{"id":14029,"date":"2020-11-06T09:26:35","date_gmt":"2020-11-06T08:26:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=14029"},"modified":"2025-11-14T13:41:12","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T12:41:12","slug":"snow-season-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/snow-season-japan","title":{"rendered":"Snow season in Japan: When to ski and where to enjoy winter snow"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When many travelers think of Japan, they envision swaying cherry blossoms or stunning autumn foliage. However, <strong>Japan also boasts a substantial snow season<\/strong>, complete with all the winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, ice sculpting, at one of more than 500 resorts.<\/p>\n<p>Read on to learn about the unique winter adventures this country has to offer.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_white no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#When_is_the_snow_season_in_Japan\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> When is the snow season in Japan?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Snow_in_Japan\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> Snow in Japan<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Where_to_enjoy_the_snow_in_Japan\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">3<\/span> Where to enjoy the snow in Japan<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Ginzan_Onsen_Yamagata\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">3.1<\/span> Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Nikko_Tochigi_Prefecture\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">3.2<\/span> Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Nyuto_Onsen_Akita\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">3.3<\/span> Nyuto Onsen, Akita<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Otaru_Hokkaido\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">3.4<\/span> Otaru, Hokkaido<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Ouchi_Juku_Fukushima\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">3.5<\/span> Ouchi Juku, Fukushima<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Shirakawa-go_Gifu\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">3.6<\/span> Shirakawa-go, Gifu<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Ski_and_winter_sports_resorts\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">4<\/span> Ski and winter sports resorts<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Snow_festivals\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">5<\/span> Snow festivals<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Winter_Japanese_wonders\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">6<\/span> Winter Japanese wonders<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"When_is_the_snow_season_in_Japan\">When is the snow season in Japan?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Japan\u2019s snow season typically begins in mid- to-late December<\/strong>, just before <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/christmas-in-japan\">Christmas<\/a>, and continues through late March or early April. This will vary from resort to resort based on the actual snow conditions. <strong>The season peaks from mid-January to late February<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Some winter resorts open in late October<\/strong>. Often, such resorts employ snow-making machines to give \u201cmother nature\u201d a boost. The earliest-opening resort is newsworthy, and in many years is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yeti-resort.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Snow Town Yeti<\/a> in Shizuoka, at the foothills of the iconic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/mount-fuji\">Mt. Fuji<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you hope to <strong>beat the crowds<\/strong>, a December trip will afford fewer competitors on the slopes. However, December snows are a gamble in areas not assisted by snow-making machines.<\/p>\n<p>Northernmost areas, such as those in <strong>Hokkaido and Tohoku, are more likely to experience early snowfall<\/strong>. On-piste ski slopes are more likely to have adequate snow cover than off-piste slopes.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3026 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/hokkaido-shinkansen-hayabusa-800x480.jpg\" alt=\"Hokkaido Shinkansen, Hayabusa train\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Instead, you may avoid crowded lifts by planning your visit during the week, avoiding weekends and holidays.<\/p>\n<p>In the country\u2019s northernmost reaches or at high altitudes, <strong>winter resorts may continue operating through the \u201cspring skiing season\u201d<\/strong> until late May. Mt. Gassan in Yamagata Prefecture remains open until late July; because of heavy winter snowfall, Mt. Gassan is inaccessible during the winter months and begins its skiing season in April. Some resorts close for a few months during the depths of winter because of excessive snow.<\/p>\n<p><strong>April is a good time for beginner skiers<\/strong> to visit, as much of the crowds have dissipated. You\u2019ll also find good deals on accommodations and lift tickets at this time.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Snow_in_Japan\">Snow in Japan<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Japan is lauded for the consistency and sheer volume of snowfall it receives. <strong>The powder conditions are often ideal for winter sports<\/strong>, as is the varied terrain offered by hundreds of resorts. In fact, Japan is considered one of the best locations in the world for skiing and snowboarding,<\/p>\n<p>What makes for these ideal conditions? <strong>Japan is fortuitously situated so that it receives cold air masses from Siberia<\/strong>, which pick up moisture as they cross the Sea of Japan. As this moist air climbs Japan\u2019s mountains, heavy snowfall occurs &#8211; with some areas receiving an average of three to six meters (10 to 20 feet).<\/p>\n<p>Because winter temperatures remain low, <strong>the powder often stays light and fluffy all day long<\/strong>. Even as the season winds to an end, most skiers can find a trail or two with sufficient coverage for a good run.