Do you think January is too cold to travel in Japan? Actually, it's the start of something else exciting.
While spring brings blossoms and autumn sets the leaves ablaze, January weather in Japan tells a different story - one of calm skies, crisp air, and a Japan that whispers rather than shouts. You'll enjoy fewer crowds, softer light, and a lovely stillness. Have you ever wondered what Japan in January really looks and feels like? Let's take you there, and I'm so excited to show you what I've been talking about!
In this guide, you'll find everything you need to plan smart:
1. January Weather in Japan: Varies from Hokkaido in the North to Okinawa in the South
Check out the weather map we created for you, which briefly marks the temperatures and recommended travel index for five major cities in Japan in January.
Sapporo(Hokkaido Region) Weather in January
Hokkaido in January is a snowy wonderland, with temperatures ranging from -7°C to -1°C and a dry, refreshing chill. It's perfect for skiing, soaking in hot springs, and indulging in winter crab delicacies. Dress warmly with thermal layers and a down jacket - especially in the mountains - while Sapporo's heated facilities make urban strolls comfortable with lighter layering.
Tokyo(Kanto Region) Weather in January
Tokyo in January is crisp and sunny, with temperatures averaging 4°C to 10°C - cool but not freezing. The dry air and bright skies make it a pleasant time for walking tours, shrine visits, and day trips to Hakone or Kamakura. Dress in light thermal layers with a coat for comfort indoors and out.
Osaka & Kyoto (Kansai Region) Weather in January
January in Kansai is chilly, with temperatures between 2.5°C and 9°C. Kyoto's historic temples and gardens glow under soft sunlight or a dusting of snow, while Osaka's lively streets and nearby Nara's deer-filled parks offer gentle winter charm. Layer with thermals, a sweater, and a long coat for flexible warmth.
Okinawa(Naha) Weather in January
Okinawa offers mild winter sunshine in January, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 19°C. It's the perfect escape from the mainland cold - ideal for whale watching, coastal drives, and exploring island culture under soft winter skies. A light jacket or windbreaker is usually enough for daytime outings.
2. Japan Cultural experiences exclusive to January
1) Hatsumode
The first shrine visit of the new year, Hatsumode, is an important traditional event in Japan during the new year period. It is steeped in cultural and religious symbolism. From January 1 to 3 each year, people visit shrines and temples to pray for peace, health, and business success in the coming year.
Three things you should know before attending Hatsumode:
(1)Most shrines nationwide are open for worship.
Almost all shrines and temples, whether in cities or villages, are open from January 1 to 3 for Hatsumode.
(2)Well-known shrines are crowded and even open overnight.
Popular sites like Meiji Jingu Shrine and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine have long lines starting on New Year's Eve, so be prepared to wait or avoid peak times.
(3)You can still visit even if you miss the first three days.
Hatsumode is not strictly limited to the first three days, and many Japanese people choose to visit in early January, when there are fewer crowds. This visit also serves as a New Year's prayer.
2) Setagaya Boro-ichi: Wonderful Traditional Flea Market in Mid-January
Every year on the 15th and 16th of January, come rain or shine, Setagaya Ward comes alive with the traditional flea market, Setagaya no Boroichi.
The event holds from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and features about 600 - 700 stalls set up throughout Bolo City and its surrounding neighborhoods, including the area between Setagaya and Kamimachi Stations.
Admission is free, and the market attracts about 200,000 people who come to browse, hunt for treasures, and experience the event! It's a great way to experience the nostalgia and humanity of local Tokyo.
Will the flea market in Setagaya in mid-January continue if there is rain or snow?
Yes, the Setagaya Boro-ichi Flea Market takes place rain or shine, no matter what the weather is like.
3) Toka Ebisu Festival - A Winter Event to Pray for Commerce and Prosperity
From January 9 to 11 each year, Ebisu shrines across Japan celebrate the annual Toka Ebisu festival, culminating in the January 10 event. The Osaka Imamiya Ebisu Shrine and the Hyogo Nishinomiya Shrine, for example, attract more than one million worshippers per day during the festival.
Highlights in Toka Ebisu Festival
During the festival, visitors can worship the god Ebisu and receive a bamboo stick called a "fukusa cloth," a symbol of wealth presented by the goddess of fortune.
Visitors can also watch a parade of portable shrines and traditional dances performed by geisha.
The festival's highlight is the "Door Opening Shinto Race," where participants rush to the main hall early in the morning to compete for the title of "Lucky Man."
There will also be a wide variety of stalls selling lucky talismans, as well as an array of temple food, so you can enjoy the New Year's atmosphere while strolling around and eating.
3. January's Culinary Delights in January
As January weather in Japan brings temperatures down to the single digits, the country's kitchens heat up with heartwarming seasonal flavors. Here's what to taste this January in five iconic regions, along with where to find them.
