Japan is a country known as the land of contrasts, where you can find cities like Okinawa, a tropical paradise, alongside snowy destinations like Hokkaido. Our focus is on those who want to escape the heat and are in love with snow and cold weather, while also enjoying stunning landscapes, various festivals, and the local culture of this beautiful country. But why are these cities so cold? In the following, we will explore the coldest cities in Japan to uncover what makes them ideal winter travel destinations. Join us as we delve into these frosty wonders with HiTopTourism!
| City | Spring (Mar-May) | Summer (Jun-Aug) | Autumn (Sep-Nov) | Winter (Dec-Feb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asahikawa | 2°C to 12°C (36°F to 54°F) | 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) | 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) | -8°C to -20°C (17.6°F to -4°F) |
| Wakkanai | 1°C to 8°C (34°F to 46°F) | 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F) | 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F) | -4°C to -10°C (24.8°F to 14°F) |
| Nayoro | 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F) | 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) | 5°C to 12°C (41°F to 54°F) | -6°C to -15°C (21.2°F to 5°F) |
| Aomori City | 3°C to 13°C (37°F to 55°F) | 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F) | 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F) | -1°C to -5°C (30.2°F to 23°F) |
| Kutchan | 2°C to 12°C (36°F to 54°F) | 16°C to 26°C (61°F to 79°F) | 6°C to 14°C (43°F to 57°F) | -4°C to -12°C (24.8°F to 10.4°F) |
| Obihiro | 1°C to 11°C (34°F to 52°F) | 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) | 5°C to 13°C (41°F to 55°F) | -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F) |
| Kitami | 2°C to 12°C (36°F to 54°F) | 16°C to 26°C (61°F to 79°F) | 6°C to 14°C (43°F to 57°F) | -4°C to -12°C (24.8°F to 10.4°F) |
| Sapporo | 3°C to 13°C (37°F to 55°F) | 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F) | 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F) | -3°C to -10°C (26.6°F to 14°F) |
| Rikubetsu | 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F) | 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F) | 5°C to 12°C (41°F to 54°F) | -6°C to -20°C (21.2°F to -4°F) |
| Shibetsu | 1°C to 10°C (34°F to 50°F) | 14°C to 23°C (57°F to 73°F) | 6°C to 13°C (43°F to 55°F) | -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F) |
1. Asahikawa, Hokkaido
Asahikawa, Hokkaido, is the coldest city in Japan, holding the record for the lowest temperature ever recorded in the country at -41°C (-41.8°F). Its inland location, far from the moderating influence of the ocean, makes it one of the chilliest places in Japan. However, it is also brimming with diverse tourist attractions and snow-filled activities, making it an ideal destination for winter travel enthusiasts. The average winter temperature ranges from -8°C to -20°C (17.6°F to -4°F), and the best time to visit this city is from June to August.
Among the most notable attractions in this city:
- Asahiyama Zoo is one of the city’s top attractions, famous for its winter animal exhibits.
- The Asahikawa Winter Festival, with its stunning ice sculptures, is one of the city’s highlights.
- Local ramen is another must-try attraction in this beautiful city.
2. Wakkanai, Hokkaido
Wakkanai is also on the list of the coldest cities in Japan and is considered the northernmost city in the country. Located near Russia’s Sakhalin Island, it experiences a cold climate due to its proximity to the cold air masses from the Arctic region of Russia and the cold waters of the Sea of Okhotsk. The average winter temperature ranges from -4 to -10°C (24.8 to 14°F), and you can visit this city throughout the year.
Some of the most important attractions in this city include:
- Cape Soya: An extraordinary cape located at the northernmost point of Japan.
- Wakkanai Port: One of the best scenic spots in the city, where you can also take a trip to Rishiri and Rebun Islands.
- Enjoying Seafood: One of the most popular activities in this city is indulging in seafood, especially crab.
3. Nayoro, Hokkaido
Nayoro is one of the small cities in Japan, renowned for its heavy snowfall and beautiful winter landscapes. The snow cover reflects sunlight, helping to keep the city’s temperature low, with the average winter temperature ranging from -6°C to -15°C (21.2°F to 5°F). The best time to visit this city is from July to mid-August.
Top tourist attractions in Nayoro:
- Nayoro Fureai Center for its hot springs.
