Winter snow scenes vary across regions, from majestic landscapes shaped by nature to enchanting illuminated views. Be sure to take in these sights with your own eyes. Here are some of Japan’s most stunning snowy spots, all easily accessible by train or bus—no car or taxi needed.
One of Hokkaido’s signature winter festivals, built around the concept of an “Ice Museum.” It features ice sculptures of all shapes and sizes. The lake water from Lake Shikotsu, used to create the sculptures, is renowned for its exceptional clarity, and its beautiful “Lake Shikotsu Blue” remains vibrant even when frozen. At night, the sculptures are illuminated with colorful lights, creating a vivid, entirely different world from the daytime.
Event period: January 31 – February 23, 2026
Reservation: Not required
| Access | New Chitose Airport → 65 min by Hyoto BLUE LINER (Advance reservation required) |
| URL | https://hyoutou-special.asia/ |
A major winter event held in Nikko, famous for its World Heritage sites including Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Mini snow houses line the riverbanks, illuminated to create a breathtaking scene. At “Heike no Sato,” you can see thatched-roof buildings covered in snow alongside the snow huts, offering a magical glimpse of traditional Japan. During the day, the Mizu no Sato Snow Park venue lets children and families enjoy sledding and other snow activities.
Event period: January 30 – March 1, 2026 *Illuminations are held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the event period (17:30–21:00)
Reservation: Not required
| Access | Yunishigawa Onsen Sta. (Yagan Railway Aizukinugawa Line) → 25 min by bus → Get off at Yunishigawa Onsen stop → 5 min walk |
Oirase Gorge is part of Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Join a bus tour to experience the stunning scenery of Oirase Gorge, where waterfalls and spring water create spectacular icefalls and frozen columns in a variety of shapes and sizes. Separate day and evening tours are offered, each with a nature guide to show you the scenery, which looks different at each time of day. The daytime tour is easily accessible from Tokyo, as buses depart from JR Shichinohe-Towada Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen.
Event period: Scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from December 20, 2025, to March 1, 2026 (service not available on some days).
Reservation: Required (available online)
| Access | Day-time tour: Shichinohe-Towada Sta. (Tohoku Shinkansen) → Board at the South Exit bus rotary／Night tour: Board at bus stops in Towada city center and along the shores of Lake Towada |
| URL | https://frozen-oirase.com/en/ |
From Amaharashi Coast in Noto Peninsula Quasi-National Park, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the snow-capped Tateyama Mountain Range rising majestically above Toyama Bay. It is most visible on clear days between December and February, and the breathtaking scenery is truly spectacular.
| Access | JR Amaharashi Sta. → 5 min walk |
Why not enjoy the scenery this way?
The JR Johana and Himi Line sightseeing train “Berumontagne et Mer,” commonly known as “Berumonta,” offers magnificent views of the Tateyama Mountain Range from aboard the train.
Operation: Saturdays, Sundays, and selected national holidays (all seats reserved)
Boarding: Tickets and reserved-seat tickets can be purchased at JR West’s website, JR ticket offices, or travel agencies. (Meals and other services require separate booking.)
In winter, Biwako Valley is one of Kansai region’s most popular ski resorts, and from the summit of Mt. Uchimi at 1,108 meters, you can enjoy expansive panoramic views. A ropeway takes you up to the top, where the summit terrace offers breathtaking vistas of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, and the surrounding snow-covered mountains. Relax at the terrace cafe while admiring the view.
Operating period: Late December 2025 – Mid March 2026
Reservation: Not required
| Access | JR Shiga Sta. →10 min by bus → Get off at the final stop, Biwako Valley-mae. |
| URL | https://www.biwako-valley.com/en/ |
