Japan in Winter

Snow Activities

Winter in Japan is a season of contrasts, offering everything from stunning snow-covered landscapes to cozy, cultural experiences. In the northern regions like Hokkaido, the mountains are covered in world-class powder snow, making it a haven for skiers and snowboarders. Meanwhile, the central and southern parts of Japan experience milder winters, making it a great time to explore historic temples, visit onsens (hot springs), and enjoy seasonal foods like hot pot dishes and freshly caught seafood.

To enjoy the snowy landscape of Japan visit from mid-January to mid-March.

Best activities to do in Winter

  • Jigokudani Monkey Park

    Located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, it is famous for its wild Japanese macaques (also known as snow monkeys) that bathe in natural hot springs during the cold winter months. Visitors can walk along the park’s trails to get up close to the monkeys as they relax in the warm water, a sight that has become one of Japan's most iconic winter images.

  • Sapporo Snow Festival

    Held in Odori Park, Susukino, the festival is renowned for its stunning ice and snow sculptures, with elaborate works of art that range from intricate miniature replicas of famous landmarks to massive, towering creations. In addition to the sculptures, visitors can enjoy ice skating, snow slides, and even snow rafting.

  • Yokote Kamakura Festival

    The Yokote Kamakura Festival is a traditional winter festival held in Yokote, a city in Akita Prefecture, Japan. It's especially famous for the "kamakura" snow huts, which are small igloo-like structures built out of snow. Inside these huts, people light candles to create a beautiful, serene atmosphere, and visitors can even enjoy warm drinks and treats like ozoni (a type of mochi soup) offered by locals.

  • Winter Illuminations

    There are many winter illuminations to observe in Japan, so these are the top ones you must see!

    -Kingdom of Lights: The largest scale illumination in Japan's Nagasaki prefecture. With a lit-up Ferris wheel and so much to be explored.

    -Flower Fantasy: A wonderland of lights and flowers located in Tochigi prefecture.

    -Fantaseum: Fireworks illumination at the base of Mount Fuji.

  • Skiing,Snowboarding, and Ice skating

    The top locations are:

    -Niseko: The most popular ski resort known for its powder-like snow. This place is best for skiing and is located in Hokkaido.

    -Furano: Known for its beautiful scenery and consistently good snow conditions. Also located in Hokkaido.

    -Ice Land Akan: This outdoor ice skating rink provides stunning views of the landscapes offering a wide range of winter activities like banana boats and buggies. Located in Kushiro, Hokkaido.