Know the temperature and clothing in Nasu Highlands!
Nasu Highlands is located in the town of Nasu in northern Tochigi Prefecture. Located within the Nikko National Park area where the Nasu mountain range rises, this highland area stretches on the southern slopes of an active volcano, Mt. Chausu (1,915 m above sea level), which is still smoking. The area is cool in summer and enjoyable for skiing in winter when there is snowfall, and is rich in natural blessings in all four seasons.
The climate of Nasu Highlands is plateau-type, cool and low humidity. Temperatures vary widely from season to season and from day to night, and in summer, visitors need to watch out for thunderstorms. Be sure to dress appropriately for each weather condition.
<Temperatures and Clothing in Nasu Highlands
Spring (March to May) temperatures and clothing in Nasu Kogen
The average minimum temperature in March is -2.5℃. There is still snow in Nasu Highland, and you can enjoy skiing and taking snow baths in the hot springs even at this time of the year. Heavy outerwear such as down coats are essential, and midwinter attire is optimal. The snow melts and plants begin to sprout in late March. Cherry blossoms bloom from mid-April, and the Yaeyama cherry blossoms at about 500 meters above sea level are at their best on G.W. In mid-May, when the 200,000 azaleas in the Yahata Tsutsuji Community are in full bloom, the temperature rises and the weather is warm and sunny. The average maximum temperature is nearly 19°C, and during the day you can spend your time in long-sleeved sweaters, but once the sun goes down, the temperature plummets. The lowest average temperature is around 7.5°C, and a coat is a must. Considering the difference in temperatures, wear clothes that are easy to put on and take off.
Summer (June-August) Temperatures and Clothing in Nasu Highlands
The best time to visit Nasu Kogen is during the summer, when the area is dazzlingly green and the average temperature in June is about 15°C, and the weather is refreshing with many sunny days. This is the perfect season to enjoy leisure activities at lakes and forests, farm experiences, and hiking in the highlands.
The rainy season arrives around late June, when the Nasu Highway is decorated with hydrangeas. Until mid-July, when the rainy season ends, it is a good idea to prepare a windbreaker to protect against the cold of rain and wind chill.
The average temperature in August is 21.5°C. The comfortable summer resort is very crowded. The maximum temperature is around 30°C, and you can spend your daytime leisure time playing in the great outdoors wearing short sleeves. However, UV protection is necessary since the amount of ultraviolet rays is said to be about 10% higher than in the plains. Also, since there is a temperature difference of about 10°C between day and night, be sure to bring a cloak for nighttime outings such as firefly-watching and fireworks displays.
Autumn (September-November) Temperatures and Clothing in Nasu Highlands
The average temperature in September is 17.5℃. In late September, the autumn leaves begin to change color near the top of the Nasu Mountain Range, and by mid-October, the area around the foot of the mountains is covered in a beautiful gradation of brocade. The average temperature during this period is about 12℃. If you are planning to visit the famous autumn foliage viewing spots such as Mount Chausu (Tea Mortar) and the Nasu Heisei no Mori ( Nasu Heisei no Mori), prepare outerwear such as a knit cardigan or a trench coat. If you are planning to go near the top of the mountain, it is a good idea to carry a stole to keep you warm.
November is the month in which you can feel the arrival of winter. In early November, the first snow was observed in the Nasu mountain range, and in late November, the lowest temperatures in the highland areas drop below zero and frost columns can be seen. It is recommended to prepare for winter by wearing a sweater inside a heavy coat.
Winter (December to March) Temperatures and Clothing in Nasu Highlands
In December, the average temperature often drops below 0°C (32°F). In January and February, the temperature drops even further and it becomes bitterly cold. Since the snowfall can be as much as 10 to 30 cm, be sure to wear snow boots, a down coat, gloves, a scarf, and a body warmer to keep you warm. If you are using a car, you will need snow tires and chains.
Nasu Kogen is full of winter fun, such as skiing and strawberry picking. In particular, this is a good time to visit Nasu Hot Springs, which has 11 famous hot springs, including "Shika-no-yu," a hot spring that has been in use for approximately 1,380 years. A "hot spring excursion ticket," which allows you to use three hot springs for 1,000 yen, is available only in winter, making it a great value for money. Unlike the bustling summer season, you can spend a peaceful time in the hot spring resort town with deep snow falling.
<Agriturismo resort to enjoy the nature of Nasu
After a day of sightseeing, how about relaxing at Japan's first agriturismo resort? Agriturismo" is a coined word from the Italian words agricultura (agriculture) and turismo (tourism), and refers to a type of tourism that allows visitors to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy local agricultural experiences, nature experiences, and cultural exchanges.
In the rich nature of Mt. Nasu, visitors can experience the local production activities and taste the bounty of the earth while becoming familiar with the local scenery that nurtures the crops.
