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Guide to Japan in January

Visiting Japan in January is a thrilling experience! The year starts with the first shrine and temple visits, typically punctuated with crowds of people, street food stalls, and high hopes for the year ahead. Aside from these festivities, it is a slow time, making it the ideal opportunity to venture out of the cities and into the mountains to experience “Japow”, Japan’s world-renowned powder snow.

January is the peak month for spending the day skiing and snowboarding before enjoying warm and hearty cuisine and an onsen (hot spring) bath to unwind afterward. January in Japan combines the tranquility of its traditional New Year (shogatsu) celebrations with opportunities for adrenaline-packed winter sports and scenic adventures.

 

1. Weather and what to wear  

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January is one of the coldest months in Japan, with varying temperatures across regions. In Tokyo and Kyoto, the weather is relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from 32°F to 50°F (0°C to 10°C), while the northern island of Hokkaido can experience much colder conditions, dropping to 14°F (-10°C) in some areas. Regular, deep snowfall is expected in northern and mountainous regions, making it a prime season for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.

When visiting Japan in January, it’s essential to dress in layers, especially if you plan to explore both urban areas and snowy regions. A warm coat, scarf, gloves, and thermal layers are recommended for staying comfortable in the chilly weather. If you need some extra insulation, you can buy hand-warmers, thick socks, undershirts, and other layers at most convenience stores in Japan.

Water-resistant shoes are a must if you’re heading to the snow-covered parts of the country, as well as a hat to shield yourself from the biting wind in more exposed areas.

 

2. What to do

Hatsumode

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If you are in Japan for the first few days of the year, hatsumode or the first shrine or temple visit of the year is a quintessential experience and one that locals will welcome you to take part in. Shrines like Tokyo's Meiji Jingu Shrine or Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine are popular spots for this tradition, where visitors pray for good fortune in the coming year. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by food stalls and various ceremonies, giving you a taste of Japanese cultural practices. It’s a widespread practice to buy amulets and charms from the shrine as good luck for the year ahead. 

Skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports 

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January also marks peak ski season in Japan, with excellent conditions across popular resorts in Hokkaido, Nagano, and Niigata. Hokkaido's Niseko is famous for its high-quality powder snow, attracting skiers and snowboarders from around the globe. For those based in Tokyo, Nagano's Hakuba Valley offers a more accessible winter sports destination with stunning alpine scenery. The proximity of Tokyo to various skiing resorts means that you can easily make it a day trip if a full-on winter sports trip isn’t your scene. 

Illuminations

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While most traces of Christmas are promptly removed on December 26, some winter illuminations remain throughout the season. Many cities in Japan host spectacular winter light displays that brighten up the cold nights. The romantic atmosphere created by these twinkling lights offers a magical backdrop for an evening stroll and makes for some spectacular Instagram shots.

 

Hot Springs

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January is also ideal for indulging in one of Japan’s most magical natural assets: hot springs. After a day in the cold, warm up and unwind with a soak in an outdoor hot spring surrounded by snow-covered landscapes. Hot spring resorts like Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata or Hakone (just outside Tokyo) are popular destinations where visitors can bathe in naturally heated waters while enjoying the serene winter scenery.

 

3. Festivals and events

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The early annual festivities don’t begin and end with hatsumode. The second Monday in January is Coming of Age Day. On this national holiday, Japan celebrates young people who have turned 20, the age of adulthood. (Official legal adult age was lowered to 18 in 2022, but most places still hold this celebration for those who have turned 20.) While it's mainly a family affair, you can witness a plethora of people dressed in beautiful attire, often in parks and near public event halls. 

Mid-month, the Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival is an opportunity for locals to pray for a good harvest, good luck, and healthy babies. This celebration of abundance is one of the country’s best-known fire festivals, with huge burning torches and bonfires lighting the night. 

 

4. Tips

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Early January sees high travel demand due to New Year celebrations, so book accommodations and train tickets in advance if you plan to travel during this period. This is especially important for popular ski resorts, as they tend to fill up quickly during the winter season. Be warned that while shrine visits and ski resorts are busy, many tourist attractions and restaurants may close for the New Year holiday. Many ATMs close over the New Year holidays, so it’s a good idea to withdraw cash in advance and ensure you have enough to cover expenses during this period. Plan your itinerary carefully and check for closures ahead of time.

When they reopen, many department stores in Japan hold large New Year sales, starting from the first working day of the year. Known as fukubukuro (lucky bags), these opaque bags are filled with items sold at a fraction of their total value, making them a fun and potentially profitable purchase. Some of Japan’s oldest and most iconic department stores that take part are based in Tokyo’s Ginza district.

 

5. Where to stay

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For those staying in Tokyo, areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza are convenient and offer easy access to transport and attractions. For a more traditional experience, consider staying in a ryokan (traditional inn) in Asakusa, such as Prostyle Ryokan Tokyo Asakusa, where you can experience the charm of authentic Japan and the luxury of a five-star hotel. 

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If you're looking for a serene stay in the heart of Japanese tradition, Kyoto's Gion district offers charming ryokans and boutique hotels with easy access to famous temples and shrines. Try Hotel Sugisho for a ryokan experience in the heart of the city. For a more modern experience, stay near Kyoto Station where international hotel chains provide comfort and convenience.

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If skiing or snowboarding is your main goal, staying at resorts like Niseko or Furano in Hokkaido will place you in the heart of Japan’s best powder snow. These areas have a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly lodges to luxurious ski-in/ski-out hotels. 

For a more tranquil and relaxing stay, book accommodation in hot spring towns such as Hakone or Yamagata. Resorts such as Zao Onsen Zao Kokusai Hotel typically offer traditional Japanese rooms with tatami mats, sliding doors, and access to award-winning hot springs.

 

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