Visiting Japan in Winter: Top Places, Weather, and Travel Tips

A Japan trip in winter provides plenty of unique seasonal experiences, such as enjoying onsens with snowy scenery, watching snow monkeys soak in hot springs, admiring wintry lighting at traditional Japanese farmhouses, and so on.

Are you wondering how to plan the perfect winter trip to Japan? In this article, we'll give you all the information you need.

Top 7 Places to Visit in Japan in Winter

Japan's winter offers unique experiences like seeing snow monkeys soak in onsens, enjoying hot springs, or skiing. Below, we have handpicked the seven places that are most recommended to visit in winter in Japan, famous for their abundant winter activities.

1. Nagano: Snow Monkeys and Skiing

Nagano is only 1½ hours away from Tokyo by Shinkansen. With frequent snowfall in winter, it's perfect to enjoy snowy adventures near Tokyo.

The unique winter highlights in Nagano are watching snow monkeys relaxing in hot springs and skiing. Also, it boasts one of Japan's top ski resorts, Hakuba Valley, which is suitable for intermediate skiers and above.

2. Hokkaido: Best for Skiing

Hokkaido is the most popular ski destination in Japan, even in Asia. It's renowned for its high-quality natural power snow, well-equipped facilities, and all-inclusive ski resorts.

Beyond skiing, the Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan's popular winter events, where you could see ice and snow sculptures of various shapes.

3. Shirakawa-go: Wintry Lighting

If you're interested in exploring Japanese traditional rural life, Shirakawa-go is ideal for you.

Enjoying the wintry lighting in Shirakawa-go is a must for many travelers. You could admire the Japanese farmhouses covered in snow and the evening lighting, which creates a fairy-tale atmosphere.

4. Mount Fuji: Better Visibility in Winter

Mount Fuji, the iconic symbol of Japan, is most visible in winter when fewer clouds obstruct the view. This increases your chances of seeing the snow-covered peak.

5. Tokyo: Christmas Lighting

Tokyo is known for its festive Christmas atmosphere, adorned with Christmas lights. The lighting usually starts in November and can be seen throughout the city.

One of the best places to enjoy the Christmas lighting is in Roppongi, where you could see lighting along the streets and around the iconic Tokyo Tower.

6. Yokote: the Kamakura Festival

Yokote, a hidden gem in northeastern Japan with snow scenery similar to Hokkaido, is conveniently accessible by train from Tokyo. It offers a great alternative if you don't have time to visit Hokkaido.

The Kamakura Festival is the highlight of Yokote. Thousands of mini snow houses glow in the dark. Additionally, there are dozens of larger snow houses where you could sample Japanese snacks.

7. Okinawa: Great for Escaping the Cold

If you are seeking a warm winter destination in Japan, choose Okinawa, the southernmost part of Japan. You could still enjoy water sports, such as snorkeling, diving, and whale watching in winter.

What's more, Okinawa's cherry blossoms bloom in January and February, making it an ideal spot to witness the first cherry blossoms of the year in Japan.

Top 5 Things to Do in Japan in Winter

Don't miss these five well-selected experiences that you can only enjoy during Japan's winter.

1. Watch Snow Monkeys Soak in Onsens in Nagano

The monkeys in Nagano are the only ones in the world that enjoy soaking in onsens.

Snow monkeys prefer to enjoy hot springs only on cold days in winter. But the park roads get slippery after the snow melts. To prevent falls, you'd better wear non-slip shoes or crampons. You could rent crampons at the park's entrance rental shop.

2. Admire Wintry Lighting in Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go is famous for its traditional Japanese gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which have steep thatched roofs resembling praying hands.

The wintry lighting event is typically held in January and February, lasting for 4–6 days. In 2025, the event will run for 4 days on January 13th, 19th, and 26th, and February 2nd.

We don't recommend staying overnight in Shirakawa-go after the lighting ceremony. It's hard to reserve a hotel due to high demand. Instead, it's recommended to stay in Kanazawa or Takayama, both of which are just an hour away from Shirakawa-go.

3. Relax in Onsens with Snow Scenery

Winter is perfect for relaxing in hot springs while enjoying snow-covered scenery. Snowy places like Nagano, Hokkaido, and northeast Japan are great to experience this.

There are two popular ways to relax in onsens in Japan: hotels with onsens and hot spring towns. Hotels with onsens are more common and are usually around the major cities. On the other hand, hot spring towns offer plenty of onsens without staying overnight, such as Arima Onsen near Osaka.

4. Enjoy Skiing or Snowboarding

Japan's ski resorts are all well-equipped and have the best natural powder snow globally. Skiing in Japan is cheaper than in Europe.

Hokkaido and Nagano are the top two ski destinations in Japan.

• Hokkaido is more suitable for families and beginners. Most ski resorts offer all-inclusive packages and are conveniently located near New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido.
• Nagano is ideal for intermediate skiers and above, offering more affordable prices compared to Hokkaido. If you prefer skiing close to Tokyo, Nagano is a great choice for you.

5. Engage in the Sapporo Snow Festival

The Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido stands out as the largest winter event in Japan.

With three venues to explore, you could enjoy snow and ice sculptures while engaging in various winter activities. Here are the details of the three venues:

• Odori Site: The primary venue for the Sapporo Snow Festival, it focuses on snow sculptures and evening light shows. For the best experience, visit at night to enjoy a magical atmosphere.
• Susukino Site: It features ice sculptures. It's recommended to explore at night when the sculptures look transparent under the lights.
• Tsudome Site: It's perfect for families, offering interactive snow activities. You could enjoy ski slides, making snow sculptures, exploring a snow maze, and more. It's recommended to explore during the daytime.

