Want to swap the sun hat for pair of mittens this year and head off for an epic northern hemisphere winter adventure? Japan offers a variety of winter experiences, from snowy landscapes to cultural festivals. Pack plenty of warm clothes, then bundle up and head outside to enjoy snow festivals, skiing, and soaking in the hot pools.
Before you fly off, remember to check current travel conditions for you dream destination.
Here are our 10 favourite japanese winter adventures to enjoy:
1. Hokkaido: Sapporo Snow Festival
Held in February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan's most famous winter events. Giant snow and ice sculptures decorate Odori Park, and visitors can enjoy various winter activities. It attracts millions of visitors from around the world who come to witness the spectacular snow and ice sculptures, participate in various activities, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Teams from around the world compete in the International Snow Sculpture Contest to showcase their creativity and skills.
2. Onsen (Hot Springs) in the Snow
Relax in an outdoor onsen surrounded by snow-covered landscapes. Places like Hakone and Gero Onsen provide a tranquil and rejuvenating winter experience. Winter transforms onsen, Japanese hot springs, into enchanting havens amid snowy landscapes. Nestled within blankets of pristine snow, these thermal wonders offer a surreal juxtaposition of warmth against the wintry backdrop.
3. Powder Paradise - Skiing and Snowboarding in Hokkaido
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. Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, is famous for its world-class ski resorts such as Niseko and Rusutsu. The region receives heavy snowfall, creating excellent conditions for winter sports enthusiasts.
4. Snow Monkeys in Jigokudani Monkey Park
Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano to see Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, enjoying hot springs amid snowy landscapes. It's a unique and adorable wildlife experience. The resilient primates, renowned for their unique behavior of bathing in hot springs to endure the winter chill, create an enchanting spectacle against the snowy backdrop.
5. Winter Illuminations in Tokyo
Tokyo's streets and parks are illuminated with dazzling winter lights and decorations during the holiday season. As the cityscape embraces the colder months, iconic landmarks such as Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi Hills, and Tokyo Station burst into a symphony of twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere. The sprawling gardens of Rikugien and Tokyo Dome City also participate in this luminous spectacle, with trees adorned in millions of colorful lights, casting a mesmerizing glow. Tokyo's winter illuminations not only celebrate the festive season but also offer respite from the chilly weather, inviting locals and tourists to revel in the radiant beauty that blankets the city, creating cherished memories in the heart of winter.
6. Winter Festivals in Tohoku
Tohoku, Japan, is a region known for its enchanting winter festivals that celebrate the season's beauty. The renowned "Snow Festival" in Aomori prefecture showcases exquisite snow sculptures, illuminated by vibrant lights, creating a magical atmosphere. Another highlight is the "Namahage Sedo Festival" in Akita, where locals dressed as Namahage demons visit homes, emphasizing traditional folklore. The "Hachinohe Enburi" festival in Aomori is a unique event blending traditional dance, vibrant costumes, and rituals expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest.
These festivals not only showcase Tohoku's winter charm but also provide an opportunity for locals and visitors to come together, fostering a sense of community and celebration during the colder months.
7. Ice Skating in Kyoto
In Kyoto, winter transforms the city into a serene wonderland, offering a unique opportunity for ice skating enthusiasts to embrace the season's charm. One of the most enchanting spots to indulge in this chilly activity is the Kyoto Aquarium's outdoor ice rink. Nestled against the backdrop of the stunning Kyoto Tower, skaters can glide gracefully under the winter sky, surrounded by the city's historic beauty. As skaters enjoy the chilly embrace of the season, they can also revel in the nearby street food stalls offering warm treats like steaming cups of matcha tea and freshly grilled mochi, adding a delightful touch to this quintessentially Japanese winter experience in the heart of Kyoto.
8. Winter Hiking in the Japanese Alps
Explore the snow-covered landscapes of the Japanese Alps. The Japanese Alps consist of three ranges: the Northern Alps (Hida Mountains), the Central Alps (Kiso Mountains), and the Southern Alps (Akaishi Mountains). Each range offers unique landscapes and trails, but they all share a cold and snowy winter climate. Places like Kamikochi and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route offer stunning winter scenery and opportunities for winter hiking.
9. Mount Fuji
The best time to see Japans tallest mountain is during winter when the air is clear and crisp. Fuji Five Lakes region is a great destination located at the northern base of Mount Fuji and include Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Sai, Lake Shoji, and Lake Motosu. The region transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-covered landscapes and the sight of Mount Fuji surrounded by snow is particularly breathtaking. Consider visiting popular viewpoints like the Chureito Pagoda or the shores of Lake Kawaguchi for stunning views.
10. Drift Ice Watching in Shiretoko
Drift ice watching in Shiretoko during winter is a unique experience. Shiretoko, located on the northeastern tip of Hokkaido, Japan, is known for its pristine nature and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Sea of Okhotsk surrounding Shiretoko becomes covered with drift ice during the winter months, creating a breathtaking display of natural wonder. The best time for drift ice watching in Shiretoko is typically from late January to early March. During this period, the Sea of Okhotsk experiences freezing temperatures, and ice floes drift down from the north. Various tour operators offer icebreaker cruises, taking you through the icy waters to witness the stunning landscapes. These ships are designed to navigate through the drift ice, providing passengers with a safe and comfortable vantage point to observe the frozen scenery.