If you’re wondering whether winter is the best time to visit Japan, then worry not! Japan has four distinct seasons, each with its own unique set of seasonal activities, places to visit, and different cuisines, making it a wonderful time of year to travel. Personally, I prefer the Japan winter season to the summer months, which are stiflingly hot and humid, making any kind of outdoor activity unbearable.
Winter in Japan has plenty to offer visitors, from the snow monkeys of Nagano to ice sculptures in Hokkaido. Japan’s mountainous landscapes mean its snowy peaks are heaven for winter sports enthusiasts, whilst illumination events around the country are popular with families and couples. Read on to discover what to do in Japan in winter using this 14 day Japan winter itinerary!
Have you been to Japan during the winter? What was your favorite activity? Let me know in the comments!
Are you planning a trip to Japan soon?
Check out my 4-day Tokyo itinerary, 5-day Tokyo itinerary, and 3-day Kyoto itinerary for first-time visitors. Also, don’t forget to download your free Kyoto Bucket List for 2024.
Recommended 2 Weeks Japan Winter Itinerary
This is a sample of an ideal 2-week winter itinerary in Japan, but if you are visiting for a shorter period, you could also just select a couple of areas to travel to based on your interests. I’ve also included some ideas at the end for top winter destinations and activities for longer itineraries or if you want to switch out some of the suggested destinations below.
Domestic travel in Japan is super easy with an excellent public transport system and rail network, plenty of cheap domestic flights, and even night buses offering transport options to suit any budget.
- Days 1–2 Tokyo
- Days 3-4 Hakone/Mt Fuji
- Days 5-7 Hokkaido
- Days 8-10 Japanese Alps
- Days 11-12 Kyoto
- Days 13-14 Tokyo
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Days 1-2 Discover Tokyo
Begin your Japan Winter Wonderland extravaganza with a short break in Japan’s capital city. Tokyo is so magical during the wintertime and has many beautiful Christmas displays, illuminations, and markets as well as all of the classic sights to try and squeeze in!
Tokyo Winter Itinerary – Day One
Spend your first day in Tokyo with some sightseeing, taking in the classic landmarks such as the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s most famous temples and the oldest too. If you have time, take a guided rickshaw tour before you leave!
After visiting the temple, walk over to Tokyo Skytree where you can visit their annual Christmas market which usually runs from mid-November until December 25. Fill up on festive treats, see the tower light up, then go up to the top of the tower for epic views across the city!
Be sure to also check out Meiji Shrine and enjoy the peaceful gardens and ponds whilst strolling around. Unlike Senso-ji which is a Buddhist temple, this is a well-known Shinto shrine. Shinto is Japan’s ancient religion, so I think it’s interesting to visit both. Meiji Shrine is really close to Harajuku, Shibuya, and Omotesando which have plenty of attractions to occupy you for the rest of the day!
Shibuya also has a gorgeous winter light display, the Blue Cave illuminations, which sees around 800 meters of trees illuminated with approximately 600,000 lights to create a magical atmosphere. Over in nearby swanky Omotesando, the famous tree-lined shopping avenue is also covered with 900,000 golden lights to create a stunning display.
A little bit further afield but still worth the visit are the illuminations at Yomiuriland, a theme park in Tokyo whose attractions are decorated with millions of LED lights.
Tokyo Winter Itinerary – Day 2
Continue exploring Tokyo at your own pace and take in some special winter activities whilst you’re here like enjoying a Japanese winter dining experience, shopping for lucky bags, or experiencing a traditional new year.
Enjoy Japan’s Unique Winter Dishes
Much of Japan’s cuisine changes with the seasons and the arrival of winter marks the appearance of heart-warming dishes such as nabe, oden, and nikujaga. Nabe is a kind of Japanese hotpot usually filled with vegetables and meat or fish.
Eating nabe is a fun and social dining experience where friends gather to make the dish around a portable stove or meet in nabe restaurants. If you’re in Tokyo, you must try out a nabe party for yourself!
Oden can be purchased throughout Japan and is often sold in convenience stores during the winter, it consists of a light broth containing items including fishcakes, daikon radish, and boiled eggs. Nikujaga is a filling dish often cooked at home and is a kind of beef and potato stew, the perfect comfort food on a cold day.
Enhance your winter dining experience even further by getting cozy under a Japanese kotatsu, a low table with a built-in heater, covered by thick blankets that are impossible to leave once you’re under! Google ‘kotatsu dining Tokyo’ for a list of restaurants where you can have your own kotatsu experience!
