Kanto region is a region on the eastern side of Japan’s main island and is the most urban and densely populated area.
At the heart of the Kanto region lies of course the largest metropolitan, Tokyo.
Most travelers will come to Tokyo to experience traditions and trends, but other prefectures are worth exploring.
Koshin region is often used in Japan’s region division, (but it’s not included in 8 region division) which is Yamanashi and Nagano prefectures.
Kanto and Koshin regions in winter are quite cold.
Let’s dive into what the winter like in each prefecture.
Japan Winter Guideline
To begin talking about winter essentials and Japan’s winter characteristics, read Japan Winter Guideline in this post.
Tokyo In Winter
Kanagawa In Winter
Kanagawa Prefecture has popular tourist destinations such as Yokohama, Kamakura, and Hakone.
The climate of Kanagawa Prefecture is mild throughout the year, so it is not generally so cold in winter because the mountains such as Mt Tanzawa and Mt Hakone in the east block the cold wind and the prefecture is facing the Pacific Ocean.
Also, except in mountainous and some inland areas, it rarely snow and mostly sunny. Yet,
it is getting chilly from the end of November, you will need winter outfits.
Average Temperatures In Yokohama, Kanagawa
| December (℃) | January | February | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8.8 | 7.8 | 8.9 |
| 2019 | 9.4 | 6.6 | 7.9 |
| 2018 | 9.1 | 6.8 | 7.5 |
| 2017 | 7.7 | 6.8 | 7.5 |
What To Wear In Kanagawa Winter
As you can see, it isn’t cold looking at the temperatures, but Kanagawa prefecture is windy from the ocean. So you will be freezing unexpectedly if you don’t dress warmly. Especially, Protect your neck and hands with winter accessories. Yet, the lowest temperatures will not go below freezing (generally it is around 5℃.)
- Light down jacket + a knit sweater or a sweatshirt
- Winter coat
- Winter Accessories
Chiba Prefecture In Winter
Due to the easy access from the Tokyo area, there are many sightseeing spots in Chiba prefecture. Needless to say, many tourists visit the Tokyo Disney resort and Kamogawa Sea World every year. Kujukuri Beach facing the Pacific Ocean has many beaches, you can enjoy various marine sports. There are many clamming points in the area facing Tokyo Bay.
Average Temperatures In Chiba city, Chiba
| December (℃) | January | February | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8.5 | 7.7 | 8.9 |
| 2019 | 9.4 | 6.3 | 7.6 |
| 2018 | 8.9 | 5.6 | 5.8 |
| 2017 | 7.8 | 6.7 | 7.4 |
What To Wear In Chiba Prefecture
As well as Kanagawa, it is windy in Chiba prefecture. The wind makes you feel colder than the actual temperature, so dress warmly if you walk around outside. Tokyo Disney Resort is located in the seaside, dress warm with a winter down jacket (lightweight is nice to play around in the park) and bring hand warmers. Your hands and feet will be freezing while waiting for attractions.
- Down jacket or Winter coat
- Winter Accessories
- Thermal Underwear (For Outdoor activities)
Saitama Prefecture In Winter
Saitama Prefecture is rich in nature and has many popular places to enjoy seasonal landscapes. Particularly, valleys such as Nagatoro Valley, Ranzan Valley, and Nakatsu Gorge have known a variety of outdoor activities and autumn colors.
Average Temperatures In Chihibu City, Saitama
| December (℃) | January | February | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 4.0 | 4.0. | 5.1 |
| 2019 | 5.0 | 2.2 | 3.8 |
| 2018 | 4.8 | 1.6 | 2.2 |
| 2017 | 2.9 | 2.2 | 3.7 |
What To Wear In Saitama Prefecture
The average daytime temperature is around 5℃ so better to bring a warm winter coat. The lowest temperature goes sometimes below freezing.
- Down jacket + a knit sweater or a sweatshirt
- Winter coat
- Winter Accessories
- Thermal Underwear
Ibaraki Prefecture In Winter
In Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, there is Kairakuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, which is known as a famous place for Japanese plum “Ume” blossoms. The prefecture is also rich in nature Mt Tsukuba, Kasumigaura, and Fukuroda Falls are popular. As other attraction spots in Ibaraki prefecture, Kashima Jingu shrine, Hitachi Seaside Park, the 120 meter-tall Ushiku Buddha, Aqua World Oarai Aquarium, and Tsukuba Space Center are also well worth visiting.
