Japan is renowned for its breathtaking beauty in the spring and fall. So, don’t be shocked if there are a lot of international visitors throughout these two seasons.
But if you want a different kind of vacation, consider going to Japan in the winter. As long as the snow hasn’t dried out, there are a ton of tourist attractions, including cultural festivals, that are equally as good as those in spring and autumn. Get ready for a memorable winter trip in japan by getting your winter gear ready.
Yamagata’s Ginzan Onsen
If you are traveling to Japan in the winter, don’t forget to stop at this location. Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata offers an exceptional winter view reminiscent of traditional Japan.
Ginzan Onsen, which means “silver mountain hot spring” in Japanese, is home to numerous ryokan, or traditional Japanese inns. Therefore, it makes no difference if you want to stay here for a few days. The only pathways in this region are for pedestrians. That implies that you can take pleasure in your holiday while going about your business quietly.
Hokkaido’s Sapporo Snow Festival
If you are visiting Japan in February, make sure to visit Hokkaido. The Sapporo Snow Festival, which lasts a full week in early February, is the cause. Millions of tourists always attend this celebration, which is the largest snow festival in the entire country of Japan.
The festival has been hosted in Odori Park, Susukino, and Sapporo Satoland since 2006. Massive ice and snow crafts, including miniature ice sculptures of well-known structures, may be seen at the nearby Odori Park. Susukino hosts a smaller ice carving display, and Sapporo Satoland hosts a family-friendly event.
The displayed snow sculptures have a different subject every year, ranging from historical structures from throughout the world to anime characters. The Sapporo Snow Festival lasts all day, and in the Odori and Susukino neighborhoods, you may even see wonderfully lit snow monuments.
Visit the Tsudomu region if you want to partake in traditional Hokkaido winter sports or try playing in the snow. In addition to snow slides and enormous mazes, you may also build snowmen and engage in snow rafting.
Yamagata’s Zao Snow Monster
If you go to Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort in Yamagata, winter in Japan will no longer be a hassle. This region offers breathtaking winter landscapes that seem straight out of a fairy tale. Of course, the Zao Snow Monsters are the most well-known. Don’t become alarmed. These monsters are simply pine trees wrapped in snow, so they won’t devour you.
A cable car is the best way to get a good glimpse of the Zao Snow Monsters and the Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort from a distance. It is advised that you travel here between late January and mid-February.
Nagano’s Iiyama Kamakura Village
Ever consider what it might be like to reside in an igloo? As a result, you can respond to this question if you want to travel to Iiyama in Nagano Prefecture while in Japan during the winter.
Iiyama has a distinctive dining district known as Iiyama Restaurant Kamakura Village that is only open every winter, specifically from the end of January until the end of February. You can reserve one of the restaurant’s 20 igloos to eat in.
Spend some time in a lit snow house with Noroshi Nabe after a day of playing in the snow. Your body will be warmed by this miso-based hot pot dish stuffed with local veggies, mushrooms, and pork.
Additionally, you can take in the Kamakura Festival, which is held in Kamakura Village on the second weekend of every February. You can see fireworks displays at night, as well as musicians playing, traditional mochi pounding, and several other winter activities.
Nagano’s Snow Monkey Park
Take advantage of the opportunity to see the snow monkeys relaxing in the hot springs. In Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture’s Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, you can only see this particular vista in the winter.
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The Macaca fuscata, sometimes known as the snow monkey, is one of the species that calls this national park home. You can always enjoy that amusing sight during the winter. As a result, the snow monkeys are frequently called “monkeys onsen”
It’s a good idea to hire a guide if you want to take in this phenomenon and Joshinetsu Kogen National Park tour because the terrain is challenging, especially in the winter. It is advised that you put a lot of effort and physical preparation into this.