Been There – Japan Winter
Been There – Japan Winter is the fourth special edition Japan mug. As you remember, it’s the only country that gets a mug per season on top of the regular one.
Japan transforms into a magical winter landscape during the cold months, offering a unique blend of traditional customs and exciting seasonal activities that captivate both locals and visitors. From snow festivals to hot springs and winter cuisine, the season brings out some of the most enchanting aspects of Japanese culture.
Here are the changes that I’ve spotted when compared to the other editions of the Been There Japan mug:
Strawberries
In Japan, strawberries (ichigo) are uniquely associated with winter, despite being a traditional spring fruit elsewhere. Thanks to advanced greenhouse cultivation, strawberries are intentionally grown to ripen as early as December, making them a popular winter delicacy. They are especially tied to the holiday season, playing a central role in Christmas traditions as a key ingredient in Christmas cake—a light sponge cake layered with whipped cream and topped with strawberries. Premium varieties like Amaou from Fukuoka and Tochiotome from Tochigi are highly prized for their sweetness, size, and perfect appearance, often sold as luxury gifts during the festive and New Year season. Their bright red color, juicy sweetness, and association with celebration provide a refreshing contrast to the heavier winter foods, making strawberries a cherished and iconic part of Japanese winter culture.
Red flowers around the picture of Mount Fuji
The Camellia (Tsubaki) is one of the most iconic winter flowers in Japan. Its vibrant blooms, often in shades of red, pink, and white, stand out against the stark winter landscape. Camellias are associated with elegance, humility, and perseverance and are commonly depicted in traditional Japanese art. The yabutsubaki (wild camellia) is particularly revered in tea ceremonies.
The snow domes on the front of the mug
In the snowy regions of northern Japan, the Kamakura is a fascinating winter tradition where small, igloo-like snow domes are carefully crafted during the Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival. These structures, typically 1-2 meters high, are illuminated with candles, creating a warm glow that symbolizes a welcome to the water deity. Local residents invite guests to sit inside these snow chambers, offering sweet sake and creating a unique social experience that celebrates community and the winter season.
I should definetely mention Ssnow Festivals and Winter Celebrations:
The most famous winter event in Japan is undoubtedly the Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri) in Hokkaido, which typically takes place in February. This spectacular festival attracts millions of visitors who come to marvel at enormous, intricately carved snow and ice sculptures that turn the city into an open-air art gallery. Some sculptures reach heights of over 50 feet, depicting everything from popular anime characters to historical landmarks.
Other notable winter festivals include:
The Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival in Akita Prefecture, where traditional igloo-like snow houses are illuminated with candles
The Tsunan Snow Festival in Niigata, featuring snow sports and spectacular fireworks displays
