

We recommend setting sail on the powerful Aurora, which departs from Abashiri Port, or the equally tough dual-drill Garinko, departing from Mombetsu Port. For an even more up-close encounter, there are also “ice walk” tours available , where you’ll be able to walk across the drift ice to feel the intensity of winter in Japan for yourself.

13. Go Ice Fishing For “Wakasagi” Smelt

As mentioned, winter in Japan comes with an array of delicious seafood, but like the adage goes: Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. That being said, ice fishing for “wakasagi” smelt is not just a practical pastime, but an enjoyable and (if you catch something) satisfying experience. In January, Lake Akan and Lake Abashiri in Hokkaido are ideal as they are the first to freeze, but Nagano’s Lake Matsubara and Fukushima’s Lake Hibara are also popular haunts for ice fishers.

This primitive method of fishing requires warm clothing, proper equipment, and, above all, patience. While pros will often set themselves up, ice fishing facilities and tours with tents, holes, and gear all provided can be found at several frozen lakes in Japan.

14. Survive the Snow Monsters of Zao

Around January, the Zao Mountain Range in Yamagata Prefecture is blasted by Siberian winds smothering its fir trees in layers of distorted ice giving the impression of monstrous beasts! Dubbed the “Snow Monsters of Zao,” these surreal natural creations can be viewed from above aboard the Zao Ropeway, and then examined up close at the Jizo Sancho Station Summit Terrace.

After absorbing the 360-degree view of the frozen world below (and heating up in the station’s restaurant), pop on your skis or snowboard and race down the mountainside slopes of the Zao Onsen Ski Resort. While a pleasure to behold in the day, the Snow Monsters become even more photogenic during the Zao Juhyo Festival, when they are illuminated by colorful lights at night.

Read more about Zao Onsen and 14 other places to visit in Yamagata Prefecture.

15. Uncover Frozen Waterfalls

The freezing temperatures during winter in Japan affect all elements of nature, and even powerful waterfalls cannot escape its grasp. The majestic wintery sheen and long glass-like icicles of these “icefalls” is perhaps the most stark demonstration of winter’s boundless might.

In Kamikawa, Hokkaido, visitors can join the annual Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival, which not only features the iced-over Ryusei and Ginga Waterfalls, but also a breathtaking winter fireworks show. Closer to Tokyo, the Chichibu region of Saitama Prefecture  hosts the Otaki Ice Festival in January, where the magnificent Misotsuchi Icicles hang from the rocks above. Within the deep forests of western Tokyo, the 23.3-meter Hossawa Falls is another beautiful frozen wonder only a 20-minute walk from the Hinohara Village Office.

16. Catch the Early Plum Blossoms at the Atami Plum Garden

The Atami Plum Garden, in the coastal resort city of Atami , was established in 1886 and is filled with over 450 plum trees of 60 varieties, some around 100 years old. The first wave of delicate buds blossom as early as mid-November, making them some of the earliest in Japan. This is followed up by staggered middle and late-blooming plum trees, letting visitors enjoy their flowers all throughout the winter.

17. Capture Photos at the Kasayama Camellia Groves

Winter in Japan is also the season of the radiant camellia flowers that flourish in Toragasaki at the northern tip of Mt. Kasa, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Here, 25,000 camellias grow across 10 hectares, dotting the pastoral landscape with vibrant flourishes of red and yellow.

To celebrate, the Hagi and Camellia Festival is held every year from mid-February to March, coinciding with the flowers’ peak blooming period. Visitors can enjoy activities and events while strolling along a promenade under the luxuriant canopy.

18. Spot the Yukitsuri Trees at Kenroku-en

While winter in Japan is an exciting time for travelers, the harsh elements can harm nature. For example, Kenroku-en, one of Japan's premier ancient gardens , is known for its Karasaki pine and other beautifully manicured trees whose delicate aging branches can crack under the weight of winter snow.

Therefore, in order to protect them, the groundskeepers perform “yukitsuri” between November and mid-December. Using ladders, this process involves painstakingly setting up a tent-like structure of straw ropes and bamboo poles over the trees to support their branches and prevent damage.

While most famous at Kenroku-en, the tradition of yukitsuri can be seen all throughout the snowy regions of Japan, and is often said to be one of the first signs of winter. Witnessing this kind act truly drives home just how important gardens like Kenroku-en are to Japanese people.

Recommended Accommodation Near Kenroku-en Garden: House Hotel Kenrokuzaka

19. Climb the Snowy Steps of Kifune Shrine

Kyoto doesn’t typically get a lot of snow, which is why when winter weather does grace the ancient capital, it’s a truly special occasion best appreciated at a few select spots.

One of these is Kifune Shrine, whose stone stairs lined with vermillion-colored lanterns form a striking contrast when blanketed in pristine white snow. From early January to late February, the path is lit up at night, casting a warm winter glow over the spectacle. This special illumination only happens when it's snowy, so if you choose to visit, pray for fresh white powder.

20. Follow the Path of Light at Miyajidake Shrine

Just like the Arctic reveals its Northern Lights, a rare luminous phenomenon also exists during winter in Japan. The 1,700-year-old Miyajidake Shrine is located in the seaside town of Fukutsu, Fukuoka Prefecture , and is reputable for many aspects, but mostly for its transient “Path of Light” every February and October.

The shrine sits above the city, facing west towards the Genkai Sea, and a straight road runs uninterrupted from its entrance to the coast, giving the impression of a path. Twice a year in late February and late October, the setting sun blazes a perfect golden trail from the sea all the way up to Miyajidake Shrine. To celebrate, the Path of Light festival is held for a week, culminating in its namesake phenomenon.

Brighten Up Your Winter in Japan With Fun Activities!

With boundless fun and frivolity, it’s well worth braving the freezing temperatures to experience winter in Japan. In general, snowy northern regions like Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Hokuriku have the best winter scenery and activities, so we recommend starting your seasonal sojourn there. Whether it’s staples like skiing and snowboarding, or more unique activities like walking on drift ice or meeting the snow monkeys, you’ll be glad you picked winter to visit Japan. So, use this article as a jumping off point and start planning your ultimate winter Japan holiday!

Thumbnail: PIXTA

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

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Fun Things to Do in Winter: 12 Best Destinations to Enjoy Winter in Japan

Winter is a beautiful time to visit Japan. There are many beautiful winter destinations to choose from. From enjoying gorgeous winter scenery to fun winter activities, to places serving specialty winter cuisine, you can find something for your trip. This article will help you decide on the best winter destinations to visit in Japan. Main image: PIXTA

Why should you visit Japan in winter?

Japan is often well-known for its spring and fall seasons . However, the cold winter season is no less of a great time to visit the breathtaking country. Japan has a variety of experiences that are unique to winter ! For example, during winter , there are beautiful illuminations . Cities and towns are decorated in lights from around November till February. The surreal scenes the cold nights and snow create are a view you can only see during winter . There are also a variety of snow festivals, with extravagant displays of statues and objects made of snow and ice, winter activities you can enjoy with your family and friends, and also warm your body up at an onsen after a long cold day. The scenery and the contrast between cold and hot is a very relaxing onsen experience unique to winter in Japan. Here is a quick list of some of the most recommended winter destinations to help narrow down your options.

1. Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo): Enjoy the stunning snow and ice sculptures on show

The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan's most popular winter events. It is held over one week in February in Sapporo , Hokkaido. People from all over Japan head to Hokkaido to enjoy the stunning snow and ice sculpture displays. Before the pandemic, it attracted around two million visitors every year. The festival has three areas: the Odori Park site, the Susukino site, and the Tsudome site. Each area has different-sized sculptures, with the Odori Park site featuring some of the largest snow sculptures lit up daily. The Susukino site typically features around 100 ice sculptures, and the Tsudome site, which is slightly less central, is an area where you can play in the snow. The sites offer activities such as snow slides, snow rafting, and more snow sculptures to admire. The Odori and Susukino sites are located in central Sapporo and can be accessed either on foot (around 20 min.) or via the Namboku Subway Line (around 10 min.) from Sapporo Station. The Tsudome Site is slightly harder to access but can be accessed using a shuttle bus or a 15-minute walk from Sakaemachi Station, 10 minutes on the Toho subway line from Sapporo Station.

• Address Various places in Sapporo city, Hokkaido, 060-0042 View Map
• Nearest Station Odori Station （Namboku Line / Tozai Line / Toho Line）
• Phone Number 011-281-6400

2. Zao Juhyo Festival (Yamagata): Enjoy Yamagata’s famous snow monsters on Mount Zao

These startling figures, known as the “snow monsters,” are called “juhyo” in Japanese and can be seen on the summit of Mount Zao, in Yamagata. These spooky shapes are actually trees that have been swallowed whole by the snow, creating the image of scary monsters. You will find these monsters lit up during the Zao Juhyo Festival, held around early January till early March. Make sure to dress warmly when visiting this incredibly popular destination, as the weather tends to be harsh at the top of the mountain . To reach Zao Onsen , close to where the snow creatures are, you must take a bus from Yamagata Station. The ride is around 40 minutes. Once you have reached Zao Onsen , take two ropeways to reach Jizo Summit Station.

• Address Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, 990-2301
• Nearest Station Yamagata Station （Ou Line / Yamagata Line / Yamagata Shinkansen） 37 minutes by bus
• Phone Number 023-694-9518

3. Nabana no Sato (Mie): Visit one of Japan’s most famous illuminations

A garden of flowers and light, Nabana no Sato is a very famous winter illumination site with over 5.8 million LEDs lighting up the spectacular garden of flowers. The LEDs light up the dark, cold winter nights and create romantic images among the sea of flowers. They even have an open-air hot spring foot bath, restaurants, and shops where visitors can stop and warm themselves up or take a short break. Nabana no Sato is around a 35-minute trip from Nagoya Station. It takes around 25 minutes to reach Nagashima Station, and then there is a direct bus from Nagashima Station to Nabana no Sato, which takes around 10 minutes. From Osaka, it is a 2-hour train ride from Namba Station to Nagashima Station.

• Address 270, Nagashimachokomae Urushibata, Kuwana-shi, Mie, 511-1144 View Map
• Nearest Station Nagashima Station （JR Kansai Main Line） 21 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 0594-41-0787

4. Shirakawago (Gifu): Take in this real-life winter wonderland

Shirakawago is well-known for its farmhouses with steep roofs. These buildings were specially made to combat the large amount of snow the region receives yearly. With around one to two meters of snow, during winter , Shirakawago turns into a real-life winter wonderland. The locals often plan special illumination events from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to add to the already magical atmosphere of Shirakawago. In 2024, illuminations are scheduled for the following dates (all of which are Sundays): ・January 14 ・January 21 ・Janaury 28 ・February 4 ・February 12 ・February 18 From Kanazawa Station, there is a highway bus visitors can take, which will take around 90 minutes. Note that the last bus that can access Shirakawago departs before the light-up starts. For safety reasons and to help avoid overcrowding, the number of visitors allowed into the village is limited. All visitors must get an advance reservation to visit during the light-up events. To enjoy the illuminations, there are three ways of visiting: 1. Joining a bus tour. Several tour companies offer tours from Takayama and Kanazawa. Reservations would need to be made directly with the tour operators. (There is also a tour available at the link below.) 2. Stay overnight. There is a limited number of rooms available and many local lodgings held a lottery system in previous years. It's important to book accommodations early for availability. (For 2024, note that all accommodations are fully booked for the illumination period.) 3. Visit by car. This involves registering for a parking space as well. Details on this and on tours can be found on the Shirakawago Tourist Association website .

• Address 1086 Ogimachi, Shirakawa, Ono District, Gifu 501-5627

5. Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata): Be transported back a hundred years to Japan’s Taisho Era

Ginzan Onsen is a very popular hot springs town in Japan, and its iconic wooden structures, many originally constructed around the 1920s and 1930s, are visited by crowds of tourists every year. The atmosphere will leave you breathless and feel like you have taken a step back in time. Along the beautiful Ginzan River are multiple traditional Japanese ryokan inns. Stroll along the snowy footpaths and then warm your body up at one of the authentic hot springs . While it makes a great day trip, staying overnight in Ginzan Onsen lets you have the whole snowglobe fantasy to yourself! Because of the area's popularity, be sure to book accommodations well in advance (and make sure they include meals, as the number of restaurants is very limited). To get to Ginzan Onsen , it is a 40-minute bus ride from Oishida Station. Getting to Oishida Station from Tokyo is around a three-hour Shinkansen ride.

• Address Yamagata Prefecture Obanazawa City Yamagata Large Ginzan Shinhata, 999-4333 View Map
• Nearest Station Oishida Station （Ou Line / Yamagata Shinkansen）
• Phone Number 0237-28-3933

6. Oirase Gorge (Aomori): Tour through this beautiful winter valley

The breathtaking Oirase Gorge is filled with frozen waterfalls, rows of stunning icicles, and mountains covered in pure white snow. This beautiful scenery has even been designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty . Take advantage of a Winter Bus Tour, like one offered by Towada Travel , so you can fully enjoy the views without worrying about driving in the winter climate.

• Address Oirase Keiryu building, Towada-shi, Aomori larger section of a village Okuse character Tochikubo 183, 034-0301 View Map
• Nearest Station Shichinohe-towada Station （Tohoku Shinkansen / Hokkaido Shinkansen）
• Phone Number 0176-74-1233

7. Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (Nagano): Go on a one-day trip to see the bathing monkeys!

When you think of winter in Japan, the image of the snow monkey relaxing in the onsen may have been a photo you have seen already! Jigokudani Yaen-koen is located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture . Because of the steep slopes of the valley and steam coming off the hot springs below, this area became known as “Jigokudani” - “Hell Valley.” The numerous wild Japanese macaques (or “snow monkeys”) have called this area home for ages. And today, you can enjoy watching the adorable snow monkeys soaking in the hot springs , surrounded by snow! While you can make it on your own to the Jigokudani Monkey Park , given the park ’s location, it is convenient to join a tour. The tour below showcases some of the exciting areas of Nagano, including the iconic monkeys bathing in the onsen .

• Address 6845 Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano, Japan 381-0401

8. Icicles of Misotsuchi (Saitama): A magical art-like scenery only seen during winter

This magical world created by icicles is just a short train ride away from Tokyo. The icicles can grow to around 30 meters in width and 8 meters in height and are formed by the headstream of the Arakawa River . This view can only be seen from mid-January till mid-February, as it is the coldest time of the year. The illumination of the icicles is also a sight to see. The icicles of Misotsuchi can be visited by taking the Seibu Ikebukuro Line from Ikebukuro Station to Hanno Station and then transferring to the Chichibu Line to Mitsumineguchi Station. From there, you will need to either take a bus or taxi to reach the icicles of Misotsuchi. Be sure to check the official website for dates and details.

• Address 4066 Otaki, Chichibu, Saitama 369-1901, Japan

9. Shiretoko Drift Ice (Hokkaido): A spectacular and unique view of drifting ice

Shiretoko is a peninsula located in northern Hokkaido, and its abundance of nature enabled it to become a World Heritage Site . The adjacent Sea of Okhotsk experiences a build-up of drift ice (or Ryuho) during winter . This beautiful sight can only be seen during early February and March. In order to celebrate this magical view, the Shiretoko Ryuho Festival is held and allows visitors to enjoy both the drifting ice, ice domes, and exciting illuminations. If you're staying in the area, various hotels and ryokans offer warm onsens from where people can view the drifting ice. You can also join a tour to don a dry suit and enjoy an exciting walk on the ice as well! The easiest way to get here is by taking a night bus named “Eagle Liner,” which departs from Sapporo Station. The night bus will deliver you to Utoro Town in Shiretoko in the morning. Accessing Shiretoko via train is somewhat more complicated, as it involves around a 4-hour trip from Sapporo to Kushiro , then another 2 hours and 26 min. on the Semmo Line to Shiretoko -Shari Station. From here, you would take a bus from Shari Bus Terminal to the Utoro Hot Spring area.

• Address Rausu-cho, Menashi-gun, Hokkaido and Shari-cho, Shari-gun, 099-4100 View Map
• Nearest Station Shiretoko-Shari Station （Senmo Main Line）
• Phone Number 015-432-7500

10. Shirohige Waterfall (Hokkaido): A unique waterfall that resembles a white beard?

Shirohige Waterfall is located 600 meters above sea level and is known for the water flowing in between the rocks, which resembles a white beard, hence the name “shirohige” (translating to white beard). During winter , most of the rivers freeze, including white beard; the flowing water creates a dreamlike scene. The frozen waterfall is lit at night, adding to the fabulous view. Shirohige Waterfall is a 30-minute bus ride from JR Biei Station. You can also enjoy this area on a day trip tour from Sapporo as well.

• Address Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido, 071-0235 View Map
• Nearest Station Biei Station （Furano Line） 30 minutes by bus
• Phone Number 0166-94-3025

11. Mt. Fuji (Yamanashi/Shizuoka): Take in Japan's most iconic mountain

In winter , you can enjoy stunning clear views of Japan’s iconic 3776-meter-tall mountain from many areas. But to really soak it all in, you’ll want to head to Lake Kawaguchi. One of the famed “Fuji Five Lakes ,” this area affords incredible views of Japan’s majestic mountain . Also in the area is Arakurayama Sengen Park , home to the iconic five-story pagoda that’s widely considered one of Japan’s best landmarks . Toward the southeast is Oshino Hakkai, a popular scenic spot with ponds and stunning Mt. Fuji views. You Getting to the Lake Kawaguchi area via bus or train is easy, and we recommend staying overnight to enjoy a memorable experience: sunrise over Mt. Fuji. If you are considering a day trip, however, several tours are available. Some include options to tour the area or even head to the Gotemba Premium Outlets to enjoy some shopping. Any way you get there, visiting in winter also means there is a higher chance of seeing Mt. Fuji due to the cold and clean air, and you can see it beautifully covered in white snow!

• Address Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi, 401-0301 View Map
• Nearest Station Kawaguchiko Station （Kawaguchiko Line (Fujikyuko)） 1 minute on foot

12. Izu Shaboten Zoo (Shizuoka): Watch the adorable capybaras come to take a bath in the hot springs

Izu Shaboten Zoo is home to beautiful botanical gardens and animal attractions. But visit during winter , and you’re in for a treat! Home to Japan’s first-ever capybara onsen , Izu Shaboten Zoo is a must for families. You can admire these adorable creatures taking a bath in the hot springs - a treat only during the winter months. There is also a petting area where you can touch the capybaras and other animals. Izu Shaboten Zoo is around two and a half hours by train and bus from Tokyo Station .

• Address 1317-13 Futo, Itō, Shizuoka 413-0231

Tips for an exciting winter adventure!

One of the pros of traveling during winter is that it is considered off- season . While the holiday season (Christmas and New Year) tends to be busy with the locals, tourist-wise, many decide not to travel during the cold months. This means you will be able to enjoy all of these exciting destinations without the worry of overcrowding, making these destinations well worth your time. Take advantage of various transport passes to make the most of your exciting winter adventure. Most prefectures and/or regions will have some form of a pass, which will often allow you to take as many rides as you like within a day. In many instances, if you show these passes, they usually give you a discount on entrance fees to famous tourist spots. In particular, when traveling to Japan, if you are able, the Japan Rail Pass is very convenient as it allows you to ride JR trains and buses. They have an extensive transport network throughout the country, and it is beneficial when you want to access various destinations efficiently, as this rail pass also covers the Shinkansen. Lastly, do not forget to eat the multiple specialties of each region. If you are a seafood lover, winter is the season perfect for a range of seafood , including oysters and crab. These delicacies are particularly tasty during the winter season . Other than seafood , during winter , dishes such as a hot pot or a bowl of ramen are great to soothe your tired body and taste the unique flavors of each region. Make sure to enjoy both the event at the destination but also the local foods and winter specialties at the various prefectures to make the most of traveling during winter in Japan!

