Take a Warm Plunge in the Hot Springs in Japan this Winter

Winters in Japan are extremely cold and chilly. There are various activities that take place in Japan during the winter season. December to February are the winter months in Japan and people who like cold climates and snowfall might want to visit Japan during their Christmas vacation. Usually people from tropical regions come to Japan during winter as they can witness snowfall in the otherwise picturesque country.

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of winters is snowboarding and skiing. The ski hills of the highly cultural country have a lot to offer during the winter months. Whether you’re an expert at snow sports or a beginner, you sure are going to love the country during winter. If you are a tourist then don’t think that the snow will stop you from going sightseeing. One of the best ways you can enjoy the snow covered ski areas in Japan is by going snowshoeing.

As the name applies, you can rent snow shoes and get going on a guided snowshoe tour. This is the best way you can ‘savour’ the pristine white snow and leave footprints on the untouched snow. You marvel at the trees and take a look at some Japanese wildlife. You can see Kamoshika (Japanese serow) and hares as you take a look at the beautiful sight of a snow-covered Japan. People in Japan also go cross country skiing in winter in the Land of the Rising Sun.

But one of the places you most definitely should visit is the hot springs at Niigata Prefecture. This is one of best places to visit in Japan during winter. It is a one hour and twenty minute ride from Tokyo and is the ‘snowiest’ place in the country. People usually stay at Ryokans when they come to visit the hot springs in Niigata. A Ryokan is basically a Japanese ‘bed and breakfast’. One of the finest Ryokans is the Jizaikan.

Hot spring baths or onsen is the main attraction of the place. This is a very traditional Japanese way of relaxing over the weekends in Japanese winters. Jizaikan has three private hot spring baths and two big hot spring baths that it shares with two other Ryokans. The warm water of the hot springs feels great to soak in as the snow outside is almost two metres high. If you are thinking of going to Japan this winter, do not give the hot springs in Niigata a miss.