The Japanese archipelago is rich in geographical diversity and allows different regions to enjoy different winter sights. Due to the westerlies hitting the rugged, tall mountain ranges cutting through the country like a spine, the western side of the country gets heavy snowfall from the northern tip to even the southern regions. The Pacific side is comparatively warm but still gets cold enough to have ice in the mountains. Here let us go through just a handful of the cold beauty the country has to offer.
Table of Contents
- Rice Terraces in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture
- Tsunan Town, Niigata Prefecture
- Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano Prefecture
- Ice Monsters on Mt. Jizo, Yamagata Prefecture
- Zao “Okama” Caldera Lake (Goshikinuma), Miyagi Prefecture
- Akiu Waterfall, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
- Kitakami Line Crossing Kinshuko Lake, Nishiwaga Town, Iwate Prefecture
Rice Terraces in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture
Matsushiro and Matsunoyama are hilly regions known for the rice terraces called “Tanada.”
| Website: Tokamachi City Tourism Association |
Tsunan Town, Niigata Prefecture
The production area of one of Japan’s brand rice Uonuma Koshihikari gets covered in thick and smooth blankets of snow in the winter. The river terrace in the area is one of Japan’s largest.
| Website: Tsunan Town Tourist Association (in Japanese) |
Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano Prefecture
This park is particularly famous for the snow monkeys bathing in Onsen in the winter when the temperature is constantly below zero. They are fed and trained not to attack people, but are not caged.
| Website: Jigokudani Yaen Koen |
Ice Monsters on Mt. Jizo, Yamagata Prefecture
These “Juhyo” trees are probably the most famous “monsters” in Japan. They are formed by the cold, strong draft from Siberia. The best season is early February.
| Website: Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort |
Zao “Okama” Caldera Lake (Goshikinuma), Miyagi Prefecture
The blue green caldera lake sits at the highest parts of Zao Mountain Range. The lake is viewable from the surrounding mountains on the north, west and south sides.
| Website: Zao Town Tourist Association |
Akiu Waterfall, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
Although frozen on both sides, this 55-meter-high waterfall does not completely freeze.
| Website: Sendai Tourism Website |
Kitakami Line Crossing Kinshuko Lake, Nishiwaga Town, Iwate Prefecture
The red railway bridge over Kinshuko Lake is a favorite among photographers all seasons, but is particularly vivid in snow.
| Website: Iwate Prefecture Tourism Portal Site |
