Best Time to Visit Japan
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the most popular times to visit Japan, as the natural scenery becomes incredibly vibrant. In Spring, the cherry trees are alive with delicate cherry blossoms, and the ground is covered in a pale pink carpet. In Autumn, the leaves turn bright red and create a stunning backdrop to the temples and mirror lakes. As these are some of the best times to visit, we recommend booking in advance to avoid being disappointed.
In the Summer months (June to August), the northern National Parks and mountains are perfect for hiking and exploring. In the south, it will be quite hot and humid and there can be heavy rains as well. Winter (December to February) offers the best season for skiing and snow related activities. Powdery snow piles high and it’s cold outside, but the hot springs and onsens can help keep you warm. No matter what time of year you want to visit Japan, our specialists will be able to talk you through the experience of each season and help you choose the best month that is right for you.
Climate guide for Japan
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kanazawa & Around | 4°C 182mm | 5°C 87mm | 8°C 125mm | 12°C 144mm | 19°C 84mm | 22°C 247mm | 26°C 127mm | 28°C 335mm | 25°C 48mm | 19°C 282mm | 12°C 114mm | 8°C 143mm |
| Kyoto & Around | 5°C 27mm | 7°C 43mm | 10°C 77mm | 14°C 109mm | 21°C 102mm | 24°C 129mm | 26°C 251mm | 29°C 381mm | 26°C 83mm | 20°C 242mm | 13°C 29mm | 8°C 48mm |
| Osaka | 0°C 50mm | 2°C 47mm | 5°C 109mm | 10°C 110mm | 17°C 139mm | 20°C 322mm | 24°C 305mm | 26°C 294mm | 22°C 84mm | 16°C 319mm | 8°C 39mm | 4°C 79mm |
| Tokyo | 6°C 10mm | 7°C 49mm | 11°C 112mm | 14°C 71mm | 20°C 128mm | 22°C 207mm | 24°C 160mm | 28°C 108mm | 25°C 107mm | 20°C 497mm | 13°C 149mm | 9°C 77mm |
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