Choosing the best time of year to visit Japan can be overwhelming. The good news is, Japan is beautiful at any time of year. Each of Japan’s four distinct seasons has its own unique highlights making it an ideal all year-round travel destination. Here is our guide in what to expect during winter, spring, summer, and fall so you can choose the best time to visit Japan based on your travel style and interests. If you are planning a trip to Japan, you may also want to read our Top Tips For Visiting Japan and Best Luxury Accommodation in Japan.
Japan has four distinct seasons: You’ve got the famed cherry blossoms in the spring, festivals in the summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and powdery snow come wintertime.
Best Things To Do in Summer in Japan
When: June – August
Pros: great for outdoor activities like hiking and scuba diving, season of festivals
Cons: can get humid, rain is common beginning of summer and typhoons are common at the end of summer
This time of the year is the most festive period with colourful matsuri and festivals throughout the country. It is prime season for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling in the mountains and lovely coastal regions to enjoy the sea. Explore our adventures in Yakushima, a subtropical island off the southern coast of Kyushu. The island is covered by extensive cedar forest containing some of Japan’s oldest living trees where some are a natural World Heritage Site. A perfect destination to hike, cycle or kayak its pristine beauty. For a coastal escape, venture to Okinawa Island of raw natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, from the castle ruins and heritage sites of the main island to the secluded coves, vibrant reefs, and clear waters of Kerama and Yaeyama islands. An ideal place for outdoor adventure, water activities and world-class diving.
Summer in Japan is hot and humid, an escape to far north Hokkaido or the Japanese Alps where temperatures are cooler may be a good idea. Here, both destinations are a hiker’s paradise. Hokkaido boasts 6 national parks that offer easy to challenging multi-day hiking adventures from Daisetsuzan, Rishiri Rebun Sarobetsu, Shiretoko National Parks and more. Explore more walking and hiking experiences on our guided tours in the Japanese Alps.
Best Things To Do in Autumn in Japan
When: September – November
Pros: spectacular fall foliage in the countryside
Cons: expect crowds
Fall is a magical and highly popular time of the year due to its beautiful autumn colours throughout Japan and crisp and pleasant temperatures. Best things to do in autumn is hiking in serene regions for breathtaking fall foliage amongst natural wonders. Walk Kamikochi and Japan Alps for tranquil mountains and river streams; the forested and ancient Nakasendo Trail; or a UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage route of the Kumano Kodo Trail to witness the natural phenomenon of the iconic autumn foliage. Soaking in an outdoor onsen while gazing at the autumn foliage is also an unforgettable experience that is perfect after a day of hiking.
Best Things To Do in Spring in Japan
When: March – May
Pros: Comfortable temperatures and beautiful cherry blossoms
Cons: busy time for travel so expect crowds, high accommodation prices
A romantic time and Japan's most famous season, Spring is known and is symbolised by the iconic sakura (cherry blossoms), and if you don’t mind the crowds, you can experience hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in all its glory. Witnessing the cherry blossoms in Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience. The prime season for cherry blossoms in Japan is typically at the end of March, and lasts about two weeks. However, every year the window changes since the blooms are dependent on many environmental factors like temperature, wind, and rain. Kyoto set against the temples, shrines, castles, and 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that serve as a stunning backdrop for the colors of sakura season. Some of the best places to see cherry blossom in Kyoto is Philosopher’s Path lined with cherry trees, Maruyama Park is lovely to stroll among peaceful gardens and ponds and the Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the most significant temples in Japan boasting blossom-filled grounds. Osaka also makes a grand destination for cherry blossom combined with gourmet street food as you wander the streets of the city while tantalizing on the country’s top dishes; or Osaka Castle is filled with over 3000 cherry trees creating one of the best viewing locations in the Kansai region. It is no secret that Tokyo also makes for one of the best cities for cherry blossoms. Venture out into many of the city’s parks and walk through thousands of pink and white blooms. The infamous Ueno Park has been one of the most beloved locations for hanami in the city for centuries.
Best Things To Do in Winter in Japan
When: December – February
Pros: least crowded, best for great quality snow for skiing and snowboarding, great time for onsen, snow monkeys and seeing scenic landscapes and villages sprinkled in snow
Cons: cold weather, averaging around 43°F (6°C), some outdoor activities like hiking and biking may be more difficult in the winter
Winter boasts amazing seafood, incredible hot springs and more iconically some of the best powder in the world for skiing and snowboarding. The most well-known places to enjoy Japan’s legendary powder are in the mountains of Japan in Hokkaido and the Japan Alps. It is also famed for its snow festivals, with the most iconic being Sapporo Snow Festival from snow and ice sculptures to giant slides. One of the best parts of visiting Japan in winter is to truly soak in the serenity of Japanese hot springs (onsen). While you can enjoy onsen all year round, it doesn’t compare to sitting in a mountain hot spring surrounded by a white landscape with snow falling on you- a quintessential Japanese experience that you cannot miss. Explore our winter experiences with a Rural Japan Walk, Snowshoeing and Ski Adventure or a Nakasendo Trail Walk + Royale Snow Monkey Tour.
