Our guide on when to go to Japan

Figuring Out Japan's Seasons: When to Plan Your Trip

Every season in Japan has a distinctive allure, offering a unique palette of experiences. Here are some highlights of each season:

• • Spring brings the world-famous cherry blossoms

  • Summer abounds with lively festivals

  • Autumn paints the landscape in vibrant hues

  • Winter transforms the country into a snowy paradise

Let’s take a look at each season and what experiences you'll be getting.

Spring blossoms: Late March to Early May

Cities and landscapes filled with shades of pink and white. That’s spring in Japan, when cherry blossoms, or sakura, burst into full bloom. This magical spectacle generally unfolds from late March to early April, particularly in cities like Kyoto and Tokyo, during the peak cherry blossom season. If we'd have to give you the average perfect weeks to travel, it would be the last week of March and the first week of April. These weeks will give you the best odds to experience the cherry blossoms in some of the most popular places in Japan, but since it's dependent on weather and climate, there are no guarantees! 

Summer Festivities: Mid June to Mid August

As spring weather and the cherry blossoms end, Japan slowly moves into the summer months, a season of celebrations and sun-soaked adventures for the most part. June can be quite wet though, and it counts as the rainy season, as far as Japan has one. Summer might be hot, but Japan is still worth a visit as between June to August, the country buzzes with big  festivals like Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori City, and Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka.

For hiking enthusiasts, the mid July to early September window for climbing Mt. Fuji offers an unforgettable experience.

Autumn Colours: Late September to Mid November

When the autumn weather begins and the heat of summer fades, Japan enters it's second round of colourful beauty. Autumn in Japan, stretching from late September to mid-November, is a display of vibrant red and orange leaves, also known as autumn foliage. Tokyo’s Rikugien Garden and Kyoto’s Nanzen-ji Temple are must-visits for their stunning fall foliage scenery. It'll make for some amazing photo's!

Moreover, the Ritsurin Garden Autumn Illumination in Kagawa offers an extraordinary night view of autumn colors, lighted in a way that makes them look like straight out of a picture book.

Winter Wonders: December to February

Visiting Japan in winter is a combination of harsh cold and serene beauty. The season offers excellent skiing conditions, especially at renowned ski resorts like Appi Kogen, Niseko, Furano, and Hakuba. The Sapporo Snow Festival in February is something you should try and visit if you have the chance, where the largest city of Japans northernmost island (Hokkaido) turns into a winter wonderland, filled with big ice sculptures, snow slides, ski ramps and much more.

Apart from skiing, winter also offers unique wildlife experiences, from spotting snow monkeys at the Jigokudani hot springs to observing whooper swans and Steller’s sea eagles. After all that outside fun, better have some sake (did you know hot sake is a thing?) by the fire to warm up!

Navigating Peak Travel Times in Japan

When planning a trip to Japan it helps to understand its peak travel times. While these periods can be exciting, they also tend to involve increased prices and limited availability. The most notable peak season includes Golden Week and the cherry blossom season.

Golden Week Rush: Late April to Early May

Golden Week, a series of national holidays from late April to early May, is when Japan’s domestic travel peaks. During this period, hotels and transportation can be in high demand, with prices soaring and availability decreasing. To avoid the rush in the first week of May, it’s advisable to book several months in advance, securing accommodations and train tickets to ensure a smooth journey. Or you know - change your plans and travel another week!

Sakura Season: Timing your Cherry Blossom Viewing

we've already mentioned this one, twice, but it's a BIG thing in Japan! The cherry blossom season or sakura is probably the biggest period of high travel activity. However, the exact dates and timing of the cherry blossom season varies across Japan, and though there are websites trying to predict the blossoms, it's never a certainty. In the southern regions, sakura starts blooming as early as January, while in the northern cities like Sapporo, it extends into May. These variations significantly influence the timing of local events and festivals, adding another layer to your travel planning.

Planning Around Japan's National Holidays

National holidays are another important aspect of travel planning in Japan. These holidays often coincide with peak travel times and can impact the availability and pricing of accommodations and transport. Among these, the four national holidays that make up Golden week are particularly significant for travelers to be aware of - as we discussed above. To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is advisable to consult the Japan National Tourism Organization for up-to-date information on these holidays. Besides Golden Week there's one major National Holiday that could have impact on travel, called Obon.

The Significance of Obon: Mid August

Obon, observed in mid-August, is a significant holiday season in Japan. It is a time to honor ancestors with various traditions and festivities. The holiday sees a surge in domestic travel, leading to crowded transport and tourist spots. However, despite the crowds, the vibrant cultural expressions and traditional festivities during Obon provide a unique glimpse into Japanese culture that’s worth the hustle.