• Category Winter

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10+ Best Places to Visit in Japan in the Winter

Table of Contents

When you think of the best places to visit in winter, you might think of snowy mountain resorts in Europe or the Rockies.    If you’re not a fan of snow, you might think of an island getaway in the Caribbean. But there’s nothing better, in my opinion, than winter in Japan . The winters in Japan are beautiful, cozy , and a lot of fun. Depending on where you go, you have mountains with some of the best skiing conditions in the world, beaches and great weather, or mild temperatures in the cities like Tokyo or Kyoto that make sightseeing more comfortable than in summer. No matter your winter travel preferences, you’ll find something for you in Japan in the winter.

Check out our traveler gift guide.

THIS ARTICLE MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ  THE DISCLAIMER  FOR MORE INFO

When is Winter in Japan?

The winter season in Japan is a relatively brief one starting around the beginning of December and running through to the end of February or at the latest, mid-March. But, as with many countries, the further north you travel, the winters begin to get longer and harsher.

In some parts of northern Japan, especially Hokkaido, and in the more mountainous regions like the Japanese Alps, winter can extend from November right through to May with the coldest temperatures being experienced around mid-season in February.

Stay in southern Japan or in the Pacific Ocean coastal areas, and because of the milder climate there, you might not see one snowflake fall all winter and the days can often be gray, damp, and overcast. In Tokyo, winter is usually December to February with cooler weather on either side that would also be great to travel in.

Head west to the prefectures along the coastline of the Japanese Sea facing towards Russia and Korea and winter is a whole new story. Temperatures drop to below zero almost daily, and heavy snowfalls are frequent.

Also see our Packing list for Japan in Winter.

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When Is the Best Time to Visit Japan in Winter?

Japan is a country that receives over twenty million visitors annually, and as with many places that attract travelers in vast quantities; it has its touristic high and low seasons.

January to March is one of the best times to visit Japan as it is considered to be the low season: there are fewer crowds, and accommodation is generally more economical. 

Though it has to be said, forget the days leading up to and after New Year . The same as Oban in August and Golden Week in late April, New Year is one of the main celebratory periods and can be absolute chaos for transportation. Hotel reservations are also hard to come by as everything is booked well in advance and many businesses, shops, and restaurants close for the holidays.

Early December is also a good time to visit Japan as it’s the shoulder month between high and low seasons, the weather is cold but clear and there are not so many visitors to contend with.

What to do in Japan in Winter

Before we get into the specifics of  where  to go in Japan, I thought I’d list some overall things to do .  These are things that happen in multiple places or are quintessentially winter things you can find all over Japan.  They’re all special to Japan in winter and shouldn’t be missed.  

New Year Celebrations

From around the beginning of December, you can feel everyone’s anticipation of the  New Year celebrations  all around the cities and towns of Japan. The shops will be showcasing products for the New Year, such as auspicious osechi cuisine , New Year’s decorations, New Year’s greeting cards, and lucky bags full of goods that can be bought at special discount prices.

2024 is the  Year of the Dragon . You will be able to find products with illustrations of cute dragons, which are considered auspicious this year.

If you spend the New Year in Japan, how about joining the crowds for the traditional New Year midnight shrine or temple visit? In Tokyo, there are plenty of countdown parties and concerts held either in the open or in clubs and live music venues. The  New Year’s Fox Parade held in Oji, a town in the Kita ward of Tokyo, is increasingly popular, attracting participants from all around the country.

Winter Illuminations

Winter illuminations  are one of the distinctive features of this season in Japan. The cities and towns are decorated with beautiful lights from around the end of November to February.

In  Tokyo , you can find beautiful illuminations around Tokyo Station, in Ginza and Yurakucho, as well as Ebisu and Roppongi. The wide parks located less than one hour away from Tokyo, such as Sagamiko Pleasure Forest and Ashikaga Flower Park, have been drawing the attention of thousands of visitors thanks to the innovative collaboration between light and nature.

In  Osaka , the  Nakanoshima Park Illumination  has an exciting theme every year while  Kobe’s Illuminarie  is famous worldwide for the scale and splendor of the lights. If you visit Japan in the winter, do check out some of the illumination events around the city. And when you’re finished, check out Osaka nightlife for a unique blend of classic and modern.

Check out this Tour around Mt. Fuji with the 5 Story Pogoda and Illuminations viewing.

Winter Scenery

Naturally, if we are talking about sights in winter, natural landscapes never fail to capture our hearts. The sight of entire vistas glittering white with freshly piled snow will both refresh and enthrall you. However, such scenes do not just occur everywhere in Japan. In fact, in big cities like  Tokyo ,  Osaka , and  Fukuoka , snow is a rare sight.

Hokkaido  is the first area to experience snowfall in Japan, with the first snowflakes drifting down beginning at the end of October and early November. In the areas of  Aomori ,  Akita , and  Iwate , snow begins to fall from  early November to mid-November,  while in the areas of  Yamagata ,  Miyagi , and  Fukushima , it will start falling  from mid-November into late Novembe r.

In places such as  Niigata ,  Toyama ,  Ishikawa ,  Fuku i, and  Nagano , it begins snowing from late November to early December, so you can enjoy the scenery then.

Even in regions where snow does not tend to pile up, you can find snowy landscapes if you head towards the mountains. For example, snow is very rare in  Kyoto  itself but places like Kinkakuji Temple, Ginkakuji Temple, and Kifune Shrine are famous for their snowy backdrops in the winter. The combination of temples and gardens is particularly gorgeous, and many tourists come to Japan during wintertime just to enjoy these evocative scenes.

Winter Sports

Japan is a mountainous country, which means it’s an ideal environment for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, skating, and snow trekking. 

You can find excellent  ski resorts near Tokyo  or you can enjoy a few days in Hokkaido, the most popular destination for exciting winter activities. Our favorite ski resorts are in Hakuba Valley, see our Complete Guide Here . But Niseko in Hokkaido is world-renowned.  We’ll go into them in more detail below.

See also our list of best ski resorts in Japan. or Family-Friendly ski resorts .

Gorgeous  snow festivals  are being held at various locations in eastern and northern Japan, like the Sapporo Snow Festival. They all contain extravagant displays of buildings and statues made completely out of snow and ice, which are illuminated at night, creating a wonderful landscape that can be enjoyed only during this season.

Each festival has various events that attract many visitors from all around the country. The tasty hot local dishes available at the yatai food stalls are themselves one of the attractions at these events.

Check out this great Japanese festival list so that no matter when you visit Japan you can find a festival for your trip.

Visiting Sapporo in winter is popular due to the snow festival. To make the most of the season,  add a guided tour of local food  in Sapporo’s Susukino neighborhood, to sample fresh seafood and delicious dishes to help warm up.

Hot Springs

Winter is also the best time to appreciate  hot springs  or onsen as they’re called in Japan There’s nothing like warming up by taking a hot bath in thermal water. Moreover, many hot spring resorts in the mountains offer open-air baths with wonderful views. Minakami Onsen in Gunma or  Nozawa Onsen  in Nagano are just two places where you can enjoy the amazing experience of taking a bath while gazing at the snowy landscape outside.

Best Places to Visit in Winter in Japan

Finally, let’s get into our list of the best places to go to in Japan in winter. 

Winter in Hokkaido is really cold, yet it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in the world. The world’s famous Sapporo Snow Festival takes place in the capital city, Sapporo for 2 weeks and turns the whole city into a dreamy winter wonderland.

Over 2 million visitors attend the event every season from Japan and overseas and they are indulged with spectacular snow and ice sculptures.

The nearby ski resort of Niseko (about 2 hours by car/bus) is another must-visit in Hokkaido.  It’s the number 1 ski resort in Japan and is renowned for its quality of powder snow throughout the winter. 

Okhotsk Sea

The Drift Ice or ryuhyo in the Okhotsk Sea north of Hokkaido is the northern hemisphere’s southernmost region to see drifting ice, located on a similar geographical latitude as Portland, Oregon, and Venice, Italy. 

The ice originates from the Amur River in Russia and then drifts through the Sea of Okhotsk to reach Hokkaido, usually in mid-January to early February, before melting before April.  

Hokkaido is Japan’s northern-most island. It is by far the coldest place in Japan and gets the most snow.  It is home to some of the best skiing in the world and should be on any winter itinerary for Japan.  The best way to get to Hokkaido from elsewhere in Japan, especially Tokyo or more south, is by plane. You can fly into Sapporo and venture out from there.

I recently put Hokkaido on my list of Top Hygge Destinations around the world.

The Kamakura Festival

The Kamakura Festiva l, held in Akita prefecture in the north of Japan, is another favorite snow festival held from February to March.  Dome-shaped snow structures are created in various sizes. Within each kamakura there is a snow altar dedicated to the water deity, to whom people pray for ample water.

A charcoal brazier is set up to provide warmth and grill  rice cakes . In the evenings (18:00 to 21:00), children invite festival visitors into their kamakura and offer them rice cakes and amazake, a type of warm sweet  rice wine  with zero or very low alcohol content. In return, the visitors make an offering to the water deity at the altar.

The  festival  area extends east of Yokote Station to Yokote Castle, which is located about two kilometers away across Yokote River. Starting from the station, visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the streets of the town and appreciate scenes of kamakura built beside houses in the neighborhood. It is also possible to take part in kamakura making at one of the hands-on sessions at Komyoji Park.

Ginzan Onsen

Winter is arguably the best season to enjoy Onsen (hot spring bath) as there is nothing better than soaking up our bodies in a hot bath when it’s cold outside. Moreover, to enjoy it in an even better way could be surrounded by snow. There are hundreds of Onsen towns in Japan, but if you wish to enjoy a snowy Onsen experience, definitely head north.

Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture is one of the most historical and picturesque Onsen towns in Japan. The town offers an amazing preserved nostalgic townscape from the 19th century and has been featured in the media in past. It was chosen as “Japan’s most charming winter village” by CNN.

Juhyo Ice Trees

Juhyo Ice Trees are an amazing winter phenomenon that can be captured in Japan in the northern ski resort at Zao.  The Zao ice trees are one of the most unique and spectacular snow arts made by nature.  

Hundreds of snow monsters cover the slope at Zao Ski Resort and visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding past these trees. At night, the snow monsters are lit up and display mystical winter scenery.

Jigokudani Monkey Park. 

The snow monkey park near Nagano offers a unique experience of seeing wild monkeys bathing in natural hot springs. The park is inhabited by Japanese Macaques, which are usually just called snow monkeys.  The park is located in the monkey’s natural habitat in the forests of Jigokudani Valley in Yamanouchi.  

Book Tickets Here.

The park has one man-made pool where the monkeys gather, but monkeys can be seen bathing in the natural baths and rivers around the main pool.  

Accustomed to humans, the monkeys can be watched from very close and they will almost completely ignore the human guests around them.  But, you shouldn’t try to pet or feed the monkeys and just watch them going about their lives. 

The park is open all year but from December to March is the best time to visit because of the beautiful snowy scenery and the most amount of monkeys wanted to warm up in the baths.   If you happen to be visiting other times of the year you can still come to Jigokudani but there are also plenty of places to see snow monkeys in Japan .

There is a bit of a walk from the car park to the actual park so if you have little ones, you might need to consider that, especially if it’s snowy and your kids tire of walking in their boots and snow gear after a short hike.  We brought a plastic sled to give the kids a hand on the long winding hike. 

While you’re in Nagano, I recommend visiting either Hakuba or Nozawa Onsen .  Both towns are a short drive (though in opposite directions) from Nagano and offer some world-class ski areas (some of the ski events for the Nagano Olympics were held in Hakuba), a great ski town atmosphere, and obviously onsens. 

If you’re new to skiing, I recommend booking a private lesson to help you stay safe on the mountain and have a fun time.

Misotsuchi Icicles. 

            Another winter phenomenon in Japan, and this one is more accessible from Tokyo. The icicles of Misotsuchi are gigantic icicles created by flowing water over the cliffs upstream from the waterfall in the Chichibu area in Saitama Prefecture, which is located next to Tokyo, making it a great day trip.  During the peak season, the special light-up event is held and lightens up the icicles mystically. 

Tokyo Disney Resort

If you’re a die-hard Disney fan, or just want to feel the nostalgia of your innocent youth, a trip to Tokyo Disney won’t disappoint. Especially in winter before Christmas, I think TDR is magical.  With special performances, holiday decorations, and limited-time food and merch, a trip to Disneyland might just be what you need at the end of your trip to Japan. 

Located very close to Tokyo, you can easily get a feel for the park in one day (or add a second day and visit Tokyo Disney Sea. I recommend choosing a weekday to avoid crowds and try to stay away from the big holidays like Christmas and New Year or other Japanese holidays that happen during winter.  

Buying tickets for Tokyo Disney Resort can be a little tricky. You can get tickets on the TDR website (though it can be hit or miss working with foreign credit cards), most conbini like 7-11 or lawson, at a JTB travel agent, on klook , or if you stay at a Disney hotel or partner hotel (but double check when you book that they’re guaranteeing tickets for guests.)

Check out what to do at Tokyo Disneyland during Christmas here .

Tokyo SkyTree

            The Sky Tree is a fun experience any time of the year, but in winter you can get great views of a snow-covered Mount Fuji.  Between May to September Fuji-san is often obscured by haze or clouds (and in my opinion doesn’t look as impressive without snow) so winter is my recommended time for viewing.  

The Skytree also gets you a great view over the city if you can stomach the jaw-dropping height.  A view over one of the largest cities in the world, as well as a spectacular view of an iconic volcano, is a must when visiting Japan. Buy your tickets on Klook. It’s cheaper than other places online and it will save you so much time in line.

While you’re in Tokyo shop for a good book at one of these English Bookstores .

Shirakawago Village 

Shirakawago Village is a charming and rustic traditional Japanese village located in Gifu Prefecture, Central Japan. The UNESCO World Heritage village displays the beautiful scenery in each season collaborating with the surrounding nature.

In winter, the snow covers the whole village and creates a wonderful view. The special light-up events are held several times during winter. It is one of the most beautiful and traditional places Japan has to offer.

Check out this tour of the village.

Japanese Winter Food

Eating local and seasonal food is the norm in Japan, where people it’s common for people to travel across the country to sample a local specialty in season.  But while food is always a great reason to travel in Japan, winter might just be the best time of the year for culinary travelers. 

Top sushi spots in Tokyo, as well as other sushi hubs like Kanazawa, Toyama, Fukuoka, and Hokkaido all, showcase seasonal specialties from the winter catches.  

In Sapporo, you can sample heartwarming foods like soup curry, and miso ramen.  Winter also brings about two of the nationwide winter favorites: oden and nabe. 

Oden is a type of nabemono (a Japanese one-pot dish) that has several ingredients like boiled eggs, daikon, and konjac, in a dashi broth, can be found anywhere from oden-specialty restaurants to  izakayas  and even convenience stores like 7-11 or Lawson.  

Oden is one type of nabe, but nabe or “hotpots” can be made from a wide range of ingredients and are usually shared with family and friends.  

Talking about izakayas, they’re a great place to spend a cold winter evening.  Izakayas are a small local establishments, sort of like a bar or tavern but serve small tapas-style dishes. Every izakaya I’ve been in has a cozier vibe than you might get from a typical bar in the U.S. and is a great place to experience Japanese food and culture. 

Check out one of these Restaurants:

Or take a Food tour of Tokyo.

Japanese Winter Fashion

When packing for Japan’s winter weather you’ll need a down jacket or coat, gloves, a hat, and possibly a scarf.  If you’re sticking near Tokyo, some (obviously) close-toed shoes would be fine, but if you’re venturing north or to the mountains, you’ll need boots that can withstand snow.  

For gift ideas for the traveler in your life, check out our traveler gift guide.

Buy on Amazon

Winter is a great time to visit Japan.  From amazing winter sports to cozy hygge experiences , you should visit Japan in the winter if you have a chance.  Hopefully, this list gave you an idea of some of the best places to go in Japan and spark your wanderlust for your next adventure.

Are you ready for Japan?

• Book Your Flights – To find the cheapest flights, flexibility is a must. Some great options are Google Flights for the calendars to find the cheapest options, Skiplagged , and Skyscanner . For more options see our resources page . For Japan, check flights for both Tokyo Airports (Haneda and Narita), as well as Osaka (Kansai).
• Find Transportation- Buy your JR Pass for your bullet train and inter-city travel before you leave home. Research a Suica card, the public transportation card you can either buy before or as soon as you arrive.
• Book Your Accommodation – Look at Booking.com, Hotels.com , or Expedia for hotels in Japan. You can also look at AirBnB or VRBO as we’ve had great luck finding inexpensive, large, and clean homes to rent.
• Book Tours and Experiences- Check Klook or Viator for some of the best tours and attractions for a great price for experiences like Tokyo Skytree , TeamLab Borderless , and Universal Osaka . For Tokyo Disney Resort, check my guide here.
• Stay Connected – Order a pocket WIFI for airport pickup if you’re with a family or group, or order a SIM card just for your phone. Check out our guide to staying connected here.
• Buy Travel Insurance- I always recommend World Nomads for insurance. It’s better to protect yourself in case of mishaps. Learn more about World Nomads in this FAQ post.
• Pack Your Bags – Check out my packing lists , or my favorite travel gear to help you remember all of the essentials.
• Learn About Japan – Learn about Japan with guidebooks like Lonely Planet , or, shameless plug , search around my site for more info.

Hey, I’m Mackenzie, a writer, book lover, and traveler. I've been to 65 countries and have found the best bookstores, coffee shops, and literary activities around the world. I have 10 years of travel writing experience, writing for my own sites and for other large brands. When not writing, I'm probably running or hiking, reading, or watching British TV. Like this article? Consider buying me a coffee to help keep the posts coming.

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The Ultimate Japan Winter Itinerary (2 Weeks, 4 Cities)

02/27/2023 by Kristin Addis 2 Comments

When I think of the Japanese winter, I picture that feeling of being in a snow globe, or sitting in a steaming onsen (hot springs), or beautiful views of Mt. Fuji. It’s a tall order, to be sure, but like always, Japan delivered.

We recently spent two delicious weeks there, getting a taste of big cities, tiny villages, some of the most famous sights, and of course, delicious food. Honestly? I think we did a great job.

This is the ultimate two-week Japanese winter itinerary:

Table of Contents

Our journey began in Kyoto and finished in Tokyo. If you can book one-way flights, this eliminates a transit day. You can also consider taking the two-hour bullet train from Tokyo over to Kyoto for the start of your trip.

Though it’s never a guarantee that you will get snow in Kyoto — in fact, it’s a rarity — seeing some of the most famous sites with the white stuff was magical.

Day 1: Bamboo grove

Head to Arashiyama as early as you can to walk through the bamboo forest and check out some of the shrines. The earlier you go, the smaller the crowds should be — however, the bamboo is thick and it can be dark super early in the morning. Though the shrines often have entrance fees that are usually around ¥500, the bamboo is free to walk through and enjoy.

