All About Japan

6 Things to Do Before New Year's Hits in Japan

Before the clock strikes midnight on January 1, here are a few things that should be checked off before you ring in the New Year!

Hokkaido Ski & Snowboard Guide

Hokkaido is one of Japan's most famous winter regions!

Niigata Ski & Snowboard Guide

Some of the best powder in Japan is only a day trip from Tokyo!

Fukushima Ski & Snowboard Guide

Your guide to the top slopes in Fukushima!

Japan's 8 Prefectures with the Most Snow

Find the top eight places to visit for snow!

Nagano Ski & Snowboard Guide

Nagano is easily accessible from Tokyo, offering an incredible range of Olympic-level slopes!

Gifu Ski & Snowboard Guide

Gifu is packed with great snow and great culture!

Iwate Ski & Snowboard Guide

There are 16 ski and snowboard resorts in Iwate Prefecture, most located on the western mountainous region near the border with Akita Prefecture.

5 Spots to Watch New Year's Fireworks in Japan

There's nothing like bright lights to bring in the New Year!

Top 3 Part-Time Jobs During the Holidays

The end of December is the busiest time of year in Japan, so almost everywhere is looking for extra help!

5 Fun Otoshidama Envelopes

What's better than getting an envelope full of money at New Year's? How about a cool-looking envelope full of money!

The Snowscape of Daigo Temple

The hidden Daigo Temple is one site you won't want to miss—especially in winter when snow blankets the grounds!

Two Big-Name Shrines for Hatsumode

You can't go wrong visiting your local shrine in the first three days of the New Year to pray for a healthy and prosperous year. But if you're going to go out, why not go big?

8 Things to Know About New Year's in Japan

All about Japan's biggest holiday of the year!

Bus Down the Three-Star Road

In the snow belt between Hokuriku and Gifu's Hida Mountain Range, take a bus tour down a road lined with three-star tourist spots listed in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.

6 Hokkaido Animals that Hide in Snow

These hidden winter animals are just too cute!

Navigating the Sapporo Snow Festival

Featuring intricate snow and ice sculptures on a monumental scale—including pop culture icons and near-life-sized replicas of famous structures—the Sapporo Snow Festival draws over 2 million visitors each year.

Gunma Ski & Snowboard Guide

Gunma shares borders—and easy access—with Niigata to the north and Nagano to the west, opening up a range of ski and snowboard opportunities both inside and outside the prefecture.

Yamagata Ski & Snowboard Guide

Snowboard through "ice monsters" in Yamagata!

All Aboard the Snow Miku Train!

From February 5 to 11, residents of Sapporo City will see their town transformed into a Snow Miku wonderland complete with Snow Miku trains and merchandise.

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