Although the winter scenery differs greatly across Japan’s long archipelago, it is no less beautiful in the warmer south than the snowy north. From delicious seasonal foods to wintery views, from shimmering holiday light displays to roaring waterfalls, each region has its own charms and its own perfect winter escape for when the hustle of life in the big cities don’t jive with the cozy vibes of the season.
Whether you’re an adventurer interested in climbing stunning snow-capped peaks or a creature of comfort who prefers soaking in a steaming onsen (hot spring), our list below has a vacation spot for everyone. Read on for some of the best winter spots across the country, from north to south!
Shikotsu-Toya National Park (Hokkaido)
Nestled in the southwestern corner of Hokkaido, Shikotsu-Toya National Park stars its namesakes, Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya. As Japan’s second deepest lake with a depth of 360m, Shikotsu is also famous for its high degree of transparency. Due to its depth, this lake doesn’t freeze in the winter months and makes for a beautiful sight to take in while snowshoeing around its edges. Lake Toya, meanwhile, hosts a Winter Fireworks Festival in February, which lights up the sky above the lake and nearby Mount Usu, an active volcano. Be sure to stop by Toyako Onsen Town for their outdoor hot springs, which allow you to bathe at the same level as the lake.
Minami-ku, Niseko Town, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido - Map
Free
Nearest train station: JR Toya station
Nearest bus stop: Lake Shikotsu Bus Terminal
www.japan.travel/national-parks/parks/shikotsu-toya
Akiu Great Falls (Miyagi)
Together with Tochigi’s Kegon Falls and Wakayama’s Nachi Falls, Miyagi Prefecture’s Akiu Great Falls is considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful waterfalls. Measuring 55m tall and 6m wide, these falls are best viewed in the winter when pristine snow blankets the slopes on either side and the tops of rocks in the basin below. Around a 20-minute drive from the Great Falls, you’ll find Taoya Akiu Onsen Village, which packs in plenty of public and hotel hot springs, local dining options and the natural beauty that Tohoku is known for.
Otaki, Baba, Akiu-machi, Taihaku-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi - Map
Free
Nearest bus stop: Akiu Otaki
www.sentabi.jp/guidebook/attractions/116
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- External Link
- https://gaijinpot.com/
7 Comments
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falseflagsteve
In Okinawa right now, sooo much warmer than Osaka. Lovely fun trip to recharge me batteries.
wallace
I have had sufficient deep snow winters to appreciate now living in warmer climes. Not a winter sports guy.
Elvis is here
Once in Hakone, staying in a beautiful onsen, the snow started to fall. It was like something out of a ukiyoe print. Unforgettable.
falseflagsteve
wallace
Too right bruv. Last winter we went to Sapporo for a week in winter. Cor blimey, it was bleeding cold.
falseflagsteve
Back from a lovely day around Naha with my partner and son. It was lovely we had a wonderful time and it wasn’t cold at all. We went to the seaside and they both enjoyed Hawaiian pancakes, well I just had a coffee, I don’t eat that stuff you see.
We had a jolly good cycle around on rented e-bikes before dining at A&E burgers which my son insisted on lol. It was yucky, never again, liked the interior of the place though.
We finished off at Team Lab which was great, we did interactive art and stuff like that, a lovely time was had by all.
starpunk
Wow. It's magical.
Elvis is here
Awesome.!.