When Is It Winter In Japan Jun 2026

Japanese cuisine relies heavily on seasonal ingredients. Winter is considered the season for "hot pot" (Nabemono).

| Month | Winter Experience | |-------|-------------------| | | Winter begins. Ski resorts open mid-month. Christmas illuminations nationwide. Less crowded before New Year. | | January | Peak winter cold and snow. Best for skiing, snow festivals (Sapporo early Feb). New Year holidays (Jan 1-3) – many shops closed. | | February | Still very cold, but days lengthen. Plum blossoms start blooming late Feb. Snow conditions still excellent. | when is it winter in japan