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Where_to_enjoy_the_snow_in_Japan\">Where to enjoy the snow in Japan<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Some of the <strong>best towns to enjoy the snow in Japan<\/strong> include:<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Ginzan_Onsen_Yamagata\">Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-14042 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/snow-ginzan-onsen.jpg\" alt=\"snow ginzan onsen\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/snow-ginzan-onsen.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/snow-ginzan-onsen-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/snow-ginzan-onsen-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A hot spring town along the Ginzan River which conjures a magical mood in winter with its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-ryokans-in-japan\">ryokan traditional wooden inns<\/a> and gas lamp-lit streets.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Nikko_Tochigi_Prefecture\"><strong>Nikko<\/strong>, Tochigi Prefecture<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-14037 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/snow-nikko-japan.jpg\" alt=\"Snow in Nikko\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/snow-nikko-japan.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/snow-nikko-japan-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/snow-nikko-japan-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Boasts a number of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage sites<\/a>, including the famous Nikko Toshogu Shrine, as well as a number of onsen hot springs with supposed healing properties.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Nyuto_Onsen_Akita\">Nyuto Onsen, Akita<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-14054 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/nyuto-onsen-snow.jpg\" alt=\"Nyuto Onsen snow\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/nyuto-onsen-snow.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/nyuto-onsen-snow-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/nyuto-onsen-snow-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Located in Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Nyuto Onsen offers a collection of natural hot springs and ancient wooden inns on the shores of the deepest lake in Japan.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Otaru_Hokkaido\">Otaru, Hokkaido<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-14048 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/otaru-winter.jpg\" alt=\"Otaru winter lights\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/otaru-winter.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/otaru-winter-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/otaru-winter-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This northern city, with its canal, brick buildings, and Victorian-style streetlights, has a distinctly European vibe, especially when covered by snow in the winter.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Ouchi_Juku_Fukushima\">Ouchi Juku, Fukushima<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-14059 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ouchi-juko-snow.jpg\" alt=\"Ouchi-juko snow\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ouchi-juko-snow.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ouchi-juko-snow-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ouchi-juko-snow-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>A historic post town which has been restored to its original condition, full of ryokan inns where you can try the local delicacy: fish grilled on a sunken hearth.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Shirakawa-go_Gifu\">Shirakawa-go, Gifu<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5538\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5538\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-5538 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/shirakawa-go-winter-light-up.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawa-go Winter Light-up\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/shirakawa-go-winter-light-up.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/shirakawa-go-winter-light-up-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5538\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Shirakawa-go Light up festival is a must-see in the winter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with historic thatched-roof farm houses, many of which now serve as tourist accommodation.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to these snow-laden towns, there are also a huge number of <strong>world-class ski resorts in Japan<\/strong> where visitors can enjoy a wide range of winter sports.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Read<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shirakawago-travel-guide\">Shirakawago and Gokayama villages: Travel Guide<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2><span id=\"Ski_and_winter_sports_resorts\">Ski and winter sports resorts<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Some of the best <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/skiing-snowboarding-japan\">skiing and snowboarding resorts in Japan<\/a> are <strong>concentrated in two areas: the island of Hokkaido and in Hakuba Valley<\/strong> in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/takayama-japanese-alps\">Japanese Alps<\/a> near Nagano, although there are several other exceptional resorts scattered throughout the country.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5742\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5742\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-5742 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/rusutsu-ski-resort-hokkaido.jpg\" alt=\"Rusutsu, Hokkaido\" width=\"720\" height=\"470\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/rusutsu-ski-resort-hokkaido.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/rusutsu-ski-resort-hokkaido-300x196.