Takayama Weather in February

Season: Winter
Overview: Cold, a lot of snow
Takayama climate is cold and snowy in February on the whole. Although the coldest January is past and the temperature rises slightly, it is pretty chilly. In the daytime, the highest temperature is around 11 degrees Celsius (51.8 degrees Fahrenheit), and the highest record is about 18℃ (64.4℉) in the history. The diurnal temperature variation is large all the same, as the low temperature is around -5℃ (23℉) averagely. To the lowest, it could fall to -10℃ (14℉) or even lower a bit.

Sanmachi Suji Old Street

Averages of Takayama Weather in February

Temperature: -5~4℃ (23-39.2℉)
Precipitation: 99mm
Rainy/Snowy Days: 11-14 days
Sunrise: 06:23-06:52
Sunset: 17:18-17:46
Daylight hours: 10h 50min
Sunshine hours: 4h 7min

Does it Snow in Takayama in February?

Snowing Takayama Street

It snows a lot in Takayama in February, especially the first half of this month. There are 14 snowy days during February, which reduces remarkably in contrast to the 20 more days in January. This is the month of the most snowfall and the largest snowpack in Takayama, while the depth of snow cover reaches 46cm (18.1in) averagely.

Is Takayama Worth Visiting in February?

February is one of the most popular months to visit Takayama. Located in the mountains of Japan Alps, Takayama is perfect for winter fun like viewing of snow-covered landscapes and skiing. In particular, the village Shirakawa-go is famous and most-visited for the winter scenery.

What to Wear in Takayama in February?

In frigid Takayama climate in February, it’s crucial to wear thickly so as to keep warm. Sweater and cotton-padded overcoat are the necessities, plus the thick winter pants. The outerwear in bright colors is more recommended, which is better to make a striking contrast to the white snow, thus meanwhile you can take better pictures.

Non-slip boots or cleats can help you to walk steadily on the snow or icy ground, and it would be better to select those with studs on the soles. Thick gloves, scarf and plush hat are also needful outdoors.

Best Places to Visit in Takayama in February

Travel Recommendation:

Takayama, praised as Little Kyoto, is also a great destination as if the time has stood still in the pre-modern age. The historical attractions like Takayama Jinya and Sanmachi Suji are always charming for history buffs. Although it’s still cold in February, Takayama also embraces a lot places to see the extraordinary winter sights.

1. Shinhotaka Ropeway – A World of Snow

If you’d like to enjoy beautiful snow scenery of Japan Alps in Takayama, Shinhotaka Ropeway is one of the best places. Departing from Takayama Nohi Bus Center in Takayama downtown, you can get to Shinhotaka Ropeway in 1h 45min. Taking Shinhotaka Ropeway - the only double-decked cable car in Japan, you can enjoy the breathtaking views between a height difference of over 200m (656ft). Reaching the mountain top, you can also have a bird’s eye view of the North Japan Alps on the observation deck, to look the rolling snow-covered peaks into a distance. More fantastically, tourists can walk into the fairytale-like ice world and roam though the winding snow corridor there.

Tips: It’s suggested to go there on a clear day just after a snow, for the more beautiful scenery. Also, the upper section of Shinhotaka Ropeway may be shut down if the weather is really awful.

Look Down from the Shinhotaka Ropeway

Frozen Waterfall in Hirayu

2. Hirayu Onsen – Warm Onsen Experience & Ice and Snow Feast

Apart from Gero Onsen, Hirayu Onsen is another noted hot spring destination in Takayama. Depending on your preference, you can choose a day spa, to experience a Japanese onsen bathing in the private or public onsen pool; or, you can also try an overnight onsen hotel in the cold weather in February.

In addition to the onsen, Hirayu Frozen Waterfalls Festival make Hirayu Onsen more popular in the second half of February. During February 15th - 25th every year, it’s wonderful to see the 64-meter-high (210-feet-high) frozen Taruma Waterfall. After night falls, the place becomes dramatic as big and small icicles are shimmering in the colorful lights. There are free shuttle buses between the site and Hirayu Onsen bus station during the festival.

3. Kokubunji Temple - Historical Highlight & Setsubun Festival

Hida Kokubunji Temple may be the oldest attraction in Takayama City. Visitors can witness the old traditional buildings in the small temple, such as the bell tower, three-storied pagoda, and Hondo - the main temple hall.

On February 3rd, tourists could also experience the Setsubun Festival celebrations there. The old temple would be decorated with large banners with the patterns of red-faced ghost and the female face symbolizing good fortune, and a bonfire is lit. Paraders playing as Shichifukujin - seven gods of fortune, red ghosts, blue-green ghosts, etc. march through the nearby neighborhood. They throw beans on the way to drive evil spirits away and bring good fortune in in accordance with traditional customs. How interesting it is!

Hida Kokubunji Temple

Tips:

It’s advised to check the weather forecast beforehand and adjust your travel plan flexibly, if you suffer the bad weather like a snowstorm, in which some expressways might be closed and trains & buses are probably halted.