Winter in Japan is a season full of charm with snow-covered mountains, warm hot springs, and cheerful festivals that light up Japan from December to February. For families traveling with kids, it is one of the most enjoyable times to visit. Whether you are making snowmen in Hokkaido, eating hot noodles in Tokyo, or visiting winter illuminations in Kyoto, Japan offers endless ways to keep everyone happy, cozy, and entertained.
Japan’s winter activities are more than just skiing and snowboarding. There are many fun, safe, and family-friendly things to do for kids of all ages.
Kids enjoy playing in the snow – Photo Credit: Dennis Zhang
Play in the snow
For many children, seeing snow for the first time in Japan is really exciting. You can visit snow parks that are specially designed for families with gentle slopes for sledding, snow tubing, and making snowmen. These are some of the best family snow resorts:
Niseko (Hokkaido): Famous for its soft, powdery snow and child-friendly ski schools.
Location: Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido
Karuizawa Snow Park (Nagano): Just one hour from Tokyo by train, it has ski lessons for beginners and a fun kids’ play area.
Location: 〒377-1412 Gunma, Agatsuma District, Naganohara, 町北軽井沢2032-16
Gala Yuzawa (Niigata): Easy to reach from Tokyo, the Shinkansen takes you straight to the resort’s entrance.
Location: 〒949-6101 Niigata, Minamiuonuma District, Yuzawa, 字茅平１０３９−２
At these resorts, kids can take ski or snowboard lessons, rent colorful snow gear, or simply enjoy building snow castles while parents relax with a hot drink.
Winter Illumination in Tokyo seen from Roppongi Hills – Photo Credit: Wiennat M
Magical winter illuminations
When the sun sets early in winter, Japan glows with beautiful illuminations and sparkling light displays that brighten up the season. Families can enjoy walking through tunnels of lights, taking photos, and feeling the winter cheer. Some popular places for winter illuminations are:
Tokyo Midtown and Roppongi Hills (Tokyo): Dazzling blue and gold lights create a winter wonderland in the heart of the city.
Locations:
- (Midtown) 9 Chome-7-1 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0052
- (Roppongi) 6 Chome-10-1 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-6108
Nabana no Sato (Mie Prefecture): One of Japan’s largest light shows, featuring millions of LEDs and light tunnels, which is perfect for a day trip from Kyoto or Nagoya.
Location: 〒511-1144 Mie, Kuwana, Nagashimacho Komae, 漆畑270
Sapporo White Illumination (Hokkaido): Lights, Christmas markets, and sparkling works of art fill Odori Park.
Location: 〒060-0042 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Odorinishi, １〜１２丁目
Hakata pork bone ramen in a bowl – Photo Credit: sasazawa
Keeping warm with delicious winter food
Japanese winter food is not just delicious. It is also perfect for keeping the whole family warm and cozy after a day outside. Here are some kid-friendly winter dishes to try:
Nabe (hot pot): A warm and healthy meal where everyone cooks ingredients together in a shared pot at the table. Common versions include sukiyaki (sweet soy sauce flavor) and shabu-shabu (thin meat and vegetables cooked in broth).
Ramen: Japan’s famous noodle soup comes in many styles, from miso ramen in Hokkaido to shoyu (soy sauce) ramen in Tokyo. It is a comforting meal for cold days.
Gyoza (dumplings): Crispy and juicy, these are easy for kids to eat and can be found almost anywhere, from street stalls to restaurants.
Yaki-imo (roasted sweet potato): A popular winter snack sold by vendors with small trucks. It is naturally sweet, soft, and warm, perfect for holding in little hands.
Winter Strawberries: Japan’s strawberries are at their best in winter, especially in Tochigi and Chiba. Many farms offer “strawberry picking” experiences that kids would love.
Hamburger steak with demi glace sauce – Photo Credit: sasazawa
Family restaurants for kids (including picky eaters)
When you travel in Japan with kids, especially picky eaters, family restaurants are a lifesaver. These are chain restaurants with large menus, affordable prices, and a relaxed atmosphere. Here are some great family restaurants to try:
Gusto (ガスト): One of Japan’s largest family restaurant chains. They serve a wide variety such as Japanese set meals, pasta, burgers, grilled dishes, and desserts. It is a very relaxed place and very kid-friendly.
