<aside> 🔖 January in Japan means fewer crowds, snowy landscapes, hot springs, ski season, and winter festivals. Here’s why it’s worth the cold.
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January in Japan sounds like a terrible idea. Mid-winter, off-peak season, temperatures that make you question your life choices.
But here's the thing about going when everyone else stays home: you get the real Japan, not the Instagram version fighting through crowds at cherry blossom season.
Yes, it's cold. Yes, some areas get buried in snow. But Japan spans multiple climate zones, which means you can dodge the worst of winter while still experiencing the country's cold-weather offerings. Strategic planning turns potential problems into "I'm so glad we came in January" stories.
January temperatures hover below 10°C in major cities. Hokkaido, being the northernmost island, averages -3.6°C. Snow replaces rain across most regions.
What to expect:
Pack layers. Actual layers, not "I'll just wear my fall jacket and hope."
Snow disrupts train schedules, cancels flights, and turns reliable Japanese public transport into something that occasionally disappoints you. For budget travelers relying on JR passes and local trains, this matters.
The fix: Build buffer time into your itinerary. That tight connection between Kyoto and Tokyo? Add an hour. Maybe two. Plan for delays instead of being surprised by them.