Winters in Japan: Places to be and Things to Do!

Winters in Japan are exceptionally beautiful. There are various snow events and winter illuminations. Hence, outdoor is the best in Japan during the winters. Here are some places you need to visit at least once in your life when you head to Japan. Check these out, and see why you should be heading to Japan.

Places to Visit

Abashiri Drift Ice

Drift ice is one of the spectacular winter phenomena that happens in Hokkaido. The Sea of Okhotsk, running along the Abashiri City, Hokkaido, is the place to see the drifting sea ice. Quite similar to the Arctic.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Hokkaido is no doubt the most beautiful place to visit during the winters. The famous Sapporo Snow Festival takes place in the capital city. It runs for two weeks and the whole city becomes a winter wonderland.

Kamakura Festival

Other than the Sapporo Snow Festival, there are several other snow events happening in the northern park of Japan. Kamakura is a traditional winter item in Japan. These are snow domes in various sizes. Yunishigawa Kamakura Festivals has many Kamakura lightened up.

Ginzan Onsen

Onsen is the best in winters. But to enjoy one, you need to be in an authentic Onsen town, most likely in the snow. Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture is the most historical and attractive Onsen towns in Japan.

Zao

Another place that is home to the winter phenomena is in Zao. Zao’s ice trees, known as Juhyo, are spectacular and unique. This artistic view is created by nature. Visitors can easily enjoy snowboarding and skiing by the trees.

Nabana no Sato

Illumination events are most famous in Japan. These are held across the country. The most popular illumination event in Japan happens at Nabana no Sato in Mie Prefecture. Around 8 million LED lights are used to create the amazing art of lights at the park, including the very famous Tunnel of Lights.

Shirakawago

The most charming and pastoral village traditional village of Japan is Shirakowago Village. The whole village is covered in snow, white and thick. It creates a tremendously amazing view. Some special light up events are held several times in the winters.

Kifune Shrine

One of the top tourist destination in Japan. Kifune Shrine is a hidden gem in Kyoto, all historical and mysterious. Though it can be enjoyed any time of the year, winter is the best. The light up event is held in January and February when it snows.

Things to Do

Ski

Tourists are found to visit Japan from December to March, mainly for ski and snowboard. The most popular area is Hokkaido, with its powder quality snow. Also, there are ski resorts in Tokyo as well, where you can go for a day trip.

Open Air Onsen

Onsen is so much better in the cold. Especially if it is outdoor. With the surrounding area covered with snow, you can fully enjoy a hot bath, with a beautiful scenery.

Ice Skating

If you have no time to go skiing, you can still enjoy the winter in town. Tokyo as many outdoor ice skating rinks. These are open during the winter in the central areas.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

The most unique sight in winters in Japan is the bathing snow monkeys at the Jigokudani Monkey Park, in Nagano Prefecture. These monkeys can be seen all year round, but people usually visit in winters when the site is covered with snow.

Early Viewing of Cherry Blossoms

You don’t have to wait till the spring to see the amazing view of cherry blossoms. The very first cherry blossoms of the year are easily viewable at Kawazu City Shizuoka Prefecture in the early February. The city is known for the early blooming cherry trees, Kawazu Sakura. Another astonishing thing is that these cherry trees bloom longer than the normal cherry trees, and these last for about a month. There is so much more that you can do, but words cannot describe it all. Check out Japan yourself to understand these wonders and the outdoor fun.