Guide to Enjoying Winter in Japan

Winter in Japan isn’t just a cold season. that can only be experienced in winter. This article offers a guide to spending winter in Japan for foreign visitors and those interested in Japanese culture. and provides an easy-to-understand introduction to in an easy-to-understand way.

1. How cold is winter in Japan?

Winter in Japan (December to February) varies significantly by region.

Urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka : Around 0–10°C (32–50°F). Less snowfall
Hokkaido and Tohoku regions : Temperatures often drop below freezing, with heavy snowfall
Okinawa : Relatively warm even in winter, around 15–20°C

Many foreigners are surprised that central heating is rare Instead, Japan’s unique cold-weather items come into play.

2. Kotatsu Culture | Japan’s Unique Way of Staying Warm

When talking about Japanese winters, the **kotatsu** is essential.

A kotatsu is a heating device with a heater under a table, covered with a quilt to warm your feet. Rather than heating the entire room, but efficiently warms only a specific part of the body .

Watching TV while under the kotatsu
eating mikan oranges
or dozing off

These are classic winter scenes for Japanese people.

3. Enjoying Winter-Only Japanese Cuisine

In the cold winter, dishes that warm you from the inside out are essential.

Nabe (Hot Pot)

A staple of Japanese winter cuisine.

Sukiyaki
Shabu-shabu
Yosenabe
Kimchi Hot Pot

The style of gathering around a single pot together is a meal that lets you experience Japan’s **”culture of sharing”**.

Oden

A dish where daikon radish, eggs, konjac, and other ingredients are slowly simmered in broth. So common in Japanese winters, you can even buy it at convenience stores.

4. Enjoy Winter at an Onsen

One experience you absolutely must try during a winter trip to Japan is hot springs .

Soaking in an open-air bath while snow falls is a uniquely Japanese, extraordinary experience.

It warms you to the core
and is excellent for combating winter dryness.
Feel the quiet nature

※Hot springs have their own etiquette (wash your body before entering, don’t put towels in the bath, etc.). It’s best to check beforehand.

5. Winter Events and Scenery

Illuminations

From December to February, beautiful illuminations are held nationwide.

Tokyo Midtown
Kobe Luminarie
Sapporo White Illumination

Snow Festival

Particularly famous is Sapporo Snow Festival . Its massive snow sculptures and ice carvings draw tourists from around the world to this popular event.

6. Winter Clothing and Cold-Weather Gear

To comfortably enjoy winter in Japan, the following items are recommended.

Heattech (thin, warm innerwear)
Scarves and gloves
Disposable hand warmers

Hand warmers are a uniquely Japanese item, used by placing them in pockets or inside shoes. They can be easily purchased at drugstores or convenience stores.