Top Things To Do in Tokyo During the Winter Months

02 Apr 2025

Tokyo is one of the largest cities of the world, where many from all over visit. Of course, there are plenty of visitors that come here no matter what time of year it might be. If you happen to be traveling here during the winter months, there’s a lot you can do - even if it’s a little bit cold outside. We will give you a list of top things that you can do in Tokyo in the winter time - so let’s get started right now with what to know.

Stay in Luxury

Tokyo has plenty of hotels that you can book along with other exclusive luxury stays in Asia. It’s always a good idea to consider staying in places that are not just great for your preferences, but also amenities that will make the stay as excellent as possible. This includes but is not limited to world-class spas, fine dining options, and views of Tokyo (among many others). There’s so much that you can do and then some when you’re staying in high-end places.

Check Out The Winter Illuminations

Nobody does winter traditions better than Japan. The illuminations that light up on a nightly basis are perhaps one of the best features that Tokyo has to offer in the winter months. You’re probably asking where the best spots to get a glimpse of these light shows are. Our suggested spots include but are not limited to Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi Hills, and the Marunouchi district.

Expect these to occur from mid-November to early February. Even better, these are off-peak travel months so you might travel to Tokyo at perhaps one of the best times of the year. If we’re being honest, these light shows are worth taking the pictures and videos.

Relax in an Onsen

A Japanese onsen or a hot spring can just be one of the most relaxing places you can find yourself in during the winter months. There are plenty of resorts where you can soak yourself in an onsen, including places like the Oedo Onsen Monogatari. Think of it like a spa treatment that you’d get in a high-end resort like the hotel you might be staying at in Tokyo.

Indulge in Japanese Cuisine

Every time of the year is perfect for enjoying tasty Japanese cuisine. There are some seasonal favorites that you can enjoy like nabe (hot pot), oden (Japanese stew) and so much more. If you are a foodie at heart, there are plenty of fine dining options at your disposal in and around Tokyo, including numerous meals that feature seasonal ingredients for a dining experience that is second to none.

Go Ice Skating in Tokyo Midtown or Yokohama

Yes, Tokyo has numerous ice skating rinks that you can enjoy if you want to show off your figure skating moves or just skate around. One in particular is the Tokyo Midtown outdoor rink and another is the Red Brick Warehouse in Yokohama. Either way, you’ll have a great time enjoying one of the best winter pastimes - be it outdoors or indoors.

After you have done your skating around, be sure to warm up and enjoy a nice hot beverage and some snacks. Who says you can’t have fun in Tokyo in the winter time?

Explore The Traditional Temples and Shrines

Japan has plenty of shrines and temples dating back thousands of years. They are an absolute pleasure to visit these sacred places no matter what time of year it is. We highly suggest that you check out the Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji Temple - both of which won’t be as crowded this time of year (after all, you are traveling during an off-peak time). If you are in Tokyo during the first of the year, you can experience a Japanese tradition known as hatsumode, which is the first shrine visit of the year, - which is a sacred event in Japanese culture.

See A Snow-Capped Mount Fuji

Finally, no trip to Japan is ever complete without catching a glimpse of Mount Fuji. Your best bet is to go to either the Fuji Five Lakes area or Hakone - both of which will provide you with plenty of clear views and hot tubs. There’s also a winter fireworks festival in Lake Kawaguchi that you do not want to miss.

Final Thoughts

Tokyo may be one of the most underrated vacation destinations to travel to in the winter months. Less crowds for sure, but it’s also a time where you can experience Japanese culture that not a lot of people outside of the country often see. You will be able to enjoy plenty of winter activities in and around Tokyo and never let the weather deter you in the slightest. Why not enjoy Tokyo in a different way compared to what others do?

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