Hikone, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Hikone, Japan? If you're planning to go to Hikone, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Hikone
- Important essentials for Hikone
- Activities for Hikone
- Hikone in January: weather and what to pack
- Hikone in February: weather and what to pack
- Hikone in March: weather and what to pack
- Hikone in April: weather and what to pack
- Hikone in May: weather and what to pack
- Hikone in June: weather and what to pack
- Hikone in July: weather and what to pack
- Hikone in August: weather and what to pack
- Hikone in September: weather and what to pack
- Hikone in October: weather and what to pack
- Hikone in November: weather and what to pack
- Hikone in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Hikone, Japan
Based on the climate and weather in Hikone, the best time to go is June. See below for details.
Important essentials for Hikone, Japan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Hikone, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly product.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently wear out. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great kit.
Emergency rapid COVID-19 test
U.S. residents can get them free here. Otherwise, you can buy them here.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
For families with young children
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Airplane or car necessities
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Hikone. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Activities for Hikone, Japan
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Hikone.
If you go to Genkyū-en Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Binoculars
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Castle hopping? For Hikone Castle, take:
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you can carry your stuff.
Trousers
Dresses that cover your knees
We also recommend these top tours in and around Hikone.
What to wear/what to pack for Hikone, Japan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Hikone is brisk, somewhat snowy, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. It also snows 5-10 days this month. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light gloves or mittens
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
Fleece
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Hikone, we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent option.
February
In February, Hikone can be very chilly, somewhat snowy, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Hikone, with several of the days of the month having rain. In February, humidity reaches as high as 60%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
Fleece
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Hikone, a great option is these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect option.
March
In March, Hikone can be brisk, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Hikone, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In March, humidity reaches as high as 50%.
What to wear/what to pack:
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
Light gloves or mittens
Fleece
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
April
If you visit Hikone during April, you are likely to see that it is crisp, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
Pants or jeans
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
May
In May, Hikone is balmy, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Hikone, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In May, humidity reaches as high as 60%.
What to wear/what to pack:
Pants or jeans
Light and heavy skirts
Extra socks
-
Dresses
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
June
If you visit Hikone during June, you may notice that it is warm, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light skirts
Extra socks
Sandals
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Bug repellent
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
July
July in Hikone is extremely warm, extremely rainy and somewhat hazy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug repellent
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Skirts
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
Sunglasses
Loose-fit shorts
Waterproof sandals
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
August
In August, Hikone is consistently hot, very rainy and very hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Hikone, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In August, humidity reaches as high as 70%.
What to wear/what to pack:
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Bug repellent
Skirts
Waterproof sandals
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
Loose-fit shorts
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
Sunglasses
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
September
September in Hikone is warm, very rainy and somewhat hazy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) to high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light skirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
Extra socks
Breathable footwear or sandals
Bug repellent
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
October
October in Hikone is mild, very rainy and very hazy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) to high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
Pants or jeans
Extra socks
Light and heavy skirts
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
November
November in Hikone is cool, somewhat rainy and very hazy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
Light jacket or fleece
Pants or jeans
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
December
If you vacation in Hikone during December, you might notice that it is cold, somewhat rainy and very hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
Fleece
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
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