A unique winter experience in Japan

If there’s one country you don’t necessarily think of for a winter trip, it’s Japan. And yet the Land of the Rising Sun is absolutely magical when covered in snow. A unique experience, not to be missed if you get the chance.

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Read also about the Finland guide :

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• Japan’s 7 longest rivers
• 8 places to visit in Tokyo for manga fans
• Japan: Top 9 most beautiful autumn landscapes
• Top 11 culinary specialities in Tokyo
• What are the main districts to visit in Tokyo?
• Top 8 best hotels in Tokyo

Winter Hanami

Hanami, 花見 / はなみ, literally, watching the flowers, is a Japanese ritual dating back to the 8th century. Although today it is best known for contemplating the ephemeral blossoming of cherry trees, back in the day the locals were particularly fascinated by the blossoming of Japanese apricot trees, “Ume”, also known as Japanese plum trees.

When does flowering start?

If you want to experience authentic Hanami, and watch the magnificent plum blossoms appear on the slender branches of the trees, you’ll have to travel to Japan from mid-February.

Where can you admire the plum blossom?

Kyoto: Kitano Tenmangu temple. With its 2,000 plum trees, the temple is a favourite spot for this Hanami. In particular, it hosts the “plum blossom festival” (Baika-sai), during which you can admire an ancient plum tree from the imperial palace of the Edo period, enjoy a flea market and discover the outdoor tea ceremony, led by Geishas, guardians of Japanese culture and traditions.

Mito: In the Kairaku-en garden, considered to be one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, and home to the annual plum blossom festival. More than 3,000 trees of around a hundred different varieties dot the garden, offering an astonishing palette of flower colours and shapes. The flowers open in January and can last until April. The town of Mito is 1? hours north of Tokyo by train.

Osaka: Tenmangû temple, right in the centre of Osaka. This Shinto shrine, founded in 949 by Emperor Murakami, is very popular and also celebrates the annual plum blossom festival, which blossoms in the depths of winter, the ultimate symbol of rebirth. There is also an incredible collection of bonsai trees.

Odawara: with some 35,000 plum trees and a view of Mount Fuji to boot, it’s hard to beat Odawara for a successful Hanami! Every February for the past fifty years, the town has organised a festival rich in tradition to celebrate its plum trees. You’ll discover weeping plum trees, taste plum specialities, attend a lantern dance, haiku recitals, calligraphy demonstrations, and the highlight of the show, an archery competition on horseback, by archers in period costume!

Fabulous powder quality

Renowned for its powder snow, Japan is a paradise for freeride skiers and snowboarders. The island’s many peaks offer a multitude of winter sports resorts. Even if Japan isn’t the first place you’d think of for a winter sports holiday (it’s a long way from home, and let’s face it, it’s quickly out of the budget for the average person), you should know that it’s the second country (behind the USA) in terms of the volume of infrastructure (over 500 resorts). So if you’re travelling to Japan in winter, why not give it a try and hit the slopes! What’s more, prices are cheaper than in Europe!

The most popular ski resorts :

• Niseko (Hokkaido): 4 resorts grouped around a single village! Views of Mount Yotei (Fuji’s twin) and 14 metres of snow every season!
• Rusutsu (Hokkaido): the largest in the region, with 37 runs spread over three peaks. It won the prize for best ski resort in Japan at the 2021 World Ski Awards (the Oscars of tourism, so it’s no mean feat).
• Naeba (Niigata): this renowned resort hosted the 2019-2020 Alpine Skiing World Cup. Famous for its 32° slope and its Dragondola gondola (the longest in Japan).

Hot springs (onsen) and snow monkeys

There’s nothing more relaxing than soaking in a warm onsen in the middle of winter, surrounded by snowy landscapes. Most ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) located on the slopes of volcanoes have their own private onsens where you can bathe in water naturally at 30°. But there are also many popular public onsens.

Popular spots :

• Yudanaka Onsen: famous for the snow monkeys that bathe in the natural springs at Jigokudani.
• Hakone Onsen: one of the most popular spa towns, with 1200 years of history. Renowned for its views of Mount Fuji, and only 1 hour from Tokyo.
• Kusatsu Onsen and Gero Onsen: charming spa villages that are among the most popular in the country. Ideal for enjoying a traditional Japanese experience.
• Yufuin Onsen: ranked among the most beautiful spas in the country, Yufuin is a prime destination for the onsen experience. Don’t miss the open-air baths (Rotenburo), and the spectacular views they offer.
• Kurokawa Onsen: off the beaten track, away from the big hotels and neon advertising. Lost between the Kuju mountain range and Mount Aso, this heritage-protected town offers 3 open-air baths and numerous hiking trails.
• Beppu Onsen: one of the country’s oldest spa towns. The 8 zones of hot springs are known as the “Beppu Hatto” or “Circuit of the Underworld!
• Zao Onsen: combining hot water baths, a famous ski resort and a snow monster festival.

Rules of etiquette :

• Shower before swimming
• Wear a yukata (bathing suit), usually provided in Ryokans.
• Respect the separation men – blue curtains (男) – women (女) white curtains
• Don’t stay in the water too long
• Stay well hydrated (avoid swimming more than three times a day)
• Beware of tattoos: some onsens refuse entry to people with tattoos because of their cultural connotations with the Yakuza (Japanese mafia).
• Keeping your voice low and discreet
• Photos are prohibited

Special winter cultural events:

• The Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri): In February, in Hokkaido, this spectacular festival features monumental ice and snow sculptures. It’s one of the most popular in Japan, attracting almost 2 million people every year!
• Otaru Snow and Light Festival: If you’ve been to Sapporo, be sure to visit the neighbouring town of Otaru (a 30-minute train ride away). At the same time as the Sapporo Winter Festival, the town of Otaru celebrates its heritage by illuminating its canal and old railway line with thousands of floating candles and lanterns.
• Zao Juhyo Festival: the festival of snow monsters! Every winter, the Zao Juyo ski resort seems to be populated by strange snow creatures. In reality, it’s the trees themselves, bent over by the wind and heavy with snow, that take on shapes that will let your imagination run wild.
• The Naked Man Festival (Hadaka Matsuri): yes, you read that right! Every year in February, a most unusual festival takes place all over Japan. The most famous celebration is held at the Saidaiji Kannon-in temple in Okayama. Men dressed in loincloths wash themselves in icy water before braving the winter cold. They compete in a fierce but good-natured battle for amulets blessed by Shinto priests.

The unique beauty of snow-covered landscapes and unusual activities

• The ice sculptures (Shibuki-gori) of Lake Inawashiro: in January and February, the contours of the lake and its vegetation begin to freeze, taking on the shape of strange ice sculptures. These are truly 100% natural works of art.
• The igloo village on Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan: for 2 months, this frozen lake is transformed into a winter village. You’ll even find a chapel where weddings can be celebrated! It’s a chance to sleep in the warmth of an igloo and admire the purity of the starry sky.
• The UNESCO-listedvillages of the Shirakawa-go and Gokayama regions are even more incredible covered in snow. This is the rural Japan of Miyazaki’s films, with traditional thatched houses scattered around the rice fields… Some of them have been converted into guest rooms, offering a glimpse of Japanese intimacy.