If you are wondering when the best time to visit Japan is, you are in the right place.
Much will depend on what you want to do, the parts of Japan you hope to visit, and your personal preferences.
Anyway, I think the best times to visit Japan are in Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).
This is the most colourful time of year in Japan when cherry blossoms (spring) and bright red leaves (Autumn) light up the landscape.
Keep in mind that this time of year can also be very busy.
In summer, the weather is warm and very humid.
It rains from the end of May to the middle of June or July.
And after that, it’s typhoon season.
The only places in Japan where the weather is good for hiking and being outside from June to August are the Japanese Alps and Hokkaido.
Anyhow’ let’s get cracking with the article so you can choose the best time of year to visit Japan for you.
The Japanese National Holidays
It’s a good idea to think about the national holidays in Japan.
Locals are busy during:
- Japanese New Year, Obon (which happens in different parts of the country in mid-August or mid-July)
- Golden Week (April 29–May 5).
It’s important to consider whether you’d prefer better weather or fewer tourists on your trip to Japan.
Some people can’t stand being outside in the winter, or the summer’s oppressive heat and humidity, and others will go to great lengths to avoid other tourists.
If you could only visit once, when would it be?
Seasons in Japan: An Introduction
A trip to Japan can be enjoyed any time of year because the Japanese have such a deep and unique respect for the four seasons.
In fact, many locals think Japan is the only country in the world that has four seasons.
My friends are surprised when I tell them many countries are the same lol
Anyway…
When you travel there, you’ll see that seasonal foods and sometimes even festivals are held to honor each change in weather.
This is why any opportunity to travel to Japan should be seized upon.
Seasonal High Points in Japan
If you’re lucky (and don’t mind the crowds), you can enjoy Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) during the springtime cherry blossom season.
Summer is the most joyous season because of all the fun festivals (matsuri) that pop up across the country and the beautiful beaches that are accessible during this time.
Autumn is another popular and enchanting time of year because of its beautiful foliage and mild temperatures.
Winter is a great time to visit because it has some of the best powder for skiing and snowboarding.
As well as delicious seafood and incredible hot springs.
How Geography Plays a Role
Knowing even the most fundamental facts about Japan’s geography will help immensely when discussing the country’s climate.
Japan appears small in comparison to other countries, but it is actually quite large.
Remember that the seasons and climates in Japan vary greatly from region to region.
Japan encompasses a wide range of climates from Hokkaido in the far north to Okinawa in the far southwest.
Unsurprisingly, the winters in Hokkaido are colder and last longer than in the rest of Japan.
Compared to the rest of the world, Okinawa has warmer weather and longer summers almost constantly.
Places in the south and west are typically a little warmer, while those in the north and east are typically a little chillier.
Keep in mind that places with a higher altitude, like the Japanese Alps, are typically cooler.
Important Times to Visit Japan During National Holidays
It is possible to avoid the crowds at any time of year in Japan, despite the country’s popularity.
To achieve this, you’ll need to go out of your way to visit places during less busy times.
Periods of Highest Tourist Activity in Japan
The time of year in Japan that tends to be the busiest is briefly described below.
Expect hotel and ryokan room rates to increase dramatically along with the crowds during these times:
- Between the last week of December and the first week of January is the New Year celebration.
- Chinese New Year occurs sometime in late January or early February, but the exact dates shift from year to year
- The time of year when cherry blossoms bloom is typically the second half of March into early April.
- Golden Week is a weeklong holiday celebrated annually during the first full week of May.
- The Obon festival is celebrated for several days in the middle of August.
The demand for domestic travel in Japan in the above times is high.
Japanese Spring
The spring season in Japan typically begins around the middle of March and continues into the beginning of May.
Temperatures in the spring can be anywhere from about 40 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 18 degrees Celsius).
It’s possible that you’ll want a winter coat on some days, while on others you’ll be fine with just a sweater.
The sakura (cherry blossoms) bloom between the end of March and the beginning of April.
The allure of Japan in spring is undeniable due to the stunning beauty of the cherry blossoms.
But whether or not this is worth the potential drawbacks is less certain.
The sakura may bloom early in some years and late in others.
In “lucky” years, the blossoms may remain on the trees for several weeks.
While in unlucky years, a strong wind or heavy rain may blow them off the trees before their time.
The problem with the blossoms is not just that they are unpredictable (as was mentioned above), but also that they are almost too famous for their own good.
There has always been a surge in tourism to Japan during the spring due to the blooming of the cherry trees.
Japan’s Golden Week
Although there are some drawbacks, cherry blossom season can be a beautiful time to visit if you plan ahead of time.
On the other hand, we advise you to avoid the week of Golden Week in the spring unless absolutely necessary.
Depending on the calendar, Golden Week may start as early as the last week of April or the first week of May.
During this period, the high volume of tourists drives up prices and makes getting around the country a hassle.
It’s just a bunch of boring national holidays strung together.
It is possible to travel to Japan during Golden Week.
But you should try to avoid doing so if at all possible.
