Where to See Snow Near Tokyo 2025 | Best Winter Getaways & Scenic Spots

Travel to Japan

Snowfall in central Tokyo is rare, but within just one to two hours by train, you can find breathtaking winter landscapes. From historic temples to ski resorts and hot springs, here are the best snow destinations near Tokyo for 2025 — plus a few world-famous spots worth the extra trip.

🏔 Nikko (Tochigi) — World Heritage & Winter Serenity

Home to the UNESCO-listed Toshogu Shrine, Nikko is a perfect blend of history and nature. In winter, Oku-Nikko’s snowy landscapes — Lake Yunoko, Senjogahara marshlands, and Kegon Falls — offer quiet beauty and tranquility.

  • Access: About 2 hours from Asakusa via Tobu Limited Express
  • Highlights: Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Yumoto Onsen, Kegon Falls

Official site (Visit Nikko)

🏞 Hakone (Kanagawa) — Snow and Hot Springs Bliss

Just 90 minutes from Tokyo, Hakone offers both snow views and onsen relaxation. Enjoy the sight of Mt. Fuji over Lake Ashi, or soak in an open-air hot spring while snow gently falls around you.

  • Access: 90 min from Shinjuku by Odakyu Romancecar
  • Highlights: Owakudani, Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, Gora Onsen

Official site (Hakone Navi)

🌲 Mount Takao (Tokyo) — The Closest Snowy Mountain

Only about an hour from central Tokyo, Mount Takao is an easy day trip for nature lovers. The summit (599 m) occasionally sees snow and offers views of Mt. Fuji in winter.

  • Access: 50 min from Shinjuku via Keio Line
  • Highlights: Yakuoin Temple, cable car, snow-covered ridgeline

Official site (Mount Takao)

🕍 Kawagoe (Saitama) — “Little Edo” in the Snow

Nicknamed “Koedo,” this small town north of Tokyo turns into a storybook scene when it snows. The preserved Edo-style buildings, shrines, and retro alleys look magical under a white blanket.

  • Access: 30 min from Ikebukuro via Tobu Tojo Line
  • Highlights: Kurazukuri Street, Toki-no-Kane Bell Tower, Candy Alley

Official site (Koedo Kawagoe Tourism)

🏕 Chichibu (Saitama) — The Magical Icicles of Misotsuchi

Chichibu’s winter highlight is the natural art of the Misotsuchi Icicles, illuminated at night for a dreamlike scene. A ride on the steam locomotive through snowy valleys adds even more charm.

  • Access: 2 hours from Ikebukuro via Seibu Railway Limited Express
  • Highlights: Misotsuchi Icicles, Chichibu Shrine, winter rafting at Nagatoro

Official site (Chichibu Tourism)

🏔 Naeba & Echigo-Yuzawa (Niigata) — Ski, Snow & Onsen

Just 80 minutes from Tokyo by Joetsu Shinkansen, this area offers some of Japan’s best snow. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and relaxing in onsen hotels surrounded by mountains of powder snow.

  • Access: 80 min from Tokyo Station by Shinkansen
  • Highlights: Naeba Ski Resort, Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen, Dragondola (Japan’s longest gondola)

Official site (Naeba Ski Resort) / Echigo Yuzawa Tourism Association

❄️ Bonus: Niseko & Hakuba — Japan’s World-Class Snow Destinations

While not near Tokyo, these two legendary winter destinations are must-visits for snow lovers. Featuring world-class powder, English-friendly resorts, and stunning alpine scenery, they attract travelers from around the globe.

🏔 Hakuba (Nagano)

Once the venue for the 1998 Winter Olympics, Hakuba Valley is a premier resort nestled in the Japanese Alps. Expect top-tier slopes, cozy lodges, and plenty of après-ski options.

Official site (Hakuba Valley)

❄️ Niseko (Hokkaido)

Renowned for having some of the best powder snow on Earth, Niseko offers incredible ski conditions, natural hot springs, and a lively international atmosphere perfect for long winter stays.

Official site (Niseko United)

Wrap-up

Even if Tokyo rarely sees snow, a short train or Shinkansen ride opens up a world of snowy adventures — from heritage sites to hot springs and ski resorts. And for those chasing Japan’s ultimate snow, head north to Hakuba or Niseko for the full winter wonderland experience.