Introduction
Winter in Japan is a special season that closes the year and welcomes the next. Snow-covered landscapes, quiet stillness, and family-centered New Year traditions highlight the “quiet” side of Japanese culture. At the same time, winter is a season of warmth, with ski resorts, hot springs, and hearty foods bringing comfort against the cold.
Japan’s winter varies greatly by region, from the heavy snowfalls of Hokkaidō and the Tōhoku region to the mild winters of Okinawa. Winter is also exam season for students, and society faces modern challenges such as increased energy demand and heavy snow disasters.
This article explores winter in Japan from multiple perspectives: climate and snow culture, New Year traditions, food, school and social life, arts and literature, modern challenges, and practical travel advice.
Chapter 1: Climate and Natural Phenomena
When does winter begin and end?
Winter in Japan generally lasts from December to February, though cold weather begins in late November and can linger until March. The traditional calendar marks Rittō 立冬 (“the beginning of winter”) in early November, signaling the start of the season.
Heavy snow regions
Snow (yuki 雪) is central to Japan’s winter. Hokkaidō, Tōhoku, and the Sea of Japan coast are known as heavy snowfall areas (gōsetsu chitai 豪雪地帯), where snow can reach several meters. While snow removal and roof clearing are essential for daily life, snow festivals and winter sports like skiing have also flourished in these regions.
Winters in the cities
In major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, snow falls only a few times a year. Instead, dry air and chilly winds define the season. The clear winter skies often reveal Mount Fuji at its most stunning, while seasonal illuminations brighten urban landscapes.
Chapter 2: New Year and Traditional Events
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
The most important event of winter is New Year (Shōgatsu 正月). On December 31 (Ōmisoka 大晦日), temple bells ring out across the country in the ritual of Joya no Kane 除夜の鐘, cleansing the old year.
On January 1, families gather to eat osechi ryōri お節料理 (traditional New Year foods) and children receive otoshidama お年玉 (New Year’s money). Popular television programs such as the Hakone Ekiden relay race and comedy specials mark the season.
Hatsumōde 初詣 (first shrine visit)
One of the most famous customs is hatsumōde 初詣, the first shrine or temple visit of the year. Millions flock to Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, and other sacred sites to pray for health, safety, and happiness.
To explore Hatsumōde in detail—see our full article.
Nengajō 年賀状 and Kagami-biraki 鏡開き
Exchanging New Year’s cards (nengajō 年賀状) is another custom, though it is gradually shifting to digital greetings. Later in January, families celebrate kagami-biraki 鏡開き by breaking ceremonial rice cakes and eating them in soups such as zōni 雑煮 or sweet red bean soup (oshiruko お汁粉).
To explore Seasonal Festivals in detail—see our full article.
Chapter 3: Winter Foods
Nabe 鍋 (hot pot dishes)
The ultimate comfort food of Japanese winter is nabe 鍋 (hot pot). Varieties include yose nabe 寄せ鍋, sukiyaki すき焼き, shabu-shabu しゃぶしゃぶ, and spicy kimchi hot pots. Families and friends gathering around a steaming pot symbolize warmth and togetherness in winter.
Kotatsu and mikan こたつとみかん
The iconic image of a Japanese winter household is a kotatsu こたつ (heated table with a blanket) paired with mikan みかん (mandarin oranges). Watching TV or reading while sitting at a kotatsu is one of the most nostalgic winter experiences.
Warm drinks and sweets
Hot drinks such as green tea, sweet sake (amazake 甘酒), and warm sake (atsukan 熱燗) are popular. Seasonal sweets include ichigo daifuku いちご大福 (strawberry-filled mochi) and yōkan 羊羹 (sweet bean jelly).
Chapter 4: School and Social Life
Winter vacation
For elementary, junior high, and high school students, winter vacation (fuyu yasumi 冬休み) lasts from late December to early January. Though short, it coincides with the New Year, making it a family-centered holiday.
Exam season
Winter is also known as exam season. In January, the nationwide Daigaku Nyūgaku Kyōtsū Test 大学入学共通テスト (standardized university entrance exam) is held, followed by private university exams in February. News reports often feature snowy test days, symbolizing the challenges of this season for students.
Business and the fiscal year-end
For companies, winter is a busy time leading up to the fiscal year-end in March. Preparing for settlements and new-year planning makes it one of the most demanding business periods.
Chapter 5: Arts and Literature
Seasonal words in haiku
Winter is rich in seasonal words (kigo 季語) used in haiku, such as yuki 雪 (snow), kōri 氷 (ice), and shimo 霜 (frost). Poets like Matsuo Bashō and Kobayashi Issa used winter imagery to capture both the severity of nature and human resilience.
Painting and crafts
Japanese art often depicts winter landscapes. Ukiyo-e prints by artists like Utagawa Hiroshige, particularly in his Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō 東海道五十三次 and One Hundred Famous Views of Edo 名所江戸百景, vividly portray winter scenes.
Music and modern culture
In music, winter is marked by choir concerts, Christmas hymns, and in modern times, J-pop “winter songs.” These songs often connect winter with themes of love, youth, and nostalgia.
Chapter 6: Modern Challenges
Snow disasters
Heavy snow causes avalanches, road closures, and roof collapses. In aging rural communities, snow removal is a growing burden, with fewer younger residents to help.
Energy demand
Heating in winter drives electricity and gas consumption to its highest point of the year. This raises concerns about energy conservation and the push for renewable energy.
Climate change
Global warming has altered snowfall patterns. Warmer winters and sudden heavy snowfalls create uncertainty and affect agriculture, transportation, and tourism.
Chapter 7: Travel Guide for Winter
Winter highlights
- Hokkaidō 北海道: Sapporo Snow Festival, Niseko ski resorts.
- Tōhoku 東北: Zao’s “snow monsters” (juhyō 樹氷), Akita’s Kamakura Festival.
- Hokuriku 北陸: Shirakawa-gō 白川郷 village under snow.
- Kantō 関東: Tokyo illuminations, Hakone hot springs.
- Kansai 関西: Kyoto’s temples in snow, Nara’s Wakakusa Yamayaki Fire Festival.
Clothing tips
- December: Coats and scarves are necessary.
- January: The coldest month—thick down jackets, gloves, and hats are essential.
- February: Weather varies by region; bring layers to adapt.
Hot springs
Winter is the perfect time to enjoy onsen 温泉 (hot springs). Famous destinations include Kusatsu, Beppu, and Noboribetsu, where visitors can soak in outdoor baths (rotenburo 露天風呂) while watching snow fall.
Conclusion
Winter in Japan is a season of contrasts—harsh cold paired with quiet beauty. Snow-covered villages, New Year traditions, and warm foods shape the rhythm of daily life. For travelers, winter offers unforgettable experiences, from dazzling illuminations to steaming hot springs.
At the same time, issues such as snow disasters, energy use, and climate change highlight the challenges of living with winter. Still, the kotatsu, hot pot meals, and family gatherings remind people that winter is also a time of warmth and togetherness.
As winter ends, Japan looks forward to spring—the return of cherry blossoms and the renewal of life.