Season by season
Spring. Cherry trees along the river bloom in mid-April, and the boat ride starts up again.
Summer. Warm, with thunderstorms; the theme parks are busy in the school holidays and the river keeps evenings cool.
Autumn. Ryuokyo and the Kinugawa gorge colour from late October to mid-November — later than Lake Chuzenji and much less congested.
Winter. Cold with occasional snow, ideal for open-air baths. Edo Wonderland shortens its hours; the boat ride stops.
Events
- Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival — late January to early March.
- Ryuo Festival — a summer festival in Kinugawa and Kawaji, usually in late July.
- Illuminations at Tobu World Square — on selected winter evenings.
Crowds and prices
Saturday nights, the August holidays, autumn weekends and New Year are the most expensive. Sunday to Thursday stays can cost markedly less at the same ryokan.
Kinugawa & Kawaji Onsen month by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Visit rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C | -5°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| February | 4°C | -5°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| March | 8°C | -2°C | ★☆☆ Quiet / limited |
| April | 14°C | 3°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| May | 19°C | 8°C | ★★★ Peak season |
| June | 22°C | 13°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| July | 26°C | 17°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| August | 27°C | 18°C | ★★★ Peak season |
| September | 23°C | 14°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| October | 17°C | 8°C | ★★★ Peak season |
| November | 12°C | 2°C | ★★★ Peak season |
| December | 6°C | -2°C | ★☆☆ Quiet / limited |
Temperatures are approximate long-term averages for the area and vary with altitude; check a forecast before you travel.
