When winter blankets Japan in snow, the country transforms into a magical wonderland, offering unique destinations that cater to every kind of traveler. From serene hot springs to vibrant festivals, here are Japan’s best winter escapes you have to visit.
- Niseko: Powder Paradise
Niseko is a ski resort located in the southwest of Hokkaido, and its abundant powder snow and diverse courses make it a paradise for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. It is especially popular with tourists from overseas and is known as the “Mecca of Skiing in Asia.” Niseko, with its international atmosphere, continues to attract tourists from both Japan and abroad.
Attractions
● Abundant powder snow:
Niseko’s snow quality is world-famous as “Japow”. Heavy snowfall in winter accumulates a large amount of powder snow every year, creating ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding. There are also many off-piste (ungroomed) courses for advanced skiers, so you can enjoy the deep snow to your heart’s content.
● Diverse ski resorts:
The Niseko area has four main ski resorts, Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Village, and Annupuri, each with its own characteristics. Each ski resort is connected by lifts, so you can ski in all areas with one lift ticket, so you can enjoy a variety of skiing.
● Extensive hot spring facilities:
After exercising with skiing or snowboarding, it is standard to relax in the abundant hot spring facilities. You can enjoy various types of hot springs, from open-air baths where you can relax in nature to private baths. In particular, a hot spring while watching the snowy scenery is a luxurious moment that heals both body and mind.
Activities
Skiing and snowboarding: Niseko boasts an abundance of snow and a variety of courses, and can be enjoyed by a wide range of skiers from beginners to advanced skiers. Night skiing facilities are also available, so you can ski at night.
Snowmobiling: Snowmobiling across the vast snowy fields is an exhilarating experience. You can enjoy it safely with a guided tour.
Hot springs: Hot springs to soothe your fatigue after skiing are scattered throughout the resort. The winter starry sky seen from the open-air baths is particularly special.
Access
From New Chitose Airport: From New Chitose Airport to Niseko, it takes about 2.5 hours by airport bus or train. Direct buses are convenient and easy to carry luggage.
Car: Driving in winter requires caution, but it is also possible to drive in a rental car. It is also fun to enjoy the scenery along the way.
Niseko is loved by skiers and snowboarders from all over the world for many reasons. Rich nature, delicious food, relaxation in hot springs, and thrilling winter sports. Niseko, where you can enjoy all of this, is a special place where you can fully experience the charm of Japanese winter.
2.Shirakawa-go: A fantastical village of gassho-style houses in the snow
Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the northern part of Gifu Prefecture. The area is famous for its many traditional gassho-style houses, whose unique architecture is designed to withstand the weight of snow. In winter, Shirakawa-go is covered in pure white snow and lit up in the evening, creating a fantastical and beautiful landscape that makes you feel like you’ve entered a storybook.
Attractions
●The beauty of gassho-style houses:
Gassho-style houses, as their name suggests, are shaped like hands together. These houses have steep thatched roofs to withstand the weight of snow and are strengthened by crisscrossing timber. This unique design is a wonderful example of traditional Japanese building techniques. In the snowy winter, the thatched roofs, combined with the whiteness of the snow, create a beautiful landscape like no other.
●Winter Light-up:
Every year from January to February, Shirakawa-go holds a light-up event. At night, the Gassho-style houses and the entire village are lit up with soft lights, inviting visitors into a fantastical world. Walking among the lit-up houses, you will be enveloped in a romantic atmosphere created by the silence of the snow and the warm light. This scene is so attractive that many tourists want to take pictures of it.
●Enjoying the local cuisine:
In Shirakawa-go, you can also enjoy local specialties and cuisine. In particular, local cuisine using fresh locally grown vegetables and cuisine incorporating seafood from the Sea of Japan are popular. Also, do not miss the dishes using “Hida beef”, a specialty of Shirakawa-go. It is a special experience to enjoy the local flavors while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Activities
Sightseeing: When you visit Shirakawa-go, you can visit some places to see the inside of the Gassho-style houses. Some of them are folk museums and cafes renovated from old houses, where you can spend a relaxing time learning about history and culture.
