Season by season
Spring. The ropeway reopens around mid-March. Cherry blossom reaches the plateau in mid to late April, and the Yahata azaleas peak in mid to late May.
Summer. Highs in the mid-20s°C on the plateau, cooler still at Yumoto. The busiest season for families.
Autumn. Colour begins on Mount Chausu and at Ubagadaira in late September — among the earliest in Kanto — and works down to the plateau by late October and early November.
Winter. Snow at Yumoto and small ski areas open. The ropeway and some attractions close; hot springs are at their best.
Events
- Mount Nasu opening ceremony — early May, marking the start of the hiking season.
- Yahata azalea season — mid to late May.
- Gojinka Festival — a torch-lit festival at Sessho-seki recalling the nine-tailed fox legend, usually in late May.
Crowds
Golden Week, mid-August and autumn weekends bring traffic jams on the main road. Midweek visits are easy at any time of year.
Nasu Highlands month by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Visit rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C | -5°C | ★☆☆ Quiet / limited |
| February | 4°C | -5°C | ★☆☆ Quiet / limited |
| March | 8°C | -2°C | ★☆☆ Quiet / limited |
| April | 14°C | 3°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| May | 19°C | 9°C | ★★★ Peak season |
| June | 22°C | 14°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| July | 25°C | 18°C | ★★★ Peak season |
| August | 26°C | 19°C | ★★★ Peak season |
| September | 22°C | 15°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| October | 17°C | 8°C | ★★★ Peak season |
| November | 12°C | 2°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| December | 6°C | -3°C | ★☆☆ Quiet / limited |
Temperatures are approximate long-term averages for the area and vary with altitude; check a forecast before you travel.