- Winter sports such as skiing and snowshoeing.
- Local sake, which is one of the city’s most famous offerings.
4. Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
Aomori is one of the snowiest cities not only in Japan but also in the world, and it is among the coldest cities in Japan. The mountainous barriers contribute to the cold air, and the influence of the Sea of Japan leads to heavy snowfall. The average winter temperature ranges from -1°C to -5°C (30.2°F to 23°F), and the city experiences an annual snowfall of 8 meters. The best time to visit this city is during spring and autumn.
Top tourist attractions in Aomori:
- The Nebuta Festival (held in summer), which has a unique charm.
- The Hakkoda Mountains, perfect for winter activities such as skiing and snow trekking.
- Seafood, including scallops and sushi, is among the city’s most famous offerings.
5. Kutchan, Hokkaido
Kutchan is a city listed among the coldest in Japan, located near Niseko. It is globally renowned for its ski slopes, and due to the Siberian winds, it often experiences extremely low temperatures. In winter, the average temperature in this city ranges from -4°C to -12°C (24.8°F to 10.4°F), and the best time to visit is in December.
Most famous attractions in Kutchan:
- The Niseko ski slopes, which are world-famous.
- Ansen hot springs.
- Local products such as Jaga Butter.
6. Obihiro, Hokkaido
Obihiro is another cold city in Japan, famous for its agricultural heritage. Its winters are just as renowned as its farming, and due to the Siberian cold air masses, the average winter temperature ranges from -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F). The best time to visit this city is between March and May.
Key attractions in Obihiro:
- The Tokachi Plains, known for their beautiful winter landscapes.
- Local dishes such as Butadon (pork bowl), which you shouldn’t miss.
- The city’s winter festivals and ice sculptures are also famous.
7. Kitami, Hokkaido
Kitami is one of the small cities in Japan with a rich history and attractive sightseeing spots. Known for its cold winters, it is among the coldest cities in Japan. Due to its inland location and heavy snowfall, it experiences low temperatures, with the average winter temperature ranging from -4°C to -12°C (24.8°F to 10.4°F). The best time to visit this city is from June to September.
Key attractions in Kitami:
- The Kitami Mint Memorial Museum.
- Mint products and famous souvenirs from the city.
- Winter sports along with the renowned Kitami hot springs.
8. Sapporo, Hokkaido
Sapporo, known as the capital of Hokkaido, is famous for its snow festivals and rich culture. It is also one of the coldest cities in Japan due to its northern location and cold air masses, which bring heavy snowfall. The average winter temperature ranges from -3°C to -10°C (26.6°F to 14°F), and the best time to visit this city is from June to August.
Key attractions in Sapporo:
- The Sapporo Snow Festival, renowned for its massive ice sculptures.
- The Sapporo Beer Museum, along with famous local dishes.
- Ski resorts such as Sapporo Teine and Kokusai.
9. Rikubetsu, Hokkaido
Rikubetsu is often regarded as the coldest city in Japan, famous for its high altitude, inland location, and heavy snowfall. The average winter temperature ranges from -6°C to -20°C (21.2°F to -4°F), and the best time to visit this city is during summer and winter.
Key attractions in Rikubetsu:
- The Rikubetsu Winter Festival.
- Snow-covered landscapes visible from various points, where you can also enjoy winter sports.
- Dairy products and local ice cream, which you shouldn’t miss.
10. Shibetsu, Hokkaido
Shibetsu is one of the small and coldest cities in Japan, renowned for its cold winters and natural scenic attractions. The average winter temperature in this city ranges from -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F), and the best time to visit is from late July to early September.
Key attractions in Shibetsu:
- The Shibetsu Salmon Museum.
- Winter sports and outdoor activities.
- Delicious seafood and famous local dairy products.
Conclusion
Discovering the coldest cities in Japan and traveling to these destinations offers an unforgettable experience filled with memories and excitement. From skiing in Niseko to exploring the northernmost point of Japan in Wakkanai, you can enjoy a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty all in one place. For those who love the cold, each city offers unique attractions tailored for snow enthusiasts, allowing you to experience the most special moments in Japan’s coldest cities. Here, everywhere is covered in snow, offering a white, picturesque view of various towns and landscapes.
If you have experience traveling to these cold and beautiful cities, share your best memories with us.
