Snowfall in Japan can definitely mean heaps of snow, but don’t let the snow put your plans on hold. In fact, wintertime in Japan gives you a great opportunity to venture out and experience the country’s customs, cuisine and even the ski-slopes. If you are wondering what you can do during snowfall season in Japan, then here is a list of some fun-filled activities, which you can indulge in when it snows.
Best Time To See Snowfall In Japan
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The best time to see snow in Japan is from early January to mid-February. This is the peak powder season, with consistent snow conditions and immense snowfall. There can also be significant dumps of snow in March, though the weather begins to be more unpredictable with a higher chance of warm spells. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit, so it’s best to book in advance.
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Where To Find Snow In Japan?
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For many, Sapporo is an absolute must for snowy scenes. It is the capital city of Japan’s northernmost region, Hokkaido, so not only is there a lot to do, but the city is well-equipped for heavy snowfall, so things don’t grind to a halt on snow days. During winter, cold air masses from Siberia blow towards Japan, picking up moisture from the Sea of Japan in the process. The wet, cold air collides with the mountains along the Sea of Japan coast, resulting in heavy snowfall. Despite of this, there are other places also who experience the top snowfall such asTohoku, Shirakawa-go, Jigokudani Monkey Park, Gifu, Kyoto, Tottori, Tochigi, and Gunma.
Top 10 Things To Do During Snowfall In Japan
So, scroll down, and find out how you can spend your time during the snowfall season in Japan to make the most of your holiday in this charming part of the world.
1. Ski Or Snowboard Down The Slopes In Japan
Many tourists visit Japan specifically to indulge in the winter activities here. You can expect snowfall in Japan in December until March, which is quite ideal to go skiing and snowboarding. And, the best place to do so is in Hokkaido, which is filled with some of the most amazing ski resorts. The snow slopes are literally filled with heaps of fresh snow, which will definitely tempt you into skiing or snowboarding down these slopes. Hakuba, Niseko, Yuzawa, or Nozawa Onsen are known to be as some of the best places to go skiing and snowboarding in Japan.
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2. Bath In An Open-Air Onsen
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Taking a bath in an onsen is so much better when it’s outdoors. Some places which you can visit are Nyuto Onsen district, Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata and the most famous is the Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido. At Noboribetsu Onsen you can indulge in a variety of hot springs, which are known to have many healing properties. Sulfur, Salt, Aluminum, Mirabilite and Alkaline springs are just some of the onsens (hot springs) available in Noboribetsu Onsen. If this isn’t exciting enough, then you can also spend time relaxing in a traditional Japanese Inn, which also known as a Ryokan.
3. Go Ice Skating In Tokyo
There are many outdoor skating rinks in Japan which accommodate all types of skaters from beginners to professionals. White Sacas is one of the largest outdoor rooftop ice skating rinks in Tokyo. Imagine ice skating on a rooftop while you skate by twinkling lights and enjoy the views from the rooftop, making this place perfect for a romantic date. Ice skating season usually starts from January 5th and goes on till February 25th.
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4. Try snowshoe trekking
If you’ve never tried snowshoe trekking, then here is your chance to do so during the snowfall season in Japan. Snowshoe trekking is a sport which allows you to walk through snow easily with snowshoes, which gives you the effect of walking on top of fluffy and fresh snow. While you’re trekking, you will pass by numerous snow-capped mountains, mountain ranges and the most magical views, which you normally don’t get to see every day.
One of the most famous places to try snowshoeing is from the Kurumayama Kogen Ski Resort, where you can trek to the summit of Mount Kirigamine, which is one of the most famous mountains in Japan. So, don’t forget to try this activity out, when you are visiting when there is snowfall in Japan.
5. Drift Ice Walking
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Drift Ice Walks are also a popular activity during snowfall in Japan, which usually takes place in Shiretoko, in Hokkaido. This is one of the most unique activities which Japan has to offer, and we can vouch that there is nothing quite as adventurous as drift ice walking. During the winter, the Hokkaido Sabin Okhotsk starts filling up with drifting ice floes.
The friendly guides will definitely help you make the most of this activity by taking you to the most amazing spots, where you can see spotted seals swimming around. A dry suit with attached boots will definitely keep you warm and toasty when you are out and about. Drift ice season starts at the beginning of February and ends after March.
