For those people out there with a bad case of wanderlust, Japan is the place to go! It’s mysterious, breathtakingly beautiful, alluring, and culturally unique. Most people with Japan on their bucket list dream of going in the spring during cherry blossom season, but have you ever thought about travelling here during the winter? Japan becomes a snowy, wintery wonderland, and here are just a few of the many reasons why you should visit Japan in the winter!

It’s Quiet - A big part of the image of travel in Japan is being one in a crowd of people. Tokyo is inseparable from its sea of people in the streets. But the country slows down in the winter. The streets aren’t as busy, and there’s not as many tourists. If you prefer a trip away from crowds, Japan in winter is the perfect stop for you.

You Can Visit the Sapporo Snow Festival - Although the winter months in Hokkaido, Japan are especially cold, it’s worth the trip for the Sapporo Snow Festival. For 2 weeks at the beginning of February, Hokkaido turns into a winter wonderland. The festival features some of the most beautiful and intricate ice sculptures, as well as tons of other snowy attractions like mazes and snowmen building contests.

New Years Eve is a MUST - In Japan, New Years is no joke. It’s considered to be one of the most important holidays. This means that there is no shortage of celebrations. Tokyo does a massive countdown at Tokyo Tower, and many nightclubs and businesses host special events! Many Japanese locals will also take their families to temples and shrines to pray for good fortune for the upcoming year.

There’s Snow Monkeys - In Yudanaka, hidden in the mountains of the Nagano Prefecture, Japanese macaques bathe in the onsen hot springs. The best place to view these adorable creatures is at the Yudanaka Jigokudani Monkey Park.

You Can See the Zao Ice Trees - At the Zao Ski Resort, a phenomena happens each year in the winter. Juhyo, or ice trees, are the trees that are covered in snow in odd shapes, making them look like monsters. If you stay overnight at the resort, make sure to go and see the ice trees when they’re illuminated by colorful lights.

Witness the Red-Crowned Crane Mating Dance - Since you’re already in Hokkaido for the Sapporo Snow Festival, you HAVE to make a stop at the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary. Year-round, you can see the stunning red-crowned cranes. These birds represent good luck and longevity in Japan, and according to the legends, they live over 100 years. Red-crowned cranes mate for life, and in the winter months, they perform their courtship dances, expanding their wings to the full 2 meters. The whole experience is loud and quite funny to see (for a video of the mating dance, click here!).

You Can Visit Nabana no Sato - All across the country during the winter season, Japan puts on spectacular Christmas light shows for people to visit, view, and enjoy. One of the most amazing illumination events to go to is the Nabana no Sato amusement park in the Mie Prefecture. The biggest feature is the “Tunnel of Lights”, which brings people in from all around. The Nabana no Sato illumination festival goes from late autumn to early spring.

You Can Stay at Shirakawago - In Central Japan, hidden in the Gifu Prefecture, lies a traditional Japanese village. Shirakawago is small, rustic, and surrounded by the most beautiful natural scenery. In the winter, the snow adds an extra touch of magic to Shirakawago. The village also hosts light-up events, where the whole village is illuminated.

Japan is a winter wonderland for those who get to experience it. It’s full of magic, stunning scenery, and beautiful wildlife. Have we convinced you that it’s time to take your winter vacation in Japan? Acanela offers year-round departures to Japan! A trip with Acanela could include bento cooking classes, a traditional tea ceremony, and many more cultural activities! For more information, click here, or email expeditions@acanela.com

Post written by Demitria Rounis