Discover the beautiful winter of Japan! 15 “Spectacular Winter Views” in Japan

Japan/Sightseeing/Winter/////

A “spectacular view” that can only be seen in winter

In Japan, which has four distinct seasons, there are “winter sceneries,” impressive winter scenery that can only be encountered in winter.

Shirakawa-go and Ginzan Onsen are covered with snow, and Kenrokuen Garden is decorated with snow hangings. The dynamic nature of winter, such as “juhyo” (tree ice) and “drift ice” (drift ice). The winter festivals and other events that allow visitors to feel the warmth of the people living in the area also strike a chord with visitors. Why don’t you come and see such “spectacular winter scenery” this winter?

Historic landscapes and superb views of famous gardens

Yamagata prefecture (Tohoku area)

Ginzan Onsen

Ginzan Onsen” in Yamagata Prefecture has the aroma of Taisho Romanticism. This nostalgic hot spring town, which has been the setting of a TV drama, attracts many tourists who come to enjoy not only the hot springs but also the atmospheric and beautiful scenery. On a winter night, the soft light of the gas lamps illuminating the snow-covered hot spring town is so beautiful that it is almost as if you have stepped back in time. You will be transported to an extraordinary world.

AddressGinzan Onsen, Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
Access [Train / Bus] Approx. 40 min. by bus from “Oshida” station on the JR Ou Main Line and Yamagata Shinkansen.
Car】About 60 minutes by car from Higashine IC on Tohoku Chuo Expressway
Official websiteGinzanOnsen

Gifu prefecture (Chuubu area)

Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture, registered as a World Heritage site, is a simple and beautiful gassho-style village surrounded by nature. Because it is located in an area with heavy snowfall, it becomes a silver world during the winter. During the nighttime illumination, which is held every year, the houses float in the darkness of the night amidst the silent snowfall, creating a magical atmosphere. It is like a scene from an old Japanese tale.

AddressOgi-machi, Shirakawa-mura, Ono-gun, Gifu-ken
Access 】Train】Take the Nobi Bus from Takayama Station on the JR Takayama Line, get off at “Shirakawa-go” bus stop, and walk about 5 minutes.
Car】Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway “Shirakawa-go” IC, 5 min. via R156
Light-up days
Light-up viewing is by advance reservation only. Visitors without reservations will not be allowed to enter the village.
Dates: January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 12, and 18, 2024
Hours: 17:30-19:30
Daytime tours: During the daytime, the World Heritage Site can be visited in approximately 3 hours (the observation deck is open until 15:45).
<Shuttle bus to the observatory during the daytime
Reservations not required, up 9:00 – 15:40
It takes about 15 to 20 minutes on foot from the front of the Wada House.
<Parking lot usage
One-day tour vehicles are accepted until 3:00 p.m. and must leave by 5:00 p.m.
Seseragi Park Parking Lot” or “Midajima Parking Lot” 1,000 yen per car
Official WebsiteShirakawa-go Light-up

Ishikawa prefecture (Hokuriku area)

Snow Hanging” at Kenrokuen Garden

Kenrokuen Garden, one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, is a special place of scenic beauty in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Located in a region with deep snowfall, the garden is hung with snow from November 1 every year to protect the trees. When snow falls on the trees, they become as beautiful as Japanese paintings, attracting visitors every winter.
Address1-4 Kenrokucho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Opening hoursMarch 1 – October 15, 7:00 – 18:00 (closing time)
October 16 – the end of February 8:00 – 17:00 (closing time)
Access 【Train】Take the Hokuriku Railway bus bound for Tobu Shako (via Hashiba-cho) from JR Kanazawa Station, and get off at Kenrokuen-shita bus stop (approx. 9 min.).
By car: Approx. 30 min. from Kanazawa Nishi IC on Hokuriku Expressway.
Official WebsiteKenrokuenGarden

Ishikawa prefecture (Hokuriku area)

Shirone Senmaida

The “Shirone Senmaida” are terraced rice paddies located in Shirone-cho, Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture. The scenery is called “Japan’s original landscape” and is popular as a photogenic and spectacular spot. After the rice harvest is over, 25,000 solar LEDs are installed in the terraced rice paddies and illuminated at sunset in the “Azeki no Kirameki,” an illumination event that adds color to the winter season.

