When to go · Shirakawa-gō
Shirakawa-gō in August
Mixed month. Outside the best window (Apr–May, Oct–Nov; Jan–Feb for snow and the light-up). Across Japan: Hottest month and Obon travel peak: go north (Hokkaidō, Tōhoku) or plan short outdoor windows.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C) / 20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 14
- Crowds
- High
- Japan overall
- Prices
- High
- Japan overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (Apr–May, Oct–Nov; Jan–Feb for snow and the light-up). Across Japan: Hottest month and Obon travel peak: go north (Hokkaidō, Tōhoku) or plan short outdoor windows.
Is another month better than August?
August is rated mixed. These months rate higher:
- OctoberGreatInside Shirakawa-gō's best window: Apr–May, Oct–Nov; Jan–Feb for snow and the light-up.
- NovemberGreatInside Shirakawa-gō's best window: Apr–May, Oct–Nov; Jan–Feb for snow and the light-up.
- JanuaryGreatInside Shirakawa-gō's best window: Apr–May, Oct–Nov; Jan–Feb for snow and the light-up.
- FebruaryGreatInside Shirakawa-gō's best window: Apr–May, Oct–Nov; Jan–Feb for snow and the light-up.
Weather in August
- Shirakawa-gōHighs around 30 °C (86 °F), lows around 20 °C (68 °F), rain on about 14 daysHighs around 86 °F (30 °C), lows around 68 °F (20 °C), rain on about 14 days
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Obon big impact
About 13–16 Aug · Japan
Family travel peak; Shinkansen and expressways jammed; some small shops close.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Japan overall
- High
- Prices · Japan overall
- High
Japan overall: Hottest month and Obon travel peak: go north (Hokkaidō, Tōhoku) or plan short outdoor windows.
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Shirakawa-gō, side by side.
Verdict
Aug: Mixed
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
Aug: 30 °C (86 °F)86 °F (30 °C)
Jan: 3 °C (37 °F)37 °F (3 °C)
Night low
Aug: 20 °C (68 °F)68 °F (20 °C)
Jan: -4 °C (25 °F)25 °F (-4 °C)
Rain days
Aug: 14 (better)
Jan: 18
Crowds
Aug: High
Jan: Low
Prices
Aug: High
Jan: Low
Festivals listed
Aug: 1
Jan: 1
August: Outside the best window (Apr–May, Oct–Nov; Jan–Feb for snow and the light-up). Across Japan: Hottest month and Obon travel peak: go north (Hokkaidō, Tōhoku) or plan short outdoor windows.
January: Inside Shirakawa-gō's best window: Apr–May, Oct–Nov; Jan–Feb for snow and the light-up.
Shirakawa-gō: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast