Japan in January: If you’re planning to visit Japan in January, you’re in for a treat.
Despite the chilly weather, there are plenty of exciting activities and events to keep you entertained throughout the month.
From traditional New Year celebrations to winter festivals and events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the most popular things to do in Japan in January is to participate in the country’s traditional New Year celebrations.
Many locals visit shrines and temples to pray for good fortune and health in the coming year.
You can join in the festivities by writing your own wishes on an ema (a small wooden plaque) and hanging it up at a shrine or temple.
Some popular locations include Meiji Shrine in Tokyo and Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto.
Another highlight of January in the land of the rising sun is the variety of winter festivals and events that take place across the country.
From the Sapporo Snow Festival to the Yokote Kamakura Festival, there are countless opportunities to experience the beauty and excitement of winter in Japan.
If you’re a fan of winter sports, you’ll also find plenty of opportunities to hit the slopes and enjoy skiing or snowboarding.
Visit Japan for New Year Celebrations
If you’re visiting Japan in January, you’re in for a treat as the New Year celebrations are a big deal in Japan.
The Japanese New Year, or Shogatsu, is a time for family gatherings, traditional foods, and visiting shrines and temples.
Here are some highlights of the festive atmosphere of the New Year celebrations in Japan.
Hatsumode
Hatsumode is the first shrine visit in the New Year.
It’s tradition to pray for good luck, health, and happiness for the upcoming year.
Many people visit popular shrines and temples, such as Meiji Shrine in Tokyo or Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto.
The atmosphere is lively, with food stalls and vendors selling lucky charms and amulets.
Osechi
Osechi is a traditional Japanese New Year’s cuisine that consists of various dishes served in special boxes called jubako.
Each dish has a symbolic meaning, such as black beans for health and happiness, and herring roe for fertility.
Osechi is usually prepared at home, but many restaurants and department stores offer pre-packaged osechi boxes for purchase.
Countdown Event
If you’re looking for a more modern New Year celebration, head to a countdown event.
Many cities in Japan hold countdown events with live music, performances, and fireworks.
And if you want you can stay awake to see the first sunrise.
Visiting Shrines and Temples
Visiting shrines and temples is a must-do activity when you are in Japan, especially in January.
The start of the new year is a significant time for Japanese people, and many visit shrines and temples to pray for good luck and fortune.
One of the most popular shrines to visit in January is the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo.
It is the largest shrine in Tokyo and is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken.
The shrine is surrounded by a beautiful forest, and you can enjoy a peaceful walk while admiring the architecture and the surroundings.
Another famous shrine to visit is the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura.
This shrine is dedicated to the god of war, Hachiman, and is located at the top of a hill.
The shrine is accessible by a long staircase, and once you reach the top, you can enjoy a stunning view of Kamakura.
If you are interested in visiting temples, then the Sanjusangendo Temple in Kyoto is a must-visit.
This temple is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
The temple is also home to a beautiful garden, which is perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Winter Festivals and Events
If you’re visiting Japan in January, you’re in luck!
This month is packed with exciting winter festivals and events that showcase the country’s rich culture and traditions.
Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Coming of Age Day: Held on the second Monday of January, this national holiday celebrates young people who have turned 20 years old and officially become adults in Japan. Many cities hold ceremonies and parades for the new adults, who dress up in traditional attire and take lots of photos.
- Ohmato Taikai: This annual archery competition takes place at Sanjusangendo Temple in Kyoto on the second Sunday of January. Over 2,000 archers from around Japan participate in the event, which has been held for over 400 years.
- Toka Ebisu Festival: This festival is held at various shrines across Japan in early January to pray for good business and prosperity in the new year. The most famous one is at the Imamiya Ebisu Shrine in Osaka, where thousands of people flock to buy lucky charms and watch the lively street performances.
Sapporo Snow Festival
Every year, the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, attracts millions of visitors from around the world to witness the massive snow and ice sculptures that reach up to 25 meters in height.
The festival features incredibly detailed sculptures that depict famous landmarks, characters from popular culture, and other stunning designs.
Visitors can also enjoy a range of activities, such as snow slides, snow rafting, and snowboarding.
The festival offers various food and drink options, including traditional Japanese cuisine.
These Winter celebrations are a must-see event for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable winter experience.
Be sure to bundle up as the winter temperatures get low in northern Japan during this time of year!
Winter Sports in Japan – Ski Resorts
If you’re a winter sports enthusiast, Japan is the perfect destination for you!
With its snowy mountains and world-class resorts, Japan offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding experiences in the world.
And January is peak ski season with lots of deep snow.
One of the most popular destinations for winter sports in Japan is Nagano, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998.
Nagano is home to several ski resorts, including Hakuba, which boasts over 200 runs and some of the best powder snow in the world.
Another popular destination is Niseko, located in Hokkaido, which is known for its deep powder snow and stunning scenery.
Snowboarding is also popular in the winter season in Japan, with many Japanese mountains and resorts offering dedicated snowboarding areas and terrain parks.
The Sumo Grand Tournament
This tournament, also known as Honbasho, attracts thousands of spectators from all over the world to watch professional sumo wrestlers compete against each other in a series of matches to determine the champion.
The tournament lasts for 15 days and takes place in various locations throughout Japan.
Anyone looking for a thrilling and authentic Japanese experience should not miss the chance to witness this Sumo tournament in January.
