Top 15 Things to Do in Japan in the Winter: Skiing, Festivals and More

Thinking of countering the feeling of winter blues? Think visiting Japan in winter, where the pursuit of fun is at the top of every traveler’s to-do list. Despite the temperatures plummeting, you'll find unique, exciting, and cool Japan winter attractions and activities at parks to streets, and cities to villages across the country.

From magnificent snow sculptures at the Sapporo Snow Festival and skiing in Niseko to scenic onsens and traditional Japanese New Year events, Japan is a winter wonderland. To make sure you see the best of Japan’s snowscape and jolly festivities, here are 15 of the top things to do in Japan in winter, with what to eat afterwards.

1. Witness Spectacular Snow Festivals

Best time to visit: Late January to mid-February
Best places to go: Hokkaido, Akita Prefecture, Yamagata Prefecture
Best for: Photography enthusiasts, couples, families with children

Ice and snow festivals are fun things to do in Japan in the winter for families and couples alike.

In Hokkaido, the Sapporo Snow Festival is a world-renowned ice and snow festival that attracts the best artists from all over Japan and around the world to create large-scale snow sculptures and ice sculptures. Ice bars and nighttime light shows add to the fun. The Otaru Snow Light Path Festival in Hokkaido lets you walk along the romantic canal lined with thousands of lanterns and snow lights. The Asahikawa Winter Festival features giant snow sculptures and ice slides, making it ideal for family outings.

Recommended Hokkaido Winter Tour:
★ 10-Day Hokkaido Snow Festival Tour Package

Attend the Yokote Snow House Festival, and you will venture to the 400-year-old traditional mini snow houses, while the Zao Tree Ice Festival, illuminated at night, allows you to discover the mysterious “snow monster” forest, adding a touch of adventure.

2. Experience Winter Illumination

Best time to visit: From late November to February of the following year. The highlight is during Christmas and New Year.
Best places to go: Nabana, Tokyo, Sapporo, Mie Prefecture
Best for: Couples, Families, Travelers who love cities

Do you want to experience the warm and romantic atmosphere of winter? Discover the unique, glittering light art of Japan. Nabana no Sato Winter Illumination (in Mie Prefecture) is one of the largest winter light exhibitions in Japan, featuring an enormous sea of LED lights and an underwater light tunnel.

The lighting decorations in Chuo City and Shibunkyo New Town in Tokyo are a perfect combination of urban romantic nightscapes and modern architecture, and are also one of the best places to experience the festive atmosphere of New Year and Christmas in Japan.

The Sapporo White Illumination festival coincides with the Sapporo Snow Festival, allowing you to enjoy both ice sculpture art and light art at the same time.

3. Enjoy Onsen Bathing in Snowy Settings

Best time to visit: Late December to mid-March
Best places to go: Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido, Jigokudani Onsen in Nagano, Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma, Zao Onsen in Yamagata
Best for: Couples, newlyweds on honeymoons, families, anyone who wants to experience Japanese onsen culture

For those seeking to fully relax their minds and bodies and escape the cold, hot springs are one of the top things to do in Japan during winter. Many Japanese hot spring destinations offer the classic combination of snowy landscapes and the Japanese onsen experience.

Hokkaido's Noboribetsu Onsen is renowned for its sulfur springs and volcanic landscapes. At Nagano's Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park Onsen, visitors can enjoy the amusing sight of wild monkeys soaking in the hot springs. Gunma's Kusatsu Onsen, with its highly acidic spring water, offers excellent health and beauty benefits.

Recommended Private Japan Tour:
★ 10-Day Highlights of Japan Onsen Tour

4. Skiing in World-Class Resorts

Best time to visit: Early December to early March; In January, there is the best powder snow quality
Best places to go: Hokkaido, Nagano
Best for: Professional skiers, beginner skiers

One of the cool things to do in Japan in winter - go skiing. Japan's numerous ski resorts are renowned for their powder snow and well-developed facilities. Some resorts also combine activities such as onsen, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and high-end hotels to provide all-inclusive winter holidays.

Hokkaido's Niseko Ski Resort is a world-renowned powder snow paradise suitable for skiers of all levels. Also in Hokkaido, Furano boasts beautiful scenery and is ideal for families and photography enthusiasts to enjoy a quieter winter vacation. Nagano's Hakuba Village, which hosted the Winter Olympics, still retains some Olympic ski runs, offering a variety of trails and complete facilities.

