Enjoying Winter the Japanese Way

Japan has heaps of snow and plenty of mountains, leading to the wealth of local ski resorts to explore.
The way up and roads around these ski resorts are well maintained, while some are so close to urban centers it’s so easy to see why so many in Japan are ready to head out for skiing or snowboarding come winter.
To ski or snowboard like a local, a typical time out may look like spending the day on the slopes with friends, before kicking back over good food and drinks taking a dip in the hot springs at your nearby stay.

Many Japanese people love hot springs and visit them year-round, but if asked about the best season for hot springs, many would likely say winter. The sheer thrill of slipping your chilled body into the hot springs water and warming up straight from the core is truly unparalleled. This is why you’ll find so many in Japan plan their winter trips specifically around these hot springs.
A classic hot springs trip usually involves a stay at a traditional inn with its own hot spring, complete with feast of luxe ingredients like sashimi and wagyu beef enjoyed in the privacy of their rooms. Kicking back for slower days at the hot springs are certainly one popular mode of travel.

The Marunouchi Illumination, a winter tradition in the Marunouchi area, has been held for over two decades. The main attraction is the main street of Marunouchi Nakadori, spanning approximately 1.2 km and lined with popular brand shops. Roughly 1.2 million LED bulbs adorn the approximately 340 street trees from the Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan in front of Yurakucho Station to Otemachi Nakadori. During the event, not just the street but the entire town glistens in a champagne gold hue, creating a truly ethereal ambiance.

Yomiuriland, a historic amusement park representing Tokyo, straddles the areas of Inagi City in Tokyo and Kawasaki City in Kanagawa. Just about 30 minutes by train from Shinjuku, the park offers not only a plethora of attractions but also events like pools in the summer and illuminations in the winter, ensuring fun for all ages throughout the year. Every winter, Yomiuriland hosts one of Japan's iconic illumination events, the "Jewellumination." World-renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii, known for her work on illuminations for the Eiffel Tower and Tokyo Tower, produces this mesmerizing event. During the illumination period, the entire amusement park is bathed in fantastical lights.

In the lush grounds of Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest, visitors can find the massive climbing attraction known as "Muscle Monster," thrilling rides, and various other amusements to try. Not to mention you’ll even find BBQ, camping and plenty of ways to kick back and relax at this multifaceted leisure complex.
Every winter, this spot becomes the stage for Sagamiko Illumillion, one of the largest illumination events in the Kanto region. During the event, various parts of the facility are illuminated with vibrant and colorful lights. With a staggering 6 million bulbs lighting up the space, the mystic ambiance created promises a dramatic and unforgettable night.

Counted among the three major snow festivals globally, the "Sapporo Snow Festival" or "Sapporo Yuki Matsuri" began in 1950 when local high school students set up six snow statues in Odori Park. Now, the festival is held in early February across three main sites: Odori, Susukino, and Tsudome venues. Attracting approximately two million visitors from Japan and abroad, this event has become a coveted, major winter event in Sapporo.

Hosted in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, Tokamachi Yuki Matsuri is a winter event known for its handmade "snow art" crafted by the citizens and the mesmerizing "Snow Carnival" held on a grand snow stage that combines sound and light. Along with this, various food stalls and snow activities make this event a must-visit. This festival, coined with the philosophy "befriending and enjoying snow," has emerged as the largest winter event on the this side of the Sea of Japan.

"Kamakura," igloo-like structures made of snow with an altar inside to worship water deities, is a traditional event of "Little New Year" celebrated in areas like Akita and Niigata. Held annually on February 15th and 16th in Yokote, known for its significant snowfall, the Kamakura Festival is one of the Five Great Snow Festivals of Michinoku. With a proud history spanning about 450 years, this festival offers a deep dive into Japanese tradition.

Zao in Yamagata Prefecture is one of the largest mountain resorts in the Tohoku region. It becomes a hub for winter sports enthusiasts during the winter months, attracting numerous tourists eager to see the 'Ice Trees.' These frosty trees form when the leaves and branches of the Aomori Fir (scientific name: Abies mariesii) undergo repeated cycles of icing and snow accumulation. This rare sight can only be witnessed in specific parts of the O-u Mountains, where the perfect recipe of temperature, wind direction, and snowfall converge.

Shirakawa-go is a picturesque region of Japan, where traditional thatched-roof 'Gassho-Zukuri' houses remain. As of 2016, the area boasts over 100 such structures. With the largest cluster of these homes in Japan, the village has been designated a national Traditional Buildings Preservation Area. In 1995, due to its significant contribution to human history, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When snowfall occurs, it can accumulate to over 2 meters, transforming the rural landscape into a pristine white wonderland. Post-sunset, the village is illuminated, offering a magical view of old-world Japan.

This hot spring area flourished during the Edo period, alongside the prosperous Enzan silver mine. The town's chic inns feature captivating colorful relief decorations known as 'Karako-e.' The spa town offers foot baths and communal bathhouses, with the springs known for their slight salty taste and sulfuric properties, beneficial for skin diseases, gynecological issues, and poor circulation. The most picturesque view of Ginzan Onsen is during winter when the snow-covered town is lit by the warm orange glow of gas lamps. This Taisho-era romantic snowy landscape attracts numerous winter tourists.

