Visiting Japan means exploring multiple worlds within a single country. Stretching over 3,000 kilometers from the snowy landscapes of Hokkaidô to the tropical beaches of Okinawa, the archipelago boasts an exceptional range of climates. Each season transforms the scenery, atmosphere, and local customs in its own unique way.
Whether you're drawn to nature, festivals, cultural experiences, or quiet escapes, this detailed guide will help you choose the best time to visit Japan based on your interests and travel plans.
Spring in Japan: cherry blossoms and festive vibes
When to see the sakura?
From late March to early May, Japan turns a soft shade of pink. This is Hanami season, an age-old tradition of celebrating cherry blossoms with picnics under blooming trees. The floral wave starts in Okinawa in March, reaches Kyôto and Tôkyô in early April, and continues north to Sapporo by early May.
Originally a poetic pastime for the nobility, Hanami has become a nationwide celebration held in parks, temple grounds, and along riverbanks.
Why visit in spring?
- Mild, pleasant weather perfect for walking and sightseeing
- Incredibly photogenic: temples and castles surrounded by blossoms
- Spring festivals held all across Japan
What to watch out for?
- Crowds at popular spots like Ueno Park in Tôkyô or Kamogawa River in Kyôto
- High airfare and accommodation prices, especially without early bookings
- Golden Week (April 29 to May 5) makes travel more expensive and complicated
Must-see events and activities
- Takayama Matsuri (Japanese Alps): floats with intricate carvings, mechanical puppets, and glowing lanterns
- Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa: Shintô festival with mikoshi (portable shrines) paraded through the streets
- Aoi Matsuri in Kyôto: historical procession in Heian-period costumes
- Wisteria in full bloom at Kitakyûshû or Ashikaga: walk through flower tunnels
Travel tips
- Book accommodations and train tickets by January if traveling in early April
- Avoid crowds by exploring off-the-beaten-path areas beyond Tôkyô and Kyôto
- Dress in layers: days are warm, but evenings can get chilly
Summer in Japan: scorching heat, dazzling festivals and cool escapes in the North
What summer feels like?
- Summer in Japan is hot and humid, especially in July and August. In Tôkyô and Ôsaka, temperatures often exceed 35 °C, and the humidity makes it feel even hotter. The rainy season spans mid-June to mid-July, and typhoons can disrupt southern regions in August.
- It's honestly the least favorable time to visit Japan—unless you’re heading for the mountains, we recommend avoiding summer travel here.
Why you might still go?
- A burst of traditional festivals, dancing, lanterns, and fireworks
- Magical summer evenings in lantern-lit alleys and neighborhood matsuri
- Northern regions like Hokkaidô offer cool, flower-filled landscapes perfect for hiking
Challenges
- Heat and humidity can quickly exhaust travelers unfamiliar with the climate
- Outdoor activities are limited during the day; air-conditioned spaces are a must
- Obon holiday (around August 15) causes travel surges and price hikes
Unmissable events
- Gion Matsuri in Kyôto: towering floats, traditional music, and historical flair
- Tenjin Matsuri in Ôsaka: river parades and fireworks
- Awa Odori in Tokushima: traditional dancing in the streets
- Fireworks festivals like Sumida River Hanabi in Tôkyô: weekend shows by the water
Tips for summer travel
- Plan activities for early morning or evening
- Pack a hat, fan, towel, and water bottle
- If visiting in August, stick to the mountains or northern Honshû
Autumn in Japan: fiery colors and refined traditions
When to catch the fall foliage?
The autumn leaf-viewing season, called Kôyô, begins in late October in the north and mountainous areas and peaks through late November in cities like Kyôto, Nikkô, and Tôkyô. It's a favorite season among locals for its intense, poetic beauty.
Why go in Autumn?
- Ideal weather: 15 ~ 22 °C with clear skies
- Less crowded than spring, offering a more peaceful vibe
- Often lower accommodation costs
- Breathtaking contrast of vibrant leaves and ancient architecture
This is our favorite season: mild weather and fewer tourists make for a serene experience.
Things to consider
- Typhoons can still hit southern Japan through late September
- Colors change with altitude, so tailor your route accordingly
Top experiences
- Jidai Matsuri in Kyôto: historical parade showcasing the city’s past
- Takayama Autumn Festival: lanterns, decorated floats, and local music
- Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival (Tôhoku): stunning nighttime light displays
- Seasonal delicacies: matsutake mushrooms, chestnuts, grilled sweet potatoes
Tips for autumn
- Visit temples early to beat the tour groups
- Stay in rural lodgings in the Japanese Alps for an authentic fall atmosphere
- Check foliage peak times by elevation before finalizing your itinerary
Winter in Japan: snow, hot springs and a peaceful atmosphere
What to expect in Winter?
- From December to February, Japan splits into two weather zones:
- In the north and mountains: heavy snowfall and deep cold
- In the south and cities: chilly but dry days with plenty of sunshine
- Winter is the perfect time to enjoy onsen baths, traditional ryokan inns, and world-class ski resorts.
Best For
- Ski and snowboard lovers: Hokkaidô, Nagano, and Niigata offer top-tier slopes
- Wellness seekers: onsen towns like Kusatsu, Kinosaki, or Nyûtô provide ultimate relaxation
- Photographers: snow-covered temples and tranquil landscapes
- Budget travelers: except around New Year’s, winter is usually a low season
Seasonal highlights
- Sapporo Snow Festival: giant ice and snow sculptures
- Chichibu Night Festival: glowing floats and winter festivity
- Holiday light displays in Kôbe, Tôkyô, and Nagoya
- Outdoor hot springs (rotenburo) with snowy mountain views
Winter travel tips
- Dress warmly, especially in snowy regions
- Check reduced hours or closures of attractions in January
- Avoid temple visits during Hatsumôde (early January), when they’re extremely crowded
Best regions by season
Hokkaidô
- Summer: perfect temps, lavender fields, hiking
- Winter: deep snow, skiing, ice festivals
Tôkyô, Kyôto, Ôsaka
- Spring: cherry blossoms in gardens and temples
- Autumn: fiery maples in parks and hills
- Winter: dry cold, peaceful city scenes with festive lights
Japanese Alps (Nagano, Takayama)
- Summer: ideal for hikes and traditional village visits
- Autumn: golden leaves, temples in nature
- Winter: snowy resorts, onsen towns like Shirakawa-gô
Kyûshû
- Spring / Fall: pleasant weather, rich cultural sites
- Winter: mild climate, great for hot springs
- Summer: extremely hot and humid—best avoided
Okinawa
- Spring: tropical warmth, perfect beaches
- Winter: 20°C and sunny, great for relaxing escapes
- Summer: intense heat and typhoon risk—avoid if possible
Seasonal travel summary
| Season | Weather | Top Activities | Iconic Festivals | Cost & Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Mild, dry | Hanami, temples, picnics | Takayama, Sanja, Aoi, Fuji | High / Very busy |
| Summer | Hot, humid | Festivals, fireworks, hiking | Gion, Tenjin, Awa Odori, Hanabi | Medium / Fairly busy |
| Autumn | Cool, clear | Fall colors, food, cultural visits | Jidai, Lanterns, Takayama | Reasonable / Moderate |
| Winter | Cold; snowy north | Skiing, hot springs, illuminations | Sapporo, Chichibu, New Year’s | Affordable / Quiet |