Best time to visit Japan: season by season
The best time to visit Japan for most travelers is spring, from late March to May, or autumn, from October to late November. Both seasons offer mild temperatures, clear skies and famous scenery. Each season has its own appeal, though, and the right choice depends on what you want to see, your budget and how you feel about crowds.
Spring (March to May)
Cherry blossoms reach Tokyo and Kyoto around late March and early April, then move north to Tohoku and Hokkaido by late April and early May. Temperatures are pleasant, but this is the busiest and most expensive period, and hotels sell out early. Golden Week, a cluster of national holidays from late April to early May, fills trains and attractions with domestic travelers.
Summer (June to August)
The rainy season covers most of the country from early June to mid-July, except Hokkaido. July and August are hot and humid, often above 33°C in Tokyo and Osaka, with a high risk of heatstroke. Summer is still the season of fireworks and festivals such as Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, and of climbing Mount Fuji, whose official season runs from early July to early September. Hokkaido is cooler and pleasant.
Autumn (September to November)
September can bring typhoons and lingering heat. From October, the weather becomes dry and comfortable, and autumn leaves colour Hokkaido first, then reach Tokyo and Kyoto from mid-November to early December. Autumn rivals spring for beauty and is usually slightly less crowded.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is cold and dry on the Pacific side, with clear skies and views of Mount Fuji, and very snowy on the Japan Sea side and in Hokkaido. It is the season for skiing, hot springs and illuminations. Prices drop in January and February, except around the New Year, when many businesses close from 29 December to 3 January.
Periods to plan around
| Period | Dates | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| New Year | 29 December to 3 January | Closures, busy trains |
| Golden Week | Late April to early May | Crowds, high prices |
| Rainy season | Early June to mid-July | Frequent rain (not Hokkaido) |
| Obon | Mid-August | Busy trains and roads |
| Typhoon season | August to September | Flight and train disruptions |
The best time to visit Japan by interest
| Interest | Best months |
|---|---|
| Cherry blossoms | Late March to early April (Tokyo, Kyoto) |
| Autumn leaves | Mid-November to early December (Tokyo, Kyoto) |
| Skiing and snow | January and February |
| Beaches in Okinawa | April to June, October |
| Festivals | July and August |
| Lower prices | January, February, early June |
Booking ahead for peak seasons
For late March, early April, Golden Week and late November, book flights and hotels three to six months ahead. Shoulder periods, such as mid-May, early June outside the rainy regions, late September or early December, combine good weather with lower prices.
Weather and crowds by region
Hokkaido is at its best from June to September and in winter for snow, Okinawa from April to June and in October, and Kyoto in spring and autumn. Choosing the region by season often matters more than choosing the month for the whole country.
Official source: Japan National Tourism Organization
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest time to travel to Japan?
January and February (outside the New Year) and early June usually offer the lowest flight and hotel prices.
Is June a good month for Japan?
June is quieter and green, but it is the rainy season in most regions. Hokkaido is the exception and very pleasant in June.
When is the best time to visit Japan for cherry blossoms?
Late March to early April in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Dates shift every year, so follow the official forecasts published from January.