Best Time to Go to Takayama

When Should I Go to Takayama?

Spring and autumn are recommended among the seasons for the more pleasant weather, which is neither hot nor cold.

Spring – April to May

Climatically, the Takayama weather is quite lovely, together with blooming cherry blossoms and famous Takayama Spring Festival in April.

Autumn – October to November

It’s great to see fall foliage on mountains as well as in Takayama city. The remarkable Takayama Autumn Festival comes in early-mid October, too.

Read more about Best Time to Visit Japan

Landmark Takayama Jinya

Best Time for Cherry Blossoms in Takayama

Usually, the middle of April is the best time for full-blown sakura there. The cherry blossoms season is slightly later in Takayama than other regions like Tokyo and Kyoto. When it steps into April, you could see the blossoms on 7th or so at the earliest, or it might be postponed until the 20th.

See Also:
Best Sakura Months in Japan
Japan Cherry Blossoms Forecast

Cherry Blossoms in April

Best Time for Fall Foliage in Takayama

In the second half of October, it’s the best time to enjoy fall foliage on the Japan Alps encircling Takayama city. Mt. Norikura, Mt. Hotaka, etc. are on the bucket list of red leaves viewing during the period.
To November, the leaves on mountains there begin to fall, but the best time for red leaves in Takayama city has just arrived. The early to mid-November is the best time to watch autumn leaves along Miyagawa River and historical sites.

See Also: Japan Fall Foliage Forecast

Enjoy Fall Foliage in Takayama

Best Time for Hiking around Takayama

Takayama is a great hiking destination in central Japan, with rolling mountains in the surroundings. Mid-April to mid-November is the best period for hiking in the year, as major hiking places there, Kamikochi is the most-visited, are reopened to bus service.

During these months for more than half a year, it’s not advised to walk into the mountains when it is raining heavily. It’s misty perhaps, and paths in low-lying areas, such as one by a stream, are likely to be flooded. June, early to middle of July and September are the rainiest time there.

High Season & Low Season to Visit Takayama

High Season

Time: April to early May, mid-late July to August, October to November, mid-December to February
Pros: good weather, cherry blossoms, fall foliage, splendid snow scenes
Cons: more visitors, expensive
The Golden Week of Japan falls during early May. From mid-late July to August, Takayama may be considered as a summer retreat, as it happens to really cool in mountains and at night.
Lastly, mid-December to February, especially January and the first half of February, is a burgeoning peak season of Takayama travel, as numerous travelers come there for the snowy spectacle.

Low Season

Time: mid-May to early July
Pros: less visitors & cheaper prices
Cons: bad weather in the rainy season
After the cherry blossoms season and Golden Week, Takayama ushers the off season. The crowds leave and the rainy season is coming soon, which lasts until the middle of July or so. Owing to Takayama’s location in mountains of Japan Alps, a plenty of rain would result in torrents, standstill of traffic, or other more inconveniences for travelling there.

A Takayama Street

Shoulder Season

Time: March & September
March is a month between the high seasons of winter and cherry blossoms. Winter hasn’t ended completely in the first half of the month, and Takayama is not like other regions where cherry blossoms have already bloomed in late March.
September is the month when summer vacation has been just over, and it would be affected by potential typhoons somewhat before the autumn leaves season next month.

See Also:
Peak Season – Expensive Months to Visit Japan
When Is the Cheapest Month to Visit Japan?

When Does It Snow in Takayama?

Usually, the first snow falls in Takayama in mid-November or early December. The frequent snows bring about thick snow cover there bit by bit, especially in the coldest January. To March, snowfall decreases gradually and the snow cover start to melt. By early April, it turns into light sleet and then into rain later. The snow is completely melted in the middle of April except a little thin snow on the summits of Japan Alps.

Shirakawa-go - Takayama Winter

Takayama Spring Festival & Autumn Festival

Takayama is also known for its Spring Festival (Sanno Matsuri) and Autumn Festival (Hachiman Matsuri). Takayama Spring Festival is fixed on April 14th & 15th, with Hie Shrine as the major ritual site; Takayama Autumn Festival is on October 9th & 10th, with Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine as the main venue.

They together are referred as one of a few “beautiful” festivals in Japan, for you can experience the beauty of local culture in depth. It’s wonderful to witness the parade of hill-like yatai, the old ornate festival floats that are considered as mobile residence of their gods, on the two days. Also, the marionette performance on three floats is distinctive if you’re interested. There are four marionette shows totally, in front of Takayama Jinya during Spring Festival while at Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine during Autumn Festival.

Travelling Tips to Takayama

1. It’s advised to avoid the awfully bad weather there. For example, a snow storm has caused a tie-up of traffic.
2. Takayama is a city of slow life in Japan, and some shops close the door as early as at 17:00 in the afternoon. On their regular rest days (usually Tuesdays or Wednesdays) and holidays, they wouldn’t open the shop or close it earlier. Thus, it’s suggested to get to the city and have your dinner early or prepare something to eat beforehand.

Miyagawa Morning Market