Northern Japan in Winter

Soak at Sukayu Onsen

A historical timber-made bathhouse tucked away in the mountains. One of the few that offer gender-mixed bathing and a quintessential Japanese experience.

Experience the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival

Held yearly in February, offers a unique lighting arrangement of handcrafted snow lanterns, snow sculptures, food stalls, and more. All with the Hirosaki Castle as a backdrop.

Drive through the Hakkōda Snow Corridor

The giant walls of snow that line the roads around the Hakkōda Mountains are one of the most surreal winter landscapes you will ever see. Driving down the corridor with snow piled high on either side of the road gives you a real sense of just how extreme Aomori’s winters can be.

Ride the Stove Train across the snow

Jump on this old-fashioned train warmed by a wood-burning stove. Cross the snow-covered countryside while enjoying snacks cooked over that same stove. Definitely try the dried squid!

Take the Hakkōda Ropeway

If you want to admire the beauty of the winterscape, this gondola is a must-visit. Atop the mountain, encounter the “snow-monsters”, ice-covered fir trees with all sorts of odd shapes.

Aomori Winter Wonderland Festival

Spanning two months, this festival offers food stalls and night markets, snow activities, and nebuta illuminations: massive paper lantern floats. You can also visit these at the Nebuta Museum WA RASSE.

Make it a ski trip!

With that much snow around you, it is hard to resist the temptation to hit the slopes. With multiple resorts, logistics can be complicated and the weather unpredictable. Find here an example getaway from one of our partners: