Best Time to Visit Japan | Complete Seasonal Guide 2025

Japan offers incredible experiences throughout the year, but choosing the best time to visit can make your trip truly magical. This beautiful country transforms with each season, from the famous cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant autumn colours and pristine winter landscapes.

The best time to visit Japan depends on your preferences and what you want to experience. Spring (March-May) brings cherry blossoms and mild weather, making it perfect for sightseeing. Summer (June-August) offers festivals, but the weather can be hot and humid.

Autumn (September-November) showcases stunning fall foliage with comfortable temperatures, and Winter (December-February) provides snow activities and fewer crowds.

Many Japan Tour Packages are designed around these seasonal highlights, offering specialized experiences like cherry blossom viewing tours or autumn leaf excursions. Understanding Japan's climate and seasonal attractions will help you plan the perfect itinerary and choose the ideal package for your dream vacation.

Peak Season - March to May, September to November

The best times to visit Japan are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is nice and comfortable during these months, making it easy to travel around and see the country.

Pros -

• You can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and colourful autumn leaves.
• Perfect weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
• May and late October-November offer the best balance of good weather with fewer crowds.
• Ideal for first-time visitors, due to excellent weather conditions.

Cons -

• Expect large crowds, especially during cherry blossom season in April, Golden Week in May, and autumn foliage season from mid-November to early December.
• Higher prices for accommodation and flights due to high demand(BOOK EARLY).

Shoulder Season - June to August

Summer (June to August) is not the best time to travel to Japan. The weather is very hot and humid, plus there's a lot of rain that can ruin your sightseeing plans. At the end of summer, typhoon season starts, which brings strong storms to coastal areas through October.

Pros -

• Fewer crowds mean cheaper accommodation and flights.
• Indoor attractions like museums and shopping centres are still enjoyable.
• Summer festivals and fireworks events happen during this time.

Cons -

• The weather can be hot and humid. Heavy rain limits outdoor activities.
• After the summer, the Typhoon season can be dangerous near coastal areas.

Low Season - Between December & February

Winter (December to February) is the quietest time to visit Japan, with the fewest tourists. While Japan offers excellent skiing and winter activities, the cold temperatures keep most travellers away.

Pros -

• It is the cheapest time to visit Japan. Expect lower prices for flights and accommodation.
• Perfect for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding in places like Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps.
• Winter illuminations and festivals create magical experiences in cities.
• Hot springs (onsen) are especially enjoyable in cold weather.

Cons -

• Snow and ice can make transportation difficult, especially in northern regions.
• Shorter daylight hours mean less time for sightseeing.
• Some attractions and mountain areas may be closed due to snow.

Best Time To Visit Japan - Monthwise Breakdown

Check out the monthwise breakdown and the best things to do in each season:

Spring (March - May)

Temperature: 3 - 26°C

Weather: Cool and pleasant

March

The weather starts getting warmer in March, and plum tree blossoms mark the beginning of spring. It is the best time to travel to Japan to witness the cherry blossoms that begin blooming in the southern part, which Japanese people celebrate with picnics in parks.

Best Things to Do in March:

• Enjoy Cherry Blossom Viewing(Hanami) at places like Ueno Park, Maruyama Park, and Osaka Castle Park.
• Try Skiing and Snowboarding in northern Japan.
• Relax and rejuvenate in the natural hot springs.
• Indulge in seasonal delicacies like sakura-themed desserts and fresh seafood.
• Experience traditional events like the Omizutori Festival in Nara.

April

April is the peak viewing time for cherry blossoms as the trees start blooming further north. This is the best time to go to Japan for cherry blossoms since the flowers are beautiful and create a magical experience.

However, if you travel during this time, expect everywhere to be very crowded and hotel prices to be much higher.

Best Things to Do in April:

• Experience Cherry Blossom Viewing (Hanami) at Ueno Park, Maruyama Park, and Osaka Castle Park.
• Enjoy the Takayama Spring Festival at Takayama.
• Enjoy seasonal delicacies like sakura-flavored treats.
• Go cycling and explore Japan's natural beauty.
• With the 8 Days Tri-City Japan Tour Package, hike the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and take in breathtaking views.

