Winter | Offbeat Japan

Hokkaido Hokkaido Winter

The Jewelry Ice Beach at Otsu

"Jewelry Ice" is a completely unique phenomenon that can be observed at Otsu Beach in the city of Toyokoro, Hokkaido. During winter, the Tokachi River, which flows near this fishing town, freezes under the very cold...

October 19, 2021

Enchanting Zao Snow Monsters, Twisted Winter Wonderland

Best Of Winter Yamagata

The Snow Monsters of Mount Zao

It’s not an easy encounter. I’d already visited a few years ago, but a gathering storm made it impossible for me to approach these monsters and stroke their silken fur.

February 5, 2020

Marvelous Naruto Strait: Akashi Bridge Whirlpools - A stunning natural wonder in Japan.

Tokushima Winter

Naruto Whirlpools

Find yourself in the middle of the Naruto Strait where the tidal currents slosh against each other.

October 22, 2019

Enchanting winter scene of Ginzan Onsen in Japanese Alps - serene and magical ambiance.

Winter Yamagata

Ginzan Onsen : Silver Mine Hot Springs

Ginzan Onsen takes you back to the Taisho Era, warming your toes in an ashiyu – a piping-hot footbath – while enjoying an idyllic view of falling snow.

March 15, 2019

Tranquil sunset at Oarai Isosaki Shrine in Japan, with iconic torii gate.

Ibaraki Winter

Oarai Shrine: Ocean Gateway

Oarai Shrine is also known as Kamiiso no Torii, the Gateway of the Sea God. It was established in 856 but rebuilt in 1690.

May 14, 2018

Enchanting snow foxes playing in Miyagis winter wonderland.

Japan Miyagi Tohoku Winter

Zao Fox Village

At Zao, in Miyagi prefecture, lies the answer to an eternal question: why do we say something is foxy!? With a hundred foxes roaming around, you'll have an extreme immersion experience.

April 2, 2018

Immerse in Japanese hospitality at Kanaguya Ryokan - a blend of tradition and comfort.

Nagano Winter 長野長野

Yamanouchi: Chihiro, Monkeys & Onsen

My favourite film from the Ghibli studios is Spirited Away. A number of ryokan inspired this anime fantasy, particularly Kanaguya, near the famous Jigokudani monkeys in the town of Yamanouchi.

February 3, 2017

Enchanting illuminated rice fields in Japan with mesmerizing LED lights against the sea.

Ishikawa Winter 石川県石川県

Senmaida Rice Paddies in Shiroyone

Shiroyone Senmaida (白米の千枚田) has 1000 rice paddies in Shiroyone. Located on the Noto Peninsula, it's beautiful at night, with the lights on.

January 10, 2017

Japan Kanto Minato Tokyo Winter

Snow Storm in Roppongi

The snow falls every year in Tokyo. Once. This year again, it's been snowing. But twice, violently, and the snow was going with a a strong and freezing north wind.

December 16, 2014