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Know the temperature and clothing for Nasu Kogen!

Nasu Highlands is located in the town of Nasu in the northern part of Tochigi Prefecture. Situated within the Nikko National Park area, where the Nasu mountain range towers, it is a highland region that spreads across the southern slopes of Mount Chausu (1,915m above sea level), an active volcano that still emits volcanic smoke. The altitude ranges from approximately 300m to 1,200m. With its rich natural blessings in every season—cool in the summer and snowy enough for skiing in the winter—the area is well-equipped with vacation homes, leisure facilities, and hot springs, making it a popular summer retreat visited by nearly 5 million tourists annually.
The climate of the Nasu Highlands is a highland type, characterized by cool temperatures and low humidity. There are significant temperature differences between seasons and between day and night, and caution is also needed for thunderstorms in the summer. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather.

About temperature and clothing in Nasu Highlands in spring (March–May)
About temperature and clothing in Nasu Highlands in summer (June–August)
About temperatures and clothing for autumn in Nasu Highlands (September–November)
About temperatures and clothing for winter in Nasu Highlands (December–March)
Yahata Azalea Colony
Yahata Azalea Colony

The average minimum temperature in March is -1.1°C. There is still snow in the Nasu Highlands, and you can enjoy skiing or snow-viewing baths at hot springs even during this period. Heavy outerwear such as down coats is essential, and midwinter attire is best. The snow melts and plants begin to bud in late March. Cherry blossoms start blooming from mid-April, and at an altitude of about 500m, the Yaeyamazakura cherry blossoms reach their peak during Golden Week. By mid-May, when 200,000 azaleas bloom in the "Yahata Azalea Colony," the temperature rises and the weather becomes pleasant. The average maximum temperature is nearly 19°C, and you can spend the day in long-sleeved cut-and-sew shirts, but the temperature drops sharply after sunset. The average minimum temperature is around 8°C, so you cannot do without a coat. Considering the temperature difference, go out in clothing that is easy to put on and take off.

Playing in the river at Nasu Highlands
Playing in the river at Nasu Kogen

The best season for Nasu Highlands is summer, when the greenery is dazzling. The average temperature in June is about 17.1°C, and there are many sunny days with a refreshing climate. It is the perfect season to enjoy leisure activities at lakes and in forests, as well as farm experiences and highland hiking.
The rainy season arrives around late June, when hydrangeas color the Nasu Kaido road. It is a good idea to have a windbreaker or similar item ready to protect against the cold rain and wind until the rainy season ends around mid-July.
The average temperature in August is 22.4°C. This comfortable summer retreat becomes very lively. The average high temperature is 27.1°C, so you can spend your days in short sleeves while enjoying outdoor activities in the great outdoors. However, since the amount of UV radiation is said to be about 10% higher than in the lowlands, UV protection is necessary. Also, since there is a temperature difference of about 10°C between day and night, be sure to bring a light jacket for evening outings such as firefly viewing or fireworks displays.

Autumn leaves of Mount Chausu
Autumn leaves of Mt. Chausu

The average temperature in September is 18.7°C. Mornings and evenings can drop to around 10°C, making it feel like autumn all at once. Autumn foliage begins near the peaks of the Nasu mountain range in late September, and by mid-October, the foothills are dyed in a beautiful gradient of colors. The average temperature during this period is about 12°C. When visiting famous autumn foliage spots like Mount Chausu or the Nasu Heisei-no-Mori Forest, be sure to bring outerwear such as a knit cardigan or a trench coat. If you plan to head up toward the mountain peaks, carrying a stole is useful for keeping warm.
November brings a sense of winter's arrival. The first snow is observed in the Nasu mountain range early in the month, and by late November, the minimum temperature in the highland area drops below freezing, and frost columns can be seen. We recommend preparing for your trip with winter attire, such as wearing a sweater under a thick coat.

Beautiful snowy landscape of Nasu
Beautiful snowy scenery of Nasu

In December, there are frequent days when the average temperature drops below 0°C. Snow begins to fall in mid-December, turning the landscape into a silver world. Temperatures drop even further in January and February, leading to severe cold. With snow accumulation of about 10–30 cm, be sure to take thorough cold-weather precautions, such as wearing snow boots, highly insulating inner layers, a down coat, gloves, a scarf, and pocket warmers. Also, if you are using a car, snow tires or chains are required.
Nasu Kogen is full of winter-exclusive fun, such as skiing and strawberry picking. In particular, you should definitely try visiting the hot springs of Nasu Onsen, which boasts 11 famous hot springs including the "Shika no Yu," which has a history of about 1,390 years. Unlike the bustle of summer, you can spend a peaceful moment in the hot spring town as the snow falls deeply.

*The information provided is current as of the date of the article's update. Please check in advance as it may be subject to change.