Thermal Wear for Japan Winter: Travel Tips, Layering & Packing Guide

Suppose you are planning on taking a winter expedition surrounded by scenic mountains, steaming and cozy onsens, vibrant carnivals and festivals, and some delicious and mouthwatering cuisine. In that case, Japan is the place for you!

Japan has something in store for everybody. It has everything for a casual explorer or a snow-sport adventurer, while offering a worthwhile and unforgettable winter getaway experience.

In this blog, we will delve into the essential winter wear for a trip to Japan in winter and the best winter clothes to wear in Japan. From travel tips to winter layering for a Japan trip, Kosha got you covered!

Experience true Japanese culture with culturally rich events that are listed further in the article. 

Why plan a trip to Japan? 

First of all, let’s get it clear that winter in Japan usually lasts from December to February, with the temperatures ranging from 12 degrees in cities like Tokyo, to dropping to 2 degrees in cities like Osaka, and in areas like Hokkaido, it dips even lower. (So, you better keep that Lapel collar wool coat for men, to save you the trouble.)

Here are the reasons why a winter expedition to Japan becomes an unforgettable experience:

Snow sports: Japan has some unforgettable snow sports. Places like Myoko Kogen, Shiga Kogen, and Hakuba have wonderful snow sports like skiing and snowboarding.

Sapporo Snow Festival: It is a snow festival held in Sapporo for seven days. This festival has giant snow sculptures, radiant streets, Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome.

Onsen experience: Onsen experiences help you to soak in hot springs surrounded by magical snow, offering you an unforgettable experience.

Ice villages: Ice villages are fantasy places surrounded by ice that help you to explore the place, skate in an icy wonderland, at your own pace.

Jigokudani Monkey Park: This park is known for its massive population of Japanese macaques and its heavy snowfall. Come here and watch monkeys bathe in hot springs. 

Your guide to winter layering for Japan trip

This is your guide for all the essential winter wear for Japan trip. Let’s break it down:

1. Thermal Layers

Base layers are your first layer of defense against any external weather extremes. Pack the right thermal wear for the Japan trip.

Here are the reasons why you need to pack the right thermal wear for Japan trip:

• These keep your body temperature in check. 

• They are moisture-wicking.

• They are gentle and comfortable on the skin and are itch-resistant, offering you the utmost comfort.  

For that, pack Kosha’s Thermal wear for women and for men, made of either merino wool or bamboo blend, for mobility and comfort. 

Pro-tip: Don’t go for cotton thermals as they trap in moisture, making you feel rather colder.

Light yet luxurious: Kosha’s merino wool cardigan adds elegance to your winter layering.

2. Mid Layers

After putting on the base layer, next comes the mid-layer. The mid layer offers you the right amount of warmth and comfort while elevating your style.

These layers should keep you warm without smothering you under the weight and adding unnecessary bulk, combining mobility with style while exploring your winter getaways or hiking icy trails. 

3. The outer shell

After the right base and mid-layer, comes the outer shell, which protects you from the external weather extremes. It’s your outerwear that does all the work and seals you in.

While packing and choosing the right outer shell, go for:

• A parka jacket that offers the right amount of insulation. 

• Waterproof jackets for snowy or rainy days. 

• Wind-resistant jackets to protect you from windy and freezing days.

Smart layering starts with Kosha’s fleece-lined waterproof jacket blends warmth and utility.

4. Bottom Layers

Well, if you are travelling in an unpredictable weather condition, then ripped or denim jeans can certainly not be your friend. So, for bottom layers, go for: 

• Thermal leggings

• Waterproof ski pants 

5. Accessories

Accessories, especially the winter ones, not only elevate your style but they keep you warm, and they act as an informal fourth layer. Include these accessories if you’re figuring out how to stay warm in Japan winter:

• Beanies and caps.

• Mufflers and scarves.

• Gloves for men.

• Thick insulating socks. 

• Thermal insoles.

6. Warm feet on the go

Well, you cannot ignore footwear, because it's important to also keep your feet warm on the go. Consider these to keep your feet warm on the go:

• Waterproof boots with a solid grip that offer you maximum mobility while travelling. 

• Lightweight footwear

• Warm and insulating inner lining.

Avoid canvas or regular sneakers. Instead, bring snow-ready boots or insulated hiking shoes for snowy terrains.

Must have experience in Japan

Now that you have your wardrobe sorted, you must also have your destinations sorted. We have prepared a little list to be added to your itinerary: 

Sapporo Snow Festival (Hokkaido)

The Sapporo Snow Festival is held annually in February and is truly iconic, featuring gigantic snow and ice sculptures that are illuminated. The must-see activities include the snow maze, ice slides, and hot food stalls!

Asahikawa Winter Festival

This is the site for the World Ice Sculpting Contest and has magical night illuminations and cultural performances in full swing.

Snowshoeing in Myoko Kogen & Hakuba

Snowshoeing is suitable for beginners; explore snow-covered forests and wildlife trails, then head to Hakuba for a soba noodle-making class for social interaction with a bit of culture. 

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Watch snow monkeys in the wild bathing in steaming hot springs-warm at heart in snowy Yamanouchi.

Northern Alps & Kamikōchi

Great for day hikes and overnight stays, it offers gorgeous mountain views, frozen rivers, and an onsen bath overlooking.

Ice Villages of Hokkaido and Tomamu

The ethereal villages open only from late December to March and are built entirely of ice and snow. Enjoy ice skating, sledding, ice candle making, and even some ice bar dining!

Ice Fishing

During January to March, a trip to Lake Yamanakako or the Barato River of Hokkaido for ice fishing is a mustMust-Try Winter Foods in Japan

When visiting Japan, make sure to try these delicious delicacies: 

• Oden- the fish cake stew

• Yakiniku- grilled meat

• Hotpot (Nabe)

• Kaiseki- a traditional multi-course meal

• Natto, which are fermented soybeans

• Soba noodles- Handmade noodles

Did you know Tokyo has the most Michelin 3-starred restaurants in the world? Don’t miss this culinary playground!

Quick FAQs

How do they dress in winter in Japan?

Wear layers, wool coats, puff jackets, thermals, and accessories like gloves and scarves.

Are thermals needed in Japan?

Especially in mountain areas or in the north, thermals stand as essential winter wear during tours to Japan.

What footwear is suitable to wear in Japan in December?

Warm, waterproof boots with a good grip. Avoid anything that will absorb moisture, like sneakers or normal shoes.

How to dress in Tokyo in December?

Keep yourself layered with a base layer, mid-layers, and a waterproof outer jacket.

Our experts are ready to help!

Browse Kosha’s website, chat with our WhatsApp person consultant, to get your personalised picks for your next Japan trip.

Ready for Your Japan Winter Adventure?

From magical festivals to breathtaking landscapes and relaxing warm baths, winter in Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

But the key to making the most of it? The right winter wardrobe. Thermal wear for women, gloves for men, and the perfect parka jacket. Kosha's winter layering system keeps you warm, comfortable, and stylish.

So pack the right way, lay the layers with Kosha, and get ready to take some unforgettable moments in style and warmth!

Ashwina Kakria

A girl who'll forever believe that novels are such mysterious and amorphous and tender things!