Why Travel to Japan in Winter?
A question we often get at Japan Travel Pros is, "When is the best time to visit Japan?"
I always respond by asking, "What are your main goals for traveling to Japan?" Okay, okay, so my mother (and maybe yours) always cautioned against answering a question with another question, but hear me out!
Does your answer include any of these?
Avoid the biggest crowds
Enjoy some of the best weather for traveling
Have the best chance of seeing Mount Fuji
Experience skiing, snowboarding, or other winter activities
If so, traveling to Japan in the winter may be your best bet.
From the ski slopes of Hokkaido and the Japan Alps to the illuminated streets of Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, and more, winter in Japan offers experiences that appeal to a sense of adventure and wonder.
Winter Scenes: Why Traveling to Japan in This “Off-Season” Is a Big Plus
Japan's winter season, typically spanning from mid-December to late February or early March, offers distinctive experiences that set it apart from the more popular spring (cherry blossoms in March-April) and fall (autumn foliage in November-December) seasons.
But before going into those experiences, there's another factor worth mentioning.
A Japan Trip in Winter: Smaller Crowds & Better Rates
While tourism in Japan is rapidly expanding in our post-pandemic era, making it a year-round destination, there are still better times to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and score deals on hotels and airfare.
Once the fall colors fade, Japan enters a bit of an offseason — or shoulder season, to be more accurate. Though you'll always find international travelers in popular areas, visiting in winter can make a noticeable difference.
If you travel to Japan in December, January, or February, you get the best of both worlds. If you're like me and tend to avoid really hot and humid conditions, which are typical of the Japanese summer months, winter travel is ideal.
The days may be shorter, and mornings can be crisp, but with the right layers, you can find the weather quite pleasant for exploring. Many Japanese cities experience drier weather during this time, with less rainfall and precipitation. Of course, if you're heading to the Alps or Hokkaido, you can expect snow.
Beyond the weather, there's the crowd factor and its perks. Since cherry blossom season and fall foliage are high seasons in places like Kyoto, hotel and airfare prices spike during those times. You'll also encounter larger crowds, especially on the popular Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route. But come in winter (outside of New Years) and there’s pretty much none of tha.
If you're not fond of crowded places, you'll appreciate visiting during the shoulder season. It’s not that we’re judging other travelers, but if you came to experience the real Japan, winter offers a quieter, more authentic experience for your Japan travels.
Hokkaido: Travel to Japan’s Northern Winter Playground
Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island, is practically synonymous with winter.
Sapporo, the island's capital, becomes a hub of winter festivities, most notably during the Sapporo Snow Festival in February. Here, enormous snow and ice sculptures transform the city into an outdoor gallery, drawing visitors from around the globe.
For snow sports enthusiasts, Niseko is a premier destination. Renowned for its consistent powder snow, Niseko offers world-class skiing and snowboarding across four interconnected resorts. The area's international atmosphere, coupled with views of Mount Yotei, creates an unforgettable alpine experience.
The Japan Alps: A Winter Travel Wonderland
Stretching across central Honshu, the Japan Alps offer a picturesque winter escape.
The historic village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is particularly enchanting when blanketed in snow. Its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with steeply pitched thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall, create a scene straight out of a winter fairy tale.
Nearby, the hot spring town of Takayama provides an ideal base for exploring the region. Its well-preserved old town, with Edo-period architecture, takes on a special charm when dusted with snow. Warm up in local sake breweries or soak in one of the many outdoor onsen hot spring baths with views of the snow-capped mountains.
Skiing or snowboarding more your thing? Nagano was host to the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. So you know it’s going to be good here!
Why It’s Great to Visit Cities in Japan on a Winter Itinerary
While Japan's rural areas shine in their snowy splendor, the country's cities offer their own unique winter attractions.
Tokyo: Cooler Days in Winter, With Less Rain & Fewer Crowds
Tokyo in winter is a pretty damn great place to be.
The city's skyscrapers and neon lights create a dramatic backdrop for occasional snowfall, while Japanese gardens like Koishikawa Korakuen offer winter scenes within the urban jungle.
One of Tokyo's winter highlights is its elaborate illumination displays. The Midtown Winter Lights at Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi is particularly impressive, transforming the area into a twinkling wonderland with over 500,000 blue LEDs.
Marunouchi Illumination: The Marunouchi district near Tokyo Station features elegant golden lights that line the streets, adding a touch of sophistication to the city. The warm glow of the lights, combined with the backdrop of Tokyo's skyscrapers, makes for a romantic winter stroll. Sound like a perfect honeymoon in Tokyo experience?
