tyro

Although spring and fall are obviously the choice times to visit Japan, my work schedule is clear for a few weeks of vacation in Japan this February. Most of the time will be near Tokyo/Yokohama, with a possible visit to Kyoto. The weather charts show temps just above freezing to about 40, and fairly dry. Does anyone have any experience with this area in winter? It is not my first trip to Japan, but I would like to do some exploring on foot/outside and hope it wont be unpleasantly cold. I cant change my plans, but would like to be prepared for the reality.

Therese

I've been to Japan twice in January and like it. Tokyo and Kyoto are both reasonable temperature-wise, and you can easily get into some very snowy areas to experience that aspect of things as well.

If you do go to a cold/snowy area, be sure to pack long underwear and you might want to consider chemical toe warmers (you can wear them between two pairs of thin socks so that they're not a problem fir tatami. You might also want to get a thick pair of socks with gripper skids on the bottom for touring castles: you'll need to take if your shoes, and if you're not used to climbing ladders in the I'll-fitting bedroom slippers provided by the museum you'll find them pretty useless.

hawaiiantraveler

Yes it will be cold so be prepared. On my first trip to Japan was at the end of January and it snowed in Tokyo while I was there. Therese's suggestions above for a thick pair of socks with gripper skids is a very good one for visiting castles and even the cold tatami floors of an older ryokan with wooden floors in their hallways.

Aloha!

gearsau

I lived in Tokyo for 5 years.

Depends if you like the cold or not. Tokyo doesnt get much snow.It mainly snows heavily on the western side of Japan and in the north.
Sure, it will have snow down south, but, not as much as northern regions.

Long Johns??? Depends on how you handle the cold. However, wear some good walking / hiking boots and you will be OK.
For me, a good leather jacket, gloves and a couple of scarves always kept me warm.

If you go to Hokkaido, then you will have snow, and often black ice in the streets.

If you go to Kyoto, similar clothing to what you wear in Tokyo will be OK

hawaiiantraveler

Long johns are a great idea as the human body on the norm does not handle freezing weather well no matter who they are. Better safe than sorry and a pair of lj's don't take up much space at all. If you don't have to use them then it won't be a big deal. Don't know about the above poster but I have seen thick winter jackets rather than leather jackets being the norm during that time of year. Don't want you to regret the advice you receive from this site while you are freezing to death,lol.

BTW, Hokkaido at that time of year is a frozen tundra. That's the reason they hold the ice festival there in
Sapporo at that time of year. My understanding of black ice is where a road is frozen over in the night then melts in the day heat and freezes again in overnight to create icing. Roads in Hokkaido are usually frozen throughout the winter and black ice is common in the early spring. In Utoro the ocean freezes over so that is pretty darn cold in my or anyones book. I know because I have been there.

Aloha!

tyro

Thank you all for your suggestions. I live in snow country so am used to lj's from about now until March! I had forgotten about removing shoes and the need for heavier socks though.
It seems that there are so many variables of "cold" and I have heard wildly differing opinions about that region of Japan. Not much snow seems consistent - but I had also heard that it was a damp cold and not much fun for being out and about. Japan at any time of year sounds good to me - but I have only been there in warmer months. At least there shouldn't be crowds at the tourist sites. I get enough snow and grey skies where I live that I would be happy to see Mt. Fuji snow covered, but not have to deal with a shovel for a few weeks.
Thanks again.

Therese

As you mention shoes, remember that a style that's easy to slip on and off will come in very handy. My choice is usually boots, with or without a zipper.