Like other places in Japan, the East Nara Nabari area has beautiful four seasons. You can visit here basically any time of the year to enjoy different characteristics from each season. But I will tell you when is the best in each season so that you can plan your trip more easily.
SPRING
Needless to say, spring, as well as autumn is the most popular season for travel and activities. In most areas in Japan, springtime is usually from March to May. You can fully enjoy the area whenever in spring, but if you are planning to see cherry blossoms, check below.
FYI: We have a holiday period called “Golden Week“ from April 29th to May 5th (depends on the calendar), which is the busiest time to travel in Japan. Many places are crowded, accommodations are expensive and hard to book.
Sakura - Cherry Blossoms
Late March to Mid April, Mid to Late April in the Inland ENN
We have many hidden cherry blossom viewing spots in East Nara Nabari with various kinds of cherry trees; mountain cherry trees, weeping cherry trees, and 1000-year-old cherry trees, as well as the best-known Someiyoshino. The peak season varies depending on the species, the climate, and the weather. If you like to see the most popular species in towns, I recommend visiting in early April. But I can't guarantee that because it's very much affected by the weather.
Find out more: Spot locations and information
SUMMER
Summertime in Japan is generally considered from June to August, although it is still hot in September. We have a rainy season in mainland Japan usually from mid-June to mid-July. After the rainy season, it gets very hot and humid. “Very hot” means it sometimes reaches over 35°C or 95°F.
FYI-1: Many people travel in and out of Japan during the traditional summer holiday period around August 13th to 16th.
FYI-2: Typhoons tend to start approaching mainland Japan in August.
FYI-3: Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will be from July 24th to August 9th, Paralympic Games from August 25th to September 6th. Although East Nara Nabari is 450 km away from Tokyo, you might want to keep that in mind.
Activities at Waterfalls
July to September
Akame 48 Waterfalls, one of the most popular destinations in East Nara Nabari, offers refreshing activities during summertime. Not only do you view the falls from a distance, but you can also go into the water and feel the stream. There are main two activities held in summer there: shower climbing and ascetic waterfall experience*.
*Ascetic waterfall experience takes place until October 31, but the water gets pretty cold in October.
Fireworks
Late July to Mid August
Japanese people enjoy fireworks in summer. Almost every town holds a fireworks festival in July or August, usually on weekends (some are on weekdays). Towns announce dates and venues about a few months before the events.
AUTUMN
I can say autumn is the best season to travel to Japan including East Nara Nabari. You will enjoy beautiful colored leaves, great food, and the temperatures are perfect.
FYI: Although the weather is mostly nice throughout the autumn, there are still chances to be hit by typhoons.
Autumn Foliage
November
Like cherry blossoms, autumn foliage peak seasons are affected by the temperatures and the trees' habitats. Leaves starting to change colors in mid-October, I would say it is wise to visit the area around mid-November to enjoy the fall foliage. But please remember, I cannot guarantee. If you would like to know about up-to-date autumn color conditions, please contact us.
Find out more: Spot location and information
Find out more: “The 4 Best Autumn Foliage Spot in ENN”
WINTER
Although we do not have heavy snowfalls, the temperature sometimes drops lower than -5 °C (23 °F) in the inland. If you plan a road trip in East Nara Nabari, you may be driving on icy roads. Make sure you check if your rental car is equipped with snow tires.
FYI: December 28th to January 3rd is New Year’s Holiday in Japan (depends on the calendar). Accommodation rates are higher than usual, but you will be able to experience the Japanese New Year traditions.
Rime Ice
Mid January to Early March
In winter, we have a special attraction in our area –– climbing mountains to see rime ice. Rime ice is similar to hoar frost, but rime Ice is a frozen fog that attaches onto surfaces such as trees. On Mt. Miune and Mt. Takami, you get to see stunning views with frosty trees on a cold winter morning.
Find out more: Snow Mountain Trekking
