Where to enjoy last-minute snow in Japan before the thaw sets in
From a World Heritage-listed alpine town a few hours from Osaka, to Nagano’s Olympic ski slopes, to picturesque northern Hokkaido, a winter getaway will reward visitors keen for white landscapes before spring does its thing
By mid-March, most of Japan’s snowy landscapes begin to recede and fade as spring kicks in but there are pockets where you can still find snow until April, and even May. Here are five locations across Japan offering a last glimpse of winter’s white blanket.
Shirakawa-go, Gifu
Unesco World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go is an alpine town famous for houses built with distinctive thatched ‘Gassho-zukuri’ roofs, literally meaning ‘hands in prayers’ – named after their steep structure. These sturdy houses have withstood the test of winters and heavy snow, some for over 250 years, and are popular as minshuku, or Japanese bed and breakfasts, throughout the seasons.
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Although spring brings warmth, Shirakawa-go usually has snowy terrain until early May.
Visit Shirakawago no Yu, the only onsen in town, for a restorative soak, or stay the night at a minshuku, and enjoy a rustic meal in the dining room of one of these historic abodes.
Getting there: Fly to Kansai International Airport, Osaka, then get a Japan Rail (JR) Express from Kansai to Kanazawa (2hr 40m) before hopping on the bus to Shirakawa-go (1hr 25m).
Biei, Hokkaido
Biei is a small settlement famous for its Shirogane blue pond, which takes on an azure tinge in spring. Nearby is the Shirahige Falls that remains frozen most of winter. Towards the end of April, both pond and waterfall begin to thaw, unlocking their blue from natural minerals dissolved in the water.