People often ask me: “When’s the best time to travel to Japan?”
Actually, this question is hard to answer because each month and season has something great to offer! It depends solely on your personal interests!
Instead of suggesting a “best time” or a “best season”, I thought it might be more helpful to list what you might be able to see in each season – and then you can decide yourself when’s the best time to travel to Japan!
Is Spring the best time to travel to Japan?
Spring in Japan is very popular and well-known for its beautiful cherry blossoms.
Cherry blossoms are without a doubt one of the best things to see in Japan. They do not bloom everywhere at the same time, so plan your trip accordingly!
There are many websites that will show you the current “sakura front” of each year.
In Okinawa you can enjoy sakura in January while the rest of Japan gets them from late March until May, roughly speaking going from Kyushu all the way down to Chubu, Tohoku and then Hokkaido.
The good thing about it is that you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in Tohoku in early May, if you missed them in Tokyo or Kyoto in April!
However, spring in Japan has so much more to offer!
Cherry blossoms are beautiful for sure, but let’s check out what else you can see in spring:
Plum blossoms in March
Before the cherry blossoms come out, Japan is already tainted in white and shades of pink. On top of that there’s an incredibly sweet smell everywhere thanks to the plum blossoms.
Plum blossoms look very similar to cherry blossoms, but they smell better.
From late March to early April you’ll sometimes be able to see both of them in bloom. It can be hard to tell them apart then.
There are also many spring festivals. One of the weirdest festivals you’ll ever experience takes place in early April, the “Phallus Festival in Kawasaki“.
Azaleas, wisteria and shiba-zakura in May
Once the cherry blossoms are gone, there’s no reason to be sad.
Japan becomes even more colorful after that. The cherry blossom trees turn from a soft pink into a fresh and vivid green and other flowers start to bloom.
Among my favorites are azaleas (躑躅, tsutsuji).
In the photo above you see the “Tsutsuji Festival” at Nezu Shrine in Tokyo (April / May 2013).
You’ll also find wild wisteria in the mountains and some parks, temples and shrines have very old wisteria trees on their grounds.
Wisteria is called “fuji” (藤) in Japanese.
What I was able to enjoy for the first time this year is called shiba-zakura (芝桜). It has nothing to do with “sakura” – the cherry blossoms.
It’s moss pink in various colors. Whole parks are “paved” with it. I visited Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, which you see in the photo above.
My highlight was the “Shiba-zakura Festival” in Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, featuring Mt. Fuji in the background.
Avoid Golden Week:
While spring sounds like a great time to come to Japan, please try to avoid Golden Week.
Golden Week is an accumulation of national holidays from the end of April to early May (usually from April 29th to May 6th).
It’s the high season for traveling in Japan. Everything including accommodation and transportation will cost more than usually. Hotels will be booked out far in advance.
It will be crowded almost everywhere in Japan. You’ll need longer than planned, because buses are so full that you’ll have to wait for the next one.
There are traffic jams and long waiting lines. You won’t be able to take good photos, because there are too many people in the way. It’s a lot harder to enjoy the sights and it’s more stressful in general.
I always see so many foreign tourists here during Golden Week and I simply don’t understand why they come during that time of the year!
If you have the choice, do yourself a favor and DON’T COME during Golden Week!
Is summer the best time to travel to Japan?
Summer starts with the rainy season – usually in early June – and ends in mid-July.
After that it’ll get extremely hot and humid. If you’re not used to temperatures over 30°C and a humidity level of 90%+, summer in Japan might be very tough. On top of that there are many creepy and some dangerous insects.
Yet there are awesome things in summer you don’t want to miss:
What to see in June
During rainy season you’ll find hydrangeas (アジサイ, ajisai) everywhere. They come in various colors and are cute and beautiful (see the photo above).
It’s not as hot as in August yet, so if you want to escape the heat, it’s not a bad time to come. And just because it’s called rainy season, it doesn’t mean that it’ll rain every single day!
At the same time as the hydrangeas there are also irises (菖蒲, shoubu).
Climbing Mt. Fuji in July or August
I admit that I’m really not a fan of the Japanese summer, but there are certain things you can only do then! One of them is climbing Mt. Fuji. The official climbing season is from July to August, so you wouldn’t want to miss that chance.
