The "Most Desired Winter Destination" in the Hearts of Japanese People: A Polarized North-South Divide

▲ The Sapporo Snow Festival, held annually, is a major event in Hokkaido. (Photo / fromthe Sapporo Snow Festival fan page)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

After the fall of autumn leaves comes the cold winter. Japan Meteorological News conducted a survey titled "The Most Desired Winter Destination" by dividing the country into six major regions. The results revealed a stark contrast: cold Hokkaido took the top spot, while the farthest southern island, Okinawa, came in second.

Every winter, Japan’s northernmost region, Hokkaido, is blanketed in silver-white snow, and temperatures drop below freezing. Despite being a heavy snowfall area, visitors are drawn to the rare sight of deep snow and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival, which takes place in February — the coldest and snowiest month. For hot spring enthusiasts, the experience of soaking in steaming baths amid sub-zero temperatures offers a thrilling contrast. Additionally, Hokkaido’s winter delicacies such as cod, scallops, and king crabs are incredibly tempting.

▲ Okinawa boasts over 200 species of coral, making it the region with the highest coral diversity in the world. (Photo / fromthe Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau fan page)

However, for some Japanese people, the cold winter climate may not be appealing, and they prefer warmer southern weather. As a result, the southern island of Okinawa, which is the complete opposite of Hokkaido in terms of climate, environment, and cuisine, becomes their top choice. Although Okinawa is known as the "Typhoon Ginza" due to frequent typhoons, it enjoys warm weather year-round, with winter temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C. Its azure, warm beaches and rich coral reefs allow for year-round snorkeling even in autumn and winter, making its beautiful scenery a winter escape destination for many Japanese.

Interestingly, in this survey, those who chose Hokkaido were mostly from southern Japan, while those who preferred Okinawa were primarily from the north. This mutual longing for each other’s regions created an amusing contrast in the survey results.

Japanese People's [Most Desired Winter Destinations]
1. Hokkaido
2. Okinawa
3. Nagano
4. Shizuoka
5. Kyoto
6. Aomori
7. Yamagata
8. Akita
9. Tokyo
10. Gifu