Updated November 7, 2024

In many places throughout the world, the winter season is a festive and colorful time. Japan is no exception. In many places, there is snow, setting the scene for a white, picturesque winter. In the cities, there are lights that are hung up around December in festive cheer, and for many, December is a romantic month. Wintertime brings many different feelings about, and it also opens up many different activities that were not available during the other seasons.
The weather is usually cold in almost all of Japan, aside from the more tropical islands, and many places in Japan gets snow. Winter cuisine tends to be oh so delicious as well, and there is something truly whimiscal and special all around about winter.

Here is a list of interesting activities that people can enjoy and events that people can attend during Japan's winter.

1.) Sapporo Snow Festival

Every year in the winter, many people travel to Hokkaido to see the Sapporo Snow Festival. This annual event is held in Sapporo and is a multi-day event. Visitors can enjoy snow sculptures and partake in various snow related activities. The sites of the festival are divided into three, the Odori, the Susukino, and Tsu Dome site. One of the most popular winter events, this is something that is worth checking out if you're going to be in Japan during the event. 
We offer a tour at HIS where you can go to the Sapporo Snow Festival, isn't that convenient?;)

See our Sapporo Tours!

2.) Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani

The snow monkeys are quite famous and a popular attraction for many travelers and citizens alike. The monkeys are known for bathing in the hot springs, and it's almost shocking how much they resemble us, humans, with their mannerisms and facial expressions. The snow monkeys can be found in Nagano in a place called Jigokudani Yaenkoen Park, and they are usually only bathing in the hot springs during winter when it's cold and snowing. It's definitely a really interesting thing to see and a must, if traveling to Japan in the winter.

Check out our tour with snow monkey exoeriences!

3.) Skiing and Snowboarding

There are many places in Japan that have abundant snowfall during the winter. January and February are usually the best times to go enjoy the winter sports that come with the snow. Some of the coolest places to go, no pun intended, are the Hakuba Ski Resort, Biwako Valley, and Meiho Ski Resort. Some other popular places to visit are Niseko, Yuzawa, and Furano or up in Hokkaido. If you're visiting Japan in the winter while it's snowing, why not take advantage of the winter sport activities being offered?

Click here for snow activities!

4.) Onsen

Now onsens, or Japanese hot springs, are usually available year-round, but there is just something special about experiencing an onsen during the cold winters. Japan is famous for their many hotsprings and onsens, and is a huge part of the culture. There are many different kinds of onsens, and some of them claim to also heal various ailments or beauty woes. Come winter time, there are even outdoor onsens that you can enjoy while snow lightly falls around you. The contrast of the cold air and the hot waters creates an experience like no other. Here are some places to try if you're not sure where to go: Rokko Mountain Snow Park-Arima Onsen Day Tour, Awara Onsen, or Oedo Onsen Monogatari.

Click here for onsen tours!

5.) Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a bus route that takes you from Toyama to Nagano prefecture and functions like a tour. Now this one on the list isn't actually a winter activity because it's only open from spring to late fall. Because of heavy snowfall and weather conditions, the route is usally closed during the winter. However, it seriously gives winter vibes if you go during the spring right after winter because there is usually leftover snow. The snow forms 20ft high snow walls that is actually the most popular attraction on this route, and what's more wintery than snow? The route is a combination of a bus ride, ropeway, trolleys, and trains, so it's not a bus ride the whole route through.

Click here for our recommended tour here! 

6.) Ride the Tadami Line

The Tadami Line is well-known for being an amazing scenic ride during the winter. Visitors can board a train and treat themselves to a winter wonderland, where all the trees are topepd with powdery white snow. Great for taking photos and taking in the panoramic sights, this is a great relaxing activity to do in the winter, and really can get you into the festive spirit. 

7.) Light illuminations

During the winter, Japan holds some beautiful light shows and light illuminations all around. The lights add a festive spirit to the air and give off a cozy feel. Japan usually holds these light illuminations in the winter, and there are many places where you can witness the lights. The Nabana no Sato winter illumination is a popular event in Kuwana Prefecture that has one of the best light illuminations. Being amongst all the beautiful and twinkling lights is truly magical.

Check out illumination tours here!

8.) Visit Shirakawago

Shirakawago is a small village town that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Gifu Prefecture. The town is beautiful, traditional, and quaint looking and the farmhouses have steep, thatched roofs. During the winter seasons, the farmhouses are topped with a layer of snow, and the trees are also dusted with white adding to the charm of the place. A culturally and historically significant place, there is something cozy about the look of the village in the winter.

Click here for Shirakawago tours

Winter in Japan is filled with many cool and unique activities. Not only is the air chilly and cozy, there are just so many things to do. There are also many places to go to take advantage of the snow that some areas get. If you're interested in some of these activities, HIS may have what you're looking for or something similar, so ask an agent today!