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6. Visit The Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival is held in Japan every year, from the 5th of February until 11th February. This snow festival takes place in three main sites Odori Park, Susukino and Tsudome. The main site of the festival is the Odori Park, where you will find the most snow and ice sculptures you have ever seen. Some of the ice sculptures here range from 15 meters to 25 meters in height. There are plenty of warm beverages and food items which are easily available here too. And the best part is, they also light up the sculptures, which bring these snow sculptures to life.
The second site is Tsudome, which has a variety of snow activities such as snow slides, snow rafting and other activities which are perfect for just about anyone to try. Susukino is the smallest sites out of the 3, but it has the most action because this is where the Ice Sculpture Contest takes place. So, you will definitely see many ice sculptors in action here. And this snow festival is known to attract 2 million people every single year.
7. Admire The Frozen Waterfalls Of Nikko
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Nikko is one of the most ideal places for a two-day retreat during the snowfall season in Japan. The cold weather helps in freezing the waterfalls in the mountains of Nikko. But, before you reach, or see the frozen waterfalls, you need to make a small hike up the valley. Along the way, you can see plenty of dams and erosion projects, which were made to stop any flooding from occurring from the river flowing from Nikko, during the monsoon season.
After you finish making your way up the valley, you will definitely be surprised by the size of the ice daggers and huge columns of ice, which are part of the frozen waterfall. The best time to go hiking is from late December to early March, this is the perfect time as the waterfall freezes due to the drop in temperature.
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8. See Cherry Blossoms Bloom In Kawazu city
Cherry Blossoms are one of the most famous flowers of Japan, which are, till date, visited by tourists from across the globe. And the best part is that you don’t have to wait until spring you can see them bloom in early February in Kawazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. This city is actually known for early blooming Cherry Blossoms, which last for about only a month. So, make sure you see them bloom, during your visit to Japan.
9. See Snow Monkeys At The Jigokudani Monkey Park
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Have you ever been to a monkey park? Well, you can when you are in Jigokudani Monkey Park located in Nagano Prefecture in Japan. This is one of the most famous and unique places, that you can visit during your time in Japan. Even though you can see monkeys all-year-round, but tourists prefer visiting this location during the winter, because the entire park is covered in snow, which is definitely a sight to see during snowfall in Japan.
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10. Taste The Seasonal Dishes
There are a few famous seasonal dishes which are a must try for everyone who is planning a visit during the winter. Hotpot dish, rice cakes (mochi) and crab, are some of the most traditional and delicious dishes that you can taste in Japan. The best place to try crab all over Japan is in Hokkaido, but, there are a few amazing places in Tokyo too. There are other dishes that you indulge in such as; Nabe, Yudofu, Yakiimo, Sukiyaki, Okayu, Oden and Nikujaga. And, while you’re at it, don’t forget to try out the hot sake, which is very ideal during winter. There are also a couple of seasonal fruits which you can try during winter in Japan, the most famous of them all are Japanese Mandarin oranges known as mikan in Japanese.
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Now, you are aware of the best time and where to see the snow in Japan, along with the top things to do. So, don’t miss the snowfall in Japan or you’re gonna regret it till the time this wonderful country turns into a white wonderland all over again this year! Book your trip to Japan right away and grab the best deals!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Snowfall In Japan
Does Japan have snowfall?
Yes, Japan receives one of the highest snowfalls in the world apart from being located in the relatively southern latitude. You can enjoy a lot in this country.
What part of Japan gets the most snow?
Aomori City in Aomori Prefecture is known as the snowiest city in the world and one of the snowiest parts of Japan. However, some other parts are Hokkaido, Tohoku, Hokuriku, Kyoto, Gifu, Tottori etc.
When did it last snow in Tokyo?
The last snow in Tokyo happened in the month of December 2024. This was 15 days earlier than the last year’s snow and expecting to last for a long time.
Does Kyoto have snow?
Yes, kyoto have snow but you can’t expect the high snowfall than the other cities. You can expect an occasional snowfall between december to March.
What is the best time to see snow in Japan?
One of the best time to see Snow in Japan is between early January to Mid february as it is considered as the peak season. The snow conditions are very heavy and Japan turns out to be a winter wonderland.
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