Know the temperature and clothing in Otsu City (Mt. Hiei)
Shiga Prefecture, which has Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa, is divided into four areas surrounding the lake: Konan, Koto, Kohoku, and Kosai. Otsu City is located in the south and west of Lake Biwa, adjacent to Kyoto City across Mount Hiei, and dotted with historic temples and shrines. The Hira mountain range, including Mt. Hiei, is a highland area with a series of 1,000-meter-high mountains, and the temperature difference from the basin along the Lake Biwa coast can be more than 5°C.
Temperature and clothing for spring (March to May) in Otsu City (Mt. Hiei).
March is the month when Lake Biwa opens, an event that heralds the beginning of spring in Otsu. The average temperature is 7.8°C. The temperature is about 2°C lower than in Tokyo, and there is still some lingering snow on Mount Hiei, which is over 800 m above sea level. If you are planning to go out in the mountains, take warm clothing such as a heavy coat, scarf, and gloves until early April.
In late March, the cherry blossoms begin to bloom. The 11-kilometer stretch of the Lake Biwa River lined with cherry trees, as well as temples and shrines, will be in full cherry blossom until the beginning of April. To enjoy the cherry blossoms at night, warm clothing is recommended, such as a knit under a coat.
Around G.W., when the temperature rises, the days with high temperatures exceeding 20°C will increase. The azaleas and gingerbread will be in full bloom, and daffodils and cherry blossoms will be at their best in the higher elevation areas. Daytime outings are comfortable with a parka or light coat.
Summer (June-August) temperatures and clothing in Otsu City (Mt. Hiei)
The average temperature in June is 22.8℃. The rainy season has begun, and rainy days feel colder than the temperature. This is also the time of year when you can enjoy the elegance of hydrangeas in the rain at temples and shrines such as Mitsui Temple. When visiting temples and shrines, be sure to bring a cardigan or parka to protect yourself from the rainy season chill. In the latter half of the rainy season, there is a possibility of torrential rain when the rainy season front moves south and stagnates. It is recommended to carry rain gear.
The average temperature in July and August is around 27℃. Many visitors come to Lake Biwa for leisure activities and to tourist spots such as Mount Hiei to avoid the summer heat. In the basin, a single short-sleeved jacket is sufficient, but if you go out to higher elevations, a light jacket or long-sleeved shirt is recommended.
In addition, since there is a large temperature difference between inside and outside, a light jacket that can be stored compactly is useful.
Autumn (September-November) Temperatures and Clothing in Otsu City (Mt. Hiei)
In early September, the average maximum temperature is around 27°C, and you can spend the day in short sleeves. In mid-September, the difference between the lowest and highest temperatures in Otsu City increases to more than 10°C, and parkas and jackets come into play. Autumn can be felt in late October. Autumn leaves change color from the deep mountains and come down to Lake Biwa in mid-November. The scenery of historical buildings and autumn leaves is lit up at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere. The temperature during the best time to view the autumn leaves is around 12°C. In the morning and evening, it drops below 10°C. The temperature drops below 10°C in the mornings and evenings, so it is advisable to dress warmly with a coat and scarf when viewing the autumn leaves at night.
Winter (December to February) Temperatures and Clothing in Otsu City (Mt. Hiei)
Winter in Otsu City differs between the lowlands and highlands. Compared to the relatively mild lowlands, it snows in the highlands and it is bitterly cold at the bottom of the winter. In the highlands and the Kosai-Kohoku area, the first snowfall is observed in early December. The snow is so deep that there is a ski resort on Mt. Horai in the Hira mountain range, and studless tires or chains are required when using the Hieizan driveway by car.
Average temperatures are 6.4°C in December, 3.8°C in January, and 4.7°C in February. The minimum temperature rarely falls below zero in the basin. In the coastal areas of Lake Biwa, dress as you would in Tokyo. In the highlands, where the temperature drops below zero, dress to protect your entire body from the cold, from your hands to your feet.
Otsu at this time of year is a great place to enjoy traditional events such as the Oni-oi ceremony at Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei on New Year's Eve, and in January, the famous 100 poems and queen competition at Omi Jingu Shrine, the sacred site of karuta (Japanese playing cards).
