Japan at roughly 1,800 miles long is large enough to have quite a varied temperature between the top and bottom. It wouldn’t be unusual for Hokkaido to be sub-zero while people are out at the beach on the more subtropical southern Okinawa. Generally, the best time to visit Japan is between March to May and then September to November.
The iconic sight of cherry trees in bloom can be enjoyed every spring across Japan. As with any natural event it is hard to be specific with exact dates, however, normally this spectacle occurs between the months of March and April. The blossom is incredibly fragile so there is generally a two-week window when the trees are in full bloom.
New Year is one of the main travel seasons for both domestic and international travellers. The weather is generally cool, dry and sunny in many parts of the country. In the north, there is heavy snowfall, making for excellent skiing conditions. Okinawa in the south is semi-tropical throughout the year.
In the first few days of January, “Hatsumode” ,the first shrine visit, is happening. Shrines and temples can be extremely busy, with several receiving millions of visitors in the first couple of days in January. After this busy period, it is a much quieter time to visit.
This can be a wonderful time to view Mount Fuji when the skies are clear and there are fewer clouds.
Ski season is in full swing in the north. Winter continues to bring some of the coolest but driest conditions to the rest of the country. Onsens, mineral-rich hot springs, can be a great addition to a winter visit to Japan. Further south, the weather is usually sunny and dry making it a fabulous time for exploring without the crowds.
The snow festival in Sapporo is an incredible display of artistry, attracting over two million visitors to see the stunning carved ice sculptures and ride the ice slides.
Held on February 3rd each year, this day is about getting rid of any bad luck from the previous year. People often visit shrines or throw soybeans out of their front doors, shouting “Devils out, Fortune in” before slamming it closed.
The start of the cherry blossoms in southern Japan, as the weather warms. Milder temperatures are perfect for sightseeing. This is a popular time to visit Japan, especially towards the end of the month when the cherry blossom fever grips the nation. If you’re visiting earlier in March, take a bullet train from Tokyo to explore Osaka, Kyoto or Hiroshima. The end of March marks the start of school holidays, so expect more domestic and international travellers around.
March marks the start of the cherry blossom season in the south before it moves northward.
Take the bullet train from Tokyo to explore the cities of Osaka, Kyoto or Hiroshima (3-4 hours away).
Perhaps the busiest month, as the cherry blossom spreads northwards across the country. A stunning time, but expect to plan accommodation and excursions well in advance. Both locals and visitors take part in the custom of hanami (flower viewing); take part in one of the many parties across Japan.
Starting on Emperor Showa’s (1926 to 1989) birthday – 29th April, Golden Week is made up of several national holidays. Many Japanese will be off work over this period and travelling domestically. You are therefore likely to experience higher prices, limited availability and busier than normal tourist spots.
Taking place in spring (April 14th – 15th) to pray for a bountiful harvest the annual festival of the Hie Shrine takes place in the southern half of Takayama’s old town. Decorated floats are paraded through the town often lit with lanterns or covered in marionettes, which are controlled with incredible skill by the puppeteers to recreate lifelike movements.
The cherry blossom reaches the far north of the country around Sapporo at this time and temperatures are generally warm. It is generally dry in most parts, with vegetation vibrant and lush. Golden Week, a national holiday during the first week of May, means tourist spots are often much busier. However, this is a fabulous time to experience traditional celebrations.
May is the start of the rainy season in Okinawa and the coming of spring in Hokkaido tends to fall around a month later than Tokyo.
One of the three great Shinto festivals and Tokyo’s largest festival is known for being one of the most raucous. The Asakusa district fills with dancing, food stalls, festive games and music for three days, as shrines (mikoshi) are paraded through the streets. The celebration is in remembrance of the three founders of the Sensoji Temple and is a great chance to some local community spirit and Japanese culture.
Golden Week is made up of several national holidays during the first week of May. Many Japanese will be off work over this period and travelling domestically. You are therefore likely to experience higher prices, limited availability and busier than normal tourist spots.
Many parts become hot and humid, with the rainy season occurring in Okinawa. A consequence of the rain is that the countryside and most gardens are at their best. The southern cities of Tokyo or Kyoto won’t be too rainy, but you can escape the downpours by visiting museums or attending a tea ceremony.
It can get very hot and humid in many parts of the country at this time, making it the perfect time to escape to the mountains. Mount Fuji hiking season opens on the 1st July, with some of the best conditions lasting until September. If you’re not someone who particularly likes the thought of hiking, take a ferry to one of the islands surrounding Japan and make the most of snorkelling opportunities in the turquoise waters.
In July the lavender is in full flower in the Furano fields. This beautiful spectacle of bright flowers is a major tourist draw to the region. Farm Tomita is the best-known location, with the Tokachi mountains making a spectacular backdrop to the vibrant rows of beautiful blooms. However, there are numerous other farms with spectacular displays to visit in the area.
Escape the heat of the mainland with a trip to one of the islands surrounding Japan.
There are many festivals at this time and locals are on holiday, making it a busy time of year for travel. Much of Japan is hot and humid at this time of year. It is a great time to explore the Sapporo area, with cooler and less humid conditions.
A Buddhist festival honouring the annual return of ancestor’s spirits celebrated with food offerings, dance and floating lanterns. This takes place in the middle of August.
Mount Fuji is open for trekking until September.
September brings a quieter time for travel, with most locals back at work. The temperatures start to cool off a little, but the humidity generally remains.
Up until the 14th September you can hike up Mount Fuji.
Kayak along the Shimanto River
The start of autumn for the majority of Japan, showcasing a wonderful array of autumn colours across the countryside and the beginning of the harvest season. The more mountainous areas are likely to be at peak colour during October. Travel in the Tohoku region is popular at this time. The weather is still pleasantly warm, with less rain.
Visit for the autumn festival and witness dances, parades with decorated floats and delicious regional delicacies. This region also has many sake breweries.
From rice, and persimmons to pears and chestnuts, farmers will be in the full swing of harvest season. Many even allow visitors to get involved.
Across the country, this is the best month to see the beautiful autumn colours. The main tourist areas such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima typically have their peak colours at the end of November and into early December. There are fewer visitors overall, and the temperatures remain mild, especially in the south.
Osaka Castle is particularly beautiful with the autumn colours.
This is a wonderful time to see Mount Fuji with its snow capped peaks and clear skies.
The first couple of weeks of December are some of the quietest times to travel, and you can enjoy the natural thermal hot springs, onsens, with snow on the ground. As Japan moves into the festive season, the north of the country will experience snow and cities are filled with lights. Ski season in the north is in full swing. The winter months have relatively short days, meaning your time to explore in daylight is limited.
The first couple of weeks of December are some of the quietest times to travel, and you can enjoy the natural thermal hot springs, onsens, with snow on the ground. As Japan moves into the festive season, the north of the country will experience snow and cities are filled with lights. Ski season in the north is in full swing. The winter months have relatively short days, meaning your time to explore in daylight is limited.
Soak in a hot spring in Hakone or Koyasan.
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