13 Best Ways to Experience Winter in Japan

Over the past decade, it’s become increasingly popular for Aussies to head to Japan's ski fields instead of spending the usual summer back home. For die-hard snow lovers, winter in Japan has so much to offer!

Firstly, it’s much cheaper than heading to the US or Europe. There’s no jet lag to contend with, plus a direct flight from Australia to Tokyo or Osaka takes around half the time it takes to get to most European or US locations. To top it off, the cultural injection and things to do in Japan during winter are hard to beat.

Some say that skiing in Japan is even better than in the alps of Europe. Why’s that? Well, some of the perks include extras only the Japanese would think of (heated toilet seats, anyone?) and fresh, powdery snow all but guaranteed for a whopping five months, from November through to March—with some runs remaining open until April.

Want to have the ultimate ski trip in Japan? Read our ski guide right here:

However, if après-ski is more your thing, or you want to see more of what winter in Japan has to offer beyond the luscious, pillowy-soft snow, there are plenty of options to include unique cultural experiences, some of which are even better in the cold!

Nagano Prefecture is home to some of Japan’s highest mountains, so it comes as no surprise that this region is a famous winter wonderland. Fun fact: the Winter Olympics were held here in 1998! Matsumoto and Ueda are the second and third largest cities in the region, and with such a diverse range of things to see, do and taste, you will forget you originally came here to ski!

Some of Japan’s most curious residents call Nagano home, with more than 200 snow monkeys (real name: the Japanese macaque) living in the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Nagano is just two hours from Tokyo on the bullet train, making it an easy day trip from Tokyo if you’re short on time.

At Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, you can watch these unusual creatures bathe and frolic, unfazed by the freezing cold environment. In spring, the adult monkeys show off their new babies, so if you’re visiting Nagano towards the end of the ski season, you may even catch a glimpse of some new arrivals!

The snow monkeys are used to human visitors admiring their playful ways, and tourists are rarely disappointed by the large number of monkeys going about their daily lives in and around the hot springs.

With the Nagano Snow Monkey Park and Zenko-ji Temple Tour, one day is all you need to check out these exquisite animals and visit Zenko-ji Temple—one of the oldest, largest and most important Buddhist temples in all of Japan. If that isn’t enough to keep you out of mischief, you will still have plenty of time to indulge in some sake.

Zenko-ji Temple is particularly important to Nagano as the city was built for the temple, not the other way around. It is the home of the first-ever Buddhist statue brought into Japan, which arrived in the 6th century. While the original statue is hidden, the public can view a replica for a few weeks every six years. The last time it was presented was in 2021, so the next public viewing would be in 2027.

Near the temple is an opportunity to take part in a sake tasting, a must-do if seeking to experience authentic Japan.

If noodles are more your taste, you may be interested to know that the soba noodle is said to have been invented here in the Nagano Prefecture. Thanks to Nagano’s abundance of fresh water and volcanic ash soil, the perfect recipe for buckwheat cultivation. Thus, noodles from the area are said to be superior in quality.

If you want to enjoy the best Shinshu soba in Nagano, head to Kaya restaurant. This restaurant is one of the oldest in the town (250 years old, that is!) and has a unique taste. Order the Shinshu soba with dashi, grated daikon and green onion—it’s delicious and it’s the perfect winter meal to warm you up!

Check out their website: http://www.sakagura.co.jp/kaya

Just over two hours by train from Nagano, adventure awaits in the port city of Niigata with a visit to the now-inactive Sado Gold Mine. From the 17th to 19th century, the Sado Gold Mine now features two separate tours showing life in the mines at their peak.

If you weren’t already attracted to shiny things, you soon would be as you make your way through the tunnels and learn about the machinery and techniques used to source this valuable metal. There is no doubt you will now want a golden souvenir to take home to remember your trip, so why not try your hand at a gold leaf painting class? Here you can customise a plate with gold leaf to commemorate your time in this historic city. A great indoor activity when you need a break from the winter chill.

Not for the faint of heart, this 1,500-metre zipline is the longest in Asia and sends you soaring over the Lotte Arai Resort and its wondrous ski course. Situated 160 metres above the ground and travelling a distance of 240 metres, on your three-minute journey from the top, you will have an unfettered view of the Takada plains and the Hokushin’Etsu mountains. It’s one of the best things to do in Japan in winter, as it’s hard to forget the stunning views and the adrenaline rush!

When you’re not racing down the slopes or need a change of pace, take a trip just 12km out of Nagano to Matsushiro. Here you’ll find the Matsushiro Castle, ancient samurai houses and temples built in the mid-1500s.

