Tag · Season
#Winter
December through February, when the New Year holiday quietly rearranges what's open. Small independent shops close for several days and shrines fill with hatsumode crowds making the year's first visit, while the big chains keep normal hours. Winter illuminations, onsen, getting to snow country and dressing for it, and the food that only shows up once it's cold.
34 articles
Things to Do
Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination 2026-2027: Opens October 17, Hours, Tickets & Access from Tokyo
Sep 29, 2026
Things to Do
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market 2026: Tickets, Fees & the Quietest Days to Go
Sep 28, 2026
Food & Drink
Christmas Cake in Japan 2026: Reservation Deadlines and Whether You Can Just Walk In
Sep 28, 2026
Food & Drink
KFC Christmas in Japan 2026: When to Reserve the Bucket and Beat the Sellout
Sep 26, 2026
Culture
Chichibu Night Festival 2026: Dec 2 or 3? Fireworks, Seats & Last Train
Sep 25, 2026
Things to Do
Zao Snow Monsters 2026-27: When They Peak, After-Dark Viewing, and Riding the Ropeway
Sep 20, 2026
Things to Do
Yomiuriland Jewellumination 2026-2027: Opens October 29 — Tickets, Dates & Getting There from Shinjuku
Sep 18, 2026
Things to Do
Nabana no Sato Winter Illumination 2026-2027: Opens October 17, Tickets, Hours & Access from Nagoya
Sep 18, 2026
Things to Do
Niseko Luxury Hotels 2026-27: 5 Onsen Picks, 3 Ski-In/Ski-Out
Sep 15, 2026
Know-How
Is Japan Open at New Year? Shops, Banks, Trains & Shrines (Dec 31–Jan 3, 2026–27)
Sep 15, 2026
Things to Do
Niseko Ski 2026-27: Opens Nov 28, Lift Pass Prices, and Getting There
Sep 14, 2026
Shopping
Fukubukuro 2027: When Japan's Lucky Bags Drop, How to Enter the Lotteries, and the New Tax-Free Rule
Sep 6, 2026
Culture
Hatsumode in Tokyo 2027: Which Shrine, When to Go & What to Wear for the New Year Crowds
Sep 5, 2026
Things to Do