Despite the biting cold, winter in Japan is a delightful time to explore the country. From snowy landscapes to thrilling winter activities, you won’t have a problem beefing up your Japan winter travel itinerary with exciting things to do. Here’s Tokyo Past 3’s round-up of the best winter destinations in Japan, complete with links to top tours and activities.
Shirakawago
A remote village in a mountainous region, Shirakawago (白川郷) is a dreamy winter wonderland. The traditional farmhouses are the star of this UNESCO World Heritage site, with distinct thatched roofs that are built to withstand heavy snow. The village can be accessed from nearby Kanazawa or Nagoya. Alternatively, you can make an overnight trip to Shirakawa-go from Tokyo.
 | Shirakawago & Gokayama Day Tour from Kanazawa ・See two world heritage sites in one day ・Includes lunch ・Try your hand at hand baking rice crackers Price: ¥11,283/person Book on Viator |
 | 2D1N Shirakawa-go Special Light up Event & Takayama Tour from Tokyo ・Explore a world heritage site and a well-preserved castle town ・Includes hotel stay and breakfast ・Experience hot spring and forest bathing Price: ¥48,900/person Book on Klook |
Jigokudani Monkey Park
Among the popular activities in Japan during winter is bathing in a hot spring or an onsen, and this goes for both humans and monkeys! Japanese macaques gather at Jigokudani Monkey Park (地獄谷野猿公苑, Jigokudani Yaen Kōen) to enjoy a relaxing soak in the park’s pool all year round, but they look especially photo-ready in winter when the snow piles up on surrounding rocks.
 | Jigokudani Snow Monkey Tour from Tokyo with Beef Sukiyaki Lunch ・Conveniently departs from Shinjuku ・Spend ample time at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park ・Enjoy a delicious sukiyaki lunch Price: ¥14,890/person Book on Viator |
 | 2D1N Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park & Nagano Ski Resorts Tour ・See Japanese macaques bathing in the hot springs of Jigokudani ・Enjoy winter sports and the powder snow of Nagano ・Includes hotel stay Price: Starts at ¥71,850 Book on Klook |
Okhotsk Drift Ice
Looking for a wintry landscape? Boarding a drift ice cruise on the Sea of Okhotsk is as frozen as winter in Japan gets. This phenomenon can typically be observed from mid-January to mid-March and can be enjoyed through icebreaker cruises that plow through blocks of ice. Abashiri and Monbetsu are far-flung areas in Hokkaido but tours from Sapporo make them more accessible.
 | Icebreaker Cruise & Sounkyo Ice Festival from Sapporo ・Ride Garinko-Go III to see the Okhotsk drift ice ・Soak in the breathtaking expanse of the Okhotsk Sea from the Okhostk Tower ・See ice illuminated in colorful lights at the Sounkyo Ice Festival Price: ¥15,300/person Book on Klook |
Hokkaido Smelt Ice Fishing
One of the benefits of Hokkaido being in the snowy north is that it creates the perfect environment for ice fishing. Wakasagi or smelt are typically popular during the season, and you can book activities that teach you how to fish in the ice and enjoy them battered and deep-fried afterward.
 | Smelt Ice Fishing & Tempura Tasting from Sapporo ・Catch wakasagi smelt with the help of a pro guide ・Enjoy freshly-cooked wakasagi tempura ・Conveniently departs from Sapporo Price: ¥9,000/person Book on Klook |
 | Private Hokkaido Smelt Ice Fishing Tour with Strawberry Picking ・Catch wakasagi smelt from icy waters with the help of a local guide ・Snack on freshly-cooked wakasagi tempura ・Indulge on fresh strawberries Price: ¥42,000/person Book on Viator |
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
One of the biggest festivals in Hokkaido, the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival features snow activities and ice sculptures made from the clear waters of Lake Shikotsu. During the day, you can enjoy activities like horse riding and skating. The ice sculptures become even more magical at nighttime, as they sparkle with colorful lights. In 2022, the festival will be observed from Jan 29th to Feb 23rd.
 | Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival & Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Ice Village Tour ・See majestic ice sculptures at Lake Shikotsu ・Visit a fascinating ice village ・Try local seafood dishes for lunch Price: ¥24,000/person Book on Klook |
Otaru Canal
The Otaru Canal is lovely all year round, but its beauty takes on a different form come wintertime. The snowcapped former warehouses dotting the banks of the serene canal make a somewhat romantic, somewhat melancholic sight.
 | Otaru, Shiroi Koibito Park, & Snow Park Day Tour from Sapporo ・Explore the beautiful harbor town of Otaru ・Visit the Shirokoibito park ・Enjoy fun in the snow at snow park Price: ¥8,682/person Book on Klook |
Diamond Fuji
Did you know that Mt. Fuji is most visible in winter? For many tourists, Mt. Fuji is a must-see, but not all get to catch sight of it because of unfavorable weather conditions. The skies are mostly clear in winter, so the best time to see Mt. Fuji is from November to February. It is also during these months that Diamond Fuji—the phenomenon of the sun appearing to be sitting atop the mouth of the active volcano—can be seen and captured more easily.
Ski Resorts and Snow Parks
Blessed with powder snow, Japan is among the best destinations for snow sports. Niseko in Hokkaido and Hakuba in Nagano are particularly well-loved. Snow parks near Tokyo and Osaka are also good for more casual fun in the snow with friends or family.
Miyama Kayabuki no Sato Snow Lantern Festival
Much like the thatched roof houses of Shirakawago in Gifu, Kyoto’s Miyama Village (美山のかやぶきの里) is a traditional hamlet that radiates with charm and nostalgia. A Snow Lantern Festival is usually held every year in January, which is one of the village’s main attractions.
JR Tadami Line’s Winter Scenery
This last one’s especially for train fanatics. The JR Tadami Line runs from Fukushima to Niigata and has exceptional views in winter. If you’re a photography enthusiast, you’ll love the view from Oze-Kaido Mishima-juku, where you can spot the Tadami Bridge straddling the two cliffs that shape its namesake river. If you’re patient enough to wait for the train, you’re sure to capture an Insta-perfect photo.
