Japan in January 2024: Here is What You Need to Know!

Japan in January is cold and gloomy, as it is the middle of winter. Nothing but love and joy are present in the city. Throughout the entire year, Japan is a fantastic destination. After visiting Japan, you can only depart physically because your spirit stays behind. The nation represents both contemporary and historically-rooted modern love. The following are some important considerations if you’re thinking about visiting Japan in January.

Weather in Japan in January 2024

January is typically a cold month in Japan, with temperatures varying depending on the region. Here are some general characteristics of Japan in January

Winter season: January is right in the middle of the winter season in Japan. The winter season starts in December and lasts until February.
Cold temperatures: Japan can be quite cold in January, especially in the northern parts of the country. In places like Sapporo, temperatures can drop to around -5°C (23°F) or even lower. Even in Tokyo, temperatures can be around 5-10°C (41-50°F) on average.
Snow: Some parts of Japan, especially in the northern regions, experience heavy snowfall in January. Places like Hokkaido, Aomori, and Niigata are known for their heavy snowfalls and winter festivals.

City	Average High (°C)	Average Low (°C)
Tokyo	10	2
Kyoto	9	0
Osaka	9	1
Sapporo	-2	-8
Hiroshima	10	2

Weather in Japan in January

Events and festivals in Japan in January 2024

New Year’s Day (January 1st) – New Year’s Day is one of the biggest holidays in Japan, and it’s a time for families to gather, eat traditional foods, and visit temples and shrines. Many people also watch the first sunrise of the year.
Coming of Age Day (second Monday of January) – This holiday celebrates young adults who have turned 20 years old in the past year, which is the age of majority in Japan. There are ceremonies held throughout the country, and many young people wear traditional Japanese clothing.
Sapporo Snow Festival (early February) – Although it technically takes place in February, this festival usually starts in late January. It’s one of the biggest winter festivals in Japan, and it features huge snow sculptures, ice skating, and other winter activities.
Setsubun (February 3rd or 4th) – Setsubun is a traditional event that marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. People throw roasted soybeans and shout “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi!” (Demons out, fortune in!) to drive away evil spirits.
Hatsuichi (January 1st) – Hatsuichi is a traditional market that takes place on the first day of the year, and it’s a great place to buy traditional Japanese goods and food.
Tondo Matsuri (January 14th-15th) – This festival, held in Kyoto, involves burning wooden prayer sticks to pray for good health and good fortune in the new year.

Average Expenses to visit Japan in January

Item	Average Cost in INR
Accommodation	7,000-11,000
Food (per day)	1,500-2,500
Transportation	1,500-2,500
Entrance fees	500-1,000
Shopping (souvenirs)	2,000-3,000

Average expenses in Japan in January

Overall, January is a cold and wintry month in Japan, but it can also be a beautiful time to visit if you’re prepared for the weather. There are multiple winter activities that one can indulge in.