Winter in Tokyo is crisp and clear, with chances to ski down nearby slopes, soak in hot springs, and enjoy the quiet traditions of the New Year.
Wrapping up and trying some delicious warm sake is a pretty perfect way to imagine a wintery trip to Japan. There are some real perks to visiting the country at a quieter time of the year. And plenty of ways to keep warm, whether it’s fiery festivals or hot springs surrounded by snow. Read on to learn more about Tokyo in wintertime.
Tip: If you’re not sure which season suits you best, we have a guide on when to visit Tokyo with all the pros and cons. Also, don’t miss out on our summer, spring, and autumn guides!
Jump to:
Tokyo’s winter weather: Clear and chilly
Winter is a beautiful season to be in Japan, but you have to keep warm. Temperatures average out at about 50 °F (10 °C), but luckily it’s mostly dry, with only a handful of rainy days each month. Snow in Tokyo is never too intense, so unless you’re heading up north or plan to go skiing, you won’t need to worry about getting snowed in. (Northern Japan does have more extreme winter weather, and the mountains close to Tokyo can also have very different climates. If you plan to visit these areas, then make sure you have decent clothing and especially suitable shoes).
If you’re truly cold averse, we have some Cheapo tips for surviving the winter months.
What to wear in winter in Tokyo
As always, layers are the answer — even more so in the depths of Japanese winter. You’ll find yourself hopping between chilly streets and overly heated shops and trains, so be sure to have a few options you can easily open or remove so you don’t overheat.
Uniqlo’s Heattech range, which keeps you extra toasty without being too thick is an excellent option if you’re not keen on bringing a bunch of bulky layers with you.
Unlike the shops and trains, however, Japanese homes are pretty poor when it comes to heating and insulation. If you’re staying in an older vacation rental or a traditional ryokan, you may find it a bit chillier than you’re used to, but you will gain a new appreciation for heated toilet seats and the kotatsu (a heated table). Make sure to pack a few comfy layers too for relaxing — you can’t sit under the kotatsu forever (although you totally can!).
Things to do: Skiing, soaking, and sightseeing
Three main things signify winter in Japan, and they’re all pretty great. Skiing and snowboarding have long been major draws, while soaking in a hot spring is the perfect way to relax your muscles after a day on the slopes. Then there are all the incredible illuminations around Tokyo, especially perfect if you have a warm drink in hand.
Skiing and Snowboarding
There are a surprising amount of ski resorts you can visit from Tokyo, and we have a guide to finding groups to go with if you don’t fancy being a solo-skiier. If you need to pick up the gear, we have tips on that, too.
Soak in hot springs
Onsen are the savior of winter in Japan (whether you ski or not), especially once you get over the nakedness and etiquette fear. Choose between naturally heated hot springs and the public baths known as sentō. We have details on the best onsen in Tokyo as well as some great escapes if you want to go on a weekend away!
Day trips
There are some unique natural phenomenon that take place in winter, from onsen-soaking snow moneys to snow tunnels as tall as a house. We have a collection of the best wintery day trips to take from Tokyo (and how to get to there).
For more ideas on what to do in winter read our full round-up of all the best seasonal activities!
Seasonal foods
From steaming trays of oden in the convenience store to the body and soul-warming joy of a nabe hot pot with friends, winter food is a treat.
While some of the foods are easily pegged with winter, some are a little less obvious. Tofu is available year round but considered at its best in winter as it comes at the end of soybean season.
Citrus fruits like yuzu and mikan are also at their peak in winter.
One of the most surprising is strawberries, which top Japanese-style Christmas cakes. Read on for more of the top winter foods, including poisonous fugu!
In addition to a seasonal focus, there’s also a large cultural element to winter food (and we’re not talking about KFC or that interpretation of a Christmas cake either). Osechi ryori is the traditional New Year food, and consists of countless small dishes each representing hopes for the upcoming year. While midnight is a time for a simple bowl of soba, osechi is served during the day on January 1 and usually needs to be ordered in advance. If you’re here over the New Year and fancy trying it, we have a guide to some affordable osechi options.
The best festivals and events
Bringing a little heat to the festival scene, winter is a time for fire-walking as well as New Year cleansings, sumo tournaments, bean throwing, and plum blossom festivals!
- The Chichibu Yomatsuri is one of the big three float festivals in Japan and it’s held at night, so enjoy the lanterns!
- The Akibasan Fire Festival in Odawara is a fiery display with a chance to test your feet on the hot coals!
- The 47 Ronin Winter Festival is a sombre event with a graveside ceremony held at Sengakuji Temple.
- The Sensoji Hagoita-Ichi fair is one of three events selling beautifully decorated ornamental bats that bring good luck.
- The Oji Inari-jinja Shrine Fox Parade celebrates an ancient Japanese legend of costumed foxes visiting the shrine to bring in the year.
- The Geikosai New Year’s Festival on Mt. Takao starts at midnight and continues into the following day with fire rituals.
- The Torigoe Shrine Tondoyaki gives you the chance to burn your New Year decorations and get some good-luck smoke.
- The January Grand Sumo Tournament is one of six that happen annually, and seats can be had for surprisingly reasonable prices.
- Setsubun is a bean-throwing celebration that takes place on February 3rd every year at temples across Japan.
- Winter illuminations can be found all over Tokyo and are perfect for strolling and soaking in the festive season.
- Plum blossom festivals allow you to embrace the earliest precursor to spring with all the fun of cherry blossom but none of the crowds!
