{"id":16865,"date":"2017-10-10T14:28:51","date_gmt":"2017-10-10T13:28:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=16865"},"modified":"2018-09-13T16:04:49","modified_gmt":"2018-09-13T15:04:49","slug":"snow-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/10\/snow-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Snow much fun: 10 (non-skiing) winter highlights in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16865&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16865\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16865&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16865&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16865%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16865\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16865\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p>With world-class resorts and enviable powder conditions, Japan is a mecca for ski-lovers. In fact, we\u2019d wager that it\u2019s the best place in the world to take to the slopes. But maybe treating mountains like enormous adult slides isn\u2019t your style; you\u2019d rather celebrate the snow from a hot tub, steaming sake in hand with views of the mountain from afar.<!--more--><\/p>\n<p>Or perhaps you are all about the slopes &#8211; too much if anything. You want to go skiing every January (forever), but could do with a bit of a cultural counterpoint. Japan\u2019s got you.\u00a0Here are just a few of the best things to do in winter instead of (or as well as) skiing.<\/p>\n<h2>1. Try snowshoeing<\/h2>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16884 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Village-Snowshoeing_SATOYAMA\u3000EXPERIENCE-6-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"snowshoeing in Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Village-Snowshoeing_SATOYAMA\u3000EXPERIENCE-6-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Village-Snowshoeing_SATOYAMA\u3000EXPERIENCE-6-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Village-Snowshoeing_SATOYAMA\u3000EXPERIENCE-6-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Village-Snowshoeing_SATOYAMA\u3000EXPERIENCE-6-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Village-Snowshoeing_SATOYAMA\u3000EXPERIENCE-6-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Village-Snowshoeing_SATOYAMA\u3000EXPERIENCE-6-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Village-Snowshoeing_SATOYAMA\u3000EXPERIENCE-6-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Village-Snowshoeing_SATOYAMA\u3000EXPERIENCE-6-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Village-Snowshoeing_SATOYAMA\u3000EXPERIENCE-6-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Village-Snowshoeing_SATOYAMA\u3000EXPERIENCE-6-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Village-Snowshoeing_SATOYAMA\u3000EXPERIENCE-6-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>Want to get up close and personal with the white stuff, at a steady pace, with plenty of chance to take in the view? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/experience-japan\/i-ski04-24\/snowshoeing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Give snowshoeing a go<\/a>. Trek around small villages, breathing in that crisp mountain air, and learn about local culture &#8211; such as traditional <em>satoyama<\/em> farming. It&#8217;s skiing&#8217;s friendly, less adrenaline-fuelled distant cousin.<\/p>\n<h2>2. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/experience-japan\/i-ne012-24\/snow-monkeys\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Meet the snow monkeys<\/a> of Yudanaka Onsen<\/h2>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16872 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/JigokudaniYaenKoen9-720x480.jpg\" alt=\"Snow monkeys in Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/JigokudaniYaenKoen9-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/JigokudaniYaenKoen9-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/JigokudaniYaenKoen9-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/JigokudaniYaenKoen9-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/JigokudaniYaenKoen9-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/JigokudaniYaenKoen9-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/JigokudaniYaenKoen9-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/JigokudaniYaenKoen9-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/JigokudaniYaenKoen9-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/JigokudaniYaenKoen9-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/JigokudaniYaenKoen9-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>The macaques of Jigokudani National Park live in some very chilly climes, a raw end of the deal as far as monkeys go. It can be a hard life, but they\u2019re a canny bunch, and have found an optimistic way to embrace the cold \u2013 taking a dip in the <em>onsen<\/em> (hot spring bath). As temperatures drop, they ease the shivers by sinking into nature\u2019s own hot tub. It\u2019s not all bad, then.<\/p>\n<h2>3. Eat (and drink) at an <em>izakaya<\/em><\/h2>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16869 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Izakaya-720x480.jpg\" alt=\"Izakaya pub in Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Izakaya-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Izakaya-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Izakaya-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Izakaya-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Izakaya-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Izakaya-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Izakaya-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Izakaya-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Izakaya-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Izakaya-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Izakaya-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>Adjust your eyes to the low lighting and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/experience-japan\/i-fd03-26\/insider-experience-izakaya-night\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">warm up with a few hours at a lively <em>izakaya<\/em><\/a> (Japanese pub). With extensive tapas-style menus, there\u2019s nothing to lose by taking a chance on everything to find your favourite dish. With plentiful sake on offer, you may not even feel the cold when you leave\u2026<\/p>\n<h2>4. Admire snow-covered castles<\/h2>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16895 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/winter-6-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"Matsumoto - Black Crow - Castle in Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/winter-6-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/winter-6-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/winter-6-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/winter-6-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/winter-6-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/winter-6-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/winter-6-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/winter-6-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/winter-6-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/winter-6-510x383.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/winter-6.