It’s always a good idea to visit Japan. The eye-popping skylines and historical temples are just as mesmerising in person as in pictures. But what about Japan in winter? While summer tempts with lush landscapes and lively festivals, spring with its famous cherry blossom and autumn with leaf peeping opportunities, December to March entices in an entirely different way. Picture snowy slopes, steamy onsens and cuisine worth the 14-hour flight alone. Intrigued? Read on to discover some of our favourite reasons to visit Japan when the temperature drops...
- Top-notch snow sports
- Incredible cuisine
- Onsens
- Christmas traditions
- Snow monkeys
- New Year celebrations
Top-notch snow sports
Considered a powder paradise, Japan in winter is a holy grail for snow sports enthusiasts. Blessed with textbook-perfect weather conditions throughout its many mountainous regions, skiers and snowboarders are enticed by promises of abundant snowfall – and rightfully so. Adorably nicknamed ‘Japow’, slopes throughout Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps are blanketed in fluffy snow, perfect for beginners, experts and anyone in between. Need a break from the pow? Fear not, as Japan’s après-ski culture sees table-top dancing swapped for hot-spring soaking. And relax.
Incredible cuisine
It’s no secret that Japanese cuisine knows how to tantalise tastebuds year-round. During the chilly months, the country’s menus are laden with soul-soothing winter warmers to rival freezing temperatures. Nikujaga, which translates to meat and potatoes, is a home-cooked comfort consisting of thinly sliced beef, potatoes and onions in a sweet and savoury soy-based sauce. Nabe is another winter staple and covers all kinds of hot pot dishes, from shabu-shabu (meat and vegetables) to motsunabe (offal and cabbage). For seafood enthusiasts, fresh, fatty fish caught from the icy waters make for irresistible plates of seasonal, melt-in-your-mouth sashimi.
Onsens
Japan has birthed many icons, and its steaming stars of the winter months are its onsens. Although the promise of their health benefits (clearer skin, detoxification and better blood flow) are appealing throughout the year, the toe-warming waters are irresistible when temperatures drop. With over 25,000 hot springs powering 3,000 spa resorts across the country, you’re never short of spots to soak under stars or snowflakes. Some of our favourites include Kusatu Onsen, which boasts Japan's largest hot spring output, and Hakone Onsen, which has killer views.
Christmas traditions
It’s one thing to read about eating KFC for Christmas dinner, but it’s another thing to try it. Japan’s crispy Christmas tradition traces back to a marketing campaign by KFC in 1974 and is alive and cluckin’ today. But spending Christmas in Japan comes with more than just a different dinner – it’s also a whole lot more romantic. Family affairs are all but forgotten on the big day, with partners prioritised instead. So, while Valentine's Day follows the tradition of only women giving chocolate to men, head to Japan over Christmas if you want a (reciprocal) romantic retreat.
Snow monkeys
While visiting Japan in winter, a trip to Jigokudani Monkey Park promises an unforgettable site: Japanese macaques, known as snow monkeys, bathing in hot springs. While visible throughout the park (and throughout the year), winter’s snow encourages them to come out of hiding, take a toasty dip and provide a picture-perfect moment. From the entrance, it’s around a half-hour walk to the hot spring, but the little, pink-faced spectacles are more than worth it.
New Year celebrations
Our final reason to visit Japan in winter falls on the year's final day. Ōmisoka (New Year) celebrations bring the spectacular tradition of joya no kane, where bells ring 108 times on New Year’s Eve to dispel the 108 worldly desires of Buddhist belief. Power through tired eyes and you’ll witness hatsuhinode, the first sunrise of the year, that’s thought to bring good luck. Stick around until the 2nd of January for special access to the inner grounds of Tokyo’s Imperial Palace, which only allows visitors twice a year.
Written by Evie Buller | Header Image by Nicolas Quiniou.
