When is the best time to visit Japan? When is the best time to visit Tokyo? You have decided you want to visit Japan – great! But now comes the hard part: planning.
Everyone says to visit during cherry blossom season, but is that really the best time to travel? The pictures you’ve seen of cherry blossom festivals look really crowded.
From flower viewing in spring, festivals in summer, and skiing in winter, each season is a brand-new Japan! That’s why careful attention needs to be paid to the when, not just the where, when planning your Japan adventure!
To help you with your planning, we’ve created the ultimate guide to Japan’s seasons, weather, and trends. Use this information to pick a time confidently and get the Japan you’ve dreamed of!
Here’s the best time to visit Japan
Calendar of when to expect crowds in Japan
The periods between March to May and October to November have the best weather. These times, which line up with spring and most of autumn, are filled with calm days and comfortable temperatures.
Nature lovers will appreciate the blooming flowers of spring, including the famed cherry blossoms, along with the equally stunning foliage of late autumn.
With sunny skies and low rainfall, winter is also a great season to spend in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, and, being the off-season, tourist numbers will drop significantly.
It all depends on you!
Japan is a beautiful country 365 days a year, and you won’t regret your trip no matter when you go. However, depending on the season, you may see a very different Japan from the one you imagined. That’s why it’s essential to create a list of goals for your trip, then compare them against each month to find the Japan you want to see the most.
Pros and cons of traveling in each month in Japan
To help you choose the best time to visit Japan, we’ve broken down each month into a handy pros and cons list. After you’ve decided what you’d like to see and do, use this list to select the best time to go!
What to Wear in Japan? Here’s What to Pack for Every Season!
Best season to travel in Japan
Japan has four seasons. Each begets a new set of activities, so you should first consider your objectives, then choose when to go.
For example, if you want an outdoor adventure, such as hiking, then the cooler weather of spring and autumn is ideal.
If beaches are your thing, then late June and August are perfect!
If a ski holiday is on your mind, you should pack your bags for January, February, and March.
Plan your activities first, then use this guide to find the season that will suit your needs best!
Visiting Japan in spring
Why visit Japan in spring?
Arguably the most loved season in Japan, spring is synonymous with glorious weat…
