日本の冬を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・概要・10の質問を通して、日本の冬に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報です。
- 日本の冬の期間と地域差
- 日本の冬は 12月〜2月 が一般的
- 北海道・日本海側：雪が多く豪雪地帯も多い
- 太平洋側（東京・大阪など）：晴れる日が多く、乾燥している、雪は少なめ
- 沖縄など南西諸島：温暖で、雪はほとんど降らない
- 冬の自然と景色
- 白川郷：雪に覆われた合掌造りの村が有名
- 金閣寺：雪化粧をした姿は特に美しい
- 蔵王の樹氷：雪と氷に覆われた木々が幻想的
- 富士山：冬は空気が澄んでおり、雪をかぶった姿が見られるベストシーズン
- 冬の楽しみ方
- 温泉：雪を眺めながらの露天風呂（雪見風呂）は、日本ならでは
- 鍋料理：すき焼き、しゃぶしゃぶ、おでんなど、体を温める料理が人気
- コンビニのおでん：手軽に冬の味覚を楽しめる定番
- 冬のイベント・文化
- 札幌雪まつり：毎年2月に北海道で開催。巨大な雪像や氷像で有名、国内外から多くの観光客が訪れる
- 初詣：新年に神社やお寺を訪れ、1年の健康や幸福を祈る行事
- イルミネーション：冬の夜を彩るライトアップイベント、東京や大阪をはじめ全国で人気
2人が日本の冬の魅力について話しています。
雪景色や富士山、温泉、鍋料理、札幌雪まつり、イルミネーションなどを話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, winter has just started, and I’m really curious about what makes winter in Japan so special.
Good question! Winter in Japan usually lasts from December to February, and the weather changes a lot depending on the region.
Really? How different can it be?
Well, in Hokkaido or along the Japan Sea coast, you get heavy snow. But in Tokyo or Osaka, winters are mostly dry and sunny, with only a little snow.
That’s interesting. So if I want to enjoy snow, I should go north?
Exactly. Hokkaido, Nagano, or Niigata are perfect for snow scenery and activities.
What about famous winter views? I love photography.
Then you’ll enjoy Shirakawa-go with snow-covered houses, Kinkaku-ji shining with snow, or the “snow monsters” in Zao. They look magical.
Wow, I’d love to see that. And what about Mount Fuji in winter?
Winter is the best season to see Mount Fuji, because the air is so clear. It’s often covered in snow, which makes it even more beautiful.
Sounds perfect! But winter is cold. How do Japanese people enjoy it?
We actually enjoy the cold by going to hot springs. Sitting in an outdoor bath while watching the snow is an unforgettable experience.
That sounds amazing. I’ve never tried a hot spring in winter.
You should! Places like Hakone, Kusatsu, or even Hokkaido have great ones.
And food? I’ve heard winter food is special here.
Definitely. We eat a lot of hot pot dishes, like sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and oden. They warm your body and soul.
I’ve tried oden at a convenience store. It was so tasty!
Yes, even convenience stores serve it in winter. And another highlight is winter events, like the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Oh, I’ve heard of that! Isn’t it famous for huge snow and ice statues?
Exactly. It’s held every February in Hokkaido, and millions of people come to see it. The sculptures are really impressive.
That must be amazing to see in person. I’d love to visit someday.
You definitely should. You can also enjoy local Hokkaido food there, like miso ramen and fresh seafood.
That sounds perfect—snow, food, and culture all in one place.
Right, and don’t forget winter illuminations. Many cities set up beautiful light displays.
Thanks, Key. Now I see that winter in Japan isn’t just cold—it’s full of beauty, food, and traditions.
Exactly. Once you experience it, you’ll understand why winter is one of the most charming seasons in Japan.
