Suggestions for Dec-Jan Japan Trip

unethikeele on 08/08/2024 - 12:09

I am travelling to Japan on Boxing day and return in mid-Jan and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on some activities to do, preferably that are winter related?

I have been before but during summer time so was wondering what I can experience during their winter.
Currently plan to visit a few Onsens and also NYE in Shibuya

Also how cold can I expect it to be in their winter? Will it be snowing in the big cities, such as Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka, or is that mainly in the north like Hokkaido and Sapporo?
And does it rain? or is it mostly snow?

Any other tips anyone could pass on would be greatly appreciated too. Thank you!

Travel Asia Japan

Comments

  • Benoffie on 08/08/2024 - 12:33
    +1

    No, no snow. Last year in Tokyo during that time it was fairly consistent low teens and just nothing weather - no rain, no sun, no snow, no wind. Great for walking around and visiting outdoor sites.

    Kyoto slightly chiller, Osaka same. Nothing a layer wont fix. Think 5-10.

    Snow is either up north or Korea.

    I invested in wool merino thin layers and honestly, didn't wear the bottoms. Jeans and Explorers were enough. Up top, merino layer, light jumper. Didn't bother with a bulky jacket. Depends on your tolerance.

    • unethikeele on 08/08/2024 - 12:58

      Awesome, was a bit concerned about snow but sounds like it's a nice winter's day. Thanks for the heads-up

      • Nalar on 08/08/2024 - 15:51
        +1

        Uniqlo Heat Tech is cheap to buy when your there, good for inner layers. I wore a hoodie and jeans every day and night from Xmas day to Jan 12. I did buy $1 beanie neck warmer and gloves from Daiso because I'm from QLD and it was a bit cold.

  • jv on 08/08/2024 - 12:34
    +3

    any suggestions on some activities to do, preferably that are winter related?

    1. Skiing and Snowboarding: Japan is famous for its powdery snow. Popular destinations include Niseko in Hokkaido and Hakuba in Nagano.

    2. Onsen (Hot Springs): Relax in natural hot springs, especially in places like Hakone, Beppu, and Kusatsu.

    3. Snow Festivals: Visit the Sapporo Snow Festival to see incredible ice sculptures and enjoy winter festivities.

    4. Kamakura Snow Huts: Experience traditional snow huts in places like Yunishigawa Onsen in Nikko.

    5. Snowshoeing: Explore the winter landscapes of Nagano and other regions on snowshoe hikes.

    6. Winter Cuisine: Warm up with hearty dishes like hot pots (nabe), ramen, and fresh seafood, especially snow crabs.

    7. Cultural Experiences: Participate in traditional tea ceremonies, visit snow-covered temples and shrines, and enjoy indoor activities like sumo matches.

    8. Shopping and Indoor Entertainment: Explore shopping districts and indoor attractions in cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

    • unethikeele on 08/08/2024 - 13:00
      +1

      Wow, that snow festival in Sapporo looks really amazing, will definitely check that out. Thank you for all these ideas, will give em all a look and hopefully can do them all

      • Wills7 on 09/08/2024 - 12:03

        Snow festival in Sapporo doesn't start until Feb.

    • life is suffering on 08/08/2024 - 13:47
      +11

      Thanks JVGPT

  • Shadowsfury on 08/08/2024 - 13:16

    A lot of winter illuminations will be around - kinda like mini Vivid Sydney

    • unethikeele on 09/08/2024 - 08:46

      I will keep an eye out :)

  • kobeduck on 08/08/2024 - 14:43

    Stay until Feb and go Sapporro. Enjoy Ramen, Beer and the festival of course

    • unethikeele on 09/08/2024 - 08:47

      I really wish I could, but going with my partner and another couple and these were the dates decided on

  • Broke-Ken on 08/08/2024 - 15:30
    +1

    also NYE in Shibuya

    Not sure if you're aware of this, but New years is very different in Japan, it's like our Christmas where it's family time, lots of things will be shut and a lot of the population head back to their hometown to spend time with their family. But with that said, there should still be some bars and clubs open for those who wants to party, but I think the last year, the cops set an alcohol restriction on the Shibuya streets to prevent public celebrations on the streets.

