Hakone Weather in January

Season: winter
Overview: coldest month, occasional heavy snow

Hakone weather in January is featured by coldness, a little rain, and dry air. There are a few snowy days but a high snowfall, which brings down the temperature to below zero and leads to the temporary close of public transportation and attractions. However, travelling to Hakone in January still can be a gainful journey: soaking onsens in natural hot spring water is a warm enjoyment.

Hakone in January

Temperature

Average: 5.4 ℃ (41.7℉)
Average High: 10.8℃, with the highest in history over 20℃ (68℉)
Average Low: -0.1℃ (31.8℉), with the lowest below -5℃ (23℉)

January is the coldest month all year around in Hakone. The huge temperature difference between day and night is another characteristic of Hakone climate in January. With only 6.5 hours’ sunshine time each day on average and the strong wind, people would actually feel colder than the temperature indicates. In addition, there is no obvious trend of temperature rise in this month.

Hakone on Snowy Days

Precipitation

Average Precipitation: 65 mm, with 51mm’s rainfall and 14mm’s snow fall
Average Precipitation Days: 3 rainy days, 1 - 2 snowy days, the possibility of consecutive rainy or snowy days is low but still exists

It is the least rainy month in Hakone. Even if it rains, the amount of rain ranges around 10 - 20mm per day, which is light or moderate rain. When it snows, blizzard and heavy snow are more possible to happen. As the snow in mountains may not melt quickly and there are many slop roads in Hakone, so please watch out your steps to avoid falling down.

Sunrise, Sunset, and Daylight Hours

Sunrise (1st – 31st): 6:50 – 6:42
Sunset (1st – 31st): 16:40 – 17:10
Average Daylight Hours: 10 hours, short

The visibility starts to get low at around 16:00. In addition, temperature falls down quickly after sunset, so you’d better well arrange your itinerary and return to hotel before sunset. For an in-depth Hakone tour in January, it is rushed to visit most attractions within a day before sunset, therefore prepare 2 days at least.

Is It Worth Going to Hakone in January?

Yes. Although from the perspective of weather, it is too cold to go there this month, Hakone is famous for its many hot springs and it’s an enjoyment to soak onsen in the cold winter to warm up your body. Second, the high visibility on sunny winter days makes it easier to watch Mount Fuji. As a result, going to Hakone this month is still rewarding.

How to Dress in Hakone in January

1. Upper: thermal underwear, sweater, and a down jacket that is easy to be taken off when visiting indoor attractions

2. Lower: long johns, thick winter pants, warm socks

3. Shoes: winter hiking shoes with good slip resistance

Other Essential Items:

1. Snow googles: They can protect your eyes from snow dazzling.
2. Woolen hat, gloves, and scarf: The wind in Owakudani Valley and above Lake Ashi is very strong, making you feel very cold.

3. Moisturizing products like facial cream and lipstick.

What to Do in Hakone in January 2026

1. Admire Mount Fuji

In Hakone, the chance to see Mountain Fuji clearly in January is comparatively high as there are about 15 sunny days when the visibility is quite good. The best place to see Mt Fuji in Hakone is Owakudani Valley. Taking a Pirate Ship Cruise on Lake Ashi is also a good way.

Owakudani Valley in January

2. Soak Natural Warm Onsen

After a tiring day in the cold air, soaking in the warm water can help refresh your body. In Hakone, there are 17 hot springs and many onsen hotels have been built around. Many hotels are matched with both common-shared and private onsens to satisfy different needs.

Hakone Hot Spring

3. Watch Firework Show on 1st January

Every year starting at 00:00 on 1st January, a 15-minute-long firework show would be performed near Lake Ashi to celebrate the coming of a new year. You would see 1,000 colorful fireworks burning in the sky.

4. Watch Hakone Ekiden Race

Hakone Ekiden is a well-known running relay race all over Japan. It is held every year to celebrate the New Year. On January 2nd, athletes would run from Tokyo to Hakone’s Lake Ashi. Then, many audience would pour to Hakone to watch this race.

Tips

1. Due to strong wind or heavy snow, Hakone Ropeway, Cable Car, and even buses may stop operation temporarily, and tourists may be trapped in mountains then. While, it is hard to hail a taxi in mountains both in snowy days and when it gets dark, therefore, if you plan to go there this month, it is suggested to chart a car.

2. For visitors who have purchased Hakone Pass but failed to take ropeway/cable car/ ect due to their temporary closure, they can get a part of money back at Hakone’s Ropeway stations, Cable Car Stations, and Tozan Train stations.

3. Some outdoor attractions may also be closed due to extreme weather, such as Natural Trail in Owakudani Valley. In that case, go to indoor places instead like museums.

4. In January, the weather in Hakone is not stable and may change suddenly from sunny to cloudy. To watch Mt. Fuji successfully, it is advised to stay here for 2 - 3 days.

January Weather for Other Cities in Japan:

Hakone Weather by Month

January February March April May June July August September October November December