In Japan, there are four seasons called "four seasons" and a season called "winter" from December to February of the following year.
As winter approaches, severe cold envelops the entire country. While snow rarely falls in most of Japan's metropolitan areas, the mountains and northern regions are covered with snow.
The best part of traveling in Japan is being able to experience nature in each of the four seasons.
Japan has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Even in the cold winter months, there are miraculous and spectacular landscapes created by nature and beautiful traditional winter-only events throughout Japan.
Although winters in Japan are cold and snowy in many regions, there is a lot of unique beauty, fun, and delicious food to be had.
How is the winter climate in Japan?
On average, winter temperatures in Tokyo in December are about 12 degrees Celsius in the daytime and 5 degrees Celsius in the morning and evening. In January of the following year, daytime temperatures are 10°C and morning and evening temperatures are 2-3°C. In February, daytime temperatures are 10-11°C and morning and evening temperatures are 3°C.
In winter, Tokyo has many sunny days, and rain and snowfall are rare, so the air is often dry. Humidity is around 30% on most days.
What about snowfall in Japan?
Winter in Japan is, above all, a time for snowy landscapes. It is a refreshing sight to see everything covered with snow and glistening white. However, snowy landscapes cannot be seen everywhere in Japan. In fact, it almost never snows in cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka.
The earliest snow begins to fall in Hokkaido at the end of October or early November. Around Aomori, Akita, and Iwate Prefectures, snow begins to fall in early to mid-November, and in Yamagata, Miyagi, and Fukushima Prefectures, in mid to late November.
Also, in Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, and Nagano prefectures, snow begins to fall from late November to early December, and visitors can enjoy snow-covered scenery.
Even in areas where snow is hard to come by, snowy landscapes can be enjoyed in the mountains. For example, in Kyoto, snow rarely accumulates in the town itself, but Kinkakuji Temple, Ginkakuji Temple, and Kibune Shrine are famous for their snowy landscapes. The combination of shrines and temples (Shinto and Buddhist buildings) and gardens is beautiful, and many people visit to enjoy the snowy scenery that is uniquely Japanese.
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day in Japan
Most restaurants and tourist facilities are closed during the year-end and New Year's holidays. Plan ahead and you will not be disappointed.
At the end of December, the Japanese take a vacation, returning to their hometowns to reunite with family and relatives and welcome the New Year. On January 1, many people head to local temples and shrines to pray for good luck and success in the new year. This ceremony is known as Hatsumode. It is a good way to celebrate the holiday, as most other establishments are closed during this period.
Winter Festival
The cold season brings people closer together. Many traditional festivals and events are held in winter despite the cold air.
The Sapporo Snow Festival, considered one of the most popular winter events in Japan, welcomes over 2 million people and features hundreds of sculptures made of ice and snow. The Snow Festival takes place during the first week of February, with elaborate works of art displayed in Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudomu venues.