We want to go back to Japan! (Already?!) After arriving back in the US from our 2023 Japan trip, Doug and I were already planning the next one. Our first time in Japan itinerary included the main tourist destinations of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Now, we want to take a winter trip to Japan, head north of Tokyo, and explore the highest parts of the country literally and geographically. What better way to do that, than a snowy winter vacation?
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When I started searching for ideas for my winter trip to Japan, I immediately thought of the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, and I began to look at Nagano as an option. As I looked into skiing and snowboarding options, I found that Hokkaido has world-class ski resorts and is famous for all it has to offer in winter. So it makes sense to check out both regions! Here is our roughly-planned itinerary:
Narita (1 day) – We are flying into Narita (nonstop from San Diego). We will check out the city of Narita before taking a domestic flight to Sapporo the next morning. (1 day)
Sapporo (3 days) – I can’t wait to check out Sapporo in the winter; all the cold and snowy pictures look amazing. We will be missing the famous Snow Festival but maybe we will still get to see some of the sculptures. (3 days)
Otaru (1 day; day trip) – Famous for being an early site of European influence in Japan, this seaside town is seriously charming in the winter and a great spot to try all kinds of unique seafood.
Niseko (2 days) – One of Japan’s ski capitals and a favorite of Australian winter sports folks, I can’t wait to get on the slopes, see the mountain scenery, and experience the ski-town culture. Of course we booked a hotel with an onsen!
Nagano (3 days) – Lonely Planet clued us in to a historic temple lodging experience that I can’t wait to try. We will get up before the sun rises for meditation and eat the same vegetarian meals as the monks. Outside of Nagano we will check out the world-famous snow monkeys that keep themselves warm in the hot springs. (3 days)
Tokyo (2 days) – Finishing out the trip in Tokyo, we may visit a few places we loved from last time but we’ll also look for cool and interesting things that we didn’t have the time for in 2023. Got any recommendations? Leave them in the comments!
Winter weather means opportunity to explore winter food. I am definitely looking forward to trying different kinds of soup and stew, especially Hokkaido-style ramen. Sapporo has famous beer halls with offerings beyond their namesake drink, and I read that the food is hot and comforting. Japan is known for surprising and delicious food. Hokkaido is also famous for having some of the best seafood because of its proximity to the cold Pacific waters.
I can’t wait to snowboard at one or more of the resorts in Niseko and experience the après-ski culture too. I’m encouraged to read that it’s an Aussie ski mecca and that many of the rental shops cater to an English-speaking clientele.
Lastly, I can’t possibly visit Japan in the winter without checking out the famous snow monkeys in Jigokudani Monkey Park. You know I love a hot spring (evidenced by my trip to Beppu and my folly in Karlovy Vary) … these primates are my kindred spirits. It’s supposed to be quite a hike that may be icy and slippery, but I know it’s going to be worth it!
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Have you been to Japan in winter? Please add a comment if you have any pointers for me! Thanks in advance!
