Travel booking site Jalan surveyed users aged 20-59 on the most magical winter sceneries in Japan's eastern Kanto region, receiving 1,089 responses. The top 10 spots feature frozen waterfalls, snowy landscapes, and hot spring events.
According to Jalan's survey, the 10th spot is Fukuroda Falls in Tochigi Prefecture, one of Japan's three most beautiful waterfalls, where the 120-meter cascade freezes in December to form unique ice sculptures each year. Ninth is Mount Haruna in Gunma Prefecture, where the adjacent lake covers in ice and snow, making the mountain appear to rise from a block of clouds.
Eighth is Ryuokyo Gorge in Tochigi Prefecture, a valley between Kinugawa Onsen and Kawaji Onsen with dragon-like rock formations from volcanic activity; winter walking trails allow close views followed by hot spring soaks. Seventh is Akagi Shrine in Gunma Prefecture, beside Lake Onuma at 1,300 meters altitude, where snow contrasts with the shrine's crimson bridge and torii gate.
Sixth is Kegon Falls in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, another of the top three waterfalls at 97 meters; smaller feeder falls freeze from late January to early February, creating a mix of flow and stillness. Fifth is Lake Ashi in Kanagawa Prefecture's Hakone, offering ship views of snow-capped Mount Fuji in milder winter conditions.
Fourth is Kanozankujukutani Observatory Park in Chiba Prefecture on the Boso Peninsula, known for winter 'sea of clouds' effects, best at sunrise or sunset after rain, resembling ink paintings. Third are the Misotsuchi Icicles in Saitama Prefecture's Chichibu City, up to 8 meters long along the riverbank, illuminated at night.
Second is Lake Okushima in Gunma Prefecture's Higashiagatsuma, famed for its clear 'Shima blue' water that shines against fresh snow, especially in morning sun. Topping the list is the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival in Tochigi Prefecture, where hundreds of candle-lit snow domes (kamakura) appear on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from January 30 to March 1 at three venues: Sawaguchi riverside, Heike no Sato district, and Yunishigawa Mizu no Sato Snow Park. The survey draws from Jalan via PR Times.