1) Ichigo - Taste Japanese Strawberries, Sweetness in January
January is the best time to enjoy strawberries. They ripen slowly at low temperatures, which results in a rich aroma and sweet, juicy flavor because sugar accumulates in the fruit. At this time, major dessert stores have launched strawberry-themed desserts, offering a visual and gustatory feast and providing a sense of happiness and comfort on cold winter days.
Top dishes:
Strawberry Piece cake
Strawberry Daifuku
Where to try it (Click to view Google Map):
HARBS - Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto
Henri Charpentier - Tokyo, Kyoto & Kobe
*Waiting in line for dine-in service can sometimes take a lot of time. If you want to save time and money, takeout is a good option.
2)Japanese Hot Pot - Steaming warmth on the table in January
When the winter chill sets in, nothing beats gathering around a steaming pot of nabe with friends or family.
Kansai-style sukiyaki is fried and then boiled with granulated sugar, giving it a rich, sweet aroma. Paired with the highest quality Wagyu beef, it's the perfect way to warm up on a winter night in January.
Top Dishes: Sukiyaki(Sweet soy sauce base with thin beef slices)
Kansai-style sukiyaki is first pan-fried, then boiled with granulated sugar to create a sweet, rich flavor. It is best enjoyed in January, when it can warm up a cold winter night.
Where to try it (Click to view Google Map):
For an authentic sukiyaki experience, Moritaya is a top pick, with branches in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
Enjoy Kansai-style sukiyaki, made with richly marbled Wagyu beef, while dining by the tall windows on the 11th floor and enjoying the stunning view of Kyoto Tower.
Step out between courses to see the iconic Ginza Clock Tower
(3)Kani - Have Japanese Crab Meal in January
Why January:
Hokkaido's snow crab is at peak sweetness in January, especially in Sapporo and Kushiro.
Top dishes:
Kani Nabe (Crab hotpot)
Kani Sushi or Crab Bowl (kani don)
Steamed Hairy Crab or Crab Miso Soup
Where to try it in January:
Kani Honke Sapporo Main Branch: 2 Chome-1-18 Kita 3 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo
4. What to Pack for Your Tour to Japan in January?
Here's what to include in your suitcase for a cosy and worry-free journey in January.
January in Japan is cold, with temperatures between -4°C and 7°C (25–45°F), plus some rain or snow.
Warm layers are key. Pack a heavy winter coat, thermal wear, sweaters, and waterproof boots. Don't forget winter accessories - a hat, gloves, and a scarf - to stay comfortable outdoors.
5. Five Best Places Itineraries for Traveling in January
Are you wondering how to make the most of your trip to Japan in January? Don't worry! UME Travel's travel experts have selected great, hassle-free itineraries full of inspiration to help you easily start your trip to Japan in January.
From days 10 through 15, you will delve deeper into Hokkaido.
A trip to Hokkaido in winter isn't complete without visiting Sapporo and Otaru, which are covered in snow, gliding down the slopes of Niseko, and soaking in a hot outdoor bath surrounded by snowy scenery.
What's more, you'll see the beautiful frozen lake, Shikotsu, and try fresh seafood at the Sapporo Central Market with a local guide.
8 Days Tokyo - Mt.Fuji - Hakone - Kamakura - Yokohama - Tokyo
You must experience the highlights of Tokyo: Asakusa's Senso-ji Temple, the bustling streets of Shibuya, and the refined shopping scene in Ginza.
This Kanto journey is unique. It takes you beyond the capital to serene lakes at the foot of Mt. Fuji, peaceful temples in Kamakura, and majestic shrines of Nikko, all blanketed in winter charm.
View full Kanto(Tokyo) In-Depth Itinerary and uncover Tokyo's cultural roots this winter.
7 Days Tokyo -Osaka - Kyoto - Nara Tour
A visit to Osaka isn't complete without wandering through the lively streets of Dotonbori, browsing the shops of Shinsaibashi, and admiring the impressive architecture of Osaka Castle.
Enjoy an insider's taste of Osaka on a privately guided food walk, then slow down with a serene escape to Nara, meet friendly deer, and roam temple grounds dusted in snow (Snow in Nara or Kyoto sometimes).
Check out the full Tokyo & Kansai Tour and enjoy the warmth of Kansai this winter.
7 Days Fukuoka - Itoshima - Kumamoto - Mt.Aso - Kurokawa - Yufuin - Beppu Tour
Naturally, no trip to Kyushu is complete without soaking in the famous hot springs of Beppu, wandering the quaint streets of Yufuin, and visiting the majestic Kumamoto Castle.