概要（日本の冬の魅力：風景・味覚・文化体験）
「日本の冬」について、理解を深めるための「英語での概要」です。
日本の冬
The Season and Climate
Winter in Japan lasts from December to February. The climate is very different depending on the region. In Hokkaido and along the Sea of Japan, there is heavy snow and very cold weather. In Tokyo, Osaka, and other cities on the Pacific side, the winter is usually dry and sunny, with only a little snow. In Okinawa and the southern islands, the weather is mild, and snow almost never falls.
Beautiful Winter Scenery
Winter in Japan offers many beautiful views. Shirakawa-go, with its snow-covered traditional houses, looks like a fairy tale. Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, is especially stunning when covered with snow. In Zao, you can see the famous “snow monsters,” trees completely covered in snow and ice. Winter is also the best season to see Mount Fuji, because the air is clear and the mountain often wears a white snow cap.
Hot Springs and Food
Japanese people enjoy the cold season by visiting hot springs. Sitting in an outdoor bath while watching the snow is a special experience. Winter food is also very popular. Hot pot dishes like sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and oden warm both the body and the heart. Even convenience stores sell oden in winter, so it is easy to enjoy.
Festivals and Traditions
Winter in Japan is full of cultural events. The most famous is the Sapporo Snow Festival in February, where huge snow and ice statues attract millions of visitors. In early January, people go to shrines for hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year, to pray for health and happiness. Winter illuminations are also popular in many cities, filling the nights with bright and romantic lights.
10の質問（日本の冬を楽しむための基本知識）
「日本の冬」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: When is winter in Japan?
Winter in Japan usually lasts from December to February, with cold weather and shorter days.
2: Does it snow everywhere in Japan?
No, it snows a lot in Hokkaido and along the Sea of Japan, but in Tokyo and Osaka snow is rare.
3: What is special about Mount Fuji in winter?
Winter is the best season to see Mount Fuji, because the air is clear and the mountain is often covered with snow.
4: What are some famous winter views in Japan?
Shirakawa-go with snow-covered houses, Kinkaku-ji with snow, and Zao’s “snow monsters” are very famous.
5: How do Japanese people enjoy the cold season?
Many people go to hot springs. Sitting in an outdoor bath while watching the snow is a popular experience.
6: What kind of food is popular in winter?
Hot pot dishes like sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and oden are popular because they warm the body.
7: Can you try oden only in restaurants?
No, even convenience stores sell oden in winter, so it is easy and cheap to enjoy.
8: What is the Sapporo Snow Festival?
It is a famous winter event in Hokkaido in February, with huge snow and ice statues visited by millions of people.
9: What is “hatsumode”?
Hatsumode is the first shrine visit of the year. People pray for health, safety, and happiness in the new year.
10: What are winter illuminations?
Winter illuminations are light displays set up in cities and parks. They make the nights bright and romantic.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, winter has just started, and I’m really curious about what makes winter in Japan so special.
やあキー、冬が始まったばかりだけど、日本の冬が特別って言われるのはどうしてなのか、すごく気になるんだ。
Good question! Winter in Japan usually lasts from December to February, and the weather changes a lot depending on the region.
いい質問だね！日本の冬はだいたい12月から2月までで、地域によって天気が大きく違うんだ。
Really? How different can it be?
へえ、そうなの？そんなに違うものなの？
Well, in Hokkaido or along the Japan Sea coast, you get heavy snow. But in Tokyo or Osaka, winters are mostly dry and sunny, with only a little snow.
うん、北海道とか日本海側は雪がたくさん降るんだ。でも東京や大阪は乾燥して晴れる日が多くて、雪はあまり降らないよ。
That’s interesting. So if I want to enjoy snow, I should go north?
面白いね。じゃあ雪を楽しみたいなら、北に行けばいいんだね？
Exactly. Hokkaido, Nagano, or Niigata are perfect for snow scenery and activities.
その通り。北海道や長野、新潟なんかは雪景色やアクティビティにぴったりだよ。
What about famous winter views? I love photography.
有名な冬の景色ってどんなのがある？写真撮るのが好きなんだ。
Then you’ll enjoy Shirakawa-go with snow-covered houses, Kinkaku-ji shining with snow, or the “snow monsters” in Zao. They look magical.
