Japan Tours in January 2026

What our customers ask about Japan Tours in January 2026

• What is the weather like in Japan during January?

  Japan experiences its coldest temperatures in January with significant regional variations. Tokyo sees temperatures ranging from 2-10°C (35-50°F) while Hokkaido can plunge to -20°C (-4°F). The Lake Akan Tsuruga Wings hotel provides front-row views of frozen lakes and snow-dusted mountains that define the winter landscape. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The winter landscapes were breathtaking especially around Lake Akan where we could witness hundreds of red-crowned cranes gathered in the river at sunrise."

• Are there any special festivals or events in Japan during January?

  January brings several notable celebrations across Japan. The Sapporo Snow Festival draws crowds to see large-scale ice sculptures while Tokyo hosts the traditional Sumo New Year Basho. Local temples and shrines come alive with New Year (Shogatsu) festivities. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The Sapporo Snow Festival was incredible with over 60 international teams competing to build massive snow sculptures reaching over 15m in height."

• Which locations in Japan are best to visit in January?

  Winter creates ideal conditions for visiting Hakone's hot springs with views of Mt. Fuji snow-covered Kyoto temples and Tokyo's extensive indoor attractions. Strategic bases include THE GATE HOTEL RYOGOKU in Tokyo and the Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa in Hakone both offering easy access to winter activities and sightseeing.

• Which Japanese hot springs (onsen) are best to visit in January?

  The winter months make hot spring visits especially rewarding in regions like Hakone and Kusatsu. Hotel Moriaki Ryokan offers outdoor baths with scenic winter views while Kusatsu Onsen's steaming yubatake (hot water fields) create a dramatic winter scene. A TourRadar traveler recalls: "Soaking in an outdoor onsen while snow fell around us was an unforgettable January experience."

• Is January a good time for seeing Japanese wildlife?

  Winter reveals unique wildlife viewing opportunities particularly in Hokkaido. Visitors can observe red-crowned cranes in Tsurui village snow monkeys bathing in Nagano's hot springs and numerous winter bird species. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Watching the red-crowned cranes dance in the snow at sunrise was a magical experience that could only happen in winter."

• How crowded are tourist attractions in Japan during January?

  January offers relatively quiet conditions at most attractions except during New Year's week and winter festivals. Visitors can explore popular sites like Tokyo's Senso-ji Temple and Kyoto's Golden Pavilion without large crowds. According to a TourRadar guide: "January offers a unique opportunity to see Japan's most famous sites beautifully decorated in snow with fewer tourists than during cherry blossom season."