Winter Wonderland Towns in Japan
Winter in Japan is a spectacular experience. There are so many towns and cities that experience the best of what winter offers. From bright winter illuminations, fireworks, festivities and snow.
Check out some of the places to experience winter when in Japan!
Glittering Otaru
Otaru City in Hokkaido is a mere 25-minute drive from the commuter town of Sapporo. Otaru faces Ishikari Bay and the Sea of Japan and has served as the main port of the bay. Many historical building are found in the city and is also dubbed “the Venice of the north”. When it starts snowing in the magical city, the light festival adds enchantment to the winter air.
Nights in Hakodate
Hakkodate, also in Hokkaido is magical during winter. Known for its Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses and other historic buildings and sights, it is one of Japan’s oldest ports. The bay plays an important role in commerce since it was established as one of Japan’s first international ports in 1859. Hakkodate’s scenic charms coupled with the annual winter festivities and daily fireworks make for a truly memorable experience.
Titanic feels in Wakkanai
Floating drift ice are amazing sight along the Sea of Okhotsk. The ice can also be seen from Wakkanai, the northernmost city in Japan. Wakkanai, meaning “cold water river” is a city located in Hokkaido, with Japan’s northernmost point Cape Sōya where the Russian island of Sakhalin can be seen. Wakkanai is also known to be home to the forst nursing home built inside the central train station of the city. This is considered to be a novel approach to caring for Japan’s elderly population and has since been imitated in other cities.
Skiing in Niseko
Niseko located on Mount Niseko-Annupuri, is known for its light powdery snow and stunning scenery. It is one of the top ski destinations in the world. There are four main resorts Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and Annupuri which form Niseko United. With a lift pass, skiers can access all four resorts. There are also a few smaller resorts that dot the area. With 47 kilometers of maintained slopes, it is a haven for all avid skiers from beginners to the more advanced.
Snow covered trees of Zao
Mt. Zao is surrounded by coniferous trees such as the Aomori Fir. The trees cover the slopes that are between an altitude of about 4,265 and 5,249 feet. The mountain is located between the border of Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures. Winter in Mt. Zao brings winds that blow from Siberia and as they pass through the Sea of Japan, they pick up moisture. After the wind crosses the Asahi Mountain Range to the west of Mt. Zao, the moisture forms clouds of supercooled droplets. The clouds frost the conifers on the slopes over and over until an icy crust forms and the trees are completely covered in ice and form weird kinds of shapes. It makes an eerily majestic sight.
