Kanazawa begins to full embrace winter as we move through January. While December is mostly known for its rainfall, the air begins to dry and snow becomes much more commonplace in the new year. Later in the month, the snow becomes much heavier, beginning to blanket the region. January is also when the region's famous fish are at their peak. After a day in the snow, eating the freshest seafood in the country before taking a relaxing dip in an onsen come together to make Kanazawa an attractive winter destination for travellers foreign and domestic.
This page will take guide you through everything you need to know about visiting the Jewel of Japan in January. Find the best spots, learn the local festivals, and peruse tours on offer around the area. We've got everything you need to help navigate the winter chill and enjoy your time to the fullest.
Weather in January
January is as cold as it gets in Kanazawa with average temperatures around 4°C (39.2°F). It's usually a little cooler than Tokyo. Rain is frequent through the month but most common in the first couple of weeks. Sunny days are rare through January, with other days having relatively heavy snowfall. Because of the amount of rain, though, the snow tends to wash away quite quickly.
If you're planning a trip to Kanazawa, bring lots of thermal clothes and a good waterproof jacket. As with many places in Japan: layers are key! You'll feel more comfortable when you step inside a restaurant if you have couple of layers you can take off, as the heating will be on full blast.
Seasonal Highlights in January
Snowy Kenrokuen Garden
Kenrokuen is one of Japan's finest gardens. Throughout winter it transforms into a picturesque snowscape. To help protect their fragile branches from the heavy snow, trees are held upright with special ropes called yukitsuri. These trees cut striking silhouettes against the sheer white of the snow and reflect beautifully on the still water of the garden's ponds.
Winter Wonderland
Kanazawa's convenient location offers convenient access to some of the region's most beautiful spots. From the coast of Amaharashi offers a stunning view of the snow-capped mountains across Toyama Bay. The imposing Tateyama Mountain Range frames the dramatic rock formation, said to be named by one of Japan's greatest folk heroes and legendary samurai.
Meanwhile, just over an hour from Kanazawa Station is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. The thatched-roof villages are almost buried under deep, powdery snow. It is in this season where we can best appreciate the gassho-zukkuri farmhouses' structures - bearing the intense burden of the harsh elements.
Relaxing in an Onsen
Ask any local and one of the highlights of the winter season is taking advantage of the region's numerous onsen. Kanazawa itself has several onsen hotels, but the real gems are located in several areas just outside of the city. Many of the city's onsen are known for their moor water - said to have healing, beautifying and moisturising effects. For the full overnight ryokan experience, areas like Yuwaku Onsen, Kaga Onsen and Wajima in the Noto Peninsula offer the whole shebang.
If you're a tattooed traveller and are looking to have an onsen experience, be sure to check out our "Tattoo-Friendly Onsen Near Kanazawa" guide for more information!
Winter Seafood
The cold waters of the Sea of Japan bear their best fruits during winter and locals flock to Kanazawa's eateries to get the best of the season. The most desired fish of the season is the Kanburi, Winter Yellowtail. Also in high demand is cod and Thread-sail filefish. All of these are often served in popular kaisendon (seafood bowls) at the Omicho Fish Market.
Kanazawa is in a bit of a sweet spot when it comes to sampling delicacies from slightly further afield - the famous Echizen Gani (Snow Crab) from the Fukui Coast to the south-west and the Shiro Ebi (White Shrimp) from Toyama Bay are easily sampled in the fish market, too.
Featured Tours in January
Day Tour in Kanazawa: Glamor of the Geisha, a Daimyo's Villa and a World-Class Garden
This day tour gives you a deep dive into Kanazawa's two most famous attractions - the Higashi-Chaya Tea District and the Kenrokuen Garden. These two areas show the best of every season in Kanazawa, but truly shine in the January snow. The historic geisha district is particularly scenic with a snowy backdrop, while the garden turns into something from a fairytale.
Highlights:
- A guided tour around the Highashi-Chaya tea district, including entry into a museum showcasing the true glamour of the geisha.
- A stroll through Kenrokuen, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens.
- Step inside the stunning Seisonkaku Villa, a mansion built for the mother of a Kanazawa lord.
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Beautiful Natadera Temple, Craft Village and Dance with Real Geisha in Yamanaka Onsen
The sleepy onsen town of Yamanaka Onsen is one of the best winter sights in the region. This guided tour through southern Ishikawa Prefecture takes you to a temple with a history dating back more than 1300 years, a craft village where you can try your hand a sample of local specialities and finally a guided tour around Yamanaka Onsen Town, capped off with a real geisha performance! This full-day bus tour takes you through the snowy region in comfort, seamlessly connecting all of the locations and connecting its historic traditions.
