The Best Time of Year to Visit Japan
Discover the best ways to enjoy Japan all year round…

In a country as wonderfully diverse as Japan, it doesn’t matter what time of year you choose to travel, there will always be plenty of fantastic activities and experiences to be enjoyed. At Scott Dunn, our travel experts know the best times to travel to Japan and can help you plan the perfect trip based on what you want to see and do.
Typically, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to go to Japan, since this is when the country’s naturally breathtaking scenery comes alive. Spring marks the anticipated cherry blossom season in Japan, with beautiful pink and red blooms making for a wonderful backdrop everywhere you go. If you’re hoping to take in the blossoms, it’s worth noting that spring is the busiest time of year to visit, with tourists flocking to destinations across the country to see it.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Japan?
The ideal time to go to Japan depends on the kinds of experiences you’re looking for.
During the summer months, Japan’s northern national parks and mountainous regions are ideal for hiking, biking and exploring, while the south becomes hot and humid. Alternatively, if you’re a fan of skiing, winter is no doubt the best time of year to visit Japan, offering fresh white powder piled high and plenty of stunning routes both on and off-piste.
If you’d like to visit Japan’s largest cities, Tokyo and Osaka, spring or autumn are also the best times to travel, as conditions can get extremely hot and sticky during the summer months.
No matter when you’d like to travel, our experts will gladly plan you a tailor-made itinerary that combines the best experiences for each of Japan’s seasons, so you can just sit back, relax and focus on making the most of your luxury Japan holiday.
Our Experts Say...
"The best times to visit Japan are from early-March to late May and from early October to early December. The Cherry Blossom season typically falls between the last week of March and the first week of April. The autumn leaves typically come into full colour towards the end of October and last through to the end of November. Cherry Blossom and autumn can both be very busy and particularly expensive times to travel. To avoid the crowds, consider travelling in early March or between mid-April and late May. Early December is also a great time to travel. Summer can be very hot and humid in Japan, especially in August and September when there's a greater risk of typhoons. If you have to travel during the summer months, Japan is very equipped for extreme weather and most trips go without a hitch! Christmas and New Year as well as Golden Week in mid-May and Obon in mid-August are the only periods to really avoid a Japan trip due to bigger crowds and some facilities closing for the holidays."
Rikki Poynton, Asia Specialist
Climate guide for Japan
, Japan
Average temperatures (Celcious) and rainfall (mm)

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