Japan’s Winter Tourism Experiences Surge as Indian Visitors Flock

Published on December 4, 2025

Japan has become an increasingly popular winter destination for Indian travelers, with a remarkable 15% rise in demand for December to February departures compared to last year. The demand for winter travel to Japan is fuelled by the country’s unparalleled offerings that include snow-led experiences like skiing, wildlife trails, and snowy hikes, along with the famous open-air onsens or hot springs. These, combined with the lively culture of Japan in winter, place the country at the top of the bucket list for Indians looking to travel for the country’s winter charm.

The Appeal of Japan’s Winter Culture

Winter in Japan offers a distinct experience, different from any other season. From snowy landscapes and ski resorts to cultural traditions and winter illuminations, Japan’s winter season offers something for every traveler. As the weather turns colder, more and more Indian tourists are discovering the joys of Japan’s snow-filled activities, such as skiing and snowboarding in the country’s famous resorts like Niseko, as well as hiking through the snow-covered trails in picturesque regions like Hokkaido.

In addition to the physical activities, the Japanese winter offers a cultural depth that travelers are increasingly drawn to. The country’s traditional rituals, local food trails, and serene, unhurried neighborhood days make it a perfect destination for those seeking an authentic winter experience. This growing interest in Japan’s winter offerings is evident in the increasing number of Indian tourists booking their winter trips in advance.

Winter Illumination Festivals: A Major Travel Driver

One of the most significant factors contributing to the winter tourism surge in Japan is the popularity of its winter illumination festivals. These lighting events, which take place across various regions of Japan, have become a major travel driver, especially among Indian couples, families, and young travelers.

Tokyo Midtown’s Illumination Walk and the famous Nabana no Sato light gardens are just two examples of the dazzling winter light displays that attract thousands of visitors each year. Known for their intricacy and scale, these events are now seen as a “high-FOMO” (Fear of Missing Out) seasonal experience. For many tourists, the opportunity to witness these grand displays of lights is a highlight of their winter travels, adding a magical touch to their visit to Japan.

Karan Agarwal, Director at Cox & Kings stated, “Japan in winter has a completely different soul.” He explained that travelers are increasingly seeking depth in their travel experiences, and winter is the time when Japan reveals its most authentic side. The combination of scenic winter landscapes, unique cultural experiences, and festive light displays makes Japan’s winter appeal irresistible to Indian tourists.

Expanding the Travel Curve: Winter Demand Does Not Replace Cherry Blossom Season

Japan’s growing popularity as a winter destination has not only boosted winter travel but has also had a positive effect on other seasons, including spring. Data from Cox & Kings shows that advance bookings for next year’s cherry blossom itineraries are already up by 10%, indicating that winter demand is not replacing the cherry blossom season, but instead expanding the overall Japan travel curve.

While cherry blossom season remains one of Japan’s most iconic travel periods, the increased interest in winter travel suggests that Japan is successfully positioning itself as a year-round destination. Indian travelers, once primarily drawn to Japan for its springtime beauty, are now discovering the allure of the country in winter, further diversifying the types of experiences available to them throughout the year.

Japan: An All-Season Destination

Japan’s growing winter appeal is transforming the country into a truly all-season destination. While spring remains a favorite for travelers seeking the beauty of cherry blossoms, winter offers its own set of unique experiences that attract Indian travelers. Whether it’s the cold-weather activities, the festive illuminations, or the opportunity to experience Japan’s traditional and cultural rituals, winter tourism in Japan is flourishing.

This expansion of interest across both winter and spring seasons is a promising sign for the country’s tourism industry. As 2026 approaches, Japan continues to dominate Indian bucket lists not only for its cherry blossoms but also as a richly layered winter destination. The increasing popularity of winter tourism is helping to smooth the seasonality of the country’s travel market, ensuring a steady influx of tourists year-round.

The Economic Impact of Winter Tourism in Japan

The rise in winter tourism has had a positive impact on Japan’s economy, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses that cater to tourists are seeing increased demand during the winter months, which has helped boost the overall economy. The tourism industry has seen a noticeable increase in hotel bookings and spending, as Indian travelers are drawn to the country’s winter offerings.

Moreover, Japan’s growing winter appeal has also contributed to the promotion of rural tourism, with visitors exploring lesser-known regions of the country to experience Japan’s natural beauty in the snow. This helps to spread the economic benefits of tourism beyond the traditional hotspots of Tokyo and Kyoto, benefiting local economies across Japan.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Winter Tourism in Japan?

With winter tourism to Japan continuing to rise, industry insiders say that the country is only going to get more popular as a winter destination. Skiing in Hokkaido, snow hiking, open-air onsen soaking, and winter illumination festivals will continue to lure visitors from all parts of the globe. With natural beauty, unique cultural offerings, and immersive winter experiences combined, Japan now solidifies its place among the top destinations for winter travelers.

For Indian tourists, the charm of Japan’s winter season adds a whole new dimension to their travel and helps them experience the country in a way that not many other destinations can. With demand for travel to Japan increasing for both winter and cherry blossom seasons, Japan is poised to remain one of the top destinations for years to come from both India and worldwide.