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Winter

Winter in Japan unveils two faces: crisp, clear days on the Pacific side, and snow-covered landscapes on the Sea of Japan side. This season is one of serene stillness and exhilarating adventure.

For most Japanese the new year begins from nearest Shrine for blessing and to make the vow of the year.

Buying new lucky charms is also part of the new year tradition. These charms are from the Year of the Horse. They are inscribed with Umakuiku, meaning everything will work out, a wordplay on UMA, which means horse.

Winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding are popular Japan. The Japanese snow has good reputation for its finest quality.

Soaking in a hot spring during the cold winter, especially in the snow, is perhaps the best gift from nature.

Speak no evil, Hear no Evil, See no Evil, of course not, I’m the snow monkey and I‘m having such a good time.

Diamond Fuji, where the sun sets on top of Mt. Fuji, is a phenomenon more easily observed in winter.

The early plum blossoms bloom from mid-January until the beginning of March, enchanting the cold season with their fragrance. They are the first sign of spring for the Japanese.

A monk leads an ascetic life in the cold snowy mountains.

Introduction

Winter in Japan is a season of two distinct worlds. On the Pacific side, the days are crisp and clear, giving a peaceful pause, a time to breathe deeply under cold, blue skies. Across the Sea of Japan, winter transforms into a wonderland of snow. Cold winds from the continent bring deep blankets of white, creating perfect powdery slopes for winter sports where regions like Nagano, Niigata, Yamagata, and Hokkaido become world-class winter resorts.

The bustling Japanese cities slow down during the New Year, as families gather to celebrate in the warmth of their homes.

For those seeking tranquility, mid-January to February offers a quieter side of Japan with a thinner crowd and hotel rates.

More Information

Seasonal Food

Winter in Japan features hearty root vegetables like daikon, turnips, and Chinese cabbage, often used in warming dishes like hot pot or oden, where food is shared communally. The sea provides winter delicacies such as blowfish, goosefish, and fatty yellowtail, offering adventurous dining experiences. Winter also highlights vitamin C-rich fruits, such as strawberries and a variety of Japanese citrus, which brighten the cold months. Sweet potatoes, harvested in autumn, remain a popular and comforting winter treat, perfect for colder days.

Nature

The snow monkeys soaking in hot springs have become famous worldwide, but fewer people know about the Kawazu cherry blossoms, which start blooming in mid-February. These cherry blossoms are just as beautiful and vibrant as the more well-known Somei Yoshino variety, and you can also enjoy plum blossoms in full bloom during this season. This is a great time to get a head start on spring and avoid the crowds that arrive in late March. Snow monkey, Early Cherry Blossom, Plum Blossom etc.

Activities

Winter in Japan is a playground for snow enthusiasts. Skiing and snowboarding in places like Hokkaido’s powdery slopes are popular, while snowmobiling and snow trekking offer adventurous alternatives. For a unique experience, try pond smelt fishing on frozen lakes. Winter fireworks light up the crisp night sky, offering a stunning contrast to summer displays. Whether you're on the slopes or by a cozy fire, winter activities in Japan promise excitement and beauty in equal measure.

Festivals

Throughout the year, Japan hosts a variety of festivals, but perhaps the most important one for the Japanese people is the New Year celebration. During this time, families prepare to welcome the Toshigami-sama, the deity of the New Year, by thoroughly cleaning their homes at the end of the year. As the New Year approaches, it is customary to eat toshikoshi soba, a noodle dish symbolizing long life. Nearly every Japanese person visits a shrine within the first three days of the New Year to make wishes, vows, and set goals for the year.

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Our Suggesting Plans

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1 Day Tour from Tokyo -Nikko

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Stay in A Cultural Treasure

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Historic Buddhist Monastery

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