When talking about winter in Japan, one cannot ignore the stunning snowy landscapes. Winter in Japan is a very romantic season, especially with the serene and beautiful scenery covered in ice and snow. Additionally, soaking in hot springs during the cold winter is an essential experience.
1.Enjoying the Snowy Scenery
Shirakawa-go: Located in Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go is home to many Gassho-zukuri houses and was designated a World Heritage Site in 1995. This Gassho-zukuri village offers a pristine landscape, and in winter, it transforms into a dreamlike snowy town. Since most of the village is privately owned, please be sure to follow local etiquette rules when visiting.
Tottori Sand Dunes: Tottori Sand Dunes are Japan’s largest sand dunes. Tottori Sand Dunes span 2.4 kilometers wide and 16 kilometers long and offer various activities like paragliding, camel riding, and horse-drawn carriage tours, making them popular with Japanese people. In winter, the entire dunes are covered in snow, creating a vast, silver-white world that contrasts sharply with other seasons, giving visitors the feeling of entering a breathtakingly beautiful, deserted fairyland.
Lake Shikotsu: One of the most beautiful snowy landscapes in Hokkaido during winter can be found at Lake Shikotsu in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Known for its exceptionally clear waters, it is also one of the rare lakes that don’t freeze. In winter, the emerald surface of Lake Shikotsu glistens, surrounded by snow-covered shores and the snow-clad peaks of Mount Tarumae, Mount Eniwa, and Mount Fuppushi, creating a scene as beautiful as an ink painting.
2.Skiing
Zao Onsen Ski Resort: Known as “Japan’s favorite ski resort,” Zao Onsen Ski Resort is the largest ski resort in Japan in terms of individual area and one of the most popular ski resorts in northern Japan. It offers a variety of slopes suitable for skiers of all levels, making skiing enjoyable for everyone, including children. The resort’s most unique feature is the ice trees, which can be admired from the gondolas. These trees are formed when water droplets freeze on the fir trees growing on the Zao mountain range, creating an array of snow figures. Experiencing this natural wonder with friends is truly unforgettable.
Joetsu International Ski Resort: Boasting the highest snowfall in Japan, the Joetsu International Ski Resort in Niigata is a spacious and fun snow playground. The resort is known for its fresh air and natural snow, making it one of the largest ski resorts in Japan. It consists of four main areas: the Daiketou slope with a maximum slope of 38 degrees, the Panorama slope with varied slopes, the Nagamine slope for beginners and families, and the Toma slope known for its heavy snowfall and powdery snow. Both adults and children can enjoy the sled park, which offers free admission. On weekends, the resort also provides a daycare service, ensuring that both parents and children have a perfect skiing holiday.
Biwako Valley Ski Resort: Located in Shiga Prefecture near Lake Biwa, this ski resort offers beautiful scenery and a prime skiing location. The resort uses world-class artificial snow machines to supplement natural snowfall, ensuring ample and high-quality snow. It features nine diverse slopes, including the Horai Panorama course, which offers breathtaking views of Lake Biwa, and the popular off-piste area. The view from the Biwako Terrace of the winter wonderland below is truly stunning and breathtaking.
3.Hot Springs
Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma: Located in Gunma Prefecture near Tokyo, Kusatsu Onsen has ranked first in the “Japan’s Top 100 Hot Springs” list for 19 consecutive years and is one of the “Three Great Ancient Hot Springs of Japan”. The most iconic feature of Kusatsu Onsen is the “Yubatake” (hot water field), located in the center of the hot spring street. Due to the high temperature of the spring water, you can see steam rising from it throughout the year.
Hakone Onsen: Hakone is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring areas, known as the “Hot Spring Town.” Located near Tokyo, it offers clear views of Mount Fuji. Hakone boasts a large number of hot spring inns scattered from the foot of the mountains to the mid-slopes. Many high-quality hot springs are nestled in the quiet mountains, creating a perfect atmosphere for relaxation.
Gero Onsen in Gifu: Also known as one of the “Three Great Hot Springs of Japan,” Gero Onsen is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. Located in the Hida-Takayama region of Gifu Prefecture, its history spans over a thousand years. Even the Japanese Emperor and Empress have visited it twice. A landmark of Gero Onsen is the outdoor hot spring called “Fountain Pool,” located on the banks of the Masuda River that runs through the hot spring area. Visiting in the autumn or winter allows you to ski first and then relax in the hot spring, providing complete relaxation.
Arima Onsen in Hyogo: Located in Arima Town, Kita Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, Arima Onsen has a long history and is known as the “Backyard of Kobe”. It has been around for over 1300 years and is the oldest hot spring in the Kansai region of Japan. It was initially built as a healing facility by Buddhist monks. Arima Onsen has two types of springs: “Kin-sen” (Gold Springs) and “Gin-sen” (Silver Springs), named for their colors. The spring water contains about twice the concentration of iron salts found in seawater, with “Kin-sen” being rust-colored and “Gin-sen” being colorless and transparent carbonated springs.
4.Winter Travel Tips
Japan’s winters are cold, and sometimes there can be snow accumulation. It is recommended to wear a down jacket and accessorize with a scarf, gloves, and a woolen hat to stay warm.