When I climbed it in August 2010 there was still some snow on the top and it was freezing cold!
Summer festivals with fireworks in August
The best thing about summer in Japan is that there are all these great festivals!
Each and every city has their own, so it’s hard to miss them – no matter where in Japan you are. The main season for festivals is “obon” (お盆), the time around August 13th-15th. Please note that this is also another busy travel time as it’s summer vacation for students and most adults have days off during “obon”.
You’ll be able to see traditional dance performances, taiko performances, girls wearing yukata and hanabi (fireworks).
There’s also “Bon-Odori” (traditional dance) all over Japan, but the best one ever takes place in Gujo-Hachiman, Gifu Prefecture. In mid-August the local people dance from evening till morning and anybody can join! I did last year and it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had! I can’t wait to share it with you in a future blog post!
Firework festival in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture (August 2012).
There’s also the great “Earth Celebration” on Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture – that I unfortunately missed by just a few days last year.
Don’t worry if you can’t come in August. There are some great festivals in June and July as well!
To name just one of them: the famous “Gion Matsuri” in Kyoto takes place in July.
If you want to visit Japan in summer, but are not sure if you can take the heat, then you can escape to Hokkaido where it’s less humid and a bit cooler!
Typhoon season in September
September doesn’t really have to offer anything special in my eyes. Usually it’s still very hot and humid, but it’s also known as the typhoon season.
In recent years typhoons have hit all year round, so I wouldn’t worry too much about it.
In fact, there are no long public holidays in September. It’s no “high season”. For that reason it’s a good time to come. There will be fewer people, things will be cheaper – and usually the weather is good.
Is autumn the best time to travel to Japan?
Autumn is one of my favorite seasons in Japan! The heat of summer is finally gone. Normally the weather is great for travelling (especially in October and November) and the beautiful autumn colors are something you shouldn’t miss!
Just like with the cherry blossoms, there’s a “momiji front” in Japan which simply means that the leaves won’t change colors everywhere at the same time. Again there are many websites that let you check where you need to go if you want to catch the “color peak”.
Usually the leaves turn red first in colder regions like Hokkaido and Tohoku, then go down to Chubu and will finally reach southern Japan. While you’ll find cherry blossoms on Okinawa, there aren’t any autumn colors like in the rest of Japan there.
The peak for popular destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto or Hiroshima is usually in late November.
I would say that the bright autumn colors are the highlight of autumn, but there are other things you might be interested in:
Cosmoses, red spider lilies and killer hornets
Cosmoses are very beautiful and are a common sight in autumn, especially in October and early November.
Higanbana (彼岸花), the red spider lily, is seen as weed, but I’m fascinated by those flowers. You’ll run into them very often as they just grow everywhere.
One thing I don’t like about autumn is that it’s the time when the killer hornets (known as “suzumebachi”) are most active.
Please be careful, especially if you go to rural areas or hiking into the mountains!
No high season in autumn, but:
While there are no long vacations in autumn, popular spots can get very crowded on the weekends during the autumn color peak!
Especially Kyoto can be crazy, so try to avoid the weekends during that time!
Is winter the best time to travel to Japan?
Compared to the other seasons winter can be rather boring. Especially in regions with no snow. Japanese gardens are not very beautiful during that time. Most trees have lost their leaves, so landscapes are quite monotone.
However, in regions with a lot of snow you can enjoy a beautiful snow scenery!
Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture in January 2011.
Another problem with winter is that most tourist facilities close earlier and the sunset is around 5pm! Nevertheless there are some reasons why you might want to visit Japan in winter:
Illuminations in December and January
Around Christmas time many cities will put up breathtaking illuminations. One of the most famous illuminations can be seen in Kobe, the Luminarie.
Illumination at JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka (December 2012).
Snow Monkeys of Nagano
One thing you can only fully enjoy in winter are the snow monkeys in the mountains of Nagano who love bathing in the hot springs while tourists have to freeze. It was certainly one of my highlights and I recommend you go there during winter time!
Hot springs – Onsen
Onsen are great at any time, but especially in the cold winter months they’re a great way to warm up.