Address: Shiraume Senmaida, Shiraume-cho, Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Access 】Train】Take Hokuriku Railway Bus from JR Kanazawa Station to “Wajima Station” on the Wajima Express Line, change at “Wajima Ekimae” stop on the Machino Line, and get off at “Shiraume” stop.
Car】Take the Noto Airport Interchange on the Noto Satoyama Kaido Road (approx. 40 min.)
Kirameki Aze” period: October 21, 2023 – March 10, 2024
Lighting hours: 4 hours from sunset (best viewing time: 19:00 – 20:00)
Official and relatedsitesShiraume-Senmaida

Kyoto

Kibune Shrine illuminated on snow-covered days only

Kibune Shrine in Kibune-cho, Kyoto Prefecture, is quiet in winter, with few visitors due to the bitter cold, and the snowy days-only lighting up of Kibune Shrine on Saturdays in January and February is a special event that can be seen only when conditions are right.
The collaboration of snow, Kibune, and illumination is fantastic everywhere you look. The beauty is breathtaking. The event is decided at 15:00 on the day of the event. It will be announced on the official website, official twitter, and facebook. Don’t miss this precious timing!

Light-up January 6 – February 25, 2024 *Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during the period
Time: Sunset – 20: 00Address180 Kurama Kibune-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access [Train] Approx. 30 min. walk from Kibune-guchi Station on the Eizan Line
Official and relatedsitesKibune Shrine

Spectacular view of snow and ice

Hokkaido (northernmost of the four main islands of Japan)

Drift Ice” in Okhotsk

Drift ice is a magnificent winter spectacle created by Mother Nature. In Japan, it can be seen from mid-February to early March along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, including Abashiri City and Monbetsu City in Hokkaido. The sea is covered with drift ice that has drifted in from the faraway Amur River in Russia, and it is a sight to behold. You can see the drift ice up close on the sightseeing icebreakers such as the “Orora” and “Garinko II.

Official and Related Sites
Okhotsk Monbetsu Drift Icebreaker “Garinko-go II
Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker “Oorora

Hokkaido (northernmost of the four main islands of Japan)

Chitose Lake Shikotsu Hyobaku Festival

Lake Shikotsu, located in Chitose City, Hokkaido, is a caldera lake created by volcanic activity about 32,000 years ago. The “Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Hyobaku Festival” held at the lake is one of Hokkaido’s representative winter festivals.
The ice sculptures, large and small, are made of lake water blown by sprinklers and frozen, and are illuminated in natural blue during the day and in various shades at night. A fantastic world unfolds. The ice slide and the moss cave are especially popular.
During the festival, there are also many events such as “Hyobaku Wedding,” a wedding ceremony held at the venue, a fireworks display, and “Flower Present” by the Flower Exchange City. There are also hot springs in the vicinity, and after enjoying the festival, it is recommended to go there to warm up your cold body.

Opening Hours Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Hyobaku Festival
January 27 – February 25, 2024
FeeHigh school students and older: 500 yen (Free for junior high school students and younger)
AddressLake Shikotsu Onsen, Chitose City, Hokkaido
Access [Car] Approx. 40 min. by cab from New Chitose Airport
Bus】Take a bus from New Chitose Airport (about 55 min.)

Akita prefecture (Tohoku area)

Yokote Snow Festival “Kamakura

The “Kamakura” festival in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, is a small New Year’s event dedicated to a water god with a 450-year tradition. During the festival, about 80 kamakura are set up in the city, and when visitors look inside, children welcome them with amazake (sweet sake) and mochi (rice cakes). Many miniature kamakura are also set up, and the sight of them lit up is very moving. The “winter wonderland” of Tohoku, where you can feel warmth even in the cold, will warm your heart.

