Chasing Winter Wonderland: Top Places to Experience Snow in Japan

Bundle up, snow lovers, because we'll whisk you away to some of the most enchanting places to experience the winter holidays' snow in the Land of the Rising Sun—from heart-pounding ski resorts to soothing hot springs! So, grab your mittens—Japan’s about to turn into a snowy playground, and we’ve got all the chilly deets!

Japan is a winter wonderland with more than 500 unique ski resorts. For the crème de la crème of resorts, northern Japan is the place to be (hello, Hokkaido and Tohoku!) and the majestic mountains by the Sea of Japan Coast. Check our Japan ski guide here and the scoop on some top-notch resorts below:

Since the '90s, Niseko has been on the international traveller;s radar, transforming into a snowy cosmopolitan when the winter temperatures arrive. It’s Japan's coolest hideout when it comes to epic ski resorts, outdoor escapades, sumptuous dining, and some seriously luxurious hot springs and spa action. While you’re at it, sharpen your skills on the slopes and sign up for a private ski or snowboard lesson!

How to Get to Niseko: From Shin Chitose Airport, about 80 kilometres east of Niseko, catch a 2-hour and 45-minute train through scenic Hokkaido landscapes.

Shiga Kogen is Japan's largest combined ski playground. With a single lift ticket, access 48 lifts, gondolas, and ropeways across this snowy wonderland. On the southern end, ski up Mount Yokote (2,305 metres) with hot springs along the way. Down the northern end, explore Oku Shiga Kogen. Carve those slopes like a pro with private ski or snowboard lesson!

Double the winter holiday fun with Klook’s one-day tour and enjoy snow scoots, snowdrifts, and old-fashioned snow sleds! As a bonus, a guide will walk you through the forest trail to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild monkeys soak in natural hot springs amidst the snow-covered landscape.

How to Get to Shiga Kogen: Take a quick 30-minute bus ride from Yudanaka Station. If you feel like going on a road trip, it's a scenic 25-kilometer drive from Shinshu Nakano Interchange.

Shooting to stardom after hosting the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Hakuba is the perfect place to unleash your inner Olympian and conquer slopes that once challenged the world's best athletes. Got no winter sports gear? Rent top-grade skiing equipment and outfit, plus catch a ride on the famous chairlift at the Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort! 

And have we mentioned snow monkeys who chill out in hot springs? We can’t get enough of them, and if you can’t too, nearby Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park lets you witness this adorable spectacle firsthand. These snow monkeys know how to kick back and relax, and let's be honest, who wouldn't want to join them in the steaming hot springs?

How to Get to Hakuba: Get on the Hokuriku Shinkansen train heading to Nagano. Upon arrival, catch a 90-minute express bus to Hakuba Station. This will put you right by the resorts. To head to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, hop on a 50-minute express train from Nagano Station, then take a 10-minute bus ride from JR Yudanaka Station.

When the chilly season rolls around, Karuizawa transforms into a playground for snow enthusiasts of all kinds. The slopes are super beginner-friendly, so everyone can join in—even kids! Also, Karuizawa takes its Christmas game seriously. The town glows with twinkling lights, cute illuminations sprinkled all around, and a hearty dose of that good ol' Christmas cheer. 

If you’re coming from Tokyo, there's a world of attractions awaiting on a one-day tour from Tokyo! Shop at the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, or journey through time in the enchanting Little Edo Warehouse District. On the lookout for love? Make a pitstop at the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, a.k.a. the love shrine. Folks here have been praying for love and blissful unions since ancient times.

How to Get to Karuizawa: Hop aboard the bullet train from Tokyo Station, and in just a little over an hour, you would have zipped your way to Karuizawa Station.

Experience the captivating world of Yuzawa—the real-life wonderland that inspired Yasunari Kawabata's classic novel, "Snow Country"! It’s at the heart of Japan's Snow Country Tourism Zone, a government-backed initiative all about rolling out the snowy welcome mat for travelers, both near and far. Here, snow piles up real high and blankets the land in four to five meters of powdery perfection.

How to Get to Yuzawa: Board the Joetsu Shinkansen train. When you reach Echigo-Yuzawa Station, you're practically at one of the resorts connected to the station! Feeling like a scenic ride? There are snazzy buses waiting to sweep you away to the resorts and ski slopes, all in under 30 minutes.

Hot springs, or onsens, are absolute havens for relaxation, especially amid the cold weather. But you know what takes that bliss to a whole new level? Soaking up the healing powers of warm waters while Mother Nature paints a stunning backdrop. Below are some incredible onsens to indulge in:

Snug between the mountains of eastern Akita Prefecture, Nyuto Onsen is a delightful ensemble of onsen ryokans. Here, you'll discover a world of traditional and rustic hot spring baths that are a true treat for the senses. During the winter, many of these ryokans offer open-air baths with the most enchanting bonus: panoramic views of the snow-covered landscape.

Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture is truly a gem, especially in cold weather, when you're looking for hot springs to warm up. With abundant, high-quality hot spring water, it consistently clinches the top spot as Japan's ultimate onsen destination. But the grand Sainokawara Rotemburo outdoor bath is where the magic happens. As you soak, you're treated to delightful, wintery views.