Other points of interest include the Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters, an underground bunker and tunnels built into the side of a mountain during World War II, and Sanada Clan's Treasure Museum, which features an extensive collection of rare artefacts relating to one of Japan’s most prominent historical families. During the winter months, grab the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus from Nagoya. It’s an easy (and warm!) way to get around the nearby cities.

Believe it or not, horse meat sashimi is a speciality of the Nagano Prefecture and is widely credited for the locals' longevity. Often referred to as sakura niku (cherry blossom meat), it is quite pink in colour and features a deep, gamey taste. It is also low in fat and high in protein, and best served on ice (for preservation) with soy sauce, wasabi or garlic. One place to sample this local specialty is at a restaurant called Shin Miyoshi in Matsumoto, which has been serving horse meat sashimi for over 100 years.

Been on the slopes all day but still haven't had enough snow time? Head to Lake Aoki for a night snowshoe hiking experience, which you can only do during winter in Japan. Lake Aoki is the largest of the three Nishina Lakes and is known for its crystal clear waters, stunning mountainous surrounds, and fireflies! Breathe in the crisp, fresh air and soak in the magical winter wonderland around you. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the beauty of Lake Aoki!

Matsumoto is Nagano Prefecture’s second-largest city and allows visitors to slow down and take in the sights. Matsumoto is most famous for being the gateway to the Japanese alps and for its historical sites, such as Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto Museum of Art and the quirky, frog-themed shops of Nawate Street. 

Matsumoto’s Hop-On Hop-Off Bus services all the areas you need to visit and departs from Matsumoto Station every 30 minutes. A Matsumoto Town Sneaker Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass will also provide you with many discounts at various destinations along the journey, so be sure to pre-purchase one before you visit.

Spending winter in Japan is definitely an experience of a lifetime, especially when you have dogs pulling your sled! At Minakami Kogen Ski Resort, friendly dogs will pull you around the winter landscape. You will learn about dog mushing (a sport or transport method powered by dogs) during the ride. Before you get on the sled, you will be guided on how you can control the sled as well as ensure safety during the sledding experience.

If you can’t decide on just one winter activity, you can pay a visit to Bibai Snow Land for different activities! You can go on a snowmobile tour around the seven ponds of the park, go snowshoeing, do snow rafting, and so much more. For those who enjoy games and competitions, you can even have a snowball fight or play soccer! The possibilities are endless here at this park, so take advantage of it during winter in Japan!

Perfect for skiers and for those who want to try out this exciting winter sport, Noboribetsu Sanlaiva Ski Resort is the destination for you! They have many different packages available, so you can be sure to pay the right price for what you exactly want. You can enjoy 7 hours of usage for snow shoes, snowboard, ski pole, ski sledge, ski clothes, and more! It is also conveniently located near various onsen hotels and transport stations.

If you want other accessible ski spots in Japan, read our blog post below:

After spending your holiday skiing and exploring winter in Japan, you really can’t go past a relaxing few days in an onsen town to rest your tired muscles before the flight home. With the many volcanoes in Japan, there are many onsens, or hot springs, available to warm you up.

Onsens are known to be beneficial due to the water's low acidity and ability to promote blood circulation. The Nagano Prefecture contains a wealth of hot springs, with some of the freshest water in Japan flowing down from the highest peaks.

Shirahone Onsen is a small but well-known town, famous for its milky white onsens that are flourishing with calcium and magnesium sediments. 

Love it, hate it or simply can’t handle it, wasabi is quintessentially Japanese and a visit to a wasabi farm to see exactly how it gets from the ground and into those tiny little packets at your favourite sushi joint is a must-do.

Just a 30-minute train ride from Matsumoto, Daio Wasabi Farm in Azumino is the best place to experience the full life span of wasabi—from root to paste—and there is even a chance for you to learn how to pickle your own.

This quaint farm is picturesque and has food vendors who sell wasabi-flavoured ice cream, beer and sausages will be sure to satisfy the tastes of even the biggest wasabi fan.

Check out their website: https://www.daiowasabi.co.jp/ 

An experienced skier or not, it is safe to say that there is something for everyone in the mountainous Nagano Prefecture in winter. Whether you are an adventure lover, nature lover or simply want to kick back and relax, this unique part of the world is immersed in tradition and will leave you feeling entertained and energised. 

If you’re travelling from Tokyo to Nagano or Niigata, your best bet is to book a JR Pass for East Nagano/Niigata—you’ll be able to zip about the region on trains easily!

If you’re visiting Japan on a different season, check out our blog for other outdoor activities you can enjoy: