Japan Records Fifteen Percent Boost In Winter Visits From India As Ski Resorts Winter Festivals And Cultural Journeys Attract New Wave Of Tourists

Published on December 5, 2025

Japan has witnessed a remarkable fifteen percent increase in Indian visitors during the winter season, driven by a growing demand for skiing, winter festivals, and cultural experiences. This surge reflects a broader shift in travel trends, with more Indian tourists embracing Japan’s winter charm alongside its iconic cherry blossom season, positioning winter as a new peak for tourism in the country.

A recent surge in Indian travelers visiting Japan during the winter season has been recorded, with a remarkable 15% year-on-year increase. This shift in travel trends is largely driven by an increasing interest in skiing, winter festivals, and Japan’s rich culinary experiences. According to a recent report by Cox & Kings, the winter season is rapidly becoming a major travel period, now standing alongside the famous cherry blossom season as a peak time for tourism.

Over the past year, more Indian tourists have embraced Japan’s winter charm, with destinations like Hokkaido, Nagano, and Hakone seeing increased arrivals for snow sports and cultural experiences. The country’s winter offerings are now becoming as integral to its tourism appeal as its iconic spring. Cox & Kings, a prominent travel company, attributes this trend to a combination of immersive experiences and Japan’s reputation for high-quality winter tourism.

The growing interest in Japan’s winter illuminations plays a major role in this shift. These sparkling light festivals, which attract families, couples, and younger tourists, have become highly sought-after travel experiences. Popular festivals such as Tokyo Midtown’s Illumination Walk and Nabana no Sato’s illuminated gardens are especially significant. These dazzling light displays have turned Japanese cities into festive wonderlands, their stunning visuals taking center stage on social media, which in turn drives seasonal tourism.

Indian visitors are also gravitating toward snow-based activities. The winter season in Japan has become synonymous with skiing and snowboarding, particularly in areas like Hokkaido and Nagano. The region’s slopes offer ideal conditions for winter sports, and the winter villages in these areas provide a picturesque setting for skiing enthusiasts. Additionally, outdoor hot springs, or onsens, set in snow-covered landscapes, have gained popularity, providing travelers with the opportunity to experience Japan’s unique bathing culture while enjoying scenic snowy backdrops.

Beyond the snowy outdoors, Japan’s winter culture and cuisine are attracting Indian tourists looking for a deeper, more enriching travel experience. In Kyoto, the tranquil ambiance of tea ceremonies offers a glimpse into Japan’s age-old traditions, while in Osaka, food-centric tours allow travelers to sample the country’s world-renowned cuisine. Visitors are also signing up for hands-on experiences like kimono-wearing workshops, local cooking classes, and staying in traditional ryokan inns that emphasize Japan’s heritage. These slower, more deliberate travel experiences—such as neighborhood stays in the historic Gion district in Kyoto—are resonating with a growing segment of tourists interested in authentic, culturally immersive travel.

Interestingly, this uptick in winter travel demand has not overshadowed Japan’s renowned spring cherry blossom season. In fact, the report indicates a 10% increase in advance bookings for cherry blossom tours, suggesting that the winter season is complementing, rather than replacing, Japan’s spring peak. This reflects a broader trend among Indian travelers, who are now opting for multi-season visits, enjoying Japan’s unique offerings across different times of the year.

The shift in Indian travelers’ seasonal preferences highlights a broader evolution in global tourism patterns. As winter in Japan becomes an increasingly popular season, travelers are becoming more inclined to explore off-peak periods and extend their travels beyond the traditional summer vacation window. Cox & Kings notes that these trends are being driven by Indian travelers’ increasing desire for experiences that go beyond conventional sightseeing. Whether it’s the serenity of an onsen retreat or the festive atmosphere of a winter illumination festival, Japan offers a diverse range of activities that appeal to various interests and travel styles.

Looking ahead to 2026, Japan’s winter season is poised to become a key player in the country’s overall tourism strategy. With its snow-capped mountains, vibrant winter celebrations, rich cultural heritage, and renowned culinary offerings, Japan is transforming into a year-round destination. As Indian travelers continue to seek deeper, more meaningful travel experiences, Japan’s winter tourism is emerging as an aspirational holiday window that aligns with evolving global travel trends.

The growing demand for winter travel to Japan reflects a larger movement toward diversifying travel experiences throughout the year. The country’s winter attractions—ranging from skiing and snowboarding to cultural immersions and light-filled celebrations—are gaining increasing popularity among Indian tourists. As Japan continues to evolve into an all-season destination, the winter months are no longer an off-season for travel but a prime period for exploration, offering Indian travelers a unique way to experience the country’s beauty, culture, and hospitality.