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5742\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rusutsu Resort &#8211; Photo credits: Rusutsu Resort Hotel &amp; Convention<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Some of the <strong>most popular resorts in Japan<\/strong> include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Furano<\/strong> &#8211; Offers several impressive powder snow runs and an authentic Japanese resort village<\/li>\n<li><strong>Happo One Resort<\/strong> &#8211; Situated in Hakuba Valley, the site of the 1998 Winter Olympics<\/li>\n<li><strong>Niseko<\/strong> &#8211; Boasts a resort village with world-renowned nightlife and after-dark skiing<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nozawa Onsen<\/strong> &#8211; Stays open late into the season and offers a number of onsen hot springs<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rusutsu<\/strong> &#8211; Boasts some of Japan\u2019s heaviest snowfalls and some of the best powder snow in the world<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shiga Kogen<\/strong> &#8211; One of the largest ski resorts in Japan, offering terrain for all levels of skiers, from beginners to advanced powderhounds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Snow_festivals\">Snow festivals<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Japan\u2019s snow season has also given rise to a number of snow festivals.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sapporo-snow-festival\">Sapporo Snow Festival<\/a> is one of the most popular, featuring enormous, detailed snow and ice sculptures.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5971\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5971\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-5971 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/sapporo-snow-festival.jpg\" alt=\"Sapporo Snow Festival\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/sapporo-snow-festival.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/sapporo-snow-festival-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/sapporo-snow-festival-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5971\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Winter illumination during Sapporo Snow Festival<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In February, the <strong>Otaru Snow Light Path<\/strong> bathes the city of Otaru in romantic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/winter-illuminations-japan\">winter illuminations<\/a> and small sculptures.<\/p>\n<p>Others include the <strong>Asahikawa Winter Festival<\/strong>, Tokamachi Snow Festival, and Yokote Kamakura Festival.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5523\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/nabana-no-sato-nagoya-illuminations.jpg\" alt=\"Nabana No Sato Winter Illuminations, near Nagoya\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/nabana-no-sato-nagoya-illuminations.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/nabana-no-sato-nagoya-illuminations-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Winter_Japanese_wonders\">Winter Japanese wonders<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You can also experience <strong>unique natural wonders in Japan during the winter<\/strong>. While the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/jigokudani-monkey-park\"><strong>snow monkeys<\/strong> at Jigokudani Monkey Park<\/a> can be seen bathing in the hot springs year-round, this behavior is most pronounced in winter.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3461\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3461\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-3461 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/jigokudani-monkey-park-800x435.jpg\" alt=\"Jigokudani Monkey Park\" width=\"800\" height=\"435\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3461\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Snow monkeys taking a bath surrounded by snow &#8211; Jigokudani Monkey Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Another perk of enjoying the snow in Japan is the prevalence of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-onsen-in-japan\"><em>onsen<\/em> or natural hot springs<\/a><\/strong>. Nothing is more refreshing after a day on the slopes than a rejuvenating soak!<\/p>\n<p>The experience is enhanced by the <strong>snowscapes visible from many onsens<\/strong>. Bars and restaurants are typically located on resort grounds or in nearby towns, allowing you an authentic taste of Japanese cuisine.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Zao Onsen is famous for its \u201csnow monsters\u201d<\/strong> &#8211; heavy snow covering the trees that are frozen into monstrous shapes by the wind. Drift ice, called ryuhyo, can be seen off Hokkaido\u2019s coast.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14031\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14031\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-14031\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/zao-onsen-snow-monsters.jpg\" alt=\"zao onsen snow monsters\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/zao-onsen-snow-monsters.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/zao-onsen-snow-monsters-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/zao-onsen-snow-monsters-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14031\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Zao Onsen Snow Monsters &#8211; Photo by Zao Onsen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>So, pack your best thermal wear, reserve your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">JR Pass<\/a>, and start planning to hit Japan\u2019s slopes!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When many travelers think of Japan, they envision swaying cherry blossoms or stunning autumn foliage. However, Japan also boasts a substantial snow season, complete with all the winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, ice sculpting, at one of more than 500 resorts. Read on to learn about the unique winter adventures this country has to offer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":14064,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[92],"tags":[],"acf":{"bread_1":false,"bread_2":false,"bread_3":false,"bread_4":false,"bread_5":false,"bread_6":false,"bread_7":false,"bread_last":false,"custom_guide":"","pageresume":"Discover the japanese snow season and enjoy wolrd-class ski resorts, unique winter landscapes and snow festivals across the country.","shortcodes":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.10 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Snow Season in Japan 2026: Enjoy the snow | JRailPass<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover when and where is the japanese snow season and enjoy wolrd-class ski resorts, unique winter landscapes and snow festivals across Japan.\" \/>\n<meta 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