だったら白川郷の雪化粧した合掌造りや、雪をかぶった金閣寺、蔵王の“スノーモンスター”なんかは最高だよ。まるで魔法みたいに見えるんだ。
Wow, I’d love to see that. And what about Mount Fuji in winter?
すごいな、それはぜひ見てみたいよ。冬の富士山はどうなの？
Winter is the best season to see Mount Fuji, because the air is so clear. It’s often covered in snow, which makes it even more beautiful.
冬は空気が澄んでいるから、富士山を見るのに一番いい季節なんだ。雪をかぶっていて、さらに美しく見えるよ。
Sounds perfect! But winter is cold. How do Japanese people enjoy it?
それは最高だね！でも冬って寒いでしょ。日本の人はどうやって楽しんでるの？
We actually enjoy the cold by going to hot springs. Sitting in an outdoor bath while watching the snow is an unforgettable experience.
実は寒さを楽しむんだよ。温泉に行って、雪を眺めながら露天風呂に入るのは忘れられない体験だよ。
That sounds amazing. I’ve never tried a hot spring in winter.
それはすごいな。冬に温泉に入ったことはないんだ。
You should! Places like Hakone, Kusatsu, or even Hokkaido have great ones.
絶対に体験すべきだよ！箱根とか草津、北海道なんかもいい温泉があるよ。
And food? I’ve heard winter food is special here.
それから食べ物は？日本の冬の料理は特別だって聞いたことあるけど。
Definitely. We eat a lot of hot pot dishes, like sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and oden. They warm your body and soul.
その通り。すき焼きやしゃぶしゃぶ、おでんなんかの鍋料理をよく食べるんだ。体も心も温まるよ。
I’ve tried oden at a convenience store. It was so tasty!
コンビニでおでんを食べたことあるけど、すごくおいしかったよ！
Yes, even convenience stores serve it in winter. And another highlight is winter events, like the Sapporo Snow Festival.
そうだね。冬になるとコンビニでも売ってるよ。それともうひとつの見どころは、札幌雪まつりみたいな冬のイベントだね。
Oh, I’ve heard of that! Isn’t it famous for huge snow and ice statues?
ああ、聞いたことある！大きな雪や氷の彫刻で有名なんだよね？
Exactly. It’s held every February in Hokkaido, and millions of people come to see it. The sculptures are really impressive.
その通り。毎年2月に北海道で開催されて、何百万人もが見に来るんだ。彫刻は本当に迫力があるよ。
That must be amazing to see in person. I’d love to visit someday.
実際に見たらすごいんだろうな。いつか行ってみたいよ。
You definitely should. You can also enjoy local Hokkaido food there, like miso ramen and fresh seafood.
絶対に行くべきだよ。そこで北海道のご当地グルメも楽しめるし、味噌ラーメンや新鮮な海鮮なんかもあるんだ。
That sounds perfect—snow, food, and culture all in one place.
雪も食べ物も文化も一度に楽しめるなんて最高だね。
Right, and don’t forget winter illuminations. Many cities set up beautiful light displays.
そうだね。それと冬のイルミネーションも忘れちゃだめだよ。多くの都市で美しいライトアップがあるんだ。
Thanks, Key. Now I see that winter in Japan isn’t just cold—it’s full of beauty, food, and traditions.
ありがとうキー。日本の冬って寒いだけじゃなくて、美しさや食べ物、伝統がいっぱいなんだね。
Exactly. Once you experience it, you’ll understand why winter is one of the most charming seasons in Japan.
その通り。実際に体験してみれば、日本の冬が魅力的な季節のひとつだってきっと分かるよ。
概要（日本の冬の魅力：風景・味覚・文化体験）
日本の冬
The Season and Climate
Winter in Japan lasts from December to February. The climate is very different depending on the region. In Hokkaido and along the Sea of Japan, there is heavy snow and very cold weather. In Tokyo, Osaka, and other cities on the Pacific side, the winter is usually dry and sunny, with only a little snow. In Okinawa and the southern islands, the weather is mild, and snow almost never falls.
