The Four Seasons of Minakami
The seasons in Minakami are very distinct with a huge variation in temperatures and humidity from Summer to Winter. There are actually more than four season in the Minakami; Winter, Spring, rainy season, Summer, typhoon season, Autumn.
Typical seasons
Winter
Mid- Nov - Late March
The first snow falls arrive around mid November with the first skiing starting between late November and early December. The snow really starts to hit hard in early January with great conditions on and off piste from January through to early March. Temperatures will range from 5- 10 deg C. on a sunny day with no wind to -20 on a cloudy day with high winds. During January and February snow can be expected almost every day but by March the sun starts to be seen a lot more often to make for some great days on the slopes.
Spring
Late March - Early June
Spring typically starts around late March in Minakami. The melting snow swells the rivers and lakes from mid April to make for great whitewater rafting. Temperatures are very changeable with up to 20 deg C on a sunny calm day but there is still a chance for snow up until late April. The cheery blossoms (sakura) usually start to bloom around Golden Week (national Japanese holidays from the last days of April to the start of May) and the town is filled with picnic goers enjoying sake under the beautiful trees (hanami)
Rainy season
Early June - Mid-July
The rainy season (tsuyu) in Minakami is no where as bad as the monsoon season in the rest of Asia. The typical rainy season means about 10-12 days of rain per month whilst the temperatures range from 20 - 30 deg C.
Summer
Late July- Early September
Summer in Minakami is relatively cool and dry compared to the major cities, which are unbearable without air conditioning. Temperatures range between 28 - 35 deg C most days. If you get too hot, you can jump into the river at one of the many swimming holes!
Typhoon season
August - October
Typhoons may start as early as August but September is typically when most typhoons will hit Japan. Minakami is very seldom affected by most typhoons.
Autumn/Fall
Early October - Mid November
Autumn is an incredibly beautiful season in Minakami with the changing of the leaves (Kouyou) being a very popular reason for tourists from Tokyo area to visit. The mountains are filled with colours of the various deciduous trees. The temperature can range from the low 20’s to as low as 5 deg C. October is typically very stable weather with many beautiful sunny Autumn days (Akibare).
