Winter in Japan: Best Things to Do in 2022-2023

Are you planning to visit Japan in winter? During winter in Japan, there are many things that you can only experience at this time of the year. From winter illuminations to bathing monkeys, here are the best places to visit and things to do in Japan in winter!

1. Ski

A large number of tourists visit Japan during the winter months (from December to March) for snow activities, mainly skiing and snowboard. The most popular area is Hokkaido as there are several great ski resorts with fine quality powder snow. Also, there are some ski resorts where you can easily access from Tokyo even for a day trip!

2. Onsen

From north to south, there are a number of Onsen resorts across the country. Onsen (hot spring) is a popular tourist attraction throughout the year, yet it feels much better when it’s cold and even better outdoor. During winter, Onsen in the northern area of Japan is really special as the surrounding area is covered in snow and you can enjoy the really beautiful scenery while bathing. Also, enjoy staying at traditional Ryokan inn and hot Japanese dishes.

3. Snow Festivals

Various snow festivals are held in Japan during winter, especially in the northern part of the country. From artistic snow/ice sculptures to natural phenomena such as snow monsters and icicles, don’t miss the most spectacular winter scenery in Japan! Here are some of the most popular snow festivals held in Japan this year!

4. Winter Illumination

Winter illumination is the most popular attraction during winter, and light-up events are held across the country. Some events end after Christmas but, most of them continue through the whole winter, so it’s still not too late for winter illumination viewings.

5. Ice Skating

No time to go skiing? You can still enjoy a winter activity in town! Tokyo has several outdoor ice skating rinks which open during winter in central areas. Especially recommended for families and couples!

6. Jigokudani Monkey Park

One of the most unique and famous winter sights of Japan, bathing snow monkeys can be found at Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture. The monkeys inhabit this park and can be seen all year round, but most people visit there during winter when snow covers the sites.

7. Shirakawagao Village

Shirakawago is a beautiful traditional village that is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It’s recommended to visit all year round and the village displays gorgeous views in each season, but I must say that wintertime is especially spectacular as the village is covered in white snow, and light-up events are held occasionally during winter time.

8. Sumo January Grand Tournament

The new year tournament of Sumo begins at the capital city, Tokyo, and it lasts for 2 weeks from 9th January 2022. Sumo is one of the most iconic and traditional things in Japan and becoming more popular among foreign visitors.

9. Early viewing of Cherry Blossoms

Don’t wait till spring to see cherry blossoms! The first cherry blossoms of the year can be seen at Kawazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture in early February as the city is known for early blooming cherry trees, Kawazu Sakura. Also, these cherry trees bloom longer than other cherry trees and last for about a month!

10. Eat Crab

There are some seasonal dishes recommended to eat during winter such as hot pot dishes, mochi (rice cake), etc, and crab is one of them. Of course, the best place to eat crab is Hokkaido, but there are also great places in Tokyo, too including crab all-you-can-eat. Check the link below for recommended crab restaurants!

Have you enjoyed the list?? If you are looking for travel info for different seasons in Japan, please check out the other articles we have.