5 minute read:
The Magic of Japan in Winter
Winter in Japan brings a different kind of beauty – quiet temples dusted in snow, steaming hot springs surrounded by mountains, and vibrant winter festivals that light up the night. It’s the perfect season for travellers who want to see the country’s cultural and natural treasures without the summer crowds.
At Journey to the East, our Japan winter tours are crafted for those who value depth, authenticity, and comfort. Each private winter tour of Japan is designed around your pace and interests – whether that means seeing the snow monkeys, soaking in an onsen, or marvelling at the Sapporo Snow Festival.
The cities and villages have a special atmosphere especially around the New Year’s Day; people are stocking up food for family gatherings, decorating houses and streets, attending rituals and events. Winter is also the best season to enjoy many famous Japanese dishes like sushi, hotpot, noodles and sake.
Why Choose a Private Winter Tour of Japan
Travelling through Japan in winter can be incredibly rewarding – but also requires thoughtful planning to make the most of the season. A private winter tour of Japan ensures every detail is tailored to your comfort.
- Flexibility: Adjust the pace or itinerary each day depending on the weather or your ideal activity level. Allowing for potential traffic disruption in case of adverse weather eg. heavy snow will be professionally handled.
- Comfort: Enjoy private transfers, handpicked accommodation, and warm local hospitality. For example we can select a ryokan with a private onsen bath if that is a preference (tattoo friendly, too). Learn more about accommodation styles in Japan.
- Authenticity: Experience Japan beyond the tourist trail – meet locals, visit artisan workshops, and enjoy regional food. We will take you to quieter and more peaceful places away from the large number of ski tourists in winter.
- Ease: Your Japan specialist handles all logistics, from train tickets to luggage transfers. The trains will be heavily booked around the New Year’s Day. We will curate your itinerary to avoid the over-congested travels.
Highlights of Japan Winter Tours
Japan’s winter landscape offers an extraordinary range of experiences. Whether you prefer adventure or relaxation, these highlights are among the most requested additions to our Japan winter tours:
- Snow Monkeys in Nagano: Watch wild Japanese macaques warming themselves in natural hot springs – one of Japan’s most iconic winter scenes.
- Sapporo Snow Festival: A must-see event featuring world-famous ice and snow sculptures.
- Hokkaido’s Drift Ice and Wildlife: Discover the frozen beauty of the Sea of Okhotsk and spot rare red-crested cranes in Kushiro.
- Onsen Escapes: Stay in traditional ryokans and enjoy hot-spring bathing while snow falls outside.
- Cultural Encounters: Visit Ainu heritage sites, explore Hakodate’s history, and taste seasonal Hokkaido cuisine.
- Winter activities: Apart from skiing and snow boarding, there are a range of winter activities such as snowshoe walking, ice staking, and being entertained in a ‘kamakura’, a traditional snow dome built for winter festivals.
Sample Itinerary Inspiration: From Central Japan to Hokkaido
Our curated Japan winter tours draw inspiration from our signature itineraries – such as the Snow Spectacular Tour of Japan and the White Christmas Tour of Japan – while offering the flexibility to create your own path.
You might start in Tokyo and stay a few days to explore the winter rituals of the capital. From here, you can make an overnight trip to the nearby Mt Fuji area to enjoy the snow-capped mountain and hot spring spa. Travel further into central Japan to Nagano and visit Snow Monkey Park and snow-covered villages. Then then continue to Kanazawa and Kyoto, where temples and gardens glisten under fresh snow.
You may like to extend your trip further north to the popular Hokkaido for winter festivals and snowy landscapes. For those seeking a slower journey, we can adapt itineraries to focus on fewer destinations with more immersive stays – perfect for travellers who prefer a relaxed yet rewarding private winter tour of Japan.
Planning Your Winter Adventure
Booking a Japan winter tour with Journey to the East means partnering with experts who know the season inside out. From timing your trip around the best snowfall to choosing the perfect onsen ryokan, every element is planned with precision and care.
Here’s how we make it seamless:
- Share your vision: Tell us what you’d love to experience in Japan next winter.
- Customise your itinerary: Our Japan specialists design a personalised plan tailored to your interests.
- Travel with confidence: Enjoy your journey knowing every detail – from transfers to local guides – is taken care of.
For inspiration, explore our Private Tours – the foundation for building your perfect private winter tour in Japan.
Final Thoughts
Japan’s winter season offers something for every traveller – serenity, celebration, and discovery. With Journey to the East, your Japan winter tour becomes more than a holiday; it’s a deeply personal exploration of the country’s culture, cuisine, and character. If you would like a stress-free and error-free holiday experience, just contact us and you’ll have Japan travel specialist work with you to create a holiday of a life-time.