10 Activities for Non-Skiers Visiting Japan in Winter
Enjoying the Japanese snow—off the slopes
Winter in Japan is more than powdery slopes and après-ski scenes. It’s twinkling light-ups that turn cities into dreamscapes, steamy onsens framed by snow-capped mountains, and lively festivals where the cold is just an excuse to gather and celebrate.
Forget skis—you can sip hot sake in an igloo, wander through ice-sculpted forests, or watch snow monkeys living their best life in a natural spa.
From soaking in the culture to experiencing Japow (Japan’s perfect snow) for the first time, this guide reveals the coolest (pun intended) ways to get the most out of Japan’s winter—no skis necessary.
Things to do when visiting Japan in Winter
Don’t ski? No problem. Japan’s winters are brimming with experiences that let you enjoy the snow without strapping into skis or snowboards. Here’s your guide to the best off-piste activities.
Go to a winter festival
An overview of winter festivals near Tokyo (Image credit: TokudAw Inc)
Winter in Japan transforms into a season of living stories. Fiery infernos blaze during ancient rituals, lanterns illuminate centuries-old temples, and entire villages shimmer under blankets of snow.
Fireworks burst through frosty night skies in icy blues and golds, while shrine festivals echo with the beat of taiko drums and the inviting aroma of roasted sweet potatoes.
And the light-ups—historic castles glowing like art, tiny igloos casting warm flickers—turn winter landscapes into something almost otherworldly. These festivals capture the magic of the season, weaving culture and tradition into the crisp, snowy air.
Winter festivals to bookmark for 2024-2025
● Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Fire Festival (Nagano)
This fiery spectacle sees towering bonfires built by villagers to appease the Dosojin deities and ward off bad luck. The highlight is a dramatic ritual where men in their 20s defend a flaming wooden shrine from attackers—symbolizing protection and renewal. It’s a raw and exhilarating experience steeped in tradition.
● Shirakawa-go Winter Light-Up (Gifu)
The UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go transforms into a snow-globe scene during its light-up events. The iconic thatched-roof houses, coated in snow, are illuminated to create a magical glow, making the entire village feel like a fairytale come to life.
● Aizu Painted Candle Festival (Fukushima)
The snowy streets of Aizu come alive with thousands of hand-painted candles. The flickering lights reflect off the snow, casting an ethereal glow over the historic townscape. Visitors can also enjoy local delicacies while wandering through this enchanting festival.
● Tsumago Winter Lantern Festival (Nagano)
Step back in time to the historic post-town of Tsumago, where hundreds of lanterns light up cobblestone streets. The soft glow highlights the preserved Edo-era architecture, offering a nostalgic and serene atmosphere perfect for a quiet winter’s evening.
● Takasaki Daruma Doll Festival (Gunma)
This lively festival centers on daruma dolls, symbols of luck and perseverance. Visitors buy and paint their darumas, setting intentions for the year ahead. The event culminates with a dramatic burning of old darumas in a giant bonfire, a cathartic way to let go of the past.
● Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Winter Light-Up (Ishikawa)
Kanazawa’s iconic Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle are bathed in soft, colorful lights, highlighting their winter beauty. The event combines stunning visuals with traditional music and performances, offering a serene yet awe-inspiring experience.
● Matsumoto Ice Sculpture Festival (Nagano)
Against the backdrop of Matsumoto Castle, talented artists carve intricate ice sculptures that shimmer in the winter light. The festival also includes nighttime illuminations, making the icy creations sparkle like gemstones.
● Zenkoji Tomyo Festival (Nagano)
Zenkoji Temple and surrounding streets are lined with glowing paper lanterns, creating a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere. The lanterns honor the success of the 1998 Winter Olympics, adding a modern touch to this historic event.
● Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival (Gunma)
In the picturesque town of Yunishigawa, hundreds of small igloos, or kamakura, are lit with candles, creating a magical winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy traditional hot pot meals in larger igloos or simply marvel at the glowing landscape.