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>Japan is home to beautifully preserved castles offering an entrance to a bygone era. Climb storeys of stairs to the top and, once there, look out over your estate below and to the horizon beyond; just as residents would have done hundreds of years ago. Whether it\u2019s crossing the vermilion bridge over the icy moat of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/experience-japan\/i-aa002-16\/the-and-quot-black-crow-and-quot-castle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Matsumoto (the \u201cBlack Crow\u201d castle)<\/a>, or exploring <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/himeji\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Himeji<\/a> Castle\u2019s elaborate gardens in the snow, in winter a castle visit can be particularly magical.<\/p>\n<h2>5. Step back in time in quaint villages<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16890 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/1010644-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"The streets of Takayama\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/1010644-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/1010644-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/1010644-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/1010644-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/1010644-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/1010644-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/1010644-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/1010644-510x383.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/1010644.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There are places in Japan where it seems that a clock rang its final chime and time simply stood still. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/takayama\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Takayama<\/a> is a case in point. Stroll down narrow streets with low wooden-framed shops, and step beyond the\u00a0<em>noren<\/em>\u00a0curtains to pick up a souvenir, learn about crafts, or fill up on local feasts.<\/p>\n<p>It might feel like the olden days, but don&#8217;t forget your camera. Not only does it have quaint little streets (without a car in sight), the countryside is dotted with thatched houses, all framed by vast snowy mountains &#8211; when the roofs get frosty or snowflakes start to fall, the whole place is pretty as a postcard.<\/p>\n<h2>6. Visit temples (without the tourists)<\/h2>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16878 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/P2140350-Kyoto-e1507639801274-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/P2140350-Kyoto-e1507639801274-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/P2140350-Kyoto-e1507639801274-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/P2140350-Kyoto-e1507639801274-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/P2140350-Kyoto-e1507639801274-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/P2140350-Kyoto-e1507639801274-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/P2140350-Kyoto-e1507639801274-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/P2140350-Kyoto-e1507639801274-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/P2140350-Kyoto-e1507639801274-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/P2140350-Kyoto-e1507639801274-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/P2140350-Kyoto-e1507639801274-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/P2140350-Kyoto-e1507639801274-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>Everyone knows that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/experience-japan\/i-sg002-8\/kyotos-temples-and-shrines-\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kyoto temples<\/a> are a must-see in Japan but, as the worst-kept secret, you can expect crowds in peak season. Go in winter for more space to explore, take photographs and indulge in a snowball fight (although, if it is really really quiet, it might be a little one-sided).<\/p>\n<h2>7. Stay at a <em>ryokan<\/em><\/h2>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16881 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Tanabe\u5ca9\u98a8\u5442-720x482.jpg\" alt=\"Hot spring bath at a ryokan in Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"482\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Tanabe\u5ca9\u98a8\u5442-720x482.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Tanabe\u5ca9\u98a8\u5442-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Tanabe\u5ca9\u98a8\u5442-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Tanabe\u5ca9\u98a8\u5442-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Tanabe\u5ca9\u98a8\u5442-564x378.jpg 564w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Tanabe\u5ca9\u98a8\u5442-1200x803.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Tanabe\u5ca9\u98a8\u5442-900x602.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Tanabe\u5ca9\u98a8\u5442-1440x964.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Tanabe\u5ca9\u98a8\u5442-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Tanabe\u5ca9\u98a8\u5442-780x522.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Tanabe\u5ca9\u98a8\u5442-510x341.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/experience-japan\/i-sg003-8\/hot-spring-ryokan-stay-\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Staying at a <em>ryokan<\/em><\/a> is a lovely experience, whatever the weather. But there\u2019s nothing quite like whiling away time in an <em>onsen<\/em> (hot spring bath), and sleeping soundly under bundles of bedclothes on a cosy futon in winter.<\/p>\n<h2>8. Learn a new skill<\/h2>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16889 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC01557-720x478.jpg\" alt=\"Soba noodles in Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"478\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC01557-720x478.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC01557-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC01557-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC01557-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC01557-564x375.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC01557-1200x797.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC01557-900x598.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC01557-1440x957.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC01557-390x259.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC01557-780x518.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC01557-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>Spend some time inside to learn a skill that you could only master in Japan. Noodles are a big part of Japanese cuisine, and there are endless varieties. One of the most popular types is soba \u2013 filling, delicious and versatile. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/experience-japan\/i-fd013-4\/soba-noodle-making-\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn how to whip up a dish<\/a> at lunchtime, then chow down your creations to fuel the rest of the day\u2019s sightseeing.