1月 · Japan Travel Guide
Japan in January: Weather, Events & Best Hotels
Temperature
2–10°C (36–50°F)
Crowds
Low
Weather in Japan in January
Temperature
2–10°C (36–50°F)
Conditions
Cold and dry, occasional snow in Tohoku and Hokkaido. Tokyo stays mostly dry and clear.
What to Wear
Heavy coat, layers, thermal underwear, gloves, and a warm scarf.
Crowd Level
Low
Hotel Prices
Hotel prices are low to moderate after the New Year rush (Jan 3+). Great value for budget and mid-range stays.
Events & Festivals in January
- 🎌
Hatsumode (初詣) — New Year shrine visits at Meiji Jingu, Naritasan, and Fushimi Inari
- 🎌
Coming-of-Age Day (成人の日) — Second Monday of January, kimono-clad ceremonies nationwide
- 🎌
Sapporo Snow Festival (雪まつり) preparation — Ice sculptures begin construction in late January
- 🎌
Toka Ebisu Festival in Osaka (Jan 9–11) — Prayers for business prosperity at Imamiya Shrine
- 🎌
Winter illuminations continue at Nabana no Sato and Shinjuku
Travel Highlights
- Tokyo temples and shrines at their peaceful best after the New Year crowds
- Snow-covered Nikko and Hakone onsen with far fewer tourists
- Skiing in Hokkaido (Niseko, Furano) — world-class powder snow conditions
- Kyoto in winter silence — moss and stone gardens under frost
Book Hotels for January in Japan
Compare hotels in Tokyo with dates pre-set for January travel. Free cancellation on most bookings.
Dates pre-set: 2026-01-15 → 2026-01-22 · Tokyo