10 enthralling winter destinations in Japan

From gleaming Christmas illuminations to spectacular ice festivals, winter in Japan will absolutely satisfy your wanderlust and quench your thirst for fun, in a lot of ways. Skyscanner has a list of the best winter destinations in Japan.

1. Niseko, Hokkaido

The stunning powdery white slopes of Niseko, Hokkaido. (Getty Images)

Ever wanted to experience a mind-blowing snowboarding adventure? Why not book a flight to Japan, and head to Niseko in winter?

Nestled in the southwest side of Hokkaido, this beautifully white town is blanketed by more than 14 meters of snow every winter, making it the ultimate winter destination for powder-hungry boarders and skiers. Plus, Niseko boasts a plethora of options for boarders and skiers with over 40-kilometer of groomed slopes, 35 lifts and 50 runs. To top it all off, it’s got sprawling swathes of back-country beauty and awesomeness.

2. Sapporo, Hokkaido

A beautiful powdery spot in Sapporo, Hokkaido. (Getty Images)

They don’t call the Sapporo Snow Festival as one of the world’s best and most exciting winter festivals for nothing. Every winter, this icy gala transforms the city into a winter wonderland jam-packed with treats and surprises.

When the Sapporo Snow festival sets in, about 55,000 people across the world flock to the city to catch sight of its gigantic ice sculptures adorned with gleaming lights and elaborate decorations. As an added bonus, these powdery white works of art have a variety of themes, from iconic landmarks to blockbuster films like Lion King, Avatar and Stars Wars.

But, make no mistake about it – there’s more to Sapporo in winter than its incredible snow festival. Like most typical modern-day Japanese cities, Sapporo has a medley of attractions to offer to its visitors, such as the Sapporo TV Tower, Clock Tower and Sapporo Beer Museum. Of course, it also has sporting events, concerts and fun-filled activities in store for travelers in winter.

3. Tokyo

The dazzling Xmas illuminations in Tokyo, Japan. (Getty Images)

Tokyo, though it doesn’t have a world-famous winter festival and heaps of ski resorts, still rightfully deserves a spot in our list of places to visit in Japan in winter.

A dream destination for every certified Juan wanderer, Tokyo is, after all, a bright and dazzling hub in wintertime, brimming with eye-catching, twinkling illuminations and breath-snatching holiday decorations. And with fewer crowds of tourists in winter, you’ll have the top sights and attractions in Tokyo all yourself, including the Meiji Shrine, Mount Takao, Imperial Palace East garden and Hama Rikyu. And, did we mention that it has plenty of amazing bargains to offer to shopaholics in winter?

4. Osaka

The stunning and majestic Osaka Castle. (Getty Images)

Just because Osaka isn’t as popular as Tokyo, it doesn’t mean it’s less spectacular, as compared to the Japanese capital. Whether you’re visiting it in winter or summer, you’ll love the city’s enthralling offerings, including culinary delights, shopping and historic sites.

For photography junkies, history buffs and culture vultures, a must-see here is the renowned Osaka Castle – one of the most iconic sights and landmarks in all of Japan. While there, don’t forget to check out Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple – Shitennō-ji.

Like Tokyo, Osaka has bargained deals for an assortment of times during winter. To enjoy a fascinating shopping spree without breaking the bank, drop by the city’s shopping districts, like Umeda, Shinsaibashi, Namba and Dōtonbori.

5. Kyoto

The ethereal Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan. (Getty Images)

Once you’ve seen the best of Osaka in winter, take a quick train ride to the mesmerizing historic city of Kyoto. With its historic significance as Japan’s Imperial Capital, the city was spared the destructive atomic bombs during the Second World War. Here, you’ll get to visit hundreds of shrines and temples that stood the best of time. Not to mention, the city host a perse and colorful lineup of events and concerts during winter.

6. Okinawa

The world famous aquatic museum of Okinawa, Japan. (Photo credit: Flickr/Okinawa Churaumi Suizokukan/doctorho/CC-BY)

Looking for a warmer place to spend your winter in Japan? Then, make sure to consider Okinawa as one of your top options! Billed aptly as the “Hawaii of Japan”, the southernmost prefecture in Japan beckons Japanese travelers and foreign tourists with its subtropical climate and gorgeous islands.

Furthermore, Okinawa is a terrific snorkeling and ping spot, blessed with abundance marine life. For those who want to see beautiful marine life without going down deep, you may also visit the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium – one of the world’s largest aquariums and home to a ton of deep sea creatures, like mantra rays and humongous whale sharks.

To top it all off, a visit to Okinawa in late January to early February (still winter in Japan) will let you admire the earliest cherry blossoms in all of Japan.

7. Shirakawago, Gifu

The beautiful traditional houses covered magnificently in white. (Photo credit: Flickr/Shirakawago 1/Roger Walch/CC-BY)

Although it’s enjoyable year round, this traditional Japanese village is best visited winter. With its beloved thatched roofs covered wonderfully in snow, you’ll have a blast snapping photos of its outstanding wintry European-like scenery. For an unforgettable winter escape in Shirakawago, stay at a farmhouse overnight, to gaze on the historic hamlet, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lit up beautifully at night.

8. Fuji Five Lakes

A beautiful view of the iconic Mount Fuji. (Getty Images)

Outside of summertime, you can’t climb the perfectly-shaped Mount Fuji. But the good news is, winter is the best time to see this Japanese icon, with a guaranteed snow-capped peak and clearer skies. Just a short ride from Tokyo via rail or bus, the area offers an epic experience for photographers and travelers in winter.

9. Hakuba, Nagano

The striking winter scenery of Hakuba, Nagano. (Getty Images)

Thanks to the 1998 Winter Olympics, Hakuba and the rest of Nagano Prefecture are now on the radar for many snow sports enthusiasts around the world. Located perfectly in the Northern Alps of Japan, Hakuba is truly one of the most popular resorts in the country, with 9 resorts and around 200 different ski runs, ranging from easy slopes for children to complex advanced mogul runs.

10. Kamakura

The gigantic Buddha statue of Kamakura. (Getty Images)

Tokyo is, hands down, one of the world’s coolest modern metropolises. But, if you want to infuse a sprinkle of old-world charm to your winter getaway, head to the ancient city of Kamakura. You definitely won’t miss the town’s biggest attraction – The Great Buddha of Kamakura – since it’s one of the world’s largest Buddha statues. But, the city’s real winter splendor lies in its ethereal back streets, which conjure images of the bygone eras./.

According to Skyscanner