12 Best Winter Destinations in Japan You’ll Want To See Covered in Snow

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Winter is one of the best seasons for visiting Japan. In these winter destinations in Japan, you’ll find epic skiing, famous festivals, and endless beauty.

Japan is an archipelago that stretches from the subtropics to the frigid tundras of Hokkaido. During the winter, intense snowstorms batter the mountains and northern coasts, creating a snowy wonderland.

In winter, the country comes alive in lights, celebrations, winter sports, and endless fun, making it one of the world’s best winter destinations. Below are some of Japan’s best winter destinations so you can plan your dream vacation.

Sapporo, Hokkaido

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Sapporo is the country’s ‘winter city’ and one of the best winter destinations in the world. The city sits on the west coast of Hokkaido, and it can get up to 190 inches of snow during the season when the cold fronts hit.

Every February, the city hosts the Sapporo Snow Festival. Millions of people visit the city and enjoy gigantic ice sculptures and decorations along a mile-long pedestrian road downtown. International and local artists compete for the top prize in snow sculpture.

Besides the festival, you can find incredible cuisine, from ramen to bottomless seafood, including the city’s famous crab. Many surrounding villages and towns have cozy winter events. Winter sports fanatics flock to the city’s surrounding ski resorts to enjoy some of the best powder snow on the planet.

Yamagata, Yamagata Prefecture

Yamagata is a mountain paradise full of exciting things to see and do in the winter. From relaxing hot springs to unique natural wonders, this city is one of the best destinations in the world to spend winter.

Start your journey at Zaoonsen, a small ski village full of world-class hot springs (onsen), temples, shrines, and unique natural phenomena. The famous juhyo are on the forested mountainsides. These creatures are pine trees that become completely encased in snow and resemble snow monsters marching down the slopes.

In the city, you can tour the castle ruins and temples of Kajo Park and see the Yamagata Folk Museum Bunshokan to learn about the region’s history. Afterward, head into a small restaurant or izakaya to enjoy Yamagata’s famous imono stew and artisanal sake (nihonshu).

Nagano Prefecture

Nagano is the ultimate winter sports destination. You’ll have world-class skiing and some of the most challenging slopes in Japan. The city of Nagano hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and still has annual tournaments and winter sports worth seeing.

Outside of winter sports, Nagano has incredible countryside that makes the perfect winter getaway. Kamakura no Sato is one of the most popular destinations. A restaurant owns the space and turns it into a village of ice huts in the winter. You can dine in the huts and enjoy winter hiking after your meal.

Another must-see sight in Nagano is the Jigokudani Monkey Park. In winter, hundreds of monkeys bathe in the hot springs, creating one of the most unique sights in the world.

Downtown Nagano turns into a ground zero for winter festivities. Don’t miss the Shimotsuki Festival, a Shinto celebration of boiling water and purification that inspired director Hayao Miyazaki to write his masterpiece Spirited Away.

Tochigi Prefecture

Tochigi Prefecture is just a short drive or train ride north of Tokyo, yet it feels like another world. You’ll be surrounded by mountain towns that celebrate the winter season in style.

First, check out Ashikaga Flower Park to see one of Japan’s largest winter light shows. Over 5 million lights turn the flower garden into a bright castle and fantastical scenes.

Another must-see winter event in Tochigi is the Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival. You can walk amongst hundreds of lit-up snow huts, each with unique spaces and designs inside. The entire field of lights feels like a winter dream. After your visit, you can take a dip in a relaxing onsen and feel all your stress melt away.

Ishikawa prefecture

Ishikawa is on the west coast of Japan. In winter, storms form off the Sea of Japan and dump snow on the coast, creating a beautiful winter scene not to be missed.

One of the winter highlights in Ishikawa is the popular Kenrokuen in the city of Kanazawa. The garden transforms into a winter scene straight from a postcard. Shrines, bonsai trees, and beautiful rock formations are covered in snow, creating a sight you’ll remember throughout your life.

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After enjoying the park, take a drive to the town of Hakusan to enjoy the beautiful countryside. Then, head to Natadera Temple to see the centuries-old Buddhist temple and gardens covered in snow.

Otaru, Hokkaido

Otaru is a small city on the coast of Hokkaido that throws its own snow festival to rival Sapporros. Every year, the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival becomes one of Japan’s biggest light spectacles and attracts millions of hungry visitors looking to feast on the festival’s street food.

