Local Guide
Know the temperature and clothing in Nagato (Yamaguchi Prefecture)

Nagato City in Yamaguchi Prefecture is located at the northwesternmost tip of Honshu. The northern part of the city is a wonderfully scenic area with the "Kita Nagato Kaigan National Park" continuing along the Sea of Japan, and there are also five hot springs in the city, which are full of attractions that invite travelers to enjoy. Hagi City, with its World Heritage sites such as Hagi Castle Town, and Shimonoseki City, known for the Kanmon Straits and its famous puffer fish cuisine, are adjacent to the city, making it possible to enjoy sightseeing in the surrounding area.
Although located on the coast of the Sea of Japan, the climate here differs from that of the Sea of Japan, with its wind and snow. Winters are relatively warm due to the Tsushima Current, and snowfall is rare except in mountainous areas. Rainfall tends to increase in the rainy season, late summer, and winter, compared to Tokyo, so it is a good idea to carry rain gear.

Nagato City Temperature Graph

Aomi Island Sakura no Sato, where the pink of Someiyoshino cherry trees stands out against the green of the hills.
Aomi Island Sakura no Sato, where the pink of Someiyoshino cherry trees stands out against the green of the hills.

The average temperature in Nagato City in March is about 9℃. The weather is cold and warm in the early part of the month, and then the days are enchanting in the middle of the month. Spring is heralded by the "Marine Traffic Safety Prayer Festival" held every year on March 15 by the Aomi Island Tourist Steamship Company. The parade of eight sightseeing boats carrying large flags around the various fishing ports is well worth seeing.
Cherry blossoms bloom at Cheonghae Island and Taneiji Temple from late March to early April, and the temperature rises to 20 degrees Celsius during the day, but it gets cold at night, so be sure to wear a sweater or light outerwear to protect yourself from the cold.
Tawarayama Rhododendron Garden is decorated with 30,000 rhododendrons from April to early May, and the weather is ideal for an outing. May in particular has many sunny days, and the average temperature rises to nearly 19 degrees Celsius, making it a refreshing month to wear a shirt and cardigan. Visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing and strolling in the refreshing weather, wearing shirts and cardigans.

Niihonohama Beach, with its beautiful contrast of white beach and cobalt blue
Niihonohama Beach, with its beautiful contrast of white beach and cobalt blue

The rainy season usually begins in early June. In fact, during this period, there is little rain and the average temperature is over 20℃. You will feel comfortable in shirts and cut-and-sewn clothing. A stroll along the coast and a visit to Motonosumi Shrine is also recommended. The sight of 123 red torii (shrine gates) strung out along the cliffs is a sight to behold.
After mid-June, when rainy days become more frequent, windbreakers and other windproof outerwear are useful to protect against the chill of the rainy season.
From mid-July, when the rainy season ends, to the end of August, it is very hot and humid. A light cardigan is useful to prevent sunburn and to protect against air conditioning indoors. In summer, "Niinohama," a white beach with colonies of daylilies in bloom, is popular. It is also the beach with the cleanest water quality in Japan, and is crowded with parents, children, and surfers.

Daneiji Temple
Daneiji Temple" in autumn, with its vivid red maple trees

Although the maximum temperature in early September is above 25°C, the minimum average temperature is below 20°C, and the scenery turns autumnal. The Higashi Ushirobata terraced rice fields, with their spectacular view of the ocean behind Senmaida, glow with a golden color, and the fantastic sight of fishing fires floating offshore at night invites nostalgia.
The average temperature in October is about 23 degrees Celsius. The weather is pleasant, and a shirt and light outerwear is all you need.
The best time to view the autumn leaves is from early November to early December. The colors change from Nagato Gorge, and in mid-November, "Daneiji Temple" is dyed in brocade. Coats and stoles are necessary in November, when the average minimum temperature is below 10℃.

Oddly-shaped rocks of Aomi Island towering over the Sea of Japan in winter
Oddly-shaped rocks of Aomi Island towering over the Sea of Japan in winter

Due to the influence of the warm Tsushima Current, the average winter temperature is about the same as that of Tokyo. In early December, the average maximum temperature is still around 15°C, and a trench coat with a liner or a light wool coat will keep you warm.
From mid-December to February, the average minimum temperature is about 2°C and the average maximum temperature is about 9°C. Winter-like coldness prevails. A heavy coat is essential. The wind is strong along the coast, so it is best to bring a stole, gloves, or other small items to protect your neck and hands from the cold.
During this season, the famous "Senzaki Butoika" (squid), anglerfish, yellowtail, and other delicacies from the Sea of Japan are in abundance. Also, at Aomi Island, a scenic spot known as the "Maritime Alps," visitors can see a group of oddly shaped rocks towering high above the rough waves of the Sea of Japan.

After a day of sightseeing, how about a relaxing dip in Nagato Yumoto Hot Spring, the oldest hot spring in Yamaguchi Prefecture? This hot spring has a long history, and in the Edo period (1603-1867), feudal lords often visited this hot spring to take a hot-spring cure.

A stroll through the hot spring resort that healed the feudal lords

Akebono Gate
Akebono Gate" facing the Onshin River, which serves as the entrance and exit for strolling through the hot spring resort area

About an hour's drive from Shin-Yamaguchi Station. Nagato Yumoto Hot Spring is the oldest hot spring in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and has been in operation for about 600 years. It is known as a famous hot spring that was often visited by feudal lords during the Edo period. Kai Hoshino Resorts KAI Nagato, located in the center of the hot spring resort, opened in March 2020. All Guest rooms are "Nagato Gosai no Ma" (five-color room). Traditional Yamaguchi Prefecture crafts such as Tokuchi washi paper, Hagi ware, Hagi glass, and Ouchi lacquerware will add color to your stay. For meals, guests can enjoy abundant seasonal ingredients such as squid and other seafood, vegetables, and fruits that are well-known in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Akebono Café, facing the river, sells dorayaki and other delicacies made with yuzukichi, a taste of Yamaguchi. A stroll along the clear Onshin River with a dorayaki in hand is also recommended.

Declaration of the highest level of anti-Corona measures
Hoshino Resorts Kai has set up "hygiene management" and "3-secret avoidance" as the two main measures to provide a safer stay for our guests, and all of our Properties have evolved our conventional services to the highest level. Corona countermeasures We are implementing "Corona Countermeasures" at all facilities, which are an evolution of our existing services.

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