Travelling abroad has become easier than ever, but most of us still end up choosing the same familiar spots. Either the ones trending on Instagram reels or those nearby, visa-free destinations that are affordable and convenient. But there’s a shift happening. Indian travellers are now turning their attention towards a country long admired for its cherry blossoms, and unique culture and it is, Japan. This time, it’s not just the spring season attracting the travellers. Japan is suddenly becoming one of the most popular winter destinations for Indians.
Winter travel to Japan is on the rise among Indians
According to a new report by Cox & Kings, Japan has become a top winter bucket-list pick, with demand rising by 15 per cent for December to February trips compared to last year. One of the biggest reasons behind this surge is Japan’s winter illumination season. These night-time light festivals, famous for being some of the most stunning in the world, are now trending among Indian travellers, especially couples, families, and young explorers.
From the sparkling Illumination Walk at Tokyo Midtown to the magical light gardens of Nabana no Sato, travellers are planning entire evenings around these attractions. The report mentions that these shimmering events are turning into high-FOMO moments, the kind of experiences people don’t want to miss out on.
Snow experiences are becoming a major draw
But it’s not just about pretty lights. Indians are also showing a strong interest in Japan’s deep and traditional winter lifestyle. Snow activities like skiing, visiting snow villages, wildlife trails, peaceful snowy hikes, and soaking in open-air onsens (hot springs) are becoming extremely popular. Travellers love the contrast of sitting in a steaming hot bath while surrounded by snow-covered forests. Add to that winter street food, quiet lanes dusted in white, and an overall cosy atmosphere, Japan in winter feels both cinematic and calming.
“Japan in winter has a completely different soul,” said Karan Agarwal, Director at Cox & Kings. According to him, winter travel lets visitors experience Japan more intimately. Instead of rushing from one tourist spot to another, people are choosing local food trails, traditional rituals, and easy-paced neighbourhood explorations. He also shared that Japan is already among the top travel choices for 2025, and the rising winter interest is turning it into a truly all-season destination.
More travellers are seeking cultural depth
Another interesting trend is that Indian travellers are no longer visiting Japan only for the cherry blossom season. While sakura remains iconic, people are now going deeper into cultural experiences. Tea ceremonies in Kyoto, winter food walks in Osaka, kimono dressing workshops, traditional ryokan stays, and hot spring “onsen circuits” in Hakone are pulling in more bookings than before.
Slow travel is also picking up, and activities like staying in Kyoto’s Gion district, joining cooking workshops, and learning local crafts are getting more attention.
Cherry blossom interest is rising again
Cox & Kings also reported that bookings for next year’s cherry blossom tours are already up by 10 per cent. This shows that winter travel is not replacing Japan’s peak spring season; instead, it’s expanding interest in the country as a whole. More Indians now want to explore Japan at different times of the year, not just when the cherry blossoms bloom.
With its glowing winter nights, cultural depth, snowy landscapes, and warm tradition-filled experiences, Japan is quickly becoming the country everyone suddenly wants to visit. And going by the rising demand, this trend is only set to grow.