日本の冬は12月から2月まで続きます。地域によって気候が大きく異なります。北海道や日本海側では雪が多く、とても寒い気候です。東京や大阪など太平洋側の都市では、冬は乾燥して晴れる日が多く、雪はほとんど降りません。沖縄や南の島々は温暖で、雪が降ることはほとんどありません。
Beautiful Winter Scenery
Winter in Japan offers many beautiful views. Shirakawa-go, with its snow-covered traditional houses, looks like a fairy tale. Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, is especially stunning when covered with snow. In Zao, you can see the famous “snow monsters,” trees completely covered in snow and ice. Winter is also the best season to see Mount Fuji, because the air is clear and the mountain often wears a white snow cap.
日本の冬は多くの美しい景色を見せてくれます。雪に覆われた白川郷の合掌造りの家々はまるでおとぎ話のようです。京都の金閣寺は、雪をまとった姿が特に美しく有名です。蔵王では「スノーモンスター」と呼ばれる、雪と氷に覆われた木々を見ることができます。また、冬は富士山を見るのに最適な季節で、空気が澄み、雪化粧をした富士山を眺めることができます。
Hot Springs and Food
Japanese people enjoy the cold season by visiting hot springs. Sitting in an outdoor bath while watching the snow is a special experience. Winter food is also very popular. Hot pot dishes like sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and oden warm both the body and the heart. Even convenience stores sell oden in winter, so it is easy to enjoy.
日本人は冬の寒さを温泉で楽しみます。雪を眺めながら露天風呂に入るのは特別な体験です。冬の食べ物も人気があります。すき焼き、しゃぶしゃぶ、おでんなどの鍋料理は、体も心も温めてくれます。冬になるとコンビニでもおでんが売られているので、手軽に味わうことができます。
Festivals and Traditions
Winter in Japan is full of cultural events. The most famous is the Sapporo Snow Festival in February, where huge snow and ice statues attract millions of visitors. In early January, people go to shrines for hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year, to pray for health and happiness. Winter illuminations are also popular in many cities, filling the nights with bright and romantic lights.
日本の冬は文化的なイベントであふれています。最も有名なのは2月の札幌雪まつりで、巨大な雪像や氷像が何百万人もの観光客を引きつけます。1月の初めには、人々が「初詣」に神社へ行き、健康や幸福を祈ります。また、冬のイルミネーションも多くの都市で人気があり、夜を明るくロマンチックな光で彩ります。
10の質問（日本の冬を楽しむための基本知識）
1: When is winter in Japan?
日本の冬はいつですか？
Winter in Japan usually lasts from December to February, with cold weather and shorter days.
日本の冬は通常12月から2月までで、寒い気候と日照時間の短さが特徴です。
2: Does it snow everywhere in Japan?
日本のどこでも雪が降りますか？
No, it snows a lot in Hokkaido and along the Sea of Japan, but in Tokyo and Osaka snow is rare.
いいえ。北海道や日本海側ではたくさん雪が降りますが、東京や大阪では雪はまれです。
3: What is special about Mount Fuji in winter?
冬の富士山は何が特別ですか？
Winter is the best season to see Mount Fuji, because the air is clear and the mountain is often covered with snow.
冬は空気が澄んでおり、山が雪に覆われていることが多いため、富士山を見るのに最適な季節です。
4: What are some famous winter views in Japan?
日本で有名な冬の景色は何ですか？
Shirakawa-go with snow-covered houses, Kinkaku-ji with snow, and Zao’s “snow monsters” are very famous.
雪に覆われた白川郷の家々、雪をまとった金閣寺、そして蔵王の「スノーモンスター」がとても有名です。
5: How do Japanese people enjoy the cold season?
日本の人々は寒い季節をどのように楽しみますか？
Many people go to hot springs. Sitting in an outdoor bath while watching the snow is a popular experience.