● Icicles of Misotsuchi (Saitama)
Nature’s artistry takes center stage as enormous icicles form naturally along a rocky gorge. Lit up with vibrant colors at night, the scene resembles a frozen version of the Northern Lights—an unforgettable sight for nature lovers.
Immerse yourself in Japan’s Winter Wonderland
A serene winter scene at Blue Pond with bare trees reflecting in the lake
Japan’s winter may be dominated by snow, but let’s not forget its other seasonal masterpiece: fiery autumnal hues that linger well into December. While tourists flock to Japan in spring for its iconic cherry blossoms, the rich reds and golds of autumn offer a sight just as breathtaking, with fewer crowds to contend with.
And when Japan transitions into full-blown winter, snow blankets rice terraces, turning them into serene, frosty layers, and wild monkeys lounge in steaming hot springs, snowflakes clinging to their fur. But even in the coldest months, plum blossoms and wintersweet flowers add pops of color to the stark landscape.
Let’s not forget the ‘snow monsters,’ frost-covered trees that look like they’ve stepped out of a fairytale. Winter here isn’t flashy—it’s the kind of beauty that sneaks up on you.
Must-see winter wonders
A summary of must-see winter wonders around Tokyo (Image credit: TokudAw Inc)
● Zao Snow Monsters (Yamagata)
High in the mountains of Yamagata, frosted trees are transformed into otherworldly sculptures by heavy snowfall and icy winds. These ‘snow monsters’ line the slopes, creating an eerie yet mesmerizing winter landscape. Take a gondola ride for panoramic views or explore illuminated pathways to experience their surreal beauty up close.
● Jigokudani Snow Monkeys (Nagano)
Tucked into the mountains of Nagano, the famous snow monkeys of Jigokudani bask in natural hot springs as snow falls around them. Watching these wild macaques soak and groom each other amid the steamy pools is both heartwarming and utterly unique. A short hike through snow-covered trails adds to the adventure.
● Korankei Gorge (Aichi)
Even as snow starts to fall, Korankei Gorge retains its fiery palette of red and gold maple leaves well into December. The vibrant hues reflect in the river below, creating a dreamy scene. It’s one of Japan’s lesser-known but most picturesque spots for a late-autumn walk.
● Kairakuen Plum Blossom Festival (Ibaraki)
Famous as one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, Kairakuen bursts into color each winter with over 3,000 blooming plum trees. Their sweet fragrance fills the air, while traditional tea ceremonies and cultural performances give visitors a taste of Japan’s refined seasonal celebrations.
● Oishi Tea Farms (Shizuoka)
Nestled near Mount Fuji, the Oishi Tea Farms offer stunning views of snow-dusted tea terraces against the iconic peak. Visitors can enjoy the crisp winter air while sampling freshly brewed tea or exploring the quiet serenity of this perfectly framed winter wonderland.
● Icicles of Misotsuchi (Saitama)
Nature’s frozen masterpiece, the icicles of Misotsuchi form along a rugged gorge each winter. Lit with dazzling colors at night, the shimmering formations take on an ethereal glow. Perfect for an evening stroll, this natural wonder is a photographer’s dream.
Warm up with the winter cuisine
A bowl of piping hot ramen to warm up your body.
More than a feast for the eyes—Japan’s winter is a season of rich, warming flavors that invite you to slow down and savor. Bowls of steaming soba noodles topped with crisp tempura become comfort food on snowy evenings, while brothy soups like oden and nabe bring families together around a shared pot.
Contrary to what you may think, strawberries, grown in winter greenhouses, are at their sweetest, and picking your own is an experience as fresh as the fruit itself. Whether it’s the warmth of a shared meal or the thrill of plucking ripe strawberries straight from the vine, winter in Japan is as fresh as it is flavorful.
Winter foods to try (and where to find them)
● Oden (Kanagawa)
This winter comfort food is all about simplicity and warmth. Simmered in a delicate dashi broth, oden features a mix of daikon radish, boiled eggs, fish cakes, and tofu that soak up the savory flavor. The best way to enjoy it? At a bustling yatai stall in Yokohama, where locals gather to chase the chill away with steaming bowls and lively conversation.
