When to go · Zao Onsen
Zao Onsen in April
Mixed month. Outside the best window (Dec–Mar for snow monsters and ski; Jul–Sep for hiking and crater views). Across Japan: Blossom peak early April and Golden Week at the end: the two most crowded windows of the year.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C) / 3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 12
- Crowds
- High
- Japan overall
- Prices
- High
- Japan overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (Dec–Mar for snow monsters and ski; Jul–Sep for hiking and crater views). Across Japan: Blossom peak early April and Golden Week at the end: the two most crowded windows of the year.
Is another month better than April?
April is rated mixed. These months rate higher:
- JulyGreatInside Zao Onsen's best window: Dec–Mar for snow monsters and ski; Jul–Sep for hiking and crater views.
- AugustGreatInside Zao Onsen's best window: Dec–Mar for snow monsters and ski; Jul–Sep for hiking and crater views.
- SeptemberGreatInside Zao Onsen's best window: Dec–Mar for snow monsters and ski; Jul–Sep for hiking and crater views.
- DecemberGreatInside Zao Onsen's best window: Dec–Mar for snow monsters and ski; Jul–Sep for hiking and crater views.
Weather in April
- Zao OnsenHighs around 12 °C (54 °F), lows around 3 °C (37 °F), rain on about 12 daysHighs around 54 °F (12 °C), lows around 37 °F (3 °C), rain on about 12 days
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Cherry blossom season big impact
Late Mar – mid Apr (moves north through May) · Japan
Kyoto and Tokyo hotels at peak prices; parks crowded from dawn; book months ahead.
Golden Week big impact
29 Apr – 5 May · Japan
The biggest domestic travel week: Shinkansen reserved cars and hotels sell out; prices up.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Japan overall
- High
- Prices · Japan overall
- High
Japan overall: Blossom peak early April and Golden Week at the end: the two most crowded windows of the year.
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Zao Onsen, side by side.
Verdict
Apr: Mixed
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
Apr: 12 °C (54 °F)54 °F (12 °C)
Jan: -1 °C (30 °F)30 °F (-1 °C)
Night low
Apr: 3 °C (37 °F)37 °F (3 °C)
Jan: -7 °C (19 °F)19 °F (-7 °C)
Rain days
Apr: 12 (better)
Jan: 20
Crowds
Apr: High
Jan: Low
Prices
Apr: High
Jan: Low
Festivals listed
Apr: 2
Jan: 1
April: Outside the best window (Dec–Mar for snow monsters and ski; Jul–Sep for hiking and crater views). Across Japan: Blossom peak early April and Golden Week at the end: the two most crowded windows of the year.
January: Inside Zao Onsen's best window: Dec–Mar for snow monsters and ski; Jul–Sep for hiking and crater views.
Zao Onsen: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast