Exploring Japan one destination at a time
Snow in Tokyo: it rarely happens. You might get a light dusting once or twice a winter, but the kind of proper, boots-sinking-in, snowball-throwing snow that kids go absolutely wild for? That’s not Tokyo’s thing. The good news is that real snow is much closer than most people realise. If you’re planning a Tokyo winter … Read more
I was scrolling through Reddit the other day and saw someone asking if Tokyo’s restaurants, shops, and trains are “over-heated” in winter. Their mate had just come back from Tokyo in early January and reckoned he was walking around in just a shirt because everywhere indoors was absolutely roasting. As someone who’s currently spending winter … Read more
🌡️ UPDATE: February 27, 2026 – The Honest Reality Eleven days on from my last update, and I need to be straight with you: snow conditions have deteriorated significantly across Japan. The warm spell I warned about in mid-February? It arrived with a vengeance. We’ve had double-digit temperatures in Yuzawa, Hakuba, and Nozawa Onsen last … Read more
I’ll never forget the look on my son’s face when he touched snow for the first time in Hakuba. It was late March 2025, a beautiful sunny day as we stood outside our hotel. He reached out, felt the cold on his little hands, and his eyes went wide with pure wonder. That moment alone … Read more
Looking for the best places to see snow in Japan? You’re in for a treat. Japan gets absolutely hammered with snow – we’re talking 10-15 metres per season in many areas, creating some of the world’s best powder skiing and most stunning winter landscapes. From riding the lifts in Hakuba, to soaking in outdoor hot … Read more
Is winter in Japan with kids a good idea?Yes – if you plan it properly. Japan in winter can be magical for families. Snow play, ski resorts, winter illuminations, hot drinks from vending machines, and fewer crowds than peak seasons. But it’s also properly cold, and travelling with children in freezing temperatures requires realistic planning. … Read more
Planning a winter trip to Japan and staring at your empty suitcase wondering what the hell to pack? You’re not alone. Winter in Japan isn’t straightforward – it’s a weird mix of freezing outdoor temples, (over)heated trains, and the constant mess of layering up and stripping down. Here’s the thing: what you need to pack … Read more
Winter in Tokyo doesn’t look like what most people picture when they think “Japan in winter”. There are no massive snowdrifts, you won’t need ski gear, and honestly, some days feel downright pleasant. But is visiting Tokyo in winter worth it, or should you save your trip for cherry blossom season? After visiting Tokyo in … Read more