The Best Time of Year to Visit Japan

With warm temperatures across the country, spring is one of the best times of year to visit most parts of Japan. Wander through the streets of Tokyo before the summer heat sets in or take a trip to lesser-known locations like Kumano Kodo and Miyajima to see some of Japan’s most beautiful shrines and cultural sites.

If you’re looking to catch cherry blossom season in Japan, spring is the perfect time to visit. From Hokkaido to the parks of Tokyo, magical blossoms will appear across the northern parts of the country from March to May and are an unforgettable sight. However, you should be aware that this is a popular time to travel so attractions will be busy and hotels may be more expensive than at other times of the year.

Summer in Japan is hot and humid, with heavy rainfall across most of the country. This rainfall means that Japan’s gardens and forests are at their most vibrant, making this a great time to visit destinations across Northern Honshu and take in the beautiful natural scenery, clear lakes and impressive mountains.

Looking to escape the heat? Destinations outside of the cities can be slightly cooler during the summer months and are a popular option for most travellers. An hour from Tokyo, the mountain resort of Karuizawa provides cool air and a range of outdoor activities, making it an ideal summer destination.

Autumn is one the best times of year to visit Japan to enjoy both its bustling cities and breathtaking natural landscapes. As temperatures and crowds begin to die down, autumn is a great time to visit cities like Kyoto, a fascinating place full of history. Take in the UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle Garden or learn about geisha life and attend a traditional tea ceremony to immerse yourself in Japan’s rich culture. For those looking to hike Mount Fuji without the summer crowds and high temperatures, autumn is also the time to do so, with the climbing season coming to a close at the end of September.

Alternatively, to make the most of the beautiful red and gold hues that sweep across Japan during this time, we recommend a trip to Shikoku Island. A relatively undiscovered gem, Shikoku is perfect for observing the breathtaking seasonal colours that paint Japan’s forests and mountains during the autumn months.

If you’d like to avoid the tourists, a winter visit to Japan may be the thing for you - as long as you don’t mind the cold! With temperatures in the mid-teens and dry weather, winter is a good time to visit popular sites and attractions without worrying about long queues or large crowds.

However, if you don’t mind tourists, January and February are the height of Japan’s skiing season and are ideal times to visit the peaks of Niseko and enjoy the fresh powder as you glide down the mountain.

If you’re travelling with little ones, we also recommend visiting Yudanaka to see the famous snow monkeys. Why not combine your visit with a trip to the historic Shibu Onsen? This traditional outdoor hot spring is a must-visit attraction when travelling in Yudanaka and is a great way to warm up in the cold weather.