Even though winter is in full swing and temperatures are low, the weather in January makes it a great time of year to visit Japan. Much of Japan in January is blessed with plenty of sunshine and clear, crisp days. January also sees very little rain, although there is plenty of snow to be found in the north of Japan. If you’re a keen fan of snowsports, January is one of the best times of year to visit Japan’s ski slopes, particularly in the regions of Hokkaido, Tohoku and Chubu.

The colder climate also makes January the perfect time to visit some of Japan’s most famous onsen resorts. Many of Japan’s historic hot springs (onsen) towns are coated in a beautiful layer of snow in January, creating wonderfully atmospheric and picturesque winter scenes. A revitalizing soak in Japan’s hot spring waters is also the perfect way to combat the chilly temperatures.

Coming to Japan in January also offers visitors the chance to enjoy traditional ceremonies and celebrations. These include hatsumode, when people celebrate their first visit to a Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine of the new year, and Coming of Age Day, a ceremony in which many Japanese celebrate reaching adulthood by wearing beautiful and elaborate traditional dress. Many spectacular festivals also take place across Japan in January, most of which are connected to celebrations associated with the new year.

In January, winter is in full swing throughout Japan, though temperatures vary between northern and southern parts of the country. Many areas across northern Japan will be cold and see plenty of snow, while further south, temperatures are higher, although it remains mild and much more temperate. January is also very dry, meaning that there is very little rain, though the days are very short, with night beginning to fall from around 4:30 PM.

Temperatures are generally at their lowest in most major cities across Japan in January, with the coldest areas being in northern Japan. The average temperature in Sapporo in Hokkaido in January is -3°C/26°F, which also receives around 50 inches of snowfall. Temperatures are only slightly higher in the cities of Morioka and Sendai in Honshu a little further south. The average temperature in Morioka, the capital of Iwate Prefecture, is around -1°C/30°F, while in Sendai, in Miyagi Prefecture, the monthly average is around 2°C/36°F. Both cities also see plenty of snow in January, around 17.8 cm and 12.7 cm (7 and 5 inches), respectively.

The major cities in central Japan are also cold in January, although snow is much less common. Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima all have an average temperature of around 5-6°C/41-43°F. Snow in these cities is rare, though not unheard of. Kyoto and Hiroshima which both usually see a good few inches of snow each year in January.

Snow is also not uncommon in the southern region of Kyushu in January, although temperatures are typically a touch warmer. In Fukuoka, you can expect a monthly average of around 7°C/45°F. The warmest weather in Japan in January can be found in Okinawa, with the average temperatures in Naha resting around 17C/64°F. This is considered mild for Okinawa and January is considered to be the off-season for the islands.

If you’re visiting Japan in January, you’ll need to pack plenty of warm clothes to beat the cold as temperatures drop across the country. As well as a warm coat, you should also pack long-sleeved tops, such as sweatshirts or fleeces, and plenty of base layers. Extras such as hats, gloves and scarves are also highly recommended. If you’re visiting snowy areas, then bring sturdy shoes or boots to keep your feet warm and dry. It is also a good idea to bring sunglasses and sunscreen if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors in January’s sunny winter days.

Though you’ll find warmer temperatures in southern parts of Japan, particularly in Okinawa, the weather in January is perfect for exploring Tokyo. Even though it is the coldest month of the year, daytime temperatures in Tokyo can reach around 10°C/50°F in January. At the same time, the city enjoys many beautiful days of dry, crisp winter sunshine, with very little rain and often hardly a cloud in the sky.

Such conditions are ideal for getting out and about and seeing all that Tokyo has to offer. In particular, January is a great time to enjoy Tokyo’s major parks, such as Ueno Park, particularly Ueno Toshogu Shrine’s winter peony festival, which is open to the public from January 1 until early February. Alternatively, you can still enjoy many of the city’s winter illuminations that are still on display in many parts of Tokyo well into the new year.

You’ll also find the best views from Tokyo’s many observation towers in January, thanks to the sunny weather and fabulously clear skies. This is the best time of year to see stunning, clear views of the city and as far as the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji. The iconic mountain can easily be seen from any of the city’s many observation decks, such as the Tokyo Skytree®, Shibuya Sky, or Tokyo Tower.

