Coldest Cities in Japan

Top 100 cities ranked by coldest cities

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Rent Lowest Rent Most Educated Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Safest Cities Highest Crime Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities

All Countries · Japan

Coldest Cities — Japan

1 Kamikawa 12 38°F

2 Rausu 12 39°F

3 Shihoro 12 40°F

4 Esashi 12 41°F

5 Tōma 12 41°F

6 Nayoro 12 41°F

7 Ashibetsu 12 41°F

8 Higashikawa 12 41°F

9 Engaru 12 41°F

10 Kamiyūbetsu Tonden Shigaichi 12 41°F

11 Biei 12 42°F

12 Hiroo 12 42°F

13 Ashoro 12 42°F

14 Takasu 12 42°F

15 Minamishibetsuchō 12 42°F

16 Kitami 12 42°F

17 Kami-furano 12 42°F

18 Shimo-furano 12 42°F

19 Kamihonbetsu 12 42°F

20 Furano 12 42°F

21 Taiki 12 42°F

22 Mombetsu 12 42°F

23 Shintoku 12 42°F

24 Shimizu 12 42°F

25 Shikaoi 12 42°F

26 Motomachi 12 42°F

27 Teshikaga 12 42°F

28 Shiranuka 12 43°F

29 Akabira 12 43°F

30 Kushiro 12 43°F

31 Utashinai 12 43°F

32 Abashiri 12 43°F

33 Honchō 12 43°F

34 Sarubetsu 12 43°F

35 Makubetsu 12 43°F

36 Wakkanai 12 43°F

37 Ikeda 12 43°F

38 Ozora 12 43°F

39 Yūbari 12 43°F

40 Otofuke 12 43°F

41 Memuro-minami 12 43°F

42 Obihiro 12 43°F

43 Iwanai 12 43°F

44 Kutchan 12 43°F

45 Niseko 12 43°F

46 Kozawa 12 43°F

47 Higashikagura 12 43°F

48 Nemuro 12 43°F

49 Asahikawa 12 43°F

50 Mikasa 12 43°F

51 Shibecha 12 43°F

52 Bibai 12 43°F

53 Koshimizu 12 44°F

54 Fukagawa 12 44°F

55 Honmachi 12 44°F

56 Chitose 12 44°F

57 Akkeshi 12 44°F

58 Abira 12 44°F

59 Sunagawa 12 44°F

60 Naie 12 44°F

61 Biratori 12 44°F

62 Hamanaka-sakuraminami 12 44°F

63 Haboro 12 44°F

64 Mukawa 12 44°F

65 Eniwa 12 44°F

66 Shiraoi 12 44°F

67 Shizunai-furukawachō 12 44°F

68 Kitahiroshima 12 44°F

69 Kikusuichō 12 45°F

70 Takikawa 12 45°F

71 Yuni 12 45°F

72 Niikappu 12 45°F

73 Date 12 45°F

74 Kuriyama 12 45°F

75 Naganuma 12 45°F

76 Monbetsu-honchō 12 45°F

77 Yoichi 12 45°F

78 Rumoi 12 45°F

79 Tomakomai 12 45°F

80 Tōbetsu 12 45°F

81 Kuzumaki 16 45°F

82 Ebetsu 12 45°F

83 Horomui 12 45°F

84 Iwamizawa 12 45°F

85 Nakashibetsu 12 45°F

86 Semboku 02 45°F

87 Tōyako-onsemmachi 12 45°F

88 Takanomachi 26 45°F

89 Noboribetsu 12 45°F

90 Urakawa 12 46°F

91 Shibetsu 12 46°F

92 Ishikari 12 46°F

93 Iwaizumi 16 46°F

94 Higashimorichō 12 46°F

95 Shizukuishi 16 46°F

96 Tōmi 26 46°F

97 Oshamambe 12 46°F

98 Imagane 12 46°F

99 Hokuto 46 46°F

100 Karuizawa 26 46°F

The coldest cities in Japan experience low average annual temperatures, with long winters and significant snowfall. Kamikawa has an average annual temperature of just 38°F.

Cold-climate cities often feature distinct four-season lifestyles with winter sports, fall foliage, and summer outdoor recreation. Many residents value the seasonal changes and outdoor activities that come with colder climates, including skiing, snowboarding, and ice fishing.

Living in cold-climate cities typically means higher heating costs, the need for winter-ready vehicles and clothing, and seasonal challenges like snow removal. However, these cities often compensate with lower costs of living, less crowding, and strong community bonds forged through shared seasonal experiences.

Did You Know?

1. At 38°F average, Kamikawa experiences temperatures well below freezing for months each year.
2. Cold-climate cities often have underground walkway systems, enclosed skyways, or heated bus shelters to help residents navigate harsh winters.
3. Despite the cold, many of these cities rank high in quality of life due to strong economies, good schools, and vibrant cultural scenes.

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