Nagoya Weather in January

Cold days, clear plans

January feels properly wintry in Nagoya. Afternoons reach about 8°C, while mornings and evenings hover near 1°C. Rain falls on around 10 days, and cloudy skies are common, so outdoor sightseeing can feel chilly rather than crisp.

Nagoya Castle and the open grounds at Tokugawa Garden still work on a dry day. For a colder or rainy afternoon, head inside to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. A bowl of miso nikomi udon, a local noodle dish simmered in miso broth, is a welcome warm-up.

New Year at Atsuta Shrine

New Year's visits bring crowds to Atsuta Shrine, one of Nagoya's best-known places of worship. The busiest spell is around New Year's Day, when people come to pray for good fortune. The city also observes Coming of Age Day in January, a public holiday for young adults.

If you hate crowds, visit Atsuta Shrine later in the month instead. The first days of the year feel much busier there than the rest of January.

A quieter, cheaper month

Outside the New Year rush, January is usually quieter than autumn, when Nagoya's mild weather draws more visitors. You'll often find fewer people at major sights, and accommodation can cost less than in busier months. Some shops and attractions may close over the New Year holiday, so check the specific place before setting out.

For Atsuta Shrine, take the Meitetsu train to Jingumae station; it's a short walk from there. If you're visiting during the New Year period, expect station approaches to be crowded and allow extra time. Afterward, warm up nearby with kishimen, Nagoya's flat noodles, at a station food counter.