Yuzawa is a famous ski and hot spring resort town located in Niigata Prefecture. Known for its plentiful powder-soft snow, wide-ranging runs suitable for all skill levels, and family-friendly facilities, Yuzawa is just 90 minutes from Tokyo by the Joetsu Shinkansen. The town is served by JR Echigo Yuzawa Station, from where you can reach any of the 12 nearby ski resorts. As one of the most popular destinations in Japan for skiing and snowboarding, Yuzawa is ideal for both seasoned winter sports enthusiasts and complete beginners.

Yuzawa is a good family-friendly ski destination as there are plenty of ski schools offering lessons for young children and first-timers to learn to ski. Many of the resorts also have play areas for kids who would prefer to build snowmen or go sledding. Besides skiing, Yuzawa is famous for its natural onsen, where you can relax in soothing hot spring waters and admire the beautiful snowy landscapes after a hard day on the slopes. Many hotels and ryokan in Yuzawa feature traditional baths, while there are also several public baths throughout the town.

Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are two mountain villages famous for their beautiful traditional farmhouses, called gassho-zukuri in Japanese. The farmhouses in both villages feature tall, sloping thatched roofs that are purposely designed to cope with the thick, heavy snow that falls in the region each winter.

Located just under 20 miles apart in the neighboring prefectures of Gifu and Toyama, both villages are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites thanks to their unique, traditional architecture. By January, the two villages and surrounding mountains are blanketed in several feet of snow, creating a stunning winter scene. Several of the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses in both villages also offer accommodation, offering visitors the chance to stay and experience traditional hospitality in some of Japan’s most beautiful homes.

Another reason to visit Shirakawa-go in January is to see the spectacular Shirakawa-go Winter Light-Up illuminations that are held on four specific days across the month. During the light-up, many of the gassho-zukuri farmhouses in Shirakawa-go are bathed in light after dark from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Be aware that due to the huge popularity of the illuminations, entry to see the illuminations is only permitted to those with tickets booked in advance of the event.

Much less visited by overseas tourists than other snowy areas of Japan, Aomori Prefecture in January is nothing short of a winter wonderland. Located at the very top of Japan’s main island of Honshu, in January, Aomori Prefecture’s stunning natural scenery is covered in heavy snow. For those looking to ski, there are several excellent slopes and resorts dotted around Mount Iwaki, the stunning ​​stratovolcano known for its similar appearance to Mount Fuji.

Serious fans of snowsports should also consider Hakkoda Ski Resort in Mount Hakkoda, rated as one of the best snowsports destinations in Japan. Mount Hakkoda is also known for its snow monsters, a natural winter phenomenon where trees become encased in layers of ice and snow, more commonly associated with Mount Zao in Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures.

Another of Mount Hakkoda’s highlights is Sukayu Onsen, a historic hot spring that includes Japan's largest mixed-gender bath. Reported to be the snowiest inhabited place on Earth, Sukayu Onsen’s natural hot springs are the perfect way to warm up after a day on the skis and are believed to help ease a variety of conditions, including nerve pain and asthma.

For an unforgettable experience, take a ride on a Tsugaru Stove Train. These unique trains journey through the snowy landscapes of Aomori’s Tsugaru Plain and are equipped with traditional potbelly stoves, on which dried squid and cuttlefish are cooked and served to passengers. In Aomori City, you can visit the Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse to see the vibrant Nebuta floats used in summer festivals. You can also take a trip to Hirosaki to see the enchanting sight of the Hirosaki Castle covered in snow.

Hakodate, Hokkaido - Picturesque Hakodate becomes even more beautiful in January when the city is layered with snow. For the best views of the snow-covered city, take the cable car to the viewing platform at the peak of Mount Hakodate, which is at its most breathtaking at night, when the city lights sparkle against the snowy backdrop. You can also enjoy fantastic views from Hakodate’s Goryokaku Tower. The tower stands at the center of Goryokaku, a star-shaped fort built in a Western style during the late Edo period that now serves as a public park. From the tower, there are wonderful views of the snow-covered grounds and back across the city towards Mount Hakodate.

Snow in January also adds an extra layer of beauty to Hakodate’s Motomachi District, which is famous for its wide range of colorful and historic Western-style homes, churches and former consulates that date from the late 19th and early 20th century. An easy side trip from Hakodate is Onuma Quasi-National Park, around a 30-minute train journey north of the city. In winter, the walking trails that surround Onuma Quasi-National Park’s two main lakes are thick with several inches of snow.

Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano - January is the perfect time to visit the famous snow monkeys that live in Jigokudani Monkey Park. Each winter, thousands of tourists come to Jigokudani Monkey Park to see the hundreds of Japanese macaques that swarm to the area in search of food and the warmth provided by the park’s man-made hot spring bath.

The park is located at the end of a long trail in a beautiful valley in Yamanouchi in Nagano Prefecture, an area that is also well known for its hot springs. By January, the region is covered with a thick layer of snow, and the journey to the park is an adventure in itself. Be sure to wear proper winter gear and non-slip footwear for the scenic mile-long trail that leads through a snowy forest to the entrance to the park.

Once inside, it is possible to get up close and see the huge packs of snow monkeys as they rove around the valley. The snow monkeys are almost completely oblivious to the humans who come to visit them, often darting in between people along the park’s paths. Many of the snow monkeys huddle together to keep warm, with the prized spot being a relaxing soak in the park’s warm hot springs.

Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata - Ginzan Onsen is arguably one of the most spectacular hot spring towns in Japan, especially in winter. By January, tiny Ginzan Onsen is transformed into one of the most spectacular winter scenes in Japan, thanks to the heavy snowfall that blankets the town and its many traditional ryokan. This is especially true after dark, when gas lamps beautifully light up Ginzan Onsen’s ryokans, snow-covered streets and the narrow Ginzan River.

Many ryokan in Ginzan Onsen offer private baths, perfect for unwinding and revitalizing during the cold temperatures of winter. As well as ryokan, there are three public baths in Ginzan Onsen that visitors can use without a reservation. There are also free footbaths along the Ginzan River to soak cold and weary feet. Just be aware that from December 20, 2024 to March 31, 2025, visits to this area will be restricted, and advance reservations (or overnight reservations) will be needed. See this page for details.

Hakone (Kanagawa) - Hakone is a wonderful side trip from Tokyo at any time of year, but the clear sunny days, the promise of snow and the stunning views of Mount Fuji make it an excellent place to visit in winter. Another great reason to visit Hakone is for its excellent hot springs. Many ryokans and hotels in Hakone have their own private onsens, while some have rooms overlooking Mount Fuji. The town is also famous for its many art museums, as well as its black eggs, boiled in the sulphuric waters of the volcanic Owakudani valley.

Kamakura and Enoshima (Kanagawa) - Kamakura and Enoshima are also popular day-trip destinations from Tokyo all year round. However, if you visit in January, you’re almost guaranteed a stunning view of Mount Fuji towering over the Shonan coastline and Sugami Bay. The many highlights of the beautiful city of Kamakura are easy to explore in the cooler temperatures of January, from the famous giant bronze Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple, to the serene bamboo grove at Hokokuji Temple. Make sure to pop across the bay to Enoshima island, not only for the views across Sagami Bay, but to see the fabulous Samuel Cocking Garden Illuminations which are on display until the end of February.

Atami (Shizuoka) - Situated along the Jogasaki Coast on the western end of Sagami Bay, the city of Atami is another popular onsen resort known for the healing properties of its hot springs. Among the city’s most famous landmarks are the historic Kiunkaku - a traditional former villa and ryokan - and the MOA Museum of Art, which features exhibitions of East Asian art alongside breathtaking panoramic views of Atami and the bay. From mid-January you can also begin to celebrate the impending arrival of spring at the Atami Baien Plum Blossom Festival. There are over 60 varieties of plum blossom trees at the Atami Plum Garden and over 400 plum trees in total. Atami is also famous for its early-blooming cherry blossom trees, which sometimes begin to flower as early as late January and early February.

Nara City (Nara) - The city of Nara is easily one of the most popular day trips from Kyoto. January is one of the more peaceful times to visit Nara, offering a more relaxing experience than busier times of the year. While snow is rare in January, it’s not uncommon. If you’re lucky, you might get the chance to see the atmospheric sight of the city’s famous deer roaming through Nara Park under a light dusting of snow. Another reason to visit Nara in January is to witness the incredible Yamayaki Festival, which takes place on January 4 every year. During the festival, the grassy slopes of Mount Wakakusa are set alight before an incredible fireworks display lights up the night sky.