You’ll see busy stands selling snacks close to the entrance, but honestly, they were a bit on the pricey side, and we found better ones elsewhere.

Jet lag took up more of the early part of our journey than intended, but if you are able, try to see the Kinkaku-ji temple, a golden pagoda surrounded by tranquil gardens and a pond. Finish the day with sunset on the famous street leading up to Hokan-ji temple.

Day 2: Kaiseki and torii

Our second day began with an early journey to Fushimi Inari Taisha, a Shinto shrine dating from 711 CE, with its famous walkways straddled by thousands of torii gates, and is free to enjoy. This and the bamboo forest were the sites I most hoped to see in Kyoto, and it was just as magical in person as I’d dreamed it would be.

It’s open 24 hours, as is the bamboo forest, so heading there early is a great idea. We happened to get there around 8am on one of the coldest, snowiest days of the year in the lowest season, and therefore had it almost to ourselves for a few minutes, but by 9am, busloads of people were showing up.

From there, check out the Kojingamine outlook for an overview of the city, followed by a visit to the Tō-ji temple, the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan dating back to the year 796.

Finish the evening with a stroll through the historic Gion district, or better yet, take a food tour. Ours involved a few hours of walking around, learning about the local culinary history, tasting traditional snacks and spices unique to Kyoto, and finishing with a kaiseki dinner, a ritual meal consisting of several courses created by a team of chefs. Each one features a different cooking style, though you can usually count on a rice dish, miso, sushi, and some kind of dessert. This is the highest level of dining in Japan and should not be missed! (The exact tour we took is no longer available, but you can book something similar .)

Day 3: Tea ceremony and shrines

Have you ever wanted to don a kimono? Participating in a tea ceremony is one of the best ways to get your chance. You’ll have the opportunity to learn the ritual around drinking green tea while wearing this traditional garment, plus get a photo doing so.

Finish the evening with sunset at Kiyomizu-dera, a Buddhist temple that is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site.

Where to stay : Since we have a little one and arrived late at night into Kyoto, I booked a nice, affordable Airbnb near Kyoto Station. We loved our little spot!

(Due to our desire to catch an event that I’ll discuss later on in the post, we could only spend three nights in Kyoto, but it deserved so much more! I’d recommend staying at least three, if not more.)

This adorable town full of friendly people is the gateway to the Japanese Northern Alps, as they’re called. We picked this town for its historic feel and famous food, and the likelihood of it being a winter wonderland (it was!).

Day 4: Journey to Takayama, known for delicious Hida beef

You’ll spend a good chunk of the day getting to Takayama, which is best accessed on Japan Rail (JR) via Nagoya. The ride there is beautiful, most of it alongside a deeply blue river. (Sometimes there’s also a direct bus, though, so be sure to check! We tended to use Google Maps for our planning, which I suggest doing when weighing your options.)

Spend the afternoon and evening sampling some local Hida beef, which is incredibly flavorful and tender, at Kyoya restaurant, where you cook your meal over a charcoal grill at your table! It was a delicious experience at a place we didn’t even realize was famous — we just stopped by, since it was near our Airbnb. Apparently a reservation is normally essential, so be sure to call ahead.

Day 5: Sanmachi and Hida no Sato folk village

Check out the historical houses (pictured below the subheading above) in Sanmachi, a neighborhood with traditional Edo-era architecture dating back to the 1600s through the 1800s. You’ll find small eateries, shops, and houses all along the way.

There’s a morning market along the river as well, where you can find food vendors. It’s perfect for an early stroll.

Spend the afternoon checking out the Hida no Sato folk village, an open-air museum featuring more Edo-era farmhouses. In the summer months, you’ll see grass growing on the thatched roofs, and in the winter, the village is famous for having feet of snow packed to the tops of the houses. It was magical to see them that way! Entrance is ¥700.

(The village also a great primer for the next stop, Shirakawa-go, a larger UNESCO World Heritage village from the same era.)

– Read More –

Traveling in Japan with a Baby

Day 6: Shinotaka ropeway or Gero onsen

Head out of town to the Shinotaka Ropeway (¥3,300 per adult), about a 1.5-hour bus ride each way, or consider heading to the town of Gero, south of Takayama, for a night. It’s one of the most famous onsen towns in Japan, known for its particularly smooth water.

(Due to my tattoos I can’t use most onsen , which I’ll discuss later, but for this reason, we opted to skip Gero.)

Where to eat: In Takayama, we loved the Tori Coffee and Sabou Usagi cafés, as well as Uemura for dinner. The latter is a truly tiny restaurant serving organic food the chef grows himself. I cannot recommend it enough! I messaged him via Instagram to book. Sakurajaya is also a fun experience, sitting at the bar and watching the chef make the food in izakaya fashion (informal, small dishes).

Where to stay : I loved our Airbnb here! It was the cheapest of the trip, at around $90/night, and had its own outdoor bathtub, which was magical with the snow!

Shirakawa-go

Day 7: UNESCO site Shirakawa-go

Light Up Shirakawa-go was the event I mentioned that caused us to leave Kyoto a bit earlier than I normally would have. Each winter, for six Sundays over January and February, Shirakawa-go lights up all of its buildings in the evening. If you are planning way ahead and can snag a reservation to stay overnight, do it, but if not, you can take a bus tour to the event from Takayama.

Tickets for this may sell out, as the number of visitors is capped. I logged on right when they went on sale in November and had to refresh the page for a couple of hours before finally getting through, but I’m happy to say that it was worth it. It truly felt like we were in a snow globe.

If you can’t get tickets for the light-up event, be sure to head there during the day. It is easy to access from Takayama via a bus that runs hourly (the bus costs ¥700, village admission is free). The village and buildings are quaint, there are a few museums you can enter for a couple hundred yen, and there’s an observation deck as well. The village would be delightful in every season, though I loved seeing it so snowy!

Stay: it’s possible to overnight in Shrakawa-go in the traditional houses . They book up well in advance for the light up event, though other times of year or other evenings would be easier. You’re only allowed to stay for one night in each house and they ask that you don’t bring large suitcases as there isn’t room for storage.

Day 8: Journey to Mt. Fuji

This was our longest travel day, making our way down to Yamanashi prefecture. It was so worth the journey, though, as staying on a lake with a view of Mt. Fuji was a highlight for us.

There were dozens of ways we could have chosen to get there, though we opted for the JR back through Nagoya, followed by a bus. (In 2023, the bus that runs between Takayama and Kawaguchiko was not running, but it would be by far the best and cheapest way in the future.)

Kawaguchiko

Wintertime is generally the clearest time of year and offers the best chance to see Mt. Fuji, one of the most famous sights in Japan.

When we were deciding between Kawaguchiko and Hakone, another popular spot an hour south, one of my Instagram followers suggested Kawaguchiko (and Takayama!), and I’m so glad we took her advice. We had gorgeous mountain views over the lake day after day.

Day 9: Chureito Pagoda

You can’t visit Kawaguchiko without seeing the Chureito Pagoda, which as one of the most iconic views in Japan.

That said, it was also my biggest heartbreak of the trip, having wanted to see this view of Mt. Fuji for years. The clouds rolled in just as we were getting off the train. C’est la vie!

The pagoda is free to visit. You’ll have to climb quite a few stairs to get there, though, but it’s worth it.

Consider also stopping by Oishi Park, which is easy to access from the sightseeing-loop bus, for another iconic Fuji view.

Day 10: Soak and stare at Fuji

We spent a good chunk of our tenth day hanging out at our hotel, to be honest. I recommend booking a place to stay on the opposite side of the lake from Mt. Fuji (the northern side), so that you can take a day or so to just relax and enjoy the view.

We booked Ubuya , a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn that typically features tatami-matted rooms) that had private hot springs on the balconies. Since I have tattoos, this was the only way that I was going to get to enjoy onsen that are so iconic in Japan in the winter.

Due to tattoos’ association with gang culture, almost all onsen and even hotel spas in Japan ban those with tattoos, unless it’s very small and can easily be covered with a Band-Aid. You can’t cover them up with a swimsuit, either, as one is fully nude in onsen .

This ryokan was definitely a splurge for our trip, but it was worth it! We also ate breakfast and dinner in the hotel, the latter a kaiseki meal in a private room set up for us and the baby.

Day 11: Fuji ropeway and Asama shrine

Are you down for an Insta-famous photo opportunity? There are two big ones in the area, including the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. It’s a short journey, so I normally would not feel the ¥1,800 per person round-trip is worth it, since you can get a great view of the mountain from the lakeside. But you can get some pretty cool pictures swinging with Mt. Fuji at a swingset at the top. You’ll have to queue up and pay an additional ¥500 for the photo op, which we didn’t do, but part of me wishes we had.

Next, take the bus bound for the Asama shrine and either walk from there, which is a 30-ish-minute uphill climb, or take a taxi to Tenku no torii. They’ll ask for ¥100 per person at the entrance and there will be another queue, but I loved the photos we got! (pictured at the beginning of the Kawaguchiko section).

Note: The “suicide forest” is also in the Kawaguchiko area, but it’s generally regarded as disrespectful to visit. Please pick other activities instead. There are many other beautiful forests in Japan!

Stay : As mentioned above, we booked Ubuya and loved the experience. If it’s out of your price range, I re commend staying on the same side of the lake and booking another hotel nearby so that you can still get the Fuji view from your room.

Welcome to the largest city in the world! I am usually not a big-city person, but Tokyo is a different animal. It’s one of the most unique places I’ve ever been, and there’s almost a limitless supply of things to do. Though you can only ever scratch the surface, these are some of my favorites:

Day 12: TeamLab and Harajuku

Harajuku is one of the most famous areas of Tokyo — and for good reason. There’s awesome shopping, creative cafés, and some famous local culture to check out. If you’re looking for something more traditional, in the same area, you can walk around the Meiji Jingu Shinto shrine.

From there, pop by the Hie shrine for another opportunity to walk through a smaller version of the Kyoto torii gates, as well as view one of the lovelier shrines in Tokyo, featuring white walls and a green roof.

Finally, do not miss a TeamLab exhibit! This art collective’s immersive art experiences get me every time. They tend to only remain open for a few years; TeamLab Planets should be open for another year or so, and it’s a must-see. I highly recommend going in the hours before closing so as to have fewer people in your photos. Book your ticket ahead of time too: this one somehow let us skip the whole line! Entrance is ¥3200.

Day 13: Nakano, Shibuya crossing, and ramen

On our second-to-last day, I knew I wanted to do another food experience. There are a couple that I was looking at, including a walking tour in the famous Tsukiji fish market and a six-bowl ramen tasting . The latter just happened to fit better with our schedule, and it was delicious! We visited three ramen shops, all of which featured several unique flavors and styles. Garrett and I also shared each of our bowls, so that we could sample all of the flavors, so we ended up having 12 ramen samplings. Our favorite was the inventive pesto ramen, though I always love the curry version and was surprised by how much I enjoyed the squid ink as well.

Give yourself some extra time to check out Shibuya crossing, where the tour begins, which is the famous all-direction crosswalk that as many as 3,000 people use at a time! It’s quite a sight. If you want to see it from above, the Starbucks is a popular place to check it out.

We followed our ramen tour with a giant ice cream at Daily Chico at the Nakano broadway, pausing to take the photo featured above on one of the adjacent streets, which you can find by glancing to your right as you walk up the broadway.

Day 14: Imperial Palace, Disney, and unique kaiseki in Ginza

On your last day, you’ll have to make a difficult choice about what to see. I have a complete Tokyo itinerary here with a bunch of options. If our son were a bit older, we would have loved to go to Tokyo Disney or Disney Sea. Better believe it’s on the docket for the future!

Since our hotel was near the Imperial Palace, we opted to take a walk around the grounds. Keep in mind that you actually have to take a tour in order to get closer. The gardens are lovely, though, and the trees lining the streets near Tokyo Station are a great winter photo op.

I’d finish your trip with one of the most unique kaiseki experiences, in the high-end Ginza district of Tokyo: Tsurutokame , the only all-female kaiseki restaurant in Japan, featuring not only delicious food but incredible presentation. I was vegan when I visited a few years ago, and they even created a completely vegan menu for me! It was a highlight of all of my trips to Japan. It’s also popular, so book well in advance!

Where to stay : I splurged a bit on this part of the trip as well, booking us at the Prince Gallery Kioicho Hotel . The view from the room made it so worth it! The breakfast was delicious, and the location was central, but the best part about it was definitely the service, which was top-notch.

Although many of you won’t need to worry about this, it was also the only place we stayed in Japan that had a crib!

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost major island, is important to mention. Many people choose to ski its famous powder (known in the ski world as Ja-pow), during all or at least part of their winter trip.

From Tokyo, you can take the bullet train and be in Hokkaido in about four hours. Although it was under consideration for us, since we are not really ski people (who live in a ski town — it’s weird, I know) and had a baby with us, we passed.

But there’s good reason to visit. Sapporo, the largest city, has a snow festival each year that features massive ice and snow sculptures. It usually only lasts for a week, so plan your trip accordingly if you’d like to see it.

Getting Around

Getting around Japan was pretty straightforward using Google Maps. I would sometimes cross-reference with blog posts that specifically discussed the journey between certain destinations, just to be sure, but Google Maps was almost always correct. I also appreciated that it would usually give me the exact platform and even car to use in order to make a quick exit.

That said, both Kyoto Station and Tokyo’s larger metros can be confusing, although there were information desks scattered throughout, and they were super helpful — I would just show them where I was trying to go, and the staff person would point in the right direction.

To Rail Pass or not to Rail Pass?

Should you get the Japan Rail Pass ? Only foreigners are allowed to get this pass, which for a one-time fee gives you unlimited rides on the Shinkansen (bullet train) and Japan Rail lines. If you are going to be taking long-distance trains between Kyoto and Tokyo or Hokkaido, for example, it could make a lot of sense.

We opted not to do it, however, since two of the towns we visited — Takayama and Kawaguchiko — involved bus travel. It didn’t work out to be financially advantageous for us, just barely. We did, however, get the Tokyo metro pass , and I recommend the Hakone pass if you opt to go there.

If you do plan to take trains during the high season, it will probably make sense to get the JR pass and book your seats ahead of time. There are only a few cars on each train that are unreserved, which only worked out for us because we were there during low season. Book highway buses ahead of time as well, either in person at the station or online. I hadn’t realized this was important — we were lucky to grab the last seats on our bus to Kawaguchiko, which would’ve been such a pain to have missed!

Also, be sure to have cash on hand. There are ATMs in most convenience stores and train stations. We found that the ticket machine did not take our foreign credit cards, but if we waited in line for in-person service, we could buy a train or bus ticket with a card. Many restaurants also prefer cash.

Language and other notes

Although I can read a bit of Japanese, thanks to my years studying Mandarin and the similarities between the two, I don’t speak it beyond hello ( konnichiwa ) and thank you ( arigato ). Thanks to Felix, I learned that the word for “cute” is kawaii .

I found that people were always willing to try to communicate, though, since Japanese people are friendly and wonderful hosts. So I highly recommend downloading Japanese on Google Translate before you go. That way you can access it offline if you need to show somebody something or ask a question.

Also keep in mind that people bow as a sign of respect, a greeting, or thank you. Be sure to bow back, fully facing the person.

Japan is easily one of my favorite countries to explore because it’s just so different from anywhere else on earth. You get the opportunity to travel back in time, to feel blasted to the future in the big cities, and the friendliness is incredible.

Note: Some links in this post are affiliate links to the hotels and activities that we participated in. Purchasing through these links supports us at no extra cost to you

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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06/21/2023 at 11:50 am

Hello! I enjoyed reading about your trip, the photos are amazing. I am starting to come around to the idea of going to Japan during winter. What dates/month did you travel?

Kristin says

07/01/2023 at 10:40 am

This was end of January into February 🙂

What are the Best Places to Visit in Japan in Winter?

Is Japan on your travel horizon this winter? There’s never a bad time to visit our country, and even though a chill sets in and the nights grow longer, there are still countless incredible things to see and do here.

Of course, winter arrives in different ways across the country. You will find the most frigid conditions in Hokkaido, where the temperature typically drops below freezing. In contrast, places like Shikoku and Kansai are comparatively balmy!

But where exactly should you go? What are the best places to visit in Japan in winter?

Pack a warm winter coat, put on some layers, and join us on a virtual tour through some of our favorite spots in Japan in winter. At Pinpoint Traveler, our Japan Tours are rich in authentic, local experiences, so we know where to find the magic of the season.

If any questions come to mind as we go, please feel free to get in touch .

Visit Tokyo for Winter Illuminations, Sales, and Lucky Bags

Tokyo, the vibrant heart of Japan, takes on a mesmerizing aura in winter. As the city prepares for festivities, winter illuminations transform streets and landmarks into breathtaking displays of light and color. Places like Tokyo Disneyland, Oi Racecourse’s Tokyo Mega Illumination, Omotesandō, and Roppongi Hills are just the tip of the winter illuminations iceberg. Each spot creates a fairy-tale atmosphere with its own unique display of dazzling lights.

But there’s plenty more to enjoy under the lights too! Dive into the world of winter sales at popular districts like Ginza and Shibuya, where discounted fashion, technology, and traditional crafts await bargain hunters. And why not embrace the tradition of fukubukuro , or Lucky Bags? As you may have already guessed, stores offer these mystery bags filled with goodies at slashed prices. 

All of this is just an extra winter layer on the wild and wonderful things you can find on our Tokyo Tours throughout the year, from Shinjuku and Shibuya to mouthwatering food and drink.

If our capital city is a must-visit destination on your visit to Japan, we think you’ll love reading our picks for the ten things you should do in Tokyo .

Head to Hakone for Awe-Inspiring Views of Mount Fuji

There aren’t too many more iconic sights in Japan than the snow-capped Mount Fuji on a clear, crisp winter day. Take the train from Tokyo to Hakone and you can marvel at this view for yourself.

While the incredible vistas of Mount Fuji are one of the main draws, Hakone is a popular mountain resort area, so you can stay overnight if you don’t want to head there and back on the same day. This gives you more time to enjoy the mountain views, try Owakudani’s famous black eggs, ride the Hakone Ropeway, and so much more.

Winter is one of the best times of the year for viewing Mount Fuji as there is typically less cloud cover compared with autumn and spring — although, of course, you can never guarantee anything when it comes to the weather!

If you think you will prefer to visit Japan in the autumn, or it’s simply the only time you can come, you may want to read our blog What is the Best Place to Visit in Japan During Autumn?

Immerse Yourself in Kyoto’s Serene Winter Beauty and Plum Blossoms

Step into the historical city of Kyoto during winter, where time seems to slow down, revealing a serene beauty amidst smaller crowds. Explore historic temples and shrines like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Taisha in a more tranquil ambiance. 

Spring and the world-famous cherry blossoms may be some months off in midwinter, but Kyoto comes alive with color around mid-January thanks to the delicate white and pink blooms of ume (plum) flowers. Find out for yourself why these striking blossoms have inspired works of art down the years.

Like all of our excursions, our Kyoto Tours are led by local experts, making them ideal for anyone looking to understand this fascinating city of history and tradition on a deeper level.

Discover even more before your arrival by reading about some of the cultural highlights of Kyoto .

See Nagano’s Monkeys and Hit the Slopes for Snowy Adventures

Nagano beckons with its unique blend of winter experiences. Venture into Jigokudani Monkey Park, where adorable snow monkeys soak in natural hot springs, creating an endearing spectacle against the wintry landscape. 

