Local Guide
Autumn (September-November) Clothing and Temperature Information for Nikko and Kinugawa Hot Springs

Nikko and Kinugawa, famous as sightseeing spots, are attractive areas in each of the four seasons, but the temperatures and clothing for autumn, which is famous for its autumn foliage, vary greatly, so we have compiled information on temperature and clothing for your reference.

Nikko is about 150 km from Tokyo, but the temperature difference between Nikko and Tokyo is significant in autumn.
In particular, in Oku-Nikko, where Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls are located, it is cool enough that the maximum temperature does not exceed 25°C even in mid-summer, and the winter is correspondingly cold. This difference in temperature makes the autumn leaves more beautiful.
It is not unusual for the average temperature to fall below freezing from January to March.
For this reason, Nikko is sometimes referred to as the "refrigerator of the Kanto region.

Annual Temperature and Clothing in Urban Nikko

Annual temperature and clothing in Oku-Nikko

The average temperature in Nikko differs between Nikko city (near Nikko Toshogu Shrine) and Oku-Nikko (near Lake Chuzenji). The average temperature in Nikko in September is over 20°C, while the average temperature in Oku-Nikko is around 15°C, and drops to single digits in October and November when the leaves change color.
Compared to the average temperature in Tokyo, the temperature in Oku-Nikko is about 7°C lower.
To enjoy the autumn foliage and sightseeing, it is important to bring extra layers of clothing and items that are easy to take off and put on, such as stoles, scarves, and gloves.

Another characteristic of Nikko's climate is the difference in elevation.
The city center of Nikko is 530 meters above sea level, Lake Chuzenji is 1,269 meters above sea level, and Yumoto Hot Spring is 1,479 meters above sea level, resulting in a large difference in temperature. If you plan to visit Oku-Nikko or Yumoto hot springs, be sure to check the temperatures.

One advantage of the large difference in elevation is that the season for viewing autumn foliage is also longer.
Usually, the area around Lake Chuzenji is at its best in early October, while the urban area at 530m elevation is at its best in mid-November.
Considering the time of year and the difference in elevation, we recommend wearing clothes that are easy to take off and put on, but adding a large stole is also useful as it can be used in a variety of ways.

Kinugawa hot spring area, located along a mountain valley, is on average 4°C cooler than Tokyo.
During the daytime in early autumn (September), the natural environment is so good that ultraviolet rays are so strong that you will want a sunshade, but as autumn deepens, the temperature difference between day and night becomes greater.
Therefore, it is recommended to bring a piece of clothing such as a cloak or stole.

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