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Learn about the temperatures and clothing for the famous tourist destinations of Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen

Close to the Tokyo metropolitan area and rich in nature, Nikko is a popular tourist destination throughout the seasons, featuring Kinugawa Onsen, famous autumn foliage spots, and World Heritage temples and shrines. Sometimes called the "refrigerator of the Kanto region," its cool climate is a major draw, but a notable characteristic is the significant difference in temperature due to elevation. The Kinugawa Onsen resort area along the valley is at an altitude of about 400m, the Nikko city area, home to World Heritage sites like Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Futarasan Shrine, is at 500–600m, and Oku-Nikko, where you find the Kegon Falls (one of Japan's three great waterfalls) and Lake Chuzenji, is over 1,300m above sea level; therefore, the elevation difference greatly affects the temperature depending on the season and destination. There is also a large temperature difference between morning and evening, so be sure to bring an extra item like a stole or cold-weather gear.

About the climate and clothing for spring (March–May) in Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen
About the climate and clothing for summer (June–August) in Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen
About the climate and clothing for autumn (September–November) in Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen
About the climate and clothing for winter (December–February) in Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen
Night cherry blossoms at Kinugawa Gokoku Shrine illuminated by light-up
Night cherry blossoms at Kinugawa Gokoku Shrine illuminated by lights

In March, both the Nikko city area and Oku-Nikko are still in the middle of winter. The average minimum temperature in Oku-Nikko is -2.9°C, and snowy scenery remains. Since there can be snowfall until around mid-April, prepare your footwear with winter boots and ensure your car is equipped with winter tires if you are driving.
Cherry blossoms begin to bloom in early April in Kinugawa Onsen and around late April in the Nikko area, signaling the arrival of spring. The cherry blossoms at Kinugawa Gokoku Shrine are illuminated, making it a hidden gem where you can enjoy night cherry blossoms. The cherry tree-lined path at Lake Chuzenji blooms from early May, but since the average temperature is 11°C, don't forget a warm jacket if you go cherry blossom viewing.
Also, Mount Nantai (2,486m above sea level), which houses the inner shrine of Nikko Futarasan Shrine and is an object of worship, usually opens for climbing from April 25th, and many people aim to reach the summit. The breathtaking view looking down at Lake Chuzenji is moving.

Odashirogahara, a meadow offering a fantastical landscape
Odashirogahara, a meadow that offers a fantastical landscape

The Nikko area, which usually enters the rainy season in early June, experiences high precipitation and high humidity. The average temperature is 14.7°C, about 8°C lower than in Tokyo, and since temperatures drop in the morning and evening, it is a good idea to have a water-repellent jacket that can also serve as rain gear. On the "Kinugawa River Boat Ride," where you travel down a valley created by nature, you can enjoy dynamic scenery while being splashed by the water.
Also, after visiting "Nikko Toshogu Shrine," if you walk along the stone pavement that continues from behind the main hall and climb the 207 stone steps surrounded by a deep grove of cedar trees, you will reach the Okumiya, where the grave of Tokugawa Ieyasu is located. This sacred area, where only successive shoguns were allowed to ascend, has been open to the public since 1965 and is also attractive as a power spot.
For July and August, the cool Okunikko area is recommended. With average maximum temperatures of 18.8–20.1°C, it is comfortable, making it the perfect season for walks to fully enjoy the great outdoors, such as seeing the "Nikko Daylily" that begins to bloom in early July or walking the wooden paths that stretch across the "Senjogahara" marshland. The average minimum temperature is 15.7–17.0°C, so be sure to bring a slightly thicker jacket.

The scenery created by the autumn leaves reflecting on the lake surface and the blue sky is a gift from Mother Nature
The scenery created by the autumn leaves reflecting on the lake surface and the blue sky is a gift from nature

Nikko is famous as a spot for autumn leaves. Thanks to the difference in elevation, the best time to see the autumn leaves lasts from late September to late November. At "Lake Yunoko" (altitude 1475m) in Okunikko, the autumn leaves turn red, yellow, and brown starting in late September, and the scenery reflected on the lake surface is mystical. There is a walking path along the shore that takes about an hour to complete, making it a recommended spot to enjoy the autumn leaves a little earlier than elsewhere.
The famous "Irohazaka Slope," which reaches its peak from mid-October, gets congested, so if you are driving from the Tokyo metropolitan area, it is best to leave very early in the morning. Nikko is said to have 48 waterfalls, so it is also fun to tour the waterfalls while viewing the autumn leaves.
"Ryuokyo Canyon" is located between Kinugawa Onsen and Kawaji Onsen. Since the walking trails are well-maintained, you can enjoy a stroll while admiring the beauty of the valley created by the rock formations and the autumn leaves. Okunikko is about 8°C colder than Tokyo, so light and warm clothing such as fleece, wool stoles, and warm socks are recommended.

▶For details on autumn temperature information, click here

After hiking through Senjogahara on snowshoes, the frozen waterfall of Iori Falls shines before you
The frozen waterfall of Iori Falls shines at the end of a snowshoe hike through Senjogahara

As Nikko is cool throughout the year, the winter climate is severe, with temperatures in Oku-Nikko dropping below freezing. There are many days with snowfall, making the appearance of shrines and temples like Nikko Toshogu and Futarasan Shrine, which stand out against the snowy landscape, truly exceptional. You can enjoy visiting them slowly in the crisp air or strolling through the shops in the temple town. However, since the roads will be snowy or frozen, winter boots are essential.
In Oku-Nikko, the frozen waterfalls, which turn into blue ice, are a spectacular sight. In January and February, temperatures can reach -6 to -7°C on some days, so be sure to bring a down coat, a knit hat, and portable hand warmers. Activities unique to the harsh winter, such as snowshoe hiking across snowy fields, are also popular. Even beginners can participate in tours and be guided with peace of mind.
While the Irohazaka Slope does not close to traffic, we recommend using public buses if you are not accustomed to driving on frozen roads. If you are traveling by private car, winter tires are essential.

*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.