Highlights:
- Visit Natadera Temple, famed for having one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, blanketed in snow.
- Make beautiful Kaga Yuzen, silk dyeing, and have time to explore a host of other local crafts at Yunokuni no Mori Craft Village.
- See real geisha perform a series of traditional regional dances and even have the chance to get up on stage and join them for a dance!
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village
January fully envelops the traditional Japanese countryside, turning it into a spectacular winter sanctuary where heavy snow defines the scene. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama reach their peak seasonal beauty: the preserved gassho-style houses become utterly magical, encased in thick blankets of white. This profound, over 250-year-old history of Japan's farming communities is enhanced by the deep winter snowscape.
To balance the snowy exterior of the traditional villages, the tour includes a stop in the historic town of Inami, where the enduring tradition of woodcarving provides a warm, engaging contrast. Visitors can admire expert craftsmanship, particularly the intricate temple carvings, and even try their hand at Japanese style paper making, a local craft. This full-day bus tour from Kanazawa seamlessly navigates the deep-winter conditions, connecting the breath-taking, snow-covered majesty of the World Heritage homes with the unique, living artistic traditions thriving in the mountains.
Highlights:
- Visit the town of wood carvers in Inami, where you will walk through a street that is still home to masters of the craft and then see Zuisenji, a 300-year-old temple known for its beautiful carvings.
- Try your hand at traditional Japanese paper making in Gokayama.
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site village of Shirakawa-go and enter one of the homes to get more of a feel for the history and excellent craftsmanship of the area.
- ***December 27 - January 5rd: There is no papermaking experience on these days. We apologize for the inconvenience.***
Best Selling
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village
- Spots:
- KanazawaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Kanazawa
- Drop-off:
- KanazawaTakayama
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Beautiful Amaharashi, A Big Buddha and the Shogawa Valley River Cruise
January is a great month for exploring the Amaharashi Coast and the historic city of Takaoka. With the landscape fully settled into deep winter, a stark and dramatic beauty emerges along the coast. The icy, clear air of mid-winter significantly increases the chances of witnessing the region's most iconic vista: the magnificent, fully snow-covered Tateyama Mountain Range rising across the dark blue waters of Toyama Bay. This tour beautifully combines stunning coastal scenery—now defined by snow and sea—with the rich cultural heritage of Takaoka, offering a perfect time to experience the region's serene, deep-winter atmosphere and the warmth of the city's history.
Highlights:
- Capture photos of the Amaharashi Coast, where the sea, mountains, and trees meet.
- See the famous Takaoka Big Buddha and the traditional streets of the city.
- Take a river cruise through the scenic Shogawa Valley.
Small Group
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Beautiful Amaharashi, A Big Buddha and the Shogawa Valley River Cruise
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Beautiful Amaharashi, A Big Buddha and the Shogawa Valley River Cruise
January is a great month for exploring the Amaharashi Coast and the historic city of Takaoka. With the landscape fully settled into deep winter, a stark and dramatic beauty emerges along the coast. The icy, clear air of mid-winter significantly increases the chances of witnessing the region's most iconic vista: the magnificent, fully snow-covered Tateyama Mountain Range rising across the dark blue waters of Toyama Bay. This tour beautifully combines stunning coastal scenery—now defined by snow and sea—with the rich cultural heritage of Takaoka, offering a perfect time to experience the region's serene, deep-winter atmosphere and the warmth of the city's history.
Highlights:
- Capture photos of the Amaharashi Coast, where the sea, mountains, and trees meet.
- See the famous Takaoka Big Buddha and the traditional streets of the city.
- Take a river cruise through the scenic Shogawa Valley.
More Ways to Visit Kanazawa
Alongside our guided tours, we also offer charters and other options to Kanazawa and the surrounding area. These are perfect for travellers who prefer private transport, customised itineraries, or more flexibility in planning their day. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or a group, charters provide comfort and convenience while still letting you experience the best of the region.
Tips for Visiting & Travel in January
- Winter Travel Conditions - While the heaviest snow comes later in the month, January can feel bitterly cold. There are often strong winds coming in from the sea, with lots of rain and lots of snow. Planning ahead is essential, as public transport can be affected.
- What to Wear - Daytime temperatures can go into the negatives, especially in the early morning. As such, warm winter clothing is essential. If possible, consider bringing snow boots with good grip, as many pathways may not be properly cleared.
- Photography - Take advantage of the dramatic scenery and bring your camera. The late sunrise and early sunset can make for some particularly powerful lighting.