Illuminations
In January, Japan is illuminated with stunning light displays that are sure to take your breath away.
One of the most popular spots for illumination is Shinjuku in Tokyo.
The streets and buildings become a magical wonderland with colorful lights and decorations.
If you’re in the Harajuku area, make sure to check out the Omotesando Illumination.
This display features over 900,000 LED lights and creates a beautiful tunnel of lights that you can walk through.
In Osaka, the Midosuji Illumination is a must-see.
This display features over 1 million LED lights and stretches for 4 kilometers along the Midosuji Boulevard.
In Kyoto, the Arashiyama Hanatouro Illumination is a popular attraction.
The streets of Arashiyama are full of lanterns and illuminated with beautiful lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
Perhaps the best is in Mie prefecture though.
The Nabana no Sato winter illuminations are a site to behold.
And the amazing light shows continue on to cherry blossom season.
New Year Sales and Fukubukuro
If you’re in Japan in January, you’re in luck because it’s the time of year for New Year sales and fukubukuro.
Fukubukuro, or “lucky bags,” are mystery bags filled with discounted items from various stores.
Department stores in most major cities are good for fukubukuro shopping.
You can find bags for fashion, cosmetics, and even electronics.
The contents of each bag are a surprise, but they often include popular items from the store at a discounted price.
In addition to fukubukuro, many stores have New Year sales with discounts on a variety of items. You can find sales on clothing, electronics, home goods, and more.
It’s important to note that these sales and fukubukuro are very popular, so expect crowds and long lines.
Hot Springs and Onsen
If you’re looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience in Japan during January, visiting hot spring resorts should be on your list.
Natural hot springs are a big part of Japanese culture, and many of them are open year-round.
Hokkaido is a great destination for hot springs, with its snowy landscape providing a beautiful backdrop for a soak.
One of the most popular hot springs is Ginzan Onsen.
This onsen is located in a charming old town and has been a popular destination for over a century.
The water is rich in minerals and has healing properties.
You can also enjoy a stroll around the town and admire the traditional architecture.
Many onsens and hot springs offer outdoor baths.
These are particularly enjoyable during winter when the surrounding nature is covered in snow.
The cold weather adds to the winter wonderland feel.
It’s important to note that you’ll need to follow certain etiquette when visiting onsens, such as washing thoroughly before entering the bath and not wearing swimsuits.
Japanese Food in Winter
When it comes to Japanese food in winter, there are a few dishes that stand out.
From warm and savory to sweet and chewy, there’s delicious food for everyone to enjoy.
Here are three popular dishes to try during your winter visit to Japan.
Oden
This is a classic Japanese winter dish that consists of various ingredients like boiled eggs, daikon radish, and fish cakes simmered in a light dashi broth.
It’s a popular dish to enjoy with friends and family while staying warm during the colder months.
You can find Oden at convenience stores, food stalls, and restaurants across Japan.
Mochi
Mochi is a sweet and chewy rice cake that’s a staple during the New Year’s holiday in Japan.
It’s made by pounding steamed glutinous rice until it becomes a smooth and sticky dough.
People eat Mochi plain or filled with sweet red bean paste or other fillings.
Two popular options are either with kinako (roasted soybean flour) or dipped in soy sauce.
Crab
Crab is a winter delicacy in Japan, and there are many ways to enjoy it.
One popular dish is kani hot pot, where fresh crab is cooked in a hot pot with vegetables and other ingredients.
Another popular dish is grilled or steamed crab legs, which are often served with soy sauce and wasabi.
If you’re a seafood lover, be sure to try some of the fresh crab dishes during your winter visit to Japan.
Visiting Unique Locations
If you’re looking for unique locations to visit in Japan during January, you won’t be disappointed.
Here are a couple of must-see destinations that offer a truly unforgettable experience.
Jigokudani Monkey Park
Located in Nagano Prefecture, Jigokudani Monkey Park is a popular destination for travelers who want to see Japanese macaques, the famous snow monkeys in their natural habitat.
The park is home to over 200 monkeys, and visitors can watch them play, groom each other, and soak in the hot springs.
The snow monkeys are especially active during the winter months when they come down from the mountains in search of food.
To get to the park, you’ll have to hike through a scenic forest trail. The hike can be challenging, but it’s well worth the effort.
Once you arrive at the park, you can watch the monkeys from a safe distance, or even get up close and personal with them if you’re feeling brave.
Just be sure to follow the park’s rules and regulations to ensure the safety of both you and the monkeys.
Shirakawago
If you’re looking for a picturesque village that’s straight out of a fairy tale, Shirakawago is the place to go.
Located in Gifu Prefecture, this UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its traditional gassho-style houses, which have steep thatched roofs that resemble hands clasped in prayer.
The village is especially beautiful in the winter when the houses are covered in snow and the surrounding mountains are blanketed in white.
Visitors can explore the village on foot, taking in the stunning scenery and learning about the local culture and history.
You can also visit one of the many restaurants in the village to try local specialties like soba noodles and grilled river fish.
Just be sure to dress warmly, as the January weather in the village can get quite chilly.
Before You Go
Despite the sub-zero temperatures, January can be a great time to visit Japan.
If you can time the visit to begin in December and go through to January, you’ll be able to experience the full New Year holidays.
Just pack warm clothing for the cold temperatures.
Wherever you stay, I’m sure the famous Japanese hospitality will make your January visit worthwhile