One of the “hells” of Beppu in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, in December 2009.
Mt. Fuji
While you can’t climb Mt. Fuji in winter, it might be the best time to take great shots of the holy mountain. Winter days are very cold, but clear, so chances are high that the shy mountain won’t hide behind clouds!
I recommend the area around Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko) in Yamanashi Prefecture. There are also a few onsen there.
Yuki Matsuri in Sapporo in February
Another highlight is the snow festival in Hokkaido that takes place in the second week of February.
Awesome and huge snow sculptures can be observed. There are other snow festivals as well in winter. Or you could try to visit the “snow monsters” in Yamagata Prefecture.
Enjoy a warm winter in Okinawa
If you don’t like cold weather, then Okinawa is a good alternative.
It will be too cold for swimming or snorkeling, but you won’t need a winter coat.
Just don’t make the same mistake that I did. Don’t go during late December / early January. The weather was horrible almost every single day!
Going in early December or late January seems to be a better idea.
Cape Manzamo on Okinawa’s main island in December 2012.
Avoid “Nenmatsu”:
From around December 29th to January 4th it’s not the best time to travel. Most Japanese people have days off and try to go home to visit their families. It’s another “high season“. Accommodation and transportation will cost more and you should book well in advance!
Also, a lot of institutions (museums, castles etc.) will have closed during that time – so please plan accordingly!
On the other hand it’s a great chance to observe “hatsumode” – the first shrine visit of the year – or to celebrate “omisoka” (New Year’s Eve) and “shogatsu” (New Year’s Day) with the Japanese.
What do you think is the best time to travel to Japan?
What’s your favorite season in Japan and why?
Was there any time when you had a bad experience in Japan and wouldn’t recommend others to come to visit?
Please share your experience with us!
I would be inclined to say autumn is my favorite time, because there are more dry days and sightseeing spots are somewhat less crowded [except for Kyoto and a few other spots at peek viewing time].
Once, I traveled during the latter part of August into early September and found the heat very bad. Actually not much worse than or more humid than here at home, but when you are a tourist and cannot take refuge in your air conditioned house and go places in your air conditioned car, it is tiring and unpleasant. If you must go at that time, first things to buy on arrival are a UV filtering umbrella and a fan! They do help. Of course men might feel silly with the umbrella, but even the men carry fans in Japan in summer. A hat will help too.
I love spider lilies too! They are all over the Southeastern US. They were frirt brought from Japan by a captain in Commodore Perry’s fleet.
Thanks for all the great suggestions. I couldn’t agree more!
I always travel around with a folding fan and a UV filtering umbrella. It’s the only way to survive if you’re outside the whole day.
I also recommend taking a spray to keep mosquitoes away from you. In summer they’re everywhere!
I’ve never seen them in Europe. I wonder if we have them at all.
I’d have to agree with Simone that autumn is the best season, particularly late autumn after the summer heat has finally dissipated.
Cherry blossom season is also wonderful, although if you’re flying in from overseas, timing it might be tricky.
But, you know, with Japan, it’s always a good time to visit!
That’s so true!
Each season has something to offer, so one can’t go wrong.
My favorite season used to be spring, but then changed to autumn. I’m not yet sure about this year.
It seems I change my mind every other year recently. *g*
I think if you’re willing to fore-say popular spots like Tokyo & Kyoto you can visit Japan at any time of the year. You made some excellent suggestions like traveling to Hokkaido in summer, when it’s usually quite hot in the rest of Japan. But just going to the mountains is also nice. It’s a great time to visit the Japanese Alps.
I think my favorite time might be autumn as well. It can still be quite warm (we had 20 degrees Celsius once in Osaka in December), the weather is usually rather nice and the autumn colors are stunning!
Absolutely right! Mountains are a great way to escape the heat if they’re high enough. Mount Koya is also nice, though not as cool as the Japanese Alps, of course.
Climbing Mt. Fuji is also a great way to escape the summer heat. ;)
It seems we have a winner among the commenters here! :D
Yes, recently autumn has been my favorite season as well.
