January is the coldest month of the year in Kyushu. Fukuoka's high is 10.2°C and mornings are around 4°C. Kyushu may have a southern image, but in Fukuoka and Nagasaki the winter monsoon winds bring many cloudy days, and the wind feels cold. Miyazaki and Kagoshima are milder, with highs around 13°C, and are known for lots of sunny days. Mountain towns such as Aso, Yufuin and Takachiho drop below freezing in the mornings. It's the best season to enjoy hot springs such as Beppu, Yufuin, Ureshino and Kurokawa.
Temperature, precipitation, snow and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for January 15.
Fukuoka, Hakata, Tenjin, Dazaifu Tenmangu
Highs around 10°C. Dazaifu Tenmangu is packed on January 1–3. Yatai stalls with wind shields are the most comfortable
Nagasaki, Mt. Inasa, Glover Garden, Meganebashi Bridge
Highs around 11°C. The sea breeze feels cold in this hilly city. Clear air makes the night view from Mt. Inasa beautiful
Sasebo, Huis Ten Bosch, Kujukushima Islands
Mornings around 4°C. Huis Ten Bosch gets especially cold during the evening illuminations
Ureshino Onsen, Karatsu, Arita, Imari
Ureshino drops to around 0°C in the morning. A great season for Ureshino Onsen's yudofu (hot spring tofu) and hot springs
Kumamoto, Kumamoto Castle, Aso, Kurokawa Onsen
Kumamoto highs around 11°C. Aso-Otohime highs around 7°C, mornings around -3°C, and roads can freeze
Beppu, Yufuin, Beppu Hells Tour, Mt. Yufu
Oita highs around 11°C. Yufuin drops to around -2°C in the morning, and morning fog can form
Takachiho, Takachiho Gorge, Takachiho Shrine, Amanoiwato Shrine
Mornings around -1°C. It's Yokagura season, so bundle up for night viewings
Miyazaki, Aoshima, Nichinan Coast, Udo Jingu
Highs around 13°C with lots of sunny days. Among the most sunshine hours in Kyushu
Kagoshima, Sakurajima, Ibusuki, Sengan-en
Highs around 13°C, on the warm side. Rapeseed blossoms bloom in Ibusuki
Yakushima, Shiratani Unsuikyo, Jomon Sugi, Yakusugi Land
Highs around 15°C on the coast. Lots of rain, with snow settling in the mountains. Winter mountain climbing is not recommended
Fukuoka and Nagasaki often have strong northwesterly winds, so it feels colder than the temperature suggests. A scarf to protect your neck will keep you comfortable.
From January 1 to 3, huge numbers of New Year visitors flock to Dazaifu Tenmangu, Kushida Shrine and more. The Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line and nearby roads are crowded too.
From about January 1 to 3, museums and some shops and restaurants are closed. Yatai stalls also change their opening days, so check ahead.
In higher areas such as Aso, Yufuin and Takachiho, roads can freeze in the mornings and evenings. If you're driving a rental car, check for winter tires or chains.
Kyushu is rich in hot spring towns, including Beppu, Yufuin, Kurokawa, Ureshino and Ibusuki. The colder it gets, the more you'll enjoy hopping between baths.
Usokae, in which people exchange carved wooden bullfinches (uso) to wish for good luck in the year ahead, and Onisube, which drives out demons amid flames and smoke, are held on the same day from evening into the night.
Hakata's New Year festival to pray for prosperous business. It's lively with lucky draws, and the Kachimairi procession of geisha visiting the shrine is a highlight.
An Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan in which each community performs 33 sacred kagura dances through the night in private homes or community halls. Check the schedule with the Takachiho Town Tourism Association.
Read the guide：Takachiho Yokagura (Night Kagura) →PRKlookMiyazaki Day Tour: Takachiho Gorge & Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine (from Fukuoka)A day tour visiting Takachiho Gorge, Amano Iwato Shrine and more. Aso and boating options availableView on KlookPRKlookAso, Kusasenri & Takachiho Gorge Day Tour (from Hakata Station)Kusasenri and Takachiho Gorge in one day. Takachiho Gorge rowboat rental option availableView on KlookA winter light event at Huis Ten Bosch, a theme park recreating a Dutch townscape. The illumination, which has won first place in the Illumination Awards’ overall entertainment category for 13 consecutive years, is being renewed for the first time in 16 years for the 2026–27 season and will appear as ‘The Starlight Million.’ Events themed on a European Christmas are held at the same time.
Read the guide：Huis Ten Bosch Winter Illumination →Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.
On average, the high is 10.2°C and the low is 3.9°C. It's the coldest month of the year, and you'll need a winter coat.
Snow rarely settles in lowland cities such as Fukuoka and Kumamoto, but flurries can fall during cold snaps. In mountain areas such as Aso, Yufuin and Takachiho, it sometimes settles.
You'll need a winter coat such as a down jacket, plus gloves and a scarf. Miyazaki and Kagoshima are a little milder, but mornings and evenings get cold.
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.
