Travel guide · Japan · 冬 means winter
What to Wear in Japan in Winter
Japan in winter is two countries. Tokyo and Kyoto are cool and dry, around 10°C by day. Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps are deep winter, with snow from December to March and nights well below −10°C.
The short answer
Dress in layers, and start with merino against the skin.
A thin merino base layer keeps you warm outside and comfortable on heated trains, in shops and in temples, where you step in and out all day. It breathes, so you do not overheat, and it can be worn for several days between washes.
January, region by region
From 10°C in Tokyo to −12°C in Hokkaido
Each bar runs from the average night to the average day temperature in January, the coldest month.
On the ski slopes of Niseko and Hakuba, wind and height make it feel far colder than the town below. Plan for −10°C and lower on the upper lifts.
Winter moments in Japan
Four winter scenes, and what to wear for them
Sapporo Snow Festival
Early February: ice and snow sculptures along Odori Park, best seen lit up after dark.
Wear: 300 GSM for long evenings outside.
Shirakawa-go
Thatched farmhouses deep in snow; on chosen winter evenings the village is lit up.
Wear: 240 GSM, wool socks, boots with grip.
Snow monkeys, Nagano
Wild monkeys bathing in hot springs, reached by a walk through a snowy forest.
Wear: 240 GSM, top and long john.
Onsen towns
Hot springs in the snow. You change often, from yukata to street clothes and back.
Wear: merino, light and quick to layer on again.
Good manners in winter: shoes come off in temples, ryokan and many restaurants, and floors are cold. Wool socks keep your feet warm, and shoes that slip off easily save time at every door.
Which Sleet weight
Choose for the coldest place on your trip
240 GSM Midweight
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka · Nagano, Hakuba · Sapporo by day
Warm for long days outside, light enough for heated trains and shops.
Shop 240 GSM To −30°C300 GSM Heavyweight
Niseko · Asahikawa · eastern Hokkaido · ski days · Snow Festival evenings
Made for deep cold, wind and long hours on the mountain or outside after dark.
Shop 300 GSM For every travellerTwin Layer & Kids
Sensitive skin · children
Twin Layer: soft cotton inside, merino outside, cut for men and for women. Kids: extra-fine merino sets.
See the collectionFor a week, two tops and one long john are usually enough.
How to layer
Three layers
- Base layerMerino against the skin, top and long john. It holds warmth and keeps you dry.
- Middle layerA wool jumper or light fleece. Off on trains and in restaurants.
- Outer layerA warm coat for the cities; a windproof ski jacket and trousers for Hokkaido.
Avoid cotton next to the skin in the snow: once damp, it stays cold.
Packing list
- Merino base layer: two tops, one long john
- Wool jumper or fleece
- Warm coat, or ski jacket and trousers
- Hat that covers the ears, scarf, gloves
- Wool socks, two or three pairs
- Waterproof boots with grip for icy streets
- Shoes that slip off easily, for temples and ryokan
Questions travellers ask
Does it snow in Tokyo?
Rarely, and it seldom settles. Tokyo's winter is mostly dry and sunny. For snow, go north to Hokkaido or up to the Alps.
When is the coldest time to visit?
Late January to mid-February. This is also the best snow for skiing and the season of the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Will I be too hot indoors?
Not in merino. It breathes, so it stays comfortable on heated trains and in shops.
240 or 300 GSM?
240 for the cities and the Alps, 300 for Hokkaido, ski days and long hours outside after dark. If your trip has both, choose for the coldest part.
What size should I take?
See the size guide, or ask us for a sizing sample kit so the fit is right before your piece ships.
Knitted in Australia since 1982
Unsure what to pack?
Tell us where you are going and when. We will tell you which weight and size to take.
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