Japan’s island country enjoys a wide range of climatic conditions that are similar to those seen along the East Coast of North America, from Georgia to Nova Scotia. The nation is characterized by a high level of rain and humidity.
The closeness to the ocean, geological factors, and ocean currents all impact the climate. Spring is from March to May, summer is from June to August, autumn is from September to November, and winter is from December to February in Japan. Each winter, Japan receives a substantial amount of snowfall.
What Months Does It Snow In Japan?
From early December until late February, and occasionally into early March, Japan has a relatively lengthy winter. Heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures define the country’s winter. In early December, temperatures in Tokyo’s capital city average 54°F (12°C) mostly in the afternoon and 41°F (5°C) at night. Throughout January, the temperature fluctuates from 35°F to 37°F (2°C to 3°C), whereas in February, the temperature ranges from 42°F to 50°F in the afternoon and 37°F at night.
Snow In Japan
In Japan, snow is seen as a supernatural occurrence, yet it is entirely meteorological. Between December and March, cold Siberian air blows over the warm seas of the Sea of Japan, freezing the water vapor and depositing snow on Honshu and Hokkaido’s highlands.
A similar phenomenon occurs in the Great Lakes region of the United States, but unlike the Great Lakes, which freeze and prevent cold air from absorbing further precipitation, the Sea of Japan remains comparatively warm, and the currents continue to dump heavy snow on the surrounding areas.
The blizzard is amplified by the coastal mountains, which climb to around 1,000 feet. Throughout the winter, the mountainous regions receive anything from 300 to 600 inches of snow, with higher elevations receiving twice as much. In spite of having less snow than the north of Japan, the Great Lakes region of North America received more snow.
Where Does It Snow In Japan?
Hokkaido, the northernmost and second-largest island in Japan, is famous for its snow and ski resorts. The powder is believed to be lighter and the temps are cooler than the national average.
The main island of Japan, Honshu, is located farther south. It is home to the most popular ski resorts in the nation. It’s a little milder than Hokkaido, but the mountains are higher and the colder it becomes the higher you go.
Places To Visit Japan In The Winter
Are you considering a vacation to Japan? Are you undecided about when to go? Visiting Japan in the winter is one of the best choices since you may experience a variety of seasonal attractions and activities that are only available at this time of year!
Winter in Japan provides some of the most stunning landscapes, from snow events to winter lightings, that you may want to experience at least once in your life!
Abashiri Drift Ice
Hokkaido is Japan’s coldest city, and during the winter, its northernmost island offers a variety of beautiful winter occurrences and landscapes. One of them is drift ice (Ryuhyo in Japanese).
The Sea of Okhotsk, which runs through Abashiri City, Hokkaido, is recognized as the southernmost spot where floating sea ice, similar to that seen in the Arctic, may be seen. For a brief period each year, visitors may board the ice breaker tour ship and observe the dynamic drift ice up close.
Sapporo Snow Festival
Winter in Hokkaido is bitterly cold, yet it is unquestionably one of the most gorgeous places on the planet to visit. For two weeks, the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival is held in the capital city of Sapporo, transforming the entire city into a magical winter wonderland.
Every season, nearly 2 million tourists from Japan and beyond attend the event, where they are treated to beautiful snow and ice creations.
Zao
Not only in Hokkaido, but across Japan, and one of them may be seen at a major ski resort in northern Japan. Zao’s ice trees (Juhyo) are one of nature’s most beautiful and unusual snow sculptures.
Dozens of snow monsters blanketed the hill at Zao Ski Resort, allowing tourists to ski and snowboard through the trees. The snow creatures are illuminated at night, creating a mysterious winter picture.