Nagano's mountain setting means four distinct seasons with some extremes. Summer (July–August) is warm but not as hot as the Pacific coast cities; the surrounding mountains make it a popular domestic escape and highland walking is excellent. Autumn (October–November) is arguably the finest season: clear air, the spectacular red and gold of the maple and larch forests in the mountains, and the long approach to Togakushi lined with turning colours.
Winter brings heavy snow to the mountain resorts surrounding Nagano — the ski areas around Shiga Kōgen and Hakuba receive some of the best powder snow in Japan. The city itself gets significant snow but the train connections remain reliable. Spring (April–May) brings cherry blossoms to Zenkō-ji and the castle park at Matsushiro, and the mountain roads begin to open. The Zenkō-ji Gokaicho ceremony, held every six years when the sacred statue is displayed for public viewing, draws enormous crowds whenever it falls; the next occurrence should be confirmed locally.