As a basic rule, it’s colder the further north you go – and more snow falls on the Sea of Japan side of the central mountain ranges than on the Pacific side. No matter where you go though, you’ll want to be suitably prepared with winter clothing.

Foreign skiers and boarders rave about the skifields in Japan - plenty of snow, reasonable costs and cultural aspects such as onsen (hot springs) and Japanese food. Sapporo’s spectacular Yuki Matsuri is the country’s best known winter festival.

While Shōgatsu is Japan’s most important holiday period, there is also plenty of fun leading up to and after New Year. End-of year bōnenkai parties are popular throughout December, and shinnenkai parties usher in the New Year through January.