May

May is the best time to go to Japan for warm and pleasant weather with rain. Everything looks green and beautiful. Cherry blossoms are still blooming in northern Hokkaido during this month, but Okinawa starts its rainy season in May.

Be aware that the first week of May is Golden Week - a national holiday when many Japanese people travel, making it very crowded.

Best Things to Do in May:

• Hike up Mt. Fuji.
• Attend the Aoi Matsuri Festival in Kyoto.
• Explore the Tokyo National Museum, one of the best places to visit in Tokyo.
• Admire fields of pink moss phlox (shibazakura).
• Watch a sumo tournament in Tokyo.
• Relax and rejuvenate in natural hot springs (onsen).
• Enjoy a cruise ride on Lake Ashi, Hakone.
• Explore Naoshima’s Benesse House and the Chichu Art Museum.

Travel Tips for Visiting Japan in Spring

1. Book flights, hotels, and the Japan Rail Pass early since spring is a busy season.
2. Avoid Golden Week (late April to early May) if you want fewer crowds.
3. Pack layers like long sleeves, sweaters, and light jackets for changing weather.
4. Bring comfortable walking shoes, an umbrella, sunscreen, and allergy medicine.
5. Get a Japan Rail Pass for long-distance travel and learn train schedules.
6. Start sightseeing early to avoid crowds.
7. Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and cycling in the mild weather.

Summer (June - August)

Temperature: 12 - 31°C

Weather: Hot and humid, with rain

June

This time of year is hot and humid, with lots of rain in most parts of Japan. While it may not be the best time of year to visit Japan for comfortable weather, the rain makes all the trees and plants look incredibly green and lush. Japan's gardens are especially beautiful during this season.

Best Things to Do in June:

• Attend the Fussa Firefly Festival in Tokyo, one of the best places to visit in Japan for first timers.
• Enjoy the Japan Fireworks Expo in Osaka.
• Admire Hydrangeas at Meigetsuin Temple.
• Visit Mount Takao Beer Garden.
• Witness the Otaue Rice Planting Festival in Osaka.
• Attend the Hokkaido Shrine Festival in Hokkaido.
• Enjoy the Shirone Giant Kite Battle by the Nakanokuchi River.

July

July brings many festivals across Japan, making it an exciting time to visit. The rainy season usually ends by mid-July in most areas, but it stays very humid.

While July may not be the best season to visit Japan for comfortable weather, it is one of the best months to climb Mount Fuji since the mountain is only open during warmer months.

This is also the best month to travel to Japan if you want to experience summer festivals. Okinawa sees the most rain and strong winds during this time.

Best Things to Do in July:

• Attend the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, one of the best places to visit in Japan for first timers.
• Witness Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka.
• Experience Fireworks Festivals in Hanabi Taikai.
• Enjoy snorkeling, diving at Kamakura and Okinawa beaches.
• Climb Mount Fuji.
• Experience the Fuji Rock Festival.
• Taste the summer treats.

August

Festivals continue across Japan during August, and it's a busy time for travel since schools are on holiday. The weather is hot and humid throughout most of the country, though Hokkaido stays cooler and more comfortable.

While August may not be the best month to go to Japan for pleasant weather, it's great for experiencing summer festivals and events.

Best Things to Do in August:

• Hike the Japanese Alps, one of the best things to do in Japan in August.
• Enjoy refreshing drinks and food at open-air beer gardens.
• Attend the Natsu Matsuri Festival throughout many neighbourhoods and towns.
• Climb Mount Fuji.
• Enjoy Fireworks Displays at Hanabi Taikai.
• Celebrate Tanabata or Star Festival across different neighbourhoods.
• Explore the Tokyo National Museum's houses.

