Japan in January: A Guide for Early-Year Travelers
Japan in January is calm, crisp and full of subtle charm.
The country has just come out of its biggest holiday season, and while the rest of the world is easing into a new year, Japan is settling down after the rush of New Year visits, family gatherings and short winter holidays.
For travelers, that means cooler air, thinner crowds in Japan (other than actual New Year’s) and a different kind of travel pace and mood.
TLDR: The Case for Japan Travel in January
January in Japan is calm, clear & full of subtle seasonal beauty
The New Year holiday brings closures and local traditions, but once it ends, crowds thin out and travel becomes easier
Expect dry, cool weather across most of the country, heavy snow in the north and mountains, and plenty of onsen, skiing, and cultural experiences
The Lead-Up to January in Japan
If you arrive in the last days of December, you’ll see Japan shifting gears.
Many restaurants, museums and small shops close for several days around New Year, usually from December 28 or 29 through January 3. This is when locals travel home or visit shrines for hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year.
The broader New Year’s travel season is from roughly the last Saturday of December until the first Monday of January, though this can vary in some years’ calendar configurations.
Expect trains to be busy during those days but not much else. You’ll find quiet streets, shuttered stores and fewer tourists in major cities.
Unlike in many Western countries, New Year in Japan isn’t about fireworks or parties. It’s about reflection and renewal.
Families share traditional dishes like osechi ryori, send greeting cards and watch television specials. For visitors, it’s a good time to slow down, enjoy a walk through quiet neighborhoods and experience a side of Japan that most people miss.
(For a broader look at the winter season overall, read our article Why Travel to Japan in Winter, which explores the atmosphere, seasonal foods and the country’s distinct beauty this time of year.)
Weather in January: The Many Faces of Japan
January weather depends heavily on where you go.
Across much of Honshu and Kyushu, days are cool and dry. Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Fukuoka often have clear skies and crisp air, making for great sightseeing weather. Snow is not all that common in these cities, though an occasional flurry isn’t impossible.
Head north and the story changes. The Japan Sea coast and northern regions like Tohoku and Hokkaido see regular snowfall. Inland mountain areas from Nagano to Niigata are deep in ski season.
The contrast is striking: on the same day you might stroll through a sunny Tokyo park while a few hours away, skiers are carving down powdery slopes.
The key is layering. Lightweight base layers, a warm mid layer and a waterproof shell will keep you comfortable almost anywhere. Heated rooms and trains make it easy to adjust throughout the day.
Festivals and Local Events in Japan in January
While Japan’s biggest festivals cluster in summer, January still offers unique cultural experiences.
The first week of the month brings hatsumode, with lines forming at major shrines like Meiji Jingu in Tokyo and Fushimi Inari in Kyoto. It’s worth visiting early in the morning to watch the rituals and see locals draw fortunes called omikuji.
Mid-January brings events like the Toka Ebisu festival in Osaka, dedicated to the god of prosperity. Merchants buy bamboo branches decorated with charms for good luck in business.
In Kyoto, the Toshiya archery competition at Sanjusangendo temple showcases traditional dress and remarkable skill.
These are small windows into Japan’s many traditions that still live on.
Skiing and Snow Destinations in Japan
For skiers and snowboarders, January in Japan is prime time.
The famous resorts like Niseko in Hokkaido and Hakuba in Nagano book out months in advance, especially over New Year and the Australian school holidays.
If you’re just now thinking of a January ski trip coming up soon, you might find limited availability but it’s not hopeless.
Smaller, more local resorts often have room and a more Japanese feel. Try Nozawa Onsen, Myoko Kogen or Zao Onsen, where you can combine skiing with hot spring baths. These towns attract a mix of domestic travelers and in-the-know foreigners who prefer authenticity over nightlife.
Even if you don’t ski, winter in these areas is beautiful. Walking through snow-covered streets, soaking in an outdoor onsen and eating regional comfort food like nabe (hot pot) or yaki-imo (roasted sweet potato) are experiences that define the season.
Where to Go in January: Japan’s Got Lots of Choices!
If snow isn’t your thing, head south. Kyushu’s mild winter is perfect for exploring places like Nagasaki, Kumamoto or Kagoshima. Okinawa offers temperatures in the high teens Celsius and plenty of sunshine, though swimming weather depends on your tolerance.
For those who enjoy cooler air and fewer tourists, Tokyo, Kyoto and Kanazawa all shine in January. The clear skies make for sharp views from observation decks, and popular spots like Kiyomizudera and Senso-ji are quieter than usual. A day trip to places like Kamakura or Nara is more pleasant without the crowds of spring.
Hokkaido is a destination in its own right. Sapporo’s snow festival happens in February, but the city’s winter food scene and the nearby towns of Otaru and Hakodate make January worth the trip.
Take Advantage of a Non-High-Season in Japan’s January
January may not have cherry blossoms or fireworks, but it has clarity, calm and character.
You’ll see Japan without the heavy tourist rush, enjoy its seasonal foods and feel what daily life is like between the big travel months. Bring warm clothes, an open mind and a sense of patience.
Japan travel is best planned with strategy in mind, and January is one of the best times to do just that.
Want to make the most of your Japan travel experience? Schedule a free travel planning consultation with Japan Travel Pros, using the calendar below.
FAQ About January Travel in Japan
Is Japan busy in January?
Outside of the New Year holidays (December 29 to January 3), January is one of the quieter months for travel. Major attractions are less crowded, and hotel rates tend to be lower than in spring or autumn.
Does it snow everywhere in Japan in January?
No. Snowfall is common in northern Japan and mountain areas like Nagano and Niigata but rare in cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Hiroshima.
Can I visit shrines during New Year?
Yes, and it’s worth doing. Just expect large crowds at major shrines in the first few days of January. Smaller local shrines are calmer and offer the same experience.
Are shops and restaurants closed during New Year?
Many close between December 29 and January 3, though large shopping centers and chain restaurants often reopen sooner. Plan meals and travel accordingly during that window.
What should I pack for Japan in January?
Pack strategically for your Japan trip. For January that means warm but flexible clothing: base layers, sweaters, a jacket, gloves and a hat. Comfortable shoes and a compact umbrella are also useful. Still, January is a lot more manageable for packing and traveling than those hot, humid summer months in Japan.
