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Gokayama

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Gokayama Weather, Climate and Best Time to Visit

Data source：Meteostat
Update date：2025-09

Gokayama year round climate

  • Spring (March–May): Average 48–64°F, mild but rainy, with fluctuating temperatures. Common activities: Enjoying early spring scenery, hiking. Recommended clothing: Light jacket, long-sleeved shirt, rain gear.
  • Summer (June–August): Average 73–84°F, hot and humid, with significant rainfall. Common activities: Summer resort, stream activities. Recommended clothing: Light and breathable clothing, sun hat, rain gear.
  • Autumn (September–November): Average 55–78°F, comfortable and pleasant, with gradually decreasing rainfall. Common activities: Viewing autumn leaves, hiking. Recommended clothing: Light jacket, long-sleeved shirt.
  • Winter (December–February): Average 39–44°F, cold and humid, with significant rainfall. Common activities: Experiencing snowy landscapes (if snow falls), indoor activities. Recommended clothing: Warm coat, sweater, scarf, gloves.

Gokayama climatological average

Annual average temperature: approx. 61.2°F / Annual rainfall: approx. 2448 mm / Summer humidity: 70%–80% / Rainiest month: December

Gokayama monthly average temperature and precipitation

Month
Air temperature (°F)
Precipitation (mm)
January
39.9°F
224
February
40.6°F
162.3
March
48°F
145.3
April
57.7°F
161
May
64.9°F
170.7
June
73.8°F
173.3
July
81.9°F
238.3
August
84.4°F
169
September
78.8°F
145.7
October
64.8°F
188.7
November
55.6°F
300.3
December
44.1°F
370.3

Gokayama weather for the next seven days

2/2
Monday
Moderate rain
35.8°F/30.5°F
2/3
Tuesday
Moderate snow
37.2°F/24.2°F
2/4
Wednesday
Cloudy
42.4°F/23.8°F
2/5
Thursday
Patchy rain nearby
47.3°F/35.8°F
2/6
Friday
Moderate rain
42°F/31.8°F
2/7
Saturday
Heavy snow
34.5°F/26.4°F
2/8
Sunday
Moderate or heavy snow showers
30.6°F/28.1°F

Gokayama Frequently Asked Questions and Useful Information for Travel

What is Gokayama famous for?

Gokayama is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved gasshō-zukuri farmhouses, a traditional architectural style. This historic area, located in Nanto, Toyama Prefecture, Japan, has earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its unique rural landscape and cultural heritage.

How can I travel to Gokayama?

To reach Gokayama, you can combine train and bus travel. If you are in Toyama, Takaoka, or Shin-Takaoka stations, these serve as convenient starting points. From Shin-Takaoka Station, a direct bus service, known as the World Heritage Bus, will take you to Gokayama in approximately one hour.

What are the key attractions in Gokayama?

The primary attraction in Gokayama is its collection of historic gasshō-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are hundreds of years old. Visitors can explore villages like Ainokura and Suganuma, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage designation, offering a glimpse into traditional Japanese rural life and architecture.

When is the best time to visit Gokayama?

Gokayama can be visited year-round, with each season offering a distinct charm. Spring brings cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, summer offers lush landscapes, autumn paints the region in vibrant colors, and winter transforms Gokayama into a snowy wonderland with its distinctive thatched roofs.

What is the cultural significance of Gokayama's gasshō-zukuri houses?

The gasshō-zukuri houses in Gokayama are culturally significant due to their unique steeply pitched thatched roofs, designed to withstand heavy snowfall. These architectural marvels represent a sustainable way of life that has been passed down through generations, preserving a vital part of Japan's rural heritage.