Tōhoku Snow Season
North of Tokyo, Tōhoku offers deep snowfall, soulful onsen towns, and fewer crowds. Here’s how to time it, pick resorts, and add winter culture to your itinerary.
When Is Snow Season?
Storm cycles kick in by early December. Peak powder is late December through February, with cold, dry snow across the Tōhoku ranges. Marchbrings longer days and calmer weather; higher or northerly areas (e.g., Hakkōda) can run into April.
Expect consistent refills, excellent trees, and occasional wind holds on exposed lifts—keep a flexible plan.
Where to Ski & Ride
Tōhoku spans characterful mountains—choose for snowfall, terrain, vibe, and access.
Appi Kogen (Iwate)
Long groomers, good vertical, reliable snow; modern base with lodging and dining.
Getō Kogen (Iwate)
Heavy snowfall, tree runs, and storm-day laps; low-key vibe with serious totals.
Zao Onsen (Yamagata)
Famous juhyō “snow monsters,” onsen village streets, and night skiing under lights.
Hakkōda (Aomori, BC)
Ropeway-access backcountry with famed rime forests—best with avalanche gear and a guide.
Tazawako (Akita)
Lake views, playful terrain, and dependable winter storms; easy add-on from the Akita Shinkansen.
Urabandai / Nekoma (Fukushima)
Colder microclimates, trees, and views of Mt. Bandai; pair with local onsen towns.
Snow Festivals & Events
Tōhoku glows with lanterns, igloos, and illuminated snow scenes:
- Zao Juhyō Light-Up (Jan–Mar): Night illuminations of the “snow monsters.”
- Yokote Kamakura Festival (mid-Feb): Candlelit snow huts with amazake in Akita.
- Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival (Feb): Park paths lined with lanterns and sculptures.
Beyond the Slopes
Onsen Streets
Zao Onsen, Nyūtō Onsen (Akita), and local bath towns near Appi/Getō—perfect after storm days.
Tohoku Eats
Warm up with kiritanpo nabe, gyūtan, inaniwa udon, wanko soba, and local sake.
Snow Scenery Walks
Explore Ginzan Onsen (nearby Yamagata), lakefront promenades at Tazawako, and snowy castle parks.
Travel & Crowd Strategy
Getting There
Tohoku Shinkansen → Morioka for Appi/Getō; Yamagata Shinkansen → Yamagata for Zao; Akita Shinkansen → Tazawako for its namesake resort; Shin-Aomori for Hakkōda (bus/car onward). Resort buses and rentals connect the last miles.
Avoiding Crowds
Peak: Dec 29–Jan 3 and weekends in Jan–Feb. Ride Mon–Thu, start early, and consider smaller local hills on weekends.
Weather & Gear
Bring storm layers, low-light lenses, and face protection. If ridge lifts close, pivot to trees, sheltered zones, or a mid-day onsen.
Backcountry Safety
For Hakkōda and any sidecountry, carry beacon, shovel, probe, check local advisories, and consider certified guides.
Plan Your Tōhoku Winter
Pair storm days with onsen alleys and lantern-lit nights for a balanced Tōhoku trip.