Enjoy the canal’s floating lights as you walk along the boardwalk. Hop into shops for artisanal goods and check out the hundreds of professional snow sculptures built throughout downtown.

After the party, take the cable car to the Tenguyama Observation Deck at the top of Mt. Tengu. You’ll gaze out over the city and watch the festival lights below.

Toyama Prefecture

Toyama is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan. Its charming villages, towns, and ski resorts come alive in winter. You’ll see natural formations, beautiful scenery, and history-rich places everywhere you look.

Head to the mountains to take in the prefecture’s famous winter sports scene. You can enjoy incredible powder snow and challenging slopes before relaxing in a historical onsen. Then, end the day with a bowl of soba noodles and hot sake.

If you have time and stamina, you can hike the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. This massive corridor of snow runs for over 20 miles through alpine wilderness. For hikers who love the snow, this is a must-have experience.

Beppu, Oita Prefecture

Beppu is a magical place known as Japan’s onsen capital. Onsen are hot springs with a long history and fascinating traditions. In Beppu, you’ll find hundreds of renowned onsens to visit, which become even more refreshing in the winter.

Although the winter is mild in Beppu, it still gets cold, and the steam from the onsens fills up the entire city. You can choose between traditional baths or soak in mud and even volcanic sand.

If you want the ultimate challenge, dip your body in the Hells of Beppu. This quirky hot spring is said to have the hottest waters and is a must if you want to see Japanese onsen culture at its most competitive.

Gunma Prefecture

Gunma is a destination for world-class winter sports, onsens, and some of the best winter scenery in Japan. The prefecture is mountainous and landlocked, but it is only a short drive or train ride from Tokyo.

If you love skiing or snowboarding, head to the prefecture’s northern mountains and speed down the slopes of Tanigawadake Tenjindaira and Okutone Snow Park. For a mellower adventure, try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

After taking on the trails and slopes, head to Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku to enjoy one of Japan’s most beloved traditional onsens. If you visit in January or February, you can check out the Oigami Onsen Snow Fireflies Festival to see hundreds of lamps and candles illuminate the onsen and town streets.

Aomori Prefecture

Aomori Prefecture is located at the tip of Honshu Island, Japan’s largest mainland island. This region gets dumped on with some of the best powder snow in the world. For winter sports enthusiasts, it can’t get any better.

For a unique experience, check out the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival. Here, you’ll see professionally designed lanterns lit up in the snow, creating a unique dream-like sight that makes the perfect backdrop for seasonal selfies.

When you’re not skiing or festival hopping, head downtown Aomori to sample delicious cuisine and the prefecture’s famous sake. Then, explore the city and see sights such as the Utou Shrine and the popular Nebuta Museum.

Gifu Prefecture

Gifu Prefecture is home to gigantic mountains, steep gorges, and historical villages that have inspired artists for centuries. When the snow falls, the prefecture’s landscape turns into a vivid world of majestic snow-covered temples, old buildings, and white mountains.

In winter, head to Shirakawa-go to experience historical farmhouses and shrines covered with thick snow. Drive along the shores of Miboro Lake and head to the romantic town of Takayama.

One of the best things you could do is take the Shinhotaka Ropeway cable car to the Nishihotakaguchi Station Observation Deck. Here, you’ll get unparalleled views of the snowy mountains and wilderness of northern Gifu and enjoy a hot beverage and snack at the cafe.

Tokyo

Tokyo during winter is just as enthralling as it is in other seasons. However, there’s nothing like braving the cold winds while sipping on a hot drink and watching the city move. Between its lights, energy, and endless entertainment, it’s a destination unlike anywhere in the world.

Start your winter adventure in Tokyo right by sampling ramen. This working-class dish is a national treasure; in Tokyo, it’s a form of fine art. The question of who has the best ramen in Tokyo is relative, so find a restaurant or stand packed with locals in a hurry, grab a seat or stool, and let the hot broth and noodles take you away.

Outside of eating, check out Tokyo’s world-famous museums or go shopping in districts such as Ginza. See the Kokyo Gaien National Garden, and if it snows, head to the Tokyo Skytree to get fantastic views of the city and the surrounding countryside covered in snow.