VenueAkita Furusato Village site
Access (Yokote City Hall Main Office Road Park) [Train] Approx. 10 min. walk from “Yokote Station” of JR Ou Main Line and Kitakami Line (Free buses are available to visit each venue)
By car: 5 minutes drive from the Yokote IC on the Akita Expressway.
Yokote Snow Festival “Kamakura” Period: February 15 and 16 every year
Time: 18:00-21:00
Venue: Yokote City Hall Main Building, Yokote Park, Futaba-cho Street, Haguro-cho Street, and other areas in the city
Official and relatedsitesYokote Festivals and Events

Miyagi and Yamagata Prefectures

Juhyo” in Zao

Juhyo” is also called “snow monster” because of its fuzzy appearance. Due to the unique weather conditions, the Zao mountain range, located on the border between Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures, is home to some of the world’s largest “juhyo” ice from January to early March. The best way to see them is to take the Zao Ropeway on the Yamagata Prefecture side and enjoy the view from the top. The view of the ice fields and silvery mountains below is breathtaking.

Address (Zao Ropeway) 229-3, Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
Access (to the entrance of Zao Ropeway) 【Train】Take the Yamako Bus bound for “Zao Onsen” from JR Yamagata Station, about 40 minutes to the last stop. About 10 minutes on foot.
By car: 25 minutes from the Yamagata Zao Interchange on the Yamagata Expressway.
Juhyō Light-up Period <Opening for 36 days
December 23 and 24, 2023
December 29, 2023 – January 3, 2023
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from January 5 to 28, 2024, and January 29, 2024
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from February 2 to February 25, 2024
Hours: 17:00 – 21:00 (last ropeway up 19:50)
Official website ofZao Ropeway, Juhyo Light-up

Ibaraki prefecture (Kantou area)

The “ice fall” of Fukuroda Falls

Fukuroda Falls is one of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ibaraki Prefecture because of its dynamic nature and seasonal beauty, which has been praised by many writers and artists. In winter, when the weather is extremely cold, the waterfall freezes to a pure white color and becomes an “ice fall. The frozen waterfalls, as if frozen in time, are majestic and mysterious. It is truly a “spectacular view” that can only be seen in winter.

AddressFukuroda, Ohko-cho, Kuji-gun, Ibaraki
Access 】Train】About 10 minutes from Fukuroda Station on the JR Suigun Line by bus bound for Fukuroda Falls, Ibaraki Kotsu, and about 10 minutes on foot from the last stop.
Car】About 60 minutes from the Naka IC of Joban Expressway.
Light-up period: October 1, 2023 – January 31, 2024
Hours: October and November: from sunset to 20:00; December and January: from sunset to 19:00
Admission: Adults: 300 yen, Children: 150 yen (Fukuroda Falls Tunnel access fee)
Official and related website: ” Fukuroda Falls” Daiko Raigin – Daigo Light

Saitama prefecture (Kantou area)

Ice Pillars” in Misotsuchi

Misotsuchi no Icicle is the most beautiful winter sight in Oku-chichibu, a region well-known to those in the know. It is an “ice art” created by the freezing water as it gets colder and colder. The best time to see it is from early January to late February. The best time to see them is when they are lit up at night. The best time to see them is from early January to late February, when they are illuminated at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

