Season by season
Spring. Cherry blossom in early April at Hachimanyama Park and the castle ruins park; strawberries at their best.
Summer. Hot and humid, with dramatic evening thunderstorms. The Oya quarry is a natural refuge at around 10°C.
Autumn. Comfortable and clear; ginkgo trees turn in late November.
Winter. Cold, dry and sunny, with frosty mornings. Illuminations brighten the centre.
Events
- Futaarayama Shrine festivals — a New Year market in January and a procession in October.
- Miya Festival — the city’s big summer festival, early August, with portable shrines and dancing on Odori.
- Utsunomiya Gyoza Festival — early November: dozens of shops selling small plates in the castle ruins park.
- Japan Cup Cycle Road Race — an international race in the hills near the city, mid-October.
- Miya Jazz Inn — free street jazz stages, early November.
Crowds
Gyoza shops queue at weekend lunchtimes and during Golden Week; go at 11:00 or mid-afternoon. Otherwise the city is rarely crowded.
Utsunomiya month by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Visit rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C | -2°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| February | 10°C | -1°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| March | 13°C | 2°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| April | 19°C | 8°C | ★★★ Peak season |
| May | 23°C | 13°C | ★★★ Peak season |
| June | 26°C | 18°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| July | 30°C | 22°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| August | 31°C | 23°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| September | 27°C | 19°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| October | 21°C | 12°C | ★★★ Peak season |
| November | 16°C | 5°C | ★★★ Peak season |
| December | 11°C | 0°C | ★★☆ Good time |
Temperatures are approximate long-term averages for the area and vary with altitude; check a forecast before you travel.
