Best Time to Visit Japan - When to Go & What to Expect

The best time of year to visit Japan is between March and May, and September and November. However, one amazing thing about Japan is that each season has its own positives, so there is never really a bad time to go. From the snow in winter to the heat in summer, whenever you go, you’ll have a unique experience and unlock a new part of Japan. It just depends on what sort of Japan you want to see.

 

We’ll walk you through seasons, months, weather, crowds, interest-based timing and booking tips. If you are currently planning a trip to Japan, it’s worth considering joining a group tour. This way, you are guaranteed activities that suit the climate and will have the chance to meet some incredible people along the way.

 

Want to know our top 5 places to visit in Japan? Or our top 5 reasons to visit Japan? We've got all the Japan advice you might need!

 

 

Why Timing Matters for Your Japan Trip...

 

Japan’s travel seasons are important to understand. Going in February will give you a completely different experience than if you travelled in September. Here are the season’s different traits to help you decide the best time to go to Japan.

 

Spring (March-May)

 

If you are looking for mild, comfortable weather, sun, long days and maybe even a bit of blossom, March-May is the best time to visit Japan. You can expect it to range from around 14-24 degrees, and the later you visit in spring, the warmer and more pleasant it will be.

 

Top tips for visiting Japan in Spring (March-May)

 

It will be busier during this time, so make sure you pre-book activities and accommodation. One great option is to join a group tour of Japan so that you can sit back, relax and leave the logistics to someone else. It’s perfect for busy times of the year when things get booked up super quickly.

 

Make the most of blossom season! Blossom season is stunning, and it is such an amazing sight. The Sakura Season is the biggest in Tokyo and Kyoto, so make sure you add these to your list; you’ll want to make the most of this amazing sight.

 

Pack light: this goes for any season you are in Japan. The shopping here is next level, so come ready with room to fill up with vintage clothes, money frogs (IYKYK) and Sonny’s Angels.

 

Prepare for Golden Week: If you are going late April-early May, it is worth bearing in mind that this is during Golden Week and crowds are likely to get even bigger around this time.

 

Summer (June-August)

 

Craving the heat? Japan gets hot in their summer, and if you are visiting this time of year, you can make the most of Japan’s tropical islands. However, it is worth bearing in mind that June comes with a chance of rain, so if you can come later in this season!

 

Top tips for visiting Japan in Summer (June-August)

 

Bring water: It's humid over summer, so make sure you stay hydrated and keep a water bottle with you at all times. Japan has a good amount of water refill spots, and you can download mymizu to find your nearest refill point.

 

You’ll get more for your money! This time of the year is considered off-season, so you’ll be able to get more for your money when you travel at this time.

 

Pack cool clothes - pack linen and thin clothes if you are going across Japan in the summer. Equally though, if you arrive without options for summer, you head to one of the many shopping malls and districts around, and you’ll be spoilt for choice, it’s also super reasonable too!

 

 

Autumn (September-November)

 

Want to explore when it’s slightly cooler and the leaves are starting to turn brown and red? Travel to Japan in Autumn for beautiful colours, less humidity and fewer crowds. The nature of Japan comes alive again at this time of the year, making it one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit, after the Blossom Season, of course.

 

Top tips for visiting Japan in Autumn (September-November)

Bring a jumper for the evenings. Although the days are warm, the evenings/mornings can get chilly. You’ll want to bring a jacket or warm jumper for when this starts to get a little colder.

 

Plan ahead! Make sure you pre-book activities and accommodation. One great option is to join a group tour of Japan in autumn so that you can sit back, relax and leave the logistics to someone else.

 

Winter (December-February)

 

Don’t mind the cold? Want to make the most of a quieter time of the year? Travelling between December and February is a great time of the year for the festivities and for making the most of Japan’s amazing ski season. Niseko and Rusutsu in Hokkaido are great spots for skiing and snowboarding, so if you are travelling in Japan in winter and want a bit of an adrenaline rush, these are the places to visit.

 

Top tips for visiting Japan in Winter (December-February)

Come prepared for the cold - Bring your gloves, your hat, your scarf, all the thermals and more!

 

Bring lip balm - the air is dry in winter, bring a little lip balm to pack in your bags to avoid chapped lips. The last thing you’ll want is a painful smile in all your gorgeous photos!

