Japan is especially enchanting in winter. Ski lovers can also hit the slopes and enjoy their favorite activities. Trip.com has gathered everything you need—Japan’s snowfall periods, top snow-viewing spots, snow festivals, ski resorts, snow-viewing tips.
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When and Where Does it Snow in Japan?
Which area of Japan did my car come from ? - Japanese Car History ...
Japan’s snow season runs from December to April annually. In Japan, snowfall timing varies by region, here’s an overview of the main areas;
- Peak snow quality (stable, fluffy powder) is from late December to February.
- March-April sees lighter snow, but high-altitude resorts (e.g., Shiga Kogen) still offer decent conditions.
- Hokkaido starts snowing earlier (mid-December), while Honshu’s resorts open from late December.
Region | Average timing of the first snowfall | Best time to see snow |
|---|---|---|
Hokkaido · Sapporo | Late November | Mid-December–Mid-February |
Aomori Prefecture・Hirosaki | Early November | Early December–Early February |
Hakuba, Nagano Prefecture | Late November | Mid-December–Early March |
Yamagata Prefecture · Zao | Late November | Mid-December–Mid-February |
Niigata Prefecture · Yuzawa | Mid-November | Early December–mid-March |
Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go | Early December | Mid-December–Mid-February |
Toyama Prefecture · Gokayama | Early December | Mid-December–Mid-February |
Tochigi Prefecture・Nikko | Mid-December | January–mid-February |
- "Average First Snowfall Time" refers to the average month when the first snowfall occurs, based on historical statistics;
- The "best time to enjoy the snow" is largely The time when some regions enjoy their heaviest snowfall and most spectacular scenery.
- Actual snow conditions may vary slightly due to year-to-year climate changes. Before you set off, check the real-time weather forecast and book your transportation and lodging in advance.
Where to See Japan Snow | Best Places to Enjoy Snow in Japan
Heavy snowfall in Japan concentrates in 3 key regions :
- Hokkaido: Niseko (16m annual snowfall), Furano, Rusutsu – famous for "Japow" (dry powder snow).
- Honshu’s Sea of Japan Coast: Niigata, Toyama, and mountainous areas like Nagano (Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen) and the Japanese Alps.
- Tohoku Region: Aomori, Iwate, Yamagata – including Zao Onsen (known for "snow monsters" called juhyo).
Japan Snow-Viewing Spot #1 Shirakawa-go & Gokayama (UNESCO World Heritage | Gifu Prefecture & Toyama Prefecture)
- Highlights: Classic gassho-zukuri thatched houses blanketed in winter snow, with nighttime lighting that creates a fairy-tale scene
- Getting there: From Kanazawa Station or Takayama Station, take a direct bus to Shirakawa-go; from Toyama Station, transfer to a bus to Gokayama Ainokura.
- Experience tip: Stay in a gassho-style guesthouse and, at night, enjoy the snowy views from the outdoor bath.
Japan Snow-Viewing Spot #2: Mount Hakodate Night View (Hokkaido)
Image source: Fika Fei@Trip Moments
- In winter, Mount Hakodate in Hokkaido offers the most beautiful snowy night views in all of Japan, where white snow and city lights beautifully complement each other.
- Best time: December - February
- How to get there: Take the ropeway from downtown Hakodate straight to the summit.
Best Places to See Snow in Japan #3: Tateyama Kurobe (Toyama Prefecture)
- Tateyama Kurobe, known as the “Japanese Alps,” stands alongside Mount Fuji and Mount Hakusan as one of Japan’s three sacred mountains. It’s home to the famous Snow Corridor, where snow walls soar up to 20 meters—an absolute must-visit for anyone who loves chasing winter wonders.
- Best time: April - June (snow wall scenery unique to spring)
- How to get there: Take JR to Toyama Station, then transfer to the Tateyama Electric Railway.
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Japan Snow-Viewing Spot #4: Iiyama Snow Hut Village (Nagano Prefecture)
Image source: Japan National Tourism Organization
- Highlights: Each year from late January into February, 15–20 snow huts are built, alongside fireworks and musical performances.
- Transportation: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Iiyama Station, then transfer to the shuttle bus straight to the venue.
- Experience tip: Savor local sticky rice balls and piping-hot miso soup inside a snow hut.
Japan Snow-Viewing Spot #5: Oshino Hakkai & Mt. Fuji’s Snowy Views (Yamanashi Prefecture)
Image source: Japan National Tourism Organization
- Highlights: The crystal-clear spring freezes into a mirror-like surface, with snow-capped Mount Fuji as a breathtaking backdrop.
