Traveling to Japan in January is a unique experience for those who want to discover the country from a different perspective. The Japanese winter offers snowy landscapes, tranquil cities, traditional festivals, and an authentic atmosphere far from the crowds.
In this guide we tell you what it's like to travel to Japan in January, what to see, what to do and all the practical tips to organize your trip.
What's it like to travel to Japan in January?
January is one of the coldest months of the year in Japan, but also one of the most interesting. It's the low tourist season in much of the country, which means fewer visitors, better prices, and a more authentic experience.
Traveling to Japan in winter allows you to enjoy local traditions, snowy landscapes, and a very special coexistence between modernity and ancestral culture.
Weather in Japan during winter
The weather in Japan in January varies greatly depending on the region:
North (Hokkaido) : very cold, with abundant snowfall and sub-zero temperatures.
Central (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka) : cold, dry and sunny, temperatures between 2°C and 10°C.
South (Okinawa) : mild climate, between 17°C and 20°C, ideal for a different getaway.
Best cities to visit in January
Tokyo
Perfect in winter thanks to its dry climate, lighting, shopping, and urban life. It's also ideal for combining museums, neighborhoods, and gastronomy.
Kyoto
Its snow-covered temples and sanctuaries offer a magical and very peaceful image in January.
Osaka
A lively city even in winter, with excellent gastronomy and a good base for excursions.
Sapporo (Hokkaido)
A key winter destination thanks to the snow, skiing and the famous Snow Festival.
Niseko
One of the world's best destinations for skiing and snowboarding thanks to its powder snow.
What to do in Japan in winter
Winter is one of the best times to discover Japan from a more tranquil and authentic perspective, with activities that can only be fully enjoyed in this season.
Skiing and snowboarding are major attractions in the Japanese winter. Regions like Hokkaido , with destinations such as Niseko , or Nagano , host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, offer some of the best conditions in the world, especially for those seeking powder snow.
These areas have well-organized resorts, quality services, and landscapes completely covered in snow.
One of the great pleasures of winter in Japan is enjoying open-air onsen surrounded by snow . Immersing yourself in natural hot springs while the surroundings are blanketed in white is a unique and deeply relaxing experience.
Areas like Hakone , Takayama , or the Japanese Alps are especially popular for these kinds of plans.
The cold weather also makes winter an ideal time to explore historic cities without the crowds . Places like Kyoto , Kanazawa , and Nara offer a much more tranquil atmosphere, allowing you to visit temples, shrines, and traditional neighborhoods at your leisure—something difficult to achieve in spring or autumn.
During the winter months, major cities are filled with winter lights , especially in Tokyo and Osaka . Neighborhoods like Shibuya, Roppongi, and Umeda are transformed with luminous installations that bring a festive and modern touch to urban life, becoming an essential activity after nightfall.
Food also plays a fundamental role at this time of year. Winter is perfect for trying hot dishes like ramen, nabe, or oden, which help warm you up and are part of everyday Japanese cuisine.
Eating these dishes in local restaurants is a great way to connect with the country's culture during the colder months.
January Festivals and Traditions
January is a particularly significant month in Japan on a cultural and spiritual level.
Traveling during this period allows you to get closer to traditions deeply rooted in Japanese daily life and experience the country from a more authentic perspective.
Hatsumode
It is one of the most important traditions at the beginning of the year. It involves the first visit to temples and shrines to give thanks for the year that is ending and to ask for good wishes for the one that is beginning.
During the first days of January, millions of Japanese people visit shrines such as Meiji Jingu in Tokyo or Fushimi Inari in Kyoto.
It is common to buy lucky charms, write wishes on wooden tablets ( ema ) and participate in traditional rituals, making this experience a unique cultural moment for the traveler.
Sapporo Snow Festival
Held between late January and early February, it is one of the country's most famous winter events. During this time, the city is filled with impressive ice and snow sculptures, some of them enormous and of remarkable artistic merit.
The festival attracts both local and international visitors and is an excellent opportunity to discover Japanese winter at its finest, especially on the island of Hokkaido.
Traditional events
In different regions of the country, ceremonies are held to attract good fortune, fire festivals, traditional dances, and community events that reflect Japan's cultural diversity.
Participating in these celebrations allows the traveler to integrate into local life and better understand the meaning of winter in Japanese culture.
Practical tips for traveling at this time of year
Wear thermal clothing and waterproof footwear.
Take advantage of public transport, which is very efficient even in snow.
Book accommodation in advance in ski areas.
Consider comprehensive travel insurance.
Enjoy winter: Japan is perfectly prepared for the cold.
Traveling to Japan in January is ideal for those seeking a cultural experience, winter landscapes, and a different way to explore the country.
With good planning, the Japanese winter becomes one of the best times to travel.
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