Guide to Japan`s Winter Magical Season
Japan is cold in winter and it is snowing in many places across the country.
But even in the cold weather, Japan in winter has so much to experience, like in other season, from best ski resorts, to white onsen view, winter festivals and delicious warm dishes. There also beautiful white scene in Japan, that become more beautiful when the pure white snow covers them.
Top things to do in Japan winter –
In this page, we will write all the enjoyable activities that possible during in Japan during winter season.
Japan is famous the world over for its first-class ski and snowboard resorts with exceptional facilities and diverse attractions. The season starts in some places (such in Hokkaido) in December and lasts until March.
The main areas for Ski and Snowboard are;
Hokkaido, Tohoku region, Niigata, Nagano and Gunma.
With more than 500 ski resorts to choose from across the country.
Enjoy Winter Festivals
Japan is filled with celebrations in the colder months, includes many traditional festivals. stars from New Year’s customs to shrine visits, snow sculptures, fire-cleansing and snow slides making appearances in places like Hokkaido, Akita, Nagano, Niigata and everywhere in between.
Romantic vibes of winter illumination
Japan annually transforms into a twinkly wonderland in winter, the light-up magic spans across the entire country, with towering Christmas trees and intricately choreographed light shows, and amusement parks as romantic places. From north to south, you can see this when the sun goes down.
Open-air baths (in Japanese, Rotenburo), are popular all year round. However, especially in the winter, they make for a very special experience.
Sitting in the hot water while snowflakes are falling on your head cooling you down is extremely relaxing.
We made a page for Onsen around Japan, most of them recommended in winter. Check it out >>>
Climb to Snow Mountian
We first must to write, that climbing to snow mountains may be really dangers. You need to be careful with weather, and be with really good clothes and shoes (with crampons )
There are some snow mountain that fits to beginners, and not so difficult to do them . If you are mountain lover, and have the goods that needed, we do recommend this winter activity. It is super fun, and the view (while walking and from the top) is magnificent .
Enjoy winter scenery destination
Japan in winter is like a fairy-tale wonderland.
The mountains, forests and rural villages, shrines and temples, and major cities are beautiful at any time of year, but they look particularly magical topped with snow.
If you love the aesthetic of a snowy vista than winter might just be the best time of year to visit Japan. It’s incredibly beautiful.
Enjoy Japanese Animal Adventures
Japan in winter isn’t just for humans – it’s also for cuddliest residents that know how to enjoy this season as well !
In some places you can watch those cute animals, that may make your heart warm from this cuties.
Enjoy Strawberry picking
Strawberry picking is one of the most popular activities in winter (and continue to spring).
The best season for picking strawberries varies depending on region and cultivation method, but generally lasts from January to early May.
Most Japanese sites recommend to go in January to February , it is said that it their best season to be sweet.
Most of the strawberry picking plastic greenhouse cultivation so even in the cold season, you can comfortably enjoy strawberry picking without worrying about the weather.