5 Ways to Enjoy Winter in Tokyo
Winter in Tokyo has its own charms which become one of the city's best-kept secrets. From traditional Japanese New Year’s celebrations and illuminations, to onsen (hot-spring) and holiday shopping, Tokyo has a winter activity for just about anyone! Find out what 5 ways to enjoy your stay during winter in Tokyo!
Open-Air Onsen
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There's no better way to stave off the cold than to hop into onsen, and even better outdoor. With water somewhere around 35-41 degrees Celsius, the sheer pleasure of sinking into a hot-spring bath is almost unparalleled—especially after a long day. Just beware, Japanese onsen etiquette is very precise and must be adhered too.
This includes baths that are separated according to sex, no tattoos (or at the very least covering them up) and generally no clothes allowed either. But, as long as you abide by these pretty basic ground rules then you're good to go!
Shopping!
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Winter in Tokyo is easily one of the best times to shop, especially in New Years! Malls and shopping complex's around the city are bursting with festive cheer Places like Ichibangai ("First Avenue") in the basement of Tokyo Station contains stores peddling all sorts of Japanese pop-culture trinkets. There are also tons of pop-up markets around Tokyo where you can find seasonal items. As the New Year approaches the shopping frenzy continues with winter sales galore!
Eat Popular Japanese Winter Food: Nabe
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One tried and true method of keeping warm in any country is with a piping hot meal. Japan is no exception, and has a winter–“Nabe," otherwise known as a Japanese style hot pot. Nabe is one of Japan’s favorite meals to eat during the colder months. Nabe can contain a variety of ingredients including, seafood, meat, vegetables, and tofu, boiled together in a pot, before being dipped in “ponzu,” a thin, citrusy sauce made from vinegar and rice wine. For people spending winter in Japan, Nabe is a must-eat menu item!
Test Your Luck by Buying Fukubukuro!
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In addition to highly traditional New Year’s activities, Japan also has some customs that fall more in line with modern culture. One such tradition is buying a “fukubukuro,” also known as a “lucky bag.” At the start of the New Year, Japanese department stores and other shops offer a mystery grab bag filled with various goods. The collection of the goods inside the bag is typically worth a lot more than the actual price. The only catch is that you might not know exactly what you’re getting–but for many, the fun is in the gamble! For serious shoppers, however, some stores have taken to revealing some, or all of the contents of their lucky bags beforehand, to further entice customers. Whether you love Japanese gadgets, fashion, or otaku goods, you are sure to find a lucky bag for you!
See Mt Fuji
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Winter is the best time of year for spotting Mt Fuji on the horizon. Draped in snow, the volcano's cone is also extra picturesque this time of year. Top viewing spots in the city include the observatories at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Sky Tree and Roppongi Hills' Tokyo City View. Even better: make the brisk climb to the summit of Takao-san, on the western edge of Tokyo, or a trip down to the lake, Ashi-no-ko, in Hakone for spectacular views of Japan's iconic peak.