January is the coldest month in Japan. As the midwinter, January turns to be colder markedly compared with December. With little difference in most places, the temperature in January is also a little lower, by an average of one degree Celsius, than in February.

It would snow in January in Japan. In Hokkaido, it often snows, lightly or heavily, while the snow cover becomes thicker. For the northwestern coast of Japan Sea, it snows more heavily than other regions in Honshu, as two-thirds of the time in January it snows.

For the eastern Pacific coast, especially in the big cities like Tokyo, it seldom snows. Okinawa in southern Japan is warmer, you can hardly see snow there in winter.

Generally speaking, January is not a good time to travel to Japan, because of the cold weather. But Hokkaido attracts visitors for snow-covered landscapes and winter activities in January, whereas warmer Okinawa get people’s attention to humpback whales breeding near Kerama Islands from mid-late December to March.

Convenient but warm clothing is the best as the temperature is low in January. You can wear thermal underwear, sweater, woolen overcoat, down coat, padded trousers, winter pants, and boots in Japan. Padded hat, scarf, and gloves are also useful to keep warm during the frigid days. The further north you go in Japan, the thicker clothes should be put on.

If you catch the bad weather, thickened clothes and waterproof & spiked ankle boots are better, while low shoes are not advised. A ski suit is needed when you are going to ski. Just in case, you’d better take an umbrella to keep out the snow.

Would you like New Year activities in Japan? It’s absolutely a big event in January, with a great variety of festivities all over the country. Probably since Christmas or even earlier, the whole nation has been immersed in the rejoicing atmosphere of New Year. In January, they have a custom to pray for blessings in a shrine/temple when New Year comes. Thus it’s agonizing somewhat to struggle in the crowds, for example, you have to queue up in the long line.

New Year First Visit to A Temple

But it’s also an exciting opportunity to witness Japan New Year celebration. In Kyoto, people would put on the ancient costume to welcome a New Year, via kemari – ancient kick-ball game, archery, carta game, and more traditional recreational activities. In other places around Japan, similar traditional events are prevailing as well.

During New Year holiday in Japan, from the last days of December to the first a few days of January, some attractions may be closed. You can search for the opening information of attractions that you want to visit in advance, so as to make a better plan for your journey. In the crowded sites, take good care of yourself and your family. Meanwhile, some popular attractions and restaurants require advanced booking for the hottest seats & hottest hours.

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Although January is quite frigid in Japan, the below places are recommended if you would like travel to the country in January 2026. 

1. Hokkaido

Hokkaido is perfect to enjoy winter fun in Japan, with beautiful snow landscapes. You can also immune yourself in winter sports like skating, skiing, and snowboarding. Keep warm when enjoying yourself. Sapporo, Otaru, and surrounding areas in the south are top places to visit, while the road condition is not good in the rest of Hokkaido in winter. If you want to take pictures of the most beautiful snow-covered scenery, it’s the best time when it becomes clear after a snow.

Hokkaido in January

2. Hakone

Hakone is a good place to go to enjoy the Japanese onsen bath while catching the best views of Mt. Fuji nearby. You can get warmed up in a private hot spring during the cold days, meanwhile enjoy the snow-capped Mt. Fuji when it’s clear. Cruise on Lake Ashi is also popular to look Mt. Fuji in a distance. Owakudani with sulfuric vapors welling up in the valley is a must-see in Hakone, but it’s not recommended for people who suffering from a disease of respiratory system, such as asthma or bronchitis.

Lake Ashi, Hakone

Owakudani Valley

3. Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go, a rural village with unique cottages, is a famous world heritage site in Japan. Covered by thick snow, it looks like a fairytale world completely with enchanting illuminations, lighting up on a few days during January to early February. An advanced reservation is required to get on the observatory for the panorama at night. But anyway, the scenery in the daytime is always beautiful. Please watch the local weather forecast if you intend to see snow there.

Gassho Houses in Shirakawa-go