Biwako Valley (Shiga) - Biwako Valley is the perfect day trip for those looking for a place to enjoy snowsports whilst visiting Kyoto. Reached via the fastest cable car in Japan, Biwako Valley is located in the neighboring prefecture of Shiga, high up along the western shore of Lake Biwa. The area includes the Biwako Valley Ski Resort, which has a range of different trails available for beginners to advanced skiers. There are also slopes for snowboarding as well as areas designed for families to sled or even build snowmen. Also at the resort is the Biwako Terrace, a scenic café where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding mountains.

Uji (Kyoto) - The historic city of Uji is only a 30-minute train journey from Kyoto. Uji is steeped in history and culture, featuring prominently in the final chapters of The Tale of Genji, a story written in the 11th century that is considered to be the first novel ever written. Uji’s most famous landmark is the iconic Byodo-in Temple, established in the 10th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Byodo-in Temple is known for its spectacular Phoenix Hall which is featured on the 10-yen coin. Uji is also famous in Japan for its match and green tea. Tea production and cultivation in Uji dates back to the 12th century, with many tea merchants establishing businesses in the city. Uji is home to the oldest tea shop in Japan, Tsuen, which was founded in 1160 and still operates from its main store which is located on the north side of the Uji River. The tea shops and tea houses of Uji are a great place to beat the cold weather of January with a revitalizing bowl of matcha.

Maebashi Hatsuichi Daruma Festival (Gifu; January 9) - The Maebashi Hatsuichi Daruma Festival is one of the many festivals aimed at bringing wealth and good fortune for the year ahead. During the festival, people bring daruma dolls bought in the previous year, which are then piled high and ceremoniously burned in a ritual bonfire. The festival has been held at Maebashi since the 17th century. As well as the burning ceremony, around 600 stalls selling daruma line the main street leading to the temple, where you can buy a new doll that will (hopefully) grant health and prosperity for the year ahead.

Shittenoji Doya Doya Festival (Osaka; January 14) - One of Japan’s many “naked” festivals, the Shittenoji Doya Doya Festival sees two teams of high-school boys dressed in traditional loincloths compete for amulets thrown from the beams of Shittenoji Temple’s Rokuji Hall. As if wearing only a loincloth in January wasn’t challenging enough, priests from the temple throw pales of cold water at the teams as they run up the steps that lead to the hall. The team that collects the most amulets is declared the winner. The festival’s origins date back to the 9th century and it was traditionally believed that the temple’s amulets could guarantee a safe harvest in the year ahead.

Dontosai Festival (Miyagi; January 14) - The Dontosai Festival takes place at several shrines across Miyagi Prefecture, all held on January 14. The largest celebrations take place at Osaki Hachimangu Shrine in Sendai, the capital of Miyagi. During the festival, traditional New Year’s decorations are burned on large ritual bonfires as people come to pray for good health and fortune in the year ahead. The most famous part of the Dontosai Festival celebrations is the Hadaka-mairi, where pilgrims march to the shrine in the freezing cold night wearing little more than a thin cloth and head towel.

Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival (Nagano; January 15) - Also known as the Dosojin Matsuri, the Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival honors Dosojin, the guardian deity of roads and borders, who it is also believed protects travelers and pilgrims. The highlight of the festival is the dramatic spectacle in which villagers do battle over a giant makeshift shrine. Two groups of local men aged 25 and 42, considered unlucky ages in Japanese culture, defend the tower as villagers wielding torches attempt to set it ablaze. An incredible spectacle to witness, the festival ends with the temporary shrine being set alight.

Togakushi Dondoyaki Festival (Nagano; January 18) - Like many other festivals held at this time of year, the Togakushi Dondoyaki Festival sees the ritual burning of a stockpile of traditional New Year decorations, daruma dolls and other charms. These are piled high around a 3-meter tall tower of bamboo which is set alight. Unlike similar festivals, this is not held at a shrine or temple but on the slopes of the Togakushi Ski Resort in Nagano. After the bonfire, the festival ends with a spectacular hour-long fireworks display.

Takasaki Daruma Market (Gunma; January 1-2) - The city of Takasaki is the birthplace of the daruma doll, the traditional lucky charm modeled on the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma. Held on the first two days of the new year, the Takasaki Daruma Market is the chance to buy daruma that will bring good luck and encouragement for the following 12 months. The annual daruma market has been held in Takasaki for over 200 years, and today you can choose from a huge range of traditional daruma dolls in all manner of colors and sizes. Besides daruma there are also a wide range of food stalls and events such as music, dance and theatre performances.