Go Crazy for Japan’s Lucky Bags
Every winter in early January, people line up to buy fukubukuro, Japanese lucky bags. The idea is that you go to your favorite stores and buy a mystery bag that contains items that are heavily discounted. The only catch is that you can’t see what is inside the bag, so there is an element of luck involved as to whether you will like what’s inside. These kinds of bags are extremely popular, with many selling out within minutes of going on sale. If you are visiting Japan during this time, it’s a fun shopping experience to try. Whilst clothing brands sell some of the most popular lucky bags, other companies such as Starbucks also sell bags featuring items such as coffee beans, drinks vouchers, and mugs.
Experience a Japanese New Year
New Year in Japan is different from western countries, it is a time for families to get together and visit the local temple, eat traditional food known as osechi, and stay up to watch the first sunrise of the year.
It’s a time of reflection not partying, although you can still find western-style countdown parties in Tokyo too. One of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve near Tokyo is around Narita in Chiba, close to Tokyo’s Narita airport. This small town is buzzing on New Year’s Eve with lively restaurants and bars, whilst food stalls line the streets surrounding the Naritasan Shinsho-ji temple.
Days 3 & 4 Hakone Hot Springs and Majestic Mount Fuji
What could feel cozier than viewing Mt Fuji’s snow-capped peak from a traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring) on a crisp winter’s day? Depart Tokyo and head to Hakone for a couple of nights, an area famous for its abundance of hot springs, nature, and views of majestic Fuji-san.
If you’re planning to spend a couple of days exploring the area, then consider purchasing the Hakone free pass, a 2-day discounted pass which allows unlimited travel on eight different types of transportation in Hakone, including the sightseeing cruise and ropeway.
You’ll find an abundance of hot springs in the Hakone area, so be sure to take some time to do a bit of hot spring hopping in between your sightseeing! Even better, if the travel budget allows, stay in a Hakone ryokan with a private onsen so that you can really take some time to relax in your own exclusive space.
Ryokan Hakone Ginyu is a peaceful ryokan where every guest room features an outdoor hot spring bath with views over the Hakone mountains. The Hotel Green Plaza Hakone is close to attractions like the Hakone ropeway and features rooms with private open-air baths and Mount Fuji views.
Days 5-7 Explore Hokkaido, Japan’s Winter Wonderland
Head back to Tokyo and hop on a short flight to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island and a haven for winter sports and activities.
Without a doubt, one of the best places to enjoy Japan in the winter is on the northernmost island of Hokkaido, which transforms into a stunning winter wonderland around December time as the snow starts to fall. The island offers something for everyone. If you’re looking for a city break, head to Sapporo and Hakodate to discover their Christmas markets and illuminations. The charming coastal city of Otaru is also a delight to experience during its annual festival in February, which sees thousands of candles light up the city and along the canal. Fans of winter sports can, go ice walking across Hokkaido’s famous partially frozen Lake Shikotsu or head to the slopes of Niseko, whilst nature fans can enjoy smelt fishing, canoeing, and snowshoe trekking through the Kushiro marshlands in a one-day winter tour.
Probably the most famous winter festival in Japan, the Sapporo Snow Festival is held every February for a week where visitors can admire jaw-droppingly impressive snow and ice sculptures among the many attractions.
Ice Hotel and Village
For something extra during your Hokkaido visit, check out the Hoshino Resort Tomamu which features a stunning ice village from mid-January to the end of February that you can visit with an ice bar, ice restaurant, and ice onsen!
Days 8-10 Explore the Japanese Alps
After your trip to Hokkaido, head back to Tokyo via a short domestic flight and explore the Japanese Alps in Nagano Prefecture or Gifu Prefectures. Jump on the bullet train in Tokyo and arrive at Nagano Station just 80 minutes later ready to continue your Japanese winter adventure!
Nagano: Hot Springs, Snow Monkeys, and Ski Resorts
From Nagano train station, travel for 45 minutes by JR trains to Yudanaka Onsen, the gateway to the Yamanouchi region, a popular tourist destination famous for its snow monkeys and the largest ski resort in Japan, Shiga Kogen which played host to the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
Spend the night in a traditional ryokan and take a soak in the peaceful thermal baths whilst admiring the mountain views. After spending time with the snow monkeys or hitting the ski slopes, return to Nagoya Station.
Gifu Prefecture: Takayama and Shirakawa-go
Around a 4-hour train journey from Nagano Station, Takayama is a beautifully preserved traditional Japanese town nestled within the Hida Mountains which is ideal for an overnight stay and as a base to explore the area. Aside from exploring the old town, popular attractions here include the Hida Folk Village and the Shinhotaka Ropeway which transports visitors 2,200 meters above sea level to admire stunning mountain vistas via cable car all year round.
