The winter season in Japan is a magical time of year, especially during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Does it snow in Japan during December? The answer to this question depends on where you are in the country and what type of weather patterns affect your area, but generally speaking, yes, it does snow throughout many parts of Japan during the month of December.
Generally speaking, if you’re looking for areas with higher chances for snowy winters then Hokkaido and mountain regions offer some great options—places like Niseko and Furano are well known ski resorts that receive ample amounts of fresh powder each season. However, there are other cities located closer to the coastlines or even further south that may have less predictable weather patterns when it comes to snowfall throughout December.
Winter in Japan is a magical time of year, and December is no exception! It’s the perfect season to enjoy traditional winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, onsen hot springs, and ice skating. But the question remains: does it actually snow in Japan during December?
The answer is yes! While there are some areas that don’t get much snow at all (such as Tokyo), many parts of Japan do receive quite a bit of snowfall during December. In fact, some places can get up to two feet or more of powdery white goodness!
This includes cities like Sapporo and Niigata which are known for their epic ski resorts and winter wonderlands.
So if you’re looking for an exciting winter experience this holiday season, look no further than Japan! With its stunning landscapes blanketed in pristine white snowfall and its plethora of fun outdoor activities available in the cold months — from snowball fights to igloo building—you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable time.
Whether you stay close by or venture out into the countryside for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, one thing’s for certain: your days will be filled with plenty of snowy fun this December in Japan!
Credit: www.worldatlas.com
Where Does It Snow in Japan in December?
If you’re looking for a winter wonderland to spend your December vacation, Japan is the place to be. From Sapporo in Hokkaido to parts of Tokyo and even Okinawa, snow can blanket many areas of this beautiful country during the coldest months of the year.
In northern parts of Japan such as Hokkaido and Aomori Prefectures, snowfall usually starts falling in November and continues until April or May.
In these regions temperatures drop below 0°C (32°F) at night and average around -5°C (23°F) during daylight hours throughout December. The highest mountain peaks may receive up to 7 meters (23 feet) of snowfall over the course of one winter season! Ski resorts in these areas are quite popular among locals and tourists alike due to their reliable conditions for skiing and other outdoor activities like snowshoeing.
Moving southward from Hokkaido, it’s possible that some cities on Honshu island will have light dustings at higher elevations such as Nagano City or Toyama City if temperatures dip low enough before Christmas Eve. As you approach Tokyo however, chances for any significant amount of precipitation decrease dramatically since this area rarely gets enough sustained cold air flow off the sea necessary for heavy snows. Nevertheless, occasionally a few days around New Year’s Day might bring some surprise flurries — usually no more than 5 centimeters (2 inches).
Does It Snow in Tokyo in December?
It may come as a surprise to some, but it does snow in Tokyo during the month of December. Despite its subtropical climate, Japan’s capital city experiences several days of snowfall each year, especially between late November and early March.
In December 2020, Tokyo saw an unusually high amount of snowfall for this time of year with over 30 cm (12 inches) falling on some areas in just one day!
This was due to the combination of cold air from Siberia and warm moisture from the Pacific Ocean resulting in heavy snowfalls across the country. Generally speaking though, most years will only see about 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) accumulate at any given time throughout the entire month.
While there is no guarantee that you will experience a white Christmas while visiting Tokyo during December, it is certainly possible if conditions are right.
The average temperature during this period generally hovers around 1°C – 4°C (33°F – 39°F), however temperatures can drop below freezing so be sure to pack accordingly! Snow usually begins melting away after mid-January when temperatures begin to rise again until springtime arrives by late March or April.
For those who want to make sure they get their winter fix while visiting Tokyo in December, nearby ski resorts such as Naeba Ski Resort and Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort offer excellent skiing opportunities all season long!
Is December a Good Time to Travel to Japan?
If you’re thinking about traveling to Japan in December, then you’ll be pleased to know that it is one of the best times to visit! Not only does this time of year offer some incredible weather, but there are also plenty of exciting cultural events taking place throughout the month.
First off, Japanese winters tend to be quite mild and enjoyable.
December sees average temperatures ranging from 8-12°C or 47-54°F in Tokyo, with temperatures decreasing as you go further into the countryside. The humidity levels also remain low making it a great escape for those looking for an alternative winter holiday destination without having to deal with extreme cold temperatures.
When visiting Japan in December, take advantage of all the beautiful Christmas decorations on display across most major cities.
From giant illuminated trees at Tokyo Midtown and Roppongi Hills to Winter Illuminations near Shibuya station – these festive illuminations are guaranteed to put anyone in a good mood during their stay!
Another highlight during this time is being able to experience traditional Japanese New Year celebrations such as Hatsumode (the first shrine visit) and oshogatsu (New Year’s Day). On New Year’s Eve millions gather around temples like Sensoji Temple in Asakusa or Meiji Shrine in Tokyo just before midnight which makes for some spectacular scenes if you’re lucky enough!
What Months Does It Snow in Japan?
Snow is an integral part of Japan’s climate and scenery, covering much of the country from December through March. Depending on the region, some areas may experience snow as early as November or late April, while other regions have heavy snowfalls that last into May. Here’s a look at what months it snows in Japan and why this weather phenomenon is so important to the nation.
