🇯🇵 Japan · Winter (Dec–Feb)
January averages for Tokyo (Kitanomaru Park). Source
January is cold, bright and dry — Tokyo sees clear blue skies most days, while Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps are deep in snow for skiing and the Sapporo area. New Year (Jan 1–3) closes some shops and restaurants and fills shrines with visitors in their best kimono. Pack your warmest layers; it feels colder after sunset than the numbers suggest.
Puffer or wool coat over a knit, warm straight trousers and waterproof boots.
Add a scarf and gloves — evening temperatures sit around 1°C.
Typical dates. Many festivals follow lunar calendars, so check this year's dates before you book.
January 1–3
Millions queue at shrines like Meiji Jingu and Fushimi Inari, many locals in their best clothes or kimono. Dress smart and warm, wear shoes you can stand in for an hour, and expect shops and restaurants to be closed on the 1st.
Peak powder January–February
Japan's famous light powder snow. Rent skis and outerwear if you like, but bring your own base layers, ski socks and goggles — rental shops often run out of larger sizes.
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