Experiencing Japan's Varied Climates

Japan’s climate is as diverse as its culture, with four distinct seasons, ranging from the mild mainland weather to Hokkaido’s cold winters and Okinawa’s tropical warmth. Understanding these climatic variations can enrich your travel experience, allowing you to plan for the specific weather conditions during your visit.

Island Escape: Okinawa's Year-Round Warmth

Okinawa, with its year-round subtropical climate, is a small paradise for beach lovers. Even when the rest of Japan cools down, Okinawa’s weather remains warm, making it an ideal destination for a beach vacation during most of the year. It's probably best to skip it during December to February, as the temperatures max out at about 20 degrees.

By the first half of April, the weather becomes properly suited for beach outings and various outdoor activities such as cycling and water sports, and the season lasts to about November.

When to Visit Tokyo: City-Specific Advice & Events

Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, offers its own unique charm and experiences. To make the most of your visit, timing is crucial. The best times to visit Tokyo are during spring and autumn, when the weather is milder and numerous cultural events take place. We wouldn't recommend the peak summer months as the city gets very hot, but August would be a good compromise if you plan to travel over summer. 

Tokyo’s cultural calendar is a vibrant mix of traditional and modern events. From the prestigious Tokyo International Film Festival in October and November to the traditional Sanno Matsuri in June, Tokyo offers a plethora of cultural experiences that showcase its rich heritage and modern vibes. There are too many events to name them all, but if you're interested in something specific we can help you plan for it.

Japan Off the Beaten Path: Quieter Times to Explore

For those seeking a more serene experience, there are quieter times to explore Japan. The winter months of January, February, and early December offer fewer crowds and a more tranquil atmosphere. These periods provide an opportunity to experience Japan’s rural tranquility and snow-dusted landscapes.

Ski Season: January to March

Mid-January to mid-March is an ideal period for skiing enthusiasts. During this time, ski resorts in the Japanese Alps offer a peaceful environment due to less tourists visiting. Lesser-known ski resorts provide serene skiing experiences and competitive deals on lift tickets and accommodations.

Visit some of Japan's Festivals

A journey through Japan’s festivals is like stepping into a vibrant tapestry of traditions and modern expressions of Japanese culture. From June to September, Japan offers a broad array of festivals that draw on rich traditions and modern interpretations.

Matsuri Magic: Celebrate with the Locals

Matsuri festivals are at the heart of Japanese culture. These festivals involve processions, shrines, and traditional dances, providing an immersive cultural experience. Whether it’s joining the parade at Nebuta Matsuri or the lantern-floating ceremony during Obon, Matsuri festivals offer a unique opportunity to celebrate with the locals. The Takayama autumn festival is another event to check out, if you're in Japan the 9th and 10th of October. This famous festival exists to pray for a good harvest, and also has a spring equivalent that is all about giving thanks.

Frequently asked questions

The most frequently asked questions regarding the best time to travel to Japan. 

What is the best month to travel to Japan?

The best times to visit Japan are in spring (March and April) for cherry blossoms and in autumn (September to November) for colourful foliage. Both periods have nice weather and usually lots of sunshine.

If you want to avoid large crowds and enjoy slightly lower prices, consider visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka a week before the cherry blossoms reach full bloom (around March 16th to 23rd), or around the third week of April. In the big cities most blossom will be gone, but head to the Mt. Fuji area and you'll find them in full bloom, probably with fewer tourists around too! 

Is Japan expensive to visit?

Japan is known for being somewhat expensive, but it’s not as bad as some travellers make it out to be. Yes, if you're used to let's say Thailand and Indonesia, that's a different price level. However, Japan is not as costly as some Western countries. Prices in Japan are just slightly higher than the UK and quite a chunk lower than in the United States. You can manage costs by budgeting well and choosing accommodations and dining options that suit your preferences and budget.

When is the rainy season in Japan?

The rainy season (Tsuyu) prevails in most of Japan from early June to mid-July. Central Japan experiences the heaviest rain at the end of June. However, rainfall rarely lasts a full day, and the weather systems are predictable. So, with a flexible itinerary, you can still enjoy your trip during this season.

When is the best time for seeing the Cherry Blossoms in Japan?

Cherry blossom season typically peaks in early April in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The blossoms usually last about two weeks from the start of their bloom to peak bloom. If you’re traveling outside of peak times, you can still enjoy early blossoms in southern regions like Kawazu and later blossoms in colder areas like Sendai, Hokkaido and even the Mt. Fuji area if you're lucky.