For adventure seekers, Nagano boasts top-notch skiing destinations like Hakuba Valley and Nozawa Onsen, promising exhilarating slopes and powder-covered landscapes.

Soak Up Osaka’s Winter Illuminations and Festive Delights

Winter transforms Osaka into a wonderland of lights and festive cheer. Osaka Castle becomes a beacon of mesmerizing illuminations, casting a spellbinding glow across the surrounding park. This shimmering installation takes you on a journey through the history of Japan via an array of illuminated miniature treasures.

Meanwhile, Universal Studios Japan dazzles visitors with its spectacular winter-themed attractions and shows. Expect impressive illuminations throughout the park and daily Christmas performances.

As our Osaka Tours showcase, this is already a city renowned for energy, color, a vibrant food culture, and numerous local idiosyncracies — winter just adds a new angle to it all! Sound tempting? Take a deeper dive into this one-of-a-kind city with our picks for the best Osaka walking tour sights .

Step into Hokkaido’s Winter Extravaganza

Hokkaido, Japan’s northern gem, captivates with a winter wonderland unlike any other. The Sapporo Snow Festival stands as a testament to the region’s winter charm, featuring stunning snow sculptures that draw visitors from around the globe. 

More or less in the center of the island, near the village of Biei, you can explore the enchanting Shirogane Blue Pond. Here, the winter landscape, unnatural blue water, and serene surroundings combine to create an otherworldly scene. However, this is quite an isolated spot off the beaten track.

For ski enthusiasts, Hokkaido boasts premier skiing and snowboarding resorts like Niseko and Furano, offering pristine slopes and a paradise for winter sports lovers. And when you’ve tired yourself out, sink into the soothing embrace of Hokkaido’s famous onsen .

Admire the Kobe Luminarie and Other Winter Joys

Kobe shines brightly during winter with its enchanting Luminarie, a stunning light festival of hope and resilience. These illuminations have shone every December since 1995 in commemoration of the Great Hanshin Earthquake victims.

For a quintessential Japanese experience, visit Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot spring towns, and rejuvenate your senses amidst its therapeutic waters. Located behind Mount Rokkō, this onsen is still somewhat of a hidden treasure and attracts tranquility-seeking locals from towns and cities in the surrounding area, including Osaka.

If you want a more adrenaline-fuelled adventure, Rokkō Snow Park offers thrilling winter activities against a backdrop of scenic vistas.

Our blog Is Kobe Worth Visiting? takes a closer look at the many merits of this fantastic city.

Discover Japan’s Wonders Year-Round with Pinpoint Traveler

So, what are the best places to visit in Japan in Winter? That’s for you to decide now! We hope this blog has inspired you to start planning your trip. But if you want more local insights and recommendations, browse our range of Japan Tours !

If you have any questions, please get in touch .

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10 Beautiful Sights + Things to Do During Winter in Japan

Winter in Japan begins in the middle of November through Christmas and lasts until early March. While this may seem like a long time, there is still plenty to do during winter in Japan . Many beautiful sights can be seen throughout the country, ranging from snowy landscapes to stunningly colorful temples and shrines. And if you’re visiting during this period, there are several sights you shouldn’t miss because they are most beautiful during this time of the year.

This post will go through some unique spots and the best sights you can see in the country only during the cold months. Keep on reading to learn more!

1. Kinkakuji in Winter (Kyoto)

2. snow walls (toyama), 3. snow monkeys (nagano), 4. mount fuji, 5. icicles of misotsuchi (saitama), 6. le village de shirakawago, 7. kenroku-en garden, 8. ginzan onsen, 9. rice terraces in tokamachi (niigata), 10. sea ice (hokkaido), 1. discover the lights, trees, and other decorations that illuminate many cities during the winter holiday season., 2. take a dip in traditional japanese hot springs, 3. trying seasonal specialties at local eateries, 4. go on a pilgrimage, 5. attend winter festivals, video: how to enjoy japan’s four seasons | winter, 1. are there any ski resorts in japan, 2. what to do in onsen, 3. how many people visit sumiyoshi taisha shrine during new year, 4. where is ginzan onsen, 5. how to relax in japan during winter, 6. what do japanese people do on december 1st, 7. what happens to restaurants during the new year’s holiday, 8. what is the best place to visit in japan in winter, final thoughts.

One of the most prominent temples in Kyoto is Kinkakuji, also known as Rokuon-ji. It is located in the Golden Pavilion.

The golden temple of Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji is covered in a layer of real gold, which gives it a faint glow from the summer sun.

If you’re lucky enough to visit this area after a snowfall, you might even notice the contrast between the gold and the white and green nature surrounding it.

In Toyama Prefecture, there are snow walls that are over 30 meters high. These are known to tower over the people and cars passing through the area. In addition, there are also ancient trees that date back to around 1,000 years.

Hell Valley is located in the Jigoku-dani region of Japan, and is known for its beautiful snowy surroundings and strange inhabitants: Japanese monkeys.

Located in Nagano, Japan, the Jigokudani monkey park is an area where wild monkeys can enjoy basking in the waters of a hot spring. The area is known for its winter weather, as it has a temperature of -10 degrees Celsius and snow up to a meter thick.

The park was established in 1964 for the monkeys that came from the mountain to the villages due to deforestation. A small monkey bathes in an outdoor ryokan, and his entire family is then invited to join him. This is done to encourage good cohabitation among humans.

In this area, the snowy white snow surrounds the onsen or hot springs, along with these animals known to be gentle and lazy.

The snow monkeys live in a park without fences or bars. They come to the park to eat, and the attendants do their best to nourish them with a steady diet of grains, fruit, and other food. They use the park’s natural hot spring as their refuge in winter.

Every day, tourists can watch as snow monkeys go about their business. Some of them will groom each other, mothers nurse their babies, and the alpha males tend to security. Others will roll around on the snowy surface, enjoy the hot water, and prepare to play. Whether you’re visiting the onsen or not, these animals’ playful behavior has become an annual tourist attraction.

One of the most significant attractions in Japan is Mount Fuji, which is an ancestral symbol of the country. It is popularized by various media outlets, such as documentaries and magazines, and it is also depicted in paintings and prints.

Mount Fuji is 3776 meters high and features 3 active volcanoes that can wake up anytime. Its beauty makes us forget about all the details.

The mountain is also regarded as one of the most frequently climbed mountains in the world. Despite the official season only lasts for about two months, over 300,000 people visit Mount Fuji every year. This is significantly higher than the number of people who climb Mount Monadnock in the US, which is around 125,000 yearly. One of the main reasons why people visit Mount Fuji is because it’s possible to climb it in just half a day.

It’s located in a region between Shizuoka and Yamanashi, and is close to Tokyo. For centuries, artists have been inspired by the mountain.

During winter, Mt Fuji or as locals casually call “Fuji-san”, is covered in snow and provides a spectacular landscape to view. The mountain is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan, with people coming from all over the world to visit. It’s been featured in countless movies and manga comics, which has led to an increase in tourism over the years.

In Saitama, there is a special event that occurs when winter arrives. As the temperature drops, the water in the waterfalls begins to flow more smoothly, which creates magical white ice formations. However, unlike ordinary icicles, the structures known as Icicles of Misotsu, which are also called “misotsuchi-no-tsururara,” can be seen with blue and red colors, respectively.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawago is located in the prefecture of Gifu, about 50 minutes from the city of Takayama, surrounded by mountains.

The village’s success can be attributed to its unique houses, which are constructed using the gassho-zukuri method. These houses have thatched roofs, which help prevent snow from falling on them during the winter season.

The houses are arranged in a variety of ways throughout the village, which are separated by rice fields. During the winter season, the houses are illuminated. Many tourists and locals visit this area to see the unique houses.

The houses and the rice fields surrounding them provide a unique view of Japan.

One of Japan’s most famous gardens is the Kenroku-en in Kanazawa. It’s located along with the Kairaku-en in Okayama and the Kraku-en in Mito.

This area is filled with over 8,000 trees. It is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys nature. The garden gets even more spectacular during the winter season.

The garden is famous for its various features, such as the care of the plants and the yukitsuri.

The trees in the garden are adorned with ropes known as yukitsuri, which are designed to protect the trees from the heavy snow that might come.

During the winter season, the garden is illuminated at night. The yukitsuri are illuminated as well.

In Japan, there is a real institution known as Onsen, or hot springs. These are believed to have therapeutic properties. The water used in these hot springs comes from volcanic springs.

Located in Yamagata prefecture, Japan, is the Ginzan Onsen, which is a former silver mine that has become a popular spa for onsen lovers.

The village of Ginzan Onsen is characterized by its unique atmosphere. It’s made up of only one street and is lined with wooden buildings that dates back to the Shwa and Taisho periods.

Riyokans, or self-contained lodging facilities, allow guests to access the onsen without having to pay a fee.

There are two public baths in the center of the city, and both have an entrance fee of around 300 to 500 Yen.

During the evening, gas lamps are used to illuminate the area to create a beautiful light on the snow.

In Niigata’s Tokamachi, there is a town with a beautiful view all year round. During winter, the rice terraces are covered in snow, which creates a wonderful image. In the surrounding forests and woods, the breath of nature can be drawn away from the wilderness in a haze.

Hokkaido’s seas are filled with winter’s wonders. As the temperatures plunge into negative territory, the sea ice is abundant, and cruise tours are held to welcome the season. During this period, the ice sheets can be cut through and allow passengers to glimpse animals that may have stowed away on the free-floating ferries.

Bonus: Things to Do in Japan During Winter

During the winter season, Japan’s streets and parks are illuminated with Christmas lights. These are a tradition that the country’s inhabitants and tourists enjoy. Aside from being a way to entertain, these lights also enhance the landscape of various public areas.

The illuminated areas are designed to create a magical and unique atmosphere. These places are chosen every evening.

Here are five winter and Christmas illuminations to discover before the holidays end:

• The Nabana no Sato illuminations of Kuwana
• Hikari-Renaissance Christmas lights in Osaka
• Ashikaga flower park illumination
• Kobe Luminarie  light festival in Kobe
• Shibuya blue cave illuminations in Tokyo

The winter season in Japan is a great time to explore the country’s natural attractions, such as the mountains and onsen. Onsen is a hot spring that locals often visit. They are also rich in minerals due to their interaction with volcanic rocks.

The rotenburo can be installed indoors or outdoors. The pools are separated by men and women, allowing one to experience the snowy landscape from a different perspective. This experience is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys relaxing and zen.

Here is a short list of onsen to try in winter:

• Noboribetsu onsen in Hokkaido
• Ginzan onsen in Yamagata
• Shibu onsen in Nagano

If winter is the season for pot-au-feu in France, then it’s the time for nabemono in Japan. This dish is a perfect combination of Chinese and pot-au-feu, with various regional variations.

This dish is usually made with various ingredients such as tofu, Chinese cabbage, mushrooms, and noodles. It also includes fish, beef, and pork.

Besides nabe, try other regional dishes such as sukiyaki, oden, and shabu shabu. You can also add hot sake to accompany the dish.

One of the most popular pilgrimage routes in the world is the 88 temples located in Shikoku Island’s Kumano Hongu Taisha. Thousands of people visit this shrine since the Heian era.

In Japan, the Shichifukujin Meguri pilgrimage is a shorter version of the journey that follows the seven gods of luck. It starts in January and visits various shrines and temples dedicated to these deities.

The pilgrimage of the seven gods is a tradition in many Japanese cities to mark the New Year. This is done using special circuits.

Festivals are nothing to envy during summer. Between public holidays and festivals, Japan is a great place to explore, even during winter, as plenty of events are dedicated to snow.

One of these is the end of the school year, which is celebrated every year on April 23. The other is the start of the year when it is renewed.

Japanese festivals not to be missed:

• January 1: Japanese New Year
• January 2: Greetings from the Japanese Emperor
• February 3: Setsubun, fête du printemps
• February 15-17: Yokote Kamakura, le festival de la neige
• March 3: Hina Matsuri, Girls’ Day

In this video, we take a look at what activities you can do in Japan during winter, how to maximize your trip in the country, as well as what the country looks like during this time.

The four seasons of Japan offer a variety of exciting and beautiful experiences. During winter, the country is known for its beautiful colors and various winter sports activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winter in Japan is much celebrated, so it’s important to know what to consider during this period, so you won’t get caught unprepared. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about winter in Japan:

Yes, there are many ski resorts in Japan, and they’re some of the best in Asia. The most famous one is Sapporo Snow Festival Resort, located on Mount Moiwa (about 80 kilometers from Sapporo).

Another popular area in Hokkaido is Hakuba, and it offers plenty of snow and open space. Another popular destination for winter travelers is Rusutsu and Niseko.

Make sure to pack warm clothes and head outside to enjoy a variety of activities, such as snow festivals and snowboarding.

Over two million people visit the shrine of the Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka to welcome the New Year. The beautiful grounds and arched bridge make this shrine an appealing experience with the white winter in the background.

Ginzan Onsen is a charming town in Yamagata Prefecture, and it used to be a silver mining town. Nowadays, it’s known for its onsen hot springs.

In Japan, there are numerous natural hot springs that provide a relaxing and mineral-rich bath. These waters have been used by the people of the country for hundreds of years to bathe and relax. Some of the locations where outdoor hot springs are available have been referred to as magical places. Take a break from the city and enjoy a day or two in one of these beautiful locations.

After a long holiday, Japanese people return home to celebrate the New Year with their families. On the first day, many individuals visit a shrine or temple to pray for good fortune. This ritual, which is known as hatsumode, is a great way to welcome the new year. Most of the attractions in the area will be closed during this period.

Most attractions and restaurants close their doors for the New Year’s holidays. To avoid disappointment, plan ahead.

Also known as Little Kyoto, in winter, is the city of Takayama, which is rich in history and features well-preserved Edo period buildings. It also has various local foods, such as wasakana, wasaki, and Hida beef, which is a rival to the more expensive Wagyu beef.

Winter in Japan is a season for enjoying the wonders of the country’s natural beauty. From the snow-covered mountain ranges to the frozen lakes, from famous hot springs to classic Japanese cultural experiences, there is plenty waiting for you as you browse through this list of winter experiences.

Thanks to the cold temperatures and snowfall, you can catch a glimpse of some breathtaking views as you travel through Japan during winter. From the colorful illumination of Japanese temples and shrines during the holidays to snow-covered parks during Christmas, and from hot springs called onsens to skiing at some of the best ski mountaineering resorts in the world, there are plenty of wonderful sights to see throughout this beautiful country—and it doesn’t matter if you’re going there for work or for pleasure.

We hope you enjoyed reading this guide, and found some helpful ideas to make your visit in the country more memorable, even during the cold winter period. Feel free to share this blog with friends and family, especially those who are planning to visit Japan during the winter months. If you have any questions or tips of your own, please comment below!

READ NEXT: Winter Illuminations to Visit In Japan

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Winter in Japan: Things to Do + Why It’s a Great Time to Visit

Home » Blog » Japan » Winter in Japan: Things to Do + Why It’s a Great Time to Visit

There is something truly special about winter in Japan! We think you’ll be surprised by all the exciting things to do in Japan in winter. Plus, we’ll let you in on average winter temperatures around the country, as well as what to pack for the winter months.

With powdery snow and plenty of things to do indoors and outside, Japan makes the perfect winter destination. 

It might not be the first place you think of for a February getaway, but we’re going to explain why winter in Japan is magical. Plus, we’re going to share the best things to do in Japan in winter and which destinations to put on your itinerary!

Oh, and we’ll also answer that nagging question you’re already wondering: How cold will it actually get?!

Article contents

Reasons to visit japan in winter, winter weather in japan.

• Things to do in Japan in winter
• Best places to visit during winter in Japan

What to pack for winter in Japan

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, we have the ultimate resource for you!

This  FREE   PDF download  includes  everything  you’re going to want to pack for your Japan trip, including what NOT to bring, plus tons of insider tips!

Sign up for our  ultimate Japan packing list  now and get a copy sent straight to your inbox.

Winter vacation almost always conjures up images of sun-soaked beaches and palm trees blowing in the breeze. (And if that’s exactly what you’re after, check out our absolute favorite beach destination here !)

There’s no disputing the appeal of basking in the vitamin D (and vitamin SEA – see what I did there?!), but there is also something romantic and charming about a true winter holiday, snow and all! 

So if you’re thinking of jetting off to a destination that’s a little different this winter season, keep reading…

I’m talking about walking through snow-dusted pine forests, slurping on piping hot soup in a cozy noodle shop, and soaking in natural hot springs while snowflakes melt on your eyelashes. 

Sounds magical, right?

With an impromptu week of vacation from our teaching jobs in Korea , we booked a cheap flight to Japan and hoped that it would be a decent choice for a trip in early February.

Not only did the country exceed our expectations, but experiencing winter in Japan was even more magical than we could have hoped for. I may be going out on a limb, but I am pretty darn confident when I say that Japan makes for the perfect winter destination .

Each season in Japan has its draws , but winter in Japan is highly underrated.

Here’s our top 5 reasons winter in Japan makes a perfect snowy getaway, even if it is your first time in Japan .

1. Japan is less crowded in the winter

With more than 13.5 million people living in Tokyo alone, Japan is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. 

The cherry blossoms in April bring in an estimated 63 million tourists each year and the already massive population swells to an obscene number, making it difficult (and expensive!) to book hotels and transportation .

Seeing the pastel flowers in full bloom would surely be an incredible experience, but those crowds may just drive you mad. You’ll likely have to fight through selfie sticks and wait hours for restaurants to clear out. Hotel prices skyrocket and booking last minute transportation can be near impossible.

Oh, and imagine exploring the highest populated city in the world (aka Tokyo), rubbing shoulders with passersby in the sweltering heat of summer. 

If you visit when the crowds are fewer and the temperatures cooler, you won’t have to deal with all-day armpit sweat. This is a huge perk, folks.

You’ll be able to spend a few days in Kyoto or Tokyo without the crowds you’ll find at other times of the year. Trust us, traveling Japan during the less crowded winter season definitely has its benefits.

2. Prices are cheaper in the wintertime

Since fewer people are visiting Japan during the wintertime, prices of hotel rooms tend to drop to reflect this. So if you’re looking to travel to Japan on a budget , winter is a great time to visit this notoriously expensive destination.

Note: One exception to this rule is around New Years, which is a popular time for Japanese people to take off and travel around the country.

3. There are many things to do in Japan in the winter

There are actually a ton of winter activities in Japan that you can’t do any other time of year (like skiing). Also, there are things to do that are simply not as enjoyable during warmer months (like soaking in a hot spring).

Below, we’re going over some of the best things to do in Japan during the winter months, so keep reading!

4. Winter in Japan is beautiful

Snow-capped trees and quaint towns freshly blanketed in snow. Winter in Japan can look straight out of a fairytale… I mean you just can’t argue the beauty you’ll find in Japan during the winter months.

If you are a photographer, you’ll be pleased to find some of the most iconic places in the country have a unique look during the wintertime.

Psst! Check out our list of the most beautiful places in Japan you’ll have to see to believe!

5. Japan’s winter temperatures are pretty mild

When I think of winter, I think of back home in Minnesota where we have huge mounds of snow, black ice on the roads, and weather forecasts of -10°F (-20°C). But that’s not at all the case for winter in Japan.