Setagaya Boroichi Flea Market (Tokyo; January 15-16) - First held over 400 years ago, this enormous flea market sees over 700 stalls pop up along several streets in Tokyo’s Setagaya ward. The market features around 700 stalls and takes place twice a year, in January and December, and is a great place to pick up traditional Japanese souvenirs such as kimono, kokeshi dolls, woodblock prints and much more.

Kobe Luminarie 2025 (Hyogo; January 24 - February 2) - The Kobe Luminarie is an annual light festival originally created to commemorate the victims of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake. Typically held in early December, in 2025, the event is to take place in late January into early February. The celebrations feature stunning displays of illuminated arches and intricate designs crafted from thousands of hand-painted lightbulbs designed by Italian and Japanese artists. The illuminations are located between Kobe’s Former Foreign Settlement, Higashi Yuenchi Park and Meriken Park and draw millions of visitors each year.

Wakakusa Yamayaki (Nara; January 25) - The Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival sees the controlled burning of Nara’s Mount Wakakusa’s grassy hillside, which is visible from various points throughout the city. The festival begins with a ceremonial lighting of the fire at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, followed by a torch procession from the shrine to Mount Wakakusa on the edge of Nara Park. A bonfire at the mountain's base is lit before fireworks illuminate the night sky. After the fireworks, the controlled burning of the mountain’s grass takes place. The origins of the festival are unclear, with one theory being it began following boundary disputes between temples in Nara. Today, the festival is a cherished tradition, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Kayabuki no Sato Snow Lantern Festival (Kyoto; Jan 25 - Feb 1) -The Kayabuki no Sato Snow Lantern Festival is a picturesque winter event held in Miyama, a region of Kyoto Prefecture around 50 miles north of Kyoto city. The town is famous for its traditional thatched-roof farmhouses, similar to those found in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. At the end of January, the village transforms into a magical winter snowscape as Kayabuki no Sato is illuminated by hundreds of glowing handmade lanterns and LED lights after dark.

Skiing - Many people visit Japan in January to ski, and with so much fresh snow and an incredible range of resorts to choose from, it’s easy to see why.

Besides Yuzawa, another popular skiing destination in Japan is Niseko in Hokkaido. Ideal for all levels and abilities, Niseko is famous for its powder snow, expansive terrain, and its vibrant nightlife.

Another top spot in Hokkaido is Furano, known for its uncrowded slopes and quieter, family-friendly atmosphere.

Hakuba Valley in Nagano is another popular ski destination with over ten interconnected resorts, catering to everyone from beginners to advanced skiers, as is Nozawa Onsen.

Zao Onsen in Yamagata is also famous for its excellent slopes and "snow monsters", trees encased in frozen snow.

Shopping - January is a great time to come to Japan if you’re looking to spend some yen. The New Year sales in Japan are a major shopping event, beginning right after New Year’s Day. Many major retailers, department stores, and fashion brands offer significant discounts at the beginning of January, making it an excellent time to shop for everything from clothing and electronics to traditional goods. These sales typically last through mid-January, with the first few days drawing the biggest crowds. A unique highlight is the sale of mystery bags called "fukubukuro”. Stores fill these lucky bags with a variety of items that are worth far more than the bag’s price.

Sumo Wrestling (Tokyo; January 12 - 26) - The first of the six major sumo tournaments that take place each year is held across two weeks at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.

Hakone Ekiden Marathon (Tokyo/Hakone - January 2 - 3) - This prestigious relay marathon sees teams of ten runners from 20 universities race from Otemachi in Tokyo to Lake Ashi in Hakone and back over two days.

Ice Hockey (various locations and dates) - The Asia League Ice Hockey sees teams from Japan and South Korea compete against each other over the course of the season. Several matches in the tournament take place across Japan in January.

