Japan winter tours showcase some of the country’s most magical cold-season experiences, from deep powder snow and festive winter events to tranquil hot springs and snow-dusted cultural sites.
Many tours focus on Japan’s renowned ski and snowboarding destinations. Regions like Hokkaido and Nagano Prefecture regularly deliver top-quality snow, perfect for both first-time skiers and seasoned powder hunters.
Winter tours often coincide with spectacular seasonal festivals, such as the iconic Sapporo Snow Festival, featuring hundreds of snow and ice sculptures and festive lights.
For a relaxing contrast to outdoor activities, many tours include visits to onsens (hot springs) — a magical experience when surrounded by snowy scenery.
Expect to see snow-dusted temples, historic villages, snowy mountain vistas, and quiet winter landscapes — a serene, atmospheric side of Japan rarely experienced outside winter.
Compared with peak cherry-blossom or autumn foliage seasons, winter tends to be less crowded (except in major ski and festival areas), offering a more relaxed pace and a chance to enjoy Japan’s quieter charm.
Japan winter tours come in many flavours. Use the guide below to decide which tour style best matches your interests and travel goals.
While every itinerary is unique, most Japan winter tours weave together a selection of these common themes:
A well-planned winter tour often combines multiple themes so you can enjoy active snow days, cultural highlights, and slow, relaxing moments in one trip.
To make the most of your Japan winter adventure, keep these practical tips in mind before you choose and book your tour:
Japan’s winter season typically runs from December through February. December marks the start of winter vibes and city illuminations, while January and February are prime months for reliable snow, ski resorts in full operation, and major snow festivals.
Not at all. While many tours highlight skiing and snowboarding, others focus on snow scenery, hot springs, cultural sites, and seasonal festivals. These options are ideal for travellers who want to enjoy winter without spending every day on the slopes.
Pack warm thermal layers, waterproof and windproof outerwear, sturdy shoes or boots with good grip, gloves, and hats. Accessories like scarves and hand warmers can make a big difference. In snow-heavy areas, waterproof boots with slip-resistant soles are highly recommended for comfort and safety.
Yes. Visiting an onsen in winter, surrounded by snow, is one of the most popular and memorable Japan experiences. Many winter tours include onsen stays at traditional inns or day trips to hot-spring towns as a highlight of the itinerary.
It depends on the region and daily weather. Northern and mountainous areas can receive heavy snowfall that occasionally affects transport. However, much of Japan — especially major cities and well-connected regions — remains accessible thanks to well-maintained rail and road networks. Choosing tours with reliable transport arrangements helps ensure smoother winter travel.
swimming with turtles was amazing! cristina, one of the crew member, helped us spot and follow.
great family time, we all had fun!
The bus tour was a great way to explore two UNESCO villages even on a very rainy day. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and funny giving us tips along the way in both Japanese and English.
We were a small group of j... more
It was a great experiance. Tanks to the Team of Veltra.
We had a lot of free time to spend in the villages. The guide and driver were both very experienced and well organized.
We loved the lunch in an traditional restaurant in a very small village. ( Only 9 houses).
We can... more
I brought my 10mo old son on my own, and this tour was amazing. I did a detailed review on my blog post here: http://www.arielland.com/2020/03/baby-traveler-kanazawa-and-shirakawago.html (or my YouTube vlog here: https:/... more
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