<\/p>\n<h2>9. Go on public transport! (You may just see Mount Fuji)<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16875\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16875\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16875 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/KN001055-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"Hida Folk Village in Japan in the snow\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/KN001055-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/KN001055-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/KN001055-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/KN001055-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/KN001055-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/KN001055-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/KN001055-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/KN001055-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/KN001055-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/KN001055-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/KN001055-510x383.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/KN001055.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16875\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Take the Highway Bus to Takayama<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Japan\u2019s infrastructure is second to none, and their<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/experience-japan\/i-tp007-22\/the-shinkansen-bullet-train-\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <em>shinkansen<\/em> (bullet train)<\/a> is world-renowned for its speed and efficiency. As well as being the perfect way to traverse the length and breadth of the country in no time at all, when travelling between Kyoto and Tokyo in winter, Mount Fuji often emerges from behind the clouds! It regularly succumbs to shyness at other times of the year.<\/p>\n<p>Another way to see some of the loveliest sights, while doing nothing at all, is on the Highway Bus from Matsumoto to Takayama. It wends its way into the Japanese Alps past rivers and dams, all through the path of snow-dusted firs.<\/p>\n<h2>10. Take part in a tea ceremony<\/h2>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16892 size-medium-plus-size\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC_0021-e1507640042363-510x548.jpg\" alt=\"Tea ceremony with a maiko in Japan\" width=\"510\" height=\"548\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC_0021-e1507640042363-510x548.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC_0021-e1507640042363-279x300.jpg 279w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC_0021-e1507640042363-768x826.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC_0021-e1507640042363-953x1024.jpg 953w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC_0021-e1507640042363-525x564.jpg 525w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC_0021-e1507640042363-1200x1290.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC_0021-e1507640042363-900x967.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC_0021-e1507640042363-720x774.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC_0021-e1507640042363-1440x1548.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC_0021-e1507640042363-390x419.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DSC_0021-e1507640042363-780x838.jpg 780w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>Dating back to the 12th century, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/experience-japan\/i-ac04-2\/tea-ceremony\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">tea ceremonies<\/a> are an important and revered part of Japanese culture. A lesson in this elaborate ritual will see you preparing powdered matcha green tea with a master, or even a geisha. These considered movements will leave you more mindful of your cuppa than ever before. In winter, a carefully crafted mug of the green stuff will also warm you up no end.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Experience all of the above on our brand new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-sc0001\/snow-country\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Snow Country<\/a> self-guided tour, or take your pick and we will tailor them into an itinerary (perhaps part of a longer skiing holiday\u2026). Get in touch <a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/contactusJapan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16887\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16887\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16887 size-medium-plus-size\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Arashiyama-Bamboo-Forest-e1507640486368-510x569.jpg\" alt=\"Arashiyama bamboo grove in winter, Kyoto\" width=\"510\" height=\"569\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Arashiyama-Bamboo-Forest-e1507640486368-510x569.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Arashiyama-Bamboo-Forest-e1507640486368-269x300.jpg 269w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Arashiyama-Bamboo-Forest-e1507640486368-768x857.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Arashiyama-Bamboo-Forest-e1507640486368-918x1024.jpg 918w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Arashiyama-Bamboo-Forest-e1507640486368-505x564.jpg 505w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Arashiyama-Bamboo-Forest-e1507640486368-1200x1339.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Arashiyama-Bamboo-Forest-e1507640486368-900x1004.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Arashiyama-Bamboo-Forest-e1507640486368-720x803.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Arashiyama-Bamboo-Forest-e1507640486368-1440x1607.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Arashiyama-Bamboo-Forest-e1507640486368-390x435.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Arashiyama-Bamboo-Forest-e1507640486368-780x870.jpg 780w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16887\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Arashiyama bamboo grove, Kyoto<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16865&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16865\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16865&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16865&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16865%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16865\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16865\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like this post? Help us by sharing it! With world-class resorts and enviable powder conditions, Japan is a mecca for ski-lovers. In fact, we\u2019d wager that it\u2019s the best place in the world to take to the slopes. But maybe treating mountains like enormous adult slides isn\u2019t your style; you\u2019d rather celebrate the snow from [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":89,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2355,2367,2361],"tags":[1676,2115,2321],"class_list":["post-16865","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-first-trip-to-japan","category-japanese-culture-and-history","category-when-to-go-to-japan","tag-january-in-japan","tag-snow-in-japan","tag-winter-in-japan"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16865","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/89"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16865"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16865\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21083,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16865\/revisions\/21083"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16865"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16865"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16865"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}