A Japan Winter Itinerary + 7 Unique Things To Do In Japan In Winter

Thinking of visiting Japan in winter? Don’t leave these unique experiences off your Japan winter itinerary.

A Japan winter itinerary is going to be packed with magical sights that most tourists don’t get to see.

That’s because winter in Japan is a truly unique time – and that means you can enjoy some of the most unique things to do in Japan when you visit during the winter season.

If you’re still deciding when to visit Japan, this winter itinerary might just convince you that the colder months are one of the best times to visit Japan.  

Even if you’ve visited Japan in the spring, summer or autumn, winter in Japan will be a completely new experience.

Here’s how to plan a trip to Japan in winter, including where to go, what to add to your Japan winter itinerary and must-know tips for visiting Japan in winter.

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Is it worth visiting Japan in winter?

First things first, you’re probably wondering if winter is even a good time to visit Japan.

After all, even if you’re only just starting to plan your trip to Japan, you’re probably well aware of the famous cherry blossom festival.

And while taking part in the annual hanami (flower viewing) tradition should be on every traveller’s bucket list, it’s also, understandably, peak travel season in Japan.

Given that many visitors time their trip for the spring and summer seasons, places generally get busier (and more expensive!) at these times.

As much as I loved witnessing the cherry blossoms turn the streets of Kyoto pink, I still feel winter is a totally underrated time to visit Japan.

Not only will most places be quieter and have fewer crowds during the off-peak months, but winter is when Japan may just be at its most enchanting of all.

Japan in winter itinerary

When it comes to planning a Japan winter itinerary, I would largely follow this itinerary for 7 days in Japan, with a few extras added in.

Those extras would be two of my favourite places in Japan and both are better in winter: Hokkaido and the snow monkeys hot springs at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.

While both of these places can be enjoyed all year round, they really come into their own in the colder season when snow lines the ground.

Japan 2-week itinerary: winter edition

The 2-week Japan itinerary below will help you see the best of Japan in winter in just a couple of weeks.

If you have more time, you could easily spend at least one more full day in each of the places included.

And if you don’t have a full two weeks to explore, I would reduce the number of city days and focus on spending a few days in Hokkaido.

While northern Japan has something to offer in every season, winter really is the best time to visit Hokkaido.

With heavy snowfall, snow festivals with snow sculptures – such as the Sapporo Snow Festival – and many of the best winter activities that Japan has to offer, it would be a shame to miss Hokkaido on a winter trip to Japan!

• Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo. Explore the city, including the eccentric Tokyo nightlife
  • 🛏️ Recommended hotel: The Millennials
• Day 2: Explore Tokyo
• Day 3: Day trip to Mount Fuji
• Day 4: Take the shinkansen to Hakodate
  • 🛏️ Recommended hotel: Wakamatsu Hot Spring Resort
• Day 5: Explore Hakodate. Transfer to Sapporo for the night.
  • 🛏️ Recommended hotel: 41 Pieces
• Day 6: Take a day trip to Noboribetsu and Jigokudani “Hell Valley”
• Day 7: Enjoy winter sports (or get cosy in one of the many ski resorts), visit seasonal events or take a day trip to a National Park.
• Day 8: Travel back to Tokyo on the shinkansen.
  • 🛏️ Recommended hotel: Shibuya Excel Hotel (just about as close to the Shibuya Crossing as you can get!)
• Day 9: Take a day trip to see the snow monkeys (alternative: Hitachi Seaside Park)
• Day 10: Travel to Kyoto
  • 🛏️ Recommended hotel:
• Day 11: Explore Kyoto during the day, then experience Kyoto at night
• Day 12: Visit Nara Park
• Day 13: Transfer to Osaka, visiting Himeji Castle on the way. Explore Osaka.
  • 🛏️ Recommended hotel: Hotel Forza.
• Day 14: Osaka/departure day

Where to go in Japan in winter: in detail

Unlike other countries – like Spain or parts of the United States, for example – the fact that it’s winter won’t restrict you much in Japan.