Spring is my favorite season in Japan but haven’t had the chance to see the cherry blossoms outside of my prefecture. I went to Kyoto end of March 2 years ago but was disappointed to see the cherry blossoms not blooming yet, I did see plum blossoms though. Autumn is my second favorite season and was lucky to see the 紅葉 in Arashiyama and Tofukuji. It was super crowded in Tofukuji, almost suffocating to walk. Snow is one thing you can look forward to winter but once the snow starts to melt the negative temperature is no joke. Ski resorts are also good getaways in winter where you can go snowboarding or skiing. Summer may be my least favorite season but I always anticipate the matsuri and hanabi taikai. Plus, I can go to the beach or the pool for a swim. ;P
In 2011 the cherry blossoms were kind of late. I don’t know if you remember that I missed the cherry blossoms completely that year!
During my spring vacation they didn’t bloom and after that I was sick in bed for a week. After I had recovered they were all gone! ;o; …
Hehe! (^-^’) When I went to Tofukuji last November I had exactly the same problem. I made the mistake to go during the long weekend. Never again!
Being on the bridge there was so scary! (O___O”) ….
We don’t get any snow here where I live, but that’s great!
I come from a region where people travel to for winter sport, but I’m not into snowboarding or anything, so I don’t care!
And I hate driving when there’s too much snow. ;)
My favourite time of year in Japan is either Spring or Autumn for their beauty. We traveled a lot during January this winter in Japan and it was the perfect time to travel if you don’t mind the cold. The weather was clear and crisp with beautiful blue skies that made for some great photos.
Not in Okinawa where it was raining 99% of the time I spent there in early January …..
Thinking back I did have some nice and clear days in early January, but I guess later in January is better.
Nenmatsu seems to have bad weather no matter where I travel. (T_T) …
And I agree with you about spring and autumn. Spring used to be my favorite season, but in recent years it has changed to autumn. Both are extremely beautiful, so it’s hard to choose.
Honshu was perfect for me this January and we didn’t have one bad day. January is definitely up there for me if you like clear blue skies. Looking forward to Autumn this year and the beautiful colours. There is always something happening in Japan, so every time of year offers something special.
Do you have any plans for autumn yet?
I hope I can visit Kamikochi this time. It’s just always out of my vacation time and a bit far, but I really want to see the autumn colors there! :D
The mountains around Gifu and Nagano are spectacular around Autumn so we hope to visit a few places to enjoy the beautiful Autumn leaves.
Sounds like a great plan! :D
I know it’s not the most popular time to go but I spent a whole month in Japan during the summer a few years ago and had a great time. Admittedly the heat and humidity were pretty intense but the Japanese have developed so many fun things to distract you that it’s a really exciting time to visit. Like you said in your article there’s festivals, fireworks and lots of people in yukata not to mention delicious summer foods like kakigori and countless flavours of ice cream, the lovely sound of furin windbells and pretty fans to cool yourself down with. I’m a little in love with summer in Japan, I feel like it’s the underdog to the other more popular seasons!
I wrote about some of my favourite parts of summer in Japan here and I’m going back there in July this year.
Yay for summer in Japan!
I think it’s great that finally somebody votes for summer! ^___^
I’m also glad to hear that you had such a great time! I understand why you love summer so much, but this year will be my 7th summer in Japan and I doubt I’ll ever turn into a summer fan.
I have to admit that after 6 years, I slowly get used to the heat and humidity. Maybe it’ll take another 6 years for me to really like the Japanese summer. *g*
And thanks for the link to your blog!
I really enjoyed the post about “uchimizu”. Another thing I really like about summer! ^__^
A great blog you have there. I’ll certainly be back to check out more!
I’ve just recently got back from my first ever visit to Japan. I was there from 27 April until 17 May — I missed the sakura season in Tokyo, but made a trip up to Sendai to see them. A few days later, I visited Kairakuen, and the azaleas were fabulous. So I have to vote for the spring :)
I must say that I disagree with the advice against visiting during Golden Week. I didn’t have any problems booking trains, and I managed to get hotel rooms at a reasonable price even booking only three weeks in advance. I got some marvellous photos, especially of the crowds in Harajuku. And on 5 May, I visited Azabu-juban and Roppongi. There was a huge music event going on at Roppongi Hills, and afterwards I passed through one of the parks while the children were out playing — it gave the day a charming feel-good atmosphere and made me very glad I was there on that day.
