Move over cherry blossoms – take a hike autumn leaves; winter is actually the best time to visit Japan. Japan in the winter is an absolute wonderland that is not only aesthetically pleasing but a definite must-see!
So, even if you don’t consider yourself to be much of a winter-lover, Japan will convince you otherwise. Need a little more convincing? Here’s all that you need to know about Japan in the winter!
When is winter in Japan?
One of the most unique scenes that you will ever encounter is undoubtedly winter in Japan. Spanning between the months of December and February, you will get to encounter luscious white snow and a myriad of fun winter-based activities.
Japan in the winter usually reaches temperatures of approximately 12ºC (54°F) in the afternoon and drop to about 5ºC (41°F) in the morning and at night in December. During January you can expect afternoon temperatures are about 11ºC (50°F) while morning and evening temperatures fall to about 3ºC (37°F).
11 Reasons Why You Should Visit Japan in the Winter
1. Fewer crowds
Let’s get this straight: Japan is crowded, no matter what the season. With so many people crammed into so little space (Japan is over 70% mountainous, so most of its population lives in the other 30%), crowds are just part of the Japan experience – especially in big cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. But head to Japan in the winter and you’ll find far fewer people than at any other time of year – in fact, you might even have some sights to yourself.
2. Snowsports
Like we said, Japan is overwhelmingly mountainous – which means it’s a paradise for Snowsports. Hit the slopes in world-class Niseko on Hokkaido Island, swoosh down ex-Olympic runs in fantastic Hakuba, or opt for old-world Japanese charm at the lovely Nozawa Onsen. Plus, there’s no better apres-ski than soaking in a hot spring bath after a long day on the slopes.
3. Snow monkeys
Even if you know little about Japan, you’ve probably heard of these adorable residents: the snow monkeys of Jigokudani Monkey Park, near Yudanaka Onsen. These resourceful macaques have discovered that the best way to stave off the winter cold in the mountains is to soak in the natural hot springs that bubble up through the rocks here – and they have no objection to you paying them a visit.
4. Warm sake
You’ve probably had mulled wine – perhaps even mulled cider – but have you tried warm sake? It’s not to everyone’s taste, but this quintessential Japanese beverage is warming in more ways than one, and we love it. So, if you plan on visiting Japan in the winter make sure to get a good glass of mulled wine on your visit.
5. Onsen hot spring baths
Hot spring baths are one of the best things about visiting Japan – at any time of year – but there’s simply nothing like a long, hot soak in winter. Get your kecks off and shuffle outside in the snow before sinking into the steamy water, snowflakes drifting around you: the perfect end to any day. Just make sure that you read all about onsen etiquette before you go!
6. Kotatsu
Ever heard of a kotatsu? Once you’re tried one, you’ll be wondering why everyone doesn’t have one. A kotatsu is basically a low table fringed with a thick quilt with a heater underneath it. Sit cross-legged with the quilt over your knees to warm your toes or lie down beside it for a lovely warm nap. Some Japanese bars even provide kotatsu so you can sit outside and be toasty warm in winter. Delightful.
7. Sapporo Snow Festival
If you’re heading to Japan in the winter, particularly February, it’d be a crime not to visit the Sapporo Snow Festival – called Yuki Matsuri in Japanese. Held in the city of Sapporo on northerly Hokkaido Island, the festival is celebrated by building giant sculptures out of ice and snow – not to mention plenty of festive food, drink, games, ice sculptures and fun. Ever wanted to see a giant replica of the Great Pyramids in snow? Now you can.
8. Red-crowned Cranes
A little-known but utterly enchanting sight, the mating dance of the red-crowned cranes in Tsurui, Hokkaido, has to be one of the world’s most beautiful traditional Japanese displays. Red-crowned cranes were once thought to be extinct in Japan, but here they are performing their astounding, choreographed mating ritual every winter – and you can be privy to it.
9. Illuminations
No-one does bright illuminations quite like Japan in the winter. As soon as the Halloween decorations are out of the shops, every tree, building and shop front is festooned with twinkling lights in every conceivable color, and some parks and gardens put on truly incredible spectacles using millions of bulbs. Tokyo Midtown in the capital, the Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest in Kanagawa, and the Nabana no Sato Winter Illumination near Nagoya are all particularly good.
10. Shirakawago
This beautiful, chocolate-box-worthy village in the Japanese Alps is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and it’s never more beautiful than when cloaked in a blanket of snow, its steep-pitched wooden farmhouses looking like the gingerbread house out of Hansel and Gretel are a winter season must-see and is definitely worth the travel!
11. You can actually see Mount Fuji
Last but not least, visiting Japan in the winter is your best chance to catch a glimpse of the notoriously camera-shy Mount Fuji (one of the most popular volcanoes in the world), Japan’s iconic mountain sits stubbornly behind a thick haze for most of the year, but the cool, crisp winter air means fewer clouds and a much better chance of seeing one of the most beautiful sights in Japan.
A Japanese winter is definitely cold, so you will want to later up, but it is one of the best ways to enjoy this incredible country. Witnessing it come alive during the winter, whilst dressed warmly and a hot beverage in hand will be a season that you will never forget!