Photography: The contrast between the snowy scenery and the Gassho-style houses provides photogenic moments. The illuminated night scenery is a must-see, and it is a spot visited by many photography enthusiasts.
Tasting local cuisine: The food served at the Gassho-style houses uses plenty of local ingredients, and you can enjoy hot pot dishes and local cuisine, especially in winter.
Access
From Nagoya: Shirakawa-go is about 3 hours by direct bus from Nagoya. Advance reservations for the bus are recommended during peak tourist seasons. There is also a route from Nagoya Station to Takayama Station on the Takayama Main Line and then a bus from there.
Car: If you are traveling by car, you should be careful of road conditions in winter, but there are parking lots around Shirakawa-go, and access is relatively easy.
Shirakawa-go is a special place that combines traditional Japanese architecture with the beauty of nature. Shirakawa-go, covered in snow in winter, gives visitors an unforgettable impression. When you visit, be sure to take proper measures against the cold and enjoy the beautiful winter scenery.
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Experience the enchanting winter scenery of Shirakawa-go and experience its history and culture to create special memories. Be sure to add this to your travel plans.
3.Sapporo: Winter brilliance and the bustle of the Snow Festival
Sapporo is the central city of Hokkaido and is widely known for the Sapporo Snow Festival, held every February as a seasonal winter event. Giant sculptures made of snow and ice decorate Odori Park, and the fantastic scenery fascinates visitors. The Snow Festival is a unique cultural event for enjoying Hokkaido’s harsh winter, and attracts many tourists from both Japan and abroad.
Attractions
●Sapporo Snow Festival:
The Sapporo Snow Festival began in 1950 when local junior and senior high school students created six snow sculptures. Today, the festival is held in three venues, including Odori Park, the Susukino venue, and the Tsudome venue. Odori Park is lined with giant snow and ice sculptures based on movies and historical scenes, and at night it is lit up, creating a fantastic landscape. An ice sculpture contest is held at the Susukino venue, and snow activities can be enjoyed at the Tsudome venue.
Attractions: Snow sculptures at Odori Park, ice sculptures at Susukino, snow activities at Tsudome (tube slides, snow rafts, etc.).
●Delicious food:
Sapporo is also known as a treasure trove of food, and fresh seafood and hot pot dishes are especially popular during the winter. Sapporo ramen is characterized by its rich miso-based soup and thick noodles, and is a bowl that will warm you up in the cold. You can also enjoy delicious gourmet food unique to Hokkaido, such as dishes made with fresh seafood and Jingisukan.
Recommended meals: Sapporo ramen, seafood bowl, Jingisukan, Sapporo soup curry.
●Diverse tourist attractions:
Sapporo has a variety of tourist attractions that combine history and modernity. In addition to historical buildings such as the Clock Tower and the Red Brick Government Building, you can enjoy the view of Sapporo city and magnificent nature from the Sapporo TV Tower and Okurayama Observatory. During the Snow Festival, these tourist attractions become even more lively.
Major tourist attractions: Clock Tower, Red Brick Government Building, Sapporo TV Tower, Okurayama Observatory, Sapporo City Museum.
●Hot Spring Resorts:
A short walk from the city center, you will find hot spring resorts such as Jozankei Onsen. Located on the outskirts of Sapporo, it is a special experience to soak in the hot springs while watching the beautiful snowy winter scenery. One of the winter pleasures in Sapporo is to relax in the hot springs after skiing or sightseeing.
Activities
Snow Festival: At the Sapporo Snow Festival held in early February, you can not only enjoy snow and ice sculptures, but also various events and activities held at each venue.
Sightseeing: You can feel the charm of Sapporo, where history and modernity are fused, while touring the tourist attractions in the city.