We traveled there in the dead of winter – beginning of February – and it got cold enough to snow in the mountains, but it didn’t stick to the ground. In the cities, the temperatures hovered between 40-50°F (5-10°C), so we were comfortable with just a light jacket outside.

So how cold does it actually get?

Well, that question has more than one answer. You see, Japan spans more than 1,800 miles (3,000+ km) north to south, so the climate and average temperatures vary quite a bit.

Here are some average winter temperatures for the month of January (usually the coldest month):

• Sapporo:  High 31°F / Low 18°F (0°C/-8°C)
• Nagano:  High 38°F / Low 23°F (3°C/-5°C)
• Tokyo:  High 50°F / Low 35°F (10°C/2°C)
• Kyoto:  High 48°F / Low 33°F 9°C/1°C)
• Osaka:  High 49°F / Low 35°F (9°C/2°C)
• Hiroshima:  High 49°F / Low 34°F (9°C/1°C)
• Okinawa:  High 66°F / Low 57°F (19°C/14°C)

It’s worth noting that as you get higher in elevation, you’ll experience more snow and colder temps. And as you get closer to the ocean, you’ll rarely find snow that sticks for very long.

Let’s just say that if you have winters at home, Japan won’t be too much different than what you’re used to. And if you’re from an ultra cold place (like us Minnesotans!), Japan’s winter will feel pretty darn mild, especially in the major cities and in the southern part of the country.

Things to Do in Japan in winter

There are plenty of things to do in Japan during the winter. Some of these activities can’t be replicated during any other time of the year, making the winter extra special!

1. See the famous snow monkeys

If you’ve Googled “winter in Japan,” you’re almost guaranteed to see pictures of the famous snow monkeys of Jigokudani Monkey Park. They appear to be peacefully soaking in their very own onsen (or natural hot tub) and are sprinkled with flecks of snow.

Well, this is one attraction that looks just like the pictures. And sure, you could visit the macaque monkeys in the summer, but they’re nicknamed “snow” monkeys for a reason. Just another reason to the Land of the Rising Sun in the winter months!

When we arrived to the trail entrance in early February, the park was an absolute dream. Snow covered the ground and fluttered lazily from the sky as we walked through a pine forest and past a babbling stream. It was pure magic.

When we actually entered the park, the monkeys strolled alongside us, almost asking to be photographed. The best part was seeing them splash in the water as the young ones played tag with each other and the elders relaxed their old bones. 

Do it yourself:  From Tokyo, take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station (fastest 85 minutes). Then hop on the Nagano Dentetsu Line Limited Express train to Yudanaka Station (38 minutes).

From there take a local bus to Kanbayashi Onsen bus stop (15 minutes). Then walk through the snowy forest (wear proper shoes) for about 35 minutes, and you’ll arrive to at Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Budget Tip:  If you are going to be visiting more places than just Tokyo and Nagano, it will be significantly cheaper to buy a JR Rail Pass. Find out how to book your  JR Rail Pass before you arrive in Japan to save money on transportation!

Responsible Travel Tip:  Please, please, please don’t feed these wild animals. They are fed by the park reserve to keep them healthy, but they can be very aggressive around any other food. There were some, shall we say, stupid teenagers who ignored the signs and brought a bunch of bananas and video cameras. Well, the result was not a pretty one and ended with blood speckling the snow. For more  anecdotes and information on animal tourism, we’ve got the article just for you!

2. Go skiing in Japan

Did you know that Japan boasts some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world?! With more than 500 resorts sprinkled throughout a country that is smaller than California, you really don’t have to go far to find good –  no, GREAT  – slopes.

Some of the better mountains are in the northern regions like Hokkaido and Tohoku, but we have been told it’s  pretty killer, man  all over Japan.

We’ve met some people who are ski instructors during the winter in Japan and when the season closes there, they travel south to Australia to start their season all over again for their winter. Pretty sweet gig, for any snow-lovers!

Read next: We’ve rounded up all the things Japan is most famous for in a guide that’s also packed with practical travel tips. Plus, we’re sharing a few things we personally think Japan should be famous for, but most foreign tourists are surprised to know.

3. Stay in a cozy Japanese inn

Staying in a ryokan is an experience that should be on every travelers  Japan bucket list , but we can’t think of a much more cozy and romantic time to stay in a ryokan than during the winter months.

Cuddle up on your traditional futon mattress and enjoy the impeccable hospitality and food that ryokans are generally known for.

4. Soak in an onsen

Picture yourself soaking in a toasty pool of water under the stars. Steam billows up from the water as snowflakes kiss your shoulders. Sounds pretty magical, right?

Oh, and I forgot one detail: you’re naked.  Don’t worry – it’s not as scary as it sounds.  We jumped right in and got used to them in Korea, and found them to   be pretty freeing actually.

Onsens are Japanese bathhouses that were once used as peoples’ main source of getting clean.  But today, most onsens have morphed into a relaxing, spa-like experience.

Though you can visit these bathhouses year-round, you probably wouldn’t want to be submerged in steamy waters on a hot and sticky day in the summer months. In the wintertime, however, there are few things that sound better.

There are onsens all around the country, and there are entire towns built around these hot springs. Prices vary depending on the view and the services offered.

If you’re seeking luxury,  Hotel Green Plaza Hakone  is known for having a fantastic view of iconic Mount Fuji and can make a great day trip from Tokyo . And if you’re looking for a budget option, book a guesthouse that has an onsite onsen. Often times in these cases they are private, so if you’re traveling as a couple, you and your partner can soak together.

5. Glimpse snowy Mount Fuji (or try to!)

Oh, elusive Mount Fuji… She is a shy mountain who likes to hide behind clouds. But when she does show her face, oh boy, you’re in for a treat. If you’ve read our  1-week in Japan itinerary , you’ll know that we sadly reached her base on a day she wasn’t feeling so sociable.  That b*tch.

The thing that really stung was our time in Japan was limited so we couldn’t stay an extra day. And it was on that day that the clouds parted and Mount Fuji’s peak was glistening in all her glory, I’m sure. It seems to always happens like that, doesn’t it?

The winter is a great time to see Mount Fuji because no other time of the year will she be sprinkled with a shiny white cap.  When we go back to Japan, I want to return again in the winter with hopes to see her snowy peak.  

But even if you can’t glimpse the iconic mountain, the small nearby towns in the Hakone region are surrounded by pine tree forests that are especially picturesque when dusted with glistening snow. Oh, and as I mentioned above (#1), the onsens are reason enough to make a trip to the Hakone region.

Do it yourself:  The JR station nearest the Hakone region is Odawara Station. Thankfully, with the  JR Pass , Tokyo to Odawara is just a short 70-minute free trip. However, to enter the Hakone region, you have to purchase the Hakone Free Pass, because there are no JR lines with the region. 

The Hakone Free Pass is the most cost-effective package that includes all bus tickets in the area, a (super touristy but kind of fun) pirate ship ride, and a gondola ticket that brings you up close and personal with the famous mountain. We lay it all out in our Mount Fuji day trip guide !

If you’re  traveling Japan on a budget , we’d recommend staying at  Fuji Hakone Guesthouse , which is a traditional ryokan-style accommodation with a private onsen. We stayed there and had a great experience.

If your budget allows, check out these two gorgeous hotels with magical-looking onsens:

• Hotel Green Plaza Hakone
• Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori

And if you stay at either, let us know about your experience!

6. Eat ALL the ramen!

There is nothing better than escaping frigid temps than entering a cozy noodle shop and being welcomed by steaming hot pots and glorious smells.  Oh, the smells.

Everyone in the place will be belly up to the noodle bar, faces hovering over a sweltering bowl of steamy deliciousness. Join them and slurp up your new favorite wintertime dish.

Visiting a noodle shop (or twenty!) is a must when in Japan. Ramen is one of  our favorite Japanese dishes , but honestly, it’s just not quite as satisfying eating it during the warmer parts of the year. So if you’re traveling to Japan in the winter, be sure to get your fill. It’ll warm your tummy, your heart and your Rudolph nose!

Fun fact:  slurping your noodle soup is considered polite in Japan, so go for it!

Do it yourself:  This is an easy one. Enter a shop. Order soup. Eat. Well, actually it can be a bit more complicated. In  some areas of Tokyo  for instance, there are no noodle shops for blocks and blocks, while other streets are teeming with so many that it’s a daunting task to choose one.

For starters, check out this article that explains some of the  best noodle shops in Tokyo  – it does a great job of breaking down the atmosphere and specialties offered at each restaurant.

The other tricky part of this is that at some shops you’ll have to order your soup from a vending machine. You might have to decipher the menu by looking at the picture on the buttons (or ask someone friendly to help), inserting your yen, tapping your choice, and boom – it will print your receipt. Hand the receipt to a worker, find a seat and in less than 5 minutes you’ll have your steaming bowl of piping hot noodle soup.

7. Experience the Sapporo Snow Festival

We literally missed this festival by 2 days. TWO DAYS.

If you followed our journey while we were teaching in South Korea, you know that vacation days are not very flexible, and the fact that we got an entire week off after already taking a  17-day trip to the Philippines  is  really  rare. We felt pretty lucky and decided not to push our luck.

But I have rambled… My point is that the  Sapporo Snow Festival, which takes place annually, usually in the beginning of February, looks so cool (literally!) , we may just have to make a trip back to Japan in the winter specifically for this festival.

Taking place in the northern island of Hokkaido, snow and ice sculptures consume more than 1.5 kilometers of a busy downtown parkway. Festival lights turn on soon after dark and you can enjoy the ice slides, international food stalls, ice skating rink and, of course, giant snow murals!

If you’re lucky enough to be in Japan for this festival OHMYGOSH we would be SO jealous! Please tell us about it.

Insider Tip:  If your timing works out, go to the nearby Otaru Snow Light festival too. It’s not far from Sapporo, and typically overlaps with the final days of the Snow Festival.

Related:  Want to know what else there is to do in Sapporo? Check out this  2-day Sapporo Travel Guide .

8. Warm up with a sake tasting

Second to ramen, we think doing a sake tasting is a pretty great way to warm up on a chilly winter day!

Whether you belly up to a bar in an  izakaya , or you  tour a sake distillery  and learn all about Japanese rice wine, we think sake tasting makes a great wintertime activity.

Alternative:  If you’re a whiskey fan, you’ll definitely want to try some during your trip. Japan is becoming increasingly well-known in the whiskey world!

9. Stroll through a Christmas Market

Not unlike Europe, Japan has its own tradition of putting on German-themed Christmas markets in the wintertime. Imagine strolling the streets lined with shops, mulled wine or hot chocolate in hand as Christmas music hums in the background. Sounds pretty magical, right?

If you are visiting Japan in the weeks leading up to Christmas (primarily during the month of December), you can take the opportunity to visit one of these festive markets and see for yourself. 

Some of the top Christmas Markets to check out in Japan are: 

• Tokyo Christmas Market in Hibiya Park
• Roppongi Hills Christmas Market 
• Tokyo Skytree Town Christmas Market
• Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market
• Kobe Christmas Market
• Christmas Market in Nakanoshima
• Marunouchi Nakadori Avenue Market

10. Enjoy all sorts of indoor activities

Japan has a ton of indoor activities, so even if you’re not a fan of the cooler temps, you’ll still be able to find quite a few things to do in Japan during the winter.

Here are some great indoor activities in Japan:

• Explore the wildly beautiful  teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum  in Tokyo  (pictured above)
• Sing the night away in a Karaoke room
• Take crazy pictures in a  purikura  (Japanese photo booth)
• Explore fish markets, like Toyosu Market in Tokyo
• Experience a Japanese arcade and play pachinko
• Take a Japanese cooking class
• Sample small dishes and drinks at an  izakaya  (Japanese pub)
• Attend a Japanese Tea Ceremony
• Go on a food tour
• Go shopping for Japanese souvenirs
• Check out a theme cafe or restaurant

Best places to visit in Japan during winter

• Traditional villages like Shirakawago , Hida, and Gokayama (pictured above) :  While they are picturesque during the entire year, they are especially beautiful when the traditional houses are blanketed in a fresh layer of snow and flanked by white-tipped pines.
• Sapporo:  Home to the famed Snow Festival, Sapporo is a wonderful place to put on your winter itinerary, especially if your travel dates overlap with the festival. We’d also say that if you make it up to Sapporo, you might as well explore a bit more of Hokkaido!
• Nagano:  Known as the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano is home to great skiing, nearby charming mountain villages, and the famous “snow monkeys”.
• Our recommendation: We stayed at the  Auberge Hidanomori hotel in Takayama  during the summertime and had a fantastic stay. We think it would be even better during the winter months.
• Nozawa Onsen:  This picturesque town is built around hot springs, so you’ll find all sorts of onsens to soak in. There is also skiing nearby.

If you are traveling during the winter months, you’ll need to pack a little differently than you would during other times of the year.

We have a guide where we break down exactly what to wear during winter in Japan (for both women and men!), but here are some essentials:

• mid-weight coat  for walking around the cities
• comfortable and  warm boots/shoes  for walking

Do you plan to do outdoor activities, like skiing?

Then you’ll want to add these items to your list:

• waterproof winter jacket
• waterproof gloves
• waterproof boots
• ski goggles
• any other ski equipment you don’t want to rent

Tip:  Hand warmers are a big thing in Japan, so you can buy a bunch when you arrive to keep your hands and feet warm!

Hold up!  We created a whole guide to  all the things you need to pack for Japan  (in addition to clothes!). Plus, we even have a (totally free!)  packing list you can download !

This  FREE PDF download  includes  everything  you’re going to want to pack for your Japan trip, including what NOT to bring, plus tons of insider tips!

Still not convinced winter is a good time to visit Japan?

I suppose I can understand. I mean, not everyone is built like us Minnesotans to withstand cold weather! And if you’re still not keen after reading about all the things to do in Japan during the winter, then you might enjoy this country more at a different time of year.

Lucky for you, we’ve broken down all the  seasons in Japan  so you can choose the best time of year to visit, based on your personal travel style.

Japan travel tips & resources

Want more Japan tips, itineraries, budgets and resources?

We have TONS of resources on travel in Japan and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Ultimate Japan Travel Guide  for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, be sure to check out our other resources.

• First things first: we’ve created the  ultimate guide to traveling in Japan , which is packed with everything you need to know for your first visit.
• We also have a complete  1-week itinerary , so the only planning you have to do is booking your flight!
• Plus, we’ve shared the  breakdown of our budget  and our favorite must do experiences in Japan.
• Are you a foodie? Then you can’t miss our  list of foods to try in Japan !
• And don’t forget to read up on the  Japan Rail Pass  and how to book yours before your trip.

We loved Japan and would like nothing better than to help you plan your trip there!

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Plan a Japan Winter Trip 2024: Top Experiences & 2 Itineraries

Winter (December to February) in northern Japan is like a white fairy tale world: white snow, colorful Christmas illuminations, and a relaxed atmosphere. Although Japan is cold in winter, it still attracts visitors with its unique winter experiences, fewer travelers, and cheaper costs.

Japan is a great place to spend Christmas holidays with your family: relax in an onsen (hot spring) in a traditional ryokan (inn) while appreciating the snowy scenery in Hakone, ski with your teenage kids at Hokkaido's best powder-snow ski resort, experience dreamy wintry lighting in Shirakawa-go, and see snow monkeys bathe in an onsen in Nagano.

In this article, we are going to look at how to plan a winter travel itinerary, which could be a memorable family holiday.

• Do I Need a Visa to Visit Japan?

4 Top Japan-in-Winter Experiences

• Top 2 Winter Itineraries in Japan

Tips for Winter Travel in Japan

Winter weather in japan.

• How Much Does It Cost?

Do I Need a Visa to Go to Japan?

Japan restored its visa-waiver system from October 11th, 2022. If your country is on the Japan visa exemption list, like Australia, Canada, USA, UK and almost all European nations, you can visit Japan for 90 days (in most cases) without applying for a visa in advance.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Here are four top things to do that you should not miss in Japan in winter:

1) Relax in a Onsen in a Cozy Ryokan in Hakone

Staying at a ryokan with onsens (hot spring baths) is the most attractive experience to be had on a winter's day for many travelers from Japan and abroad.

Hakone is the home of onsens and has numerous natural hot springs, some of them are believed to have healing properties. A ryokan is a traditional-style Japanese form of accommodation where you can sleep on a tatami and enjoy high-class kaiseki (multi-course classical Japanese cuisine).

Nothing is better than to relax in an onsen with stunning snowy trees and mountains around you and your family to create unforgettable holiday moments.

Suggested reading: How Long Should I Spend in Japan

2) Ski with Your Kids in Hokkaido/Nagano

Japan has lots of family-friendly ski resorts offering quality powder snow, perfect surroundings, clear English signage, and excellent service. Japan has the best ski resorts in Asia, but it is still cheaper to ski there than in Europe.

Hokkaido's pistes are definitely some of the top Japan destinations in winter , where world-class ski resorts include Niseko and Rusutsu. Skiing in Hokkaido you can enjoy light and fluffy snow, icy mountain scenery, professional English-speaking skiing lessons for kids, teenagers, and families, and fresh seafood.

Nagano, just an hour and a half from Tokyo, is also a well-known ski resort. Once the main venue for the Winter Olympics, Hakuba Valley is Nagano's best family-friendly ski resort.

Check more details about plan a ski holiday with your family >>>

3) See Charming Winter Lighting in Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage site , a picturesque village known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which have steep thatched roofs that are named after 'praying hands'. In recent years, Shirakawa-go has become popular with travelers for its beautiful countryside views and unique farmhouses.

These farmhouses are extremely charming when covered in snow and illuminated at night. The wintry lighting scenes can usually be seen from January to February, but the lighting-up time varies from year to year and stays require advance booking.

Contact our travel advisors and we can arrange it for you.

4) Watch Snow Monkeys Soak in Onsens in Nagano

Nagano is a city surrounded by mountains and is not far from Tokyo. It's well-known for its Hakuba Ski Resort and snow monkeys that soak in hot springs. It is a good place to go for family holidays in winter.

Monkeys (Japanese macaques) in Jigokudani Monkey Park are the only ones in the world who love to soak in hot springs in winter. Watching the snowflakes fall on the monkeys, each of them relaxing in hot springs to keep warm, would be a new and unforgettable memory of the trip.

Winter Itineraries in Japan: The Top 2 Options

Here are two winter itineraries that are hand-picked for families visiting Japan for the first time with two popular lengths of holidays (9 and 14 days) , both including relaxing in hot springs, seeing snow-covered shrines, enjoying a cup of steaming Japanese tea, and the option to go skiing with your kids.

1) The 9-Day Classical Route: Cover Major Highlights in Japan and Ryokan Experience

• Tokyo–Hakone–Kyoto–Osaka

This itinerary covers the top highlights of Japan: experience kid-favoured anime elements and an attractive Christmas atmosphere and illuminations in Tokyo, soak in onsens at a comfortable ryokan with snow scenery in Hakone, spend family time in Kyoto trying on kimonos and feeding friendly deer.

Here is a summary itinerary for you ( contact us for more details):

• Days 1–3: Tokyo (samurai, make sushi, anime center, and Asakusa)
• Days 4–5: Hakone (ryokans with onsens)
• Days 6–8: Kyoto (snow-covered shrines, geishas, sake, and feed deer)
• Day 9: Osaka and departure

It's also a great idea to spend an extra 2–3 days having a family ski time in Nagano, which is not far from Tokyo.

