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This translation was generated by AI and may contain wording that differs from the facts. Please check the Japanese original or official sources for anything important. Japanese original
Key points
- Hatsumode: the first shrine visit of the year at Meiji Jingu, Senso-ji or Fushimi Inari, with food stalls and fortune slips.
- Hot springs in the snow: the snowy streets of Ginzan Onsen and Shirakawa-go, and the bathing snow monkeys of Jigokudani.
- Winter flavours: yellowtail, crab, fugu and hot-pot dishes are at their best.
🌤 Weather and temperature
Tokyo and Osaka see highs around 10 °C with plenty of dry, sunny days. The Sea of Japan side and Hokkaido get heavy snow, and Sapporo can stay below freezing all day.
| City | Average temperature | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | -3.2 °C | 108 mm |
| Tokyo | 5.4 °C | 60 mm |
| Osaka | 6.2 °C | 47 mm |
| Fukuoka | 6.9 °C | 74 mm |
| Naha | 17.3 °C | 102 mm |
Monthly averages based on Japan Meteorological Agency normals (1991–2020).
🚄 Crowds, holidays and prices
Famous shrines are packed from 1 to 3 January and some shops and sights close. After the New Year travel rush, mid to late January is one of the quietest, best-value times of year. Coming of Age Day (second Monday) makes a three-day weekend.
🏮 Festivals and events
- Kobe Luminarie (Hyogo · Late January)
A festival of light in memory of the victims of the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and in celebration of recovery. Held since 1995 - Wakakusa Yamayaki (Nara · Fourth Saturday of January)
An entire mountainside is set ablaze. Together with fireworks, it lights up Nara's winter night sky - Nagasaki Lantern Festival (Nagasaki · Lunar New Year (late January to February))
Rooted in Chinese New Year. 15,000 lanterns light up Shinchi Chinatown - Takachiho Yokagura (Miyazaki · Mid-November to early February)
Each village performs all 33 sacred dances through the night. The land of the Amano-Iwato myth
Dates change from year to year; always check the official announcement.
🌸 Flowers and autumn colours
- Nabana no Sato Illumination (Mie · Late October to May (illumination); tulips in spring)
One of Japan's largest winter illuminations, plus tulip and begonia gardens in spring
🍣 Seasonal food and traditions
- Seafood in season: Yellowtail, cod, monkfish, oysters
- Produce in season: Napa cabbage, daikon, spinach, mikan, yuzu
- Traditions and daily life: New Year (osechi, first shrine visit, gift money), seven-herb rice porridge (7th), kagami-biraki (11th), Coming of Age Day, Daikan (coldest season)
📍 Where to go this month
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Wild Japanese macaques soaking in a hot spring in the snow — the only monkeys in the world known to bathe in onsen.
Ginzan Onsen
Wooden inns from the 1910s–20s line a river; the snowy, gaslit evenings look straight out of an anime.
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Shirakawa-go Gassho Villages
Over 100 steep thatched farmhouses built for heavy snow. The winter light-up is otherworldly.
Meiji Jingu Shrine
A 70-hectare forest next to Harajuku Station: 100,000 donated trees grew into a real forest in a century. Japan's busiest New Year shrine with about 3 million visitors.
Niseko Powder Snow
Fifteen metres of snow a year and the lightest powder on Earth — 'Japow'. A world-class ski resort from December to April.
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Senso-ji Temple & Kaminarimon
Tokyo's oldest temple (founded 628). Pass under the 700 kg lantern into the 250 m Nakamise shopping street. 30 million visitors a year.
🧳 What to pack
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- A coat is enough in Tokyo and Osaka; Hokkaido needs a down jacket and non-slip shoes
- Lip balm and moisturiser for the dry air, plus disposable heat packs
- Ryokan provide towels; bring or buy one for day-trip hot springs
- Many places close from 29 Dec to 3 Jan and transport is crowded
💡 Travel tip
Use the shinkansen or limited express trains to reach snow country; avoid renting a car unless you are used to driving on snow and ice.
🗓 Other months
January · February · March · April · May · June · July · August · September · October · November · December
Frequently asked questions
Is Japan cold in January?
Tokyo and Osaka average 5–6 °C, so a warm coat is enough. Hokkaido and the Sea of Japan side drop below freezing with lots of snow, so bring proper winter gear and non-slip shoes.
Are shops closed in Japan over New Year?
Some independent shops and attractions close from 1 to 3 January, but convenience stores, big supermarkets and most department stores stay open, with New Year sales.
