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1月 · Japan Travel Guide

Japan in January

Temperature

2–10°C (36–50°F)

Crowds

Low

What to Wear

Heavy coat

✈ Plan Your January Japan Trip

Weather in Japan in January

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Temperature

2–10°C (36–50°F)

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Conditions

Cold and dry, occasional snow in Tohoku and Hokkaido. Tokyo stays mostly dry and clear.

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What to Wear

Heavy coat, layers, thermal underwear, gloves, and a warm scarf.

Tokyo

2–10°C

Rain: Low

Kyoto

1–9°C

Rain: Low

Osaka

2–10°C

Rain: Low

Crowd Level

Low

Quietest month — great hotel deals after New Year rush

Hotel Prices

Hotel prices are low to moderate after the New Year rush (Jan 3+). Great value for budget and mid-range stays.

Top Events in January

Jan 1–3 · Nationwide

Hatsumode

First shrine visits of the New Year — millions flock to Meiji Jingu (Tokyo) and Fushimi Inari (Kyoto) in a deeply festive atmosphere

Jan 2–3 · Tokyo → Hakone

Hakone Ekiden

Famous long-distance relay race between Tokyo and Hakone — watch from the roadside along Route 1

2nd Monday of January · Nationwide

Coming-of-Age Day

Young adults in elegant kimono visit local shrines to celebrate adulthood — a beautiful and photogenic tradition

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Local Tip

Perfect for budget travelers — hotel rates drop 30–40% after Jan 3 and popular sights have almost no queues

What to Pack for January

Heavy coat and thermal underwear (essential)Waterproof boots for possible snow and icy pavementsGloves, warm scarf, and insulated hatHand warmers — available cheaply at any convenience storeLayers for transitioning between cold outdoors and warm indoor spaces

Book Hotels for January in Japan

Compare hotels in Tokyo with dates pre-set for January travel. Free cancellation on most bookings.

Expedia Agoda

Dates pre-set: 2026-01-15 → 2026-01-22 · Tokyo

Recommended Itineraries for January

Japan New Year 5days →Winter Hokkaido Ski 5days →Japan Winter Onsen 5days →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Japan cold in January?+

Yes, January is one of the coldest months. Tokyo averages 2–10°C, Kyoto 1–9°C, and Sapporo can drop to -10°C. Pack a heavy coat, thermal layers, and waterproof boots.

Are there crowds in Japan in January?+

After January 3, crowds drop significantly making it one of the least busy months. The exception is ski resorts like Niseko which are very popular with international visitors.

What is hatsumode?+

Hatsumode is the first shrine or temple visit of the New Year, usually on January 1–3. Meiji Jingu in Tokyo and Naritasan in Chiba draw millions of visitors in the first three days.

Can I see snow in Tokyo in January?+

Tokyo gets occasional light snowfall in January and February, but it rarely accumulates. For reliable snow, travel to Nikko, Hakone, or Hokkaido.

Is January a good time to visit Japan for cherry blossoms?+

No — cherry blossoms bloom in late March to April. January is ideal for winter landscapes, ski trips, and New Year cultural experiences instead.