Best Winter Destinations in Japan

Japan’s winter, generally from December to February, is pretty freezing. The further north you go, the colder the weather is. It is the best time to enjoy snow-covered landscapes, winter sports, and more winter activities. Here are the top winter destinations in Japan.

1. Hokkaido

Hokkaido: Traditional Houses in the Snow

Hokkaido is the best and must destination throughout Japan in winter, with a longer chilly winter from November to March the next year. December to February is the coldest months with frequent thick snow. Sapporo Snow Festival, in February in Sapporo, is the grandest winter event in Japan and a major one in the world, where a wide variety of snow sculptures are built vividly.

Niseko town, about 60km (38 miles) southwest of Sapporo, is well-known for the ski resort with high-quality powder snow there. You can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and even backcountry skiing on the pristine mountain.

Snow Light Path Festival along Otaru Canal is romantic at winter night, with special lights made of snow on the ground. The Drift Ice on sea is also a spectacular view to see in Shiretoko National Park. Besides, an onsen bath is relaxing in Noboribetsu, where is embraced with many onsen like Noboribetsu Jigokudani, the hell valley and Oyunuma River Natural Footbath.

2. Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji, the symbolic attraction in Japan, is a must-see during winter months. Winter offers the highest visibility of the mountain, so you can look the summit into a distance from Lake Kawaguchi, Oshino Hakkai village, Lake Ashi, Arakurayama Sengen Park, Fuji-Q Highland, and more spots at the foot. On a clear day in winter, you can get the pictures of almost entire body of Mt. Fuji. On the south side, Hakone is also popular for the Mt. Fuji viewing, as well as Hakone Komagatake Ropeway and warm onsen bathing privately.

3. Tokyo

As the capital city, Tokyo is one of the best winter destinations in Japan. It’s bustling and dazzling in winter with winter illuminations and celebrations of Christmas and New Year. Brilliant lights decorate the metropolis, and some spots turn to be a glittering world, such as Tokyo Station, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, Caretta Shiodome and Marunouchi.

Tokyo is also the best city to experience New Year in Japan, while the first visit to shrine or temple is a most important event of Japanese. You would meet large crowds of pilgrims in Meiji Jingu Shrine, Senso-ji Temple, or any local shrine, to pray for blessings in the New Year.

Tokyo City View with Tokyo Skytree

4. Kyoto

Kyoto is definitely beautiful as many historical sites are covered by white snow. Kinkaku-ji Temple is the first choice as the golden pavilion is hidden in the snow, and the roof covered by white snow make the golden body more eye-catching in winter. The reflection of the pavilion on the lake water is also enchanting.

The sando, pilgrimage road, of Kifune Shrine in snow is also a beauty for a lifetime. The white snow, red lampposts and warm yellow lights in row make Kifune Shrine dreamily beautiful. Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka, and more are all fascinating with snow in winter.

5. Shirakawa-go

In the Japanese Alps, Shirakawa-go is a world heritage village where the thatched cottages are designed with steep roofs in a unique shape, looking like hands clasped together. It is a popular winter destination in Japan, and the point is, Shirakawa-go becomes a wonderland covered by snow in winter indeed. Especially when the lights are on, it seems to be a marvelous place in fairytales, pure and tranquil. There would be illuminations to create the magical atmosphere in Shirakawa-go sometimes during winter, thus you can stay overnight in the rural village for viewing.

Quaint Folk Houses in Shirakawa-go Village

6. Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Nagano has a spectacle in winter, which is just that hordes of snow monkeys occupy the hot springs in the wild. Acting human beings, these adorable snow monkeys have their onsen bathing in an enjoyable and leisurely way. Sometimes, even though snow falls down. Such a scene attracts numerous visitors. However, never touch them, close them, or want to bath with them. Don’t look into their eyes, which is an act of aggression for them.

After visit of the snow monkeys, you can also enjoy your private onsen bath at nearby onsen hotel or ryokan. Skiing is also popular in Shiga Kogen Ski Resort close at hand.

7. Zao Juhyo – Snow Monsters

On the mountain named Zao in Yamagata, the Juhyo, snow monsters in Japanese, stand all over the slopes during winter. The cedars are wrapped into thick snow and frozen into various whimsical shapes, looking like a large army of white snow monsters. You may feel like falling into a fantasy movie when facing the troops. Overlooking the snow monsters on the caber car will allow you get a magnificent view.

8. Ginzan Onsen

Ginzan is an old town in Yamagata, which thrived for the silver mine and known for hot springs nowadays. As many old Japanese wooden houses were constructed under the hill, it is attractive to see snow-covered streetscapes, and Ginzan becomes a top winter destination in Japan. The time-honored ryokans provide private onsen pond and mouthwatering local food for guests. Surprisingly, you could find the amazing scenes in Spirited Away.

9. Icicles of Misotsuchi

In Otaki, Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, the nature has created a wonder in winter, that’s icicles of Misotsuchi. For the lower and lower temperature, the spring water flowing down is frozen into icicles hanged on the cliffs by river. The shimmering spot is like a mysterious otherworld, especially during the Otaki Ice Festival when the varicolored lights illuminate there.

10. Nabana no Sato Illumination

Nabana no Sato is a beautiful garden filled with flowers in Nagashima Resort, Mie, near Nagoya city. Its winter illumination is the largest-scaled light show in Japan, making the place famous and a hot destination in winter. The 200-meter (219-yard) long tunnel of lights is breathtaking, chosen as one of the most glorious spots throughout the country. Shutterbugs can’t miss there for the memorable pictures.