Japan is well known throughout the world for being a top destination. Whether you are travelling to the country to experience the cherry blossoms, the autumn foliage, or if you want to reach the top of the venerable Mt. Fuji, Japan has endless experiences for anyone and everyone. However, did you know that wintertime in Japan is just as good as any time during the year to visit? You get to experience clear skies and views, wonderful vistas of snow, and better yet, less busy surroundings. Summertime in Japan can be filled with hot and humid temperatures and the rainy season, winter brings a welcome chill to the climate, where you can enjoy the outdoors with a warm layer or two.
And don’t forget about the ability to enjoy an onsen bath! Occasionally during the summer, there are hazy views of the mountain due to the climate, in the winter your view of Mt. Fuji will be as clear as you can imagine, and the mountain will also be covered with its iconic summit of snow. Let’s not forget that the food during winter is something not to miss as well, specialties during the season will be sure to keep you nice and warm, whether you are having a nice dish of traditional oden, a seasonal kaiseki, or bowl of udon. There is so much to Japan in winter, it is just a wonderland waiting to be explored.
Tokyo is the capital of Japan, and a city of creativity and innovation. The wintertime usually brings chillier weather, but the clear blue skies and less footfall make for a great experience. If you have never been to a sumo match, winter might be the perfect time. Called Honbasho and held over a course of two weeks, sumo tournaments are held 6 times a year, the first tournament of the year is known as the Hatsu Basho and is held in January. Held at the Ryogoku Sumo Hall, it is a display of power and skill second to none. Sumo is a very traditional sport that has historically been tied to Shinto, you may see that the highest ranked wrestlers (known as Yokozuna), wear a belt when entering the ring that is akin to rope you see tied around objects at shrines to indicate their sanctity. Even if you only spend a day watching the tournament, being immersed in the tradition and culture of the sport is a great way to become a fan.
Illuminations also light up the city at night, a wintertime staple, adorning parks and trees all around. A nighttime walk might turn into an illumination exploration as you stumble upon some of these beautiful exhibitions. Roppongi, Omotesando, and Marunouchi are some of the areas that have illuminations during the winter.
Hiking is another top recommended activity during the wintertime, as the milder temperatures make for a perfect time to explore the outdoors. You may not think that Tokyo and all of its skyscrapers have a lot of hiking trails available, however heading out to the westernmost areas of the city will reveal dense forests that feel like an entirely new world. A popular spot to trek around is nearby Mt. Takao, with a variety of trails leading to the summit and even a cable car. From the summit of the mountain you can get clear views of Mt. Fuji, decorated with its winter snow. Mt. Takao is also a popular spot for watching the first sunrise of the new year (known as the hatsu hi no de). You can head even further west into Tokyo, exploring the areas of Ome, Okutama, and Akiruno will reveal lesser trodden trails and delightful experiences. Hossawa Falls, in the town of Hinohara, freezes over in the winter, a spectacular sight to see that is celebrated with a festival.
There is more to enjoy than just Tokyo in winter, as you head out further to the west, there is more and more that you can see. As you enter Shizuoka Prefecture, you’ll notice that it is filled to the brim with wonderful views of Mt. Fuji, the shinkansen, and sometimes even both! Trekking down through the Izu Peninsula will expose you to the beautiful coastline of the prefecture, and even more views of Mt. Fuji.
Speaking of views, visiting Shizuoka in wintertime will let you see some of the earliest blooming sakura in the country. One variety is known as Kawazuzakura, and it can be found in the city of Kawazu, located on the Izu Peninsula. Blooming a beautiful shade of pink in early February to March, the annual Kawazuzakura Festival is sure to stun, and you may be able to avoid the busyness that sakura season brings in the rest of the country.
Before leaving the prefecture to continue your adventures, make sure to try some of the local specialties that Shizuoka has to offer. Shizuoka oden is a variety of oden, an assortment of different ingredients such as eggs and tofu, all simmered together in a savoury broth, while Shizuoka’s variety has a broth of beef tendon. Convenience stores in the winter also sometimes have a small counter-side set up with oden, a perfect way to finish your night and warm yourself up.
Winter continues, and we make our way across more of western Japan through the famous cities of Kyoto and Osaka, eventually bringing us to the Setouchi Area and the Setouchi Inland Sea. Dotted with islands throughout the sea, and the main island of Shikoku facing the mainland and Honshu, the coastline and local areas bring out some of the best beauty of the country.
Make sure to visit some onsens while you are in the area, to keep yourself warm if you begin to feel the winter chill. Venture into Yamaguchi and you’ll have plenty to explore if you choose either Yumoto Onsen or Yuda Onsen. Yuda Onsen is found in the capital city of Yamaguchi. With a plethora of inns offering relaxing experiences, you can also find ashiyu, or footbaths, around the area. It is said that a white fox once healed itself in the area, and the Yuda Onsen train station also has a large statue of a white fox right next to it.
You can also check out Yumoto Onsen deeper in the prefecture, it is one of Yamaguchi’s oldest hot springs, a tranquil retreat from busy daily life. Also with footbaths and riverside strolls, Yumoto Onsen is the idyllic spot for a getaway. However, do not forget the onsens of Shikoku, such as Iya Onsen in Tokushima and Dogo Onsen in Ehime. Iya Onsen is found around the rugged Iya Valley, known for its nature and vine bridges. Dogo Onsen is a historical onsen, thought to have been an inspiration for the bathhouse in the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away. With its own special room reserved only for the emperor, the history and stunning architecture of Dogo Onsen makes it a must visit, especially in winter where you can warm yourself up in the storied water.
As we have made our way to Setouchi, we must also make sure to indulge in the delicious food of the area. One of the most famous dishes in Yamaguchi, and well known throughout Japan that is available is fugu, or pufferfish. With its dangerous reputation only certified chefs can prepare the fish. Available to eat in many forms from boiled, to fried, to sashimi, fugu is a staple of Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Continuing with seafood, oysters are known to be a popular dish in Hiroshima Prefecture, deliciously prepared for anyone who is a fan. Hopping back over to Shikoku, for those interested in noodles, Kagawa Prefecture is sometimes known as the Udon Prefecture, as it has a multitude of udon shops and is famous for the dish. Last but not least, another dish known around the world can be found in nearby Hyogo Prefecture - Kobe Beef! Some of the highest quality beef in the world, this beef will melt in your mouth, and you’ll be amazed watching chefs prepare it right in front of your eyes.
We’ve barely scratched the surface of winter in Japan, and we can already see so many amazing and thrilling experiences. Whether it is your first time to Japan, or you’ve been many times before, exploring the country during the winter is well worth the planning, as you’ll get to experience things that only winter can bring. From hiking to a view of Mt. Fuji covered in snow, warming up in a local onsen, or delighting in some delectable oden, Japanese winter is all that you’ve been waiting for.
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