Experience the Best of Japan in Winter 2025: Agoda’s Ranking Highlights Top Destinations Like Sapporo and Okinawa with Unique February Events

Published on December 29, 2025

As Japan embraces the winter season, a rise in travel searches has led to some notable trends in domestic travel. In a recent announcement by Agoda, the digital travel platform revealed the rankings of Japan’s most popular domestic winter destinations for the period from December 2025 to February 2026. While major metropolitan areas like Tokyo and Osaka continue to dominate the rankings, regional cities, such as Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Okinawa, have witnessed an increase in interest. This growth in search activity is significantly attributed to the seasonal events scheduled in February, which draw both domestic and international visitors to these destinations.

Tokyo and Osaka: The Unwavering Leaders

Tokyo and Osaka have maintained their positions as the top two winter travel destinations in Japan for 2025, mirroring trends from the previous year. These bustling cities have long been favored by travelers, offering a blend of modern attractions, cultural experiences, and winter festivities. Tokyo’s vast array of events, from light displays to special exhibitions, continues to make it a year-round favorite. Similarly, Osaka’s festive offerings, including its renowned food scene and vibrant entertainment districts, keep visitors coming back year after year.

Agoda’s data underscores that the consistency of Tokyo and Osaka at the top is largely due to their year-round appeal, making them natural destinations for winter travelers. Whether it’s shopping, dining, or exploring historical landmarks, these cities continue to captivate travelers with their diverse attractions and undeniable charm.

Regional Cities on the Rise: Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Okinawa

While Tokyo and Osaka maintain their dominance, regional cities have gained significant traction, reflecting a broader trend towards exploring lesser-known parts of Japan. Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Okinawa have emerged as strong contenders, all making it to the top five most popular winter destinations for 2025. Their seasonal events and unique offerings have significantly boosted their rankings, drawing attention to the rich cultural experiences available outside Japan’s two major cities.

Fukuoka: The Mystical “Path of Light”

In Fukuoka, a standout event is the annual “Path of Light” ceremony at Miyajidake Shrine, held in February. This rare and mystical sunset phenomenon, visible only twice a year, has become a social media sensation. Travelers eager to experience this unique natural spectacle are flocking to Fukuoka, contributing to a surge in search activity for the city. The “Path of Light” event has become a significant draw, symbolizing the union of nature and tradition, and adding a magical touch to the city’s winter landscape. The combination of this event with Fukuoka’s vibrant atmosphere and historical sites has solidified its place as a winter destination on the rise.

Sapporo: The Sapporo Snow Festival

Sapporo, known for its winter charm, continues to capture the imaginations of travelers with the Sapporo Snow Festival. Held each February, this iconic event is Japan’s largest winter festival and features massive ice sculptures, illuminated displays, and a variety of food festivals. The snow festival’s appeal extends beyond Japan’s borders, attracting international tourists who come to experience the city’s winter wonderland. With its breathtaking ice art and festive atmosphere, Sapporo remains one of Japan’s top destinations during the coldest months, offering a perfect mix of culture, art, and winter sports.

Okinawa: Early Cherry Blossoms in a Tropical Paradise

Contrasting the cold of the mainland, Okinawa Main Island offers a warm escape with its Cherry Blossom Festival, held in early February. Okinawa is the first place in Japan where cherry blossoms bloom each year, making it an especially sought-after destination for those eager to witness the early arrival of the sakura. The island’s tropical climate provides a unique opportunity to experience Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms in a more temperate setting, making Okinawa a perfect winter getaway for travelers looking to experience nature’s beauty in a milder environment.

The combination of Okinawa’s scenic beauty, rich history, and the allure of the early-blooming sakura makes it a standout destination for winter travelers. Its popularity is evident in the rise of searches for accommodations and activities in the region during the festival period, with many travelers choosing Okinawa as a peaceful yet festive retreat.

Seasonal Events in February: A Key Driver of Travel Demand

A key factor influencing the rise in travel interest across Japan’s regional cities is the seasonal events concentrated in February. These events play a significant role in driving domestic travel demand, with travelers planning their visits to coincide with these unique experiences.

In Fukuoka, the “Path of Light” phenomenon draws visitors from across Japan, with the event’s limited nature making it an exclusive experience. In Sapporo, the Sapporo Snow Festival remains a major cultural attraction, with its ice sculptures and light displays creating a magical winter atmosphere that captivates both Japanese and international visitors alike. Okinawa’s Cherry Blossom Festival, meanwhile, offers a fresh take on the traditional cherry blossom viewing experience, providing an early glimpse of sakura amidst the island’s warm tropical climate.

These events have not only contributed to the increased popularity of regional cities like Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Okinawa but have also helped diversify the appeal of winter travel in Japan. Rather than focusing solely on the metropolitan areas, travelers are increasingly exploring seasonal events in lesser-known cities, adding a new dimension to their winter travel experiences.

Agoda’s Commitment to Winter Travel

Agoda, through its platform, aims to provide travelers with seamless access to winter travel experiences across Japan. With over six million accommodation options, 130,000+ flight routes, and 300,000+ activities available for booking, Agoda ensures that travelers can easily plan and book their trips to Japan’s most popular winter destinations. The company’s senior representatives have emphasized their commitment to offering a wide range of domestic travel options, helping visitors make the most of Japan’s diverse winter offerings.

By continuously improving the booking experience and providing access to exclusive deals, Agoda remains dedicated to enhancing the winter travel experience for users. The platform’s user-friendly interface and range of services are designed to make every journey more fulfilling and memorable, ensuring that travelers have access to the best that Japan has to offer during the winter season.

Conclusion: Japan’s Winter Travel Landscape in 2025

The 2025 winter season has revealed a growing interest in both metropolitan and regional destinations in Japan. While Tokyo and Osaka continue to lead the rankings, the rising popularity of cities like Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Okinawa underscores the increasing demand for unique, seasonal experiences that showcase the diverse cultural and natural beauty of Japan.

As travelers seek more than just the typical winter destinations, events like Fukuoka’s “Path of Light,” Sapporo’s Snow Festival, and Okinawa’s Cherry Blossom Festival provide exciting reasons to explore beyond the major cities. Agoda’s insights highlight a shift in winter travel preferences, with travelers now gravitating towards regional cities that offer a rich blend of cultural events, natural beauty, and memorable experiences.

With seamless access to these destinations, Agoda remains a key player in helping travelers plan and book their perfect winter getaway, ensuring that every journey is as enriching as it is memorable.