Nagoya

Spring (March to May)

Climate and Weather

• March: Cool, with average temperatures ranging from 5°C to 13°C (41°F to 55°F). Early spring can still feel chilly.
• April: Mild, with temperatures between 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Cherry blossoms bloom in early to mid-April.
• May: Warm, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The weather is generally sunny and pleasant.

Recommended Activities

• Cherry Blossom Viewing (Hanami): Visit Nagoya Castle, Tsuruma Park, or Yamazaki River for stunning cherry blossoms.
• Hiking: Explore nearby nature spots like the Nakasendo Trail or the Tokugawa Garden as flowers bloom.
• Nagoya Castle: Spring is an ideal time to visit the castle grounds, which are surrounded by cherry trees.

Cultural Events

• Nagoya Castle Spring Festival: Held in April, this festival features traditional performances, food stalls, and illuminated cherry blossoms.
• Golden Week (late April to early May): A series of national holidays when locals travel and celebrate. Expect crowds but also vibrant festivities.

What to Wear

• March: Layered clothing, such as a light sweater, jacket, and scarf.
• April: A light jacket or cardigan for cooler mornings and evenings.
• May: Comfortable spring clothing, such as long-sleeve shirts or light sweaters, with a jacket for cooler days.

Travel Tips

• Book accommodations early if visiting during Golden Week, as it’s a peak travel period.
• Bring a picnic blanket for hanami and enjoy local snacks like sakura mochi (cherry blossom rice cakes).

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Summer (June to August)

Climate and Weather

• June: Rainy season (tsuyu), with temperatures around 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). Expect high humidity and frequent rain.
• July: Hot and humid, with temperatures between 24°C and 32°C (75°F to 90°F).
• August: Peak summer heat, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F). Humidity remains high.

Recommended Activities

• Atsuta Shrine: Visit this historic shrine, especially during the quieter mornings.
• Nagoya Port Aquarium: A great indoor activity to escape the heat.
• Shopping: Explore air-conditioned malls like Oasis 21 or Sakae district.

Cultural Events

• Atsuta Shrine Festival (June): A major Shinto festival with traditional performances and food stalls.
• Nagoya Port Festival (July): Features fireworks, parades, and live music.
• Obon Festival (August): A time to honor ancestors, with traditional dances (Bon Odori) and lantern festivals.

What to Wear

• Light, breathable clothing such as cotton shirts, shorts, and dresses.
• A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the strong sun.
• Comfortable sandals or sneakers for walking.
• Carry a small umbrella or raincoat during the rainy season.

Travel Tips

• Stay hydrated and take breaks indoors to avoid heat exhaustion.
• Be prepared for sudden rain showers in June and early July.
• Try seasonal summer foods like kakigori (shaved ice) and unagi (grilled eel).

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Autumn (September to November)

Climate and Weather

• September: Warm and humid, with temperatures around 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). Typhoon season may bring occasional storms.
• October: Cooler and pleasant, with temperatures between 14°C and 23°C (57°F to 73°F).
• November: Crisp and cool, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F). Autumn foliage peaks in late November.

Recommended Activities

• Autumn Foliage Viewing: Visit Korankei Gorge, Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, or Tokugawa Garden for stunning fall colors.
• Nagoya Castle: The castle grounds are beautiful with autumn leaves.
• Food Tours: Enjoy seasonal delicacies like matsutake mushrooms, chestnuts, and sweet potatoes.

Cultural Events

• Nagoya Festival (October): A grand celebration featuring parades, samurai reenactments, and traditional performances.
• Shirotori Garden Illumination (November): A serene garden lit up in the evenings, perfect for autumn viewing.

What to Wear

• September: Light clothing with a rain jacket or umbrella for typhoons.
• October: Layered clothing, such as long-sleeve shirts and a light jacket.
• November: Warmer clothing, including sweaters, coats, and scarves.

Travel Tips

• Check weather forecasts for typhoons in September.
• Autumn is a quieter travel season, so it’s a good time to explore without large crowds.
• Don’t miss seasonal sweets like momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes).

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Winter (December to February)

Climate and Weather

• December: Cool, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 12°C (36°F to 54°F).
• January: Coldest month, with temperatures between 0°C and 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Snow is rare but possible.
• February: Slightly warmer, with temperatures around 2°C to 11°C (36°F to 52°F).

Recommended Activities

• Illuminations: Visit Nabana no Sato, one of Japan’s most famous winter illumination displays, located near Nagoya.
• Nagoya City Science Museum: A great indoor activity with interactive exhibits and a planetarium.
• Hot Springs (Onsen): Take a day trip to nearby onsen towns like Gero Onsen for a relaxing soak.

Cultural Events

• New Year’s Celebrations (Shogatsu): Visit Atsuta Shrine or Osu Kannon Temple for hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year).
• Setsubun (February): A traditional festival marking the end of winter, with bean-throwing ceremonies at temples.

What to Wear

• Warm clothing, including coats, sweaters, gloves, and scarves.
• Thermal layers for particularly cold days.
• Comfortable boots or shoes for walking.

Travel Tips

• Winter is a low tourist season, so you can enjoy attractions with fewer crowds.
• Try seasonal dishes like oden (hot pot) and miso nikomi udon (noodles in miso broth).
• Be mindful of shorter daylight hours when planning outdoor activities.

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General Tips for All Seasons

• Transportation: Use the efficient subway and bus systems to get around Nagoya. Consider purchasing a prepaid IC card (e.g., Manaca) for convenience.
• Language: While English signage is available in major areas, learning a few basic Japanese phrases can be helpful.
• Local Cuisine: Don’t miss Nagoya’s specialties, such as hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice), miso katsu (pork cutlet with miso sauce), and tebasaki (spicy chicken wings).

Each season in Nagoya offers a unique experience, blending natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern attractions. Plan your visit based on your interests and enjoy the city’s seasonal charm!