Japan is known for its distinct four seasons, each offering a unique charm. Among them, winter stands out with its beautiful snow-covered landscapes and a variety of winter activities in Japan. In spring, you can admire the stunning cherry blossoms (sakura). Summer invites you to explore traditional Japanese festivals, while autumn brings vibrant red and yellow leaves. Winter, however, is magical in its own way, featuring winter sports, scenic snowy views, and festive events.
If you’re wondering what to do during the colder months, Japan offers countless winter activities to keep you entertained. Here are 7 traditional and unique things to do during winter in Japan!
Japanese Winter Activities You Must Try
1. Hatsumode
If you’ve had a challenging year or are eager to fulfil your New Year’s resolutions, Hatsumode is the perfect way to start fresh. Hatsumode is the first shrine visit of the year, an important tradition in Japan where people pray for blessings such as health, wealth, and happiness for the year ahead. Participating in Hatsumode is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture while making a hopeful wish for the future.
During the first few days of January, starting at midnight on New Year’s Day, shrines across Japan are filled with visitors. People line up to make their first prayer of the year, buy good-luck charms, draw fortunes, and enjoy delicious food from local stalls. Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo is one of the most popular spots for Hatsumode, where crowds can often wait hours just to make their first prayer. Sensoji Temple is another famous location for Hatsumode, drawing visitors from all over Japan.
If you want to experience the traditional spirit of Japan during the colder months, Hatsumode is a great way to begin your list of winter activities in Japan.
2. Winter Fruit Tasting and Picking
When it comes to winter fruit, Japan is a fantastic place to try seasonal varieties like strawberries, oranges, kiwi, and apples. One of the most enjoyable winter activities in Japan is fruit-picking, where you can visit local farms and pick your own fruit straight from the trees. Many of these farms offer all-you-can-pick and all-you-can-eat experiences, giving you a chance to taste Japan’s freshest produce while enjoying the beautiful countryside.
For example, Usami Farm in Shizuoka is famous for mandarin picking, where visitors can eat as many mandarins as they like for just 400 yen. The farm also offers barbecue facilities, making it a great spot for a full day of fun. You can even enjoy craft beer brewed on the farm! Tokyo Strawberry Park is another popular spot for fruit-picking, offering visitors the opportunity to taste various types of strawberries grown during the winter season. You can even take part in dessert-making activities, making it a fantastic winter outing for families and friends.
3. Winter Festivals
Winter festivals are an essential part of the season and one of the most exciting winter activities in Japan. These festivals celebrate the beauty of winter and the snow, bringing together local art, culture, and tradition. People from all over the country gather to enjoy the lively atmosphere, with families and friends visiting various winter markets, ice skating parks, light-up festivals, and traditional celebrations.
The Sapporo Winter Festival in Hokkaido is one of the most famous snow festivals in Japan, featuring massive ice sculptures, stunning illuminations, and festive music. Visitors can explore the many ice statues and even take part in snow-related activities. There are special areas designed for children with slides, swings, and interactive games, making it a fun event for all ages.
For a more intimate experience, the Kamakura Snow House Festival is a charming event where 800 mini snow domes are lit with candles and placed along the riverbanks. Visitors can even reserve spots to enjoy a cosy barbecue under the glow of these tiny snow houses. These festivals are a must-see for anyone interested in experiencing the magical atmosphere of Japan during the winter.
4. Winter Illuminations
During the winter season, Japan’s cities are transformed by dazzling light displays known as winter illuminations. These stunning shows of light are one of the most popular winter activities in Japan, and each region of the country offers its own unique twist on the theme. Whether you are walking through a brightly lit garden or admiring city streets covered in colourful lights, winter illuminations are sure to brighten up your visit.
Caretta Shiodome in Tokyo has become famous for its Disney princess-themed illuminations, which attract large crowds every year. Combining light and music, these illuminations create a magical performance that feels straight out of a fairy tale. Similarly, Tokyo Dome’s light garden features displays inspired by Japanese culture, with lighting effects that change throughout the evening. Osaka Sky Vista offers one of the largest illumination displays in Japan, where entire streets are transformed into a winter wonderland.
