Hiroshima & Miyajima→
Station: HiroshimaHiroshima, Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine, Atomic Bomb Dome
High
9.9℃
Low
2.0℃
- Precip.
- 46.2mm
- Sunshine
- 139h
- Sunset
- 17:21
Highs around 10°C, mornings around 2°C. Oyster season, at its best in winter
Chugoku & Shikoku Weather Guide
Chugoku & Shikoku Weather in January: What to Wear & Expect
January is the coldest month of the year in Chugoku & Shikoku. Hiroshima's high is 9.9°C and mornings drop to around 2°C. Hiroshima, Okayama, Takamatsu and Matsuyama along the Seto Inland Sea get lots of sunny, dry days, while Matsue and Tottori on the Sea of Japan side see many cloudy and snowy days, with Tottori's 201.2mm of precipitation more than 4 times Hiroshima's. It's a season full of winter-only pleasures, from Hiroshima oysters and San'in's matsuba crab, both at their best in winter, to Dogo Onsen.
- Hiroshima high
- 9.9℃
- Hiroshima low
- 2.0℃
- Hiroshima rainfall
- 46.2mm
- Hiroshima sunset
- 17:21
Overview
Chugoku & Shikoku in January: Key Points
- ✓Hiroshima's high is 9.9°C, with mornings around 2°C. You'll need a winter coat
- ✓Lots of sunny days along the Seto Inland Sea, many snowy days in San'in (Matsue and Tottori)
- ✓Snow often settles in Tottori in January. Be prepared for snowy roads in San'in
- ✓Hiroshima oysters and San'in matsuba crab are in season. A good time for Dogo Onsen too
By Area
January Weather by Area
Temperature, precipitation, snow and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for January 15.
Onomichi & Shimanami Kaido→
Station: IkuchijimaOnomichi, Shimanami Kaido, Ikuchijima, Imabari
High
9.5℃
Low
1.6℃
- Precip.
- 39.5mm
- Sunshine
- 142h
- Sunset
- 17:18
Highs of 9.5°C, mornings around 2°C. Cold winds on the bridges between the islands
Okayama & Kurashiki→
Station: OkayamaOkayama, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Okayama Korakuen, Okayama Castle
High
9.6℃
Low
0.1℃
- Precip.
- 36.2mm
- Sunshine
- 149h
- Sunset
- 17:15
Lots of sunny days, but mornings drop to around 0°C
Izumo & Matsue→
Station: MatsueMatsue, Izumo Taisha, Matsue Castle, Lake Shinji
High
8.3℃
Low
1.5℃
- Precip.
- 153.3mm
- Max snow depth
- 13cm
- Sunset
- 17:17
Highs around 8°C. About half as much sunshine as Hiroshima, with many snowy days
Tottori→
Station: TottoriTottori, Tottori Sand Dunes, Uradome Coast, Mt. Daisen
High
8.1℃
Low
1.1℃
- Precip.
- 201.2mm
- Max snow depth
- 25cm
- Sunset
- 17:12
Highs around 8°C. Snow often settles, sometimes covering the dunes. Matsuba crab season
Hagi, Tsunoshima & Akiyoshidai→
Station: HagiHagi, Tsunoshima, Akiyoshidai, Kintaikyo Bridge
High
9.4℃
Low
2.4℃
- Precip.
- 94.5mm
- Sunshine
- 77h
- Sunset
- 17:26
Hagi highs around 9°C. Many cloudy days on the Sea of Japan side
Takamatsu, Naoshima & Shodoshima→
Station: TakamatsuTakamatsu, Naoshima, Shodoshima, Kotohiragu, Ritsurin Garden
High
9.7℃
Low
2.1℃
- Precip.
- 39.4mm
- Sunshine
- 141h
- Sunset
- 17:15
Highs around 10°C. Plum blossoms start to open at Ritsurin Garden late in the month
Tokushima, Naruto & Iya→
Station: TokushimaTokushima, Naruto Whirlpools, Iya Vine Bridge, Oboke
High
10.0℃
Low
2.9℃
- Precip.