A popular side-trip from Takayama is a 50-minute bus journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, an area famous for its thatched roof farmhouses which turn into a picture-perfect winter postcard scene each year, particularly during the village’s light-up events when the farmhouses are illuminated at night-time. The farmhouses have been preserved for hundreds of years and their sloped roofs are designed to cope with heavy snowfall.
Whilst most people visit Shirakawa-go as a day trip, it is possible to stay overnight in a minshuku – family-run guesthouses. For the overnight stay or visits during the illumination period, you should book in advance via a tour company to guarantee access. You can also take a trip to Shirakawa-go by bus from Nagano.
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go in Gifu prefecture is one of Japan’s loveliest winter spots thanks to the region’s unique style of thatched farmhouses which have been preserved for hundreds of years. The building’s sloped roofs are designed to cope with heavy snowfall, making them a picturesque spot to visit for a day or stay overnight. Some of the villages in the area also hold winter illumination events where the houses are lit up at night.
Kanazawa Castle City
After a couple of days in Takayama and Shirakawa-go, you could spend also spend a night in Kanazawa – which can be accessed directly by bus in just over two hours. Kanazawa is an ancient castle city situated in the neighboring Ishikawa Prefecture. During the wintertime, Kanazawa becomes a picturesque snow-covered wonderland, with winter illuminations lighting up much of the city and its gardens. Kanazawa is also home to a historic geisha district that holds regular performances and the Nagamachi district which houses traditional buildings was once home to powerful samurai. Kanazawa is also the center of Japan’s gold leaf production and you can participate in your own gold leaf pasting experience too.
Days 11-12 Visit Kyoto, Japan’s Cultural Capital
Following your Japanese Alps adventure, from Kanazawa, you can take a train directly to Kyoto with a journey time of just over two hours, or alternatively, it’s about a half-day train journey from Nagano.
Kyoto is a must-visit destination in Japan any time of year, as one of Japan’s best-preserved and most beautiful cities. There’s so much to see and do in Kyoto, that a 2-night stay should be the very minimum amount of time that you spend there. Here are my top recommendations for how to spend 2 days in Kyoto:
Day 1 – Explore Kyoto’s Temples & Shrines
It would be impossible to see all the wonderful temples and shrines that Kyoto has to offer in a single day so my advice would be to research and just pick a few that appeal to you the most and spend a whole day temple hopping. Oh, and remember to pack good walking shoes!
My top recommendations for first-time visitors would be to check out some of the following sights:
Kinkaku-ji – Kyoto’s striking golden temple is always worth a visit and for minimal crowds, I recommend arriving right at 9 am when it opens and after you have finished taking photos, stop by the cute tea garden for some green tea.
Ginkaku-Ji and Nanzen-Ji via the Philosopher’s Path – the Philosopher’s path is a lovely scenic canal-side walk that passes by several shrines. The route only takes around 30 minutes to complete but you’ll also find a temple at both ends of the path, Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji that are definitely worth a visit.
Heian Shrine – this is one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines and features a huge Torii gate and extensive gardens, which were featured in the movie Lost in Translation.
Fushimi Inari – you’ve probably already seen photos of the famous torii gates at Fushimi Inari shrine, and as one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions, the earlier you can arrive there, the better. As admission is free and it’s technically open all the time, you can get there as early as you like to avoid the crowds and get those perfect photos.
Gion – the Gion district of Kyoto is a treasure trove of hidden delights waiting to be discovered and is also the city’s geisha district. During the evening you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a geiko or maiko (geisha in training) on her way to an engagement.
Kiyomizu-dera – this famous temple located in the east of Kyoto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its large wooden terrace which offers visitors incredible views of the city.
Day 2 – One Day in Arashiyama
I always think it’s worth spending a whole day in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district, it has lots of things to see and do all within walking distance, rather than having to rely on crowded buses to get around like in downtown Kyoto.
Arashiyama is just a short train ride from downtown Kyoto and there are also plenty of hotels and traditional Japanese ryokan in the area if you want to experience an overnight stay here.
These are my top 5 recommendations for how to spend one day in Arashiyama:
Visit the monkey park – Iwatayama Monkey Park is home to around 120 Japanese Macaque monkeys and although it’s around a 20-minute uphill walk, the rewards include scenic views from the observation deck and the chance to observe the monkeys roaming freely. You can also purchase snacks such as peanuts and bananas to give to the monkeys!