If you're looking to explore other winter experiences in Japan, our Japan travel advisors are here to assist you! We'll provide helpful advice and help you arrange everything.

Is It Cold in Japan in Winter?

Winter in Japan is from December to February. It's very cold in Japan, especially in January and February.

In cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the daily lows are usually above zero, but the strong winds could make you feel colder. Therefore, wearing a warm winter coat to stay comfortable is essential.

Popular ski destinations, such as Hokkaido and Nagano, are chilly during winter. Temperatures could drop to minus 10 degrees in Nagano and even lower to minus 20 degrees in Hokkaido. Sometimes, you might encounter blizzard conditions that would impact your journey.

Okinawa in winter, located in the southernmost part of Japan, is the warmest region. It is the only place in Japan where you could enjoy water sports during the winter.

If you're interested in other places, contact our Japan travel advisors to help make your dream trip come true.

Best Month for Skiing in Japan

December to March is the skiing season in Japan.

December is a recommended month for skiing due to fewer crowds and lower costs. January and February are peak periods in Japan, with larger crowds and higher prices.

Ski resorts across different regions operate on varying schedules. Below are the opening times for the top two skiing destinations:

• Hokkaido: early December to April
• Nagano: late December to late March

What to Pack for a Japan Winter Trip

To stay warm, pack a down jacket, an overcoat, and a sweater. Layering your clothing could help you adjust to temperature changes between indoor and outdoor venues.

When visiting Hokkaido, it's wise to take waterproof pants and shoes since it frequently snows there.

Best 2 Japan Winter Itineraries

Although winter is a low season for traveling to Japan, places such as Hokkaido, Nagano, and Shirakawa-go are at their peak season due to their unique winter experiences.

For your Japan winter trip, it is recommended to visit 2–3 major cities and 1–2 places known for their unique winter offerings.

A 1-Week Japan Itinerary

With 7 days in Japan, you could explore the best of Japan in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Also, set aside 1–2 days at Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi. In winter, these two places are ideal for onsens and the clearest view of Mount Fuji.

If you want to enjoy the full view and a higher chance of seeing Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi is better. However, Hakone, while offering only a partial view of Mount Fuji, provides more experiences than Lake Kawaguchi.

• Tokyo (2–3 days): a blend of modernity and history
• Kyoto (2–3 days): a rich traditional atmosphere
• Osaka (1–2 days): diverse Japanese culinary delights
• Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi (1–2 days): Mount Fuji and traditional onsens

A 10–12-Day Japan Itinerary

Spending 10–12 days in Japan, you could thoroughly explore Japan at your own pace. In addition to visiting top cities, you could also visit Nagano, Takayama, or Hokkaido for unique winter experiences.

Our 12-day Japan winter itinerary covers the major highlights of Japan and popular winter experiences. For example, watch snow monkeys, enjoy onsens, and admire traditional villages.

You could use it as your tour or our Japan travel advisors could customize it based on your preferences.

• Day 1: Tokyo arrival
• Day 2: Tokyo city tour (Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji, and Tokyo Skytree)
• Day 3: Mount Fuji day trip
• Day 4: Nagano (watch snow monkeys and soak in Shibu Onsen)
• Day 5: Matsumoto
• Day 6: Takayama (the Miyagawa Morning Markets and Shirakawa-go)
• Day 7: Kanazawa (Kenroku-en, gold-leaf product making, and Higashi Chaya District)
• Day 8: Kyoto city tour (Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, Kiyomizu-dera, and a tea ceremony)
• Day 9: Kyoto tour (Kinkaku-ji and visit Arashiyama)
• Day 10: Kyoto tour (Fushimi Inari Shrine and feed deer in Nara)
• Day 11: Osaka (explore on your own)
• Day 12: Departure

If you plan to only visit Hokkaido on your winter trip to Japan, check out our 9-Day Hokkaido Private Tour for the Best of Japan's Winter for more ideas.

Is It Expensive to Visit Japan in Winter?

Winter in Japan is the low season, making travel costs cheaper.

International airfares to Japan are at their lowest from mid-January to February. During this period, prices from the US to Japan are typically 20–30% cheaper compared to other months.

However, traveling to Hokkaido could be pricier in winter, which is its peak season. Additionally, prices could be twice the normal ones during Christmas and New Year.

For a stress-free journey and to maximize your visit, a private Japan winter trip is better. It costs US$350–500 based on 3–5 people. It includes 4-star hotels, private guides, private cars, and tickets to attractions.

Tips for Visiting Japan in Winter

1. Most shops, attractions, and restaurants in Japan will close during New Year (January 1st to 3rd).

2. From December to February, Japan has several 3-day public holidays. Expect crowds at popular attractions, such as shrines bustling with visitors during New Year. Read our article on Japan's Public Holidays for more detailed info.

3. Explore outdoor attractions before 5:30pm in winter as Japan gets dark early in winter.

FAQs About a Japan Winter Trip

How Many Days Are Needed for a Japan Winter Trip?

For a well-rounded Japan winter trip at a relaxed pace, planning for 10 days is perfect.

A minimum of 7 days allows you to enjoy the major highlights of Japan while extending your trip by 12–14 days allows for a deeper exploration and gives you free time to explore on your own.

Where to Celebrate Christmas in Japan?

The top cities of Tokyo and Osaka are the best places to celebrate Christmas. Both cities boast Christmas lighting on the streets, Christmas markets, and festive celebrations at theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan.

Let's Create Your Japan Winter Trip Now!

Excited to plan your Japan winter trip but not sure where to start? Don't worry! We are here to provide insider tips and help you personalize your Japan winter trip based on your preferences.