- 41.9mm
- Sunshine
- 160h
- Sunset
- 17:14
Tokushima highs around 10°C. In the mountains, Iya mornings drop to around -2°C
Matsuyama & Dogo Onsen→
Station: MatsuyamaMatsuyama, Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama Castle, Uchiko
High
10.2℃
Low
2.6℃
- Precip.
- 50.9mm
- Sunshine
- 129h
- Sunset
- 17:21
Highs around 10°C, mornings around 3°C. The season to warm up at Dogo Onsen
Kochi & Shimanto→
Station: KochiKochi, Katsurahama Beach, Kochi Castle, Shimanto River
High
12.2℃
Low
2.1℃
- Precip.
- 59.1mm
- Sunshine
- 191h
- Sunset
- 17:19
Highs around 12°C, the warmest in the region. Lots of sunny days
What to Wear
What to Wear in Chugoku & Shikoku in January
Base layer
Thermal underwear
Tops
Sweater or fleece
Outerwear
Down jacket or thick coat
Bottoms
Long pants; thick tights or fleece-lined pants work too
Shoes
Comfortable walking shoes with thick socks. For Matsue and Tottori, waterproof non-slip shoes
Accessories
Gloves, a scarf and kairo (disposable heat packs). A folding umbrella in San'in too
Coastal spots like Miyajima and the Shimanami Kaido are windy and feel colder than the numbers suggest. A scarf to protect your neck will keep you comfortable.
Good to Know
Good to Know
Be prepared for snow in San'in
Matsue and Tottori see many snowy days in January, and snow often settles in Tottori. If you're driving a rental car, you'll need winter tires.
The weather differs between the Seto Inland Sea and San'in
Even when it's sunny in Hiroshima or Okayama, it's often snowing or raining over the mountains in Matsue and Tottori. On days when you visit both, check the forecast for each.
Some sights close over New Year
From about January 1 to 3, museums and some shops and restaurants are closed. Check the closing days of the art museums on Naoshima too.
Enjoy winter delicacies
Hiroshima oysters and San'in matsuba crab are in season in winter. Popular restaurants get busy, so we recommend booking early.
Events
January Events & Highlights
Hiroshima Oysters
Hiroshima, Miyajima and moreAutumn to winter (the colder it gets, the richer the flavor)Hiroshima is famous for its oysters. The harvest begins in October–November, and they are said to get tastier as the cold deepens. Oyster festivals are held around the prefecture in January–February.
Matsuba Crab
Tottori & San'inEarly November–MarchTottori Prefecture's snow crab fishing season runs from early November to March. Landed at ports like Tottori Port and Sakaiminato, it is the signature taste of winter in San'in.
Plum Blossoms at Ritsurin Garden
TakamatsuLate January–Early MarchRitsurin Garden, a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, has around 150 red and white plum trees, which start to bloom around late January.
Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.
FAQ
FAQ
Q. What's the temperature in Hiroshima in January?＋
On average, the high is 9.9°C and the low is 2.0°C. It's the coldest month of the year, and some mornings drop close to 0°C.
Q. Does it snow in San'in (Matsue and Tottori) in January?＋
There are many snowy days, and snow often settles in Tottori at this time of year. The average maximum snow depth is 25cm in Tottori and 13cm in Matsue. Wear non-slip shoes when you head out.
Q. What should I wear in Chugoku & Shikoku in January?＋
You'll need a winter coat such as a down jacket, plus gloves and a scarf. If you're going to San'in, also bring waterproof shoes and an umbrella.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Chugoku & Shikoku TripPR
Other Months
Chugoku & Shikoku Weather in Other Months
Back to the Chugoku & Shikoku Weather Guide (all months & areas) →
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (climate normals 1991-2020). Compiled by tripuuu.log. Temperatures are from a representative station in each area; actual weather varies from year to year.