Hi Michael! :D
Thank you very much for sharing your first Japan travel experience with us.
I’m so glad to hear you had a great time! ^____^
If you have the chance, you should come again in autumn, so you might understand why so many here vote for autumn.
But it’s a close call. Spring is extremely beautiful as well.
For Golden Week it depends on where you go. Even I managed to go to a few places where almost nobody else but me visited.
And for first-time travellers it might be an interesting experience to see and “feel” the crowds, but I just don’t like it.
I don’t like when I have to stand in a train for hours or am squeezed in between all the others. And I don’t like it when the streets are so full that it takes much longer than it usually would.
I guess it’s also a question of preferences.
Where did you book your hotels? In Tokyo? I booked mine only a few days before I left and I knew I would still find hotels in Tokyo.
Tokyo is not really the most popular spot for Japanese people to stay during Golden Week! ;)
I love Spring and Autumn here in Japan. The weather is just right and it’s popping colors everywhere. I don’t think it’s advisable to travel here during summer. I hate summers here! It feels like you’re being baked in an oven. Temples/shrines and parks are the best places for sight-seeing during spring&fall. Also the best time to go to theme parks! :D
Fall and spring have the mildest climate and are also the most beautiful seasons in my eyes, but unfortunately way too short.
And it’s true that not everybody can handle the extremely hot and humid summer here in Japan. Although you could always escape to Hokkaido. ;)
Hi,
i really enjoyed reading your posts, thanks for sharing!
My fiancé and I are getting married this coming May 18, 2014.
We were thinking of visiting Japan for our honeymoon.
It will be both our first times to visit Japan.
Our first choice was initially to visit during spring but quickly
realized that our wedding will be in late May, making us miss
the sakura blossoms. We don’t really want to do summer since we
already live in a tropical country (southeast asia).
Our next choice is to visit during autumn to see the fall colors and
enjoy the cool weather which we don’t have back home.
Can you help us check if our itinerary is ok?
Day 1-3 fly into Narita. Tokyo
Day 4 hope to see mt. Fuji by going on day trip to Lake Kawaguchiko
Either spend the night back in Tokyo or take shinkansen in the late afternoon to kyoto
Day. 5 kyoto
Either stay overnight in kyoto or take local bus to osaka late afternoon
Day 6 osaka
Day 7 fly out from osaka
We are flexible in adjusting the number of days amongst the various
locations but with a maximum of 8 days since we do have to return home
for work. *bummer*
We plan to go on last week of November to first week of December.
Is it going to be uncomfortably cold? Will daylight be shorter during this time?
Lastly, do you think it’s a good idea to delay our honeymoon for so long?
We’re worried what if i’m pregnant by november?
I’m 34 and will be having my first baby (if ever).
Friends and family have been telling us to just go right after our wedding.
What do you think?
Will appreciate any advice you can give us!
Thanks! :)
Hello! :D
I wrote a very long e-mail as a reply because I think a comment would be too spammy, so please check your mailbox! ^___^
Hiiii! :)
My and my girlfriend are considering Japan an the options are:
Last 2 weeks of November
OR
Last week of November and First week of December.
Do you think that will be any difference between those 2 periods?
Which one will you recomend?
Thanks!
Great blog! :)
Hello Jota! :)
Any difference in what? Autumn colors? Temperatures?
It’s hard to predict when the leaves will be at their peak. It’s different every year.
If I had to choose I’d probably go for the last week in November / first week in December because in the past few years (with only a few exceptions) that was the peak for autumn foliage in many parts of Japan (Hiroshima, Kyoto, Tokyo).
We are planning visit for a family of 4 ( me and wife – 40 yr old and 2 girls 9 and 11) from Nov 21 to Dec 1. What are the temps like in the tourist destinations? Any specific itinerary suggestion for us? coming from USA.
