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)
"Spending New Years in Kyoto was magical. George was personable, friendly, knowledgeable and used humour to make things more interesting."
Rebecca, 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
From
US$2,775per 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 (5 reviews)
"This was a well planned itinerary with some places that I would never have found."
Kelvin, traveled in May
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
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 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
10% off
From $4,099
US$3,689per person
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Price based on Shared Room
G Adventures offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $184
21 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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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
10% off
From $4,599
US$4,139per person
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Price based on Shared Room
G Adventures offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $207
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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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City & Culture
Contrasts of Japan (16 destinations)
4.5 (28 reviews)
"I really enjoyed our visit to the Toyota Museum. So many great old cars."
VincentSier, traveled in March
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Tokyo, Kawaguchiko, Mount Fuji, Nagoya, Kyoto, Arashiyama,Fushimi,Nara,Osaka,Himeji,Okayama,Kurashiki,Hiroshima,Miyajima Island+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
HonshuSouthern Japan+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
25% off
From
US$2,889per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
9 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
South Japan Express (12 destinations)
4.6 (28 reviews)
"The hotels were comfortable and exceeded our expectations, providing a relaxing stay after our daily adventures."
Carmen, traveled in March
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Osaka, Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki, Hiroshima,Miyajima Island,Matsuyama,Kotohira,Takamatsu,Naruto,Kobe+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern Japan
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
25% off
From
US$1,702per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
7 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
14 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Japan´s Landscapes end Kyoto (18 destinations)
4.7 (14 reviews)
"The Hotels were always very central, enough time to see everything. The food also was great."
Sabine, traveled in February
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki,Hiroshima,Miyajima Island,Matsuyama,Kotohira,Takamatsu,Naruto,Kobe,Koya-san+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern Japan
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
25% off
From
US$3,697per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
4 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
11 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Japan in Winter by Train (Without Ski)
4.7 (13 reviews)
"Great adventure anyone can enjoy! This tour hits all the important must see spots of Japan and more."
NicholasLefrancois, traveled in April
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
10% off
From $2,400
US$2,160per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
Contiki offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $108
6 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
13 Jan, 2027
7 spaces left
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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
4.7 (4 reviews)
"Seeing the snow sculptures and ice carvings in Sapporo."
Kathleen, traveled in February
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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Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
City & Culture
9D Splendid Japan-Private 3 Star Hotels-Osaka to Tokyo
4.5 (393 reviews)
"we were able to enjoy the beauty and culture of Japan without any stress."
Carmel, 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
Essential Japan (9 destinations)
4.4 (163 reviews)
"The tour was very well organized. We are satisfied with the services provided."
Anil, traveled in December
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kawaguchiko, Nagoya, Kyoto, Arashiyama,Nara,Osaka+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
50% off
From
US$2,140per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
9 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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