Local Guide
Let's know the temperature and clothes in Omachi City.

Omachi City is located in the northwestern part of Nagano Prefecture. It is a top-class mountain tourism area known as the starting point on the Nagano side of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, known for the Kurobe Dam.
The city is located at an elevation of approximately 700 m above sea level, with 3,000-meter-high mountains in close proximity to the city, and the highland seasons of late spring, short summer, early fall, and long winter. The climate is inland with a large difference in temperature, characterized by cool summers and harsh winters. Ogisawa, the entrance to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a popular tourist destination, is about 1,344 meters above sea level, and Kurobe Dam is about 1,470 meters above sea level, so before heading out, consider the difference of about 0.6°C in 100 meters and prepare your clothing accordingly.
In winter, there is a lot of snow in the mountainous areas, and temperatures in most areas go negative even during the daytime, but there are many clear winter days and spectacular views to be had in this sightseeing area. Take careful winter protection to enjoy your trip.

Omachi City Climate and Clothing

Oyamazakura (Cherry Blossoms) at Lake Nakatsuna
Oyamazakura (Cherry Blossoms) at Lake Nakatsuna

The average temperature in March is 1.6℃, and the average low is -3.6℃. Wear heavy innerwear, hats, scarves, boots, etc. to keep warm to the tips of your body.
The snow melts in the city area in late March, and the "Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route" opens in mid-April, kicking off the mountain tourism season. Cherry blossoms are at their best from late April to early May, with average temperatures rising to 7.4°C in April and 13.7°C in May, but the lowest average temperature drops to 1.4°C in April and 7.8°C in May. Temperatures drop even further when going to higher elevations, so a down coat or other midwinter coat is required.

Water discharge viewed from the bed of Kurobe Dam
Water discharge viewed from the bed of Kurobe Dam

One of Omachi City's most popular summer attractions is the powerful water release from the Kurobe Dam, which takes place from late June to the end of August. The average temperature in June is 18.2°C, 21.9°C in July, and 22.5°C in August, making it a cool and comfortable place to enjoy sightseeing. However, the difference between the lowest and highest average temperatures in each month is nearly 10°C. You can spend the daytime in short sleeves or light long sleeves, but it is a good idea to prepare a parka or other heavy cloak for the morning and evening.
If you are going out in the mountains, where the weather can change easily, you must have warm outerwear. We recommend a windbreaker or similar lightweight, windproof outerwear.
Omachi City, with its abundant underground water from the Northern Alps, is also known as the "City of Water" and is a great place to enjoy lakes and rivers in the summer. When going out, be sure to carry items to protect against ultraviolet rays and insect bites.

Autumn leaves in Takase Valley
Autumn leaves in Takase Valley

The average temperature drops to about 18°C in September. In late September, the autumn leaves begin to change color at the top of the mountains, and it takes about a month and a half for them to move down to the foot of the mountains. The last peak of the autumn foliage viewing season is the best time to dress for late fall or early winter in Tokyo. Long sleeves of warm material and a heavy coat or down vest are recommended. Also, prepare hooded outerwear and rain gear in case of sudden rain.
In late October, snow begins to fall in the Northern Alps. In the urban areas, winter arrives with the end of the fall foliage in early November. The first snow falls, and the average temperature is 5.9°C (41°F), which is about the same as the average January temperature in Tokyo. Be sure to dress thoroughly for the cold.

The Northern Alps in Winter
The Northern Alps in Winter

Omachi City will be entering a quiet winter after the Kurobe Dam closes for business on November 30. Omachi Hot Spring Village, not far from Ogisawa, is a good place to visit at this time of year. Outdoor hot springs in the snowy landscape and meals served over an open hearth provide a taste of the unique satoyama atmosphere. The area is also dotted with ski resorts, making it a great place to spend an active vacation.
Average winter temperatures are -0.6°C in December, -3.6°C in January, and -2.4°C in February. January in particular can be bitterly cold, with the lowest average temperature falling to -8.6℃. However, it is very warm indoors, so down coats and other outerwear that is easy to take off and put on and off and provides good protection against the cold are useful.
If you are going out by car, be sure to equip yourself with studless tires and chains.

After a day of sightseeing, how about a relaxing moment in a hot spring village nestled in the Northern Alps, where you can enjoy a rural Shinshu Experience with the hospitality of a sunken hearth?
Hoshino Resorts KAI Alps is within easy access to tourist attractions: Ogisawa, the entrance to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, is about 20 minutes away by car, and the Hakuba area, which is popular with skiers in winter, is about 30 minutes away by car.

The inn of a hidden hot spring healed by the hospitality of a sunken hearth

Hot springs are drawn from Kuzu Onsen, a hidden hot spring located at the foot of the Northern Alps with an abundance of hot water.
Hot springs are drawn from Kuzu Onsen, a hidden hot spring located at the foot of the Northern Alps with an abundance of hot water.

About 80 minutes by car from Nagano Station. This hot spring ryokan is located in Omachi Onsen-kyo. Guest rooms and hot spring bathhouses are lined up on both sides along "Gangi," an arcade in the snow country, where you can experience the countryside of Shinshu, with fair days and traditional games in summer, and snow games with kamakura and kanjiki in winter.
All Guest rooms are "Shinanomotenashi no Ma" (Shinano hospitality room). The rooms are decorated with kirie art frames and lit by lanterns made of Matsuzaki washi paper, creating a peaceful atmosphere. In the earthen floor with a sunken hearth, you can enjoy the hospitality of the countryside, such as oyaki, baked apples, and heated sake. It is as if you have returned to your hometown, where you can spend time relaxing both body and soul.

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