Shirakawa-go Weather in January
Season: Winter Overview: 1. January brings cold weather in Shirakawa-go, and thick winter clothes are necessary.
2. The snowfall is frequent, contributing to beautiful winter scenery.
3. Many tourists come here to admire the snowy landscape, making January the peak season here.
Coldest Month in a Year
Average Temperature: -4 - 2℃ (24.8 - 35.6℉)In January, Shirakawa-go experiences the chilliest climate throughout the year. Early mornings and late evenings are much colder, as the lows often remain around -5 - 0℃ (23 - 32℉), at times dropping to nearly -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit). But the chill abates somewhat during the daytime, when temperatures are usually around 2 - 10℃ (35.6 - 50℉). Particularly on sunny days, you feel warm while bathed in the sunlight.
Snow Frequently and Heavily
Average Precipitation: 223 mm (8.8 in)Average Wet Days: 21 days
Rain, sleet or snow all occur during this month, but heavy snow is the most common, so the snow accumulation often reaches more than 2 meters. Fortunately, snow usually doesn’t last long. But be aware of snowstorms that cause low visibility and traffic congestion on some roads, and in severe cases, the whole village might be sealed for travelers’ safety. Therefore, if you plan to visit Shirakawa-go in January 2026, please monitor closely snowfall information before your departure.
Snow-capped Gassho-style House
|
Sunshine Hours & Daylight Hours
Sunrise Time: 6:54 - 7:03Sunset Time: 16:48 - 17:17
Sunshine Hours: around 4 hours per day
Daylight Hours: 9 hours 44 minutes - 10 hours 23 minutes
It gets dark early, resulting in short day time. Accordingly, some attractions shut down early - for example, Wada House and Shiroyama Tenshukaku Observation Deck are closed at 17:00 and 15:30 respectively. In this case, you’d better arrange your itinerary effectively. It’s also advised to start your day early and leave additional time for walking from one spot to another, as frozen and slippery roads make movement difficult and you may need longer time than usual.
Is Shirakawa-go worth visiting in January?
Of course. In this month, Shirakawa-go with gassho-zukuri style houses is blanketed in thick snow, taking on a tranquil scene alongside white mountains in the distance. What’s more, during winter lighting events, starting from mid-January, the village looks as breathtaking as a fairyland at night.What to wear in Shirakawa-go in January?
|
Upper: Keeping warm is a top priority. You’re advised to wear three layers: for the innermost layer, choose quick-dry and closefitting long-sleeved shirts; fleece jackets or sweaters are acceptable as the mid-layer; long and waterproof down coats are highly recommended as outer ones. Lower: Pack fleece-lined snow pants, along with woolen high-ankle socks and high-top boots. You’d better also prepare crampons to prevent slipping on icy roads. Others: 1. Thick hats, gloves, scarfs and facial masks are indispensable items, and heating pads are super useful. Since snow reflects UV rays, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, when you stay outdoors for an extended period.
2. Take a lightweight thermos and regularly drink warm water to maintain body heat.
3. Raincoats are more convenient than umbrellas on rainy and snowy days.
Top Things in Shirakawa-go in January
Admire winter scenery
Shirakawa-go shows distinct charm through its snowy landscapes both day and night. It’s better to head for Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck and Shiroyama Tenshukaku Observation Deck in early mornings to secure a superb spot and see the full view of the snowcapped village. Lighting events last from 17:30 to 19:30 every Sunday, when you can admire the one-of-a-kind houses under the brilliant lights and be immersed in an enchanting atmosphere.
|
Snowy days in January
|
Enjoy natural onsen
Enjoying hot springs in winter is a perfect way to warm up your body. Oshirakawa Shiramizu-no-yu Onsen offers 100% natural hot springs, whose variety is extensive: cypress baths, open-air baths and bubble baths. Shirakawago no Yu Hotel, the only one with natural onsens in the village, is also a good choice. Its open-air baths allow you to soak in comfort while appreciating the snowy scenery of the Hakusan mountain range and the Shō River.
|
|
|
Travel Suggestions & Tips
1. As a well-known winter resort, Shirakawa-go receives lots of visitors in January: restaurants are full of people, causing a long queuing time, so it’s better to have meals a little earlier or later than usual; as hotels and bus tickets are hard to get, early reservation is wise.2. To celebrate the New Year, locals take time off and some restaurants and stores may close in early January. Therefore, remember to check ahead of time whether the ones you plan to visit are open or not.
3. Lighting activities can only be taken part in by reservation, so independent travelers should pay special attention to related information. On the day of the event, those without a pass will be required to leave the village before 17:00.