Over a span of about 180 years, successive lords of the Kaga Maeda clan cultivated Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan's top three most celebrated gardens. Differing from traditional seated-view gardens, this 'strolling' garden invites visitors to wander its vast grounds. Spanning approximately 34,600 tsubo (about 28 acres), the garden features ponds, streams, and man-made hills. While it offers beautiful views throughout the year, the winter spectacle of snow is particularly mesmerizing. Trees adorned with 'Yuki-tsuri' (ropes strung from trees to protect them from heavy snow) are a unique winter feature of Kenrokuen.

The county road Koarajimakinosawa has approximately 500 Metasequoia trees lining both sides of its 2.4 km stretch, famously known as the Metasequoia tree avenue. Serving as an approach to Makino Plateau, the road offers a stunning view against the backdrop of the Nosaka mountain range. In 1994, it was designated as one of the “100 Top Roadside Trees of Japan.” The sight of Metasequoias amidst the sprawling snow-covered landscape is truly breathtaking, resembling a scene straight out of a movie or drama.

The end of the year and the beginning of the new one is sale season, with significant discounts across stores nationwide. As a result, you’ll find many locals flocking to get in their shopping during this period. A highlight of this shopping spree is the "Fukubukuro" or "lucky bag." These are sealed bags packed with assorted items, giving buyers the thrill of the unknown as they open them. Believed to have its origins in the Edo period (1603-1868), it's a sales method that has been around for centuries. If you're shopping in Japan during the New Year, why not take a chance on a Fukubukuro?

The "Hakone Ekiden," held on January 2nd and 3rd, is also a New Year's delight. It's a long-distance relay race featuring collegiate athletes from the Kanto region competing for the best time. Many Japanese have integrated watching the Hakone Ekiden on TV into their New Year's rituals, while others head to the race course to cheer the runners on.

As the end of the year approaches, the excitement for the Year-end Jumbo Lottery grows among many in Japan. The lottery is drawn on New Year's Eve, and the top prize often surpasses 100 million yen. Given the high prize money and the announcement timing on New Year's Eve, it's no wonder many people look forward to this winter lottery.

A typical Omisoka evening involves returning home early and spending a relaxed time with family or a significant other. Many indulge in a slightly luxurious dinner while watching the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, an annual music program aired every Omisoka. As hunger pangs strike later, they have "Toshikoshi soba" (year-crossing noodles). The evening is often spent chatting leisurely with everyone. As the transition from Omisoka to the New Year approaches, people express gratitude for the year that's ending and exchange New Year greetings as the clock strikes midnight.
From January 1st to the 3rd, it's customary to visit relatives and those who have been of help throughout the year to extend New Year greetings. This practice is called "Nenshi-mawari." Often, these visits also include shared meals. As you might have gathered, for the modern Japanese, Omisoka and Shogatsu are times to relax with loved ones and feast on delicious food, a true period of rest. Consequently, some people even end up gaining a bit of "New Year weight" due to the indulgence. Of course, traditions vary by region and household, but many Japanese enjoy the holiday season as described here.

Upon observing how these holidays are celebrated, one might assume "Omisoka" and "Shogatsu" are just regular holidays. However, these festivities are deeply rooted in ancient customs that continue to this day. Let's explore some of the most iconic traditions.

A traditional Japanese stew, "Oden" is made by simmering various ingredients like fish cakes and eggs in a broth made of kelp and bonito. The savory broth coupled with piping hot ingredients is the perfect antidote to the cold winter, warming up the body from within. Paired with sake, it becomes a popular winter dish. The ingredients and even the broth's flavor can differ by region. Available in households and even as takeout from convenience stores during winter, it's a must-try.

The frequency of enjoying "Nabe" or hot pot dishes increases in households during winter. Though broadly termed "hot pot", it comes in a plethora of flavors – from broths seasoned with soy sauce to those with a simple salt base – and features a variety of ingredients. Japanese commonly relish these warm hot pot dishes during the cold season.

Resembling a hot pot, "Sukiyaki" is another winter favorite. It involves simmering beef, leeks, tofu, and other ingredients in a broth primarily made from soy sauce, sake, and sugar. While the flavor and preparation method might differ regionally, its status as a beloved winter dish is consistent throughout Japan.

While crabs are delicious throughout the year, they are especially regarded as a winter delicacy in Japan. This can be attributed to historical reasons. Given crabs' perishability and the absence of refrigeration in the Edo period, they were primarily fished and consumed in winter. Today, with advanced refrigeration, crabs can be relished in summer too, but their image as a winter delicacy persists.

Especially popular around the New Year, mochi is not just eaten in soups like "ozoni", which was introduced earlier. It can be grilled with a bit of soy sauce, rolled in soybean flour, or dipped in a sweet syrupy sauce, offering a variety of ways to enjoy it. Many Japanese claim to have put on weight after the New Year due to their love for mochi.