Suggested reading: 10 Days in Japan >>>

2) 14-Day Best Winter Experience Route: Skiing, Snow Monkeys in Onsens, Wintry Lighting in Shirakawa-go

• Sapporo–Otaru–Tokyo–Nagano–Shirakawa-go–Kyoto

You can get the best winter experience in Japan with this itinerary: ski and explore a famous chocolate factory in Sapporo — capital of Hokkaido, take a day trip to Otaru to enjoy a snowy view on the Otaru Canal, see the magical sight of snow monkeys soaking in hot springs in Nagano, and appreciate the wintry lighting in Shirakawa-go.

Here is a summary itinerary for your inspiration ( contact us for further details):

• Days 1–3: Sapporo (skiing, the most famous local chocolate factory and Sapporo Ice Festival)
• Day 4: Otaru (Otaru Canal and exquisite glass)
• Days 5–7: Fly to Tokyo (Tsukiji Market, Tokyo Tower, sumo, and anime)
• Day 8: Nagano (snow monkeys soaking in hot springs)
• Days 9–10: Takayama and Shirakawa-go (well-preserved townhouses and snow-covered gassho-zukuri farmhouses)
• Days 11–13: Kyoto (geisha, tea ceremony, sake, ryokan with onsen, feed deer in Nara)
• Day 14: Depart from Kansai International Airport in Osaka

To create a wonderful winter trip in Japan, here are some suggested tips to help you to avoid unnecessary hassles.

• Christmas and New Year is one of the busiest times in Japan. It's better to plan ahead and book flights and hotels at least 6 months in advance to reserve your favourite hotel/room.
• Winter in Japan is cold and snowy. You'd better take thick clothes to keep warm. We recommend you to bring a down jacket, gloves, and waterproof boots.
• Most ski resorts in Japan have rental shops to rent or sell ski equipment, so you don't have to take heavy ski equipment to Japan. Of course, it's okay to bring your own equipment. You can pay for a delivery service that will ship your skis directly to the ski resort.

Just let us know your interests and requirements , and we can help make it happen.

Winter in Japan is from December to February and the weather is cold and dry.

• In Sapporo on Hokkaido, the average daily temperature range is from 0°C (32°F) in the warmest part of the day down to -6°C (20°F) at night. While in Tokyo or Kyoto temperatures average above freezing, ranging from 2 to 10°C (36–50°F) on average.
• The average rainfall per month in winter is low in Tokyo/Kyoto at around 58 mm (2 in), but the average snowfall in Sapporo on Hokkaido is a moderate 104 mm (4 in) — and more snow falls at Hokkaido's mountainous resorts.

December sees the beginning of winter in Japan, with clear skies, and colder and drier weather. Cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Sapporo get into the festive spirit when celebrating Christmas and New Year.

January/February is the best time to ski in the white world of northern Japan. The high-quality powder snow is the most important feature of ski resorts in Japan, which attracts many skiers to come and enjoy it.

How Much Does a Japan Winter Trip Cost?

Japan rivals Europe both in terms of facilities and service standards, which means that travel in Japan costs more than in China or in Southeast Asian countries.

US$350-500 per person per day is the typical cost for a private tour with 4-star hotels, based on a family of 3–5 people. This includes a private guide, private car, full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, and a local 4-star hotel.

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The Best Places to Visit in Japan During Winter [Japan Winter Destinations]

If you’re planning to have an aesthetic and wonderful winter experience, you should go to Japan . Japan has some of the best winter locations you could find.

Japan is one of those countries that you can visit any time of the year since every season in this country offers different experiences for tourists. Aside from the cherry blossom season during spring, and the Fireworks festival during summer, the winter season in Japan offers the same excitement and lovable experience. And for that reason, we created an article that would give you an idea of what to do and visit during the cold season. So if you’re planning to visit Japan during winter, expect to have a unique experience!

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Table of Contents

Winter Locations in Japan that You Must Visit

1. shirakawa-go, gifu.

The Shirakawa-go Village in Gifu is a must-visit in Japan, especially during the winter season. It is a  charming small village that literally looks like a painting that came to life. Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go Village has Japan’s unique “gasshou-zukuri” structured houses. Some of these houses are more than 250 years old. During the winter season, the snow covers the whole village that makes it really picturesque. There are also special light-up events held during this time of the year.

Suggested Tour: Takayama and Shirakawa-go Day Trip from Nagoya

2. Abashiri Drift Ice, Hokkaido

It is not new to most of us that Hokkaido is the coldest city in Japan. And what can be seen in this city aside from snow during the winter season? That’s the drift ice (‘Ryhuhyo’ in Japanese) that float atop the ocean surface on the Sea of Okhotsk in Abashiri City. This phenomenon occurs around mid-January until March, but only a limited time to really see it in action. To witness this, you can take one of the Aurora sightseeing ships that depart from Abashiri Port.

Suggested Tour: Hokkaido Enjoy Pass

3. Sapporo Snow Festival, Hokkaido

One of the popular cities in Hokkaido, Sapporo is another place in Japan that you should visit during the winter season. The ever-popular Sapporo Snow Festival happens in 2 weeks, from early to mid-February and it makes the whole city looks like a winter dreamy wonderland. This event attracts more than 2 million visitors every year (both local and foreign tourists). Seeing magnificent ice and snow sculptures is one of the things you shouldn’t miss while you’re in Japan during the winter season.

4. Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by VOYAGED by 9GAG (@voyaged) on Feb 23, 2020 at 1:41am PST

‘Onsen’ or hot spring bath is one of the best things someone could visit during the cold season. And Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture is absolutely the best winter locations in Japan that you could go to. This onsen in Yamagata is one of the most historical and beautiful Onsen towns in Japan. This town was founded 600 years ago and offers an amazing preserved townscape from the 19th century. If you’re familiar with the world-famous animated movie “Spirited Away”, Ginzan Onsen was the inspiration of the movie’s mythical town.

Suggested Tour: Ginzan Onsen Experience with Hojuzan Risshaku Temple Visit

5. Kobe City, Hyogo

If you want to enjoy spectacular seasonal illumination, Kobe City is the answer. The Kobe Luminarie is the city’s yearly celebration of the festival season. Yes, Tokyo is indeed the home of out of this world LEDs, projection mapping, and fairy lights illumination but the one in Kobe is not to miss as it is also dedicated to the lives of thousands who died during the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995. These lights are believed to symbolize hope, renewal, and recovery.

Suggested Tour: Naruto Whirlpool, England Hill, and Kobe Full Day Tour from Osaka

6. Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano

If you’re not aware, Japan’s one of the most visited and unique scenery is the Snow Monkeys. These wild monkeys bathing in natural hot springs at the base of Mt. Fuji surrounded by white snow can be seen in Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture. You can actually visit them all year round as they literally live in the park. However, to capture their best moments, you should go here during the winter season.

Suggested Tour: Nagano Snow Monkey Park and Zenko-ji Temple Day Tour with Sake Tasting

7. Nabana no Sato, Mie

Plenty of illumination events are held in Japan every year. And it attracts millions of tourists. One of those beautiful illuminations is held at Nabana no Sato in Mie Prefecture. Nabana no Sato is an amusement Park and a Botanical Garden in Mie. About 8 million LED lights are lit up to create amazing arts of lights. When you go here, don’t miss the chance to walk through the popular display of the “Tunnel of Lights.”

Suggested Tour: Nabana no Sato: Spectacular Winter Illumination Ticket in Kuwana with JPY1000 Coupon

8. Kifune Shrine, Kyoto

Another winter location in Japan that is surely not to miss. Kifune Shrine in Kyoto is one of the best-hidden gems of the said city. The shrine can be enjoyed all throughout the year but winter is the best time to visit. At night and only when it’s snowing, a light-up event is held on the Shrine and turns everything so dreamy.

9. Zao Ski Resort, Yamagata

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by JAPAN PRIVATE TOUR Co., Ltd. (@japanprivatetour) on Nov 26, 2017 at 7:56pm PST

One of the best winter locations in Japan that you should visit is the Zao Ski Resort in Yamagata Prefecture. Its unique natural phenomenon called “Juhyo”, which means snow monsters are its main attraction. Hundreds of snow monsters cover the slope at Zao Ski Resort, these “monsters” are actually trees covered in snow and it gives them a ghostly image. Aside from admiring these snow monsters, you can also enjoy skiing and snowboarding passing by these trees.

10. Tokyo’s Winter Illuminations

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Tori Yamashita (@toriyamashita) on Jan 10, 2020 at 7:22pm PST

As mentioned earlier, Tokyo is the home of spectacular illuminations. During the winter season, Japan’s capital holds numerous winter illumination displays. Some of the most popular are the ones at Marunouchi and Tokyo Station. These places brighten up that feels so dreamy that only Japan’s innovation can produce.

This is our list of the best winter locations in Japan that would make your next winter experience extra special. If you’ve been to any of these places or if you’re thinking of going here, share with us what you think!

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The Best Places to Visit in Japan During Winter

Secret ski fields, incredible seafood, and even sakura blossoms – winter may not be the most popular time to visit Japan, but it’s well worth considering. The country is full of diverse winter landscapes and novel events; here are some of the best places to visit in Japan during winter.

In recent years, the nation has garnered a reputation for being a hot ski hangout, which is well and truly justified. However, thanks to the incredible diversity of its landscape and passionate championing of traditional culture, a winter trip to Japan is quite unlike anywhere else in the world.

Shirakawa-go, Gifu

Looking like an idyllic painting come to life, Shirakawa-go is a small traditional village in the heart of Gifu that is stunning year-round. Nonetheless, winter is when it’s at its most beautiful. The area is best known for being the home of Japan’s unique ‘gasshou’ houses, a style of old-world traditional Japanese architecture. Some of the houses here are over 250 years old. The name ‘gasshou’ translates to ‘praying hands’ in English. It was so named because their sharply steep roofs clasped together resemble the two hands of the Buddha in prayer.

Abashiri Drift Ice, Hokkaido

Head right up north to the Sea of Okhotsk along the coast of Hokkaido , and you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’re in fact in the middle of the Antarctic. Here massive plates of drift ice known as ryuhyo float atop the ocean surface.

Drift ice season may not be Japan’s most well-known winter vacation opportunity, but it’s definitely one of the country’s more unique experiences. Emerging in around mid-January and gone by March, there is a little time to check it out if you do want to see it in action.

Occasionally from land you can spot drift ice floating along the coast, but to really explore the area at its peak, it’s recommended you hop aboard one of the Aurora Sightseeing Boats . The tour boats depart from Abashiri Port in Hokkaido’s northeastern corner a couple of times daily, and a tour costs around 3,000 yen (£20) per person.

Sapporo Snow Festival, Hokkaido

One of the country’s most popular winter attractions is the Sapporo Snow Festival , which attracts around two million visitors annually. The snow festival first began in the 1950s when some of the city’s younger members started building impressive ice statues in the city’s Odori Park. Since then, the event has snowballed into a must-see festival experience.

A week-long celebration that runs from early to mid-February, the festival features parades, parties and pop-up events. But the centrepiece of the celebrations are the ginormous snow sculptures that practically invade the city. The festival takes place over three main points in Sapporo: the Susukino Site, home to around 100 sculptures; the Tsu Dome Site, a hub of family-friendly attractions; and the Odori Park site, where the most impressive snow sculptures are exhibited. If you do plan on visiting, it’s best you book far in advance to avoid the manic winter rush.

Kobe City, Hyogo

For Japanese city dwellers, the wintery Christmas season means it’s time to brave the cold and get out there to enjoy the seasonal illuminations. With an over-the-top spectacular show of fairy lights, LEDs, and projection mapping, Tokyo is home to some incredible light shows, but nobody does it quite like the city of Kobe.

Located less than an hour from Osaka , the port city of Kobe is well worth a day trip in you’re in the area, especially if you’re around in December. The Kobe Luminarie is the city’s annual celebration of the festival season, but it’s also a dedication to the memory of the thousands who perished during the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995.

The lights for the display were donated by the Italian government and designed by Italian artistic director Valerio Festi. Following the earthquake, electricity in Kobe was cut to many houses for an extended period of time, and the lights are said to symbolise hope, renewal and recovery.

Akita City, Akita

For a snow adventure that’s still a relatively well-kept secret from the hordes of powder hungry skiers, book a trip to Akita city. Located in the picturesque pocket of Tohoku, Akita is probably most well known for its adorable Akita Inu , but the area has so much more to offer.

Unlike the more well-known ski destinations of Niseko and Hakuba, what’s exciting about Akita is that culturally it has remained relatively untouched while still being very tourist-friendly. For a real taste of authentic Japan, plan a few days in eastern Akita Nyuto Onsen village. This quaint and untouched snow-carpeted town is famous for its milky white, healing hot spring waters, which is the perfect soothing cure for these tired ski-sore muscles.

Kawazu City, Shizuoka

If you’re serious about seeing cherry blossoms ( sakura ) and don’t want to do battle with the swarms of other sakura- hungry tourists, beat the crowd by booking a winter excursion to Kawazu City. Located in Shizuoka Prefecture not too far from Tokyo, the area is home to some of Japan’s earliest blooming trees.

Here, peak cherry blossom season runs between mid-February to early March, and to celebrate the eagerly awaited arrival, the Kawazu sakura matsuri (festival) kicks off in conjunction with the first signs of blooming. From Tokyo you can get to the city of Kawazu in about three hours by train, making it an easy day-trip destination (if you plan well) and a perfect way to escape the still rather chilly inner city.

Tottori City, Tottori

Tottori is Japan’s least densely populated prefecture, making it the perfect destination for those seeking a little respite from the country’s crowded major cities. It’s also home to some incredible natural sites. Mount Daisen is Tottori’s pride and joy, often referred to the ‘Mount Fuji of the west’ and is best admired in its snow-capped glory during the colder months.

One of Tottori’s most famous tourist attractions is the Tottori Sand Dunes , the naturally crafted oceanside desert, which stretches from the coast to the northern corners of the Tottori city centre. In the warmer months, the area is rather crowded with sandboarders and camel riders taking charge. In winter, it’s practically deserted, giving it an eerie but fascinating and almost apocalyptic feel.

Sakaiminato Port in west Tottori is another reason to visit in winter, home to some of the most incredible seafood in the country. Matsuba-gani – known in English as snow crab – is the city’s most famous dish and is most available (and most delicious) during the peak winter months of November through March.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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The Best Places to Visit in Japan During Winter

The Best Places to Visit in Japan During Winter – Many travellers plan their trip to Japan to coincide with the cherry blossom season in Spring to be able to witness the blooming flowers as the weather warms up. Little did they know they’re missing out on heaps of excitement that takes place only in winter, and only in Japan! Winter in Japan is nothing short of magical. With snow-covered slopes and trees that mimics that of a fairytale, to winter illuminations, there’s no doubt one will be awestruck by these amazing sights.

Japan celebrates its winter like no other, and despite the freezing cold and piled snow, comes the ice sculptures and winter events. While onsens, bathing outdoors in natural hot springs, are popular all year round amongst locals and foreigners alike, the experience is even more spectacular and enhanced during winter as the pool is surrounded by snow and ice, yet you’re all roasty toasty in the bath. Don’t even mention the mountains and resorts to ski and snowboard on!

If these doesn’t make you want to venture Japan in winter, here is a list of places in Japan that are breathtaking during the winter, and a must-visit for all!

Table of Contents

Abashiri Drift Ice

Credits: Ludwine Probst / Flickr

Found up north of Japan is Hokkaido, the coldest city in all of Japan! Because of that, Hokkaido experiences all kinds of spectacular phenomenons in winter, and one of them is the drift ice. The Sea of Okhotsk along Abashiri City is known to be the southernmost point to witness the drift ice, just like in the Arctic. There is also a sightseeing ship that allows you to watch the dynamic drift ice in close proximity, but only during a limited time of the year.

The Blue Pond

The pond contains traces of chemicals which turn its waters a rainbow of different blue hues throughout the year, and during winter the scenery is so magical as the blue pond is accompanied by the whitened tree branches.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Winter in Hokkaido is really cold, but instead of being down in the slumps because of the weather, the capital city, Sapporo, hosts the world’s famous Sapporo Snow Festival for a week long that turns the whole city into the dreamy winter wonderland, covering three major sites — the Odori, the Susukino and the Tsu Dome. With ice sculptures and illuminations, over two million visitors, local Japanese and travellers, attend the event every season!

Credits: David McKelvey / Flickr

Each sites cover a different thing: the Odori hosts the most spectacular and biggest sculptures, and you’ll be able to get a great view of them from the Sapporo TV Tower; Susukino has the smaller ice sculptures that are distributed between the karaoke bars and other entertainment establishments; The Tsu Dome offers loads of snow-related activities for both adults and children!

Ginzan Onsen

Japan is famously known for their onsens , a public natural hot springs. Bathing in them is an enjoyable way of relaxing, and locals and foreigners often take the time out to go to them as it also has health benefits. In winter, the surrounding of the onsen is filled with snow and ice, and the air is chilly. Yet, as you dip into the onsen, you’re warm and toasted amidst the cold winter.

Credits: Jojje Olson / Flickr

Ginzan onsen is one of the most picturesque places to go for a winter onsen. Located in the Yamagata prefecture, the small mountain town is full of historical ryokans and traditional onsen inn lined along the banks of the Ginzan River. Stay overnight at one of these, and even consider one with a private onsen, to enjoy the full experience. Public onsens are also available for those not looking to spend the night. If you’re not feeling up for the full immersion, a public foot spa is also available.

Kamakura Festival

Credits: Chee_hian / Flickr

Kamakura is not only linked to the city that is known for its famous and huge Buddha statue, but also referred to the dome-shaped snow sculpture that is a traditional winter item in Japan.   Held in the northern part of the country, the Yunishigawa Kamakura Festivals takes place at the Yunishigawa Onsen Town in Tochigi Prefecture, where hundreds of dome sculptures in all sizes line up, lighting up the dark night sky with orange glows.

The event runs for about a month from February to March, and even though the Kamakura domes are the main attraction, there are also other several fun snow activities offered in the vicinity.

The Icicles of Misotsuchi

Most of the places that experience a winter phenomena are usually found in the colder regions of Japan, like Hokkaido. This one is more accessible from Tokyo , and it is the Icicles of Misotsuchi. They are gigantic icicles created by the flowing water over the cliffs upstream from the waterfall in Chichibu area in Saitama prefecture, located right next to Tokyo.

Not only is this an extremely beautiful natural sight on its own, during the peak season, there will be special light-up events held that lightens up the icicles in a blue-ish hue, giving them a mystical feel.

Credits: Anthony Coronado / Flickr

For some, winter is a cruel, cold season that they want to avoid. But winter is most often times bring out the most spectacular nature sights. One of them is the winter phenomena that is at a popular ski resort in Northern Japan, at the Zao Ski Resort. Hundreds of Zao’s ice trees, also known as Juhyo, covered the slopes of the ski resort. These unique and amazing snow monsters are a work of art made by nature.

Visitors of the ski resort can even ski and snowboard around and by the trees. In the evening, the snow monsters are lit up and puts on a mystical winter scenery.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

It might not be the most obvious of places for some, but take some time out of your winter days to visit the wild Japanese macaques up in Nagano. They inhabit the Jigokudani mountainsides and roam the extensive terrains freely. Part of their territory is a thermal spa in the Yokoyu River valley where they go to bathe during the extreme cold seasons, so you’re bound to see lots of them in winter!

