10 Best Japan Winter Attractions for a Dreamy Holiday
Traveling to Japan during the winter season? Add these Japan winter attractions to your itinerary!
Though we’ve already experienced winter in Korea, Australia, and Europe, we must admit that we haven’t been to Japan in winter just yet. We did travel for 10 days in Japan during spring, but we’d surely be back for a winter holiday.
As we’ve always mentioned, it’s a totally different feeling when you touch (and even taste!) snow, especially for us who live in a tropical country. There are actually some artificial snow attractions in the Philippines, but nothing can compare to the real thing.
If you have yet to experience winter in Japan just like us, we prepared this list of the best Japan winter attractions, from ice festivals and snowy landscapes to relaxing onsens (hot springs).
Best Japan winter attractions for snow and ice adventures
1. Sapporo, Hokkaido
First on our Japan winter bucket list is no other than Sapporo in Japan’s northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido. Many consider it the best place to visit in Japan during winter, and for good reason.
We’ve been eyeing to attend the Sapporo Winter Festival, which happens every February, and is held at various venues including Odori Park, Tsudome, and Susukino. We can’t wait to see the world-class ice sculptures and take part in fun winter activities like ice skating and sledding.
Tip: Level up your winter experience by joining this Hokkaido day trip from Sapporo, taking you to some of Hokkaido’s most iconic attractions including Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, and more!
Address: Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, 060-0042
How to get there: From Sapporo Station, you can either walk for about 14 minutes or take the Namboku Line to Odori Station, and walk for 4 minutes to Odori Park.
Entrance fee: Free
2. Niseko, Hokkaido
Niseko is arguably Japan’s most popular ski destination, known for its long ski trails covered in fine, powder snow with the majestic Mount Yotei in the background.
While you can find many resorts in Niseko, the major ski resorts here are Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, and Annupuri, which you can all access with the Niseko All Mountain Pass.
Address: Abuta District, Hokkaido, Japan
How to get there: From New Chitose Airport, take the shuttle bus to Niseko Ski Resort. Niseko is around 2-3 hours away from Sapporo. From Sapporo Station, you can ride the Rapid Airport (Green Line) to Otaru Station. Then, walk to Otaru Eki mae Bus Terminal and ride the bus to Niseko View Plaza, where you can walk to the Niseko Resort Tourist Association.
Entrance fee: Free, unless you stay in one of the Niseko resorts or sign up for Niseko skiing lessons.
3. Hakuba Valley, Nagano
After the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Hakuba gained global popularity and became one of Japan’s best ski destinations. Some of the Olympic facilities here like the Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium and the Hakuba Olympic Village Memorial Hall are still in use up to today.
If you’re looking for winter adventures easily accessible from Tokyo, Nagoya or the Kansai Region, Hakuba is definitely the place to go.
Address: 20490-4, Taira, Omachi, Nagano, Japan, 398-0001
How to get there: From Tokyo Station, ride the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano. Then, transfer to an express bus going to Hakuba Station.
Entrance fee: Hakuba Valley All-Mountain One-Day Pass: ¥10,400 (adult); ¥6,000 (children)
Best Japan winter attractions for nature and sightseeing
4. Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano
One of the unique winter attractions in Japan is Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano. Here, you can get up close with the adorable macaques bathing in an onsen (hot spring) set in a snow-covered landscape.
As it is a popular winter attraction in Japan, expect throngs of tourists here, but you can always go early to beat the crowd. Be sure to observe and take photos at a distance so you won’t disturb their natural habitat.
Address: 6845 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano, Japan, 381-0401
How to get there: Ride the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano. Proceed to Nagano Station East Exit and ride the express bus to Snow Monkey Park.
Entrance fee: ¥800 (adult); ¥400 (children)
5. Zao Snow Monster Forest, Yamagata
Otherworldly, mysterious, and enchanting, the Zao Snow Monsters in Yamagata will certainly leave you in awe. Did you know these monster-looking snow figures are actually frosted trees covered in thick snow during the freezing cold winter season in Japan?
Ride the Zao Ropeway to see a bird’s-eye view of these mythical formations. And while you’re here, why not take a dip in the renowned Zao Onsen as you enjoy the magical landscape?
Address: Yamagata, Japan
How to get there: From Tokyo, ride the JR Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata Station. Then, transfer to a local bus bound for Zao Onsen Bus Terminal.
Entrance fee: Zao Ropeway Round-Trip Ticket: ¥7,500 (adult); ¥3,800 (children)
6. Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa
Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa is tagged as one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens with cultural and historical significance. It used to be a private garden belonging to the Maeda family, a powerful clan in Kanazawa during feudal Japan.
Come winter, the garden, especially the pond area, turns into a picturesque setting with snow-covered pine trees, which are being illuminated at night to give a magical glow.
Address: 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan, 920-0936
How to get there: From Kanazawa Station, ride the city loop bus going to the garden.
Entrance fee: ¥320 (adult); ¥100 (children)
7. Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi
What’s a trip to Japan without seeing Mt. Fuji? Fujiyoshida, a charming city in Yamanashi Prefecture, is one of the best places to see breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji.
In winter, the snow-capped Mt. Fuji appears in the landscape, offering many photo opportunities. If you want, you can join this Mt. Fuji day tour from Tokyo to explore the scenic spots and take snaps with Mt. Fuji as your backdrop.
Address: Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan
How to get there: From Tokyo Station, take the Tokyo Eki JR Kosoku Bus Noriba to Fuji-Q Highland.
Entrance fee: Free, unless you join a Mt. Fuji tour
Best Japan winter attractions for cultural immersion and relaxation
8. Shirakawa-go, Gifu
Nestled in Gifu’s mountain area is Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its thatch-roofed traditional houses.
During winter, the thatch roofs are blanketed in snow, creating an enchanting winter village that looks straight out of a fairy-tale book.
Address: Ono District, Gifu, Japan
How to get there: From Meitetsu Bus Center in Nagoya Station, ride the Express Shirakawago Line to Shirakawa-go. Bus travel takes around 3 hours. For more convenience, join this Shirakawa-go Day Tour from Nagoya.
Entrance fee: Free, unless you enter the Hida Folk Village museum and traditional houses
9. Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata
A winter trip to Japan is not complete without dipping in an onsen (hot spring). There’s no better place to do it than Ginzan Onsen, a quaint town in Yamagata famous for its traditional riverside inns and onsens.
During winter, the already picturesque setting becomes even more dramatic with snow all over the area.
Address: Ginzanshinhata, Obanazawa, Yamagata, Japan, 999-4333
How to get there: From Tokyo, take the JR Yamagata Shinkansen to Oishida Station, where you can ride a bus to Ginzan Onsen.
Entrance fee: Free, unless you use the public onsens or stay in a ryokan (traditional inn)
10. Hakone, Kanagawa
How about an onsen and Mt. Fuji in one? Head over to Hakone, a mountain town in Kanagawa known for its hot spring resorts and Mt. Fuji views.
We had the chance to go on a day trip to Hakone during spring, but we want to be back to experience it in winter while staying in an onsen resort.
Address: Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa, Japan
How to get there: From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen to Odawara Station. Then, transfer to Hakone Tozan Line to reach Hakone Town.
Entrance fee: Free, unless you go on a Lake Ashi cruise or ride the ropeway, which are included in the Hakone Freepass
Layer up and create wonderful memories at these stunning winter attractions in Japan! So, which of the best places to visit in Japan in winter will be on your itinerary?
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