Snow is something that draws many of us to different countries. To those who have always wanted to visit Japan but aren’t sure about the weather, snow can be an important factor.
If you have ever seen pictures of Japan, you have probably seen Mount Fuji – the white capped mountain in the backdrop of many photos.
Sure, the mountain might have a cap of snow atop its peak, but does it snow in the rest of the country? Snowfall on mountain tops is common enough, but what we really want to know is whether it snows anywhere else.
Not everyone wants to hike up a mountain to enjoy a winter wonderland, after all!
Does It Snow In Japan?
Yes! It does snow in Japan. In fact, it actually snows a lot in some parts of Japan. Any landmass that faces the Japan Sea gets large quantities of snow every year, thanks to the humidity of the water.
This sea never freezes, so there’s a constant supply of moist air that gets turned into snow when things get a little colder.
The side of Japan that sits on the Pacific Ocean gets significantly less snow, thanks to the mountains. Not only that, but temperatures rarely get below freezing on the eastern side of the country.
In the south of the country, near the city of Hiroshima (see also ‘Is Hiroshima Still Radioactive Today?‘), snow is a rare occurrence. All the southern islands rarely experience snow!
Where You Can Find Snow In Japan
If you want to experience some incredible snow, the best thing to do would be to go to the western side of the country, by the Japan Sea. Here, snow is imminent every winter, and is truly a magical experience.
Of course, you can also find snow at higher altitudes, but this isn’t for everyone.
There are plenty of winter wonderlands to enjoy while staying pretty close to the sea level. If you want to experience more snow than you can deal with, visit Japan in the winter.
This country has pretty long winters, and any time between the end of November to early March there should be plenty of snow. On average, the country actually experiences anywhere between 300-600 inches of snow yearly. This figure is, of course, bigger in the mountains.
Does It Snow In Tokyo?
Unfortunately, if you’re wanting to visit Japan because of the snow, Tokyo is not the place to go. The capital rarely gets any decent snowfall, and it will only snow once or twice every winter if you’re lucky enough.
There are many amazing things about Tokyo, but experiencing snow certainly is not one of them.
To get the best winter experience in Japan, we’ve put together a quick list of some of the most incredible places you could possibly visit. Let’s take a look at them in the section below.
Best Places To Visit In The Snow
There are a number of magical places (see also our favorite places in Japan) you should put on your list if you want to experience Japan in all of its winter glory. Below are some picturesque locations you need to see on your next visit to the country.
Of course, there are a number of great skiing locations, too, but that’s another article entirely!
Check out this list below and start planning for your next trip to Nihon in the winter. These are some places that you truly don’t want to miss out on.
Nikko (Tochigi Prefecture)
If you want to get the full experience of Japan, this is the place to be. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a large number of religious temples and buildings.
There is a stunning Buddhist temple, as well as two incredible Shinto shrines. With over 300 buildings to explore, there is no end of excitement.
This location is also home to several hot baths and hot springs, features that would have been enjoyed even back in the 8th century, when the Nikko Toshogu Shrine was constructed.
Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata)
This location is one from the fairy tale books. Lit by authentic gas lamps and home to beautiful ryokan (inns), you will instantly fall in love with this place.
You can enjoy views of the Ginan River, all the while enjoying its incredible hot springs.
Oratu (Hokkaido)
This far northern Japanese city is famous for its stunning canal, Victorian-style street lamps, and brick buildings.
This place will make you feel like you are in Europe, and when the snow comes, everything turns into a fairy tale.
Nyuto Onsen (Akita)
This onsen sits on the shores of Lake Tazawa, Japan’s deepest lake. This site is located in Towada-Hachimantai National Park, and consists of a number of stunning natural hot springs and wooden inns.
Here, you can get the unique onsen experience, and enjoy the warmth of the hot springs while taking in the incredible snow around you .
Shirakawa-go (Gifu)
Stunning historic villages that look like they’re part of a fairy tale in the snow. There are thatched roof farm houses that are over 400 years old, and slopes dotted with small houses.
Located in the remote mountain area of Shogawa River Valley, this UNESCO World Heritage Site isn’t one that you want to miss for the perfect postcard.
Ouchi Juku (Fukushima)
Another historic town with a winter wonderland feeling. Here, you can enjoy a local delicacy of sunken hearth grilled fish, and make the most of the stunning ryokan inns.
Final Thoughts
There are so many wonderful locations to visit in Japan if you want to make the most of the winter. From mountainside villages to stunning religious sites with temples and hot springs, you won’t ever be bored.
If you do decide to visit any of these locations, you won’t be lacking pictures for postcards either, so make sure to take all the photos you can – it will be a treasure to look back on in the years that come. Enjoy visiting Japan in the snow (see also ‘List Of Westerners Who Visited Japan Before 1868‘)!
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