Credits: Douglas Sprott / Flickr

Unfortunately, the park is only reachable by walking a mile-long track through the dense forest. It doesn’t sound so appealing especially during winter, but it’s all worth it as visitors are able to get within touching distance of these wild macaques, even when they’re in the water. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shouldn’t be missed!

Winter Travel via JR Tadami Line

Credits: Masahiro IIZUKA / Flickr

Who would’ve thought that a train ride would be a place to visit and do during winter? Yet the JR Tadami Line makes the cut. This rail service runs for over eighty miles through the most spectacular parts of Fukushima and Niigata prefectures, and can you imagine these landscapes covered in snow?

It’s extremely beautiful and jaw-dropping, it’s no doubt that this train ride will quite literally take your breath away. The best part of it all, although it might seem like a drag on other days, is that the train isn’t those express, fast ones. So you’re in for a plentiful time of admiring the scenic vistas through the carriage window.

Read also > JR Pass – Your Ultimate Guide

Shirakawago Village

A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site , the Shirakawago villages have conserved the unique architecture of the houses, some having steeply sloping roofs constructed without nails that enables them to cope structurally with the heavy wind snowfalls.

The area begins turning into a Japanese winter wonderland in mid-December, when snowfalls begin and the Gassho-zukuri farmhouses take on a snow-covered picture-perfect look. The most popular village, Ogimachi, has the biggest and most number of traditional farmhouses dated back over two hundred years ago.

Credits: Trey Ratcliff / Flickr

On top of extremely unique architecture, Shirakawago also has winter illuminations worth staying for. Several lighting-up events happen during the season, and as of 2019, visitors have to make a reservation to attend them. With limited seating and placement, it’s best to make prior reservation.

Read also > Shirakawago Travel Guide

Winter can be cold and sometimes depressing, but each season always has something to offer. Japan is especially best in winter, providing a mix of tradition and modern events, natural and man-made sights, and activities that can be enjoyed by all. From resort activities like skiing and snowboarding near the Zao monster trees, dipping in the hot water of the natural hot springs in Ginzan, to getting a picturesque train ride across parts of beautiful Japan, there is no reason to not enjoy the cold and snow in this amazing country.

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Azra Syakirah

Usually tucked away in a cafe anywhere she goes, Azra Syakirah is a fashion designer and entrepreneur living in Tokyo, Japan. Born and bred in Singapore, her heart belongs to the world. Also a language enthusiast, she virtually scribbles her thoughts on a blog as well as freelances as a writer. She is experimental and versatile with her writing genre and content creation, seeking to put her passion in linguistics and hunger for creativity into practice.

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Winter in Japan: Best Destinations During the Winter Season

Japan is said to be a land beautiful in all four seasons, but winter holds a special place in our hearts. Winter in Japan is a short season that lasts from December to February, although in the more northern prefectures it can be quite a bit longer.

We love Japan’s winter months when the air is crisp and there’s snow on the ground. It’s the perfect time to soak in the thermal waters of an onsen or get our snowboards out of storage and head for the nearest slopes for some winter fun. Many cities have amazing festivals during winter in Japan too. Yes, you need to wrap up warm when you go, but they’re so magical you’ll soon forget the cold.

Why Visit Japan During the Winter Season?

• Sapporo (Hokkaido prefecture)
• Jigokudani Monkey Park (Nagano prefecture)
• Kanazawa (Ishikawa prefecture)
• Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata prefecture)
• Shirakawa-go Village (Gifu prefecture)
• Mt Zao (Yamagata prefecture)
• Otaru (Hokkaido prefecture)

There are so many wonderful places to go to in Japan in winter that we could write a book about them. That’s not to mention all of the things to do in Japan in the winter season. Winter is one of the best seasons to enjoy local Japanese cuisine, especially in the seaside cities. Fresh seafood, including fugu (blowfish) and crab are a must-try during winter. Winter is also synonymous with warm onsen hot springs, which are perfect to warm up after a day of sightseeing. It’s also the best way to end a day after enjoying winter sports at one of Japan’s many ski resorts. Japan has some amazing mountains, with beautiful snow fall for ski and snowboard lovers. 

Besides all of the amazing things to do in Japan during winter, it’s also a great chance to visit the country without the same crowds you might experience in the spring and fall seasons. As long as you avoid the Christmas and New Years holidays, you can expect less crowds while exploring Japan. You may also find accommodations in major cities can be less taxing on your wallets during the winter season.

One of the best things to do in Japan in winter is to visit Sapporo, a city located in the northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido . The Sapporo Snow Festival takes place every year at the beginning of February and is one of the biggest celebrations held during Japan’s winter months, drawing both international and local Japanese tourists each year.

Many people liken Sapporo to a winter wonderland when the snow festival is on. Believe us, that’s an understatement. For the seven days of the festival, Sapporo becomes a fantasy world of enormous snow and ice sculptures that defy description. The festival is spread over three main sites, the Odori Site, the Susukino Site and the Tsudome Site. The first two are dedicated to the amazing works created by the snow and ice sculptors and the third is where everyone goes to let off steam on the snow slides and have fun.  There are also an unbelievable number of outdoor festival stalls with delicious food, so be sure to bundle up and brave the icy temperatures to get your fill of the Sapporo Snow Festival!

Jigokudani Monkey Park

People are not the only ones who enjoy onsen during winter in Japan. The macaque monkeys of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park do too! And they have a very special place where they go to soak in steaming waters – the Jigokudani Monkey Park, or Snow Monkey Park, which is part of the national park and a natural habitat for the macaques. Photos of the monkeys enjoying a dip in the warm waters has become an iconic image of winter in Japan, recognizable around the world.

While the monkeys are there all year round, the best time to see them is January or February when there’s snow and the monkeys take a dip to keep warm. This iconic scene of winter is a must see if you are traveling to Japan during the winter season. If you get cold, don’t be jealous of the monkeys taking a dip! You too can enjoy onsen, although not in the park. Head over to Shibu or Yudanaka,  popular onsen towns nearby, for your own relaxing dip in the hot springs.

There’s one place in Japan we always recommend as it really does have everything and that’s Kanazawa. Well, it has everything apart from snow monkeys, they’re unique to Jigokudani, but the rest of its attributes more than make up for that. Kanazawa is a popular place for locals to visit during Japan’s winter months as you can combine sightseeing with winter sports, enjoy onsen hot springs, and sample some of the best seafood in Japan.

There is so much to see and do in Kanazawa that you won’t think about the cold for a moment even when you’re outside. The reconstruction of the Kanazawa Castle is truly impressive and is a must-visit during your Japan travels for all of the history buffs out there. Combine a visit to Kanazawa Castle with nearby Kenrokuen Garden, one of the 3 most beautiful gardens in all of Japan . This landscaped garden has a very special ambience when the trees and plants are dusted with a covering of snow. Kenrokuen Garden is beautiful in any season, but truly comes alive in the winter. During the winter in Japan, Kenrokuen is decorated with yukitsuri , bamboo poles and ropes that form structures around the pine trees all around the extensive grounds. Yukitsuri is not just for show, and is an important support system that keeps the heavy snow from harming the pine trees. The sight of yukitsuri in Kenrokuen Garden is so iconic, it has become one of the symbols of Kanazawa City.

See our recommended accommodations in Kanazawa : MACHIYA RESIDENCE INN KANAZAWA

Ginzan Onsen

Ginzan Onsen in the Yamagata prefecture is the place to go to experience old-world Japan charm at its best during the winter season. No vehicles are allowed in the center of this sleepy mountain town so it has a special atmosphere that transports you back in time. In Ginzan Onsen, the streets and river that runs through its heart are lined with ryokan, traditional onsen inns built from wood. When the roofs of the ryokan are laden with snow they really do make a perfect picture postcard scene, contributing to it’s status as one of the best places to visit during winter in Japan.

In Ginzan Onsen you can enjoy the onsen outdoors under the stars or stop off to take a free foot bath while exploring the charming town. It’s definitely worth exploring, because if you do you’ll find a stunning waterfall. Keep walking , and if the path isn’t blocked by snow, you’ll come across a cavern left over from the silver mining days that you can enter. You’ll experience and touch history while enjoying old-Japan charm at this sleepy yet picturesque onsen town while visiting Japan in winter.

Shirakawa-go Village

Shirakawa-go Village has gained popularity as a tourist destination in recent years, and the winter season is one of the best times to visit – especially if you’re staying in Hida Takayama . If you’re going skiing or snowboarding at one of the resorts in Gifu prefecture, then we also recommend you take a day off from the slopes just to go and see this unique rural village.

Shirakawa-go Village is a hamlet where many of the farmhouses are built in the gassho-zukuri style with steeply angled roofs covered in thatch. The roofs were built that way so they don’t collapse under the weight of the snow that falls in this region in winter. Some of the houses, which are still inhabited, are over two centuries old and are so special they have been made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can find accommodation nearby, but we recommend staying at Takayama City and taking a day trip out to Shirakawa-go.

See our recommended accommodation in Takayama : THE MACHIYA HOTEL TAKAYAMA

Skiers and snowboarders who take to the slopes of Mount Zao are able to get a super close up look at the mysterious juhyo that appear on the mountainside in winter. The juhyo, or snow monsters, are trees that have accumulated a thick covering of ice and snow which, when it’s blown into strange shapes by the Siberian winds, look like petrified ice monsters. The view of the mountains covered in these snow monsters make Mt Zao one of the most unique and beautiful destinations for your Japan travels in winter.

Even if you’re not a skier you can still get to see the juhyo as there’s a ropeway running from the Zao Ski Resort to where they are. If you feel as frozen as the trees once you’ve seen them you’ll enjoy thawing out in one of the many onsen in the Zao area. It’s famous for them, and some of the hot springs are said to have been discovered and used as early as 110AD! The Zao Ski Resorts are said to have some of the best snow fall in all of Japan, so if you’re an avid winter sports lover, be sure to make the time to hit the slopes here!

While it isn’t Venice, Otaru City in Hokkaido prefecture has a very attractive canal. The century-old canal was historically used by ships carrying cargo into the city, but now the warehouses that line it have been converted into restaurants and even a museum. The canal side pathway is a popular spot for evening strolls, even in the Japan winter months, as the romantic gas lantern that light up the area make the atmosphere beautiful and mysterious.

Its canal is not the only thing about this Hokkaido port city that attracts visitors either. The Otaru Snow Light Path Festival  is an enchanting event that takes place in the city every February. Thousands of candles are lit all around the city and hundreds of lanterns are floated on the canal. It’s an absolutely mesmerizing sight that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.

Top Destinations to Visit During Winter in Japan

We hope that you’ll love the places we’ve chosen as the best winter destinations in Japan as much as we do. Attending a snow festival, taking a warm bath in an onsen hot spring, and hitting the mountains for skiing and snowboarding are just a few of the things to enjoy during winter in Japan. For the best chances of having snow during your Japan travels, try to time your trip in February.

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15 Best Places to Visit in Japan During Winter

Top winter places to visit in japan.

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Amazing Places to Visit in Japan During Winter

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It’s no secret that Japan is home to thousands of beautiful sites, cultures, and exotic experiences that attract travelers all year round. Japan’s landscape is covered in beautiful, pristine, white, fluffy snow that makes it look like a winter wonderland from a fairytale during winter. During winter, Japan becomes even more spectacular as the snow brings winter festivals, unique natural phenomena, snow sports, and serene landscapes that you wouldn’t experience in other parts of the year.

Each region in Japan experiences winter differently; the further north you go, the colder it gets. But everywhere in Japan, your visit will guarantee a unique experience of a winter wonderland. So here is a list of the 15 best places to visit in Japan during winter in 2019.

Sapporo Snow Festival

In Sapporo, Hokkaido, they celebrate the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival. If you’re in Japan at the right time, you must go to see the snow cultures on the streets of Sapporo. The festival lasts 2 weeks in February, and teams compete to create the best ice sculpture.

You can view ice sculptures of grand buildings and celebrity figures, plus the added lighting effects would make for a memorable winter experience. In 2020, the snow festival will start from February 4 to 11.

Fun fact: the Sapporo Snow Festival started in 1950 with only 6 ice sculptures built by students; now, the festival attracts ice sculpting teams from all over the World and is visited by millions of tourists.

Niseko in Hokkaido is known for its dry powdery white snow and is located on Mount Niseko-Annapuri, making it ideal for snow sports. Niseko is home to hot springs, snow adventures, world-class dining options, and many ski resorts.

The main ones are Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, and Annupuri, all of which meet at the top of the mountain, and you can gain access to all three with a Niseko All Mountain Pass. Niseko is one of Japan’s most beautiful places to go skiing and is increasingly attracting snow sports enthusiasts worldwide.

Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata

Ginzan is a picturesque bathhouse town in Yamagata Prefecture, where you can take a relaxing bath in its famous outdoor hot springs in the winter. The town was founded about 600 years ago and is named after the Ginzan river that flows through the historic town.

Traditional wooden inns, houses, and oil lamps lined the street, casting a fairytale-like glow as you walked through the town, especially when it was snowing. It’s a great place to visit for its picturesque and calming atmosphere and for experiencing authentic outdoor Japanese hot springs. It also inspired the mythical town in the animated movie Spirited Away.

Lake Kawaguchi

Lake Kawaguchi is one of the Five Fuji Lakes lakes formed by Mt. Fuji’s previous eruptions. Lake Kawaguchi is the most famous and picturesque lake at the base of Mt. Fuji and is the most developed as hotels and resorts line their banks.

On clear early mornings, you’ll see the serene image of Mt. Fuji’s reflection on the lake’s surface. You can also get on boat rides offered by the locals.

Fuji-Q Highlands, Fujiyoshida

Fuji-Q Highlands is one of Japan’s most popular amusement parks, located at Mt. Fuji’s base. The views are picturesque, with Mt. Fuji always within sight, and you can experience thrilling Guinness World Record-holding rides simultaneously.

Visiting the park in the winter means fewer lines, and they even have an ice-skating rink complete with a stunning view of Mt. Fuji.

Get Fuji-Q Highland Free Pass Ticket

Jigokudani Monkey Park

One of the many things that Japan is known for is its Snow Monkeys bathing in natural hot springs at Mt. Fuji’s base. You can view these fascinating animals bathing in hot springs to keep warm during the winter in Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture.

You can visit them year-round as they live in the park, but catching them bathing in winter with the backdrop of the snow-covered mountain makes for a unique and fascinating sight.

Nyuto Onsen, Akita

In the Akita prefecture, nestled between Towada-Hachimantai National Park is Nyuto Onsen. The onsen overlooks Japan’s deepest lake and is surrounded by mountains and snow-covered forests. Nyuto Onsen is comprised of 8 hot springs surrounded by rustic Japanese inns.

The oldest one is Tsunuroyo, which is nearly 300 years old. And if you’re up for it, you can also experience outdoor mixed-gender bathing in Nyuto Onsen’s hot springs. One of the few remaining places that offer this age-old tradition.

Zao Ski Resort

One of the major attractions of Zao Ski Resort, located in Yamagata Prefecture, is the unique natural phenomenon of the Japanese called Juhyo. Juhyo means snow monsters. The trees on the slopes of Mt. Zaobecome ice trees and are covered with thick mounds of snow, resemble a ghostly image.

In Zao Ski Resort during mid-winter, you can ski and snowboard through these snow monsters on the slopes of Mt. Zao.

Nabana no Sato

There are many illumination festivals throughout Japan during the winter season. Nabana no Sato in Kuwana City, Mei Prefecture, is one of the largest and most visited. Nabana no Sato is also a botanical garden with hundreds of varieties of flowers and vegetation.

And by winter nights, the vast scale of the art illuminations throughout Nabana no Sato will stun you. Don’t miss walking through the prominent display of the “Tunnel of Lights.”

Kifune Shrine, Kyoto

Kifune Shrine is one of the best-hidden gems in the historic city of Kyoto. You visit all year round and are met with stunning scenery, but Kifune Shrine is gorgeous in winter.

It will transform into the embodiment of what a winter wonderland is like in Japan. At night and only when it’s snowing, a light-up event is held at the Kifune Shrine and turns everything so dreamlike.

The Blue Pond

The Blue Pond is located in a dense patch of forest near the town of Biei in the Hokkaido Prefecture. The pond looks like something from another planet as the waters contain traces of chemicals that change color into shades of blue that change by the season.

The Blue Pond was made from a hollow that resulted from an excavation to prevent mudslides in the area. During the winter, the water’s striking blue contrasts with the surrounding white snow on the landscape.

Travel to Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture to visit the most lavishly decorated shrine in Japan, Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The shrine also serves as the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, who ruled over Japan for over three centuries.

You can admire the traditional and lavish Japanese architecture of the shrine that, during the snowy season, transforms you into a winter wonderland.

Hakuba is home to the Snow Monkeys of the Jigokudani Monkey Park mentioned above, and it was also where the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics was hosted. Hakuba became internationally known because of the 1998 Winter Olympics.

Now Hakuba’s 11 ski resorts attract snow sports enthusiasts worldwide because this is one of the few places to test their test ski skills in Olympic-class facilities.

Shirakawa-go Village

Located in Central Japan, Shirakawa-go Village is a charming and rustic farm village listed in the UNESCO World Heritage site for its traditional gasshou-zukuri structured farmhouses that are over 250 years old.

These houses and their thatched roofs are built without a single nail and are designed to withstand heavy snowfall every year during the winter season. The village also hosts lighting events when the snow comes and pairs with the rustic architecture, making Shirakawa-go look dreamlike.

Tokyo’s Winter Illuminations

Of course, the list wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention Tokyo’s winter illuminations. In the winter season, Tokyo hosts several winter illumination displays, the most popular ones at Marunouchi and Tokyo Station.

These places in Tokyo brighten up with all the lights put up for the winter and are indeed a sight. Entire streets and historical buildings are covered with bright lights that only the Japanese people and their innovation can produce.

Searching for the best hotels  and  affordable flights ? Check out our complete list of inexpensive hotels and resorts via  Agoda , or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Want more stories like this? Please follow  #TeamOutofTown,  on  Facebook , Twitter ,  Instagram , and  Pinterest  for more travel ideas.

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Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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Japan Travel Guide – Hokkaido | Tohoku | Tokyo | Kyoto

What to Do in Tokyo in Winter | Japan Guide 2024

Tokyo is a dynamic and bustling city, packed with endless tourist attractions, where old and modern Japanese traditions could be found. It is a dream destination to millions of Japan enthusiasts. Winter in Tokyo means a lot of things to experience and discover for f amilies and individuals of all ages .

Meanwhile if your intention is to discover the country’s picturesque rural landscapes, you have to escape from there to somewhere else outside downtown Tokyo city . Don’t you forget get it is one of the busiest cities in the world.

Although often it is regarded as the best tourist spot for spring and autumn , winter here is stunning, not because of the snowy weather, but also for the traditional gardens , shopping streets , winter foods , night illuminations , outdoor winter activities, new year celebration , winter festivals and events , hot springs bath, museums , historic landmarks and temples & shrines and other reasons.

Have not you read this travel guidebook yet? It is a must read for every Tokyo visitors, and please don’t forget to pack this guide.

Every day, thousands of visitors arrive in Tokyo. Surprisingly, not all of them are backpackers and solo travelers , instead you see foreign students, celebrities, journalists, sportsperson, businessmen, scientists, religious persons and etc.