Recommended Japan Ski Tours:
★ 12-Day Japan Winter Tour with Hakuba Skiing
★ 13-Day Classic Japan Tour with Skiing in Hokkaido

5. Experience Traditional New Year Celebrations

Best time to visit: December 31st to January 3rd
Best places to go: Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara
Best for: Visitors interested in Japanese culture and traditional festivals

The New Year is the most important traditional festival in Japan. On the night of December 31st, many important temples welcome the New Year by ringing their New Year bells. On January 1st, although many tourist attractions and shops are closed, shrines and temples are crowded with local people participating in prayer ceremonies. So if you want to experience authentic Japanese culture, don't miss the Japanese New Year Celebrations.

In Tokyo, Senso-ji Temple combines the lively New Year atmosphere with traditional activities, while Meiji Jingu is one of the most popular places for the first New Year pilgrimage in Japan. Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto, and Todai-ji in Nara are also great places to experience the solemn New Year rituals.

6. See Snow Monkeys in Jigokudani

Best time to visit: January to February, 8:30-10:00 a.m. (when the monkeys are most active)
Best for: Visitors who love animal photography and natural scenery, families with children

Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture is located near the Shiga Highlands, with beautiful scenery along the way. In winter, Jigokudani Hot Spring in Nagano is covered with snow, and wild Japanese macaques bathe in the hot spring pools to keep warm, which is unique to see.

Recommended Japan Tour Package:
★ 12-Day Japan Winter Tour with Snow Monkeys

7. Visit the UNESCO Village of Shirakawa-go

Best time to visit: Late December to mid-February - when the snow is at its thickest
Best for: Visitors who enjoy traditional Japanese culture and rural areas - especially couples and families with children

The fairy-tale-like Shirakawa-go dwellings are particularly enchanting against the winter snowy landscape. Especially during the winter nighttime illumination events held on weekends (please check the schedule in advance and make reservations), the village illuminated by lights resembles a dreamlike scene.

Shirakawa-go Ogimachi Village is home to the best-preserved cluster of gassho-zukuri buildings. The Tenshukaku Observation Deck offers the best panoramic views. At the 400-year-old Tanaka Residence, you can see traditional silk farming demonstrations, experience grilled fish by the hearth, and try on snowshoes.

8. Attend a Winter Fireworks Show

Best time to visit: January to February. For specific dates, please check local arrangements.
Best places to go: Niigata, Hokkaido, Kanagawa
Best for: Tourists seeking unique festival experiences

Looking for some other cool and fun things to do in Japan in winter? Japanese winter fireworks, set against the cold air, with snow scenery and music, are the favorite of romantics.

In Niigata, the Nagano Snow Lantern Fireworks Festival combines snow lanterns and fireworks, while the Tottori Snow Festival fireworks combine large snow sculptures with fireworks, creating a fabulous winter event. The winter fireworks festival at Lake Toya (in Hokkaido) is set against the backdrop of the lake, with the fireworks blooming in the reflections of the ice and water. The New Year fireworks in Yokohama are also interesting, with a Ferris wheel as the backdrop.

9. Taste Seasonal Winter Food & Hot Street Snacks

Best time to visit: December to February, with many dishes available only in winter.
Best places to go: Hokkaido, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Kyushu
Best for: Foodies and those who wish to experience culture with food

In Sapporo and other cities of Hokkaido, enjoy the crab dishes (such as king crab and snow crab) and the local flavor of Genghis Khan barbecue. In Osaka and Kyoto, oden, takoyaki, and Japanese-style pancakes (okonomiyaki) are must-try dishes. Foodies shouldn’t miss the fresh seafood and winter desserts at Tokyo’s Tsukiji Outer Market. Meanwhile, Hakata tonkotsu ramen and Nagasaki cham-chan-men in Kyushu will make your Japanese winter trip warm and unforgettable.

It is also one of the best things to do with family in winter in Japan.

10. Ride the Sagano Romantic Train in Snowy Kyoto

Best time to visit: Late December to early February
Best for: Visitors who enjoy natural scenery

Looking for the best things to do in Kyoto, Japan, in winter? On the cold days, when Arashiyama and Hozukyo in Kyoto are shrouded in thick snow, the scenery is breathtaking. The train slowly travels along the Hozugawa River, and with fewer winter visitors, you can quietly enjoy the snow-covered ancient bridges, river valleys, and forests along the way.