 

 

 

 

Month By Month Breakdown

 

January

Key Highlights: New Year (Shōgatsu), heavy snow in the north, winter illuminations, quiet cities (after Jan 3rd).

Crowd Level: Lowest (Excluding Jan 1–3).

Price Guide: Low (Excluding New Year's week).

Type of Traveller: Budget travellers, winter sports enthusiasts, and those prioritising quiet sightseeing.

 

February

Key Highlights: Snow festivals (e.g., Sapporo Snow Festival), ideal ski/snowboard conditions, early plum blossoms (ume).

Crowd Level: Low to Medium (Higher in ski/festival areas).

Price Guide: Low (Higher in Hokkaido).

Type of Traveller: Winter sports fans, budget seekers, and those who want dry, sunny winter days.

 

March

Key Highlights: Start of Cherry Blossom season (late month/south), plum blossoms, Spring school holidays, Hinamatsuri.

Crowd Level: Medium to High (Rising sharply late month).

Price Guide: Medium (Rising for late March).

Type of Traveller: Those seeking the transition to spring, early Sakura views, and a mix of festivals.

 

April

Key Highlights: Peak Cherry Blossoms (Sakura), mild weather across most of Japan, Hanami (flower viewing) events.

Crowd Level: Highest (Peak season).

Price Guide: High to Highest (Peak Sakura prices).

Type of Traveller: First-time visitors, photographers, romantics, and those prioritising iconic natural beauty.

 

May

Key Highlights: Golden Week (early May), pleasant post-Sakura weather, blooming wisteria/spring flowers.

Crowd Level: Highest (Early May), then Low (Late May).

Price Guide: Highest (Early May), then Medium (Late May).

Type of Traveller: Those wanting the best weather (late May), flower lovers, or those wanting to experience major Japanese holidays (early May – avoid if crowd-averse).

 

June

Key Highlights: Tsuyu (Rainy Season) begins (except Hokkaido), lush greenery, Hydrangea blooms, start of low season.

Crowd Level: Lowest.

Price Guide: Lowest (Best value).

Type of Traveller: Budget-conscious travellers, those who prefer fewer crowds, and those interested in indoor cultural activities (museums, onsen).

 

July

Key Highlights: Start of summer, major festivals (e.g., Gion Matsuri), Mt. Fuji climbing season opens, high heat/humidity.

Crowd Level: Medium to High (Festivals & Summer Holidays).

Price Guide: Medium to High.

Type of Traveller: Festival enthusiasts, hikers, summer lovers who can handle heat and humidity.

 

August

Key Highlights: Peak summer, high heat/humidity, massive fireworks festivals (Hanabi), Obon holiday (mid-month).

Crowd Level: High (Domestic surge during Obon).

Price Guide: High (Especially around Obon week).

Type of Traveller: Those seeking summer activities and festivals, families, and beach lovers (in the south).

 

September

Key Highlights: End of summer heat, typhoon season peaks, beginning of early autumn colours in the north.

Crowd Level: Low to Medium.

Price Guide: Low to Medium (Good value).

Type of Traveller: Budget travellers, those who prefer quieter sightseeing, and those willing to navigate occasional typhoons.

 

October

Key Highlights: Fantastic, mild and dry weather, local harvest festivals, mountain foliage starts (north/high altitude).

Crowd Level: Medium to High (Increasing).

Price Guide: Medium to High.

Type of Traveller: Hikers, culture seekers, those prioritising optimal weather, and repeat visitors.

 

November

Key Highlights: Peak Autumn Foliage (Kōyō), stunning leaf colours (Kyoto/Tokyo from mid-month), crisp, dry air.

Crowd Level: Highest (Peak foliage season).

Price Guide: High to Highest.

Type of Traveller: First-time visitors, photographers, romantics, and those prioritising iconic natural beauty (like April).

 

December

Key Highlights: Early winter, Christmas markets/Illuminations (until Dec 20), quiet period after foliage season, snow starts in the north.

Crowd Level: Low (Early/Mid-month) then Highest (Late Dec/New Year).

Price Guide: Medium (Early/Mid-month) then Highest (Late Dec/New Year).

Type of Traveller: Those seeking Christmas lights and mild cities (early/mid-month), or winter sports enthusiasts (north).

 

 

 

 

 

Your Japan adventure

So there you go, we’ve given you our thoughts on when to travel and top tips for each season. Whenever you go, you will have the best time and make the most incredible memories! Send us a postcard!