Shirakawa-go, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Shirakawa-go, Japan? If you're planning to go to Shirakawa-go, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Shirakawa-go
- Important essentials for Shirakawa-go
- Activities for Shirakawa-go
- Shirakawa-go in January: weather and what to pack
- Shirakawa-go in February: weather and what to pack
- Shirakawa-go in March: weather and what to pack
- Shirakawa-go in April: weather and what to pack
- Shirakawa-go in May: weather and what to pack
- Shirakawa-go in June: weather and what to pack
- Shirakawa-go in July: weather and what to pack
- Shirakawa-go in August: weather and what to pack
- Shirakawa-go in September: weather and what to pack
- Shirakawa-go in October: weather and what to pack
- Shirakawa-go in November: weather and what to pack
- Shirakawa-go 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 Shirakawa-go, Japan
Based on the climate and weather in Shirakawa-go, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Shirakawa-go, Japan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Shirakawa-go, 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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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).
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently become worn. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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(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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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly option.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some areas 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 excellent choice.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
For families with young children
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most areas, but you should check with your hotel.
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Airplane or car necessities
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Shirakawa-go. 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.
What to wear/what to pack for Shirakawa-go, Japan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you go to Shirakawa-go in January, you will notice that it is frosty, very snowy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time and snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Pajamas
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Lip balm
The best choice: this
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Shirakawa-go, 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 choice.
February
If you go to Shirakawa-go in February, you will notice that it can be very chilly, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time and snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Pajamas
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Lip balm
The best option: this
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Shirakawa-go, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect option.
March
March in Shirakawa-go can be very chilly and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 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 60% to 70% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Shirakawa-go, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent option.
April
If you are traveling to Shirakawa-go in April, you will notice that it is cool and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
May
May in Shirakawa-go 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
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
June
In June, Shirakawa-go is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Shirakawa-go, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 70%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
July
July is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
August
August is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
September
September in this region is a perfect temperature and very 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:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
October
If you go to Shirakawa-go in October, you will notice that it can be chilly and very rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
November
November in Shirakawa-go can be very chilly and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about two thirds of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Shirakawa-go, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect option.
December
December in this region is cold and very rainy. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time and snows about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: here
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Shirakawa-go, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a great option.
Activities for Shirakawa-go, Japan
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Shirakawa-go.
If you go to the Jin Homura Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Castle hopping? For Kaerikumo Castle, take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you can carry your stuff.
If you're planning to visit Shiramizu Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
Check out our guides for these other locations: Palisade, Colorado, United States of America, Meghalaya, India, Billerica, Massachusetts, United States of America, Torridon, Scotland, United Kingdom, Tranquebar, India, Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam, Marazion, England, United Kingdom, Texhoma, Oklahoma, United States of America, Bad Kreuznach, Germany, Collie, Western Australia, Australia, and Swamithoppe, India.