Meals: You can enjoy a gourmet tour while tasting Sapporo’s specialty dishes.
Hot Springs: It is easily accessible from the city center, and is a great way to relax in the hot springs between sightseeing.
Access
From New Chitose Airport: Sapporo can be reached in about 40 minutes from New Chitose Airport by taking the Rapid Airport Express. Odori Park is within walking distance from Sapporo Station, and each venue is easily accessible.
Car: Public transportation is convenient in the city, but we also recommend renting a car to get to the surrounding tourist spots. Be careful of snowy roads in winter, but parking lots are available in the city.
Sapporo is a tourist destination filled with winter attractions, centered around the Snow Festival. Enjoy the diverse charms of Sapporo, including beautiful snow sculptures, gourmet food, and hot springs.
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The Snow Festival, a seasonal winter event in Sapporo, is a great opportunity to experience the fantastic art of snow and ice. When you visit, be sure to take precautions against the cold and fully enjoy the charms of Sapporo in winter.
4.Kanazawa: Winter scenery at Kenrokuen
Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture and a beautiful city where Japanese tradition and modernity are in harmony. Among them, Kenrokuen is famous as one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, and its winter scenery is particularly special. When snow piles up, Kenrokuen turns into a fantastic winter garden, attracting visitors. In addition, historical scenery such as Kanazawa Castle and Higashi Chaya District also show their unique winter beauty, providing visitors with a special experience.
Attractions
●Winter scenery at Kenrokuen:
Kenrokuen is a Japanese garden developed as a garden for the Kaga Domain during the Edo period, and is known for its seasonal scenery. In winter, the trees decorated with snow hangings withstand the weight of the snow and create a beautiful snow scene. In particular, the snow-covered scenery reflected in Kasumigaike Pond is spectacular, and many tourists and photographers capture its beauty on camera.
Yukitsuri: During the winter, tree branches are hung with ropes to withstand the weight of snow. This scene can be said to be a symbol of winter in Kanazawa.
●Kanazawa Castle and Snow Scenery:
Located next to Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle is a historical building that flourished as the residence of the Kaga Domain. Covered in snow, the contrast between the white walls and roof tiles is even more striking, creating a tranquil atmosphere as if time has stopped. The stone walls and gardens within the castle, combined with the snowy scenery, are also full of things to see.
Stone Walls: The snow-covered stone walls add a touch of elegance, enhancing the beauty that can only be found in winter.
●The Winter Atmosphere of Higashi Chaya District:
Higashi Chaya District is a teahouse district that has existed since the Edo period, and is lined with traditional wooden buildings. In the snow, the historical buildings are illuminated with a soft light, creating a fantastic atmosphere. Here you can experience traditional Kanazawa culture and purchase handmade crafts.
Night Lights: During the winter, Higashi Chaya District is also lit up at night, and the light reflecting off the snow creates a warm atmosphere.
Omicho Market: This market offers fresh seafood and dishes made with local ingredients, so you can fully enjoy local flavors.
Activities
Garden Viewing: You can enjoy the scenery of snow hangings and ponds while strolling through the beautiful winter scenery of Kenrokuen Garden.
Visit Historical Buildings: Visit Kanazawa Castle and Higashi Chaya District to feel the harmony between the atmosphere of the Edo period and modern times.
Shopping for traditional crafts: You can find Kanazawa’s traditional crafts and local specialties at Higashi Chaya District and Omicho Market.
Access
From Tokyo: Kanazawa is about 2.5 hours from Tokyo on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. From Kanazawa Station, Kenrokuen and Kanazawa Castle can be reached in about 10 minutes by bus or taxi.
Car: You can also access the city by car, but be careful of snowy roads in winter. There are many parking lots in the city.
Kanazawa is full of rich nature and historical charm as a winter destination. In particular, the view of Kenrokuen and Kanazawa Castle covered in snow is a must-see. Be sure to visit Kanazawa in winter to experience the unique beauty of winter.