Travel Tips for Visiting Japan in Summer

1. Carry a reusable water bottle and use vending machines for cold drinks.
2. Wear light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen with a hat and sunglasses.
3. Use air-conditioned indoor spaces like museums, stores, and restaurants to cool down.
4. Bring cooling towels, sprays, or a portable fan to stay comfortable.
5. Schedule outdoor activities for early morning or evening when it's cooler.
6. Try refreshing summer foods like chilled somen noodles and shaved ice.
7. Carry a lightweight raincoat or umbrella for sudden downpours and typhoons.
8. Wear waterproof shoes to handle light rain.

Autumn (September - November)

Temperature: 1 - 30°C

Weather: Cool and pleasant

September

By September, the summer crowds are usually gone, and you'll see clear blue skies, though it can still be hot and humid. This makes it the best time to travel to Japan for fewer crowds and better weather. In late September, leaves begin to change colour in Hokkaido, and this beautiful autumn process slowly moves south over the following weeks.

Be aware that toward the end of September, there's a five-day national holiday called Silver Week when prices jump significantly as Japanese people travel around the country. However, Silver Week only happens every few years.

Best Things to Do in September:

• Catch a professional baseball game.
• Explore Japan's beautiful temples and shrines, like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-Dera.
• Enjoy Tokyo Game Show.
• Witness the skill and tradition of sumo wrestling at a major tournament.
• Enjoy a relaxing cruise on Tokyo Bay.
• Enjoy a visit to Daisetsuzan National Park.

October

October marks the beginning of autumn in mainland Japan, bringing beautiful red and gold colours to the landscape. The weather starts to cool down from the hot summer, making October the best time of year to visit Japan for comfortable temperatures and stunning scenery.

Best Things to Do in October:

• Experience the vibrant Takayama Autumn Festival.
• Witness Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages).
• Participate in Halloween celebrations, especially at theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan.
• Hike in areas like Mount Takao, the Japanese Alps, and Nikko National Park.
• Enjoy scenic views of autumn foliage and nature.
• Take Ghost Tours.
• Explore art at Naoshima.

November

November is the peak time to see colourful autumn leaves in mainland Japan. Travelling is much quieter during this month, and the weather is pleasantly cool and mild, making it the best season to visit Japan for comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery.

Best Things to Do in November:

• Explore Arashiyama, Tofukuji Temple, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, known for their stunning autumn colours.
• Hike amidst the vibrant foliage around Nikko's shrines and temples.
• Visit Yoyogi Park and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
• Take a day trip to Mount Takao for beautiful autumn views.
• Try scallop hotpots, sweet potato tempura, and other hearty dishes as the weather cools down.
• Participate in a cooking class or mushroom picking activity.

Travel Tips for Visiting Japan in Autumn

1. Book flights, hotels (especially ryokans), and tours early since autumn is popular.
2. Check foliage forecasts on sites like JMC to find peak viewing times.
3. Keep your itinerary flexible to adjust for foliage timing and visit different regions.
4. Plan to see both cities and nature areas for the full autumn experience.
5. Avoid weekends and holidays when popular spots get crowded.
6. Pack layers like t-shirts, long sleeves, sweaters, and light jackets for changing weather.
7. Bring comfortable walking shoes since you'll be doing lots of walking.
8. Carry an umbrella or raincoat for occasional autumn showers.
9. Pack warm clothes like coats, scarves, and gloves for late autumn and mountain areas.
10. Try seasonal autumn foods like mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and chestnut sweets.
11. Take your time to enjoy the beautiful fall colors and small details.

Winter (December - February)

Temperature: -8 - 19 °C

Weather: Cold with snowfall

December

December has cool and dry weather, and the country isn't crowded for the first few weeks, making it a good time to visit if you don't mind cold temperatures. While December may not be the best month to visit Japan for everyone due to chilly weather, it offers unique experiences.

Traditional ryokan hotels don't have much heating, so they can be cold to stay in. However, outdoor hot springs (onsens) are amazing during winter, especially in northern Japan, where you can soak in warm natural springs surrounded by snow.

