Japan in Winter: Skiing, Onsen & More

Winter season in Japan is increasingly becoming a popular time to visit for travellers the world over. Japan in winter is indeed a unique experience.

Japan in winter is much like a snowy fantasy world filled with exotic experiences found nowhere else in the world. Whether it is the warmth of the steaming natural hot springs, the inviting snow-capped Japanese Alps or the cheeky playfulness of Japan’s very own snow monkeys, you’ll find delightful little surprises everywhere.

Every corner of Japan, starting from the mountains to the temples and the countryside is a sight to behold in winter. While the natural vistas wear blankets of snow, the streets become quieter and wear cozy lights; the perfect winter setting.

If you are looking for something unique and unforgettable this winter, book Japan tour packages in time for December. It is one of the most enchanting winter destinations you will find in the world blending culture and tradition with modernity and native experiences.

Here are some of the best things to do in Japan in winter.

Try Skiing at One of Japan’s Many Top-Rated Ski Resorts
Visit an Onsen Town And Immerse Yourself in a Hot Spring
Visit The Jigokudani Yaen Koen Snow Monkey Park
Other Endearing Experiences in Japan in Winter
Wrapping Up: Japan in Winter – A Unique Experience
Frequently Asked Questions – Japan in Winter: Skiing, Onsen And Snow Monkeys
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Try Skiing at One of Japan’s Many Top-Rated Ski Resorts

Japan is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world. Two of its most popular sites are Niseko in Hokkaido, located in northern Japan, and Nagano in Central Japan.

While Niseko offers dreamy powder snow and attracts skiers and snowboarders from across the world, Nagano has the bonus of blending top-rated ski resorts with close proximity to onsen towns as well.

The Shiga-Kogen Ski Resort

The Shiga-Kogen Ski Resort, located in the Nagano prefecture is one of the most coveted snows ports resorts in the entire world. It is also home to one of the biggest ski slopes in Japan and experiences an abundance of powder snow during winter. Complete with forty eight lifts, gondolas and a shuttle bus that can take you to its highest slopes, along with ample protection from strong winds, it is known to be a friendly resort ideal for all levels of skiers. The place also hosted events at the Winter Olympic Games in 1998. As if the skiing opportunities and snowy paradise weren’t enough, the resort offers breathtaking views of the region as well. With all its winter offerings, it is considered one of the best ski resorts in Japan.

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The Kita Shiga Kogen

Aerial view of Komaruyama ski area and snowy village in Kita-Shiga Kogen
Image courtesy: Richard Whitcombe/Shutterstock

The Kita Shiga Kogen is another surreal, 10/10 resort that often gets overshadowed by Shiga-Kogen. Located just an hour away from the Nagano train station, it brings the advantage of being easily accessible for travellers. The area is home to four ski resorts and is known for its powder snow. Its spectacular views make it seem as though the place sits amidst a sea of puffy white clouds, leaving visitors in an ethereal wonderland. Primarily popular among snowboarders, Kita Shogen’s skiing scene is fit for beginners and intermediate skiers. With all its winter offerings, the place is undoubtedly a haven for snow sports enthusiasts. If you are looking for less intimidating ski resorts in Japan, this is the place for you.

Visit an Onsen Town And Immerse Yourself in a Hot Spring

Yokoyugawa river with waterfall passing through the Shibu Onsen in Japan
Image courtesy: Cynthia A Jackson/Shutterstock

Visiting an Onsen town is one of the best things to do in Japan in winter. Known for their luxurious natural hot springs and public baths, the experience of immersing yourself in the warmth of the mineral-rich waters of an Onsen is unmatched. You get to escape the cold while also healing your muscles and mind.

The Shibu Onsen located in the Yamanouchi municipality, in the Nagano prefecture, is one of the most popular Onsen towns for tourists in Japan. In addition to being home to nine spectacular Onsen or historic public bath houses (Sotoyu), the place also carries fascinating history dating back almost 1300 years. Steeped in ancient culture, you will find many beautiful historic buildings and traditional ryokans older than 400 years. Interestingly, tourists staying at a local ryokan here will get a key to access all 9 baths. If you’re looking for a flawless experience, this is the place for you, as people consider Shibu to be one of the best Onsen in Japan.

A neighboring Onsen with a more modern vibe is the Yudanaka Onsen. The core advantage with this facility is that it is much closer to the train station and is hence more accessible. However, you can easily travel to Shibu Onsen from here with 15 minutes of walking. You will find more modern ryokans here.

Travellers typically book their stay at a traditional ryokan in one of these areas, and take adventurous day trips to the nearby Shiga Kogen Ski Resort. When you book your winter escape, be sure to take some time off and walk through the cobblestone streets and alleyways of these Onsen towns to get a feel of “old Japan”. While you’re there, visit other attractions like the Shibuya Shrine and the Onseji Temple as well.

Visit The Jigokudani Yaen Koen Snow Monkey Park

Snow Monkey (Japanese macaque) in the snow, Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Snow Monkey Town, Shiga Kogen, Nagano, Japan. — Snow Monkey (Japanese macaque) in the snow, Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Snow Monkey Town, Shiga Kogen, Nagano, Japan
Image courtesy: Hanneke Wetzer/Shutterstock

If there’s anything better than bathing in an Onsen and skiing in the Japanese Alps, it is admiring Japan’s native snow monkeys goofing around. Located just a 5-minute drive from the Shibu Onsen town, the Jigokudani Monkey Park is home to the country’s native species of macaques. They are the only bunch that actively bathes in the natural hot springs of Japan to keep themselves warm. Thanks to creative artists, photographers and painters the sight of snow monkeys dipping in the Onsen of Japan has become symbolic of Japan in winter.