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The charm of winter in Kanazawa lies in its fantastic snowy scenery and rich culture. When you visit, be sure to take proper measures against the cold and enjoy the special atmosphere of winter in Kanazawa.
5.Hakone: Hot Springs and Winter Scenery
Hakone is a famous hot spring resort located in Kanagawa Prefecture, and is a popular weekend destination due to its easy access from Tokyo. Winter in Hakone is characterized by clear air and silence, and you can spend a luxurious time enjoying the snowy scenery while soaking in hot springs. The beautiful view of Mt. Fuji and the various tourist attractions are also part of the attractions.
Attractions
●Healing Hot Springs:
Hakone is known as one of the leading hot spring resorts in Japan, and you can enjoy a variety of hot springs. Especially during the winter when snow piles up, the view from the open-air baths is exceptional. While soaking in the hot springs, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the white mountains and Mt. Fuji, relaxing both body and mind.
Representative hot spring areas: Hakone Yumoto, Gora, Sengokuhara, Miyanoshita, etc. Each area has its own characteristics, and the quality of the water and the scenery are different, so you can discover new charms every time you visit.
●Spectacular views of Mt. Fuji:
The highlands of Hakone offer a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji thanks to the clear winter air. In particular, from the Hakone Ropeway and Komagatake Ropeway, you can enjoy the majestic Mt. Fuji along with the snowy scenery below. On a clear day, Mt. Fuji stands out against the blue sky, providing the most beautiful view of the year.
Recommended spots: Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani, and the view from the summit of Komagatake.
●Diverse tourist spots:
Hakone is not only rich in hot springs, but also in tourist spots. At Owakudani, you can see geothermal activity up close, and there is a legend that eating black eggs (eggs boiled in sulfur hot springs) will extend your life. Also, at Lake Ashi, you can enjoy the lakeside scenery while riding a pirate ship. It is a special experience to visit tourist spots in the clear winter air.
Main tourist spots: Owakudani, Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, Pola Museum of Art, Hakone Glass Forest Museum.
Recommended Food: Hot spring manju, Hakone yuba, Japanese sweets inspired by marquetry, and Hakone soba.
Activities
Hot Springs: You can enjoy a wide variety of hot springs in Hakone-Yumoto, Gora, Sengokuhara, and other areas. Some accommodations offer private open-air baths.
Sightseeing: You can enjoy sightseeing routes around Owakudani and Lake Ashi, as well as visiting Hakone Shrine.
Hiking: Hakone’s hiking trails in winter are a special experience because you can walk through the snowy scenery. Be sure to bring warm clothes and snow boots.
Tasting Local Cuisine: You can enjoy local cuisine at restaurants around Hakone-Yumoto and accommodations.
Access
From Shinjuku: Hakone can be reached in about 1.5 hours from Shinjuku by Odakyu Romance Car. From Hakone-Yumoto Station, you can access each tourist spot by Hakone Tozan Railway or bus.
Car: Access by car is also convenient, about 2 hours on the Tomei Expressway. Hakone is a tourist destination, so parking lots are available in various places, but you should be careful of road conditions in winter.
Winter in Hakone is the perfect time to enjoy hot springs and snowy scenery. Escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy a luxurious time surrounded by soothing hot springs and beautiful nature.
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Hakone is the best place to enjoy the spectacular views of hot springs and nature. Spend some time soothing yourself in the hot springs and snowy scenery in the clear winter air.
6.Yufuin: A tranquil haven of nature and hot springs
The charm of Yufuin lies in its beautiful natural environment and rich hot spring culture. The natural scenery of Mt. Yufu and the Yufuin River is breathtakingly beautiful, and you can enjoy the changing scenery of the four seasons. There are also hot springs with a variety of spring qualities scattered throughout the area, each with its own benefits and the views from the open-air baths. The area is also rich in traditional townscapes and local food culture, and the atmosphere in which history and modernity blend together is appealing. Yufuin is a special place that offers healing and satisfaction to visitors, not only for relaxation and sightseeing, but also for activities and art experiences.
