Kiso Valley, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Kiso Valley, Japan? If you're planning to go to Kiso Valley, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Kiso Valley
- Important essentials for Kiso Valley
- Activities for Kiso Valley
- Kiso Valley in January: weather and what to pack
- Kiso Valley in February: weather and what to pack
- Kiso Valley in March: weather and what to pack
- Kiso Valley in April: weather and what to pack
- Kiso Valley in May: weather and what to pack
- Kiso Valley in June: weather and what to pack
- Kiso Valley in July: weather and what to pack
- Kiso Valley in August: weather and what to pack
- Kiso Valley in September: weather and what to pack
- Kiso Valley in October: weather and what to pack
- Kiso Valley in November: weather and what to pack
- Kiso Valley 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 Kiso Valley, Japan
Based on the climate and weather in Kiso Valley, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Kiso Valley, Japan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kiso Valley, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly choice.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently wear out. An unreadable vaccine card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb one.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should work in most locations, but you may want to check with your hotel.
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Airplane or car necessities
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For families with young children
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Kiso Valley. 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.
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Kiso Valley, Japan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Kiso Valley can be brisk and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain sometimes. It also snows a bit less than half of the time. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 40% to 50% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Kiso Valley, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Kiso Valley has some famous ski areas If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
February in this region is brisk. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains regularly and snows a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: here
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Kiso Valley, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Kiso Valley has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
If you visit Kiso Valley during March, you will probably find that it is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time and snow once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Kiso Valley, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Kiso Valley has some excellent skiing If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
April in Kiso Valley is crisp and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 40% to 50% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
May
May is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
June
June is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
July
If you vacation in Kiso Valley during July, you will probably see that it is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
August
August for Kiso Valley is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
September
If you are traveling to Kiso Valley in September, you will notice that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
October
If you vacation in Kiso Valley during October, you are likely to notice that it can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s 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 a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
November
November in Kiso Valley is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about a third of the time. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
December
In December, Kiso Valley is brisk. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Kiso Valley, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In December, humidity reaches as high as 50%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Kiso Valley, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Kiso Valley has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
Check out our guides for these other locations: Brandenburg, Kentucky, United States of America, Kennebunkport, Maine, United States of America, Marion, Illinois, United States of America, Grand Comore, Comoros, Lee, Massachusetts, United States of America, Picacho Peak State Park, Arizona, United States of America, Nogent-sur-Marne, France, Tian Song Pi Agricultural Leisure Area, Taiwan, Eastern Ontario, New York, Canada, Karakul, Tajikistan, and Patagonia, Arizona, United States of America.