Shirakawa-go, Gifu
Shirakawa-go is a stunning year-round village in the center of Gifu. People know Shirakawa-go as an area of "gasshou" houses - an ancient traditional architecture. "Gasshou" means "praying hands" in English. People here believe that the traditional style of sharply steep roofs resembles the two hands of Budda gathered when praying.
Winter in this village is said to be the most beautiful as it is the most massive snow area in Japan. Nearly 96 percent of this area is untouched forest, so it is quite hard to reach. However, you should still make an effort to arrive in Shirakawa-go, it will bring you the most authentic feeling of Japanese remote life.
Otaru, Hokkaido
When it comes to winter in Japan, the heaviest snow falls in Hokkaido, where you can enjoy the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. But, take a 45 minute train ride, and you will be whisked away to the port city of Otaru, a city pivotal to the development of Japan’s northernmost island. Brick warehouses and Victorian style street lamps line Otaru Canal, giving it a distinctly European feel. Visit at night and be charmed by Otaru’s Snow Light Path, an event held in February where the streets of Otaru are decorated with snowmen and candlelight.
Kinosaki Hot Spring
This is a charming old town with many onsens on the Sea of Japan. In the 8th century, many hot springs were discovered in this area. The local people built bathhouses over the hot spring to serve daily life. Later, when this place became famous all over the world, these works still remain and create Kinosaki a majestic ancient beauty.
Tottori City, Tottori
Tottori is Japan’s least densely populated prefecture, making it the perfect destination for those seeking a little respite from the country’s crowded major cities. It is also home to some incredible natural sites. Mount Daisen is Tottori’s pride and joy, often referred to the ‘Mount Fuji of the west’ and is best admired in its snow-capped glory during the colder months.
One of Tottori’s most famous tourist attractions is the Tottori Sand Dunes, the naturally crafted oceanside desert, which stretches from the coast to the northern corners of the Tottori city centre. In the warmer months, the area is rather crowded with sandboarders and camel riders taking charge. In winter, it’s practically deserted, giving it an eerie but fascinating and almost apocalyptic feel.
Niseko
If work hard, play hard, is your life’s motto, then book a trip to Niseko this winter. Niseko has long been Japan’s best-kept secret when it comes to ski resorts, outdoor adventure, world-class dining options, along with hot spring and spa relaxation. However, since the 1990s, it has seen a boom in international travelers, creating a hospitable cosmopolitan village that is blanketed in some of the world’s finest and driest snow.
Nagano
Nagano is considered as the city of freedom and longevity. It locates in the center of Japan and attracts a large number of tourists every year. In Nagano, visitors can experience the most putative beauty without fighting against the crowds thanks to the remoteness.
Apart from the natural beauty, Nagano is said to be the home of hidden gems. From Nagano, you can get to Kogen ski resort and Matsumoto city. In Kogen ski resort, you will see onsen-bathing monkeys of Jigokudani, while in Matsumoto city, you will have an opportunity to explore the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and snow walls.