Japan in Winter: Snow Monkeys, Illuminations and Ski Towns
Why winter is one of the best times to visit Japan: snow monkeys, the Sapporo Snow Festival, snowy villages, world-class skiing, hot springs and sparkling illuminations, plus what to pack.
Quick answer
- When: December to February. Snow is deepest in January and February.
- Highlights: snow monkeys, the Sapporo Snow Festival, Shirakawa-go in snow and skiing in Hokkaido and Nagano.
- Cities: Tokyo and Kyoto are cold but sunny, with clear views of Mount Fuji.
- Value: after the New Year holiday, hotel prices drop and crowds thin.
- Pack: warm layers, gloves and waterproof boots for the snowy regions.
Winter in Japan is clear, crisp and wonderfully quiet. While Tokyo enjoys blue skies, the mountains and the Japan Sea coast are buried in some of the deepest snow on earth. It is the perfect season for hot springs, comfort food and fairy-tale villages.
Snow and nature
- Jigokudani snow monkeys: wild macaques bathing in hot springs in the mountains of Nagano. Best from January to February.
- Shirakawa-go: thatched farmhouses deep in snow. The famous evening light-ups need a reservation.
- Zao snow monsters: trees frozen into strange shapes on the slopes of Mount Zao, best in February.
- Ginzan Onsen: wooden inns and gas lamps along a snowy river.
- Drift ice: sea ice floats along Hokkaido's northeast coast in February. Take an icebreaker cruise from Abashiri or Monbetsu.
Winter festivals and illuminations
| Event | Where | When |
|---|---|---|
| Sapporo Snow Festival | Sapporo | Early February |
| Otaru Snow Light Path | Otaru | February |
| Kamakura Festival | Yokote, Akita | Mid February |
| Tokyo winter illuminations | Roppongi, Marunouchi, Shibuya | November to February |
| Nabana no Sato illuminations | Near Nagoya | Autumn to spring |
| Kobe Luminarie | Kobe | Late January to February |
Our tip: Dates change slightly every year, so check the official sites before you book.
Skiing and snowboarding
- Niseko: Hokkaido's famous powder, with many English-speaking services.
- Furano and Rusutsu: excellent snow with fewer crowds.
- Hakuba: big mountains in Nagano, used for the 1998 Winter Olympics.
- Nozawa Onsen: a ski resort and traditional hot spring village in one.
- Gala Yuzawa: a day trip from Tokyo, with a shinkansen station at the slopes.
Winter in the cities
- Tokyo and Osaka average 2 to 10C in January, with lots of sunshine.
- Skies are clearest for views of Mount Fuji from November to February.
- Kyoto occasionally gets snow, and temples like Kinkaku-ji look magical under a light covering.
- Plum blossoms appear in February, a first hint of spring.
Winter food
- Hot pots, called nabe, and oden from convenience stores.
- Crab and seafood from Hokkaido and the Japan Sea coast.
- Roasted sweet potatoes sold from street carts.
- Hot canned drinks from vending machines.
Tips for a winter trip
- Avoid 29 December to 3 January if you want everything open. See our guide to New Year in Japan.
- Snow can delay trains and flights in Hokkaido and on the Japan Sea side, so leave some flexibility.
- Buildings and trains are warm, so dress in layers you can remove.
- Wear boots with good grip. Pavements can be icy.
- Sunset is early, around 4:30pm in Tokyo, so plan outdoor sights for the morning.
Frequently asked questions
Is Japan worth visiting in winter?
Yes. Winter brings snow, hot springs, festivals and clear skies, and it is often cheaper and quieter than spring or autumn.
When is the best time to see the snow monkeys?
January and February, when snow covers the valley and the monkeys spend more time in the hot spring.
Does it snow in Tokyo?
Only occasionally, a few days a year. Tokyo winters are mostly dry and sunny.
When is the Sapporo Snow Festival?
Usually in early February, for about a week.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, rules and services in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