For a more classical experience, the plum blossoms at Yushima Tenjin Shrine begin to bloom in late winter (around early March), offering a preview of spring amidst the remaining cool days.
Travel to Tokyo in winter and you’re generally going to get good weather most days. Sure, those mornings can be cool and crisp, and the days are shorter. But in a typical year, there are more dry (rain-free) days during these winter months.
As mentioned before, even Tokyo’s most touristed sights might just feel a little emptier. Well, hardly empty, but a little more breathing room, if you will. Hotel rates tend to be better, along with airfares to Tokyo in winter.
Kyoto: Winter Bliss in the Ancient Capital
Kyoto, with its abundance of temples and gardens, takes on a special beauty in winter.
A light dusting of snow on the golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji or the rock garden of Ryoan-ji creates postcard-perfect scenes.
Kyoto also tends to be less crowded in winter, allowing for a more intimate experience of its cultural treasures.
One of Kyoto's unique winter events is the Toka Ebisu Festival at Ebisu Shrine in January. This lively celebration sees locals dressed in kimono, praying for good fortune in the coming year. The pop of colorful kimono against the winter backdrop is a sight to behold.
Visiting Kyoto in mid-January or February means avoiding the high-season crowds. You’ll still encounter other tourists, but it won't feel as congested as during cherry blossom season. Kyoto hotel rates in winter tend to be lower as well (similar for neighboring Osaka).
Winter Festivals & Traditions for Your Japan Travel Experiences
Winter in Japan is marked by a series of festivals and Japanese traditions that offer insight into Japan’s cultural heritage.
Oshogatsu: New Year Celebrations
The New Year (Oshogatsu) is one of Japan's most important holidays. Temples and shrines across the country ring their bells 108 times on New Year's Eve to dispel the 108 worldly desires in Buddhist belief. The following days see millions visiting shrines and temples for hatsumode, the first prayer of the year.
In Tokyo, the Imperial Palace opens its inner grounds to the public on January 2, one of only two times a year when this is possible. The sight of the imperial family greeting well-wishers from the palace balcony is a rare treat for visitors.
Noteworthy for travelers is that many stores can be closed on January 1 and on some of the ensuing days. Bigger shops and restaurants tend to re-open sooner, while smaller shops and restaurants might not have staff come back to work until a week or so into the new year. Shinkansen bullet trains can fill up during some of the peak days around this time as well, so plan ahead and book early.
Yuki Matsuri: Snow Festivals
Beyond the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, numerous other snow festivals take place across Japan.
The Tokamachi Snow Festival in Niigata Prefecture features enormous snow sculptures and events like the bokko sledding competition. In Aomori, the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival illuminates hundreds of snow lanterns and kamakura (snow huts) on the castle grounds, creating a magical winter scene.
These and other festivals — some of which are true hidden gems — are even better when enjoyed on your honeymoon in Japan.
Winter Illuminations: A Dazzling Display of Light
Beyond snow and ski slopes, winter in Japan is also the season for spectacular illuminations that light up cities across the country. These dazzling displays transform urban areas into twinkling wonderlands, making them a must-see for anyone visiting Japan in winter.
Kobe Luminarie: A Tribute to Resilience
One of the most famous winter illuminations in Japan is the Kobe Luminarie.
Begun in 1995, this event was initially created to commemorate the victims of the Great Hanshin Earthquake and to symbolize hope & recovery. Today, it has grown into an annual tradition that attracts millions of visitors from around the world.
The Luminarie features intricately designed light structures that line the streets of Kobe, casting a warm glow on the city. These structures, inspired by Renaissance architecture, are illuminated by thousands of hand-painted bulbs, creating a dazzling display of color and light. The event usually runs for about two weeks in January.
Osaka: A City of Lights That’s Ideal for Winter Travel
Osaka, a city known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling streets, takes its winter illuminations to another level. The city hosts several illumination events, each offering a unique experience:
Osaka Hikari Renaissance: Held in the Nakanoshima area, this event combines art and light in a creative showcase. The main attraction is the light-up of the historic Osaka City Central Public Hall, which serves as a canvas for captivating light projections. Visitors can stroll along the riverbank, taking in the illuminated art installations and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Midosuji Illumination: Osaka's iconic Midosuji Avenue is transformed into a glittering tunnel of lights during the winter season. Stretching over four kilometers, this illumination features LED lights in various colors that adorn the trees lining the avenue. It's a mesmerizing sight and a popular spot for an evening walk or drive through the heart of the city.