Manza Onsen is no ordinary hot spring destination, sitting proudly at an impressive altitude of 1,800 metres above sea level, perched high on the slopes of Mount Shirane. The mountain itself gives the town some of Japan's most sulphuric and therapeutic waters. In the winter, the town is blanketed in snow, turning it into one of the top spots near Tokyo for indulging in the outdoor bath experience.

Deep within the remote valleys of Tochigi Prefecture lies Okukinu Onsen, a hidden treasure perfect for escaping the chill of cold weather. Comprising four secluded hot spring ryokans, this tranquil haven offers some of the Kanto Region's most enchanting and rustic outdoor baths. Both mixed-gender and gender-separate hot baths are available—perfect if you’re seeking a social soak!

Osenkaku, the sole ryokan of Takaragawa Onsen within the Minakami Hot Springs, boasts some of the country's largest and most renowned rotenburo (outdoor baths). These mixed-gender baths are thoughtfully positioned along a riverbank. For female guests seeking relaxation in the hot springs, an exclusive outdoor bath is available.

Founded in 1866, this hot spring resort offers accommodations nestled along the picturesque valley. When winter blankets the town in deep snow, countless snow candles illuminate the night. And don't miss the winter tradition of yukitoro—snow lanterns casting a fantasy-like atmosphere! Stroll through romantic Otaru, explore the Shiroi Koibito factory, and experience making sweets in Shiroi Koibito Park—all in a one-day tour!

Japan surely knows how to do winter festivals right, and they're not just for tourists; they're a fantastic way for locals to shake off the snow-induced inconveniences and have a blast, too! Here's a sneak peek at some of the coolest winter festivals that'll make you want to bundle up and join the snowy fun:

This chilly extravaganza takes centre stage every February in the heart of Hokkaido's capital, Sapporo. It's one of Japan's most beloved winter spectacles, showcasing snow and ice sculptures that'll leave you in awe. Some festival spots also offer heaps of fun with snow slides and snow rafting for an unforgettable frosty adventure!

For ten enchanting days every February, Otaru comes alive with a mesmerizing display of twinkling lights and charming snow statues. Imagine a town drenched in snow, adorned with glittering lanterns, setting the stage for a delightful and oh-so-romantic atmosphere. It's like stepping into a fairy tale!

This snow-filled fest unfolds over a delightful week in early February and boasts Japan's most colossal snow sculpture—a true giant in the world of icy art. If you're craving for some winter adrenaline, try the heart-pounding snow slides and exhilarating snowmobile rides!

For three glorious days around the third Saturday of February, Tokamachi transforms into a snowy paradise, having one of the highest snowfall rates in all of Japan. Get spellbound by a magical display of snow sculptures and feel the rush as you whoosh down thrilling snow slides. And don't miss out on the delectable delights waiting for you at the festival stalls!

This winter fiesta happens every February 15th and 16th in the charming city of Yokote, located in the southeastern nook of Akita Prefecture. Igloo-like snow houses called "kamakura" pop up all over town where kids play host and treat you to scrumptious rice cakes and amazake—a warm and sweet rice wine with very low to zero alcohol content.

Japan, with its breathtaking snowscapes, is like a canvas painted with the purest of whites. From the iconic thatched-roof village of Shirakawa-go to the picturesque patchwork fields of Biei and the serene wonders of Okunikko, below are winter wonderlands that are a playground for your inner snow enthusiast:

Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO world heritage site tucked away in the remote, mountainous terrain of Gifu Prefecture. This captivating destination isn't just about old farmhouses—it's a winter paradise where snow rules the roost, draping the village in meters of the fluffy snow by February. On certain magical nights in January and February, the entire village comes alive under the soft glow of evening lights.

Ready your cameras because we're headed to Biei, Hokkaido, the ultimate playground for photography enthusiasts! This small town has earned its stripes for having one of the most Instagram-worthy landscapes in all of Japan. Biei is cosily settled among rolling hills and vast fields, so whether you visit during the lush greenery of summer, Biei serves up picture-perfect rural vistas all year round.

Nikko is the perfect fusion of culture and snowy wonder! While the shrines and temples in the town centre don't often get a hefty dose of snow, venture a bit higher into the Okunikko region around Lake Chuzenji, and you'll find yourself in a winter wonderland. Here, snow blankets the landscape, creating a magical setting where frozen waterfalls glisten in the crisp mountain air.

Let's talk monkeys when the cold weather hits! Imagine a gang of wild monkeys living their best life, soaking in steaming hot springs near Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen in Nagano Prefecture, where the Japanese alps are also located. These adorable snow monkeys aren't fair-weather bathers—they're all about that hot spring action year-round. But you're most likely to catch them taking a dip during the chilly winter months. 

If you want to witness these furry bath enthusiasts in their element, bundle up and head to the Jigokudani Monkey Park! Add a dose of culture to your trip with a Klook tour that includes a visit to Zenko-ji Temple, one of the oldest, largest, and most important Buddhist temples in the country. Then, right beside the temple, sample cups of sake—Japan’s distinct and iconic alcoholic beverage.

Up for carving the slopes or relaxing in a steamy onsen? Japan’s got you! So, pack your warmest winter wear and let the winter magic of Japan sweep you off your feet!