How to Survive Winter in Japan - What to Wear, Where to See Snow, and More!

When Is Winter in Japan?

Winter in Japan spans December to February, often peaking in late January and early February. However, the weather and severity of winter in Japan depends entirely on the region. Large cities on mainland Japan like Tokyo and Osaka tend to have chilly but dry and sunny winters, and rarely experience snow. On the other hand, alpine regions, cities on the Sea of Japan, and much of northern Japan (like the Tohoku and Hokkaido regions) experience heavy snow through much of winter and even in late autumn and early spring.

Tip: Looking for fun things to do in winter? Here's our 20 Best Things to Do in Japan’s Cold Season

This makes it important to research and plan your winter Japan itinerary. If you want to enjoy snow, you’ll likely be disappointed just visiting Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. On the other hand, you may find that some of the areas you wanted to visit are inaccessible due to snowfall. Below, we’ll walk you through the winter conditions in each region of Japan, so no matter what you’ve got planned, you’ll know exactly where to go!

Tip: For more detailed information on weather in Japan, check out our feature articles:
・When Is the Best Time to Visit Tokyo?
・When Is the Best Time to Visit Kyoto?
・When Is the Best Time to Visit Osaka?
・When Is the Best Time to Visit Fukuoka?
・When Is the Best Time to Visit Okinawa?
・When Is the Best Time to Visit Hokkaido?

Hokkaido

In Hokkaido, winter weather starts from November and stretches all the way to April. Cities and towns like Sapporo, Niseko, Tokachi, and Rusutsu experience significant snowfall, and have many mountains to ski and snowboard on.

Temperature-wise, January and February are the coldest months, with the average temperature hovering around -4°C (25°F) in Sapporo. Other areas of Hokkaido, like the central Furano, average around -8°C (17°F) in January, making it a bit colder. Come March and April, temperatures will rise but are usually still below 8°C (46°F). So, if you’re visiting Hokkaido in winter, full winter gear, including snowboots, puffer jackets, etc., are a must.

For more detailed information, read our guide to Hokkaido's weather and climate.

Tohoku

Tohoku is the northern region of mainland Japan, comprising the prefectures of Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Yamagata, Miyagi, and Fukushima. Being so far north and very mountainous, it experiences similar climate conditions to Hokkaido, with intense cold, biting winds, and deep snow. Aomori, for example, has an average low temperature of -3.5°C and average high of 1.8°C in January. So, be sure to wear the same clothing you would in Hokkaido.

However, winter is a bit shorter in Tohoku, and typically lasts until the end of March before spring weather gradually takes over.

Kanto and Kansai

Kanto and Kansai are the eastern and western sides of central Japan. This stretch includes major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. While Kanto and Kansai are different regions, their winters are quite similar, lasting from December to February and being fairly mild excluding alpine areas. Generally, travelers can enjoy bright, sunny days and dry weather.

Tokyo’s winter peaks in January and February, ranging from averages of about 1ºC-3ºC (33°F-37°F) to around 10ºC (50°F). Rainy days are few and far between, with just around 57 mm each month, a significant drop compared to the over 200 mm in the typhoon-prone September. Osaka and Kyoto follow similar trends. A little snowfall isn’t unusual in these cities, but it often doesn’t stick unless it’s significantly colder than average.

Overall, winter is an excellent time to get outdoors and explore Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and surroundings with just basic winter clothing to protect you.

 

Chubu

Chubu is the central area of Japan that lies between Kanto and Kansai. The side facing the Pacific Ocean experiences mild winters similar to that of Tokyo, but its mountainous inland and Sea of Japan sides are significantly more wintery.

Prefectures like Niigata, Nagano, and Toyama are filled with vast snowcapped mountain ranges, while the cities that dot the coastline are blasted by powerful Siberian winds. Through most of winter, this entire region is blanketed in snow. This makes it another popular place for winter spots, with Nagano hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics.

While not as intense as Tohoku and Hokkaido, those visiting the mountainous inland regions of mainland Japan or cities on the Sea of Japan in winter would do well to don full winter clothing and snowboots.

