Top Places To Visit In Japan In Winter That Will Make You Fall In Love

Japan in winter: more than oden & Illuminations

Why should you visit Japan in Winter?

Japan should really be on the top of your list of places to visit in winter. The list of things to do in winter in Japan is long, from winter sports to traditional festivals. I would look forward every year to visiting the many spots Japan has to offer in winter. Those experiences are still some of the best experiences I have had. As someone who was not blessed with any talent in sports, or balance or agility of any kind, I have shied away from the ski slopes of Hakuba or Niseko and opted to take my camera out to photograph the beauty of the snow covered villages and enjoy the ambience and aesthetics of a traditional onsen (温泉 – hot springs).

What to do in Japan in winter:

I lived in Tokyo for seven years, so every winter I would try and check one or two places off my bucket list. The places you will find here will fit perfectly into your winter itinerary for Japan. I have grouped them by prefecture to make it easier to organise your travels. The majority of the spots that made it to my list are considered super popular things to do in winter in Japan – and for great reason. Everything on my list is relatively easy to access and mostly through public transport. If you’re visiting Japan, make sure you check out all my Japan blogs over here. I also have a guide for what to wear in winter!

Zao Snow Monsters 蔵王連峰/ Yamagata Prefecture

If you’re planning to visit Japan in winter, I highly suggest you make your way to see the Zao Snow Monsters. The ivory sea of icy trees is an amazing sight to see from the gondola as you head up to the top of the mountain. The “Snow Monsters”  are a natural phenomenon created by the freezing winds hitting the snow covered trees. Located on Mount Zao in Yamagata, it is only about a 2 hour drive away from Ginzan Onsen. We rented a car and drove from Sendai to Ginzan and Zao Snow Monsters on a day trip. As the temperatures are freezing in January and February at Mount Zao (蔵王連峰). I spent only about 1 hour at the top of the mountain before I felt like my whole body was suffering from frostbite. There is a lookout and you can walk throughout the trees.

Website: Mount Zao Ski Lift Official (English Available)

Ginzan 銀山温泉/ Yamagata Prefecture

Traveling to Japan in winter and looking for an iconic Japanese experience? Then Ginzan Onsen (銀山温泉) is your place. Ginzan (also known as Ginzan Onsen) is a small onsen town tucked away in the countryside of Yamagata. The easiest way to get here is by bus or car, however you will have to do some walking as the main part of the village does not have roads for cars. The town is lined with ryokan (traditional Japanese accommodations usually with private spring baths). There are a few small boutique shops in the town selling traditional wares. The day we came it was snow-storm level of snow. This meant we spent most of the time sitting inside a cafe that is perfect for people watching. The cafe can get very busy so make sure you come early as you don’t want to get stuck outside if it is freezing.

Website: Ginzan Official Website (No English but some links to English pages)

Shirakawa-go 白川郷/ Gifu Prefecture

If you ever want to truly experience the best of what Japan has to offer, then you need to go to Shirakawa-go (白川郷) in winter . A Shirakawa-go winter is unlike anything else, and there is a reason it is one of the most popular destinations considering its inaccessibility. Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage sites, and tops the lists of both locals and overseas visitors of best places to visit in Japan during winter. Shirakawa-go is known for its gasshō-zukuri (traditional Japanese farmhouse designs). We went in February and the snow was so high it made a little maze between the houses! If you go, I highly recommend visiting the smaller and less frequented villages like Gokayama (五箇山) as they are perfect for pictures without the crowds! 

Website: Shirakawa-go Official Website (Some English)

Snow Monkeys 地獄谷野猿公苑,/ Nagano Prefecture

Cute monkeys bathing in hot springs? Where do I sign up, right? Travelling to Japan in winter isn’t complete without a visit to see these fuzzy friends. I would keep at least one night in your winter itinerary for Japan in order to ensure you have time. The Snow Monkeys (Japanese macaques) are most easily seen in Jigokudani Monkey Park, (地獄谷野猿公苑,) which was built to help protect the monkeys from loss of their habitat in the area. You’ll need to complete a short walk through Joshinetsu Kogen National Park to get there. There are some ryokans with outdoor and indoor onsens near where you can enjoy hot springs too.

Animal Welfare: Please Keep This In Mind

Japan does not have a very good record when it comes to animal welfare or animal ethics, and as this sightseeing spot has become more and more popular there has been talk from visitors that the experience doesn’t seem very authentic. It is not. The monkeys have lost a significant part of their habitat due to human expansion in the area and this park is a way to ensure they keep them there. Workers at the park have been seen trying to herd the monkeys to the water and keep them there for paying visitors to take photos. Therefore, I highly recommend that you do not go in the afternoon. This is when the monkeys want to leave back to their home, so guess what? The workers will try and keep them there for you because you paid for them to keep them there for you.

Follow the signs and make sure you do not feed or touch them. It will land you in some hot water (get it?) by the locals for disrespecting the rules. Just bear in mind that these friends, although entertaining, are not there solely for your entertainment. It is really important we respect their space and their behaviour. The monkeys come down to enjoy the hot springs during the cold mornings. That’s when you should plan to go and see them.

Website: Jigokudani Park Official Website (English)

Takaragawa Onsen 宝川温泉/ Gunma Prefecture

Ever since I saw photos of this spot on Instagram I have always wanted to go to Takaragawa Onsen (宝川温泉). Mostly because it is an onsen that allows you to wear swimwear! I am always looking for things to do in winter in Japan that are a little different, and this spot was perfect for that. The location is a little out of the way. I recommend going by car but you can reach it by train and bus. When we arrived, we went straight to the outdoor onsen, which is a mixed gender hot spring. It is overlooking the stream that runs through the bath house. They offer swimwear/coverups for people to wear if you do not have swimwear. This spot is still really popular with locals, so you can get some insight into the onsen culture of Japan. You can stay by booking it here.

Website: Takaragawa Onsen Official (English)

Kusatsu 草津町/ Gunma Prefecture

This spot is a great option for a winter getaway if you are in Tokyo and you do not have a lot of time to travel. Kusatsu (草津町) is a famous onsen town known for its green waters, which is caused by the acid levels in the hot spring streams. There is a huge stream of water right in the middle of town. This is where you can enjoy an outdoor foot bath from the hot spring water. We went to a private onsen at a ryokan as I’m not comfortable going to the public baths. If you are in Gunma or Tokyo I would highly recommend visiting Kusatsu. In my opinion it is one of the best places to visit in Japan during winter that is a simple day trip from Tokyo.

Website: Kusatsu Official Town Website (English)

Sapporo Snow Festival さっぽろ雪まつり/ Hokkaido Prefecture 

Sapporo is one of my favourite cities in Japan. If you’re looking for a city that understands winter, Sapporo gets it. With underground walkways throughout the town you can get basically anyway while staying nice and warm. But you’ll want to come up to the surface for this as the best part of Sapporo in winter is the Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり)! If you’re traveling to Japan in winter you’ve probably heard of this place as it is by far the top festival to visit in Japan in winter. Giant ice and snow sculptures fill the square in Sapporo, and you’ll also find stalls selling hot food and drinks to keep you warm during the night as the sculptures are lit up with illuminations and light shows. It is a must see! 

The 2025 Sapporo Snow Festival will be held between Saturday the 4th of February until Saturday the 11th of February.

Website: Sapporo Snow Festival Official Website (English)