Hiroshima Weather in January

January: chilly city walks

January feels properly wintry in Hiroshima. Days reach about 8°C, while nights can fall to 0°C. Cloud is common, and rain comes on around ten days, so the Peace Memorial Park and its open paths can feel cold and damp. The Peace Memorial Museum is a good indoor stop when the weather turns; save a long riverside walk for a clearer spell.

Miyajima is still worth a day trip, but the ferry crossing can feel chilly, and wet paths make the climb towards Mount Misen less appealing. Families with young children may find the museum and a warm meal easier than a long, cold island hike.

New Year visits

The first days of January bring hatsumōde, the year's first shrine visit. Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine, inside Hiroshima Castle grounds, draws visitors making New Year prayers. Many businesses close around New Year, and domestic travel can make transport and popular sights busier than the rest of the month. Coming-of-Age Day, a national holiday in January, can also mean a busier long weekend.

Once the holiday rush passes, January is generally quieter than October and November, Hiroshima's popular autumn months. Hotel prices are often lower too, though New Year dates can be an exception.

Warm up Hiroshima-style

January's short daylight and cool weather suit museums, covered shopping streets and unhurried meals more than long outdoor days. Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake layered with noodles, at a restaurant in Okonomimura, the city-centre food building. Winter is also oyster season around Hiroshima, so you'll see oysters on local menus.

For an easy warm-up after the Peace Memorial Park, head to Hondōri's covered arcade. It's close to the park and keeps you out of the rain while you browse and find a place to eat.