Looking for a side trip destinations from Tokyo in winter ? There are numbers of great tourist spots around Tokyo where you can have the phenomenal Japanese winter experience such as Onsen (hot spring), illumination events and snow activities (Ski and Snowboard)!

In this article, I would like to introduce the 5 best winter travel destinations where you can access from Tokyo easily. If you are looking for a little winter escape from the city, these side trip destinations are perfect getaways for you!

1. Takaragawa Onsen

Outdoor onsen is one of the best winter attractions in Japan. Nothing better than taking hot Onsen bath surrounded by beautiful nature covered in white snow! In northern part of Japan, there are numbers of great outdoor Onsen spots where you can enjoy with snow including the northern area of Kanto region such as Gunma and Tochigi.

One of the most recommended snow Onsen spots is Takaragawa Onsen (宝川温泉) in Minakami Onsen area, Gunma Prefecture. Takaragawa Onsen is an scenic outdoor bath with the spectacular view and the surrounded area is covered in white snow during winter. Accordingly, Takaragawa Onsen is especially popular among foreign visitors as it’s a mix bath where visitors can enter the bath with towels covering their bodies.

Map: http://bit.ly/2zyp0rl

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2. Enoshima

Shonan area in Kanagawa Prefecture is widely known as a summer destination from Tokyo, however, there are a lot of things that we shouldn’t miss during winter. Enoshima (江の島) is a small touristy island near Kamakura, offering various tourist attractions through the year such as shrines, parks, caves, street food, shops, etc.

Samuel Cocking Garden is a botanical garden located at the top of the island, and the iconic tower, Sea Candle is a 60 m tall observatory where you can gaza the stunning view of Shonan area, Sagami Bay and Mt Fuji when the visibility is good. During winter, the light-up event “the Jewel of Shonan” is held at the garden and displays colourful illumination. It’s one of the most spectacular winter illuminations in Kanto area.

Map: http://bit.ly/2xEeIo4

Website: https://enoshima-seacandle.com/

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3. Sagamiko Illumillion

Winter illuminations are definitely the biggest thing in winter in Japan, and numbers of illumination events are held across the country during winter. There are many beautiful illuminations you can enjoy within Tokyo city, but you should definitely go at least one of the big illumination events held at suburbs or outskirt areas.

 SAGAMIKO ILLUMILLION (相模湖イルミリオン) is is one of the largest illumination events in Japan featuring 6 million LED lights decorating the 40,000㎡ vast park colourfully. This long running illumination event is available from November to April in the following year.

Map: http://bit.ly/2NGD9LE

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4. Fujiten Snow Resort

Winter sports like ski and snowboard are very popular in Japan, and there are numbers of world-class ski resorts across the country. Japanese ski resorts with the high-quality powder snow, scenic views and Onsen facilities attracts visitors from all around the world during the season.

The most famous ski resorts are located on the mountains of Hokkaido or Nagano, however, there are several ski resorts where you can access from Tokyo within a few hours. Fujiten Snow Resort (ふじてんスノーリゾート) is one of the best ski destinations where you can enjoy the magnificent view of Mt Fuji. It’s small and more suitable for beginners, but it’s a perfect ski destination for a day trip.

Map: http://bit.ly/2xI1Z3J

Website: http://www.fujiten.net/pc/en/

5. Jigokudani Monkey Park

The world famous Snow Monkeys can be found at Jigokudani Monkey Park (地獄谷野猿公苑) in Nagano Prefecture. It’s one of the most well-known iconic views of “Winter in Japan” and uniquely more popular among foreign visitors than Japanese.

In fact, the monkeys can be seen through the year, however, the iconic view of the monkeys bathing in the snow Onsen can be captured only during this time of the year. There are several Onsen spots in the surrounding area such as Shibu or Yudanaka, and it’s recommended to stay over for 1–2 nights along your visit, however, it is possible to visit this Jigokudani Onsen Park for a day trip from Tokyo travelling by Shinkansen (bullet train).

Map: http://bit.ly/2DHldf4

More info:

More one-day trip destinations from Tokyo!

▶ Best Day Trips from Tokyo

▶ One Day Trips from Tokyo in Spring
▶ One Day Trips from Tokyo in Summer
▶ One Day Trips from Tokyo in Autumn

How did you enjoy the list?? For more ideas about travelling in Japan in winter, please check out these articles listed below, too!

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