Ice Climbing in Japan: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Japan is an island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, comprised of four large islands and many smaller ones – more than 6,850 in total throughout the archipelago. Its wide geographic range lends to a diverse climate, which means ice climbing can be found in a few different locations. In the northern island of Hokkaido, the long and cold winters provide perfect conditions for an ideal climb, while high-altitude spots on Honshu, the main island, also have great ice ascents. The main cities of the country are connected with trains, and even traveling between islands can be done with public transportation. Tokyo is the capital of the country, located on Honshu, and it provides a nice starting off point for trips to the Japanese Alps. To head north, take a train through the Seikan Tunnel or fly into Sapporo and you will be in the heart of Hokkaido.

Supreme Culture!

Japan has a unique culture that can easily be added into your trip. On Hokkaido, the intimate fishing villages and personalized hospitality can enhance your adventure, especially after a day on the ice. If winter wilderness is what you seek, you came to the right place.

Big Terrain!

In the north, you have some wide open spaces that feature incredible geology and natural land formations. Seeing the Daisetsuzan under the blanket of winter is awe-inspiring and evocative. On Honshu, many of the ice climbing destinations occur in world-class destinations of the Japanese Alps. The access is seamless, and you will feel worlds away just a few hours outside of Tokyo.

Prime Conditions!

The weather is pretty sweet for winter adventure in Japan. Ice climbing is no different, and with a plethora of waterfalls that freeze over across the country, you could spend a lifetime getting lost in the ever-changing - and always satisfying - landscape.

The weather in Japan tends to be nice and cold throughout winter. It can be volatile at high altitudes, but the climate provides a high snow fall and low temperatures to keep the ice flowing and frozen throughout the season.

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Getting to Japan requires flying into one of its islands. For the island of Honshu, Tokyo is the best choice. The Shinkansen and the train network can easily get you where you need to go. For trips to Hokkaido, the New Chitose Airport serves the Sapporo hub, and the northern island also has efficient bullet trains and public transportation. Rental cars are readily available at most major cities.

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Ice climbing is best done in winter. January and February are the perfect months to take on the frozen walls of Japan, though early and late trips in winter can provide great conditions, too.