● Shinshu Soba (Nagano)
Nagano’s signature buckwheat noodles are a winter staple. Served in a hot, flavorful broth and often topped with crisp tempura or seasonal vegetables, Shinshu soba is pure comfort food. Matsumoto’s traditional soba houses offer an authentic setting to savor this dish, with views of snow-topped rooftops adding to the experience.
● Strawberry Picking (Tochigi)
Winter in Tochigi means strawberries at their sweetest. At farms like Ichigo-no-Sato, you can pick ruby-red berries straight from the vine. These greenhouse-grown gems are juicy, fragrant, and best enjoyed fresh—plucked and eaten on the spot for a burst of sunshine on a chilly day.
● Hida Nabe (Gifu)
A bubbling hot pot of local meats, tofu, and fresh vegetables cooked in a rich miso or soy-based broth, Hida nabe is a soul-warming dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Ryokans in Takayama serve it alongside other regional specialties, making it the perfect end to a snowy day exploring this historic town.
Sink into a soothing onsen
Capybaras at Izu Shaboten Zoo enjoying a hot bath
When the air turns crisp, Japan’s onsens become havens of warmth and tranquility. These natural hot springs, steeped in centuries of tradition, are more than just a place to relax—they’re a window into Japan’s cultural heart. Each onsen has its own mineral-rich waters believed to heal ailments and rejuvenate the soul, from easing muscle tension to promoting glowing skin.
Commonly nestled in either remote mountain towns or overlooking serene rivers, an onsen soak is the ultimate spa experience.
Onsen culture is deeply ingrained in Japanese life, with rituals like rinsing before entering the communal baths and soaking up the quiet serenity of the experience. Winter brings a special kind of magic, where snow-dusted landscapes frame open-air baths, making each dip feel like a warm hug in nature’s icy grip.
Onsen towns to explore
An overview of some quaint onsen towns around Tokyo (Image Credit: TokudAw Inc)
● Gunma – Takaragawa Onsen
Nestled along a picturesque river, Takaragawa Onsen offers open-air baths that are nothing short of enchanting in winter. Surrounded by snow-covered pines and the gentle sounds of flowing water, this expansive onsen is a serene escape into nature's beauty.
● Nagano – Togura Kamiyamada Onsen
This historic hot spring town combines soothing thermal waters with a rich cultural vibe. Enjoy a soak with views of the Chikuma River, then wander the streets to discover traditional inns, local sake, and performances of Nagano’s regional folklore.
● Gifu – Gero Onsen
Known as one of Japan’s top three onsens, Gero Onsen is famed for its silky, healing waters. Stay at a cozy ryokan and enjoy the charm of this quaint town, where public baths and scenic foot baths invite visitors to relax at their own pace.
● Niigata – Shiuba Toge Onsen
Tucked away in the mountains, Shiuba Toge Onsen feels like a hidden treasure. The tranquil baths offer panoramic views of snowy peaks, making it the perfect retreat for those seeking peace and quiet amid nature.
● Yamanashi – Kawaguchiko Onsen
Soak in an open-air bath with unrivaled views of Mount Fuji towering above. The onsen around Lake Kawaguchi blend rejuvenation with iconic scenery, offering a postcard-perfect winter experience like no other.
Visiting Japan in winter—what will you get up to?
Japan's winter isn't a spectator sport—it's an invitation. An invitation to sip hot tea under a canopy of lanterns, to wander through snow-laden forests where silence feels sacred, to taste flavors that only come alive when the air turns crisp. It's about moments that don't fit into a brochure because they're yours alone to discover.
But driving icy roads and unearthing hidden gems can be tricky, especially when the best spots aren't on the usual maps. Japan Private Driver’s services may be of interest to you.
We are experts in the Kanto region around Tokyo and can design custom itineraries that wrap your interests into a smooth journey, complete with private drivers who know every twist and turn of winter's terrain. No stress, just the freedom to immerse yourself fully in the experience.
Ready to experience Japan’s winter your way? No skis required? We’re here to make it easy (and magical!).
