Snow-topped landscapes, steaming hot springs, and twinkling fairy lights make Japan a winter wonderland. Put on a long coat and get ready to explore Japan’s astonishing facade in the freezing season. From the exciting shopping scene in Tokyo to the wonderful ski slopes in Hokkaido, winter in Japan is too awesome to miss.
Then, are you thinking about traveling to Japan this winter? This winter in Japan travel guide is the one you need to plan and go for a fantastic vacation!
Is Japan a Good Place to Visit During Winter?
Generally, Japan has become a top travel destination for its extraordinary culture, delightful cuisines, and jaw-dropping landscapes. Moreover, every season in Japan brings something special and different, making them unmissable. Although you might not get to see the nation’s beloved sakura flowers or witness a sizzling summer matsuri, winter is an amazing time to visit Japan.
Winter in Japan means sizzling onsens, sparkling winter villages, thrilling ski vacations, and delicious seasonal food. Besides that, Japan is packed with festivals and events during winter. Also, winter brings massive sales and deals in Japan that will make the shopaholics happy. There is no shortage of things to do in Japan during winter.
Another reason to visit Japan in winter is the fewer crowds and lower prices. Japan attracts a lot of travelers in the spring, as they are looking forward to seeing the cherry blossoms. Winter means quiet streets and crowdless tourist attractions. However, you might find bathhouses and onsens packed with people. For that reason, Japan should be at the top of your winter destination list.
When is Winter in Japan?
Winter in Japan commonly lasts from mid-December to February. Winter brings cold weather and strong winds with the temperature hovering around 12°C to -4°C. Moreover, it usually snows in all of Japan during winter. The coldest winter month is early January when the temperature can drop to -4°C.
Additionally, the intensity of winter in Japan varies based on the geographical area. Cities and prefectures in Central Japan, such as Tokyo and Osaka, have milder temperatures and less snowfall. In the coldest month, the temperature in Tokyo can reach 0°C. Meanwhile, the northern parts of Japan, such as Hokkaido, experience intense winter. The weather is freezing and the temperatures can drop to minus. Heavy snowfall also happens in the area.
Things to Do during Winter in Japan
Snowy and magical – those are the two words that describe the winter in Japan. Then, what are the highlights of the freezing season in Japan? What are the best things to do during the winter in Japan? We give you a list – make sure to not miss it!
Onsen or Hot Springs
Imagine feeling your muscle loosens and your body relaxes in steaming hot water. The freezing winter air has just gone, replaced by a soothing and warm sensation. You can get the relaxing experience by stopping by onsens or natural hot springs. Onsen has been a big part of the Japanese culture for centuries. The mineral-rich hot springs are known to have health benefits, especially during the winter.
There are many types of onsens in Japan. You can go to a sumptuous, indoor ones run by star resorts. However, the main deal is the ryokan or traditional Japanese inn. The tatami-matted bedrooms and sizzling communal baths allow you to experience the authentic Japan. So, make sure to enjoy the onsen when visiting Japan during the winter.
Winter Villages
Tucked on the foothills of towering mountains, several villages in Japan turn into a winter wonderland. Wooden cottages and triangle-shaped houses are covered in thick snow. Buildings and shops twinkle with warm lights. They offer a different atmosphere from the bustling Tokyo or the jubilant Osaka. Therefore, it is an enchanting scene that you should witness during your visit to Japan.
Head to Shirakawa-go, a serene countryside stretching 7 hours-drive away from Tokyo. The village boasts centuries-old farmhouses with unique, triangular architecture. In the winter, Shirakawa-go looks like a place where Santa Claus would stay. Moreover, you can also enjoy lovely winter scenes in the historically-rich Nikko town or the folk village of Takayama.
Festivals
Japan always goes all-out when it comes to festivals. Whether it is a sizzling summer or freezing winter, there is always something special. In the winter, snow turns into masterpieces in Japan. Winter marks the start of amazing snow festivals that are held all across the country. The festivals usually display gigantic ice sculptures, magical illuminations, and spectacular snow figures. One of the most famous is the Sapporo Snow and Ice Festival, which features building-sized snow sculptures and other extraordinary masterpieces.
Hot Sake
As the snow falls and the temperatures freeze, we crave for something warm and delightful. Well, the Japanese will take you to try their well-loved national drink – sake. It is a traditional liquor made out of rice and went through long fermentation process. Savor a perfect combination of sweet and bitter as you gulp down a shot. Thus, in the winter, sake is served in a different way.
