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Two seasons - a journey of discovery
On the main island of Honshu, along the length of Japan, the two regions of Hokuriku Shinetsu and Tokai are like two opposing pieces of a winter puzzle. If Hokuriku Shinetsu - where the snow-capped Alps and the wind from the Sea of Japan bring clear air - is a pure winter picture, then Tokai, facing the Pacific Ocean, is warm and pleasant, where sunlight still shines on even the coldest days.
The Hokuriku Shinetsu and Tokai region – where mountains, seas and Japanese culture meet
This contrast creates a special attraction: visitors can start the morning amidst the snowfall in Shinetsu and end the afternoon with a warm sunset in Tokai in just one trip. Besides the scenery, this land is also a “treasure” of Japanese winter cuisine, from Hokuriku snow crab, traditional Fukui soba, to fresh produce and Shizuoka eel. It is Japan in winter: cold on the outside but warm in every detail.
Hida Furukawa - when snow covers the ancient tiled roofs
Amid the Gifu Mountains, Hida Furukawa is a small town nestled along the Seto River. From late December to February, snow covers the white-walled warehouses, stone-paved streets, and ancient wooden fences, transforming the town into a picture of winter silence and stillness.
Unlike the famous old town of Takayama, Furukawa still retains the peaceful, authentic features of a highland town. Visitors can leisurely stroll along the river, visit small cafes or sip a cup of warm sake under the soft yellow light - to fully experience the slow and warm pace of life here.
The town is also known as the inspiration for the hit movie “Your Name”. Familiar scenes from the movie such as Furukawa Station and Keta Wakamiya Shrine are still preserved intact. Fans come here not only to “touch” the world that moved them on screen, but also to feel the “soul” of Japan in every small detail - the sound of running water, wooden bridges, or the thin layer of snow on the roofs.
If you come in mid-January, you will be able to immerse yourself in the Santera Mairi festival - a marriage ceremony with a history of hundreds of years. When night falls, thousands of Senbon Rosoku candles in two colors, white and red, are lit along the Seto River, symbolizing wishes and gratitude. In the flickering candlelight and the echoing temple bells, people quietly pass by three temples to pray for luck and love. The whole town is immersed in a sacred, warm atmosphere, an unforgettable experience for anyone who has ever visited.
Don’t leave Furukawa without trying Hida beef, the pride of the region. Grilled directly over charcoal, the meat is tender and fragrant, served with gohei mochi, grilled rice topped with the signature miso sauce, or a bowl of local ramen. A simple meal but enough to make you remember the taste of Japanese winter forever.
A bowl of hot ramen to dispel the cold of the Hida mountains
Gohei mochi - the rustic taste of grilled rice covered with fragrant miso sauce
Tender, fatty Hida beef - the full flavor of the Gifu mountains
Santera Mairi event takes place on January 15 every year. Time: 12:00 - 21:00.
There will be local food stalls where visitors can enjoy Hida specialties. Candle lighting and lantern releasing will take place from 16:00. Admission is free.
Fukui Dinosaur Museum - step into the dinosaur kingdom in the snow
In Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture, where heavy snow falls throughout the winter, the Fukui Dinosaur Museum is a special destination for both adults and children. Nestled in a mountain valley, the giant silver dome building - inspired by the shape of a dinosaur egg - stands out against the white snow.
Inside, more than 50 real dinosaur skeletons, dioramas, video projections and an animated robot zone bring the experience to life. This is also where the Fukuisaurus and Fukuiraptor were first discovered - two of Japan's paleontological icons, making the museum a national pride in the field of dinosaur research.
Not only the museum, the outdoor area around the building is also very popular during the snow season: visitors can ski, take pictures with giant ice-covered dinosaur statues, or simply enjoy the fresh air amidst the spectacular white scenery.
After the tour, the local cuisine is the perfect reward. Fukui is famous for Echizen crab, a delicacy caught from the cold Sea of Japan, and the simple yet sophisticated Echizen soba. A hot bowl of noodles in sub-zero temperatures is enough to make the trip memorable.
A piece of Echizen crab, encapsulating the sweetness of the Sea of Japan
A bowl of Echizen soba is simple but has a lingering taste.
Located at 51-11 Terao, Muroko-cho, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture, the museum is open from 9:00 to 17:00 daily, with the last admission at 16:30, giving you enough time to explore the majestic world of dinosaurs amidst the beautiful winter scenery of Japan.
Opening hours: 9:00 ~ 17:00 (Last admission at 16:30). Closed days:
- 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month
- December 31 and January 1 every year
The museum may close temporarily to make changes to the exhibition space or to maintain the facilities. Please check the website before visiting.
Gotemba Kogen Tokinosumika - forest of light at the foot of Fuji
About two hours by train from Tokyo, Gotemba Kogen Tokinosumika (Shizuoka Prefecture) is where winter turns into a party of lights. The “HIKARINOSUMIKA” festival, an annual light event, returns in the winter of 2025-2026 with the theme “Miracle Forest”, bringing together more than 5.5 million LED lights to illuminate a vast area facing Mt. Fuji.
This year’s highlight is the 300-meter long light tunnel and the 20-meter high light tree inspired by the sacred mountain. The 150-meter high laser water show, which won the International Illumination Award 2024, will return with the “Night Baburium” soap bubble show and choreography by leading choreographer Shojin.
Visitors can stroll along the light walkway, watch a light mapping show telling Japanese fairy tales, or soak in an outdoor onsen where steam rises, blends with the lights and the chilly air - a feeling that is both romantic and relaxing.
Super Light Festival 2025-2026 “HIKARINOSUMIKA”. Location: 719 Kouyama, Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Held from October 11, 2025 to March 8, 2026.
Lighting time frame:
- From 11/10/2025 to 31/10/2025: 17:00 ~ 22:00
- From 11/01/2025 to 12/01/2026: 16:30 ~ 22:00
- From January 13, 2026 to March 8, 2026: 17:00 ~ 21:30
Another Japan in the middle of winter
From the snow-covered ancient town of Hida to the majestic dinosaur museum and the brilliant Tokinosumika light forest, the journey through Hokuriku Shinetsu and Tokai offers a new look at Japan's winter, not just the white snow, but also the harmony of nature, culture and people.
A peaceful moment in the white of winter
At each destination, visitors find a unique rhythm of life: where people slow down, feel the beauty of the moment and find peace in the cold season. For those who love a different journey, this winter is perhaps the ideal time to “read” Japan with new eyes - from the white snow of the North to the light of the South.