    • unethikeele on 09/08/2024 - 08:48

      Oh damn, will have to look into that then. Thanks for the heads-up

  • Nalar on 08/08/2024 - 15:46

    On Jan 4, swing by the Tokyo Dome and watch some Pro-Wrestling.

    • drdres09 on 08/08/2024 - 21:04
      +1

      Dynasty and wrestlekingdom tickets! See ya there!

    • unethikeele on 09/08/2024 - 08:49

      damn that dome is massive, might have to check it out then

  • altomic on 08/08/2024 - 16:48

    hokkaido ice festival is cool.

    I went 20 years ago. caught a ferry from Sendai to Hakodate, then train to Sapporo.
    absolutely freezing (hey, it's an ice festival, what did I expect?)

    I did experience snow when I lived in Tokyo for 18 months.

    but it is not guaranteed - but it will be cold and the air will be very dry.

    Osaka/kyoto, being more south, will unlikely have snow.

    I lived in Sendai city (north Japan) for 2.5 years and experienced snow there every winter.

    always more snow when you head inland/ into the mountains.

    my favourite thing to do in winter was to head into my local izakaya after work and drink atsukan nihonshu - hot sake.

    • unethikeele on 09/08/2024 - 08:50

      thank you for the info, I think i will unfortunately be missing the ice festival but will definitely try the nihonshu and hope I can still see some snow

  • webmonkey on 08/08/2024 - 20:15

    It's cold… very cold in the evening.

    If you're there in Jan you might be able to catch the start of the Sumo season. Book well in advance.

    • unethikeele on 09/08/2024 - 08:51

      haha yep, already have the date tickets go on sale circled

      • Shadowsfury on 09/08/2024 - 15:36

        Are you planning on using getsumotickets or DIY?

        On a previous trip I used getsumotickets which of course cost more but was painless

        On my trip earlier this year I thought I'd DIY on the official website and it was an utter sh*tshow with the site constantly timing out - I gave up after a couple of hours and left emptyhanded of tickets. Regret not just paying getsumotickets again.

        • unethikeele on 14/08/2024 - 09:29

          I will have to look at that, is it just someone purchasing on your behalf? or is it more like ticketek?

  • ninjalot on 09/08/2024 - 03:16

    Dec-Jan is probably the time you're most likely to get clear views of notoriously shy Mt Fuji, worth a daytrip from Tokyo or stay in a ryokan with a nice onsen in Hakone!

    • unethikeele on 09/08/2024 - 08:52

      wow, I thought it'd be too cloudy but will defs make an effort to go, maybe change itinerary a bit to stay there a night or two

  • eman resu on 09/08/2024 - 09:52

    what are you doing for hotels? It seems so expensive to find family rooms

    • unethikeele on 14/08/2024 - 09:28
      +1

      Not sure if I can provide good advice, mostly staying in small hostel rooms. sorry!

  • Howdydoo on 09/08/2024 - 15:47

    I have been in tokyo and osaka in january and got snow, but i think it is relatively rare and only sticks round a couple of days. I have been to osaka 4 times in january and twice it was freezing (no snow) and once it was quite warm at around 8C so it can fluctuate depending on the year. Osaka, kyoto and nara are great to visit in winter - not as busy as summer and lots of great shopping in osaka.

    • unethikeele on 14/08/2024 - 09:31
      +1

      Awesome, will definitely remember something warm just in case. I am also very keen to see Osaka with less commotion so this sounds great.

  • AlienC on 13/08/2024 - 09:25

    What does Japan's 'megaquake' advisory mean?
    https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/what-does-japans-megaqua…

    • unethikeele on 14/08/2024 - 09:41

      thank you for sharing

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join