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Does it snow in Japan? It’s a question that I get asked repeatedly. This is my attempt to provide a simple answer to this commonly asked question.
Yes, it snows in Japan.
The climate of Japan varies greatly from the north to the south. The northern island of Hokkaido is cold and snowy, while the southern tip of Kyushu is subtropical. As many as six distinct seasons can be found in Japan, with heavy snowfall in the north during the winter months.
When Does It Snow in Japan?
The first snowfall usually occurs in Japan in December, although it has been known to snow as early as November (and as late as April). The average yearly snowfall in Japan is about 5 feet.
Japan receives a lot of its snow from Siberian winds and low-pressure systems from the west. In the northernmost regions of Japan, the amount of snow received can reach up to 20 feet a year. The northern regions are popular for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding with such massive amounts of snow.
The highest point in Japan, Mount Fuji, is known for its majestic views. While there have been reports of Mount Fuji being covered with snow year-round, it doesn’t get as much snow as you might expect—the average annual amount is only 30 inches.
What Are Onsens?
Onsens are Japanese hot springs. Hot springs occur when water from the earth’s crust is heated by the planet’s core, causing it to rise to the surface and be held in place by a rock formation called a geyser or go underneath the rock and come out in pools.
The pools are usually found near volcanoes or fault lines, as these are areas where there is more volcanic activity, which produces heat. The water can be as hot as 124 degrees Fahrenheit. Some onsens also use water from hot springs that have been cooled down with cold water so that visitors can enjoy a nice warm bath at temperatures between 95- and 104-degrees Fahrenheit.
The mineral content of the water in onsen baths varies by location and can include magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, lithium, fluoride, iron oxide, and more.
Now you know what an onsen is—but what are its benefits? First of all, there’s just something about being enveloped in warm water that relaxes your muscles and mind. It reduces stress and can help you better manage pain from injuries or chronic conditions. Not only that, but it helps your skin feel softer and look younger because it allows it to retain moisture more easily.
While hot tubs can be fun, they’re not quite the same as soaking in natural hot spring water—and if you’re looking for a good way to turn off for a bit and take a break from the world, an onsen provides a great opportunity to do so.
Can You Visit Onsens When It Snows?
Onsen is often associated with the warm weather of spring and summer, this is the reason people ask does it snow in Japan? Even though it snows in the country, you can still visit Onsens during the cold winter months.
Onsens are hot springs popular in Japan that are open to the public and provide a relaxing bath. While they’re most commonly enjoyed during the warmer seasons, they’re also enjoyable in winter. The hot baths help to keep you warm as the snow falls around you.
Onsens are made up of certain types of mineral-rich water and are usually found in mountainous areas. There are nearly 3,000 throughout Japan, and many of them can be enjoyed year-round.
Are Japanese Snow Festivals Popular?
Apart from asking does it snow in Japan, people also ask about Japanese snow festivals. These festivals are very popular and are celebrated each year by many people. Hundreds of big sculptures are made for the festival using snow.
Are Ski Resorts Popular In Japan?
Mountains in Japan have been revered since the Jomon period, which began around 14,000 BC and lasted until 300 BC. This reverence has played a strong role in Japanese culture ever since, and even today, it is common to see mountains at the center of major shrines. Many traditional Japanese holidays focus on mountain veneration—such as the Hachiman Festival, held in honor of the god of war and patron deity of the samurai—and Japan’s love of mountains serves as a backdrop for many poems and paintings.
It’s no wonder that Japan has more than 600 ski resorts spread throughout its islands. In fact, there are so many that it can be hard to find reliable information about which ones are best!
Does It Snow After Spring In Japan?
Yes, it snows in Japan. In fact, Japan averages between three and six feet of snow per year. March is the only month in which snow is not expected, as it occurs during the spring season in Japan. The fall season, which spans from September to November, brings the year’s first snowfall to the country’s mountainous regions.
Best Places To Visit In Japan When It Snows
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, consider visiting during the snowy season. Although they don’t get a lot of snow; it can be very beautiful, and the Japanese have a great reverence for it.
The best place to see snow in Japan is on Mount Fuji; which is considered sacred by the Japanese and is often depicted on screens and scrolls. And if you decide to visit in winter, you’ll be able to enjoy the snow without as many crowds as you would if you went during the warmer months.
Another great place to visit when it snows is one of Japan’s hot springs or spas. These are called “onsens,” and thousands are throughout the country. The Japanese have long known about their healing properties and have used them for centuries. If you go with your partner or spouse, you’ll be able to relax together in these soothing environments while enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Finally, consider seeing one of Japan’s many temples or castles when it snows. Because these buildings were built hundreds of years ago when winters were colder than they are now, they are designed not only to withstand heavy snowfall but also to look very pretty!
Conclusion
If you’re planning a trip to Japan in the winter, don’t forget snow is not just for skiing, mountain climbing, and snowshoeing! In big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, travelers have plenty of activities to try out. So give backcountry snowboarding a chance and get on that sled!
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