If you love lights and festive displays, you won’t want to miss the chance to experience Japan’s winter illuminations.
5. Skiing and Snowboarding in Japan’s Famous Powder Snow
or winter sports enthusiasts, Japan is a paradise of world-class ski resorts and famous powder snow. Skiing and snowboarding are two of the most popular winter activities in Japan, and the country boasts numerous resorts that cater to all skill levels. From beginners to seasoned pros, there’s a resort for everyone.
Hokkaido’s Grand Hirafu is the largest ski resort in the area, offering everything from skiing and snowboarding to night skiing and zip-lining. For families with young children, Karuizawa Prince Snow Resort in Kanto offers gentler slopes and a fun kids’ park where children can enjoy the snow in a safe and playful environment. Rokko Snow Park, located near Osaka, is ideal for those who want to experience skiing but don’t have much time to travel. Its early opening in November makes it a great choice for those eager to hit the slopes early in the season.
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or just starting out, Japan’s ski resorts provide an unforgettable experience for winter sports lovers.
6. Warm Up with Hot Sake
Nothing warms you up on a cold winter day like a cup of hot sake. Sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine, is a staple of Japanese winter and is often enjoyed warm during the colder months. Drinking hot sake is not only a comforting way to relax, but it also provides health benefits like easing muscle pain and relieving stress after a long day of skiing or snowboarding.
Ginzanshinhata, a small village known for its traditional architecture and beautiful winter scenery, is one of the best places to enjoy hot sake. Many visitors come to Ginzanshinhata during the winter months to experience its cosy atmosphere and stunning views. In Tokyo, Odaiba Tokyo Oedo-Onsen Monogatari offers visitors the chance to enjoy a wide variety of sake in a venue designed to look like the Edo period. You can even wear a traditional yukata while sampling different types of sake.
If you’re looking for the perfect drink to warm you up after a day of winter activities in Japan, hot sake is a must-try.
7. Winter Sales and Lucky Bags
December and January are the best months to shop in Japan. Many places are having a big sale with 50% off or even 70% off. What is more exciting is that you can line up or purchase lucky bags online! It is a significant and exciting event every year in Japan as the products inside the lucky bags are usually unknown. They are all at very inexpensive prices, which makes it even more exciting to have a try. Lucky bags are provided for almost every brand.
You can find lucky bags in department stores, chain fashion boutiques, or electrical appliances stores. If you miss this mega sale in winter, you probably have to wait for at least a few months to get discounted products again.
Shopping during winter in Japan is an exciting experience, as December and January bring with them massive sales and the famous lucky bags, known as fukubukuro. Stores across Japan offer discounts of up to 70%, making it a perfect time to shop for everything from clothes to electronics.
One of the most fun and thrilling winter activities in Japan is purchasing lucky bags. These bags are filled with mystery items, and the excitement lies in not knowing what you’ll get. Almost every store in Japan, from department stores to small boutiques, offers lucky bags during the winter sales period. Whether you’re shopping for fashion, beauty products, or electronics, there’s a lucky bag for everyone.
If you love shopping and enjoy a bit of mystery, don’t miss out on the winter sales and lucky bags in Japan!
Enjoy the Best of Winter in Japan
Japan in winter is truly a magical experience, offering a perfect blend of culture, tradition, and adventure. Whether you’re exploring the beautifully lit cities, participating in ancient rituals like Hatsumode, or skiing down the famous powder snow slopes, there are countless winter activities in Japan to enjoy. From thrilling winter festivals and fruit-picking trips to cosy evenings with hot sake, winter in Japan offers something for everyone.
As the snow falls, the country transforms into a winter wonderland that is both peaceful and full of excitement. No matter what your interests are, there’s always something unique and unforgettable to do during the winter season in Japan. Don’t miss out on this magical time to explore all the beauty and adventure that Japan has to offer!
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