Japan weather in January

What the weather is like in January

Tokyo and Kyoto are cold but rarely snowy. Hokkaido is in deep winter — Sapporo Snow Festival happens in early February. Cheap flights, low crowds.

Against December, January runs 2°C cooler with much the same rainfall and 0.6 hours more sun a day.

These January averages are station normals for Tokyo (Kitanomaru Park) (Japan Meteorological Agency, via Wikipedia, 1991-2020); other parts of Japan vary. Full sources below.

Japan in January, on the ground

January is mid-winter: cold, dry and bright on the Pacific coast, with heavy snow in the north and mountains. The month starts with Shōgatsu, Japan’s most important holiday, before the country settles into its quietest stretch of the year.

Crowds and prices in January

After the New Year holiday, mid- to late January is one of the cheapest and least crowded times to visit Japan’s cities. Ski resorts, by contrast, are at their busiest.

What to do in January

• Join hatsumōde, the first shrine visit of the year, in the first days of January.
• Ski or snowboard in Niseko, Hakuba or Nozawa Onsen in the heart of powder season.
• Visit an onsen town, which is at its best when it snows.

Before you book: The first three days of January are busy at shrines and some shops close; plan big sightseeing days from about 4 January.

What to pack for Japan in January

• Warm layers and a proper coat
• A scarf for chilly mornings
• A warm layer for cold nights

What's on in January

• New Year (Shogatsu) (Nationwide) — December 31 to January 3 is Japan's most important holiday — many shops, restaurants, and museums close. Shrine visits (hatsumode) are a major tradition.

Is January the right month?

Japan's best month, April, is three months after January; the toughest, August, is five months before. If your dates can move, November is the nearest best-season month. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Japan, or where else to go in January.