- Getting there: Take a bus from Kawaguchiko Station or Otsuki Station to Oshino Village.
- Photo tip: Backlighting at dusk showcases the mirror effect best.
Japan Snow-Viewing Spot #6: Zao Snow Monsters (Yamagata Prefecture)
- Highlights: The "Snow Monster" tree ice is a natural sculpture shaped by wind and snow, taking on endlessly changing forms.
- Getting there: From Yamagata Station, take a bus to Zao Onsen, then hop on the ropeway up to the viewing area.
- Best time to visit: Mid-December to February of the following year; nighttime illuminations make it feel even more magical.
Japan’s Snow-Viewing Spot #7: Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata Prefecture)
- Highlights: Wooden inns built along the river, a snow-dusted hot spring street, rustic and romantic
- Getting there: Take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Oishida Station, then transfer to a bus for about 40 minutes.
- Where to Stay: A historic riverside inn where you can soak in a hot spring and watch the snowfall from the comfort of your room
Japan Snow Scenery Spot #8 Miyagi Zao Fox Village (Yamagata Prefecture)
- Highlights: Get up close to snow foxes; amid the falling winter snow, it’s like a fairy-tale world.
- Getting there: Take a bus directly to Fox Village from Yamagata City or Zao Onsen.
- Experience tips: Wear waterproof boots to prepare for melting snow on the ground, and respect animals’ living space.
Japan Snow Viewing Spot #9: Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village (Toyama Prefecture)
- Highlights: Ainokura Village is more untouched and rustic than Shirakawa-go, and its snowy scenery feels even more pristine.
- Getting there: From Toyama Station, transfer to a city bus or charter a car to Ainokura.
- Viewpoint recommendation: Sky Platform AX outside the village offers a panoramic bird’s-eye view of the entire snow-covered village.
What to Do for Japan Snow | Recommended Activities & Festivals
Top Picks for Snow-Viewing Festivals in Japan #1 Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo Snow Festival | Hokkaido, Sapporo City)
Photo credit: Sapporo Snow Festival official website
- When: Early February each year (usually from February 4 to 11)
- Highlights: Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome—the three main venues—showcase giant snow sculptures, ice sculptures, and dazzling light shows.
- Getting there: Take the Sapporo Subway Namboku Line to Odori Station for direct access; for the Susukino venue, take the Subway Toho Line to Susukino Station.
- Tips: After dark, the illuminated snow sculptures make for more atmospheric photos; inside the venue, the snack stalls recommend Sapporo ramen and grilled sausages.
Japan Snow Festival Pick #2: Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (Chitose, Hokkaido)
Image source: Hokkaido Official Tourism Website
- The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival in Chitose is located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park, about a 40-minute drive from Sapporo. The ice sculptures are created by spraying and freezing Lake Shikotsu’s crystal-clear water; by day they appear a natural blue, and at night they’re illuminated by colorful lights, creating a dreamy atmosphere. The festival also features ice slides, an ice skating rink, and horseback riding experiences.
- Time: February
- Getting there: Take a bus from New Chitose Airport—about 55 minutes.
Japan Snow-Viewing and Snow Festival Recommendation #3: Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival (Aomori Prefecture)
Image source: Japan National Tourism Organization
- Located in Aomori Prefecture, the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival features 300 mini snow huts, 500 snow lanterns, and snow sculptures, with lanterns and snowy scenery beautifully complementing each other to create a romantic atmosphere. The snow-sculpture projection mapping show and fireworks at Fujita Memorial Garden are also among Japan’s most popular snow festival highlights.
- Time: Early February
- How to get there: Take the Shinkansen to Hirosaki Station, then walk or take a bus to Hirosaki Park.
Japan Snow-Viewing Festival Recommendation #4: Asahikawa Winter Festival (Hokkaido, Asahikawa City)
- Dates: Every year from February 7 to 11
- Highlights: Ice sculptures along the Asahikawa River, a giant snow-wall walkway, and ice slides; fewer crowds than Sapporo for a more relaxed experience.
- Getting there: From JR Asahikawa Station, take a city bus for about 15 minutes to reach the venue.
- Tip: Don’t miss the nighttime ice sculpture light show—admire the captivating fusion of snow and light up close along the riverbank.