Their background is different, so is the purpose of their visit! But one thing is for sure that most of them would think of roaming around the city (at least for a while) once they land in Tokyo.

If you are one of them who is coming to Tokyo this winter and looking for some places to travel around, you have come to the right spot then.

“ What to do in Tokyo in winter ?” – would reveal the secrete winter beauties of this amazing city. Come along, and I will show you how it looks like in winter and what you could experience in this cool season.

Few Interesting Facts about Tokyo’s Amazing Winter

1) Tokyo in winter is cold as well as windy as it has a humid subtropical climate .

2) Tokyo’s winter temperatures rarely fall below 0° Celsius .

3) All the rooms inside an individual house and small apartment in Tokyo are not well insulated but only the room they live in.

4) Often Tokyo is said to be a less crowded destination in Japan during winter . But the truth is that you will experience this sort of atmosphere only on the New Year holiday period.

5) In February you can expect to see delicate ume (plum blossoms) in Tokyo.

6) Meiji Shrine is considered to be the most visited place in Tokyo in winter as thousands of visitors visit the shrine on the first day of the New Year for Hatsumode .

7) Many shops, restaurants are closed on the New Year’s Day .

8) Winter sale in Tokyo is interesting as people are crazy to get Fukubukuro or so called lucky bag .

9) In winter, most of the streets in Tokyo get decorated with beautiful illumination at night .

10) Mount Takao is the best place to see the New Year Sunrise .

11) Japanese traditional gardens located in Tokyo are arguably beautiful in winter .

12) Relatively in winter, major tourist spots across the city are less crowded.

13) You must wear a long coat or jacket when you go for a stroll down the street .

Oshogatsu (New Year) Celebration in Tokyo

Would you mind visiting Tokyo in winter? You may find some reasons not to be there at the time but New Year celebration there is must thing to do. Don’t you forget that! Seriously, I am not kidding!

Tokyo itself a very popular destination when it comes to celebrating New Year’s Eve . It offers a wide range of appealing options based on your interest including a great opportunity to learn the New Year traditions of Japan .

It will take you through endless beautiful mesmerizing moments like a river flows downhill continuously. The most prestigious thing you could experience there is the New Year’s Eve Countdown .

Make it remarkable by watching the firework displays either over Tokyo Bay , Tokyo Tower , or Tokyo Disneyland . There are the three best places to observe New Year’s Eve firework displays in Tokyo .

Many people would pay a visit to the famous Meiji Shrine at midnight for celebrating bell-ringing traditions. Please note that the bells are rung 108 times!

You may also head to Sensoji temple in Asakusa. Parties take place in different restaurants, hotels, and izakaya especially in the areas of Shibuya and Shinjuku .

On New Year’s Day, you must get ready to participate in Hatsumode tradition . It is a tradition of making your first shrine or temple visit of the year.

If you focus on getting immersed in local culture which includes first sunrise watching, outdoor and home decoration, party, local specialties, enchanting stage events, and shopping then a trip to Tokyo during winter would be absolutely remarkable and mind-blowing.

Visiting Traditional Japanese Gardens in Tokyo in Winter

Are they worth a visit? Tokyo is famed for having a number of beautiful traditional Japanese gardens and parks. They are the real charm of this city.

Anyone looking for some greenery space in this busy and diverse city may consider visiting one of the best gardens it offers.

You may have a question on your mind asking yourself “Do they look beautiful in winter?” To be honest with you, it depends on you and the weather it has on the day you visit them.

Compared to other season, winter sounds not mysteriously attractive to visit them.

They seem to me fell in asleep for a long period of time until flower buds of ume burst into life. However, people still enjoy taking a stroll through the garden paths as part of their daily walking workouts.

Shinjuku Gyoen, Imperial Palace East Garden, Rikugien Garden, Hama Rikyu, Koishikawa Korankuen, Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden, and Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden are just a few examples of ideal gardens to discover during late winter.

Urging you Soaking in Hot Spring Water

One of the best ways of enjoying a winter holiday in Japan is soaking in a hot spring bath. In fact, it is the perfect remedy for cold.

Socking in the hot water bath in hot spring resort is thousands years of tradition for Japanese. It has cherished their life, no doubt!

Often for relaxation, people visit the hot springs that are located adjacent to their residential area. In winter, demand of taking bath in hot springs increases greatly all over Japan, especially to the areas where heavy snowfall occurs.

The areas in northern Japan are far colder than Tokyo’s winter and though don’t be surprised seeing snowfall in Tokyo as it happens every year!

Don’t pray for a heavy snowfall, this is my request to you! In 2014, a strong blizzard hit Tokyo and made the life very difficult to carry on.

At that time, one of my friends was there and he explained me everything. How poor was that! Whatever happens will be happened this winter in Tokyo. If it snows, let’s face it, no worries!

The important thing is that Tokyo offers a number of famous hot spring baths within its area, therefore, soak your body in Niwa no Yu hot spring bath. Their excellent spa service worth the money, I hope you will be there at my urging.

Ume – The Delicate Flower

Often people get messed with Ume and Sakura. Some people think they are same while others think them differently. In fact, they are different and if you still think they are not then read this article to see the differences . Surprised?!

Ume (plum blossom) is said to be one of the most delicate flowers in this lovely archipelago . Fortunately, if you visit Tokyo in February , make sure you witness its utmost delicate beauty.

Please note that it symbolizes early spring, protection, and spirit of health.

The shape of the flower is very appealing with its sweet flowery fragrance. As the flower bloom in early-February, people often recognized it as winter flowers and it does make sense! Besides, most of the people see it as early spring flower.

Coming to Tokyo soon? Get prepared to participate in ume Matsuri, takes place in various parks and gardens. The best places to see plum blossoms in Tokyo are Hanegi Park , Umeno Park, Yushima Tenmangu Shrine , Koishikawa Korakuen, and Kyu Shiba Rikyu .

Let’s make your Tokyo trip remarkable visiting these gorgeous places. Also you can find the best plum blossoms spot in Japan here .

Shopping in Tokyo

If you are about to embark on a trip to Tokyo this winter and thinking of the places that are popular to do shop then head to one of these shopping districts such as Akihabara , Shibuya , Ginza , Omotesando , Harajuku , Marunouchi , Shinjuku , and Nihonbashi .

Sometimes people ask me about “what are the best places to shop in Tokyo?” Honestly, I don’t belong to Tokyo but often I get there for business purpose. And yes, the places I have mentioned a while ago the best ones you should visit.

Tokyo is seen as one of the world’s shopping meccas . The shopping areas there are filled with products marketed by local and international brands.

It offers a wide range of shopping ideas from traditional crafts to modern accessories like electronics products, anime goods, and trendy fashion. In fact, finding a perfect souvenir is not a daunting task here.

Tokyo’s winter offers you one little mystery shopping idea, known as Fukubukuro or lucky bag. Buying a Fukubukuro after New Year’s Day is a great tradition for Japanese. It contains a number of products filled with items that relate to the store and they are on sale nationwide.

One interesting fact is that you can find both cheap and expensive Fukubukuro on the market. Wishing you good luck; I hope you get something precious when you open yours.

Walking down the Streets in Tokyo

I don’t like city life, it does not inspire me much and downtown Tokyo would never ever make me stay there forever. I would definitely get bored if it does!

What inspire the most in Tokyo are the historic places, the gardens and the streets in the neighborhoods. And a walk down the street in Tokyo in the winter will be an experience of a lifetime for you.

Every street in this city tells you a different story even in winter!

The streets located in the neighborhoods of Ginza , Roppongi, Marunouchi , Jiyugaoka, Shinjuku , Omotesando, Shiodome, Yanasen , Asakusa, Yurakucho, and Aoyama are particularly amazing to walk through to with hidden surprises as they comprise of restaurants, food stalls, museums, shopping arcades, cafés, bars, and historic landmarks.

Usually some streets of these areas are chosen to be illuminated in winter. The views are appealing and unforgettable.

In order to view Tokyo’s best Christmas & winter illuminations you have got to walk along the streets of the neighborhoods mentioned here.

Winter Dishes that you must try in Tokyo

When it comes to eating winter dishes, Tokyo is no different than rest of the places you visit inside Japan. It is often seen to be one of the world’s capitals of dining. Seriously, there are so many reasons to visit Tokyo and make some room for this.

No trip to Tokyo during winter is complete without having oden . What is it? It is a hugely popular winter dish to have in Japan.

The dish consists of various ingredients such as fish cakes , boiled eggs, yam cakes, daikon radish and many more. It is really delicious to have!

While on the other hand, Toshikoshi Soba is eaten in the evening on New Year’s Eve before New Year arrives. This custom is very powerful and most of the Japanese follow this which they believe eating soba on New Year’s Eve will give them longevity.

Please note in some parts of Japan people prefer to have Toshikoshi udon instead of soba.

One special food that I must highlight here is Osechi ryori that comes in an elaborate bento box . In fact, it is considered the special dish for New Year’s Eve .

The food is actually consists of several dishes such as datemaki, daidai, kamaboko, tai, ebi, kobu, nishiki tamago, ikura, kuri kinton and many more .

Apart from all these mouthwatering dishes, I suggest you to have some yakitori, ramen , ozone , yakiimo , mochi and sweet sake. Feel real good while eating these!

Discover the Historic Places of Tokyo

You don’t have to be a great explorer to locate them all. Google maps app that is installed on your Smartphone would guide you finding them all in one place.

In winter, the historic places you will visit in Tokyo are not crowded as they are in spring, summer and autumn. Though, some of the places would be packed with a lot of visitors on New Year’s Day.

Say for example, the Tokyo Imperial Palace where the current Emperor of Japan and his family members make rare public appearances only on his Birthday and January 2 (New Year’s Greeting).

Those who visit this place can’t enter the inner grounds of the palace but if you do come here in winter it is possible and you can experience a great atmosphere in there.

Let me introduce to you Ryogoku ! It is a historic place in northern Tokyo in which you find some Sumo related attractions .

This is certainly one of the big reasons why people should visit Tokyo at least once. According to Japan Sumo Association , six grand sumo tournaments are held every year.

Surprisingly, Tokyo hosts three of them (January, May, and September) respectively. So if you are coming there in January, then don’t miss this event.

Just head to the Kokugikan Sumo Stadium , watch the sumo matches and witness the winner!

If you want to step back in time and have special attention to Japan’s ancient time, visit the Tokyo National Museum right away.

My experience says it is one of the most beautiful museums in the world that you are going to explore in Tokyo.

In addition, if you really like exploring museums, take a look at this list which shares the most visited museums in Tokyo. They house a number of amazing collection of rare and historic artifacts.

I will end my story here featuring two quite popular tourist attractions in Tokyo: The Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Disneyland .

The Tokyo Skytree is the iconic landmark in Tokyo, making you discover great views over Tokyo city from the two observation decks.

Meanwhile, a day trip to Tokyo Disneyland in winter, especially when you travel with your kids will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I am not sure about you but your kids would want to travel back again to see all the hidden gems that Tokyo Disneyland houses.

Don’t you think a winter holiday in Tokyo will be unforgettable?

Definitely it would be. There is nothing wrong with it. I think any time is a good time to visit this wonderful place though spring and autumn are said to be the best times. And winter is overshadowed by these two amazing seasons.

However, it offers exciting things to do in the winter to keep everyone active. Don’t just hang out in the coziest restaurants and bars in Tokyo rather plan on exploring the places I have mentioned in this post.

Your motives for traveling in Tokyo may vary from mine, it is natural. I am telling this because I am a nature fanatic and it is possible to find out many Tokyo visitors who have special interest in Anime and Manga.

If you are one of them then Akihabara is the Mecca for you. Go, explore this area and satisfy your mind. Have you ever been to Tokyo during winter? Share your stories here in the comment box shown below. Thank you.

Staying in Shinjuku area during your visit to Tokyo city is definitely a great idea. Find some hotels that are located near the Shinjuku Station.

Tokyo Stay Shinjuku is the best hotel I can highly recommend you to stay overnight. The location is perfect and per night stay is relatively cheap. And you can save a lot of time when it comes to visiting popular landmarks like Meiji Jingu Shrine and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden .

Attention please! Thinking of how to stay connected to the internet while traveling around Tokyo or elsewhere in Japan? I highly recommend you to use this little pocket wifi . When you use it, there is nothing worry about being lost in the city.

Thanks for reading!

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GUIDE Skiing in Japan Japan is world-famous for its powder snow

• Stories & Guides

Ride powder snow and carve lines on Japan's most coveted slopes in Niseko, Hakuba, the Japan Alps and traditional hot spring towns

Japan ranks consistently as one of the top destinations in the world for skiing and snowboarding. Thanks to the cold winds that blow over the Sea of Japan, the country receives some of the highest amounts of snow in the world.

Come for the skiing and snowboarding, stay for the hospitality, cuisine, hot springs and culture.

When to ski in Japan

The ski season in Japan generally begins in December and lasts until April but the actual dates depend on each resort and their location. Hokkaido, due to its location in the north, and the mountains of Nagano, located in higher altitudes, tend to get more snow earlier in the season than other places.

The peak season is in January and February, the months that get the most consistent snowfall. There can also be significant dumps of snow in March, though the weather begins to be more unpredictable with a higher chance of warm spells. The Christmas and New Year's holidays, as well early February, draw the highest number of crowds on the slopes.

Where to ski in Japan

There also plenty of skiing and snowboarding destinations to choose from throughout the country; Tohoku in northeastern Japan offers family-friendly resorts with beginner and intermediate terrain, while central Honshu—in particular, Niigata, Nagano and Gunma—offer many great options, with some close enough to Tokyo to make a day trip.

Japan's best skiing: Niseko or Hakuba?

It's sometimes a difficult choice between these two areas if you have limited time in Japan. Both areas get a lot of snow in winter and you won't be disappointed by the expansive terrain or views.

Niseko, a mountain village in western Hokkaido, is rated as a popular destination. It's beginner friendly and has the most options for English speakers in Japan, not to mention the views of Mt. Yotei.

You can also find good deals on lift passes and accommodation at lesser-known resorts throughout Japan which still have great quality skiing and fewer crowds.

Skiing in Hokkaido

Niseko is a renowned ski resort in Hokkaido, but it's not the only one. There are several other resorts on the island that get high volumes of snow every season—and they are often less crowded than Niseko.

Skiing the Japanese Alps

Skiing in Tohoku

Day trips from tokyo.

Luckily the mountains aren't too far from Tokyo and there are some excellent ski and snowboarding options close enough to make a day trip if you are pressed for time but want a taste of skiing in Japan. Visit Gala Yuzawa in Niigata for the convenience—there is a gondola connected to the train station—or head just a bit further south in Niigata to Kagura Ski Resort where the heights give you access to powder snow and long runs. It's also a good place for beginner and intermediate skiers. Access the area by shinkansen to Jomo Kogen Station.

For snowboarders

Japan is a dream for snowboarders—thanks to the many resorts with wide runs, ungroomed slopes and a huge amount of powder snow that falls in winter. Snowboarding is particularly popular in Japan, at least compared to North America and Europe. Almost all resorts allow snowboarders on the slopes and have facilities for boarders, but make sure to check in advance if there are certain “off-limits” areas.

Family friendly skiing

If you're coming to Japan with children, many resorts offer mixed-level terrain for family members at different levels, along with day care, kids lessons and English-language lessons. Shiga Kogen resort is a safe bet for families, with its varied slopes. Nozawa Onsen had a kids' ski school. Tsugaike Kogen in Hakuba has gentle slopes for beginners, and there are several ski schools in the Hakuba area that have both group and private lessons for children. Most resorts also have a kids' play area where you can play in the snow and go sledding. Paid childcare is also available at many of the resorts, although the majority of places offer it only in Japanese. In Niseko, some accommodations offer childcare services. Self-contained accommodations like apartments and houses are also popular among families who want to cook their own food.

Getting there

There are many different transportation options to the ski resorts around Japan. It usually consists of a combination of bullet train or plane plus local bus transport to the resorts. Some hotels and chalets offer free shuttle services from local train stations.

You can get to Niseko by taking a 90-minute flight from Tokyo to the New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, then a 3-hour direct bus to Niseko which makes several stops in the three main areas of Hirafu, Niseko Village and Annupuri. There are also direct flights to New Chitose from Australia and other Asian countries.

If you want to go directly to Hakuba after arriving on your international flight, Chuo Taxi runs long-distance transfer services from Narita and Haneda airports, which take around 4-5 hours.

Cost of skiing in Japan

Cost at a glance

Lift Pass 3,500 yen - 5,000 yen

Rentals from 3,300 yen / set

Accommodation from 5,000 yen / night

Ski Rentals

Every ski resort in Japan has rental outlets, usually located at the base of the mountain near the main lifts and gondolas, or in the villages surrounding the slopes. Most outlets offer a range of rentals—high quality and branded gear is available at a premium, and older versions of skis and snowboards can be rented at lower cost. It's usually more economical to rent ski and snowboard sets, which include the skis or snowboard, boots and poles. Some places also rent helmets, masks, gloves, jackets and pants. You don't normally need to book in advance, but if you have large feet or require large sizes, it's best to inquire in advance to check if the rental outlet has your size available.

Transporting your own gear

If you've decided to bring your own gear with you and skiing in Japan is part of a larger itinerary, baggage and delivery services can transport your gear to your hotel at the ski resort, or onward to other cities in Japan you will be visiting. The service is inexpensive and is available in airports and convenience stores, and your accommodation can help you arrange this service and many hotels have the delivery forms readily available.

Compared to Europe and the U.S., Japan remains underdeveloped in terms of apres ski options. If you're looking for great restaurants and bars, Niseko is the place to go for the range of food, drink, and nightlife catering to international travelers. Hakuba comes in second, with a number of izakaya, craft beer bars and restaurants located in Hakuba Village. Other areas of Japan are relatively quiet at night, but offer traditional hot springs and Japanese-style pubs run by locals, affording travelers a uniquely Japanese experience. Sip a hot beverage, drink warm sake or dip in a natural hot spring after a day out on the mountain.

Ski Lessons

For beginners, many of the popular ski resorts offer both kids and adult lessons, half-day or full-day. If you would like to guarantee an English-speaking instructor, it is recommended to book lessons in advance during the peak season—availability of instructors can be limited and they get booked quickly during the high season.

Off-piste and backcountry

Other areas are more relaxed about skiers and boarders going off-piste, but be aware that this is at your own risk; if you become injured or stranded, the cost of being evacuated is not covered by the resort and you will be charged for it.

Guided skiing

If you're going off piste or backcountry, it's best to hire a professional guide. Heli-skiing is very limited in Japan, and one of the places to do true heli-skiing is on Mt. Shiribetsu, north of Rusutsu resort. Book a package with local outfitters in Hokkaido—reserved for high-level intermediates and experts only. Cat skiing is available at Niseko and Tomamu resorts in Hokkaido along with some smaller resorts in Honshu.

Accommodation

While you're in japan.

While you enjoy the thrill of skiing or snowboarding with family and friends, take some time to explore Japan's cultural side. During the winter, there are also many snow festivals featuring elaborate ice sculptures, igloos, lanterns and illuminations at night. Make the most of your holiday trip to Japan at these fun, festive events.

The latest information may differ, so please check the official website

* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

• Story & Guide
• Ski & Snowboard
• Winter Guide

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