Hello Mafiadoc! :)
That GREATLY depends where you want to go. Temperatures HUGELY vary from Hokkaido (where it can be really cold with lots of snow) to Okinawa (where you can probably still wear summer clothes). The major tourist spots including Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima will probably have temperatures around 8-15°C (although that varies a little every year).
So, if you don’t plan to go to Hokkaido or Okinawa, I suggest to bring some warmer clothes, possibly a (winter) coat with you.
Hi,
There will be 3 of us first visiting Japan this Aug 4th – 15th. Me ( 39 ), my girl friend ( 49) and my daughter ( 11 ).
Noted that during this period, it will be very hot season in Japan, so can you please recommend any nice outings ? Climbing Mt Fuji will be difficult for us as got 1 kid ?
Planned to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, if possibly Hokkaido. Our flight both land and depart at Tokyo.
Thank you so much to willing to share the itinery.
Wish to visit Moomin House Cafe and Restaurant Otasuke
Hi Jenny.
Actually a lot of people with children climb Mt. Fuji. It’s possible, but it depends on your daughter. Not all kids are fond of hiking for that long unless they’re really interested in it.
Escaping the heat will be difficult. A good choice is Hokkaido. For the other places you’ve mentioned make sure to wear something on your head, put on enough sunscreen and stay hydrated! Also, insect spray will be necessary, but you should buy it in Japan or it might not work!
Being close to the ocean, possibly where you can swim, might cool you down a bit. There’s often a warm breeze, but it helps a lot in the humid summer heat.
Other than that, just visit the spots that you’re all really interested in regardless of the heat! :)
If you want more detailed recommendations, feel free to contact me via e-mail.
Have a great trip! :D
Great post, gives some very good suggestions.
Looking forward my first time in Japan next year I decided to take a chance on two periods, from the last week of February (and yeah, hopefully I will included skiing and the snow monkeys) till 1st april, so I will hit both the plum and the cherry blossom. I’m a bit worried about the cherry blossom, I know I risk to not see the full bloom but going north-south I think I will be able to enjoy it somewhere.
Eventually, if I will come to Japan a second time (which is probable, the more I read about this country, the more I like it), I’d come in autumn, I saw some stunning pics of the parks and woods turning colors.
Can’t wait for 2015!
Sounds like a really lovely itinerary to me. There are some early blooming types of cherry blossoms that you can find in many places, but most famous is Kawazu on the Izu Peninsula. Maybe you get a chance to see them there.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy your trip. ^___^
Hi, been reading all your blogs! Very organized :) and it helps me plan our trip this sept. It will be 5 days only, i know it wont be enough for all the activities , maybe you could help me plan our trip as i am confused now where to go. Thanks in advance! Keep up the good work! :)
Hi Ken,
I really wish I could help everyone with planning their trip, but unfortunately I just don’t have the time to do so.
I’m thinking about actually doing this professionally in the future. If I charge money, I can maybe cut down on my busy full-time job and truly help people with their unique Japan trips. :)
But feel free to send me questions about your upcoming trip.
wow, Thanks for all the help and idea guys!
Me and my colleagues are planning to go to Japan next year with our Japanese teacher. We were deciding when is the best time to go to Japan. I still need to present to them the best details and suggestions but from what I’ve read over the web, the autumn season is the preferable. We would really love to see the Sakura trees but the prices and the flights are too much of our budget.
Our sensei said that it’d be better to go around Kyoto and Osaka for some sights. We would like to experience some festivals too and found out that there’s a jidai festival around Oct 15. When do you think is the best time around October -November, in week basis, to go? We want to make the most out of the travel :)
Also, can you recommend us some sights or places to visit? Things to know, things we should prepare and be cautious about.
Thank you so much :)
Hello Dee!
Autumn is a great time to visit. The fall foliage is so lovely. If you want to stay in the Kyoto / Osaka region, then late November is the best time for autumn colors.
You won’t be able to see the Jidai Matsuri, but there are many smaller festival, I’m sure you’ll find something nice in November as well.
If you decide to visit Kyoto in November, then avoid the long weekend towards the end of November as it will be insanely crowded then.
Oh, and for autumn season (late November) in Kansai book way in advance, especially if you’re a group of people!
Good luck and have lots of fun. And don’t forget to take tons of photos! ;)