What to Do When Visiting Japan in the Winter

Did you know that Aomori City, which is located in Japan’s northern Tohoku region, sometimes receives up to twenty feet of snow in the wintertime? 

If you love visiting snowy wonderlands, you should make a trip to Japan in the winter.

Not only will you avoid the crowds that are typical during other times of the year, but you’ll also have the chance to go skiing while spending time in stunning landscapes. 

We’ve created a guide that explains what you should consider doing when you’re visiting Japan in the winter. Keep reading to find out more. 

Abashiri Drift Ice 

Abashiri City is Japan’s coldest city and it is located in the northern part of the country. 

People come to see the Abashiri drift ice. It is possible to go on ice breaker sightseeing ships to get up close and personal with the drift ice. 

Sapporo Snow Festival 

Sapporo is located on the island of Hokkaido. The city is very cold in the wintertime, but it is still a great place to visit.

The city turns into a beautiful winter wonderland every year for two weeks when the Sapporo Snow Festival takes place. 

The festival started in the 1950s when several students built six snow statues in one of the city’s parks. Since this time, it has grown to become the country’s most spectacular winter festival. 

The seven-day celebration takes place in February and attracts millions of visitors every year.

There are many tourist sites and unique spots in Sapporo. This is why people come from all over the planet to visit this city. 

If you visit Sapporo during the snow festival, make sure to book your accommodations well in advance. 

The Blue Pond in Hokkaido 

This is a special lake of deep blue water that is located in the thick forests near the town of Biei. Many people don’t realize that this is actually a man-made body of water. 

It was created by excavators who were working to prevent mudslides from inundating the town of Biei. The pit that they dug eventually filled with water. It has a deep blue color because several unique chemicals got into the water. 

People come to see the pond in the winter because it is so beautiful in the snow. 

There are several other interesting tourist sites that you should visit while you are in Biei. You can see the volcanic Mt. Tokachi, which is only located a half hour from the town. 

Yuzawa Ski Resorts 

Yuzawa is located in the Japanese Alps. There are lots of ski trails as well as several world-famous hot springs. 

Since Yuzawa is less than an hour and a half from Tokyo, it is easy to get to. There are several different ski resorts in the area and you can travel between them by taking public transportation. 

There are twelve different ski resorts that you can visit in Yuzawa. One of these resorts has a train station. 

Don’t worry if you don’t own skis or a snowboard because it is possible to rent your equipment. 

Yuzawa is also home to one of the country’s largest ski resorts. The Naeba Ski Resort has trails that are perfect for beginners, intermediates, and expert skiers and snowboarders. 

They also have a “family snow land” that offers winter-themed activities for those who prefer not to go skiing. 

After spending a day on the slopes, you should consider going to one of the area’s many hot springs. Some of them have been used by humans for more than 900 years. 

Ginzan Onsen

If you enjoy visiting hot springs, make sure to visit Ginzan Onsen. This small town is more than 600 years old and is filled with traditional buildings. 

The town has two public hot springs. You can also visit a public foot spa that is free of charge. 

Those who prefer to live in luxury can stay at one of the area’s many luxury resorts. 

Take a Train

If you enjoy traveling by rail, don’t miss out on the opportunity to travel on the JR Tadami Line. This rail service runs for more than eighty miles.

It passes through the most incredible parts of the Niigata and Fukushima prefectures. 

The JR Tadami Line connects the cities of Uonuma and Aizuwakamatsu. It passes through pine forests and winds its way through picturesque mountain valleys. 

Lots of people who travel on this train route choose to make a stop in the town of Mishima.

This is arguably one of Japan’s best spots for taking photographs. Go to the Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint if you are interested in taking some great shots. 

It is also popular for people to fill their water bottles at a naturally carbonated mineral water well that is located in the town of Kaneyama. 

Zao 

Zao Ski Resort is located in the northern part of the country. People often visit the resort to see its famous ice trees. They are one of the most interesting types of natural snow art. 

You can ski or snowboard past the trees if you’d like. The trees are lit up at night, which is why it is an ideal winter destination for families. 

The Misotsuchi Icicles 

You should visit the Misotsuchi Icicles if you want to check out a fascinating winter phenomenon that is located near Tokyo.

These intricate icicles are created by water that flows down a cliffside. 

Jigokudani Monkey Park 

This is one of the few places in the world where you can watch monkeys bathing in hot springs. The park became a tourist destination after it was featured in Life, the American magazine. 

Make a visit to Snow Monkey Park if you want to see monkeys in the wild. The park is located at an elevation of 850 meters. Expect there to be lots of snow if you visit in the wintertime. 

The monkeys like to bathe in the park’s hot springs in order to warm themselves up. 

This world-famous park is not usually very crowded, especially in the wintertime. You’ll need to walk for several kilometers to get to the hot springs. 

Park attendants feed the monkeys, which means that they stick around the park all year round. 

Mt. Fuji 

Mt. Fuji is a symbolic mountain in Japan. It is one of the country’s top tourist attractions.  

Even though it is not possible to climb the mountain in the winter, there are lots of great things to do in the area. You can visit hot springs, go skiing, and make a trip to Lake Kawaguchiko. 

Tokyo in the Winter

Most people who come to Japan choose to spend at least a few days in Tokyo. It is possible to visit all of the city’s most important tourist attractions in the winter. 

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make a trip to Harajuku’s shopping street. If you enjoy going out at night, consider making a trip to some of Golden Gai’s many small bars.

There are also lots of great day trips that you can take from Tokyo such as Yuzawa Kogen Snow Resort. 

Shirakawago

This is a lovely village that is located in Central Japan. The village gets a lot of snow in the wintertime, and it has plenty of beautiful scenery.

There are several light shows and festivals that take place in the winter. 

Kifune Shrine 

Lots of people make a trip to Kyoto in the wintertime to visit Kifune Shrine.

Even though it is possible to visit this shrine during any time of the year, it is the most beautiful in the winter.

Fewer people visit Kifune shrine in the winter than in the summer. You might be the only one there if you visit it in the early morning. 

Shirakawago 

This is one of the top things to do in Japan if you are interested in traditional architecture. The village is located in Gifu prefecture, which is in the mountains. 

People come to Shirakawago to see the traditional Japanese houses that are called Gassho-Zukuri. These houses have steep thatched roofs that serve to prevent winter snow from building up. 

You can visit Shirakawago at any time of the year. But many people choose to come in the wintertime to see the village when it is covered with snow.

Visit Japan in the Winter 

You should consider visiting Japan in the winter if you want to see snow-covered temples, go skiing, and bathe in hot springs. Consider spending a few days in Tokyo before visiting other winter tourist attractions. 

Do you want to find out more about Japan’s great winter tourist destinations? If so, don’t forget to visit the Travel section of our website.