Five Favorites in Japan (in Winter!)

Brrrr. But also, ahhhhhh. A guide to the many winter season delights of Japan

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winter in japan

I’ll just come out and say it: I’m not a winter person. I don’t love being in the cold. I especially don’t like traveling in the cold.

So when my boyfriend (now husband) suggested we go to Japan together in January (which, looking back, was a great decision given that it was 2020 and we were about to not be able to travel for a long time,) it took a little convincing.

What doesn’t seem to take much, if any, convincing these days is to travel to Japan. It seems like everyone and their brother is going or has been since the country reopened post-pandemic. On a broader scale, the country is adjusting to this latest boom in tourism.

It makes sense. Japan remains one of the most consistently fascinating, pleasant, and enjoyable countries to experience. From the landscapes and culture to the people and food (my GOD, the food,) there is no shortage of reasons to go.

exhibits a and b.

But why winter? I’ve made it my personal quest to visit Japan in all four seasons, and I have to admit that winter has been one of my favorites so far. This is coming from a non-winter person.

Whether you go for the impeccable snow and skiing, or you need a little more enticing, let me now present: the many joys of Japan in winter.

winter landscapes

After researching and exploring for more than three weeks, these were the top spots I loved experiencing winter in Japan.

Yudanaka — for snow monkeys! and onsen