Saizeriya (サイゼリヤ): An Italian-style family restaurant with budget-friendly pasta, pizza, and baked rice (doria). Great for kids who like simple Western food.
Denny’s (デニーズ): It has both Western-style and Japanese dishes. You can find pancakes, Japanese breakfast sets, and more.
Jonathan’s (ジョナサン): Slightly more diner cafe feel, with both Western and Japanese meals. Good for relaxed meals and brunch.
For more details on eating out with kids in Japan, read the full blog here.
Three girls in colorful kimono walk down a sunlit road – Photo Credit: Adrien Bruneau
Cultural experiences that kids will love
Even in winter, there is so much more than snow. Japan’s culture offers plenty of fun indoor activities for kids:
Try a kimono experience: Many photo studios and cultural centers in Kyoto and Tokyo let families wear kimonos and take pictures together as a great souvenir!
Visit interactive museums: The teamLab Planets digital art museum in Tokyo and the Osaka Science Museum are exciting for kids who love color, light, and art.
Locations:
- (teamLab) 6 Chome-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061
- (Osaka) 4 Chome-2-1 Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0005
Go to indoor theme parks: When it is too cold outside, visit indoor attractions like Sanrio Puroland (Tokyo) or LEGOLAND Discovery Center (Osaka).
Locations:
- (Sanrio Puroland) 1 Chome-31 Ochiai, Tama, Tokyo 206-8588
- (LEGOLAND) 〒552-0022 Osaka, Minato Ward, Kaigandori, 1 Chome−1−10 天保山マーケットプレース 3階
teamLab Borderless, universe of water particles – Photo Credit: rzulev
Visit a Gacha (Capsule Toy) Center: Gacha (capsule toy) machines are a fun activity for kids and adults. For a small coin, you turn the handle and receive a surprise toy in a capsule.
One great gacha center is Bandai Namco Capsule Toy Store in Ikebukuro in Tokyo, which has hundreds of machines.
Location: 〒170-8630 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 3 Chome−1−3 サンシャインシティ・ワールドインポートマートビル 3階
Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea (Chiba): During winter, the parks sparkle with holiday decorations, Christmas trees, and nighttime shows filled with music and lights. Streets across the park glow in dazzling colors, and many characters appear in winter costumes.
Location: 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0031
Universal Studios Japan (Osaka): Universal Studios Japan brings seasonal winter celebrations with bright illuminations, holiday parades, and Christmas-themed decorations throughout the park.
Location: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031
Onsen in the town of Kusatsu – Photo Credit: Nguyen TP Hai
Relaxing in hot springs (onsen)
One of Japan’s most iconic winter experiences is relaxing in a hot spring, or onsen. Families with children can enjoy this relaxing tradition too. Many hotels and resorts have private onsen baths where parents and kids can bathe together comfortably. Some family-friendly onsen towns are:
Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma): Famous for its natural hot springs and snow views.
Location: Kusatsu, Agatsuma District, Gunma 377-1711
Hakone (near Tokyo): Easy to access and full of ryokan (Japanese inns) with family baths.
Location: Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa
Beppu (Kyushu): Known for its “onsen steam cooking” experiences, where you can cook food using natural steam vents.
Location: Beppu, Oita
Parent and child playing on a sled – Photo Credit: yamasan0708
Making wonderful winter memories
Traveling in Japan during winter with kids is a chance to enjoy Japan at its coziest. The snow-covered landscapes, warm baths, twinkling lights, and comforting food create memories that families remember for years!
For families who want a deeper and more delicious cultural experience, you can also join one of our family-friendly food tours. These tours are designed to be fun, easy, and exciting for all ages, and give a chance to taste local dishes and learn about Japanese food culture in a relaxed way. It is a wonderful way to stay warm, eat well, and connect as a family while exploring Japan.
Featured Photo Credit: YP_Studio