But what makes this winter escape truly unique is the cultural depth woven into each stop: like relaxing in a secluded open-air onsen in Kurokawa, savoring seasonal kaiseki dinners, and tracing the footprints of East-West heritage in Nagasaki.
In January, the weather in Kyushu is warm, and the region's volcanic landscapes, traditional culture, and natural beauty are all on display.
Check out the full itinerary and see why Kyushu is the perfect place to relax this winter.
Okinawa 7 Days Naha - Onna Tour
While much of Japan is cold in January, Okinawa is warm and inviting. During the day, temperatures are around 65°F, the skies are blue, and the sea is brightly lit.
The cliffs of Cape Manzamo, the Churaumi Aquarium, and Emerald Beach are the best places to visit. But what makes this January trip special is the relaxed pace of island life.
Try on a traditional Ryukyuan kimono for a photo session, take a glass-bottom boat ride over the coral reefs, or hike to the ruins of Nakijin Castle as the sun sets over the sea. Life in Okinawa turns slower, and the sun is always shining. And it's perfect for starting the year with peace and color.
View the full Okinawa itinerary and see why winter feels warmer on this island escape.
Craving a winter trip beyond the recommendations with a feeling of warmth, personal, and refreshingly different?
Contact our travel experts to design your ideal Japan journey in January at no extra cost.
6. Travel Tips for Visiting Japan in January
Early booking during New Year Rush (January 1-3):
The first three days of January are Shōgatsu, Japan's busiest holiday. Temples and attractions are crowded, shops may close, and accommodation prices rise. Book 3–6 months in advance if traveling during this time.
Mid-January Quietude:
From January 4 onward, the festive crowds disperse, and a quieter, more reflective Japan emerges. This is a wonderful time to travel if you enjoy calm streets, easy transportation, and a sense of having the sights to yourself.
Smooth Transportation & Better Availability:
Availability of hotels and ryokans also tends to be better after the New Year and into mid to late January, with prices usually lower than at the peak of the holiday season.
Best Times for Sightseeing:
Early mornings (especially on weekdays) are ideal for visiting temples, gardens, and museums without the crowds. Even in popular cities like Kyoto or Tokyo, these quiet windows let you enjoy moments of stillness, often under blue winter skies.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Ideas:
To truly escape the crowds, explore lesser-known regions like Kanazawa, Kinosaki Onsen, or the Izu Peninsula. These places offer rich cultural charm and seasonal beauty without the bustle, especially in January.
7. FAQs about Traveling to Japan in January
Q1: Does it snow heavily in Japan in January?
Yes. Regions like Hokkaido, Nagano, and Niigata receive heavy snowfall, making them ideal for skiing. However, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka rarely get snow - they stay cold and dry.
Q2: Can I still visit temples and shrines in winter?
Absolutely. Many temples and shrines stay open all year round, and their serene winter charm, especially with light snow, offers a magical, photo-worthy experience.
Q3: How do I get around in Japan?
Japan has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including bullet trains (Shinkansen) and local rail networks.
Considering further comfort, UME Travel offers licensed private car services combined with Shinkansen transfers - perfect for families, seniors, and stress-free travel.
Q4: How is the accommodation reservation in January? Is it difficult to find a place to stay in January?
In January, Japan offers a wide range of accommodations including hot spring inns to modern hotels near train stations. It's generally an off-season with good availability, except during the busy New Year holidays (Jan 1–3).
To secure the best options, booking 3–6 months in advance is recommended. UME Travel can help match you with safe, convenient stays, including Mount Fuji view hotels.
Q5: Is Japan a good destination for seniors to visit in winter? What is the experience like?
Yes, Japan is an excellent winter destination for seniors. As one of the most age-friendly countries in the world, Japan offers a culture that deeply respects the elderly, modern and accessible infrastructure, extremely safe and clean environments, and efficient public transportation. Seniors can comfortably immerse themselves in Japan's rich history, culture, and seasonal beauty without any hassle.
Q6: Any health or safety tips for traveling in Japan in January?
Japan in January can be quite cold, especially in northern and mountainous areas. It's important to dress warmly in layers and stay hydrated. If you plan to enjoy outdoor activities like skiing or snowboarding, use proper gear and follow safety guidelines. Be cautious of icy or snow-covered sidewalks - wear suitable footwear to prevent slips and falls. It's also wise to carry hand sanitizer, a basic first aid kit, and any personal medications you may need. For added peace of mind, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers winter sports and weather-related disruptions.
What we'd like to say
January in Japan carries a quiet rhythm beneath the winter chill. UME Travel is here to craft a serene and enriching journey for you, with thoughtfully selected, relaxing accommodations and professional private car services. Let us help you discover the peaceful beauty of Japan in winter and create warm, lasting memories along the way.
Start planning your tranquil January getaway with UME Travel today - contact us to customize your perfect trip!