Say yes to trying out hot sake during the winter. Boiling or brewing is used to warm up the liquor. Besides being warm, the sake tastes delightful with more aromatic compounds and sharpness. A glass of hot sake will chase the cold away.
Seasonal Food
Nothing matches hearty soups and steaming bowls during a freezing winter. In Japan, winter comes with heartwarming and fresh dishes. Oden and nabe are at the top of the list. Oden is a traditional one-pot dish with thick dashi flavor and savory toppings like fish cakes, tofu, and konjac. It is usually sold as street food – a 100 yen (€0.6) worth of food to fight the cold. Meanwhile, nabe is a large hotpot with various toppings that can be shared with family and friends. So, when you are visiting Japan, make sure to try out these two dishes and share with your travel buddies!
Winter Destinations in Japan
From extensive ski slopes to charming winter festivals, here are the best places to visit in Japan during winter.
Hokkaido
Exquisite natural landscapes and top-notch culinary delights are what make Hokkaido a well-loved tourist destination. This northernmost island in Japan turns into a snow-covered paradise during winter. Hokkaido is home to some of Japan’s best ski spots. The winding slopes and spacious ski areas make travelers crowd to the island as winter comes. If you are down for skiing in Japan, go to Furano and Niseko. They offer great ski experiences for all levels.
Although Hokkaido is the ski hotspot, it never runs out of other winter activities. Hokkaido houses the Sapporo Snow and Ice Festival, in which you can see terrific snow figures and ice sculptures. Greet some cute penguins in the winter-special Penguin Parade in Asahikawa. Go on an icy voyage to the Okhotsk Sea, where you can see ice drifts. Splurge for the island’s noteworthy seafood, especially king crabs and snow crabs.
Tokyo
We have to say that Tokyo is NYC’s equivalent in Asia. Winter in Tokyo is remarkable and beautiful. Enormous Christmas trees, twinkling and colorful lights, winter-themed restaurants, and exciting skating rinks. The city’s big theme parks, such as Disneyland and Disneysea, call you for a winter wonderland-esque fun. So, put on your coat and get ready to explore Tokyo in its snowy state.
Another special thing about Tokyo during winter is the shopping scene. Prices are dropping and winter discounts are everywhere. Whether you want to shop for some cool outfits or anime-themed goods, everything is at the best prices! Besides that, make sure to try some winter-special dishes. A bowl of hot ramen or a fulfilling nabe will spoil your taste buds.
Yuzawa
Tucked on the foothills of the Japanese Alps, Yuzawa is an excellent place to spend the winter in Japan. With decent amounts of snowfall, the town offers a gorgeous winter scenery and spectacular ski resorts. Besides that, Yuzawa is only a eighty-minute train ride away from Tokyo, making it accessible to visit. Make sure to have your energy levels up when visiting Yuzawa because there is no shortage of activities to do!
Yuzawa calls you for an exciting winter adventure. You can ski in its amazing snowy slopes or go for a thrilling dog-sledding. Then, dip yourself in sizzling onsen to loosen your muscles and relax. Additionally, get a sample of locally-produced sake in the Ponshunkan Museum.
Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata
An itinerary for winter in Japan won’t be complete without onsen. So, we recommend you to go for the best. Ginzan Onsen is one of the most famous onsen resorts in the country. It displays a distinctive Japanese-style setting, as the area dates back to the Taisho Period. Thus, the waters of Ginzan Onsen are rich in silver-derived minerals that have a lot of health benefits. The sizzling onsen, peaceful atmosphere, and timeless landscapes of Ginzan Onsen are the building blocks of an awesome winter vacation in Japan.
Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano
Greet the adorable, red-faced Japanese macaques in this frozen forest in Nagano. See them dipping themselves into the steaming hot springs of Jigokudani Monkey Park. Although the monkeys soak up the hot springs all year round, winter is still the best time to visit. You can spot around 50-60 monkeys in the hot springs during this time. This unique scene makes tourists flock to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Everyone wants to see and take pictures of the relaxed group of cute monkeys!
Winter is undeniably a great time to visit Japan. Then, are you planning to spend the winter in Japan but have no one to go with? Well, we have something for you!
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