Exploring Japan’s Winter Wonderland in January 2023

by operator

People adore visiting Japan for a multitude of reasons. Japan is exquisite throughout the year and never appears to lack sights to see and activities to partake in. Ensure you seize these ten items to purchase in Andaman in order to bring home a small portion of its legacy. Acquire items such as seashells and more in the year 2023. If you happen to be visiting Japan in January, you are undeniably in for a delightful experience. Given that it will be winter during that time of the year, Japan in January weather would be chilly with temperatures plummeting to 10 degrees Celsius. During this timeframe, numerous winter festivals take place. The nation is typically illuminated from the end of August until the conclusion of January. Magnificent ice sculptures adorn the area, parades traverse town, and delectable cuisine is sold at this time of the year.

Take part in the Kitami Yakiniku Festival

The Climate In Japan In January

The climate in Japan during January is quite frigid, with temperatures dropping to approximately 10 degrees Celsius in the afternoons. Throughout the night and early mornings, the temperature tends to hover around 1-2 degrees Celsius. While many areas across Japan experience snowfall, Tokyo receives minimal snow and rainfall. Prior to planning your trip, ensure you acquaint yourself with the temperature in Japan during January, just to err on the side of caution.

Essential Reading: 35 Superb Places To Visit In Japan That Exude A Tale-Like Ambience

Finest Activities To Partake In Japan In January

If you find yourself pondering about the activities you can engage in during this time of the year in Japan, fret not. If the weather cooperates, there are numerous ways for you to relish the best of Japan. Here is a compilation of the top ten activities you can undertake that should unquestionably be included in your January itinerary:

Spend the day relaxing at Takaragawa Onsen

1. Kitami Yakiniku Festival: Embrace Participation

This wintertime barbecue festival serves as a splendid means to combat the chilly weather, given that this location in January weather 2023 will be quite freezing, potentially dipping below 10 degrees Celsius. It might seem somewhat peculiar to partake in this outdoor activity rather than being indoors, but individuals truly relish this outing where a small performance is arranged, and there are around 100 or more tables, attracting people from all corners of the city who come solely to savor the cuisine. A theatrical performance ensues while you prepare your chopsticks!

Join in on Hatsumode

2. Takaragawa Onsen: Experience A Relaxing Time

This thermal spring is one of the most ancient and popular ones available in Japan. Although nearly every city in Japan has numerous thermal springs, this would surely be worth a visit. Japan in January temperature would be decreasing quite significantly, and this is an excellent way to warm yourself up. It is situated right next to the Takaragawa river and you can be assured that the view from there is absolutely breathtaking. Apart from creating a beautiful scenery, the place offers various types of baths and services. There are plenty of spa therapies and massages that you can opt for here.

Check out the snow art festival at Sapporo

3. Hatsumode: Observe The Tradition

Hatsumode is a highly popular Japanese custom. It signifies the first visit to a shrine in the year. The temples and shrines tend to get crowded during this time of the year as everyone will be praying for a prosperous New Year. You can also offer your prayers for whatever you desire or you can stay and observe. Most of the temples will have vendors and shops selling amulets and other forms of religious decorations. You will also find food vendors in case you get hungry.

Top places to visit: Meiji-Jingu Shrine, Sensoji, and Naritasan Shinshoji

Go snowboarding or skiing

4. Sapporo: Experience The Snow Art Festival

Snow sculpture festivals are quite popular in Japan. Some last for a few weeks and others extend for over a month. Enormous snow statues are crafted and lit up at night. If you attend one, you can discover thousands of frozen statues of either mythical creatures or animated characters. You can even come across religious sculptures like Buddha. The statues can also reach a height of approximately 20m. The competition used to have participants from within Japan but now teams from international countries have also started taking part. It’s definitely worth checking out if you are visiting Japan in January and February.

5. Snowboarding Or Skiing: Experience The Adventure

If you feel like partaking in sports in the month of January, then you can go skiing or snowboarding. Since January is unquestionably the chilliest month of the year, that would signify that the snow is stable enough for any sport. Any mountain that encounters wet snow would more than likely have a powdery dry snow during the coldest months. If you delight in the thrill and appreciate nature, then there are plenty of ski resorts that you can find to help you get started. This should absolutely be included in your Japan in January schedule.

Top destination: Hakuba and Niseko

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