Average Temperatures In Tsukuba City, Ibaraki
| December (℃) | January | February | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5.2 | 5.4 | 6.3 |
| 2019 | 6.7 | 3.0 | 5.3 |
| 2018 | 5.9 | 2.4 | 3.5 |
| 2017 | 4.2 | 3.3 | 5.0 |
What To Wear In Ibaraki Prefecture
The average daytime temperature is around 5℃ so better to bring a warm winter coat. The lowest temperature goes sometimes below freezing.
- Down jacket + a knit sweater or a sweatshirt
- Winter coat
- Winter Accessories
- Thermal Underwear
Tochigi Prefecture In Winter
Tochigi Prefecture is located inland of the Kanto region, and Nasu/Shiobara area and Nikko city are the major tourist spots. There is the World Heritage site Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji, and Kegon Falls in the Nikko area.
Average Temperatures In Nikko Area, Tochigi
| December (℃) | January | February | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2.8 | 2.8 | 3.4 |
| 2019 | 4.0 | 0.9 | 2.5 |
| 2018 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 3.6 |
| 2017 | 0.9 | 1.9 | 1.8 |
What To Wear In Tochigi Prefecture
Unlike other prefectures in Kanto region, Nikko area is quite cold in the winter time. When visiting Nikko Toshogu Shrine, bring heavy winter coat. It often snow in Tochigi and get wet and slippery, better to wear winter boots.
Oku Nikko area where Lake Chuzenji is located is in the mountain. Throughout the day, the temperature is below freezing. You will need extra layers.
Nikko Area & Northern Area
- A Heavy Winter Coat
- Winter Accessories
- Thermal inner wears
- Hand Warmers
- Winter Boots
Utsunomiya Area
On the other hand, the temperature in Utsusnomiya known as “Gyoza” city is as same as Tokyo area.
- Down jacket + a knit sweater or a sweatshirt
- Winter coat (January & February)
- Winter Accessories
- Thermal inner wears (optional)
Gunma Prefecture In Winter
Gunma Prefecture is known as one of Japan’s leading hot spring prefectures, including Kusatsu Onsen, Ikaho Onsen, Minakami Onsen, and Shiman Onsen. In addition to hot springs, Gunma Prefecture is famous for the Tomioka Silk Mill, which has been listed as a World Heritage Site, and Oze, which is a moor that extends to highlands above 1400 meters above sea level.
Average Temperatures In Kusatsu, Gunma
| December (℃) | January | February | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | -1.3 | -1.5 | -1.4 |
| 2019 | 0.2 | -4.1 | -2.3 |
| 2018 | -0.5 | -4.7 | -4.8 |
| 2017 | -2.7 | -4.2 | -4.0 |
What To Wear In Gunma Prefecture
Kusatsu Onsen, located on a plateau 1200 meters above sea level, has a completely different climate from the plains. It snows a lot in winter. The Snow season peaks from late December to February. The heavy winter essentials are required. It’s slippery on the ground, so it’s important to choose the right pair of snow boots.
Even other areas in a plain, Gunma is quite cold. So dress warm when traveling Gunma prefecture.
- Down jacket + a knit sweater or a sweatshirt
- Heavy Winter coat
- Winter Accessories
- Thermal inner wears (optional)
- Snow Boots
Yamanashi Prefectures In Winter
Yamanashi Prefecture borders Mt Fuji. When Mt Fuji erupted a long time ago, the lava blocked the river flow and made the Fuji Five Lakes surrounded Mt Fuji. Today, the lakes attract many visitors with many sightseeing and leisure spots. The famous attraction park “Fujikyu Highland” is near Lake Kawaguchi.
Average Temperatures In Lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi
| December (℃) | January | February | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2.1 | 2.0 | 2.8 |
| 2019 | 4.2 | 0.4 | 2.7 |
| 2018 | 3.6 | -0.7 | -0.7 |
| 2017 | 0.9 | -0.5 | 1.1 |
What To Wear In Yamanashi Prefecture
It is quite cold in Yamanashi prefecture, pack heavy winter coat and other winter essentials.
- Light down jacket for extra warmth
- Heavy Winter coat
- Winter Accessories
- Thermal inner wears