11. Unique Shopping Experiences in Tokyo

Best time to shop in winter: from early December to the end of February
Best places to go: Ginza, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku, Akihabara
Best for: Visitors who want to experience the shopping culture and festival promotions in Japan, Fashionistas, electronics enthusiasts, anime fans

Wondering what to do in Japan in winter for your next trip? How about going shopping? From December to February, especially around Christmas, New Year, and Valentine's Day, Tokyo welcomes its yearly shopping carnival. Department stores and shopping centers in Tokyo launch promotional campaigns, including year-end sales and Fukubukuro, with which you can expect big discounts.

There are so many places to shop and so many things to buy in Tokyo. Ginza is the most famous upscale shopping district in Japan, featuring international luxury brands and high-end department stores. If you want to buy electronics, Shinjuku houses electronics chain stores like Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera.

Interested in Japanese youthful trends? Shibuya has fashion shopping centers like Shibuya 109 and Parco.

Go visit Harajuku, you can find Japanese niche design brands with personalized clothing and cute trinkets. And for those in the know, Akihabara is the heaven of Japanese anime, games, and electronics.

Recommended Private Tokyo Tour:
★ 6-Day Tokyo, Mt Fuji & Hakone Tour

12. Snowy Temples and Tea Houses in Kyoto

Best time to visit: From late January to mid-February, when the chance of snowfall is higher. You can avoid the crowds from 6:00 to 8:00 in the morning.
Best for: Fans of ancient buildings, photography enthusiasts, and couples seeking a romantic winter trip.

In winter, the golden roof of Kinkaku-ji Temple is enchanting in the snow. The quaint garden of Kiyomizu-dera complements the snow scenery beautifully. The winter dry landscape garden of Tenryu-ji is adorned with snow, serene and beautiful. Kodo-ji is more suitable for night visits, with the lighting combined with the snow scenery.

In the winter of Kyoto, don't miss the traditional tea houses in Gion and Higashiyama. And at Kennin-ji, they offer "Snow-viewing Tea Ceremony", including hot sweet sake.

Recommended Kyoto Tour Packages:
★ 9-Day Japan Highlights Tour: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka
★ 7-Day Japan Tour to Kansai Region: Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe

13. Osaka’s Winter Theme Parks

Best time to visit: Mid-December to February of the following year. The activities are most abundant during the Christmas and New Year periods.
Best for: Families with children, theme park enthusiasts

For those seeking the best things to do in Osaka, especially if you are traveling with children, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is the perfect destination. The unique "Snowy Night at Hogwarts" in winter, the Minions winter parade, hot butter beer, and Christmas performances will leave you completely delighted.

At the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, you can witness the winter-only penguin walks and the night view of the Tenpo Hill Ferris Wheel.

The winter light show at Osaka Castle Park is also a great choice.

Recommended Japan Tour Package including Osaka:
★ 11-Day Golden Route of Japan Tour with Osaka & Hiroshima

14. Nagoya’s Nabana no Sato

Best time to visit: December to February, when you can enjoy both the light show and winter flowers at the same time.
Best for: Couples (the nighttime lighting atmosphere is excellent), family visitors (there are interactive light installations that children will love).

Nabana no Sato’s light show is the largest in Japan, featuring the famous “Tunnel of Light” made with 2 million LEDs, themed light displays, musical fountains, greenhouse cherry blossoms, and wisteria gardens. There’s also a foot bath area -- how about soaking your feet while enjoying the lights?

15. Snowy Shrines and National Parks in Nikko

Best time to visit: January to February
Best for: Travelers who like both history and nature

When you think of the top things to do in Nikko, Japan, you think of snow-covered historical buildings and tranquil forests.

Admire the snowy scenery at the Tokugawa Ieyasu Shrine and Rinnoji Temple in the World Heritage Site of Toshogu Shrine, as well as Futarasan Shrine. In Nikko National Park, take a stroll to the icefall wonders of Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls.

For active travelers, you can enjoy snowfield hiking through the Senjogahara Marshland.

Experience the Top Things to do in Japan in Winter with Hi Five Trip

You can also discuss with one of our Japan travel specialists to customize your Japan trip with attractions you want to see and activities you want to do, so you won’t miss anything on your Japan bucket list.