How to Experience Winter in Japan
Pristine snow, welcoming open-air onsen hot springs, and the great outdoors.
Winter casts an otherworldly glow on the already awing beauty of Japan’s natural landscapes. From trekking through huge heaps of snow on horseback, adventuring through slopes with an expert outdoor guide, and ending the day with a warmed glass of sake and a soak in the onsen, winter in Japan provide ample opportunity for immersion into both Japanese nature and Japan’s cultural heritage.
Gather inspiration for your next journey to Japan with these authentic winter activities and experiences.
Best Winter Activities in Japan
Skiing and Snowboarding Down the Slopes:
From Hokkaido’s powder snow peaks (that extend far beyond Niseko) to the towering, ice-coated pine trees of Yamagata lining the trails like fairytale monsters, winter in Japan is perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Northern regions, such as Hokkaido, Tohoku, or the mountains of Nagano, offer stunning snowy landscapes to cruise down. Guided snowboarding tours offer local expert insight paired with high-powered adventure, while winter activities like ski touring remove the incline but retain the excitement of winter exploration.
Search for Japanese Winter Wildlife:
Winter season in Japan supports a wide range of wildlife, from the rare red-crowned cranes of Hokkaido, a normally-migratory species that remain during winter due to the nourishment from the wetlands and the support of the local communities, to the onsen-bathing mountain monkeys of Nagano, or even the sea eagles and seals that flourish in the cold spray of winter water in Japan’s northern shores. Nature-lovers can enjoy spotting local wildlife on hikes, kayaks, cars, or even surrounding their accommodations during the winter in Japan.
Soak In a Hot Spring Surrounded by Snow:
From the warm embrace of an outdoor onsen, enjoy the serene view of a snowy landscape. The contrast between the rejuvenating heat of the water and the chilly winter air make for the ultimate relaxation. Unwind after a long day of adventuring—whether hitting the slopes or venturing through the city—by soaking in a rotenburo with a picture-perfect view. Pair it with a glass of warm sake for a pleasant warm both inside and outside. Onsen towns like Kinosaki and Kaga have ample options, but most ryokan across the country will have hot springs available for use.
Enjoy Japanese Winter Cuisine:
Aside from hot sake, winter in Japan has countless other seasonal cuisine ideally suited for snow-filled days. Hearty dishes like nabe are packed with meat and vegetables, and have a savory broth that soothes the soul amidst winter’s chill. Seafood options, like uni (urchin) and crab, hail as uncontested winter royalty, reaching peak freshness in the winter season. Oden stew is also a traditional Japanese winter food perfect for grabbing a quick bite on the go.
Winter is the Season of Sake:
Winter is the season of brewing sake. Historically, rice for sake brewing was harvested in autumn, with the sake brewing process starting shortly after harvesting was completed. Beyond the logistics of rice’s cultivation cycle, a consistent cold temperature is optimal for sake’s fermentation, providing stability, and therefore, a higher quality sake. Snowy, mountainous regions like Tohoku are therefore well-regarded for their sake quality, which pair perfectly with winter delicacies like uni or strawberries.
