Every year, millions or travelers flock to Japan in spring for the fleeting cherry blossoms, or in autumn for fiery foliage. But according to TimeOut's newly released list of the world's greatest winter destinations, Japan deserves just as much love during its coldest months, and maybe even more.
Winter in Japan brings a kind of magic that the warmer seasons simply can't replicate, and many of the country's most quintessential experiences become richer, cozier and more atmospheric when the air turns crisp. Slipping into an outdoor onsen feels infinitely more luxurious when steam billows into frosty air. A bowl of ramen tastes somehow warmer, deeper, and more comforting when you've spent the day exploring chilly streets. Even riding the shinkansen feels different as the train cuts through white-washed landscapes that look lifted from a postcard.
TimeOut highlighted Japan as its Editor's Pick, and it's not hard to see why. Skiers and snowboarders can take their pick from powder-rich destinations like Hokkaido and Yamagata, there are some fantastic winter festivals to explore, and onsen towns, such as the lantern-lit streets of Ginzan, become extra-charming under a blanket of fresh snow.
Urban winter travel has its perks too. Tokyo and Osaka are quieter, brighter and easier to navigate during the colder months. Illuminations decorate shopping districts, winter-only menus pop up everywhere, and sightseeing becomes a breeze without peak-season crowds.
For those planning a stay, TimeOut recommends Gunma's Takaragawa Onsen Ousenkaku, a riverside ryokan known for its vast mixed outdoor baths framed by dramatic snowy scenery.
