Magical landscapes, advantageous prices… the japan in winter It is an excellent destination option.
Indeed, December to March, you can enjoy the best offers avoiding the crowds. with his many winter activitiesthe archipelago holds pleasant surprises at this time of year.
Discover Japan in winter like you’ve never seen it before!
❄ Why go to Japan in winter?
If spring and autumn are the best seasons to travel to Japan, winter is no exception. On the contrary, if you don’t mind the cold, it might as well be the perfect season to visit the archipelago. By opting for a trip to Japan in winter, tourists will bother you less and you will also enjoy interesting prices. The icing on the cake, the Land of the Rising Sun offers absolutely beautiful scenery under the snow.
Japan winter landscape in Mishima city, Fukushima prefecture.
? Take advantage of advantageous rates in winter
Whether it’s the plane ticket, the traditional inns (ryokan), the hotels or the many tourist attractions, prices are much more affordable in low season. Do you dream of traveling to Japan, but the budget discourages you? Now is the time to take the plunge!
? Admire beautiful snowy landscapes
L’art of admiring snowy landscapes It dates from Japanese prints from the Edo period and is called yukimi. In winter, the sky is usually clear and the white coat archipelago abounds in splendid panoramas. It is also the ideal time to see the most beautiful Japanese sites such as Mount Fuji, which, under the sun, offers an unforgettable view.
? Have a dry and sunny climate
While the frigid winter temperatures of northern Japan can deter even the most skittish of travelers, know that Japan offers a temperate and dry climate in the south of the archipelago as in the island of Kyushu. In the capital, temperatures remain pleasant, without falling below zero degrees. And if the wind is sometimes very present in winter in Japan, the sun comes to warm hearts.
? Avoid tourists
Do you hate long lines and crowded streets? Going in low season is the ideal solution to have more tranquility. In fact, the months of January, February and March are the least frequented by tourists. Visiting the archipelago at this time of year guarantees you total immersion in Japanese culture.
? Winter Activities in the Japanese Archipelago
Japan, land of mountains and forests it is a dream destination for lovers of winter sports. Ski, snowboard, snowmobile, snowshoe hikes either sled dogs, the cold season is perfect to go to Japan. To the north of the archipelago and in the Japanese Alps, snow falls abundantly, covering both the mountains and the plains. Powder lovers will be served! Japan in winter is also the season of unforgettable experiences such as enjoy the warmth of an onsen watching the snowflakes fall or going to meet the snow monkeys. Finally, the more players who can try a part of yukigassena very fun Japanese sport.
? Try sliding sports
Hakuba Iwatake ski area and Mount Shirouma in Hakuba, Nagano, Japan.
If you like sliding sports and the cold does not scare you, winter is ideal to enjoy the many ski slopes the Japanese Alps or the mountains of the wonderful island of Hokkaido. Indeed, the north of the archipelago has real winter seasons with harsh temperatures and incredible quality snow. Let’s take a closer look at how skiing became famous in the archipelago.
⛷ The brief history of skiing in Japan
The first skis appeared on Japanese soil at the beginning of the 20th century. However, since no one knew how to use it, this sliding sport was not immediately practiced. The soldiers of the imperial army were the first to discover skiing. in the archipelago, under the influence of the Austrian army. Originally, this sport had rather a military vocation. The sports discipline developed especially in the post-war period with the economic boom, until it became a very popular activity. The first country in Asia to host the Olympic Games in 1972, Japan also hosted the first Asian Winter Games, as well as the 1998 Olympics in Nagano. With these international events, the popularity of skiing in Japan skyrocketed. It must be said that the winter climate in the north of the archipelago is ideal for practicing winter sports.
? The most popular ski resorts
With more than 400 stations, Japan is the country with the most structures in the world. Among the many Japanese ski resorts, some are particularly considered.
On the island of Honshu, the d’Happo-One station of the Hakuba Valley is famous for hosting the Nagano Winter Olympics in 1998. Similarly, Naeba, in central Honshu, is popular for international skiing and its huge rock festival. Easily accessible from Tokyo, it offers a 20 km ski area with good slopes. Finally, Zao ski resort located in the Tohoku region, it is known for its snow monsters. This large ski resort, open since 1925, has slopes for all levels.
On the wonderful island of Hokkaido, Niseko and Rusutsu stations They are recognized for the quality of their powder snow and their exceptional landscapes. Benefiting from a heavy snow cover, these resorts will delight expert and off-piste skiers. Beginners will prefer sahoro station and its very pleasant gentle slopes. Finally, the older ones will certainly remember Sapporo for the 1972 Olympics.
Good to know : Most Japanese ski resorts offer hot springs (onsen). Ideal to relax after a good day of skiing or snowboarding!
? Warm up in an onsen
Winter in the Land of the Rising Sun rhymes with cocoon. Thus good local dishes, hot tables (kotatsu) Y the tea Waiting for you. It is also the season of nonsense. You know that these are the natural hot springs that come from volcanoes. The Japanese like it very much. What could be better when it’s cold, than to enjoy a hot thermal bath and watch the snow fall in the pools without the slightest chill ?
? Meet the snow monkeys
If you like unusual experiences, go to Nagano Prefecture, in Jigokudani Park in Yamanouchi meet the snow monkeys. Recognizable by their thick fur and crimson face, these creatures have adapted to the harsh climate of the Japanese mountains. Also, snow monkeys especially appreciate hot springs. You will be surprised to see these Japanese macaques bathing in the onsens and relaxing just like humans would.. The origin of this phenomenon? In the 1960s, a monkey accidentally fell into the water. Finding it agreeable, the animal repeated the experiment and passed on its discovery to its fellows.
⛳ Play a game of Yukigassen
Source: www.insidehook.com
Yukigassen is a Japanese winter sport similar to a giant snowball fight. To win, you must catch the opposing team’s flag while avoiding projections or even getting to as many opponents as possible. Be careful if you get hit, you’re eliminated! the yukigassen It is ideal to have a lot of fun with friends and go back to childhood for a few moments. Note that in Japan we do not joke with snowballs. Become an official sport In 1989, the World Championships were held every year in Sobetsu, on the island of Hokkaido. Of course, regulation uniforms and respect for the game are required.
despite the cold, There are only advantages to going to Japan in winter.. Whether it’s to make the most of bargain prices, the beauty of snowy landscapes, or even Japanese winter activities, winter is one of the best seasons to go to Japan.
