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."

Japan Tours in January 2027

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10 best Japan trips in January 2027

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City & Culture
Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
4.9 (46 reviews)
"This tour was very good & was just what I was looking for, seeing all the sites without having to organise or plan anything."
Greg, traveled in January
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagano
Age Range
Ages 18-59
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English
Operator
One Life Adventures
10% Off
From $2,775
US$2,498per person
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Price based on Shared Room
11 Jan, 2027
9 spaces left
25 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
11 Day Explorer Central Japan Snow Monkey Park（Private Guide and Driver）
5.0 (4 reviews)
"Everything I was recommended on the trip was well researched and extremely helpful"
Sabrina, traveled in March
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Oshino, Jigokudani Valley, Yamanouchi,Yudanaka,Nagano,Matsumoto,Shirakawa-go,Takayama,Kanazawa,Kyoto,Fushimi,Uji,Nara,Hiroshima,Miyajima Island,Osaka+13 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English
Operator
UME Travel Co. Ltd
25% Off
From $7,680
US$5,760per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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City & Culture
Japan Winter Wonder (Without Ski)
4.7 (13 reviews)
"Loved the tour, the group and the manager."
DenniMareeRankin, traveled in December
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Hakone,Tokyo+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Regions
HonshuSouthern Japan+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
15% Off
From $2,535
US$2,155per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
6 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
13 Jan, 2027
7 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Active Japan: Hokkaido in Winter, Sea Ice to Onsens
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Sapporo, Shiretoko National Park, Abashiri, Kussharo Ko,Lake Mashu-Ko,Lake Akan,Asahikawa,Daisetsuzan National Park+4 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
HokkaidoNorthern Japan+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
From
US$4,099per person
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Price based on Shared Room
21 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
8 Days Winter Wonders: A Family Journey in Japan (private guide and driver）- Customizable
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English
Operator
UME Travel Co. Ltd
25% Off
From $6,413
US$4,810per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Nature & Wildlife
Active Northern Japan: Winter in Tokyo & Hokkaido
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Tokyo, Shiretoko National Park, Asahikawa, Sapporo
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
HokkaidoNorthern Japan+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From
US$4,599per person
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City & Culture
10 Days Family Winter Japan: Ski, Snow Monkeys & Mt.Fuji Tour (private guide and driver）- Customizable
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Tokyo, Yuzawa, Nagano, Jigokudani Valley, Matsumoto,Mount Fuji,Oshino+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
HonshuCentral JapanJapanese Alps+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
UME Travel Co. Ltd
25% Off
From $9,415
US$7,061per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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City & Culture
13 Day Wonders of Central Japan Snow Monkey Park （Private Guide and Driver）
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Tokyo, Hakone, Owakudani, Fujikawaguchiko, Oshino,Jigokudani Valley,Yamanouchi,Yudanaka,Nagano,Matsumoto,Shirakawa-go,Takayama,Kanazawa,Kyoto,Fushimi,Uji,Nara,Hiroshima,Miyajima Island,Osaka+15 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English
Operator
UME Travel Co. Ltd
25% Off
From $8,921
US$6,691per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Adventure & Adrenaline
7 Days Ski Niseko, Winter in Hokkaido Tour (private guide and driver）- Customizable
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Sapporo, Niseko
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
HokkaidoNorthern Japan+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
UME Travel Co. Ltd
25% Off
From $4,000
US$3,000per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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City & Culture
Stunning Japan with Shirakawa-go (private 3 star hotel rooms)
4.4 (105 reviews)
"It was a fantastic tour with well-planned accommodations and a thoughtfully curated itinerary."
Gary, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Gifu, Takayama, Fuji, Hakone, Yokohama,Tokyo+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English
Operator
Stunning Tours
50% Off
From $3,598
US$1,799per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Explore Japan: Snow Monkey & Onsen (Private Guided)
4.8 (6 reviews)
"It's an incredible and unforgettable Journey! The entire trip was well-organized, and every detail was carefully taken care of."
Cecia, traveled in November
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Tokyo, Nagano, Jigokudani Valley, Takayama, Shirakawa-go,Kyoto,Arashiyama,Nara,Osaka+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
HonshuCentral Japan+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Odynovo
10% Off
From $4,167
US$3,750per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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City & Culture
Japan Sapporo Snow Festival
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Tokyo, Abashiri, Sapporo, Otaru, Hakodate, Kyoto, Nara
Age Range
Ages 16+
Regions
HokkaidoNorthern Japan+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
3% Off
From $6,020
US$5,810per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
City & Culture
9D Splendid Japan-Private 3 Star Hotels-Osaka to Tokyo
4.5 (387 reviews)
"Itinerary was great."
Susan, traveled in June
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Osaka, Nara, Nagoya, Kyoto, Mount Fuji, Tokyo
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English
Operator
Stunning Tours
50% Off
From $3,798
US$1,899per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
8D Splendid Japan-Private 3 Star Hotels-Osaka to Tokyo
4.5 (109 reviews)
"he has very knowledge about Japan."
Thanh, traveled in May
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Osaka, Nara, Nagoya, Kyoto, Mount Fuji, Tokyo
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English
Operator
Stunning Tours
50% Off
From $3,598
US$1,799per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
City & Culture
Japan Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
4.8 (2,293 reviews) award winner
"The itinerary was great, packed with fun activities, a wonderful vibe."
Danielis, traveled in May
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Kyoto, Osaka
Age Range
Ages 18-59
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English
Operator
One Life Adventures
10% Off
From $2,645
US$2,381per person
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Price based on Shared Room
11 Jan, 2027
9 spaces left
25 Jan, 2027
9 spaces left
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