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As the year draws to a close, with the festive atmosphere of Christmas and the New Year approaching everywhere, in Japan, winter has already touched every household and made its presence felt in every corner.
Winter in Japan typically begins in December and lasts until the end of February. The weather is very cold, with snowfall in most parts of Japan and average temperatures ranging from 2° to 12°. Hokkaido is considered the coldest place with the heaviest snowfall, averaging around -4°. This is also the season for winter light festivals, snow festivals, skiing, and unique local cuisine.
Japan is currently covered in the pristine white of snow.
Japan in winter is not just a destination, but an emotional journey that takes visitors into a world of serene and romantic beauty. Therefore, winter travel to Japan is always a popular choice, and you shouldn't miss the following activities when visiting Japan in winter.
Winter in Japan lasts from December to February of the following year, except for the subtropical region of Okinawa.
Taking "check-in" photos at Shirakawa Ancient Village.
With its ancient and peaceful beauty, Shirakawa will captivate your mind from the very first moment. Nestled amidst towering mountains, Shirakawa is a charming little village with thatched huts, gingerbread, and a unique culture.
Shirakawago Ancient Village is among the oldest villages in Japan, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 for its unique Gassho Zukuri architecture, which has a history of up to 300 years.
Shirakawa's pristine white beauty in winter will make you reluctant to leave. It's also a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Shirakawago in Japanese means "White River Village" - the village of white rivers.
When winter comes, this place is covered with a thick layer of snow.
Experience hot springs in Japan.
One of the defining cultural aspects of Japan is bathing in hot springs, known as Onsen in Japanese. Previously, bathing in Onsen was a pastime reserved for the aristocracy, but today it has become popular throughout the Land of the Rising Sun. You can't truly experience the wonderfulness of winter here without soaking in the warm water to relax and unwind.
Onsen are natural hot springs found throughout the island nation. Japan is situated right on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so it's no surprise that the country has over 25,000 hot springs.
Bathing in hot springs offers numerous health benefits, such as increasing body temperature to kill disease-causing bacteria, boosting metabolism for better digestion, improving blood circulation, eliminating toxins, reducing bone and joint pain, and preventing skin diseases. Some famous hot springs in Japan include Yufuin, Hakone, Kusatsu, Arima, and Shibu.
Originally known as mineral springs for health benefits, Onsen (hot springs) have developed into one of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan, and have had a profound influence on Japanese bathing culture.
Join the light festival.
Visiting Nabana no Sato amusement park on Nagashima Island in Mie Prefecture, you'll be able to admire the dazzling Winter Illuminations light festival. Over 6 million colorful LED lights are strung across an area of 26,400 square meters. The surrounding space is bathed in light, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere.
The cold winter days are warmed by the golden light.
The Sapporo Snow Festival, held during the first week of February, attracts over 2 million visitors. You can admire unique ice sculptures that mimic architectural structures and famous world landmarks.
Enjoy winter cuisine.
Japanese people have a great fondness for seasonal specialties, and some things can only be found during the coldest time of year. When temperatures drop, eateries and restaurants begin adding Oden to their menus. This is a traditional Japanese dish that has been around for over 800 years.
What could be better than enjoying a warm bowl of noodles on a cold day?
Oden typically includes fish cakes, grilled fish cakes, kamaboko fish cakes, boiled duck eggs, beef or pork, yam, and various other root vegetables. The ingredients may vary depending on the region. Dashi broth is the soul of Oden. The Japanese make Dashi broth from kelp and dried bonito flakes, seasoned with Japanese soy sauce, sweet rice wine, and other necessary spices. Finally, they add all the ingredients and simmer them in this broth. Besides Oden, Nabe hot pot and hot sake are also excellent choices for a chilly evening.