Japan Snow-Viewing Festival Recommendation #5 Yokote Snow Festival (Yokote Kamakura Festival｜Akita Prefecture・Yokote City)
- Dates: February 15–17 every year
- Highlights: Hundreds of “かまくら” (snow huts) line the streets, with local children carrying offerings inside to pray; at night, the lights create an especially warm and cozy atmosphere.
- Getting there: Transfer at JR Yokote Station to the free shuttle bus to the venue (about 10 minutes).
- Recommendations: Bring a small bag of snacks inside to experience the local, family-style atmosphere; attend the evening Kagura (miko dance) performance.
Enjoy Japan’s Snow | Where to Ski in Japan
Japan Snow & Ski Recommendation #1: Furano Ski Resort
Located in Furano City, Hokkaido, Furano Ski Resort offers a wide variety of slopes and excellent snow quality, and is also a venue for many international ski competitions. With more than 20 runs, it’s suitable for both beginners and expert skiers.
Furano ski resort
5/5
4 Reviews
At the beginner level, the coach skillfully explains the movements and techniques, so even those with poor athletic talent can gradually master them. Coach James explained enthusiastically and helped my girlfriend overcome her fear of climbing uphill. After completing the one-day course, she was able to climb uphill on her own and even slide down.NZD 180
Japan Snow & Ski Recommendation #2: Hakodateyama Ski Resort
Hakodateyama Ski Resort in Shiga Prefecture offers sweeping views of Lake Biwa. With safe skiing facilities, kids and adults alike can enjoy the fun of snow—there are ski runs, lifts, and a family playground—making it a perfect spot for a family ski getaway.
Biwako Hakodateyama Ski Resort
5/5
1 Reviews
導游RURU捧捧达! will recommend to my friendJapan Snow & Ski Recommendation #3 Appi Kogen Ski Resort
Appi Kogen Ski Resort in Iwate Prefecture is renowned for its long runs. At the 1,304-meter summit, you can hop on the gondola and take in spectacular snowy vistas and sweeping mountain ranges above the clouds.
Appi Kogen Ski Resort
5/5
3 Reviews
I used it over the New Year holidays!
The ski resort is so large and fun that you can't ski it all in one day⛷
There are night skiing events and New Year events, so it was a fulfilling and fun experience^-^NZD 98
Enjoying the Snow in Japan | Snow-Viewing Tips
- Best time: mid-December through mid-February of the following year
- Cold-weather essentials: layered clothing + waterproof, slip-resistant snow boots + gloves, beanie, scarf
- Transportation tips: Buy a JR Pass or a regional pass; in some remote areas, arranging a rental car gives you more flexibility.
- Accommodation recommendation: Choose lodging inside the snow village or in nearby hot spring villages, so you can admire the snow at dusk and soak in the springs at night without missing a thing.
- Trip planning: Book popular event time slots and guesthouses early—accommodations are in short supply during peak holiday seasons.
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FAQs about Japan Snow
Which month will Japan snow?
Japan’s snow season runs from December to April annually.
Peak snow quality (stable, fluffy powder) is from late December to February .
March-April sees lighter snow, but high-altitude resorts (e.g., Shiga Kogen) still offer decent conditions .
Hokkaido starts snowing earlier (mid-December), while Honshu’s resorts open from late December .Which part of Japan has snow?
Heavy snowfall concentrates in 3 key regions :
Hokkaido: Niseko (16m annual snowfall), Furano, Rusutsu – famous for "Japow" (dry powder snow).
Honshu’s Sea of Japan Coast: Niigata, Toyama, and mountainous areas like Nagano (Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen) and the Japanese Alps.
Tohoku Region: Aomori, Iwate, Yamagata – including Zao Onsen (known for "snow monsters" called juhyo).Does it snow in Osaka?
Osaka rarely sees significant snow .
Occasional light snowfall occurs in winter (January-February), but accumulation is minimal and melts quickly.
Nearby areas (e.g., Kyoto’s mountains) have more snow, but Osaka itself is not a snowy destination.Is Japan the snowiest country in the world?
Japan is one of the snowiest countries globally, but not officially the "snowiest" .
It ranks top 3, with regions like Aomori and Niseko recording 12-15m of annual snowfall .
Other snow-rich nations include Canada, Norway, and the United States (Alaska) .
Japan’s unique geography (Siberian cold winds + warm Tsushima Current) creates its iconic dry powder snow .What is the best time for snow activities in Japan?
For skiing/snowboarding and optimal powder snow, late December to February is ideal .
This period offers stable snow cover, fewer weather disruptions, and access to full resort facilities.
For quieter slopes and lower prices, visit in March (avoiding holiday crowds) .