WINTER LANDSCAPES: WHERE SNOW AND ICE BECOME ART

Snow is the signature of the Japanese winter. It reshapes the scenery, softens the silence, and creates a world that feels suspended in time.

Shirakawa-go & Gokayama: Village life wrapped in white

Recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the traditional gasshō-zukuri villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are breathtaking in winter.
With their steep thatched roofs blanketed in snow, these wooden houses resemble illustrations from ancient Japanese tales — or, for the more whimsical, cottages wearing oversized white hats.

During the seasonal night illuminations, the contrast between the glowing houses and the surrounding snow creates a scene so enchanting that no photograph can truly capture its magic.

Ginzan Onsen: A nostalgic hot-spring town

Hidden in the mountains of Yamagata, Ginzan Onsen is a hot-spring village that retains the elegance of the early 20th century.
Wooden ryokan line both sides of the river, and when the snow begins to fall and the gas lamps light up the streets, the entire town glows with a soft amber light. It’s a romantic, cinematic atmosphere — the kind that makes you forget the cold entirely.

Nature’s winter masterpieces

Across Japan, winter crafts its own artistic wonders:

• Juhyō (“snow monsters”) on Mt. Zaō — trees transformed into surreal white sculptures by snow and wind.
• Drift ice along the coast of Hokkaidō — accessible aboard powerful icebreaker ships such as the Garinko-go.
• Frozen waterfalls, including the famous Kegon Falls in Nikkō, where ice forms a majestic blue-tinted curtain.

A SEASON TO SAVOUR: JAPANESE WINTER CUISINE

Winter is one of the most delicious seasons in Japan. Ingredients reach peak flavour, warm dishes bring comfort, and culinary traditions shine.

Nabe: Japan’s most heartwarming meal

Similar in spirit to a French pot-au-feu, nabe (hotpot) is far more than a dish — it is a shared moment.
Family, friends, or colleagues gather around a steaming pot, taking turns to serve themselves. This shared experience is part of what makes it so special.

Popular styles include:

• Sukiyaki — tender beef simmered in a sweet soy sauce broth and dipped in egg.
• Shabu-shabu — thin slices of meat briefly swished through a hot broth.
• Yosenabe — fish, seafood, and seasonal vegetables in a light, fragrant soup.

Seafood at its peak

Cold seas make for exceptional flavour and texture:

• Crab, from king crab to snow crab — especially prized in Hokkaidō and the Hokuriku region.
• Winter yellowtail (kan-buri) — rich and buttery, delicious as sashimi, grilled, or in hotpot.

Sweet treats and warm drinks

After a steaming bath in an onsen, comfort awaits:

• Warm sake, ideal for soothing the cold.
• Zenzai and oshiruko, traditional sweet red-bean soups — winter classics loved across generations.

THE ART OF STAYING WARM: JAPANESE WISDOM AND TRADITION

Japan has developed a unique way of embracing winter, balancing tradition with innovation.

Snow-viewing hot springs: the ultimate winter luxury

Like French thermal baths, Japanese onsen are deeply rooted in culture — but winter adds a magical dimension.
Bathing outdoors in a rotenburo while snow falls softly around you is one of the country’s most unforgettable experiences. The contrast between icy air and steaming water is deeply relaxing, almost meditative.

A stay in a traditional ryokan, complete with yukata robes, seasonal cuisine, and serene tatami rooms, elevates the experience to pure luxury.

The small “revolutions” that keep Japan warm

• High-performance thermal layers, such as those from UNIQLO, allow people to stay warm without heavy winter clothing.
• Kairo, disposable heat packs placed in pockets or against clothing, offer long-lasting warmth — a simple yet ingenious approach that surprises many foreign visitors.

Winter festivals: light, artistry, and community

Across Japan, winter festivals bring people together:

• Sapporo Snow Festival, famous for its monumental snow and ice sculptures.
• Snow lantern festivals, such as those in Hirosaki, where candlelit snow lanterns create an enchanting glow.