Shikoku

Shikoku is a large island of four prefectures (Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi) located just off mainland Japan in the Seto Inland Sea. It undergoes fairly mild winters as the Seto Inland Sea provides a mild climate similar to the Mediterranean.

Like most of mainland Japan, winter in Shikoku lasts from December to February, with the lowest temperature hovering between 1ºC-2ºC (33°F-35°F) and the highest temperature hovering between 10ºC-13ºC (50°F-55°F). Perfect for travelers to embark on the 88-temple pilgrimage and get in touch with their spiritual self! However, central Shikoku is very mountainous, so expect some snowfall and colder temperatures if you’re heading inland.

Kyushu

Kyushu is Japan's third largest island, located southwest of Honshu and connected to the mainland by bridge. Like Shikoku, it enjoys mild winters that last from December to February, with little snowfall and many cloudy days. Temperatures tend to be more forgiving here, with the average hovering around a tolerable 7°C (45°F) in Fukuoka, dropping down to an average low of 2°C (35.6°F) in January.

We also have a guide dedicated to Fukuoka's climate by month for those planning a vacation to the region!

Okinawa

Dreaming of cherry blossoms but only visiting Japan in January? Okinawa's got you covered! Okinawa offers a stunning display of blooming cherry trees from late January to early February. With average winter temperatures around 18°C (64°F), you'll experience a mild and pleasant climate to boot. Even the coldest days typically don't dip below 15°C (59°F), so leave the heavy coats at home!

Tip: Check out our month-by-month guide to Okinawa weather!

What To Wear In Winter in Japan

Hokkaido, Tohoku, Chubu

For travelers visiting Hokkaido, Tohoku, and snow-heavy regions in Chubu, investing in a sturdy pair of winter boots is essential. Features like waterproof material and deep treads will protect your feet and yourself from slipping on the ice. Combine this with inner thermal insulation and a thick down jacket, beanie, and gloves.

Kanto, Kansai, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Other Mild Regions

If your sightseeing is limited to classic destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or even out to Shikoku and Kyushu, then sticking to a 3-layer rule should serve your needs: a base layer, a middle layer, and an outer layer.

The base layer is typically a thermal garment that helps to warm your core. Then cover up with regular layers of pants, a shirt, and a sweater, and then finally stick on a warm coat or lighter down jacket. Make sure you don’t overdress, as you may start to feel hot, particularly if you’re doing a lot of walking. A lighter, stylish jacket that you can strip off easily should do the trick.

Okinawa

Those heading over to Okinawa will be relieved to know that instead of packing multiple layers of winter wear, you should be able to get by with just a light sweater and pants at the most!

Famous Japanese Winter Clothing Shops

1. Uniqlo

With a solid presence both in Japan and overseas, Uniqlo specializes in simple yet chic designs at wallet-friendly prices. More importantly, it has revolutionized the winter wear industry with its innovations like HEATTECH inner wear, which preserves heat via air pockets created in between fine woven fibers. Uniqlo's winter clothes are also usually lightweight, saving luggage space.

2. GU

Did you know that Fast Retailing, the company that owns Uniqlo, also runs a popular fast fashion brand called GU? If you love the prices at Uniqlo, your eyes will widen with glee at the even cheaper offerings at GU!

GU also appeals to fashionistas keeping to a budget. Unlike Uniqlo, which focuses on functionality, GU regularly launches cutting-edge designs that add a touch of fresh style to the wardrobe without breaking the bank.

3. MontBell

For outdoor enthusiasts willing to spend money on high-quality clothing and gear, Japan’s Montbell is a sure-fire choice. Its founder was an avid mountaineer, and he made his products able to handle all kinds of conditions without faltering.

Montbell down jackets are made from resilient shell fabric and advanced quilting techniques, so not only are they able to withstand the rain and wind, but they are also lightweight. Montbell's DRY-TEC Insulated Light Pants similarly insulate the lower half of the body.

Conquer the Cold: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Winter in Japan

This comprehensive guide to winter in Japan will put you on the right path to conquering Japan's cold and making the most of your trip. Share it with your friends and fellow travelers so they can benefit from this valuable information too!