The park was built in 1964 to preserve and protect the macaques. The Japanese, the sustainability lovers that they are, have built an environment where travellers can observe and interact with these beings in a safe setting without fences. In keeping with this, the monkeys are not in captivity. They live in the surrounding mountains and come down for the meals provided by the park and for the hot springs in winter.

Visit the area between December and March to see the snow monkeys having the time of their lives in the hot springs.

Pro tip: Take cheap flights to Tokyo first, explore the wonderful winter scene there. Then ride the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano to enjoy the ski resorts, Onsen and snow monkeys.

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Other Endearing Experiences in Japan in Winter

Eiheiji Temple, a very beautiful Buddhist temple in Fukui Prefecture, Japan in winter
Image courtesy: wandererronin/Shutterstock

Aside from Japan’s skiing scene, onsen and snow monkeys, you can also find a host of soothing and heart-warming experiences to enjoy during winter in Japan. These involve sightseeing, strolling the markets and visiting temples and shrines.

Here are some other spectacular winter experiences you can indulge in.

Visit the Sapporo Snow Festival

It is the biggest snow festival in Japan and includes displays of large snow sculptures crafted by renowned artists. It features pop-culture icons such as Pikachu, Samurai figurines and others as well. The festival an excellent way to spend time relaxing in winter, admiring sheer talent.

Visit the mystical blue pond in Hokkaido

The Blue Pond is a famous landmark in Japan, located in the small town of Biei. It is known for its mysterious blue colour, attributed to the presence of Hydrogen Peroxide in the water. It is fascinatingly beautiful during winter.

Visit the Christmas markets in Tokyo

Christmas markets are always an endearing winter phenomenon the world over. You will find an array of fun, happening and colourful Christmas markets in Tokyo too, complete with beautiful lights, unique souvenir shops, special holiday season culinary delights and more. Book your stay at one of the best hotels in Tokyo and visit the markets at night to see the city come alive in holiday spirit.

Visit the Eiheiji Temple in Fukui

The Eiheiji Temple is a stunning buddhist temple up in the mountains of Fukui. The temple complex is particularly beautiful during winter. The entire place is capped with snow and the ambience gets serenely quiet; perfect for meditative and reflective experiences.

Visit Shirakawa-go, Gifu

Shirakawa-go is a lovely village and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These thatched-roof buildings look amazing in winter, when the entire region is blanketed in snow. Sometimes the village also hosts winter light events, which makes the experience all the more enchanting.

Also Read: Sushi And More: 10 Unique And Delicious Foods to Try in Japan

Wrapping Up: Japan in Winter – A Unique Experience

Winter trips always have a distinct vibe. Along with the classic snowy paradise experiences, a trip during the holiday season comes with a special end-of-the-year cheer. And that is exactly what a trip to Japan during winter offers.

In 2026, book an unforgettable Japan snow trip to see and do things unique that are native to the Land of The Rising Sun. Learn and experience the culture of the country, and leave with a heart full of memories. Keep this winter Japan travel guide handy when creating your itinerary. Don’t forget to secure your Japan visa early on with a reliable provider of online visa services for 180+ countries. Book your Tokyo flights in advance to get the best rates as well.

Frequently Asked Questions – Japan in Winter: Skiing, Onsen And Snow Monkeys

Which part of Japan is best to visit during winter?

Niseko, Hokkaido, and Nagano are some of the best places to visit in Japan during winter. These places offer varied winter experiences like skiing and snowboarding activities, snow monkeys, snow-capped vistas and Onsen.

What are the unique winter experiences in Japan?

Some unique things to do in winter in Japan are:

Skiing in the Japanese Alps
Soaking in Onsen
Seeing Japanese snow monkeys bathing themselves in the hot springs
Visiting snow-capped temples and shrines
Visiting Christmas markets in Tokyo
Witnessing the Sapporo snow festival

Which part of Japan experiences the coldest winters?

Hokkaido, the northernmost region in Japan, is known to experience the longest and coldest winters. It is characterized by sub-zero temperatures for prolonged periods starting from November through March, and heavy snow.

Is Japan worth visiting in winter?

Yes, it is well-worth visiting Japan in winter. You will get to experience unique things and sights during the time. Along with endearing experiences like seeing snow monkeys, skiing and soaking in Onsen, you will also find that the crowds are comparatively lighter. The atmosphere is distinctly quiet, peaceful and serene as well.

What is the underrated place to visit in Japan during winter?

Shirakawa-Go in Gifu, Kifune Shrine in Kyoto, and Eiheiji Temple in Fukui are some underrated places to visit in Japan during winter.

Is Hokkaido colder than Tokyo?

Yes, Hokkaido can be 5 to 8 degrees colder than Tokyo.

What is the snowiest town in Japan?

Aomori City, located in the northernmost end of Japan’s main island is known to receive the highest snowfall in the country. The average snowfall here is 26 feet in a year.

What are popular winter activities in Japan?

Skiing, snowboarding, bathing in Onsen, interaction with snow monkeys and taking part in unique winter festivals like the Sapporo Snow Festival, are some popular winter activities in Japan.

Is it cheaper to visit Japan in December?

Yes, the winter months from mid-December to mid-March are generally cheaper when compared to summer and spring. These times are also much-less crowded.

Where to enjoy snow in Japan?

Some of the best places to enjoy snow in Japan are:

Shirakawa-go, Gifu
Otaru, Hokkaido
Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata
Nyuto Onsen, Akita

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