Shibukawa, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Shibukawa, Japan? If you're planning to go to Shibukawa, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Shibukawa, Japan

Based on the climate and weather in Shibukawa, Japan, the best time to go is June. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Shibukawa, Japan

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Shibukawa, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Shibukawa, Japan by month

January

January in Shibukawa is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shibukawa. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the correct kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

February in Shibukawa is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shibukawa. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

If you vacation in Shibukawa during March, you will probably see that it is brisk. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shibukawa. 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the correct kind. Many adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

April

April in Shibukawa is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shibukawa. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the correct type. Many adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

Traveling to Shibukawa in May, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shibukawa. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the correct kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

June

June in Shibukawa is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) to high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shibukawa. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the right type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

July

If you visit Shibukawa during July, you might find that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shibukawa. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the necessary type. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

August

August in this region is constantly hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shibukawa. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

September in Shibukawa is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shibukawa. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

October in Shibukawa is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shibukawa. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

November in Shibukawa is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shibukawa. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the necessary type. Many adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

December

If you vacation in Shibukawa during December, you may find that it is pretty cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shibukawa. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in Shibukawa, Japan

Shibukawa is a city located in the Gunma Prefecture of Japan, which has become increasingly popular among tourists. The town is known for its natural beauty and hot springs, which make for a perfect relaxing vacation spot. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Shibukawa, Japan.

The Ikaho Stone Steps

The Ikaho Stone Steps are the most famous and iconic landmarks in Shibukawa. The steps are made up of over 360 steps, and it’s believed that by climbing each step your troubles are left behind on each one. Along the sides of the steps, you will find shops that sell local souvenirs, snacks, food, and more. The top of the steps offers a scenic view of the area.

Ikaho Onsen

Ikaho Onsen is known as “a healing hot spring resort,” as it is believed to have healing properties that help to relieve stress and improve overall relaxation. The natural hot springs have been popular since the 8th century, and you’ll find many people enjoying the outdoor onsen and public baths.

Mount Haruna

Mount Haruna is located in the center of the city and is visible from all around Shibukawa. You can take a hike up the mountain, which takes about three hours to get to the summit. At the summit, you will find a beautiful view of the town below.

Shima Onsen

Shima Onsen is another popular hot spring location in Shibukawa. The town’s ancient pathway can be seen while walking around during your visit. This pathway has been in use for over 1,200 years, and it’s surrounded by beautiful trees and foliage. The hot springs in the area are known for their high alkaline content, which is believed to be good for the skin.

Kawarayu

Kawarayu is a unique hot spring location in Shibukawa. This hot spring is located at the bottom of the river, which means that visitors can soak in the hot spring while the cold river water flows around them. The combination of hot and cold water provides a refreshing and unique experience.

Conclusion

Shibukawa is a beautiful city in the Gunma Prefecture of Japan, which is famous for its hot springs, scenic views, and natural beauty. The city has something to offer for all visitors, from hiking up Mount Haruna to relaxing in a hot spring at Ikaho or Shima Onsen. Shibukawa is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind in a peaceful environment.

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Yuba Lake State Park, Utah, United States of America, East Orange, New Jersey, United States of America, Narragansett, Rhode Island, United States of America, Brattleboro, Vermont, United States of America, Arvada, Colorado, United States of America, Shamali Plain, Afghanistan, Dublin, Ohio, United States of America, Daugai, Lithuania, Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, Yoron, Japan, and Torul, Turkey.