Hire a boat – on your way back into Arashiyama town, you’ll cross a river where you can rent rowboats by the hour. This is a great activity to do if the weather is nice, and a chance to enjoy the scenery.
Stroll through the Bamboo Grove – be sure to take a walk through the famous Bamboo Grove, one of Kyoto’s most magical spots. The towering bamboo creates a sense of tranquility and calmness against the crowds of tourists.
Visit Gio-Ji – one of Kyoto’s lesser visited temples, this serene spot has beautiful moss-covered gardens and is the perfect place to stop and have a quiet moment.
Stop by Saganoyu Café – one of my favorite lunch spots in Arashiyama, this former bathhouse has been converted into an elegant café serving everything from pasta to stacks of pancakes!
Days 13-14 Return to Tokyo
Take the bullet train back to Tokyo and spend your last night in Japan enjoying the best the city has to offer! For a final night out to remember, choose your own adventure from one of the following activities:
Izakaya and Karaoke – if you want to experience a classic Tokyo night out like a local, find a cozy izakaya for drinks and food before ending the evening in your own private karaoke booth! One of my favorite izakaya is a cheap and cheerful chain called Hanbey, whose walls are adorned with Showa-era posters and advertisements. Top karaoke rooms in Shinjuku include Karaoke no Tetsujin (one of the more reasonably priced places), Karaoke Kan, and Karaoke Uta Hiroba, whose prices also include free soft drinks.
Classic Cocktails at the Park Hyatt – it’s pricey but if you are looking for somewhere romantic and special to spend your last night then you can’t really go wrong at Park Hyatt’s New York Bar. They have a cover charge in the evenings when live bands perform and drinks are what you would expect to pay in a 5-star hotel, but you can’t beat the views, service, and atmosphere!
Dinner at Gonpachi – Gonpachi in Roppongi is the restaurant that inspired the famous fight scene in the movie Kill Bill, and the menu is typical of what you would expect to find in a Japanese izakaya, from charcoal-grilled meat skewers to sushi, and they are also known for their soba noodles.
Tokyo Bay Cruise – go for dinner onboard one of the traditional yakatabune boats for a memorable evening. Cruise Tokyo Bay in houseboats decorated with hanging paper lanterns and tatami floors and feast on delicious sushi and tempura dishes.
Get Lost in Tokyo’s Yokocho – yokocho are alleyways packed full of tiny restaurants and bars and are so much fun to explore you’ll feel a little like Alice falling down the rabbit hole! The best ones include Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku, Ameya Yokocho in Ueno, and Harmonica Yokocho in Kichijoji.
Additional Japan Winter Trip Ideas for Longer Itineraries
If you have longer than 14 days to spend in Japan, then you could also check out some of the following winter destinations and attractions:
Get Spirited Away with Snow Monsters
The famous snow monsters in Yamagata Prefecture are snow-covered trees in the ski resort of Zao Onsen, whose sinister monster-like shapes are on show throughout winter with nighttime illuminations open to the public. In addition to the ski resort, there are plenty of natural hot springs and ryokans to experience in the area.
After you have found the snow monsters, head an hour north Ginzan Onsen, a traditional and secluded hot spring town in the mountains that looks like it came straight out of the Studio Ghibli movie Spirited Away with its wooden buildings and gas lamps.
Nabano no Sato Illuminations
The Nabano no Sato flower garden on the outskirts of Nagoya is famous in Japan for its spectacular winter illuminations with nearly 6 million LED lights brightening up the park with popular attractions like the tunnel of lights. The illuminations run from October to May each year with cherry blossom light-ups running from late February.
Cherry Blossom Viewing
Whilst cherry blossom season typically runs from mid-March through to early April, if you visit Japan in February there are a few early bloom spots you may be able to see cherry blossoms, such as Kawazu Town in Shizuoka Prefecture whose blossoms usually appear in early February due to the warm climate. Another spot for early blossoms is Matsuda Herb Garden in Kanagawa whose cherry blossom festival is held from early February to early March each year.
Try Some Winter Sports
Japan’s abundance of mountains makes it the ideal destination to try out some winter sports, and there are more than 500 ski resorts around the country to choose from. Japan’s ski season usually lasts from December to March although dates can vary depending on the weather conditions. Some of the most popular areas for winter sports include the resorts of Niseko, Rusutsu, Tomamu, and Furano in Hokkaido, and Hakuba Valley near Nagano which played host to the Winter Olympics in 1998. Just one hour on the bullet train from Tokyo you’ll also find Karuizawa, an upscale resort with skiing and ice skating.
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