If anything, it’ll mean you get to see a really special side to this already magnificent country.

Here’s a breakdown where to go during winter in Japan, including the places included in the winter itinerary above:

Tokyo in winter

Most trips to Japan will begin with at least a few days in Tokyo since most international flights land at Narita Airport (or sometimes Haneda Airport).

Although you might not be able to enjoy strolling around the city’s expansive parks as much, there won’t be many things you’ll have to skip.

Even when it’s chilly outside, you can still enjoy all the city’s highlights, including Harajuku’s shopping street and Golden Gai’s unique nightlife. In fact, Golden Gai’s tiny bars are even cosier when it’s cold outside.

You also won’t have to skip the 24-hour karaoke, 24-hour sushi trains or the many ramen houses.

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My go-to eSIM is HolaFly because they offer unlimited data and a reliable connection. Use code ALAJODE to snap up my exclusive reader discount.

Day trips from Tokyo in winter

The Japan winter itinerary above includes a couple of day trips from Tokyo.

While it’s possible to spend the night at most of these destinations, there’s really no need. As long as you have a Japan Rail Pass, it’ll be just as easy – or even easier – to head back to Tokyo at night.

My one tip would be to stay as central in Tokyo as possible. Being close to a train station – especially Tokyo station – will be super helpful when it comes to making the most of your time in Japan.

Plus, since winter in Japan can get quite chilly, it will minimise the amount of time you need to spend out in the cold.

Anywhere in the Shinjuku or Shibuya area will make a great base for exploring Tokyo and beyond via rail:

Mount Fuji

While it’s not possible to hike Mount Fuji during the winter months, it’s still very possible to visit.

And it’s something you won’t want to miss!

Seeing Fuji capped in a layer of snow is a sight you’ll never forget, but is only possible for a few months of the year.

The best way to see Mt. Fuji is on a day tour such as this one that stops at several scenic spots. The bus picks up and drops off in Shinjuku, which is another reason to make it your Tokyo base.

INSIDER TIP | Using a VPN will keep your information secure AND make it easier to access English-language websites while travelling Japan. I use and recommend NordVPN for Japan trips because it’s affordable – and it works!

Shibu Onsen & Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

One place you won’t want to miss in Japan in winter is Shibu Onsen.

A short bus ride and hike from this small onsen town you’ll find the famous snow monkey hot springs. 

Winter is also the best time to see the Japanese snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs because the cold weather means they spend more time in the water. Which means more cuteness and even better travel photos!

The easiest way to visit is on a day trip from Tokyo. It’s a long(ish) journey, but joining an organised guided tour from Nagano station is the easiest way to take the stress out of logistics.

This one-day tour meets where the shinkansen arrives and will drop you off after, so you can make the most of your JR Pass.

Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachi Seaside Park is an expansive garden that changes with the seasons.

The park has been designed so that each area has different plants and flowers in bloom at each time of year.

That means that, if you v visit in the winter, you’ll see a completely different spectacle to what you would see in the summer.

Even if it wasn’t set up to change seasonally, the design of this park is a piece of art worth seeing.

You can visit on a day trip from Tokyo, but stay overnight if you want to make the most of it and get the Japanese onsen experience.

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Hokkaido in winter

Outside of Tokyo, Hokkaido is a must if you’re visiting Japan in winter.

In fact, winter in Hokkaido is a pretty magical experience and probably the best time to visit Japan’s northernmost island. And since Hokkaido has a much longer winter than the rest of the country, it’s well-equipped for winter travellers.

If you’re an avid skier, you’ll love Hokkaido’s ski towns and resorts. And even if you’re not, staying at one is a great way to unwind in the Japanese mountains.

Whether you head there or not, make sure you leave time for Noboribetsu. If you only do one thing in Hokkaido during winter, take a soak in the hot springs and enjoy the incredible views.

You can visit on a day trip from Sapporo or, if you want the full onsen experience, book a night at the Noboribetsu Grand Hotel (if there are any rooms still available – it books up fast!).

