Tokyo and Osaka rarely get snow; for snow, head north or into the mountains.
- Hokkaido (Sapporo, Otaru): deep snow from December to February; the Sapporo Snow Festival is usually held in early February.
- Shirakawa-go village: snow-covered thatched houses, a day trip from Takayama or Kanazawa.
- Nagano: snow monkeys bathing at Jigokudani, Hakuba ski area.
- Mount Fuji: winter's clear skies give the best chance of seeing the snowy peak.
Note: the snow festival and winter Shirakawa-go get very busy; book rooms several months ahead.