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Shimosuwa

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Shimosuwa Weather, Climate and Best Time to Visit

Data source：Meteostat
Update date：2025-09

Shimosuwa year round climate

  • Spring (March–May): 42–59°F on average, with a mild climate, but temperatures may fluctuate. Rainfall is relatively high. Common activities: Hiking, flower viewing (e.g., mountain cherry blossoms). Recommended clothing: Light jacket, long-sleeved shirt, comfortable shoes.
  • Summer (June–August): 67–77°F on average, with high humidity and frequent rainfall, particularly in June. Common activities: Playing by Lake Suwa, visiting local temples and shrines. Recommended clothing: Light and breathable clothing, rain gear.
  • Autumn (September–November): 46–72°F on average, with a pleasant and comfortable climate, and gradually decreasing rainfall. Common activities: Viewing autumn leaves, onsen trips. Recommended clothing: Light jacket, long-sleeved shirt.
  • Winter (December–February): -33–35°F on average, cold and dry, with low rainfall. Common activities: Skiing (requires travel to nearby areas), onsen experiences. Recommended clothing: Warm coat, hat, scarf, gloves.

Shimosuwa climatological average

Annual average temperature: approx. 54.3°F / Annual rainfall: approx. 1421 mm / Summer humidity: 70%–80% / Rainiest month: June

Shimosuwa monthly average temperature and precipitation

Month
Air temperature (°F)
Precipitation (mm)
January
30.9°F
15
February
32.7°F
63.7
March
42.1°F
107.7
April
54°F
126.5
May
59.5°F
166.1
June
67.6°F
218.8
July
76.1°F
207.3
August
77.9°F
115.2
September
72.3°F
191.7
October
56.8°F
101.4
November
46.9°F
84.8
December
35.8°F
23.1

Shimosuwa weather for the next seven days

1/19
Monday
Light freezing rain
50°F/23.7°F
1/20
Tuesday
Light freezing rain
40.6°F/18.5°F
1/21
Wednesday
Patchy moderate snow
30.8°F/16.7°F
1/22
Thursday
Light freezing rain
28.5°F/15.8°F
1/23
Friday
Moderate snow
30.5°F/13.5°F
1/24
Saturday
Moderate or heavy snow showers
30.6°F/16.8°F
1/25
Sunday
Light freezing rain
32.8°F/15.2°F

Shimosuwa Frequently Asked Questions and Useful Information for Travel

What is the Chinese pronunciation of Shimosuwa?

The Chinese pronunciation of '諏訪' (Sūwǎ) is zōu fǎng, literally meaning 'to consult' or 'to seek opinion'. This is also the Chinese pronunciation for the Japanese place name Suwa, which is pronounced SUWA in Japanese.

Which deities are mainly enshrined at the Suwa Shrine in Shimosuwa?

Suwa Grand Shrine in Nagano Prefecture is the most famous Suwa Shrine in Shimosuwa. Its principal deities are Takeminakata-no-kami and Yasakatome-no-kami. The sacred objects are not enshrined in the main hall but are directly worshipped in the surrounding natural elements, such as Mount Moriya.

Where do the 'Onbashira' (giant logs) for Shimosuwa's Onbashira Festival come from?

The Onbashira (giant logs) for Shimosuwa's Onbashira Festival are felled from the mountain forests of the Suwa region in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. This ceremony is part of the Onbashira Festival, one of Japan's three most unusual festivals. The giant logs are fir trees over 150 years old.

What is the Chinese meaning of the word '諏訪' (Sūwǎ)?

The Chinese meaning of '諏訪' (Sūwǎ) is to consult or to seek opinions. For example, in the 'Old Book of Tang', there is the usage '軍中事多所諏訪' (jūn zhōng shì duō suǒ zōu fǎng), meaning military affairs often involved consultation and seeking opinions. Additionally, '諏訪' (Suwa) is also a Japanese place name, commonly found in Nagano Prefecture.

What are some recommended experiences in the Shimosuwa area?

In Shimosuwa, you can experience the Onbashira Festival, one of Japan's three most unusual festivals, and witness the spectacular sight of people manually dragging and erecting giant logs. Furthermore, visiting Suwa Grand Shrine and experiencing the ancient sacrificial culture is also an excellent experience.