Best Time To Visit Japan

An archipelago stretching over 3,000 km from north to south, Japan experiences major variations in the weather by region. Find out the best time to visit Japan by city.

• Tokyo – is a great year-round destination but the best times to visit the city are from March – May and October – November which coincide with the cherry blossom and fall season.
• Kyoto – is simply spectacular in autumn and equally alluring in spring.
• Hokkaido – is a winter wonderland and best experienced from December to February at one of its many world-class ski resorts.
• Osaka – is best visited in spring and fall.
• Hakone – This tranquil, lakeside town is best experienced during springtime.
• Nagano – The ‘Roof of Japan’ sees the most tourists during the months of March to May.
• Fukuoka – Sitting in the southern part of Japan, the city is best visited from May until October.
• Mt.Fuji – Hike this symbol of Japan during the months of July to mid-September.
• Okinawa Islands – The beaches of Okinawa are at its most beautiful in summer, from June to October.

What is the best time to visit Japan for cherry blossoms?

The delicate pinks of the sakura or cherry blossoms are in full bloom and dress up the streets of Tokyo and Kyoto towards the end of March and the first week of April. Expectedly, you will also see huge crowds and if experiencing this stunning sight is on your bucket list, you need to plan your visit six months to a year in advance. But if jostling with the crowds is not quite your style, you could head to Sapporo which sees cherry blossoms in all its ethereal glory only in early May.

After you have admired Japan’s cherry blossoms, we highly recommend extending your journey to experience the fascinating history and culture of the country. Our experts have listed the top 10 things to do in Japan, which can make your trip a truly enchanting one.

When is rainy season and typhoon season in Japan?

Early summer is rainy, but July and August are hot and humid except in Hokkaido, with temperatures in Tokyo reaching up to 88 °F. While autumns are cool, there is a possibility of typhoons, especially in Kyushu and Shikoku Islands, located in the South Western part of Japan, during the months of August and September.

When should I visit Japan to see fall colors?

The months of October to November see a color burst of a different kind with autumn leaves in deep reds, browns, yellows and golds framing the spectacular scenery of the country.

When is winter season in Japan?

Winter in Japan, which can be quite chilly, runs from December to February. Heavy snowfall is, however, mostly limited to the mountainous regions.

Lighter clothing in the summer is recommended, but jackets are necessary if you plan to explore the Alpine regions. If you are visiting in the spring then bring some warmer clothes as the temperature drops considerably at night. There is plenty of walking involved in any trip to Japan so pack your most comfortable footwear.

As a rule, the Japanese people are always meticulously dressed and you will be judged and sometimes treated based on how you dress. While Japan is less strict than other Asian countries about dress codes when visiting temples, it is always polite to cover shoulders and be dressed conservatively. Easy to slip on/slip off shoes are more practical when visiting temples, or staying in ryokans etc.

How to Dress by Season in Japan

Spring: This is one the best season to visit Japan. If you are visiting Japan in spring, layering is the key as there are considerable variations in temperature from day to night. It is wise to bring a light jacket as temperatures can drop significantly at night.

Summer: The country gets quite hot in summer so it is best to pack light clothes, cottons, breezy linens and garments in breathable fabrics along with sunglasses and hats. It is also when the country gets the most rainfall so don’t forget to pack an umbrella and rain jacket.

Fall: Pack layers. You will need sweaters and light jackets too.

Winter: Fill your suitcase with winter clothing including heavy coats/jackets, gloves, hats and scarves.