Non-Skier Winter Activities in Japan: Unforgettable Experiences by Campervan
- roamandrollcampervan
- Jan 15
- 5 min read
Japan’s winter season is often defined by skiing and snowboarding, but there is far more to experience beyond the ski resorts. From snow-covered villages and traditional festivals to hot springs, illuminations, and seasonal food experiences, winter offers some of the most atmospheric travel moments in the country.
This blog article highlights some of the most memorable winter activities in Japan for non-skiers and non-snowboarders. It is not an exhaustive list—Japan’s winter calendar is rich and diverse—but rather a curated selection of key highlights that showcase how rewarding winter travel can be. Exploring these experiences via a Japan campervan allows you to travel comfortably, flexibly, and at your own pace, even in cold and snowy conditions.
Visit the Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park
Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano is one of Japan’s most iconic winter sights. Wild Japanese macaques gather in natural hot springs, surrounded by deep snow and rising steam—an image that perfectly captures winter in Japan.
Winter is the best time to visit, as the monkeys are most active in the baths during colder months. While public transport is possible, a winter campervan makes the trip far easier, especially when roads are snowy and bus schedules are limited. With a campervan, you can arrive early, avoid peak crowds, and stay overnight nearby without rushing back to accommodation.
Take in the Snowy Views at Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is especially magical in winter. Its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, blanketed in snow, create a scene that feels timeless—particularly during evening light-up periods.
Reaching Shirakawa-go by public transport often involves multiple transfers and strict schedules. Campervan travel offers the freedom to visit at quieter times, explore nearby viewpoints, and continue onward without backtracking, making it one of the most rewarding things to do for non-skiers in winter.
Experience Japan’s Dazzling Winter Illuminations
Winter illuminations are a seasonal highlight across Japan, transforming parks, gardens, and entertainment venues into glowing landscapes after dark.
Two standout locations include:
Nabana No Sato Illumination (Mie Prefecture): One of Japan’s largest and most famous illumination displays, featuring themed light tunnels and large-scale installations.
Yomiuriland (Tokyo): A popular amusement park that becomes a winter light spectacle, combining rides with expansive illumination displays.
Many illumination sites are easier to access by car, especially after sunset. Travelling by campervan allows you to enjoy these nighttime events without worrying about last trains, giving you the freedom to park nearby and rest comfortably afterward.
Relax in Historic Onsen Towns: Ginzan Onsen & Kusatsu Onsen
Winter is peak season for Japan’s onsen culture, and towns like Ginzan Onsen and Kusatsu Onsen are at their most atmospheric during snowfall. Steaming baths, wooden ryokan, and softly lit streets create an unforgettable winter setting.
Accommodation in these towns is limited and often booked months in advance. Campervan travel provides an alternative: visit the onsen during the day or evening, enjoy multiple bathhouses, and stay overnight nearby without the pressure of securing an expensive ryokan reservation.
See the Snow Monsters at Zao Onsen
Zao Onsen is famous for its “snow monsters” (juhyo)—trees encased in ice and snow by strong winter winds. Even for non-skiers, riding the ropeway to view these natural formations is one of the most unique winter activities in Japan.
A campervan allows you to time your visit based on weather conditions, return for night illuminations, or combine the experience with nearby onsen towns—all without being tied to fixed transport schedules.
Snowshoe Tours at Ski Resorts and Scenic Areas
Snowshoeing is one of the best winter activities for non-skiers. Many ski resorts offer guided snowshoe tours through forests and gentle terrain, making it accessible even for beginners.
Special locations like Kamikochi, which is closed to regular traffic in winter, offer exceptional snowshoe experiences through pristine alpine landscapes. A campervan makes it easy to carry equipment, stay near trailheads, and explore multiple snowshoe destinations in one trip.
Winter Fire and Snow Festivals Across Japan
Japan’s winter festivals combine tradition, spectacle, and seasonal atmosphere. Highlights include:
Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Fire Festival (January 15): A dramatic fire festival held in a snow-covered onsen town.
Sapporo Snow Festival (February 4–11): Famous for its massive snow and ice sculptures.
Restaurant Kamakura Village (Iiyama): A seasonal dining experience inside traditional snow huts.
Tsunan Snow Festival (March 14): Known for thousands of floating lanterns released into the night sky, alongside snow activities, performances, and food stalls.
Many of these festivals take place in rural areas with limited winter accommodation. A Japan campervan allows you to attend without worrying about hotel availability, leave after peak crowds, and connect multiple events into one winter road trip.
Go Strawberry Picking in Winter
Surprisingly to many visitors, winter is peak strawberry season in Japan. Greenhouse-grown strawberries are at their sweetest from December through spring.
Strawberry farms are often located outside city centres, making them ideal stops during campervan travel. Adding strawberry picking to a winter itinerary brings a lighter, seasonal contrast to snow-focused experiences.
How to Drive Safely on Japan’s Winter Roads
Winter driving in Japan requires extra care, especially in mountainous areas, but with proper preparation it can be both safe and manageable.
Roam and Roll campervans are winter-ready, equipped with winter tires and, on most models, 4WD or AWD for improved traction and stability on snowy and icy roads.
Before driving, always clear snow and ice from the roof, windows, lights, and mirrors. On the road, drive smoothly and conservatively—keep speeds low, accelerate gently, allow extra braking distance, and take corners slower and wider than usual. When heavy snowfall is forecast, waiting it out is often the safest choice.
Comfort is equally important during winter campervan travel. Heated interiors, proper ventilation to manage condensation, and thoughtful overnight parking—particularly avoiding snowplow routes—help ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
For a detailed guide on winter driving techniques, campervan preparation, and staying warm while camping in the snow, read our full article here:
Final Thoughts & Start Your Winter Adventure
Winter in Japan offers far more than skiing and snowboarding. From cultural festivals and hot springs to illuminations, wildlife encounters, and seasonal food experiences, there are countless things to do for non-skiers during the colder months.
The activities highlighted here are just a starting point. Travelling by campervan opens up even more possibilities, giving you the flexibility, comfort, and access needed to fully experience winter in Japan—on your own terms.
Start your winter adventure today. Book your Roam and Roll campervan in Tokyo and discover the magic of Japan’s snowy season. With reliable winter tires, available 4WD capabilities, and cozy FF heaters, you’ll be fully prepared for an unforgettable snowboard and ski in Japan road trip. 🚐❄️