In general, most parts of Japan will receive their first snowfall around mid-November to early December with heavier snowfalls occurring later in January or February for many regions such as Tokyo and Hokkaido. The northern island of Hokkaido usually receives more than four meters (13 feet) of snow annually due to its cold temperatures and proximity to Russia’s Sakhalin Island—making it an ideal ski destination for winter sports enthusiasts! In comparison, Tokyo typically sees around one meter (three feet) less than Hokkaido each year with more frequent light dustings throughout the season rather than large accumulations like those found further north.
Japanese culture has long been associated with snowy landscapes—from romanticized images within popular media to traditional haiku poems written hundreds of years ago. Snowy mountains are often featured prominently within artwork depicting Japanese nature scenes too; these picturesque views can be seen throughout different cities across the country during colder months when everything is covered in white powdery blankets!
What to do in Japan in Winter
Where Does It Snow in Japan
Winter in Japan is a magical time of year. Every snowflake that falls paints the landscape with beauty, creating an idyllic winter wonderland for visitors and locals alike. But where does it actually snow in Japan?
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular snowy destinations in the country.
The northernmost part of Honshu Island – known as Tohoku – receives heavy snowfall each winter due to its location on the Sea of Japan side of the island. Cities such as Aomori and Niigata are known for their snowfall, so much so that they even hold annual Snow Festivals!
The Hokkaido region also gets plenty of powdery white flakes during wintertime; Sapporo is one city worth visiting if you want to experience a true Japanese winter.
If you’re looking for something less crowded than those two regions, head over to Shikoku Island or Kyushu Island instead; there are many smaller cities here where you can find plenty of opportunities for skiing and other outdoor activities without having too many tourists around. Further south on Kyushu lies Nagasaki Prefecture, which has some stunning mountain ranges that offer great ski resorts and hot springs surrounded by pristine nature scenery covered in soft blankets of snow during winters months.
Does It Snow in Japan in November
November is one of the best months to visit Japan, as it’s a time when temperatures start to cool down and snow starts to fall in many parts of the country. While there are some areas that do not experience any snowfall during November, most regions will likely see at least some light dustings of snow throughout the month.
Most commonly, northern regions such as Hokkaido and Tohoku tend to be blanketed with snow around late-October through mid-December.
The city of Sapporo in particular often receives its first major accumulation around this time, bringing with it a flurry of winter activities for visitors and locals alike. Meanwhile, areas further south like Tokyo may only receive occasional flurries or light dustings — if anything at all — during November.
In terms of temperature averages, most cities across Japan can expect an average low around 5°C (41°F) while highs range between 12–15°C (54–59°F).
That being said, temperatures can vary greatly depending on location; so travelers should always check their destination’s forecast before heading out!
Overall then, while snow isn’t guaranteed everywhere in Japan during November—it’s still certainly possible you could catch a few flakes here and there! With stunning landscapes complete with white blankets of powdery snow just waiting for you—it makes for an unforgettable experience no matter where you go!
Japan Snowfall by Month
Winter in Japan is a magical time of year, as the country experiences an abundance of snowfall that blankets its cities and countryside alike. While some areas may experience more snow than others, it’s generally safe to say that plenty of white powder will be seen throughout the whole nation during this season. To help you plan your winter getaway to Japan, we’re breaking down the snowfall by month so you can make sure you visit at just the right time!
December: December marks the official start of winter in Japan and with it comes plenty of powdery goodness. Average snowfalls range from 5-10 inches in most regions but there are certain locations where heavier accumulation is possible. The northern island Hokkaido often gets around 30 inches during this month while Niigata Prefecture on Honshu Island typically sees up to 12 inches (or more) each December.
January: January continues to bring substantial amounts of snow across much of Japan with average accumulations ranging anywhere from 8-20 inches depending on location. Areas near Mount Fuji tend to receive less than other parts due to higher temperatures, however nearby Yamanashi Prefecture usually receives about 20+inches annually during this month alone! Further north, Hokkaido averages approximately 40 inches or more for January each year – making it one great place for skiing and other winter activities!
Does It Snow in Kyoto
When most people think of Japan, they think of cherry blossoms and warm weather. But did you know that in the winter months, Kyoto experiences a fair amount of snow?
Located on the island of Honshu in western Japan, Kyoto is known for its ancient temples and stunning landscapes.
While much of the city enjoys mild temperatures year-round due to its location near the ocean, it’s actually quite cold during the winter months. The average temperature in December is about 8°C (46°F), with lows as low as 4°C (39°F). And this cold air can sometimes lead to snowfall!
The first snow typically falls at some point between late November and early December. It generally lasts until mid-February or March, with an average total accumulation around 40 centimeters (15 inches) annually. Though not extremely heavy compared to other parts of Japan such as Hokkaido or Tohoku region where yearly totals are usually above 100 centimeters (~40 inches), it’s still enough to blanket many popular tourist attractions like Kiyomizu Temple and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in white powdery beauty!
These snowy days often bring out local residents who flock outdoors to enjoy activities like skiing, sledding or just playing in the snow – making it a great time for visitors to join them too! Snow also serves up plenty of photo opportunities so don’t forget your camera when visiting Kyoto during wintertime!
Conclusion
Yes, it does snow in Japan during the month of December! The northern parts of the country tend to experience more snowfall than other areas. During this time, temperatures can drop below freezing and many cities have mountains that are covered in a blanket of beautiful white snow.
In addition, some ski resorts open up their slopes for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts who want to enjoy winter sports. So if you’re looking for a snowy Christmas holiday destination, then Japan is definitely worth considering!