Mochi - Mochi are traditional Japanese rice cakes made from steamed glutinous rice which is pounded into a paste and then shaped. Mochi are a traditional part of the New Year celebrations in Japan and are enjoyed in various forms during this period as part of the custom to pray for health, prosperity, and good fortune. Mochi are one ingredient in a soup called ozoni, along with vegetables and sometimes seafood, which is often eaten on New Year's Day as part of the first meal of the year. Mochi is made through a traditional method called mochi-tsuki, where the warm rice is pounded with a large wooden mallet in a mortar or bowl. Many traditional ryokan in Japan offer guests the chance to pound mochi on New Year's Day. Ryokans usually also serve "otoso" as part of the first breakfast of the new year. A spiced sake, otoso sake is believed to help prevent sickness and protect against other ill spirits for the year ahead.

Osechi Ryori - Osechi Ryori is a traditional Japanese New Year meal consisting of beautifully arranged dishes served in stacked lacquered boxes called jubako. Osechi ryori is loaded with symbolism and each dish has a special meaning, representing wishes for health, prosperity, and happiness in the coming year. Typical dishes in osechi ryori include kuromame, or sweet black soybeans, which represents diligence and health; herring roe, representing fertility; and a sweet rolled omelet called datemaki for scholarly success. Many dishes are prepared to be long-lasting, as osechi ryori was originally intended to eliminate the need for cooking during the New Year holidays.

Nabe - As January sits right in the middle of winter, one of the most popular dishes of the season is nabe, a type of Japanese hot pot. Nabe comes in many forms, with ingredients varying depending on the region. Usually served in a communal pot, nabe typically features a variety of ingredients such as tofu, seafood, thinly sliced meat, and vegetables including cabbage, mushrooms, carrots and green onions, all simmered together in a flavorful broth made from either soy sauce, miso, or dashi.

Oden - Slightly similar to nabe, oden is another comforting winter dish consisting of a variety of ingredients simmered in a light, savory broth typically made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. The ingredients absorb the flavor of the broth. Common ingredients in oden include daikon, boiled eggs, konnyaku, fish cakes, tofu, and sometimes meat or seafood. Oden is a very versatile dish, with many regional variations in ingredients and broth seasoning to be found across Japan. Like nabe, oden is often served in large communal pots, with diners able to pick out their favorite ingredients.

Yakiimo - Yakiimo is a very simple yet popular Japanese snack consisting of roasted sweet potatoes which are naturally sweet and creamy. Another staple of the Japanese winter months, yakiimo are traditionally cooked over hot stones or open flames and develop a caramelized and slightly crispy exterior while remaining deliciously soft and fluffy inside. Yakiimo are often sold by street vendors in winter, where they are cooked in specialized ovens located in the back of their distinctive carts. Yakiimo are typically eaten plain without any additional toppings thanks to the highly flavorful natural sweetness.

Seafood - There are several types of seafood that are heavily associated with winter in Japan. Seafood in Japan during January is at its freshest and most flavorful, thanks to the cold winter waters that enhance the taste and texture of seasonal catches. Among the many types of seafood common in Japan in January are crabs, particularly giant snow crab, which is seen as a luxurious delicacy and often served in soups, sushi, or steamed dishes. Oysters are also abundant in winter, particularly around the waters of Hiroshima, and often served raw, grilled, or fried. A popular fish in January is buri, also known as amberjack, which is in season throughout the winter and served as sashimi or grilled.

Strawberries - Strawberries come into season in winter and are commonly seen in decorative desserts and cakes in cafes and bakeries in Japan at this time of year. Two of the most famous strawberry-growing regions in Japan are Tochigi and Kumamoto, though many are also grown across the country in specially designed greenhouses. Many farms also offer strawberry-picking experiences, allowing visitors to enjoy freshly picked berries straight from the vine. Be sure to check our articles on strawberry-picking spots near Tokyo and picking farms near Osaka.

If you’re planning on visiting Japan in early January, be aware that the New Year period is a relatively quiet time that most people traditionally spend with their families. Many businesses in Japan, including cafes, restaurants and offices, close from the end of December until early January. None of the major cities in Japan host major countdown celebrations on New Year’s Eve of the kind that are common in many other countries.

Also, as so many people travel across the country to visit family at this time of year, early January can also be an extremely busy and expensive time to travel within Japan. Trains and hotels can be fully booked well in advance in early January and demand is always very high, so it pays to check the situation regarding accommodation and transportation before you travel.

Also note that in 2025, the New Year period is slightly longer as January 1 falls in the middle of the week. This means that many businesses will be closed from around December 28 until January 5, which is a longer holiday period than usual.