Attractions
Yufuin is a charming place where Japanese hot spring culture and natural beauty come together in harmony. First of all, the natural beauty is particularly noteworthy. The scenery of Mt. Yufu and the Yufuin River changes with each season, captivating visitors. In autumn, you can enjoy the magnificent autumn leaves, and in winter, the tranquil scenery enveloped in snow.
●Natural beauty
Yufuin is known for its natural beauty, abundant hot springs, and rich traditions and culture. First of all, the scenery of Mt. Yufu and the Yufuin River is as beautiful as a painting, attracting visitors. In particular, the autumn leaves and spring cherry blossom seasons are the times when the colors of nature shine most beautifully.
●Abundant hot springs
When it comes to hot springs, Yufuin is also known as a place where you can enjoy hot springs of various spring qualities. Each spring quality has different effects, not only relieving physical fatigue, but also providing skin-beautifying effects and relaxation. The view from the open-air baths is particularly special, and you can spend a luxurious time soaking in the hot springs amidst the snowy scenery.
●The streets of Yufuin retain a traditional atmosphere, and the local food culture is rich. There are many souvenir shops selling dishes made with locally produced ingredients and traditional crafts, allowing visitors to experience the local culture on a deeper level. Yufuin is not only a place to relax, but also offers a wide range of activities and cultural experiences, leaving all visitors with special memories.
Access
JR Yufuin Station: Accessible from Oita city and other cities by JR Kyushu limited express and local trains. From Oita station, it takes about 1 hour by limited express Yufu.
Bus
Direct buses are available from Oita city and Oita airport, making it a convenient way to get there. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Oita airport.
Car
Private car: From Oita city and Oita airport, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours via National Route 210. Be careful of snow and ice in winter.
Other
Taxi: Can be used to travel from Yufuin station to accommodations and tourist spots.
Rental car: High degree of freedom in travel, but be careful of road conditions in winter.
There are many ways to access Yufuin, and it is conveniently located for enjoying sightseeing and hot springs.
7.Ginzan Onsen: Yamagata Prefecture’s hidden hot spring treasure trove
Ginzan Onsen, located in Yamagata Prefecture, is a quiet hot spring resort nestled among the mountains rich in nature. Its charm lies in its beautiful nature, historic hot spring town, and the efficacy of the hot springs. This place, where you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons, offers healing and relaxation to those who visit.
●Nature and scenery
Ginzan Onsen is surrounded by mountains and is rich in nature. Especially in autumn, the autumn leaves add beautiful colors and combine with the hot springs to create a fantastic landscape. In addition, trees grow around the hot spring town, allowing you to feel the breath of nature in each season.
●History and culture
The hot spring town is filled with ancient history and tradition. Wooden inns and charming streets remain, allowing you to enjoy the old-fashioned hot spring atmosphere. The local food culture and traditional crafts are also not to be missed. There are also many historical sites around Ginzan Onsen, and exploring them on foot is one of the pleasures.
●Benefits of the hot spring
The spring quality of Ginzan Onsen is said to be gentle on the skin and effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, and joint pain. Soaking in the hot springs can refresh both body and mind and relieve the fatigue of everyday life. In particular, taking a hot spring cure in a quiet hot spring town is effective for relieving stress.
Access and sightseeing
It is about an hour’s drive from Yamagata City, and is relatively easy to access, so it is popular with locals as well as tourists. There are many tourist attractions in the surrounding area, and you can enjoy walks and activities while enjoying nature.
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Ginzan Onsen is a hidden treasure trove where you can enjoy the blessings of nature and hot springs in a quiet and calm atmosphere. It is the perfect place for a trip to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and heal your mind and body.