Snow in Shirakawago (late Dec/early Jan)

9 comments

1. Impossible to predict. Sometimes you just need to book it and try your luck. Going in late Jan would be better if you can.

2. Even if it’s freezing, if there are no precipitation there are no snow.

3. Can check for the winter illumination that is mid-January to mid-February. I think it’s popular so better check to book now if that interest you.

   [https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5956.html](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5956.html)

4. Hard to predict. December is definitely hit or miss, though. I was there 12/28 last year, there was *some* snow, but not a ton. Mostly heavy and wet, melting down the roofs and pooling in the fields, [like this](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49722258646_7a933e9d06_c.jpg). That being said, the drive was still beautiful and the mountains and hills looked great. We had friends in town, so we walked around Gokayama and just generally enjoyed the time puttering around and getting soba.

5. You’ll have to send Mother Nature an email and request her schedule.

6. You’ll have better odds in late Jan to mid Feb, imo.

   There was barely any last year even up to Feb but signs are pointing to good snow this year.

   There is a big snow storm (14-16 Dec) forecasted next week, though. Check the reports, if it looks good at Shirakawago, how about going right after this?

7. It depends, I went in 2019 and was in between snowing days. My cousin went this year January and no snow for a week. It depends on your luck

8. As others said likely to be more so end of January.

   I went December 29 and was snow, but only early. But the whole week leading up there wasn’t any

9. If you go mid January there’s the Festival of Lights, even with light to no snow is very pretty and worth a visit