Address [Woodroof Okuchichibu Auto Campsite] 4066-2 Otaki, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, 4011-1 Otaki, Chichibu City
Access 】Train】Take the Seibu Kanko Bus from Mibuguchi Station on the Chichibu Railway Line, get off at Miyadaira stop, and walk about 15 minutes.
By car: 60 minutes from the Hanazono Interchange on the Kanetsu Expressway.
Sanjyuzuchi no Hyobashira” Period
January 6 – February 25, 2024
Light-up: January 13 – February 25, 2024
Weekdays: 17:00-19:00 Weekends and holidays: 17:00-20:00
*Open until 17:00 from January 6 to 12, 2024
*Environmental maintenance cooperation fee: 200 yen (junior high school students and older), 100 yen (elementary school students and older)
*Period of operation may change depending on the condition of the icicles.
Official and relatedsitesChichibu, Sanjutsuchi no Icicle (Ice Pillars of Sanjutsuchi )

Tochigi prefecture (Kantou area)

Yunishikawa Onsen Kamakura Festival

Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival” is a winter event in Yunishigawa Onsen. This event is certified as a “Historical and Cultural Night View Heritage” event by the Japan Night View Heritage. During the daytime, visitors can enjoy playing in the snow with sleds and kamakura, and at night, hundreds of miniature kamakura lit up with candles are lined up along the Sawaguchi riverside, creating a fantastic scene. The festival is also a great photo opportunity, and people enjoy taking pictures.

Hours: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between January 26 and February 25, 2024
Mini kamakura lighting hours: 17:30 – 21:00 (Sawaguchi riverside)
Address1042 Yunishigawa, Nikko-shi, Tochigi
Access 【Train】Take a bus from Yunishigawa Onsen Station on the Noiwa Railway Aizu Kinugawa Line (approx. 20 min.), and an approx. 10-minute walk from the last stop.
Car】About 60 minutes from the Imaichi Interchange on the Nikko Utsunomiya Road.
Official and relatedsitesYunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival

Winter streetscape

Hokkaido (northernmost of the four main islands of Japan)

Otaru Canal

Otaru Canal is a famous landmark in Otaru, one of Hokkaido’s most popular tourist destinations. The exotic streets lined with brick and stone warehouses and gas lamps along the canal are always a sight to behold for tourists. It is one of the main venues for the “Otaru Snow Light Path” held every February, where snow candles illuminate the snow-covered “Otaru Canal” with gentle light.

Otaru Snow Light Path” Main Venue [Canal Venue] Minato-cho, Otaru City, Hokkaido
The main venue of “Otaru Snow Light Path” [Tegumi-Sen Venue] 1-9-5 Shikinai, Otaru City, Hokkaido
*Around the Snow Light Path Headquarters (Otaru Municipal Museum of Literature and Art)
Access (Otaru Canal) [Train] 8 min. walk from JR Otaru Sta.
Otaru Snow Light Path” PeriodFebruary 10-17, 2024 (scheduled)
OfficialWebsiteOtaru Snow Light Path

A spectacular view of nature

Shiga prefecture (Kinki area)

avenue of metasequoia trees

In Makino Town, Takashima City, northwestern Shiga Prefecture, there is a metasequoia tree-lined avenue with a total length of 2.4 km. It has become popular as a driving route where visitors can enjoy the spectacular and moving scenery.
In winter, the area is covered with snow, and the mysterious sight of the majestic white snow-covered metasequoia trees standing side by side on the branches of the bare trees is a sight to behold. The area has charms in every season, spring, summer, fall, and winter, making it a spot to visit again and again in different seasons.

Address Hiruguchi – Makino, Makino Town, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture
Access [Train] Approx. 6 minutes by bus from JR Makino Station

Ehime prefecture (Shikoku)

Elk River Storm

Every year from around October to March of the following year, local winds called “Elk River storms” occur near the mouth of the Elk River in Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture. This is a natural phenomenon in which fog generated in the Ozu Basin on a clear morning moves down the Elk River, and a cold strong wind with white mist blows over the mouth of the river, and is known locally as a winter tradition in Nagahama.
It is a dynamic and fantastic sight to see the fog covering the town and swirling out to sea. The observation deck at the Elk River Arashi Observation Park is about 159 meters above sea level, and is a recommended viewing point from which you can see the former Nagahama Town as well.

Address Nagahama, Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture

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