2024.12.21

Discovering Japan’s Winter: Three Essential Experiences to Savor and Explore

3 Unique Ways to Warm Your Heart in Japan’s Winter

Japan’s winter, with its distinct seasonal beauty, offers a unique charm that cannot be experienced anywhere else. In this article, we will introduce the must-see wonders of Japan’s winter. Whether you’ve visited before or are yet to explore, we hope you rediscover the hidden treasures of this magical season.


A World of Snow: Stunning Winter Landscapes in Japan

When you think of Japan’s winter, pristine snow-covered landscapes come to mind. While snow rarely falls in Tokyo, regions like Biei in Hokkaido, Gokayama in Toyama, Kanazawa, and Tohoku showcase breathtaking views where nature and tradition intertwine seamlessly. These spots are like paintings come to life.
Even in urban areas, occasional snow transforms the cityscape into a magical, illuminated wonderland.

A serene snow-covered landscape, capturing Japan’s tranquil beauty
For those who enjoy winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, Japan offers plenty of opportunities to explore the powdery white world. Make sure to experience the unparalleled beauty of Japan’s snow-covered scenery

Winter’s Comfort: The Relaxing Charm of Snow-View Hot Springs

Nothing compares to the blissful warmth of an outdoor hot spring (rotenburo) on a cold winter day. Snow-view hot springs, in particular, allow you to soak in the soothing waters while marveling at the beauty of snow-covered surroundings. Renowned spots like Kusatsu and Hakone offer exceptional hot spring experiences.
Hot springs are an integral part of Japanese culture, providing both physical and mental relaxation. Experiencing a snowy landscape from the comfort of a hot spring is an unforgettable memory that will make your trip to Japan truly special.

The serene combination of snow and hot springs creates a magical winter escape

Winter Feasts: Savoring Seasonal Delights

Japanese cuisine is renowned for its deep appreciation of seasonal flavors. In winter, one of the most beloved dishes is nabe (hot pot). The sight of steam rising from a bubbling pot, shared with family and friends, perfectly symbolizes the warmth and togetherness of Japanese culture.
At Ise Sueyoshi, we proudly present Kabura Mushi as a quintessential winter delicacy. This dish features grated Yokkaichi-grown turnips cultivated in rich red soil, combined with colorful winter vegetables such as ginkgo nuts, lily bulbs, and carrots, all delicately steamed to perfection. The gentle sweetness and fluffy texture of the seasonal turnips create a warm, comforting dish that is highly praised by our guests. For vegan and vegetarian diners, we also offer specially tailored versions of this delightful dish.


These Yokkaichi turnips are remarkable in size, often weighing close to 1 kilogram each. Known for their fragrance and sweetness, they are highly valued by skilled pickle artisans who select them to craft exquisite pickles. During December, when the turnips are at their peak, their flavor is unparalleled. This is why Ise Sueyoshi offers Kabu Mushi exclusively throughout December, bringing out the very best of this seasonal gem.
Indulge in the unique flavors of winter, crafted with care and dedication at Ise Sueyoshi.
For more about our vegan and gluten-free philosophy, please visit this page.


We are proud to continue delivering an exceptional dining experience that earned us the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2024 award, ranking among the Best Restaurants in Tokyo. Our commitment to excellence in service and our dedication to offering the finest kaiseki dining experience in Tokyo remain unwavering. Discover more about our journey to becoming one of the best restaurants in the city [here].


Visit Ise Sueyoshi

Location: Conveniently located 12 minutes from Roppongi Station and 8 minutes from Hiroo Station.
Hours: Open 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, reservations only. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Book Your Experience ☟


Conclusion

At Ise Sueyoshi, we humbly invite you to experience a dining journey that caters to all dietary needs. Whether you’re vegan, halal, or have specific preferences, we are here to create a memorable and inclusive dining experience for you, especially for special occasions like a honeymoon.


Reservationfor2025 – 8

In response to many requests from our guests, we are pleased to announce that reservations are now open through the end of December 2025!

At Ise Sueyoshi, with only 10 seats available, we are committed to providing a smooth reservation experience.

To ensure that you don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate your important anniversaries or special events with us, we highly recommend making your reservation as soon as your plans are set.


Recommended Blog Posts

On our blog, we offer further insights into Tokyo’s rich food culture and the unique culinary experiences we provide at Ise Sueyoshi. Be sure to check out these recommended posts:

Vegan and Gluten free Options in Tokyo: Inclusive Dining at Ise Sueyoshi

Tokyo Gourmet Experience: Discover Seasonal Flavors at Ise Sueyoshi

@isesueyoshi
o 🏆 Awarded the prestigious Best Luxury Restaurant by TripAdvisor
o 🌍 Ranked 2nd worldwide, 1st in Japan, and 1st in Asia
o ⭐ Google rating of 4.9 (as of 2024)
o ✅ Vegan-friendly
o ✅ Halal selections
o ✅ Gluten-free options
o ✅ Vegetarian delights
o ✅ Pork-free choices
o ✅ Perfect for pescatarians
o 🌈 Welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ guests
o 🚃 Just a 12-minute walk from Roppongi Station or 8-minutes from Hiroo Station
o ⏰ 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (reservations-only)
o 📅 Closed on Sun and Mon