Time takes on a whole new meaning in Japan. It appears to stand still in the old capital Kyoto, where kimono-clad geishas and Buddhist monks preserve centuries-old traditions; proves its healing powers in Hiroshima; and thrusts humanity far into the future in high-tech Tokyo. But when exactly is the best time to visit Japan? Well, we aim to help answer that very question.
Japan’s weather
Four seasons influence Japan’s weather. Spring lasts from March to May and comes with mild temperatures ranging between 10°C and 20°C (50°F and 68°F). This is when tourists flood the streets to see cherry blossoms paint cities pink. In June, summer follows. But so do heat, humidity, and occasional typhoons. The latter can make you appreciate being indoors on a whole new level.
By the end of August, temperatures plummet and Autumn takes over. This season extends from September to November and is perfect if you like clear skies and crisp air. Winter lasts from December to February and is generally mild in the south. While temperatures throughout Central Japan rarely drop below zero, pack your blankets and winter hats if you head north. Regions like Hokkaido often experience heavy snowfall and freezing conditions.
Japan’s high season travel
Spring and autumn mark Japan’s high season. Thanks to the mild temperatures and dry weather, spring is the perfect time for visiting temples, travelling on Japan’s world-famous trains, and trying the local street food (and let’s not forget world-famous cherry blossom viewing or hanami!).
In autumn, Japan’s landscapes turn red, yellow, and everything in between. If you’re travelling to popular destinations like Mt. Fuji, be sure to make reservations well ahead. Tourism in northern regions peaks during the winter months when the landscape transforms into a snowy wonderland, so perhaps the best time to visit Hokkaido is winter.
Low season in Japan
There’s no bad time to visit the Land of the Rising Sun, but it’s perhaps least busy during late January and February due to the winter cold. June isn’t a popular month either because of the hot and humid weather. Typhoons to the south and centre of the country can turn your plans upside down at this time.
Again, there are exceptions to this. Hokkaido booms among hikers in summer and winter sports enthusiasts in the winter.
Shoulder season in Japan
In most parts of Japan, the shoulder season falls in early spring and late autumn. In late February and early March, you can enjoy cherry blossoms and mild temperatures while crowds are still thinner. By late October and early November, tourists have had enough leaf-watching, meaning fewer people to photobomb your selfies in colourful parks and forests.
Cherry blossom season in Japan
So you want to see Mother Nature throw a pink confetti party? Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are prime spots for cherry blossom viewing (also known as hanami), and our Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo tour is a great way to see the blossoms blooming. The best time to experience this explosion of beauty is usually in late March or early April. Keep in mind that the cherry trees bloom in waves from the south to the north of the country.
Timing is everything. If you’re after cherry blossoms in their prime, follow local weather forecasts which typically predict the blooming dates. And if you manage to catch these dates, be ready for massive crowds and traffic jams. If you find a good spot under the blossoms, guard it like it’s the last seat on the train!
Golden Week in Japan
From April 29 to May 5, the Japanese celebrate several public holidays forming the Golden Week or Ōgon Shūkan. It’s when most people go on vacation and hotels fill up fast. But despite the crowds, it’s a joyful time. Festivals pop up everywhere, and the weather is usually perfect for sightseeing.
Just remember, you’re going to need to leave your hotel early if you want to avoid people during holidays like Showa Day, Constitution Day, Greenery Day, and Children’s Day.
The best time to go skiing in Japan
Japan has it all. If you prefer winter sports, their ski resorts are a real treat. Places like Niseko, Hakuba, and Nozawa Onsen count as top picks thanks to their fluffy snow and out-of-this-world views. The best time to hit the slopes of these northern regions is from December to February when air is dry and snow is in abundance.
Still, Japanese winters can be unpredictable. If things get too cold, consider soaking yourself in the local hot springs or onsen. If bad weather persists, you might want to board a plane or hop on a shinkansen ( bullet train) to catch a ride to Tokyo and escape to the south.
The best time to visit Japan’s beaches
Let’s go straight from the snowy slopes of Hokkaido to the warm beaches of the south. The best time to visit Okinawa is perhaps May. During this month, you avoid the risk of a typhoon while ensuring the temperatures are already high enough for a relaxing dip in the sea. At the same time, you dodge crowds looking to unwind along the coast.
After unpredictable June, the country’s rainiest month, comes July and August. They are the perfect months to hit the beaches not only in Okinawa but also in Chiba and Wakayama. Warm weather ideal for a day at the beach sometimes extends to September or even early October in these regions. Before you grab your swimsuit and answer the call of the sea, remember to pack sunscreen – the summer sun in Japan is no joke!
The best time to go hiking in Japan
The best time to go hiking in most parts of Japan is April to May and September to November. Go in the spring for blooming landscapes, mild temperatures, and mostly sunny weather. Go in the fall for clear skies and colourful foliage in all directions. Keep in mind that winter is challenging and summer can be hotter than a bowl of freshly cooked ramen.
If you want a cooler mountain destination, August is also a nice time to visit. The weather may be too hot for comfort in the cities, but a retreat in the mountains to the north can solve this problem.
What sort of hiking trip to Japan would be complete without visiting Mt Fuji? It’s one of the most iconic mountains in the world, and unfortunately, one of the most challenging to plan for. We’ve all seen pictures of disgruntled tourists posing with Mt. Fuji with nothing but sad faces and lots of fog in the view.
For clear views of Mt. Fuji, the best time to visit is between December and February. This increases the chances of dry conditions and a clear sky. You could also try your luck in early spring to capture that perfect shot of cherry blossoms with the giant mountain in the back. But if you’re thinking of climbing it, the story is a bit different. The official climbing season for Mt. Fuji is from July to early September – this is when the weather on the mountain is most reliable.
Expert tips for a pleasant Mt. Fuji experience:
• Always check the weather forecast before visiting the mountain
• Expect the weather to change swiftly
• Start early; morning hours offer the clearest views
• Have a backup plan in case the weather turns sour
Best vs. worst time to visit Japan
As always, the best time to visit Japan depends on your priorities. Visit in January or February if you prefer to travel while it’s quiet. While the costs rise swiftly in March with the arrival of cherry blossoms, they again drop quickly in June due to unpredictable and often very wet weather.
You can experience the ideal weather in March and April, and the scenery in parks throughout the country is also a big plus. Visit between September and November for general sightseeing and a combination of smaller crowds and comfortable temperatures.
Spring (March to May): Ideal for cherry blossom viewing and exploring castles, temples, and parks with mild weather and low humidity.
Autumn (September to November): Offers stunning fall foliage and crisp air, making it perfect for sightseeing and hiking with fewer crowds.
Summer (June to August): Characterized by high heat, humidity, and the risk of typhoons, especially in central and southern regions.
Late January to February: While generally less busy, it can be very cold, particularly in northern areas like Hokkaido.
Special considerations when visiting Japan:
Golden Week (late April to early May): While festive, it’s crowded and rooms fill up quickly.
Cherry Blossom Season (late March to early April): Popular spots can be extremely crowded, though it offers a magical experience if you can manage the crowds.
Each time of year has its unique charm, so the best time for you to visit Japan depends on your personal preferences and the activities you want to enjoy!
