Jalan News, a travel information website operated by Recruit Co., Ltd., conducted a survey on “Fantastical Winter Scenic Spots in the Kanto Region” and released the results. In the ranking, winter-only scenic events and landscapes—such as snow-covered scenery and illuminated sites—ranked highly, drawing attention to the seasonally limited beauty created by crisp air and tranquil surroundings.
First place was awarded to the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. The site was highly rated for its fantastical scenery, which has been recognized as a Japan Night View Heritage, as well as for the unique experiences characteristic of snowy regions.
Second place went to Lake Okushimako in Nakanojo Town, Gunma Prefecture. Located at the innermost area of Shima Onsen, Lake Okushimako is known for its highly transparent water that creates a vivid blue hue known as “Shima Blue.” In winter, the serene landscape formed by snow-covered surroundings and a frozen lake surface spreads across the area, with the blue color appearing particularly striking on clear mornings.
Third place was Misotsuchi Icicles in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture. Formed by spring water seeping from rock faces and freezing, the ice formations—approximately 8 meters high and 30 meters wide—captivate visitors. At night, the site is illuminated, creating a fantastical scene as the light reflects off the ice and river surface.
Fourth place was Kanozan Kujukudani Observatory Park in Kimitsu City, Chiba Prefecture. The layered hills shrouded in mist are collectively known as “Kujukudani.” Especially during winter mornings or after rainfall, a sea of clouds may appear, creating a landscape reminiscent of an ink wash painting.
Fifth place was awarded to Lake Ashi in Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture. On winter mornings, visitors may witness the phenomenon of “Upside-Down Mount Fuji,” where the snow-capped Mount Fuji is reflected on the lake’s surface, a sight that continues to attract many travelers.
Other spots selected include Kegon Falls in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture (6th place), known for its frozen waterfall; Akagi Shrine in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture (7th place), where the contrast between snow-covered scenery and vermilion bridges stands out; Ryuokyo Gorge (8th place), noted for its majestic canyon landscape; Mount Haruna (9th place), where Lake Haruna and Mount Haruna-Fuji create a scenic pairing; and Fukuroda Falls in Daigo Town, Ibaraki Prefecture (10th place), where frozen waterfalls resemble ice sculptures. All of these locations are characterized by spectacular winter-only scenery.
The survey was conducted online from November 6 (Thursday) to November 10 (Monday), 2025, targeting respondents nationwide in their 20s to 50s, and received 1,089 valid responses. Highly ranked destinations featured not only the sculptural beauty of ice and snow created by nature, but also winter-specific scenes such as illuminations and misty landscapes, highlighting the unique appeal of fantastical scenery that can only be experienced during the coldest season.
Source: Jalan Fantastical Winter Scenic Spots Ranking in the Kanto Region
