Things to do in Biei-cho in January

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Overview

January is a less popular time to visit Biei-cho. The weather is usually freezing cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 8—21°F (-13—-6°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Biei-cho during this time. Some of our top recommendations: try local winter delicacies like hot pot and grilled seafood, take a photography tour of the snow-covered landscapes, go on a winter nature hike to see the frozen waterfalls, and more!

Biei-cho has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Biei-cho. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Biei-cho in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Biei-cho in January

Top experiences in January
Try local winter delicacies like hot pot and grilled seafood
In January, Biei-cho offers a variety of delicious winter delicacies that are unique to the season. Warm up with a hearty hot pot meal, featuring local ingredients like Hokkaido beef and fresh vegetables. You can also indulge in grilled seafood, such as crab and scallops, which are in season during the winter months. Trying these local winter delicacies is a great way to experience the culinary delights of Biei-cho in January.
Take a photography tour of the snow-covered landscapes
Biei-cho is known for its stunning landscapes, and in January, the snow-covered fields and hills create a picture-perfect scene. Joining a photography tour allows you to capture the beauty of the winter landscape, with its pristine snow and unique lighting. Whether you're a professional photographer or just enjoy taking photos, the winter scenery of Biei-cho offers endless opportunities for stunning shots.
Go on a winter nature hike to see the frozen waterfalls
Biei-cho is home to several stunning waterfalls, and in January, they freeze over, creating a breathtaking sight. Embarking on a winter nature hike allows you to witness the frozen waterfalls in all their glory, with the ice formations creating a mesmerizing and otherworldly scene. The peaceful and serene atmosphere of the winter landscape makes for a memorable and unique hiking experience in Biei-cho.
Take a hot air balloon ride over the snow-covered fields
January in Biei-cho offers the perfect conditions for a magical hot air balloon ride. As you soar above the snow-covered fields, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the winter landscape, with the snow glistening in the sunlight. The peaceful and serene experience of floating above the snowy fields is truly unforgettable, and it's a unique way to appreciate the beauty of Biei-cho in winter.
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Go skiing or snowboarding at the local ski resorts
Biei-cho is home to several ski resorts that offer excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities in January. The powdery snow and well-maintained slopes make for a thrilling and enjoyable winter sports experience. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier or snowboarder, the local ski resorts cater to all levels and provide a fun and exciting way to enjoy the winter season in Biei-cho.
Go snowshoeing in the Blue Pond area
In January, Biei-cho is covered in a blanket of snow, making it the perfect time to go snowshoeing. The Blue Pond area offers stunning views of the snow-covered landscape, and snowshoeing allows you to explore the area in a unique and adventurous way. You can rent snowshoes from local shops and embark on a guided tour or explore on your own, taking in the serene beauty of the winter wonderland.
Take a dip in a natural hot spring to warm up from the cold
After a day of exploring the winter wonders of Biei-cho, there's no better way to warm up than by taking a relaxing dip in a natural hot spring. The region is home to several onsens, where you can soak in the soothing hot waters and unwind amidst the snowy landscape. It's a rejuvenating and therapeutic experience that allows you to fully embrace the winter season in Biei-cho.
Go ice fishing on the frozen lakes
In January, the lakes in Biei-cho freeze over, creating the perfect opportunity for ice fishing. You can join a guided ice fishing tour and learn the traditional techniques of ice fishing from local experts. It's a unique and immersive way to experience the winter lifestyle of Biei-cho, and you may even catch your own dinner to enjoy a fresh and delicious meal.
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Holidays in Biei-cho in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • January 1 Bank Holiday (January 1)
  • January 2 Bank Holiday (January 2)
  • January 3 Bank Holiday (January 3)
  • Coming of Age Day (January 13)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Biei-cho in January

Temperatures on an average day in Biei-cho in January

The average temperature in Biei-cho in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 21°F (-6°C) to a low of 8°F (-13°C). Some would describe it as freezing cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Biei-cho, August, has days with highs of 75°F (24°C) and lows of 60°F (16°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 21°F (-6°C) and lows of 8°F (-13°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Biei-cho in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
21°F
highs
8°F
lows

General weather summary

Freezing cold with a gentle breeze
Feels like
23%
Chance of rain
0.113 in
Amount
13.8 mph
Wind speed
96%
Humidity
9.3 hrs
Daylight length
6:58 AM
Sunrise
4:18 PM
Sunset
26%
Cloud cover
Thick winter coat with gloves
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 21°F (-6°C) and a low of 8°F (-13°C), it generally feels freezing cold with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something toasty like a thick winter coat with gloves
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Best attractions for Biei-cho in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Biei-cho has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Biei-cho that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Biei-cho for January.
Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike)
1. Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike)
4.3
(22767)
Scenic spot
Nature & Parks
Reachable by a short hike, this manmade pond draws nature lovers for its blue hue & tranquility.
Shikisai-no-Oka (Shikisai Hill)
2. Shikisai-no-Oka (Shikisai Hill)
4.2
(12552)
Nature & Parks
Park
Flower garden featuring patterned rows of colorful blossoms, plus alpacas, a small shop & eatery.
Shirahige Waterfall
3. Shirahige Waterfall
4.3
(8816)
Scenic spot
Nature & Parks
Also known as the "White Beard Waterfall," this cascading water turns cobalt blue in the basin.
Tree of Ken and Mary
4. Tree of Ken and Mary
3.8
(3174)
Outdoor Activities
Scenic Drives
Tall & solitary poplar tree, known for its appearance in a 1970s Nissan commercial.
Patchwork Road (Biei)
5. Patchwork Road (Biei)
4.3
(123)
Outdoor Activities
Scenic Drives
Seven Stars Tree
6. Seven Stars Tree
3.9
(2724)
Scenic spot
Iconic oak tree once depicted on packaging for a popular brand of Japanese tobacco.
Zerubu Hill
7. Zerubu Hill
4.0
(2264)
Nature & Parks
Farm
Colorful flower fields with ATV rentals, summer lavender & a gift shop selling soft-serve ice cream.
Tokachidake Observatory
8. Tokachidake Observatory
4.3
(1158)
Observation deck
Sights & Landmarks
Lookout area with views of lava on the active volcano Mt. Tokachi & noted for red foliage in fall.
Hokusei-no-oka Observatory Park
9. Hokusei-no-oka Observatory Park
4.0
(1680)
Park
Nature & Parks
Biei Michi-no-Eki Oka-no-Kura
10. Biei Michi-no-Eki Oka-no-Kura
3.5
(1682)
Toll road rest stop
Visitor Centers
Small roadside outpost with a souvenir shop, casual dining, ice cream & other snacks.
Takushinkan
11. Takushinkan
4.2
(1525)
Art museum
Museums
Parent & Child Tree (Biei-cho)
12. Parent & Child Tree (Biei-cho)
3.9
(334)
Scenic spot
Outdoor Activities
Popular photography spot around side-by-side trees set amid summer flowers & winter snowscapes.
Shinei-no-Oka Observatory Park
13. Shinei-no-Oka Observatory Park
4.2
(1254)
Park
Nature & Parks
クリスマスツリーの木
14. クリスマスツリーの木
4.4
(564)
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Panorama Road
15. Panorama Road
4.4
(296)
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
美瑛放牧酪農場 / ㈱美瑛ファーム
16. 美瑛放牧酪農場 / ㈱美瑛ファーム
4.4
(679)
Dude ranch
Sights & Landmarks

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Biei-cho?

Get inspired for your trip to Biei-cho with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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