Why Visit Japan in Winter? Winter in Japan (December through February) offers some of the most unique experiences the country has to offer. Northern regions like Hokkaido transform into snowy wonderlands, perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Mountain villages glow with lantern-lit festivals and steaming onsens, while cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto enjoy crisp, clear days with fewer tourists than spring or autumn. In the south, Kyushu’s hot springs and Okinawa’s subtropical br