Lonely PlanetOct 30, 2026Japan in Winter: Snowy Mountains, Steaming Baths and Seasonal DishesEmbrace the cold in Japan, where powder-covered mountains, hot springs and warming stews join a quieter vibe and less-expensive accommodations.13 things in this storyZaō-sanSightmountain for skiingElsewhereSusukinoTrain stationSapporo, Japanoffers ice statues in the entertainment districtChurei-tō pagodaSightFuji-Yoshida, Japanpagoda in Fuji-YoshidaLonely Planet appPlaceJapanapp for planning your tripJapan guidebookPlaceJapanguidebook for planning your tripYōtei-zanSightNiseko, Japanmountain with views from NisekoNozawa Onsen Snow ResortSightNozawa Onsen, Japanone of the best ski destinations in HonshūShirahone OnsenSightMatsumoto, Japanstunning when blanketed in snowŌdōri-kōenSightSapporo, Japanlocation of biggest snow and ice sculpturesTsudomeSightSapporo, Japanwelcomes families to play in the snowBanpaku-kōenSightOsaka, Japanlocation of the Ramen ExpoTokyo DomeSightTokyo, Japanvenue for Tokyo Furusato MatsuriRyōgoku KokugikanSightTokyo, Japanvenue for the first grand sumo tournament of the yearRead the full piece at Lonely Planet →
