Lake Kawaguchi Weather in January

Season: Winter

Weather conditions: chilly, high snowfall, around 15 sunny days

Lake Kawaguchi in January

Coldest Month of the Year

Average Temperature: -1℃ (30.2℉)

Average Low Temperature: -7℃ (19.4℉); in the past 5 years, the lowest temperature once dropped to -17.9℃ (-0.22℉)

Average High Temperature: 5℃ (41℉); in the past 5 years, for only twice, the highest temperature exceeded 15℃ (59℉)

January is the coldest month in Lake Kawaguchi in a year. According to data of past 5 years, there were some days when the lowest temperature dropped to -10℃ (14℉) or even lower. Sometimes, even during the daytime, the highest temperature was around only 0℃ (32℉). Therefore, if you decide to come here in January 2026, keeping warm is important.

Precipitation

Average Precipitation: 83mm rainfall, 217mm snowfall

Average Precipitation days: 14 rainy days, 12 snowy days

Generally, Lake Kawaguchi has moderate rainy days in January, and rainfall is much lower than in most other months. The possibility of heavy rain is not high, but you’d better take rain gear just in case. However, the frequency of snowfall is a little high, and heavy snowfall sometimes happens. Because of the low temperature, the snow may not melt quickly, but become ice on the road, making it very slippery. Therefore, please watch out for your steps while walking or appreciating the scenery on or after snowy days.

Sunrise, Sunset, Day Length

Sunrise: roughly 6:55 → 6:45 from early to late January

Sunset: roughly 16:40 → 17:10 from early to late January

Average Day Length: about 10h

In fact, 10 hours day length is not too long, but it is enough for a Lake Kawaguchi day trip including most top attractions and programs: riding Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, Ensoleille Excursion Ship Pleasure Boat cruise, strolling on Kawaguchiko-Ohashi Bridge, and visiting Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum. To finish all of these, you need about 3 - 4 hours. For Arakurayama Sengen Park, Oshino Hakkai, and other attractions a little far away from the Lake, more time is needed. It may be a little late if you decide to go back to Tokyo on the day. For a loose trip, you can stay here for a night if possible.

Snowcapped Fuji in January

Tips:
1. The operation time of the Ship cruise and the Ropeway stops around 16:00 or 17:00, earlier than in summer months. So, please don’t arrange these programs in late afternoon

2. Most visitors would take Kawaguchi Sightseeing Bus to travel around, but the waiting time is a little long and the timetable may not be accurate. In such case, renting a bicycle, chartering a car, or a group tour with private car and driver can be better choices.

What to Wear in Kawaguchi in January

Traveling to Lake Kawaguchi in January, the clothes you wear should have good insulation and be windproof to keep you warm.

Upper: thermal underwear, thick sweater, long down coat

Lower: long johns, outdoor winter pants, thick woolen socks

Shoes: snow boots or winter hiking shoes

Note that the shoes should be anti-slippery and suitable for walking on icy roads. In some places, the accumulated snow on the road may be deep and the common shoes may get wet easily. Therefore, shoes made of leather are better choices. If you have no such shoes, then take at least 2 pairs of other shoes for timely change.

Other Necessities to Take

1. Scarf, gloves, and knit hat: The wind is strong around the Lake. These items further help keep warm.

2. Sunglasses/ snow goggles: Gazing the white snow for too long, it is easy to get dizzy and your eyes may also be influenced. To avoid that, wear sunglasses or snow goggles after snowfall if you need to stay outside for hours.

Travel Recommendations for January in Lake Kawaguchi

In January, Lake Kawaguchiko has the most sunny days of the year – about 15 days. Mount Fuji’s visibility reaches about 80%, both of which makes it one of the best times to see the mountain clearly from the Lake. By taking Panoramic Ropeway, both the scenic Lake and the snowcapped Fuji would unfold before your eyes.

Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

Second, the abundant snowfall creates a good condition for skiing. About 30 minutes’ drive from Lake Kawaguchi, there is a skiing resort called Fujiten Snow Resort. There, the 7 skiing runs would satisfy your needs, whether you are a professional skier or a beginner.

After the tiring skiing, it is suggested to taste Hoto Noodles - a specialty in the Fuji Five Lakes area. Around Kawaguchiko Station, there are many hoto restaurants for you to try. In the cold weather, a bowl of hot soup noodles would warm your stomach and body quickly.

Hoto Noodle Restaurant

Hoto Noodles

After that, if you like, you can also go to soak hot springs in onsen hotels. For a better view of Fuji, hotels located on the north bank of the Lake are recommended.

Onsen Hotel near Lake Kawaguchi

Advice for Visiting Lake Kawaguchi in January

1. When it snows, Fuji’s visibility is low. It is advised to make a flexible travel plan if you come here in January. Check the visibility of the Mount Fuji before traveling. If the visibility is too low, adjust your itinerary.

2. It is a little windy in January and some programs on the Lake may be influenced. For example, the popular Swan Boat usually stops running on windy days.