basic information

Japan is a popular travel destination in winter and early spring for those seeking snow. Whether you are a die hard skiier or come from a country where the coldest it gets is in an air conditioned room, Japan offers something for everyone within easy reach of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

While most of Japan's major cities, including Tokyo and Osaka, receive only small amounts of snow, there are many places in Japan that get covered by lots of snow each year. The snow season in Japan is long and in some places begins as early as November and lasts into May with the peak in February.

Below is a list of places where you can experience snow within easy reach of major cities:

From Tokyo:

The two easiest places to enjoy guaranteed snow from Tokyo are Yuzawa (75 minutes from Tokyo Station by Joetsu Shinkansen) and Karuizawa (70 minutes from Tokyo Station by Nagano Shinkansen).

Yuzawa (more details) With excellent snow, hot springs and over twenty ski resorts, Yuzawa is a great destination for those interested in snow sports. Virtually all the resorts in the area are accessible by public transportation and offer kids' play parks.

Karuizawa (more details) Opening in early November, the Karuizawa Prince Ski Resort is one of the earliest places to have guaranteed snow, although the snow is mostly man made. Karuizawa is an upscale mountain getaway for wealthy Tokyoites, and as such there is excellent shopping, including an outlet mall next to the resort.

Kusatsu (more details) Kusatsu is one of Japan's leading hot spring resorts and has ski slopes within easy reach. The town averages about half a meter of snow on the ground in February. Highly recommended if you are interested in experiencing snow and world class hot springs, including one of the best outdoor baths in the country.

Snow Monkeys (more details) The snow monkeys are a troop of wild monkeys that bathe in the hot springs near Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen in Nagano Prefecture. They can been seen bathing year round at Jigokudani Monkey Park but are mostly likely seen in the hot springs during the cold winter months.

Nikko (more details) Nikko is the perfect place to experience a mixture of snow and culture. The shrines and temples in the town center do not see much snow, but in the higher Okunikko region around Lake Chuzenji you can usually see some snow and frozen waterfalls.

From Osaka, Kyoto:

Shirakawago (more details) Shirakawago is a UNESCO world heritage site in a remote, mountainous part of Gifu Prefecture. It is famous for its old farmhouses and typically has about a meter of snow on the ground in February, making it an ideal place for the rustic snow experience.

Northern Japan:

Japan's northern most island of Hokkaido gets lots of snow, and has some of the country's best snow resorts.

Niseko (more details) Niseko is a spectacular snow resort town in Hokkaido and perhaps the most famous one in Japan. Its three largest resorts share Niseko Annupuri Mountain. Although a day trip from Sapporo is possible, Niseko is best enjoyed over a few days.

Sapporo Snow Festival (more details) In a typical year, Sapporo gets covered under nearly a meter of snow. In the middle of February the city throws a festival for which giant snow sculptures are built in Odori Park. In addition, there is an international ice sculpture competition and a childrens' snow park with a human size maze.

Ryuhyo Drift Ice (more details) The Ryuhyo drift ice is a special winter treat, even to those accustomed to cold weather. From mid January to early April you can join a cruise from Abashiri to view the drift ice up close, but the best time is in the second half of February.

The Ultimate Snow Experience:

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (more details) With unbelievable amounts of snow, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route spans Toyama and Nagano Prefectures. The route is closed in winter, but during spring you can travese a corridor with up to 20 meter high walls of packed snow. The snow lasts into early summer, but the best time to traverse the corridor is in late April.

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