During Winter, Japan is very cold and snowy in the nothern areas. However, the weather will not prevent you from doing your activities and visiting many places. You still can enjoy the beautiful winter going to the famous Sapporo Snow Festivel, strolling trhough a christmas market, or event doing some skiing, eating seasonal Japanese foods, and seeing the christmas illuminations.
Also, there's the possibility to enjoy the Hatsumōde, celebrating New Year like a local in a shinto shrine.
Here's a small list of some of the best things you can do when you visit Japan during the winter. Please keep these in mind when planning your trip.
Sapporo Snow Festival
A snow festival featuring snow statues and illumination centering around Odori Avenue in Sapporo
More information
Business Hours | Weekdays ( 09:00 AM ~ 06:00 PM ) Open from early February Please check the homepage for opening schedule [close] Open every day during the festival Please check the homepage |
Price | Varies according to the event |
Address | Odori Park, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido See map |
Website | http://www.snowfes.com/english/index.html |
Myoko Highland
The substantial snowfall is the biggest attraction. A highland resort where you can truly enjoy skiing and an “onsen”
More information
Address | Taguchi, Myoukou, Niigata 妙高高原駅 See map |
Telephone | 0255-86-3911 |
Website | http://www.myoko.tv/english/ |
Manza Onsen
A superb view from an outdoor bath! This hot springs village in the mountains offers a beautiful landscape to go along with their hot springs
More information
Business Hours | Differs depending on the facility |
Price | Differs depending on the facility |
Address | Manza Hot Springs,Hoshimata Tsumagoi-mura Agatsuma-gun Gunma See map |
Telephone | 0279-97-4000 |
Niseko Village Ski Resort
Enjoy sports, shopping and cuisine as you enjoy nature on Mt. Niseko Annupuri
More information
Business Hours | Depends on the season |
Price | 8-hour lift ticket (for all mountains in Niseko) Adults: 5600 yen Children: 3100 yen 1-day ticket Adults: 5000 yen Children: 3100 yen (Peak season 12/13-3/22) 1-day ticket Adults: 4600 yen Children: 2850 yen (Off season 12/1-12/12, 3/23-4/7) |
Address | Higashiyamaonsen, Niseko-cho Abuta-gun, Hokkaido See map |
Telephone | 0136-44-2211 |
Website | http://www.niseko-village.com/en/ |
Jigokudani Monkey Park
Famous worldwide! Japanese macaque monkeys soaking in hot springs in a cold and snowy valley
More information
Business Hours | Everyday ( 09:00 AM ~ 04:00 PM ) |
Price | Adults: 800 YEN Child: 400 YEN |
Address | 6845 Hirao, Yamanochi-machi Shimotakai-gun, Nagano See map |
Telephone | 0269-33-4379 |
Website | http://www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/english/html/top_e.htm |