Hiroshima Weather in January

In the middle of winter, January has the coldest but sunniest weather of the year. If you don’t mind the cold weather and are willing to wear heavy clothes, it is actually a nice off-peak period with few tourists, where you can enjoy the tranquility of landmarks and taste winter-exclusive delicacies.

Temperature

Though January is the coldest month throughout the year in Hiroshima as mentioned earlier, you will not feel uncomfortably cold during your visit, especially during the daytime. In most cases, the daytime temperatures range from 5-10 degrees Celsius (41-50 degrees Fahrenheit), and the nighttime temperatures are about 0-5°C (32-41°F). On some sunny days, the midday hours may be warm at around 15°C (59°F). It’s true that sometimes the daily high and low drop below 5°C (41°F) and 0°C (32°F) separately, making you feel quite chilly, but just in occasional cases.

Moreover, you should know that the weather of Hiroshima in January is a bit windy, lowering the apparent temperatures to some extent.

Cold but Sunny January

Rainfall & Humidity

On average, January gets really low precipitation of about 58 mm, scattered over 7 days. So, it is sunny most of the time, and snows or rains occasionally but not much. Besides, both snow and rain are light most of the time, and the snow usually melts quickly, thus leading to limited influence on outdoor activities. It should be noted that when it snows, the temperature will be much lower than normal.

With an average humidity of about 63%, the air is a bit dry.

Daylight Hours & Sunshine Hours

Sunrise Time: 7:09-7:17
Sunset Time: 17:10-17:38
Average Daylight Hours: 9.53-10.28 h
Average Sunshine Hours: 4.6 h

The daylight hours are short this month, leading to shorter opening hours of some attractions like Hiroshima Castle and requiring you to have a more compact trip. Thanks to the low precipitation, you can expect nearly 5 hours of sunshine per day on average. On one hand, the sunlight shining on you will make you feel a bit warmer; on the other hand, sunlight will make the attractions more appealing.

Atomic Bomb Dome on Sunny Days

January with Soft Sunshine

Pros and Cons of Visiting Hiroshima in January

Pros: In January, the number of visitors is small, and you can visit famous spots without crowds around. In addition, fewer tourists mean lower demand for air tickets and hotels, so they are relatively cheaper to order this month.

Cons: The climate of Hiroshima in January is cold, especially at night, sometimes with winds. Besides, available daylight hours are limited this month, making sightseeing a bit rushed.

Quiet Miyajima Island

What to Pack to Visit Hiroshima in January

Clothes and shoes: Hiroshima climate is cold in January, so you need to wear thick clothes like sweaters, wool overcoats, downcoats, thermal pants, and thick sweatpants. Moreover, there is a large temperature difference between indoors and outdoors because of the work of the air conditioner, so it is recommended to bring jackets that are easy to put on and take off. As for shoes, you need thicker sneakers or boots. Since snow may fall this month, the shoes are better to be nonslip.

Others: You also need hats, scarves, and gloves in the cold winter. With about 7 rainy days on average, you’d better bring an umbrella.

Highlights of Hiroshima in January

Famous attractions in Hiroshima, like the Atomic Bomb Dome and Miyajima Island, are definitely something you won’t want to miss no matter when you visit Hiroshima. However, besides these, you might also be interested in the following things that are unique to January.

1. Hatsumode: First Shrine Visit of the New Year

If your travel dates include the first few days of the month, you will meet many Japanese visiting temples, shrines, etc., to pray for safety and good luck for the coming year. If you are interested, you can go to Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. You can also pray here, as the locals do. There will be Omamori, a kind of amulet in Japan, for sale.

Moreover, in the Shrine, various ceremonies for praying will be held from January 1 to 3. During these ceremonies, you have a chance to see solemn ceremonies such as clergy delivering blessings and admire traditional dance and music performances.

Itsukushima Shrine

2. Sea of Clouds in Takataniyama

In January, the phenomenon of a sea of clouds occurs almost every day in Takataniyama. Standing on the Takataniyama Viewing Platform, you can see the vast sea of clouds. If you make it to the top of the mountain before sunrise, you will also see the sun rising over the clouds. Also, there may be snow on the mountain in January.

3. Delicacy and Hot Springs

January is the best time for Hiroshima oysters, and it is recommended that you try oyster dishes or Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki this month. The hot springs are especially worth experiencing because, in cold January, they not only help relieve fatigue but also effectively keep you warm.

Making of Hiroshima Yaki

Finished Look of Hiroshima Yaki

Tips for Visiting Hiroshima in January

1. From December 29 to January 3 in 2027, many stores and restaurants will close. To avoid wasting time, contact them and confirm whether they are open before you go. Besides, some attractions will also close during the New Year period: for example, Hiroshima Castle will not open from December 29 to January 2.
2. The first few days of this month, when the Japanese New Year atmosphere is at its strongest, Miyajima Island will be crowded because many people go to do their “First Shrine Visit of the New Year”. If you don’t want to wait in line for a long time, you need to get up early.
3. There is a tide timetable at the entrance to Itsukushima Shrine, which will give you references if you want to walk under the torii gate at low tide and enjoy it up close.
4. Bad weather may cause Miyajima ropeway close, so pay attention to the weather forecast and choose a sunny day if you plan to take it.