Traveling in winter in Japan, between onsen, snow and illuminated cities

Winter in Japan is a surprising season: from December to March, the country becomes a perfect destination for those who love the cold and aren't afraid of snow. Whether it's a trip to discover natural wonders or a shopping trip in Ōsaka or Tōkyō, it doesn't matter! In every corner you can find snowy landscapes, steaming hot springs or city streets sparkling with millions of lights.

Before you leave, one essential tip: get a Japanese SIM or eSIM so you have continuous internet access. In Japan, many bookings – trains, capsule hotels, ryokan, onsen, museums, shuttles – are made online or through apps. A reliable mobile connection will be your best ally for finding your way, translating signs, communicating and organizing your trip independently.

Now let's discover some of the must-see destinations and experiences of winter in Japan.

Onsen and ryokan: the pleasure of winter in Japan

The onsen ritual is the heart of Japan's cold season. After all, what could be better than soaking in warm natural hot spring water after a day spent outdoors?

Hakone (Kanto, Honshū)

An hour and a half from Tōkyō, Hakone is a hot spring oasis marked by a spectacular view of Mount Fuji. The area is also home to Lake Ashi, great for a scenic cruise, while Owakudani is a volcanic valley where it's traditional to boil eggs in the sulfuric water, turning them black.

If you love art, visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, combining outdoor sculptures with indoor hot spring baths. Staying at a traditional ryokan with a kaiseki dinner served in your room is definitely a memorable experience.

Beppu and Yufuin (Kyūshū)

Beppu is very popular for its geothermal activity, so much so that its more than 2,000 hot springs have earned it the title of Japan's onsen capital.

The town abounds with boiling mud and steam rising from the ground, culminating in the "Beppu Jigoku", the "seven hells": pools of colored boiling water, mud and geysers. You can't bathe in them, but they're a real spectacle.

Naturally, public baths and private onsen are scattered throughout the city, with mineral-rich, healing water. However, Beppu can get a bit… crowded. By contrast, nearby Yufuin is quieter and even more picturesque. In town you'll find ryokan and small hot spring hotels with an intimate, romantic atmosphere, as well as art galleries, cafés and local craft shops.

Noboribetsu (Hokkaidō)

Considered one of Japan's best hot spring destinations, it's especially famous for the "hell valley" (Jigokudani), a place abundant with fumaroles, pools of sulfuric water and volcanic landscapes. The scenery is surreal and spectacular, especially with snow. Here you can spend your time between rejuvenating baths and walks through the steam, but also try trekking if the snow hasn't yet fallen heavily.

The snow monkeys of Jigokudani (Honshū)

A stone's throw from Nagano lies a special onsen, frequented not by people but by… monkeys! Jigokudani Monkey Park (yes, same name as the hell valley in Hokkaidō) is home to the famous Japanese macaques, who have the habit of facing the cold season by soaking in the warm hot springs. Watching them is one of the most iconic experiences of a winter trip to Japan.

Dream snowfalls and world-class ski resorts

Onsen evoke relaxation and peace, but traveling in winter in Japan is also fantastic for those seeking sport and adventure. The country is one of the best destinations in the world for skiing and snowboarding thanks to abundant snowfall and snow quality.

Niseko (Hokkaidō)

Niseko is probably Japan's most famous ski resort, internationally renowned for the light, abundant snow that falls there (precipitation can exceed 15 meters a year).

It's made up of four main areas: Annupuri, Hirafu, Hanazono and Niseko Village, connected by ski buses and modern lifts. There are runs of every kind, suitable for beginners, intermediate and expert skiers, with plenty of off-piste options. There's also no shortage of restaurants, bars and spas, while many hotels offer indoor onsen to relax after a day on the snow. Those who don't ski can opt for snowmobile excursions, snow rafting, or trips to Mount Yōtei.

What makes Niseko special is that, despite attracting international tourists, it has managed to preserve distinctly Japanese corners.

Hakuba (Honshū)

Nagano hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics, and not far away lies Hakuba, a mountain valley with more than ten interconnected resorts.

Great for those seeking long descents, après-ski and modern comforts. It also has a more traditional, Japanese atmosphere than Niseko, with villages, ryokan scattered among the mountains, and restaurants offering typical mountain dishes.

Zao Onsen (Tōhoku, Honshū)

Yamagata prefecture is home to a truly unique ski resort. Beyond 40 km of runs and hot spring baths, at Zao Onsen you can admire the Jūhyō, the ice monsters: through a peculiar combination of snow, ice and wind, the trees take on a ghostly appearance, with vaguely monstrous, fairy-tale-like shapes. Definitely another spectacle worth seeing during a winter trip to Japan!

Illuminated cities: breathtaking light festivals

A winter trip to Japan should also include a stop in one of the many cities that, especially during the Christmas period, dress up in artistic illuminations. A tradition renewed every year, enhancing the beauty of parks and streets with the colors and shapes of often innovative installations.

Tōkyō

The capital is a shopping paradise all year round [LINK shopping tokyo], but when the days get shorter it turns into a carousel of lights.

Shibuya, with its famous pedestrian crossing, comes alive with almost futuristic LED screens and light decorations, while in Shinjuku artistic installations and light projections brighten evening walks. Roppongi Hills hosts light art installations and luminous sculptures, while Tōkyō Midtown and Marunouchi feature elegant decorations and tunnels of lights, illuminated trees and colored fountains. Finally, Tōkyō Bay and the Rainbow Bridge become romantic backdrops, with the city lights reflecting on the water.

Ōsaka

If you visit Ōsaka, don't miss Midosuji, one of the city's main streets, illuminated every year by millions of white and colored LEDs placed on the trees. The final effect is a corridor of light accompanying tourists and residents through shops, cafés and skyscrapers. The effect is particularly striking on weekends, when the lights turn on in unison and combine with music playing in the streets.

Kōbe

In 1995 Kōbe was devastated by a powerful earthquake. To commemorate that event, every year, between November and January, the city administration creates a roughly 1km path made up of artistic arches lit by thousands of LEDs. Beyond the main route, the surrounding squares also host themed installations and Christmas markets. It's a very popular event in Japan, drawing many visitors, yet the atmosphere remains understated, almost romantic.

Kuwana

If in spring the Nabana no Satō botanical garden in Kuwana is a kaleidoscope of flowers of every shape and color, in winter it's the light installations and tunnels of golden light stretching for hundreds of meters that take center stage. What's interesting is that every year the installations follow a different theme: flowers, enchanted forests, sparkling seas. Also, you won't find only static sculptures but also moving installations synchronized with music. The scenery spreads across the whole botanical park, with illuminated ponds and fountains creating magical reflections.

Kyōto

Last but not least, Kyōto. A wonderful city all year round, covered in snow it takes on a magical aura. The golden temples and Zen gardens turn into living postcards, and with fewer tourists there's more room to contemplate the architecture and natural beauty.

Snow festivals: tradition and creativity

Japanese culture has a close bond with the natural world and the passing of the seasons. A bond from which numerous superstitions [LINK superstitions] were also born. The Japanese celebrate spring with hanami, enjoy the autumn spectacle of momiji [LINK momiji], and honor winter with the same intensity. How? With unique festivals, where art, ice and folklore blend perfectly.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Hokkaidō is the region of Japan where snow reigns supreme. In February, Sapporo hosts one of the largest winter festivals in the world, featuring giant ice sculptures.

Wonderful on their own, these sculptures are enhanced by light installations, while the festival also features music, attractions and the chance to sample delicious hot dishes from local cuisine. Truly unmissable.

Otaru Snow Light Path Festival

Every February, the picturesque port town of Otaru, famous for its historic canals and red-brick warehouses, also turns into a fairy-tale place.

Thousands of small snow and ice sculptures and countless candles are placed along the streets and canals, while shops and restaurants organize special events or offer sweets and hot drinks to visitors. The atmosphere is evocative and perfect for evening walks. Just remember to wear non-slip shoes, as some streets can be icy.

Yokote Kamakura Festival

Every year, during the coldest weekend of February, the town of Yokote, in Akita prefecture, revives a centuries-old tradition dating back more than 400 years. Gardens, parks and streets host kamakura, igloo-shaped snow huts built specially for the occasion. Inside, candles are lit, warm sake is drunk and mochi (glutinous rice sweets) are offered. Some kamakura house small Shinto altars or religious depictions, further tying the festival to local culture. If you want your winter trip to Japan to have a more cultural dimension, this festival is for you. Just remember to dress warmly, because it can get really cold!

Shirakawa-gō Winter Light-Up

Hidden in a remote valley among the mountains on the border between Gifu and Toyama prefectures is Shirakawa-gō, a historic village and UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri houses, with steeply thatched roofs shaped like hands joined in prayer.

On certain evenings between December and January, this village turns into a sort of Japanese nativity scene: the houses are surrounded by hundreds of lights and lanterns, creating a fairy-tale effect thanks also to the snow on the roofs and all around. The village often also offers cultural events and local markets during these evenings. However, advance booking of the entrance ticket is required (another reason to always have internet access). It's also a good idea to arrive in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset light and the subsequent lighting of the illuminations.

Practical tips for winter in Japan

When planning your winter trip to Japan, there are a few practical aspects to keep in mind.

As for getting around, the Japan Rail Pass remains an excellent solution, especially if you plan to visit multiple cities. As already mentioned at the start of this article, many train bookings and timetable checks are now managed through apps, so having a SIM or eSIM with a reliable connection is essential to get around smoothly.

Choosing your accommodation also requires attention: hot spring towns and ski destinations easily sell out during the coldest months, so it's worth booking well in advance, especially if you want to stay in a traditional ryokan with onsen. Alternatively, in bigger cities you can opt for a capsule hotel

Keep in mind that Japanese winters can be very harsh, especially in the north of the country: it's essential to bring non-slip shoes, gloves, a hat and layered technical clothing.

Finally, if you plan to try the onsen experience, it's good to know a few etiquette rules: swimsuits aren't worn, you wash thoroughly before entering the baths, and you keep a relaxed atmosphere, avoiding excessive noise. Remember that some onsen don't allow people with tattoos.

With these small tips, a winter trip to Japan will become even more enjoyable and full of authentic moments.