Local Guide
Know the temperature and clothing in Nikko and Kinugawa hot springs, which are famous tourist destinations.

Nikko, a city rich in nature and close to the Tokyo metropolitan area, is a popular and famous tourist destination in all seasons, with its Kinugawa hot springs, famous autumn foliage, and World Heritage-listed temples and shrines. Often referred to as "Kanto's refrigerator," Nikko's cool climate is attractive, but it is also characterized by large differences in temperatures due to differences in elevation. The Kinugawa hot spring village along the valley is about 400 m above sea level, while the Nikko city area, where the World Heritage Sites "Nikko Toshogu Shrine" and "Futaarasan Shrine" are located, is 500 to 600 m above sea level. The temperature varies greatly depending on the season and destination. The temperature varies greatly from morning to evening, so be sure to bring a scarf or some other warm-weather gear.

Annual temperature and clothing in downtown Nikko
Autumn in downtown Nikko(9〜11 Autumn) Clothing・ Temperature

▼ Annual temperature and clothing in Oku-Nikko
Autumn in Oku-Nikko(9〜11 Autumn) Clothing・ Temperature

Nighttime cherry blossoms at Kinugawa Gokoku-jinja Shrine illuminated by lights
Nighttime cherry blossoms at Kinugawa Gokoku-jinja Shrine illuminated by lights

In March, both the city center of Nikko and Oku-Nikko are still in winter. The average minimum temperature is nearly 0°C in the city center, and -4.1°C in Oku-Nikko, where the snowy landscape still remains.
Cherry blossoms in Kinugawa hot spring and Nikko area bloom in early April and late April, respectively, to herald the arrival of spring. The cherry blossoms at Kinugawa Gokoku-jinja Shrine are illuminated at night, making it a great spot to enjoy the cherry blossoms at night. The cherry trees along Lake Chuzenji bloom from early May, but the average temperature is 11.4°C, so don't forget to bring a warm jacket if you go cherry blossom viewing.
Also, Mt. Nantai (elevation 2486 m), the object of worship and home to the inner shrine of "Nikko Futaarasan Shrine," is usually open for climbing from April 25 (in 2020, from May 25 to November 11 due to the new coronavirus), and many people attempt to reach the summit. The spectacular view of Lake Chuzenji below is impressive.

Odashirogahara, a meadow with fantastic scenery
Odashirogahara, a meadow with fantastic scenery

The rainy season usually begins in early June in the Nikko area, and the area experiences heavy precipitation and high humidity. The average temperature is around 20°C (68°F), 3-5°C lower than Tokyo, and the temperature drops in the mornings and evenings, so a water-repellent jacket that can also be used as rain gear is recommended. The Kinugawa Line boat ride down the canyon created by nature offers a dynamic view of the city while splashing in the water.
If you pay a visit to "Nikko Toshogu Shrine," you will pass through the stone pavement behind the main shrine and ascend 207 stone steps surrounded by deep cedar groves to the inner shrine where Tokugawa Ieyasu's grave is located. The sacred area, where only successive shoguns were allowed to ascend, has been open to the public since 1965 and is an attractive power spot.
In July and August, the cooler Oku-Nikko is recommended. With an average maximum temperature of around 23°C, this is the perfect time to take a walk and enjoy the great outdoors, such as at Nikkoukisuge, which begins to bloom in early July, and Senjogahara, where you can walk along wooden paths stretching across the marshland. The average minimum temperature is around 15°C, so bring a thick jacket.

The scenery created by the autumn leaves on the lake and the blue sky is a gift from nature.
The scenery created by the autumn leaves on the lake and the blue sky is a gift from nature.

Nikko is famous for its autumn foliage. Nikko is famous for its autumn foliage. Fortunately, the difference in elevation means that the best time to view the autumn foliage is from late September to late November. Lake Yunoko (1475 m above sea level) in Oku-Nikko is a mysterious place where the leaves turn red, yellow, and brown in late September and are reflected on the surface of the lake. There is a walking path along the shore of the lake, which can be circled in about an hour, and is a recommended spot to enjoy the autumn leaves earlier than usual.
The famous "Iroha-zaka" slope, which is usually at its best from mid-October, is a popular spot for viewing the autumn leaves. Traffic congestion occurs on the famous "Iroha-zaka" slope, which is usually at its best from mid-October. It is best to leave very early in the morning if you are driving from the Tokyo metropolitan area. Nikko has so many waterfalls that it is called "48 waterfalls," and it is fun to see the autumn leaves while visiting the waterfalls.
Ryuoukyo Gorge is located between Kinugawa and Kawaji hot springs. A promenade has been developed so that visitors can stroll along it while admiring the beauty of the valley created by the rock landscape and the autumn leaves. In autumn, the temperature is about 4°C lower than that of Tokyo in the city center and about 10°C lower in Oku-Nikko, so light and warm clothes such as fleece, woolen scarves, and warm socks are recommended.

▶For more information on autumn temperatures Click here

The icefall of
The icefall of "Iori Falls" shines beyond hiking through Senjogahara on snowshoes.

Nikko is cool throughout the year, so winter can be harsh, with average temperatures around 0°C in the city center and below freezing in Oku-Nikko. The average temperature in the city center is around 0°C, and in Oku-Nikko it is below freezing. Since there are many days with snowfall, the appearance of shrines and temples such as Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Futaarasan Shrine is exceptional against the snowy landscape. Visitors can enjoy visiting shrines and temples in the dignified air and strolling through the stores in the town in front of the gates. However, since there are snowy and icy roads, warm boots are a must.
In Oku-Nikko, the icefalls, where waterfalls freeze and turn to blue ice, are the highlight of the trip, and the temperature in January and February can drop to as low as -20°C. In addition to a down coat and knit cap, take a portable body warmer to keep warm. Snowshoeing and other winter activities, such as hiking through the snowfields, are also popular. Even beginners can join a guided tour.
The Iroha slope is not closed to traffic, but if you are not used to icy roads, it is recommended that you take a public bus. If you drive your own car, studless tires are a must.

The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.