It is simply impossible to be uninterested in the beauty of Japan, its residents and guests, when there is snow in all corners of it during wintertime. A fascinating facade made of tradition and modernization makes the whiteness of the snow-covered landscape look hypnotic in white, snowy Japan. However, this journey through the season has convinced me to propose some remarkable places where people can plunge into the Japanese winter fairy tale.
Here are the top 10 best places to visit in Japan in Winter.
Winter in Japan: 10 Places to Visit
1. Hakodate, Hokkaido
The city offers a unique combination of Japanese and Western styles of architecture and food. The focal point of the city is Mount Hakodate, with superb wide-angle vistas across the adjacent bay, particularly at night.
When the city embellishes with Christmas spirit during the Hakodate Christmas Fantasy, you get a chance to partake in the magical atmosphere. Winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing at Hakodate Nanae Snow park are nearby. The tranquil scenery of the winter landscape provides respite at the soothing Hot springs or onsen.
2. Yuzawa, Niigata
Sitting at the foot of the Echigo Mountains, Yuzawa is a popular resort for winter sports enthusiasts, located approximately 80 minutes’ train journey from the big city of Tokyo. What makes this place truly special is its snowfall, creating ideal conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. With a variety of ski resorts catering to all skill levels.
Yuzawa is not just for skiing and snowboarding but for cultural immersion. You can take a break from the slopes and explore charming traditional villages, like Echigo Yuzawa Onsen, where you can relax in soothing hot springs known as “onsen.” These geothermal baths are perfect for warming up and unwinding after a day of adventure.
3. Kinkakuji, Kyotor
This iconic Zen Buddhist temple is a must-visit attraction, renowned for its stunning golden exterior. In 1994, Kinkakuji, along with several other historic monuments in Kyoto, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site The temple is set against the backdrop of a tranquil pond, reflecting its golden splendor, making it a photographer’s dream.
Kinkakuji reflects the architecture that exhibits the confluence of Japan’s aestheticism, religious teachings, as well as philosophical ideologies, and makes it a symbol of the country’s cultural legacy.
Within its grounds lies a captivating traditional Japanese garden featuring a picturesque pond named Kyoko-chi. Visitors can leisurely wander, capturing the temple from various angles and creating lasting memories. When capturing garden images, you may occasionally find areas with sparse foliage. In such cases, post-editing can come to the rescue, and one handy tool for this purpose is the clone stamp tool. With it, you can enhance the garden’s lushness and volume, resulting in a more vibrant and inviting garden scene.
4. Metasequoia, Shiga
The Metasequoia Avenue is an interesting site that attracts many tourists, particularly during winter. This captivating city may look familiar to many. Its lovely rows of trees give it an almost fairytale flavor. Winter here adds just that touch of enchantment.
During winters, the Metasequoia trees are peaceful, with a layer of snow on them. Visiting Lake Biwa and Hikone Castle is advisable during winter. The ice formation on Lake Biwa, located in Japan and the country’s largest freshwater lake, is stunning, and visitors should attempt to fish on the ice. Hikone Castle is an ancient fort, it looks magnificent from behind the snow-covered landscape.
Shigas’s Metasequoia Avenue in Winter allows one to appreciate the tranquillity of nature and get immersed in the ambiance of this place.
5. Sapporo, Ishikari
The Sapporo Snow Festival is a magnificent winter extravaganza that transforms the city of Sapporo, Japan, into a snowy wonderland. Annually in February, this festival is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking ice and snow sculptures.
One of the festival’s main attractions is the Odori Park, where enormous snow sculptures, some towering over 15 meters, grace the park grounds. These sculptures are crafted with incredible precision and often depict famous landmarks, pop culture icons, or scenes from folklore. They are beautifully illuminated in the evenings, creating a magical atmosphere.
Susukino, another festival venue, features an array of ice sculptures that glitter under colorful lights. Visitors can explore ice bars and enjoy local food and drinks in this lively area.
6. Kenrokuen, Ishikawa
Kenrokuen is a renowned Japanese garden located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. It is considered one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, alongside Kairakuen in Mito and Korakuen in Okayama. Kenrokuen’s name, “Garden of the Six Sublimities,” refers to the six essential attributes of a perfect garden as described in Chinese landscape theory.
This historic garden was originally developed from the 17th to the 19th century and was the private garden of the ruling Maeda clan during the Edo period. During the winter months, Kenrokuen is beautifully illuminated in the evenings, creating a magical ambiance. Strolling through the garden’s pathways bathed in soft, warm light is a romantic and enchanting experience.
7. Chitose, Hokkaido
Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival is a wonderful winter event that happens in the city of Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan. Held annually in late January to mid-February, this festival showcases an enchanting world of ice and snow, set against Lake Shikotsu, one of Japan’s clearest and deepest lakes.
The festival is renowned for its intricate ice sculptures, which are illuminated at night, creating a surreal atmosphere. These sculptures range from delicate ice lanterns to massive ice castles and structures, each meticulously carved by artists.
Local food stalls are a highlight of the festival, serving up various hot and delicious Hokkaido cuisine, including ramen, grilled seafood, and sweet treats. It’s a great opportunity to savor regional flavors and warm up during the chilly winter nights.
8. Shirakawago, Gifu
Shirakawago, located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, is a captivating destination known for its unique and picturesque traditional Gassho-style farmhouses. These farmhouses, with their steeply sloped thatched roofs resembling hands in prayer (“gassho” means “together in prayer” in Japanese), are not only iconic but also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Venture inside some of these ancient farmhouses turned museums. It is an opportunity to study the region’s rich culture and history.
Shirakawago hosts special winter illumination events, where the Gassho-style houses and the village itself are softly lit up in the evenings. It’s a breathtaking sight that adds a touch of romance to the winter ambiance. Hike up to the Shirakawago Observatory to enjoy panoramic views of the village surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
9. Nabana no Sato, Mie
Japan’s flower park Nabana no Sato in Mie Prefecture comes alive as a Christmas wonderland during the winter season. This is the reason why the Winter illumination event stands out as one of Japan’s best spectacle light festivals.
The main attraction is undoubtedly the breathtaking illumination displays. This 200-meter-long tunnel is a highlight of the festival, where visitors can walk through a dazzling corridor of sparkling lights and vibrant colors. Admire the park’s meticulously decorated Christmas trees, seasonal flower displays, and artistic installations that add to the festive atmosphere.
10. Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata
Ginzan Onsen, nestled in the picturesque mountains of Yamagata. This charming hot spring town is known for its streets lined with traditional wooden ryokan (inns), beautifully illuminated by old-fashioned lanterns in the evening, creating a scene straight out of a Japanese period drama.
In the winter evenings, the town is softly illuminated by gas lamps, giving it a nostalgic and romantic ambiance. The sight of the warm, soft glow against the snowy backdrop is truly captivating. Learn about the town’s history by visiting the nearby Ginzan Silver Mine, which played a crucial role in the town’s development during the Edo period.
Stroll down the old cobblestone streets featuring traditional timber houses, footbridges, delightful cafes and shops.
Winter in Japan
From snowy landscapes to hot springs, festive traditions, and seasonal cuisine, Japan has much to offer during this time of year. By planning and embracing the winter, you can create lasting memories and enjoy the beauty of Japan in a whole new light.
