- 2023.12.21
-
A guide to winter in Kochi
When people ask me when is the best time to visit Japan, I typically answer either spring (for the cherry blossoms) or autumn (for the vibrant foliage), but secretly, winter is my personal favorite. It can definitely get pretty cold, but there’s nothing more heartwarming than the holiday spirit, anticipation for possible snow or a sip of hot chocolate on a cold winter morning
So, for those open to experiencing beautiful Kochi in winter, check out these FAQ
How cold does it get?
In the past couple of years, the average temperature in January–which is typically the coldest month of the year–has been around seven degrees celsius. This is slightly warmer than, for example, Tokyo (according to the Japan Meteorological Agency). However, temperatures can fall below zero during mornings and nights.
What is the appropriate winter attire for traveling in Kochi?
This certainly depends on whether you get easily chilled or not, but generally, I recommend layering up with thermal innerwear (UNIQLO’s HEATTECH is definitely the go-to for a lot of people in Japan), long-sleeve shirt, and a long down jacket. If you’re walking around a lot for sightseeing purposes especially on a sunny day, you can start to feel pretty toasty. That’s why it’s great to have a warm but compact and lightweight down jacket so you can easily carry it around or place it in your bag.
Does it snow?
It can snow lightly, but generally, it isn’t cold or heavy enough to stick. The first photo of the train you see in this post was a very rare event that happened last year when there was record-breaking snowfall in Kochi (it sure was a fantastical Christmas Eve)! But of course, it’s an entirely different story if you were to travel to mountainous areas. For example, snowfall is relatively common around the crystal-clear Shimanto River because it is located at a higher altitude.
What is it like to drive in winter?
Besides the mountainous areas, it rarely snows in Kochi which makes driving relatively manageable. However, when it does snow, you are more likely to encounter road closures rather than enforcements to attach snow chains, in which case you can just wait until the snow melts (typically it only takes about half a day unless it’s a heavy storm). My recommendation would be to keep an eye on the weather and particularly avoid driving in the early mornings or late nights for a lower chance of road ice.
With that said though, it would probably give first timers in Japan more peace of mind to rely on public transportation, or build the itinerary around fun things to do in the cities (away from mountainous areas where there are more uncertainties regarding weather, snow and ice). At least if you have lived in Japan for some time, mostly speak the language, and/or have experience driving in snowy areas, you may be better prepared on what to expect and able to stay informed about any road closures, etc.
What are some recommended winter activities?
Ride the gorgeous “Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoakeno Monogatari” (Tale of the Dawn of an Era) sightseeing train: https://www.jr-shikoku.co.jp/yoakenomonogatari/en/
Visit Kaze Kobo for the most delicious strawberry cakes: https://kaze-sweets.shop/
Crystal Kayak with Niyodogawa Outdoor Center: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/activities/10483
Witness the majestic Otabi Falls in Ino Town: https://www.inofan.jp/spot/nature/n149/
See if you can catch the “lucky sunset”: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/darumasunset
Gorgeous camellias in Cape Ashizuri: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/topics/552
Ryugado Cave: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10018
The Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10019
Have a drink with locals at Hirome Market: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10024
Sauna tent with Niyodo Adventure: https://www.niyodoadventure.com/sauna-tent
…and so much more! Stay tuned for more winter content to come
Special thanks to Instagram user @akimrn for the stunning fourth shot!
@akimrn: https://www.instagram.com/akimrn/
So, for those open to experiencing beautiful Kochi in winter, check out these FAQ
How cold does it get?
In the past couple of years, the average temperature in January–which is typically the coldest month of the year–has been around seven degrees celsius. This is slightly warmer than, for example, Tokyo (according to the Japan Meteorological Agency). However, temperatures can fall below zero during mornings and nights.
What is the appropriate winter attire for traveling in Kochi?
This certainly depends on whether you get easily chilled or not, but generally, I recommend layering up with thermal innerwear (UNIQLO’s HEATTECH is definitely the go-to for a lot of people in Japan), long-sleeve shirt, and a long down jacket. If you’re walking around a lot for sightseeing purposes especially on a sunny day, you can start to feel pretty toasty. That’s why it’s great to have a warm but compact and lightweight down jacket so you can easily carry it around or place it in your bag.
Does it snow?
It can snow lightly, but generally, it isn’t cold or heavy enough to stick. The first photo of the train you see in this post was a very rare event that happened last year when there was record-breaking snowfall in Kochi (it sure was a fantastical Christmas Eve)! But of course, it’s an entirely different story if you were to travel to mountainous areas. For example, snowfall is relatively common around the crystal-clear Shimanto River because it is located at a higher altitude.
What is it like to drive in winter?
Besides the mountainous areas, it rarely snows in Kochi which makes driving relatively manageable. However, when it does snow, you are more likely to encounter road closures rather than enforcements to attach snow chains, in which case you can just wait until the snow melts (typically it only takes about half a day unless it’s a heavy storm). My recommendation would be to keep an eye on the weather and particularly avoid driving in the early mornings or late nights for a lower chance of road ice.
With that said though, it would probably give first timers in Japan more peace of mind to rely on public transportation, or build the itinerary around fun things to do in the cities (away from mountainous areas where there are more uncertainties regarding weather, snow and ice). At least if you have lived in Japan for some time, mostly speak the language, and/or have experience driving in snowy areas, you may be better prepared on what to expect and able to stay informed about any road closures, etc.
What are some recommended winter activities?
Ride the gorgeous “Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoakeno Monogatari” (Tale of the Dawn of an Era) sightseeing train: https://www.jr-shikoku.co.jp/yoakenomonogatari/en/
Visit Kaze Kobo for the most delicious strawberry cakes: https://kaze-sweets.shop/
Crystal Kayak with Niyodogawa Outdoor Center: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/activities/10483
Witness the majestic Otabi Falls in Ino Town: https://www.inofan.jp/spot/nature/n149/
See if you can catch the “lucky sunset”: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/darumasunset
Gorgeous camellias in Cape Ashizuri: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/topics/552
Ryugado Cave: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10018
The Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10019
Have a drink with locals at Hirome Market: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10024
Sauna tent with Niyodo Adventure: https://www.niyodoadventure.com/sauna-tent
…and so much more! Stay tuned for more winter content to come
Special thanks to Instagram user @akimrn for the stunning fourth shot!
@akimrn: https://www.instagram.com/akimrn/