多くの人が温泉に行きます。雪を見ながら露天風呂に入るのは人気の体験です。
6: What kind of food is popular in winter?
冬に人気の食べ物は何ですか？
Hot pot dishes like sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and oden are popular because they warm the body.
すき焼き、しゃぶしゃぶ、おでんなどの鍋料理が人気で、体を温めてくれます。
7: Can you try oden only in restaurants?
おでんはレストランでしか食べられませんか？
No, even convenience stores sell oden in winter, so it is easy and cheap to enjoy.
いいえ。冬になるとコンビニでもおでんが売られていて、手軽に安く楽しめます。
8: What is the Sapporo Snow Festival?
札幌雪まつりとは何ですか？
It is a famous winter event in Hokkaido in February, with huge snow and ice statues visited by millions of people.
2月に北海道で開催される有名な冬のイベントで、巨大な雪像や氷像があり、何百万人もの人々が訪れます。
9: What is “hatsumode”?
「初詣」とは何ですか？
Hatsumode is the first shrine visit of the year. People pray for health, safety, and happiness in the new year.
初詣とは年の初めに神社へ参拝することで、人々は新年の健康、安全、幸福を祈ります。
10: What are winter illuminations?
冬のイルミネーションとは何ですか？
Winter illuminations are light displays set up in cities and parks. They make the nights bright and romantic.
冬のイルミネーションとは都市や公園に設置される光の装飾で、夜を明るくロマンチックにします。
words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです（例文は各３つ）。
photography : 名詞 /fəˈtɒɡ.rə.fi/
意味: 写真撮影。The art, process, or practice of taking and processing photographs.
（冬の景色を撮影する趣味として登場）
例文：
- He is interested in photography as a hobby.
「彼は趣味として写真撮影に興味があります。」 - Winter is a great season for photography because of the clear air.
「冬は空気が澄んでいるので写真撮影に最適です。」 - She studied photography at university.
「彼女は大学で写真を学びました。」
sunny : 形容詞 /ˈsʌn.i/
意味: 晴れた、日当たりのよい。Bright with sunlight.
（東京や大阪の冬が乾燥して晴れる日が多いことを表現）
例文：
- Today is a sunny day.
「今日は晴れた日です。」 - Winters in Tokyo are often cold but sunny.
「東京の冬は寒いですが、晴れる日が多いです。」 - She sat in a sunny spot by the window.
「彼女は窓際の日当たりの良い場所に座りました。」
charming : 形容詞 /ˈtʃɑːr.mɪŋ/
意味: 魅力的な、感じの良い。Very pleasant or attractive.
（冬が「最も魅力的な季節の一つ」として表現）
例文：
- The old town is very charming in winter.
「冬の古い町並みはとても魅力的です。」 - She gave me a charming smile.
「彼女は私に魅力的な笑顔を見せました。」 - The festival was small but really charming.
「その祭りは小規模でしたが本当に魅力的でした。」
tasty : 形容詞 /ˈteɪ.sti/
意味: おいしい。Having a pleasant flavor.
（コンビニのおでんが「とてもおいしい」と述べる場面）
例文：
- The oden from the convenience store was very tasty.
「コンビニのおでんはとてもおいしかったです。」 - This soup is really tasty and warm.
「このスープは本当においしくて温まります。」 - She cooked a tasty meal for her friends.
「彼女は友人のためにおいしい食事を作りました。」
in person : 副詞句 /ɪn ˈpɜː.sən/
意味: 実際に会って、直接。Directly, not by phone, online, or letter.
（札幌雪まつりを「実際に自分の目で見る」体験を表現）
例文：
- It was amazing to see the snow festival in person.
「雪まつりを実際に自分の目で見られて感動しました。」 - I want to meet you in person, not just online.
「オンラインだけでなく、実際に会いたいです。」 - The mountain looks more beautiful in person than in photos.
「山は写真よりも実際に見た方が美しいです。」