Hokkaido loves winter and has several festivals celebrating the colder months of the year.

The Hokkaido Snow Festival is the most popular of all, taking place in late January and/or early February every year. If you can time your Hokkaido trip around it, it’ll almost definitely be worth it.

And if it doesn’t, you can still enjoy the Sounkyo Ice Festival which runs all the way until March.

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Kyoto and Osaka in winter

Japan’s other major cities, Osaka and Kyoto, both have their own unique charm during winter. You could visit both on a day trip or overnight adventure from Tokyo, but stay a little longer if you can.

Kyoto may just be the most photogenic city in Japan, and even more so in winter. The only thing more magical than seeing its narrow streets and towering temples is witnessing them covered in snow.

Kyoto gets incredibly busy during cherry blossom season and the warmer months, so winter is a great time to see it without the crowds. Plus, there’s even more nightlife to enjoy there.

Osaka doesn’t suffer from the freezing temperatures that other Japanese cities face during the winter, so it’s a great time to visit Japan’s second-largest metropolitan area.

You can still enjoy all the same shopping, restaurants and entertainment, but with smaller crowds than in peak season. As a foodie hotspot, Osaka is a great place to try some local delicacies in the warm.

In addition to that, Osaka also has its own share of light festivals and celebrations to enjoy throughout the winter.

Once again, I’d recommend choosing Osaka accommodation that is centrally located and/or close to a train station because travel distances can be significant.

Both Kyoto and Osaka make a great base for exploring nearby tourist attractions. Some of the best ones to explore during the Japanese winter include:

• Nara Park
• Himeji Castle
• Kobe
• Hiroshima

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Activities to add to your Japan in winter itinerary

Wherever your trip to Japan takes you, make sure you add these unique experiences to your Japan winter itinerary.

They’re all just a little bit better when it’s cold outside!

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1 – Visit an onsen

There’s nothing like slipping into a natural hot bath when it’s freezing out. If you can, find an open-air one and enjoy the fresh surroundings.

Just make sure know the onsen rules first!

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2 – Slurp ramen

Ramen is good at any time of year, but it’s the best when it’s cold outside.

There’s nothing like feeling the warm, yummy noodle soup heat you up from the inside out.

I’m yet to try bad ramen in Japan, but the best by far was in Hokkaido. But perhaps that’s just because it was coldest there…

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#3 Make the most of indoor entertainment

Japan has no shortage of indoor activities. From robot shows to karaoke contests, there’s always plenty to keep you entertained when you don’t want to be outside.

Do a little digging and you never know what you might find.

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4 – Stay in a traditional Japanese house

Japanese homes may just be the most logical houses on the planet.

From sliding doors that can make the room as big or as small as you like, to dining tables complete with blankets to cover your legs, there’s nowhere cosier to stay during the winter.

There are plenty of ryokan style accommodation options on Booking.com, Hotels.com and Agoda, including both hotels and homestays, and it’s well worth spending at least one night in one!

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5 – Indulge in the izakaya experience

Izakaya are informal bars that serve drinks and snacks similar to tapas.

Every visitor to Japan should try to visit one of these bars, especially in the winter. When it’s cold outside, the cosy atmosphere is a great place to warm up.

Alternatively, sign up for an izakaya cooking class to learn more about Japanese culture while trying some food yourself.

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6 – Go shopping

Japan is home to some of the best brands on the planet.

From electronics to fashion, there’s no shortage of unique places to shop – especially in the capital city, Tokyo.

During the winter months, prices are often reduced as stores prepare for the new season, so it’s the perfect way to escape the cold and experience a new side of Japanese culture.

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7 – Take part in a traditional tea ceremony

Tea plays an important role in Japanese culture – and is also the perfect way to warm up on a winter day.

You’ll learn all about it while sipping a warm cup of ceremony-grade matcha.

Tea ceremonies are available in Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo and almost every big city so there’s no reason not to add one to your Japan winter itinerary!

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RELATED READ: Norway’s Lofoten Islands are another great winter trip – here’s why.

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