Takayama Weather in January

Season: Winter
Overview: Coldest, Snowy, Windy & Humid
January is the coldest month in Takayama, at an average low temperature in Celsius of -6℃ (21.2℉). During the day, it would not be more than 7℃ (44.6℉) in most of the time; while at night, it is as low as -10℃ (14℉) or so. Sometimes, the temperature drops to around -13℃ (8.6℉) if it happens to be unexpectedly cold. In mountains surrounding the city, the temperature would be a little bit lower.

January is a snowy month in Takayama in Japan Alps. It is snowing, lightly or heavily, in two-third of the time at least. What’s more, the strong winds also contribute to a cold feeling in the freezing Takayama climate of January so that you have to wear thick clothes there.

Takayama Jinya in Janaury

Averages of Takayama Weather in January

Temperature: -6~3℃ (21.2-37.4℉)
Precipitation: 97mm
Rainy/Snowy Days: 20 days
Sunrise: 06:53-07:04
Sunset: 16:47-17:18
Daylight hours: 10h 16min
Sunshine hours: 4h

What Is the Coldest Month? How Cold Is Takayma in January?

January is the coldest month in Takayama, as the average temperature is around 3℃ (37.4℉) during January, while the highest temperature is only 5-7℃ (41-44.6℉) on usual. Frequent snows and strong winds make visitors feel pretty cold there.

Snowing in Takayama

Does It Snow in Takayama in January?

It snows often, resulting in about 20 snowy days in Takayama throughout January. In years with a lot of snow, the snowy days may reach 27 days or more. It does snow indeed mostly during these 20 more days, in rare cases it sleets or rains. The heaviest snow in January could dump a snow cover at 6cm (2.4in) at one time, and the snow depth reaches 43cm (17in) during the whole month on average. But of course, you can hardly see such a thick snow cover in the urban area.

What to Wear in Takayama in January?

For the frigid Takayama climate in January, visitors need to wear their thick winter clothes to keep warm, but not be bulky. You can wear in layers with thermal underwear, sweater and down coat. For lower part, a pair of long johns and cotton-padded trousers are enough.

Causal sneakers are too thin in Takayama, while snow boots or snow hiking shoes are suggested. Those with non-slip soles would be better to walk on the slippery roads.

Winter gloves, wool scarf, woolen hat and ear muffs can be worn. If you are particularly afraid of coldness, you can also try the sticker-like exothermic padding that stuck on the underwear, which is a common winter commodity in Japan.

Moreover, sunglasses can be taken as a standby, to prevent from snow blindness if you’re going to stay at a snow ground outdoors for a long time. An umbrella can also come in handy probably.

Top Things to Do in Takayama in January

Travel Recommendation:

Takayama is impressively beautiful in January, offering a lot of attractions and activities for tourists. Apart from the most famous historical landmarks, you can go for an adventure there to discover the natural wonders of snow, experience local culture and taste the steaming hot food.

Snow-Covered Shirakawa-go

1. Visit Shirakawa-go - Winter Beauty of Rural Japan

You may have heard of the world heritage village of Shirakawa-go, which is famous for the otherworldly snow landscapes. Reached in 50 minutes by bus from Takayama bus terminal, the stunning village is readily available on a day tour. You can stroll around the little village, where the traditional houses in Gassho-zukuri style can be seen everywhere. It’s also great to get a bird’s eye view of the whole village on the observatory, especially if you are lucky to travel there on a snowy day. If you have booked the ticket of night lighting, you may stay overnight at the poetic village.

Tips: Night illumination is an annual activity held in Shirakawa-go in January, providing a chance to see the night scene of the peaceful village on the observatory. It’s held on a few days only, and you have to book the ticket in advance.

2. Enjoy a Featured Onsen Bathing

Natural Hot Spring in Takayama

Takayama is a great destination of onsen too, while Gero Onsen south to Takayama City is the best-known there. You can stroll along the old street and experience an onsen bath there. In cold January, it wouldn’t be better to soak in the hot spring water. Besides, you can also visit the Onsen Museum in the town if interested. Hirayu Onsen is also a nice option for an onsen bath in the east of Takayama city.

3. Enjoy Skiing in Takayama - Hida Honoki Daira

Skiing is completely a top activity in Takayama in January. The high mountains in the surroundings offer a perfect venue for this sport. As the first snow comes early, ski resorts usually open since mid-December there. January is just the best time to have the winter fun, with more snow accumulated. Hida Honoki Daira is the best ski resort around Takayama, popular for a dozen ski runs for skiers of different levels. Snowmobiles, sledding, snow mountain hiking, etc. are also available.