Toward the end of December, it gets busier when school holidays begin, and some attractions close before the New Year.

Best Things to Do in December:

• Witnessing stunning illuminations in cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
• Relax and rejuvenate in the onsen (hot spring), such as Ginzan Onsen.
• Check out the Nabana no Sato Winter Illumination in Mie prefecture.
• Head to Hokkaido for some of the best powder snow conditions in Japan.
• Explore resorts like Hakuba and Shiga Kogen in Nagano.
• Visit temples and shrines like Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo or Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, one of the best places to visit in Kyoto.
• Attend the Chichibu Night Festival.
• Explore the snow-covered village of Shirakawa-go.

January

January has cool, dry, and sunny weather with much fewer crowds than later in the year. While January may not be the best month to travel to Japan for everyone due to cold temperatures, it offers great advantages like empty tourist sites and beautiful, clear skies. Northern Japan gets heavy snowfall during this time, creating perfect conditions for skiing.

Best Things to Do in January:

• Enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Niseko, Hakuba, and Shiga Kogen.
• Relax at an onsen like Hakone, Beppu, and Kusatsu.
• Visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano.
• Enjoy the magical light displays in parks, streets, and gardens across Japan.
• Witness Zao Snow Monsters(ghostly ice sculptures in Yamagata).
• Witness massive ice sculptures and snow art in Sapporo.
• Catch the first of Japan's annual sumo tournaments in Tokyo.

February

February is the peak ski season in northern Japan. Throughout the country, days are generally cool, dry, and sunny, with many attractions being less crowded than other times of the year. While February may not be the best time to visit Japan for warm weather, it's perfect for winter sports and enjoying tourist sites without the crowds.

Best Things to Do in February:

• Attend the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival near Sapporo.
• Enjoy food and drinks at Yokote Kamakura Festival.
• Enjoy the beauty of the frozen lake and ice sculptures at this festival in Hokkaido.
• See the early bloom of plum blossoms at various gardens and parks across the country.
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage village, Shirakawa-go.
• Taste delicacies like nabe hot pots and enjoy Valentine's Day treats.
• Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Travel Tips for Visiting Japan in Winter

1. Pack layered clothing to adjust to changing temperatures, especially in northern Japan.
2. Bring a good quality waterproof jacket, pants, and warm insulated boots.
3. Pack a warm hat that covers your ears, a scarf, and gloves.
4. Use underground passages in train stations and shopping areas to escape the cold.
5. Enjoy soaking in traditional hot springs while surrounded by snow.
6. Check hours for outdoor attractions as they may close earlier in winter.
7. Reserve ski resorts and ryokans early, especially around the New Year's holiday.
8. Expect possible delays in snowy conditions, particularly in mountain areas.
9. Try winter foods like nabe (hot pot) and enjoy beautiful snow scenery.

Other Important Tips To Travel Japan For All The Seasons

Along with Japan travel rules, consider the following tips for the seasons in Japan:

1. Learn basic Japanese phrases to help navigate and talk with locals.
2. Respect Japanese etiquette and local customs.
3. Download Google Translate to help navigate and read signs.
4. Carry cash for smaller purchases and emergencies.
5. Get an IC card. It’s a convenient payment method for daily local travel.
6. If you plan to travel extensively, a JR Pass. It is an unlimited travel pass for tourists doing long-distance trips.
7. Get pocket Wi-Fi or a local SIM card to stay connected.

What is the Best Season to Visit Japan?

Choosing the best time to visit Japan ultimately depends on your personal preferences and travel goals. Each season offers unique experiences and attractions that make Japan special.

Spring provides cherry blossoms and pleasant weather, summer brings vibrant festivals, autumn showcases beautiful foliage, and winter offers snow adventures and cultural experiences.

Consider your interests, budget, and crowd tolerance when selecting your travel dates. Many Japan travel packages cater to different seasons, ensuring you get the most out of your visit. Regardless of when you choose to go, Japan's rich culture, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality will create unforgettable memories.