Winter coats one day, light jackets the next. Welcome to Japan’s season of everchanging weather, 三寒四温 (literally: three cold, four warm, read: sankan shion)! It refers to the season between January and March in which there are 3 cold days followed by 4 warm ones. It’s the time of year when plum blossoms bloom, spring peaks around the corner, and your wardrobe becomes a daily guessing game.
Freeplus has the tips to keep you comfortable and prepared during this tricky season, based on weather trends over the past three years (2021–2024). This guide is for staying in the big cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, and Fukuoka. Colder areas such as Kanazawa, Hokkaido, and Northern Japan where snowfall is common would definitely need a separate packing guide.
January: Cold, Maybe Snow?
Lows: 1–4°C (33–39°F), Highs: 7–12°C (45–54°F)
January is chilly, no doubt, but not unbearable. Transportation and indoor spaces in Japan are heated (even toilet seats...seriously, it’s a thing). So, layering is your best friend! Cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka will rarely get snow, and when it does happen, no storms not enough to blanket the ground. Okinawa never snows. 
What to wear:
- Base: Thermal tops and leggings
- Mid: A warm sweater or fleece, turtlenecks
- Outer: A good coat or down jacket
- Accessories: Hat, gloves, scarf, and warm socks for outdoor activities
- Shoes: Warm boots or sneakers. Japan is a pedestrians paradise. Be prepared for lots of walking. You may have to take off your shoes at some restaurants or venues so skip the platforms or hiking boots with lots of lacing.
Tip: If you're mostly indoors for shopping or on trains for long stretches, you can skip the heavy coats and opt for thinner layers. But if you're outside temple-hopping or chasing plum blossoms, bundle up.
February: Still cold, with hints of spring
Lows: 2–5°C (36–41°F), Highs: 8–13°C (46–55°F)
February is interested. Some days make you believe spring is here, and others remind you winter is not done yet. Dress smart to avoid sweating buckets inside heated places!
What to wear:
- Base: Breathable thermals, leggings
- Mid: Knitwear , hoodie, fleece
- Outer: A mid-weight coat or jacket
- Accessories: Keep those gloves and scarves handy, especially for outdoor shrines and shopping arcades
- Shoes: Covered shoes, boots
Tip: Layers you can easily take off (and stuff in your bag) are lifesavers. Think cardigans or jackets with zippers, not pullovers.
March: 3 Days Cold, 4 Days Warm
Lows: 4–8°C (39–46°F), Highs: 11–16°C (52–61°F)
March is the ultimate 三寒四温 season: three days of cold, four days of warm, rinse and repeat. You might start the day bundled up and end it wishing you’d worn a lighter coat.
What to wear:
- Base: Light thermals or long sleeves
- Mid: A sweater or cardigan
- Outer: A trench or lighter coat, denim jacket
- Accessories: A hat is nice to have for cooler mornings or evenings
- Shoes: Sneakers, boots, definitely not sandal season yet
Tip: If you're heading outside for cherry blossoms or plum blossom spots, err on the side of keeping warm, but avoid over-layering since you'll warm up quickly walking around.
Inspired to take a trip to Japan? Whether you need a guide, transportation, and accommodations, or want to experience this yourself, get in touch! We can make it happen.