Universal Studios Japan's Christmas Lights: If you're visiting Osaka with family or simply love theme parks, Universal Studios Japan offers its own impressive winter illumination. The park is adorned with Christmas lights, featuring a towering tree and themed light shows that add to the holiday magic.
You’ll find winter illuminations in many other parts of Japan as well.
Culinary Delights of Winter Travel in Japan
Of course, Japanese food is one of the big reasons folks like visiting here. Winter in Japan brings its own set of seasonal delicacies that warm both body and soul.
Nabe: The Quintessential Winter Dish
Nabe, or hot pot, is a winter staple in Japanese cuisine.
This communal dish, where ingredients are cooked at the table in a simmering broth, comes in many regional varieties. In Hokkaido, try the hearty ishikari nabe made with salmon and vegetables, while in Kyoto, the delicate yudofu (simmered tofu) is a local favorite.
Oden: At Home or from the Konbini, It’s Sure to Please in Winter Travels
One of my winter favorites is oden.
Oden is a kind of Japanese stew, or a cross between hot pot and a Western-style stew. Oden features fish cakes and other ingredients on skewers, served in a dashi broth with karashi mustard.
You can experience oden in Japanese homes if you're lucky, but if not, there are restaurants specializing in oden, and even convenience stores offer it.
Seasonal Treats
Winter is the best time to enjoy mikan (mandarin oranges) and yuzu, a citrus fruit often used in winter dishes and bath products.
For a warming drink, try amazake, a sweet, low-alcohol drink made from fermented rice, often served hot at winter festivals and shrines.
Of course, many of Japan’s comforts foods — such as ramen, udon, donburi and more — are even better in the winter months.
Practical Tips for Winter Travel in Japan
Layer Up: Japanese winters can be cold, especially in the north. Bring warm, layered clothing and don't forget accessories like gloves, scarves, and warm socks.
Take Advantage of Indoor Spaces: Many train stations and shopping areas in Japan have extensive underground passages, great for escaping the cold while exploring.
Try an Onsen: There's nothing quite like soaking in a hot spring while snow falls around you. Many ryokan (Japanese inns) offer private onsen baths for a more intimate experience.
Be Prepared for Early Closings: Some attractions may close earlier in winter, especially outdoor sites. Always check operating hours in advance.
Buy Travel Insurance: If you're planning on skiing or snowboarding, ensure your travel insurance covers winter sports.
Book in Advance: Popular ski resorts and ryokan can fill up quickly during peak winter season, especially around the New Year holiday.
Winter in Japan offers a unique perspective on this fascinating country.
From the beauty of snow-covered Shinto shrines in the hills of Kyoto, to the exhilaration of world-class ski slopes on Hokkaido, to the warmth of a steaming bowl of nabe... you’ve going to love winter travels in Japan.
We sure do!
Want to know more about traveling Japan in the winter, or really any time of year? Why not schedule a free call with Japan Travel Pros:
We’d be happy to chat about your upcoming trip to Japan!
Until next time, happy travels.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About Japan Winter Travel
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Winter often provides the clearest views of Mount Fuji due to the crisp, dry air. Popular viewing spots include the Fuji Five Lakes area and, on clear days, from Tokyo Skytree or Hakone. However, visibility can be unpredictable, so plan for a few days in the area to increase your chances of a clear view.
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Temperatures vary significantly across Japan. In Tokyo, winter temperatures usually range from 2°C to 10°C (36°F to 50°F). Hokkaido can be much colder, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Southern areas like Okinawa remain relatively mild. Always check the forecast for your specific destinations and pack accordingly.
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The winter season in Japan typically runs from December to February. For optimal ski conditions, January and February are ideal. If you're interested in winter illuminations and festive atmosphere, mid-November to early January is the peak period. However, each region has its own microclimate, so research your specific destinations for the best experience.
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Modern hotels and ryokan are generally well-heated. However, traditional Japanese houses may feel chilly due to their design. Many accommodations use space heaters or kotatsu (heated tables) for extra warmth. When booking, especially in older buildings or rural areas, inquire about heating amenities.
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Absolutely. Winter is the perfect season to enjoy onsen. The contrast between the cold air and the hot water is particularly enjoyable, especially in outdoor baths (rotenburo). Many onsen towns offer stunning winter scenery, making the experience even more memorable.