Weather in Nagano

About Nagano

Japan's Alpine region harbors the famous Jigoku-dani 'Hell Valley' hot springs where Japanese macaques—snow monkeys—soak in steaming water surrounded by winter snows in one of nature's most surreal scenes. The city itself hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics while nearby mountains offer year-round hiking and temple exploration. Snow-covered temples and primates create uniquely Japanese imagery.

Country

Japan

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

JPY

Language

Japanese

Things to do in Nagano

Watch snow monkeys bathing in hot springs Hike Jigoku-dani trail through steaming terrain Visit historic mountain temples Ski in winter or hike in summer seasons Soak in outdoor onsen hot springs Photograph monkeys and snowy landscapes

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, with regular rainfall.

February

Cold, with some rainy days.

March

11C

Cool, with some rainy days.

April

16C

Cool, with some rainy days.

May

22C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

June

25C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

July

28C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

August

30C

Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.

September

25C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

October

19C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

November

14C

Cool, with some rainy days.

December

Cold, with regular rainfall.

Nagano sits in the Japanese Alps, a city of temples and ski slopes that hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and remains a gateway to some of Japan's best mountain scenery. Zenko-ji Temple draws pilgrims year-round, while the nearby Jigokudani Monkey Park is famous for its snow monkeys soaking in steaming hot springs against a backdrop of snow-covered pines.

Best areas to stay in Nagano

Zenko-ji area

The historic temple district in central Nagano, with traditional shopping streets leading up to the main temple.

Jigokudani

Home to the famous snow monkey park, set in a forested valley with natural hot springs.

Hakuba

A major ski resort area in the Northern Alps, about an hour from Nagano city, with hot springs and hiking in summer.

Obuse

A charming small town near Nagano known for its chestnut sweets and Hokusai museum, popular as a half-day trip.

Getting to Nagano

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Flights

Fly into Tokyo (Narita or Haneda), then take the Shinkansen to Nagano.

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From London

~12-13 hours direct from London to Tokyo, plus 80 minutes by Shinkansen to Nagano.

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Getting around

Local trains and buses connect Nagano city to the snow monkey park and ski resorts; an IC card works on most local transport.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Nagano?

Winter (December to February) is ideal for the snow monkeys and skiing, while autumn brings spectacular foliage in the surrounding mountains.

How do I see the snow monkeys?

Jigokudani Monkey Park is about an hour from Nagano city by train and bus, followed by a 30-minute walk through forest to reach the hot spring area.

Is Nagano good for skiing?

Yes - resorts like Hakuba and Shiga Kogen are within easy reach and offer some of Japan's best powder snow, popular with both locals and international visitors.

What is Zenko-ji Temple?

A major Buddhist temple over 1,400 years old, famous for its pitch-black underground passage said to bring enlightenment to those who find their way through by touch.

Is Nagano easy to reach from Tokyo?

Yes - the Shinkansen connects Tokyo to Nagano in about 80 minutes, making it feasible as a long day trip or overnight stop.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Watching the snow monkeys soak in the hot springs with snow falling around them was unforgettable - well worth the trek through the forest to get there.

Oliver D. · January 2024

★★★★★

Zenko-ji Temple was beautiful and the surrounding old town had great little shops and food stalls. The autumn colours on the way were a bonus.

Akemi S. · November 2023

★★★★☆

Skied at Hakuba for a few days then stopped in Nagano city on the way back to Tokyo - easy to combine and the snow monkey park was a great half-day addition.

Greg P. · February 2024