Best Winter Destinations

Amazing View Of A World Heritage Site From The ObservatoryShirakawago

Shirakawa Village is a heavy snowfall area, but it snowed not so much for us to visit here this winter. And we can enjoy the snowy landscape as much as we want! It will snow more during February, so you're still in time to see this scenery.

Arches Of Lights 'Galleria'Kobe Luminarie

It's really an art of lights.

A Skating Rink With A Yokohama Night ViewYokohama Red Brick Warehouse

Ice Monsters! Snow Trees Covered With Ice & SnowZao

These fir trees covered with snow and ice have so strange shapes that they're called 'Ice Monster'! On every around February, you can enjoy snow trees, skiing and walking at the top of the mountains in Zao, Yamagata Pref.◎Access: take bus from Yamagata Station to Zao Onsen Hot Spring Town. Parking lot is available for cars. Take ropeway from Zao Onsen, and you can see the snow trees from the mountain top. By the way, humid coldness is unbearable, you must make doubly sure for winter clothes!

Kinkaku-ji Covered With Snow In WinterKinkakuji Temple

Snow has just arrived at Kinkaku-ji because of this cold wave. The snow covers a few times during winter, so this is very rare scenery. The beauty of Japanese winter, it's so beautiful.

Illuminations Of Five Hundred Thousand Lights In A Large ParkSanuki Mannou Park

The park is surrounded by Sanuki mountains and makes a wonderful contrast with the darkness. You can enjoy the illuminations different from the one in cities.

Photogenic Space, Giant Snow Globe AppearsUmeda Sky Building

The Christmas event, which is being held until December 25th, features a giant snow globe this year. At the end of the white forest in the sky is a snow globe decorated in white. Inside the dome, there are white flowers and white sofas, and the snow-like illuminations are falling, making it look wonderful. Be sure to step inside the snow globe and take some wonderful photos.

A Big Christmas TreeKITTE

Christmas tree illumination has just arrived at KITTE this year, too. I can't take my eyes away from a Christmas tree changing its colors by lights.◎It'll be exhibited till December 25th. KITTE is located 1 min walk from Tokyo Station.

Blue Pond Shining BeautifullyBlue Pond

Very popular tourist spot Blue Pond. In winter, it beautifully lighted up! You can see the fantastic Blue Pond that is differ from it in daytime. And don't forget winter clothes.

Lovely Daffodils On A Steep Slope Facing The SeaNadakuroiwa Suisen Kyo

At Nagikuroiwa Suisen Kyo, located on south of Awaji Island, white daffodils bloom profusely on the steep slope. Enveloped in fragrance of daffodils and the cold air in January, please enjoy the calm scenery of Seto Inland Sea?

Winter Oshino Hakkai With Beautiful Mt.Fuji And Dried CornsOshino Hakkai (Eight Ponds)

Oshino Hakkai with some clear spring ponds is covered with snow in winter and it's like an ink painting. In such scenery, the dried corns have warm beautiful colors. They will make Oyaki (snack like a pancake) with these corns after grained.◎Bus is available from Fujisan Station of Fuji Kyuko Railway. There're parking lot for cars.

Beautiful And Happy! Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern FestivalHirosaki Castle

Winter Aomori Prefecture is very cold with much snow. But, you can enjoy winter festival in Hirosaki Castle Park. There7re many beautiful attractions such as snow lanterns, kamakura (snow dome), and illuminations!◎Access: bus is available from Hirosaki Station, and many parking lots around here for cars.

Midwinter Scene! Snow Monkeys Taking Onsen JIGOKUDANI Wild Snow Monkey Park

Though in the severe environment covered with snow almost one third of a year, there's a group of Japanese Monkey living here. In winter, tourist can see these snow monkeys taking onsen hot spring. There's a onsen town near here, you can enjoy traveling, too.

Hijikawa Arashi, A Sea Of Clouds Flowing Down The Mountain To The Sea!Hijikawa Arashi Observation Park

From October to March, on sunny days with some conditions, you can see Hijikawa Arashi (means Storm) that is a phenomenon of fog moving from the mountain to the sea along Hijikawa River. When it happens on a big scale, the fog could cover the whole river even its entry.◎You need car to go to Hijikawa Arashi Observation Park on the top of the hill.

Illumination Of Flower GardenAshikaga Flower Park

Now is a good time to visit Ashikaga Flower Park, because it passed the peak of busiest December. You can look the illuminations leisurely, and early spring flowers such as Botan (peony) and Rōbai (Chimonanthus praecox) are beautifully decorated with illuminations.

Mt. Fuji Suddenly Appears In Front Of Our EyesSatta Touge Pass

You can see the magnificent Mt.Fuji from the observatory, and even a snow-covered Fuji in winter! Taking pictures by long-seconds-exposure, the cars become like laser beam. You need winter clothes.◎Parking area is available but limited. Public Lavatory is available.

Christmas Light Up with Calm European AtmosphereKaruizawa Church

The lanterns and trees that blend into the woods are romantic, and the atmosphere is like Christmas in Europe. There are also events on weekends and Christmas (reservations required for event dates),

Lighting Amusement Park Only In WinterHirakata Park

A famous and long-established amusement park Hirakata Park. Its pool and skating is popular though, I like its illumination held only in winter. The scenery of glittering amusement park is very fantastic.