Japanese Summer
Generally speaking, summer in Japan begins around the beginning of June and continues until about the middle of September.
Extreme heat and humidity characterize the summer months when highs average around 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius).
It’s important to remember that July and August are typically the hottest and most humid months of the year.
So, that may make sightseeing uncomfortable if you’re sensitive to moisture in the air.
And yet, despite (or perhaps because of) the heat, summer in Japan can be one of the most exciting times to visit the country.
Matsuri, or Japanese festivals, are known for their spectacular displays of color, tradition, and exuberance.
And Japan is home to more festivals than almost any other country.
Many of Japan’s most famous festivals take place in the summer, including:
- Gion Matsuri in Kyoto
- Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka
- Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori
- Awa Odori festival in Tokushima, on the island of Shikoku.
In addition to the spectacular matsuri celebrations, the summertime is also known for its spectacular fireworks displays.
Though it all sounds entertaining, one must ask if it is truly worth braving Japan’s oppressive summer heat and humidity.
Is it the best time of year to visit Japan?
In my opinion, no.
It’s the worst!
Unless you come from the Middle East, then you might find the summers cool 🙂
Advice for a Summer Vacation in Japan
As was just discussed, Japan covers a large geographic range.
This causes large swings in climate so that you can pick your preferred temperature range within Japan to some extent.
The Japanese Alps, Tohoku, and Hokkaido offer cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels than the rest of the country.
If you visit Japan in the summer, it’s a good idea to spend as much time as possible there.
You can still enjoy summer, albeit in a more tolerable form than in the city.
Typhoon and Rainy Season in Japan
Thankfully, Japan’s rainy season is much milder than those of other Asian countries.
Early to mid-June through mid-July is the rainy season.
While the rains are persistent, they are typically not extremely intense.
We all have our favourite times of the year.
But if you really can’t stand the rain, you might want to consider other possibilities.
Typhoons are most common in the late summer.
Although typhoons can hit anywhere in Japan, they often cause the most damage in Okinawa and the southwest.
Summer in Japan lasts well into September, but the much-anticipated beginning of autumn is just around the corner.
Japanese Autumn
Depending on where you are in Japan, autumn can last anywhere from the middle of September to the beginning of December.
Temperatures in the fall, between about 50 and 70 °F (10 and 21 °C), are generally considered the most agreeable for a trip to Japan.
Also, the vibrant colours of the changing foliage give fall its reputation.
Even though late September marks the beginning of autumn, temperatures are often still quite warm at this time of year.
The arrival of October marks the beginning of fall in all but name.
Because of the pleasant climate in October, many people visit Japan.
On the other hand, November kicks off the busiest time of year for autumn vacations, so October isn’t as popular as November.
By November, autumn had fully arrived, and the leaves across Japan could be seen changing color.
To me, this is the best time of year to visit Japan.
Advice for a Fall Trip to Japan
Since October and November attract the most visitors, you may want to consider visiting in early December.
Taking a dip in a natural onsen while admiring the fall foliage is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Japan’s autumn foliage season shares many of the benefits and drawbacks of the country’s more famous springtime flowering phenomenon, the cherry blossom.
Japanese Winter
Winter in Japan typically begins in late December and continues until about the middle of March.
The average high in the winter is only around 45 degrees Fahrenheit (about -7 degrees Celsius), and the low is around 30 degrees.
Winter is one of the best times to visit Japan, despite the fact that it is cold.
With a few notable exceptions, winter is typically a slow time for tourism in Japan, as it is in many other parts of the world.
This is due in part to the fact that most people prefer to visit during more popular times (like cherry blossom season).
Also, due to the fact that not everyone can use vacation days to visit during this time.
This is a bummer, especially if you were hoping to visit Japan when there were fewer tourists there.
Snowfall is abundant in the mountains of Japan, making the country a fantastic ski and snowboarding destination.
Hokkaido and the Japan Alps are where most people think of when they hear “Japan powder” (the latter played host to the 1998 Winter Olympic Games).
Visiting Japan in the winter allows you to fully appreciate Japanese hot springs.
This is one of the best reasons to visit Japan.
You can enjoy an onsen at any time of the year.
But there’s nothing quite like a winter soak in a mountain hot spring as the snow gently falls outside.
Advice for a Winter Trip to Japan
While it’s true that winter in Japan sees a significant drop in tourist numbers, there are a few exceptions worth noting.
The New Year’s holiday season can be a magical time to visit.
However, it’s important to weigh the potential drawbacks when planning your trip.
The days leading up to, including, and immediately following New Year’s Day are typically very busy.
This is because both international visitors and domestic Japanese citizens take advantage of the extended holiday period to see friends and family.
It is also important to note that many establishments are closed from the end of December.
Fortunately, this is a great time to explore lesser-known parts of Japan.
This makes it possible to enjoy a serene and enriching trip to Japan during this time.
Final Words
When it comes to the best time of year to visit Japan, we hope this post has helped.
We all have our personal preferences.
I know for me, I would only choose March-April or October-November.
Whatever you choose, you’ll have a great time I’m sure.
