Furukawa Festival
Apr19, 20
Seasons & Festivals in Hida
Hida is well-known for its exciting calendar of events and festivals that are held throughout the year—perhaps none are more famous than April's Furukawa Festival.
Seasonal Calendar
Spring
Spring in Hida welcomes gentler weather. Cherry blossoms adorn its shrines and temples, and the town’s colorful koi return to their home in the Seto Canal. From April 19 to 20, the locally beloved Furukawa Festival fills the quaint streets with a thrilling “Rousing Drum” performance and captivating festival floats.
Quick Guide
- Avg. Temp
- 3°C to 18°C
- Humidity
- 50% to 65%
- Visitor Level
- Spring is typically busy due to festivals, cherry blossoms, and Golden Week travel.
- Public Holidays
- Vernal Equinox, Showa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, & Children's Day. Golden Week is in early May, which may affect transportation and lodging.
Plan Your Spring Visit
Weather & What to Wear
Expect mild days with cool mornings and evenings. Layer with long sleeves, a light jacket, or a cardigan.
Seasonal Highlights
Cherry blossoms reach their peak between mid- and late April, and the Furukawa Festival is held from April 19 to 20.
Local Spots & Experiences
Admire cherry blossoms along the Seto Canal and Miyagawa River, explore traditional shops, and try seasonal sweets from local cafes.
Summer
In summer, Hida’s rice fields dazzle with brilliant greenery, and the air is cooler than Tokyo and Osaka thanks to its lower humidity. The season is an excellent time to explore Hida’s natural beauty, from cycling on rural streets to hiking in forested mountains.
Quick Guide
- Avg. Temp
- 19°C to 25°C; though it can reach as high as 35°C in August
- Humidity
- 55% to 70%
- Visitor Level
- Summer is typically busy due to outdoor destinations and Obon travel in mid-August.
- Public Holidays
- Sea Day, Mountain Day, & Respect for the Aged Day. Obon in mid-August can bring more crowds.
Plan Your Summer Visit
Weather & What to Wear
Expect comfortable days with the potential for hot midday temperatures. Wear breathable clothes with light layers for cooler mornings or evenings.
Seasonal Highlights
Green rice fields, forest walks, riverside scenery, and summer fireworks.
Local Spots & Experiences
Explore rural landscapes around Hida, visit Amou Prefectural Nature Park, or try Gattan Go rail mountain biking.
Autumn
Enjoy fiery autumn leaves in Hida, including the yellow gingko trees at Fukuzenji and Shinshuji Temple, which are illuminated at night, and the colorful blend of leaves at Amou Prefectural Nature Park. The best time to see Hida’s autumn foliage is generally from late October to early December.
Quick Guide
- Avg. Temp
- 3°C to 15°C
- Humidity
- 65% to 75%
- Visitor Level
- Autumn is typically busy due to autumn leaf viewing.
- Public Holidays
- Autumn Equinox, Sports Day, Culture Day, & Labor Thanksgiving Day
Plan Your Autumn Visit
Weather & What to Wear
Expect mild days with cool mornings and evenings. Layer with long sleeves, a light jacket, or a cardigan. Colder days may warrant scarves and gloves.
Seasonal Highlights
The Fox Wedding Festival in late September, the moving of the Seto Canal koi to their winter home in late November, and autumn leaf viewing.
Local Spots & Experiences
Witness Mount Anbou's renowned morning fog intermixed with autumn colors, hike along tree-lined trails on Mount Tengai, walk under Fujinami Hatcho Footpath's red and golden canopy, and explore Ikegahara Wetland's lush nature.
Winter
Arguably, Hida’s most magical time of year is winter, when the townscape is blanketed in snow. Average snow accumulation in Hida Furukawa is about 50 centimeters; however higher-altitude areas can see double that amount. Enjoy premium skiing and snowboarding at two local ski areas, as well as a steaming glass of sake to chase away the cold. Please note that snow tires are required between early December and late March.
Quick Guide
- Avg. Temp
- -2°C to 2°C
- Humidity
- 60% to 70%
- Visitor Level
- Winter sees less tourists; however, it is a wonderful time for winter sports, viewing illuminations, and admiring snow-covered scenery.
- Public Holidays
- New Year's Day, Coming of Age Day, National Foundation Day, & Emperor's Birthday
Plan Your Winter Visit
Weather & What to Wear
Hida's winters are cold and full of snow. Wear appropriate jackets, shoes, and winter accessories to stay warm.
Seasonal Highlights
The enchanting Santera Mairi Festival in mid-January, Hida Kamioka Hatsu Kompira Yoi Festival in late February, snowy sightseeing, and winter sports.
Local Spots & Experiences
Choose your sport of choice at Hida Nagareha Ski Resort or Hida Kawai Ski Resort, walk along the snowy Seto Canal, and enjoy winter-exclusive sake at Kaba Sake Brewery or Watanabe Sake Brewery.