When is the best time to visit Japan?

Japan is a relatively small country with a huge amount to offer its visitors. From the slow-paced countryside to glitzy, bustling cities, the country has something for all types of travellers. Regardless of which region you are planning to visit, be it the heady metropolis of Tokyo or the onsen-laden Hakone, it is a good idea to consider the best time to visit Japan based on your plans and preferences.

Thankfully, there are sights to see and activities to enjoy all year round, so whether you want to hike the Japanese Alps or relax in hot springs in Oshino, you'll find plenty to pack your itinerary. Of course, the weather can obviously play a big part in deciding which time of year to visit. Handily, there are four distinct seasons in Japan. Spring is usually from March to May, summer from June to August, autumn usually lasts from September to November and winter from December to February. Each season has its own unique festivals and events, with perhaps the most coveted being the famous cherry blossom season. 

The temperature can vary dramatically from season to season, as well as from place to place, so it's a good idea to factor this into your plans. 
To help you with your trip planning, we've created this guide to the best time of year to visit Japan, divided into the country's four main regions. Let's take an in-depth look at each season in the north, south, east and west.

Northern Japan

Northern Japan encompasses the nature-rich Hokkaido region and the Tohoku region, home to major cities such as Sendai and Fukushima.

Spring

Spring temperatures in northern Japan can vary a lot from place to place - even in Hokkaido, with Sapporo and other central areas being warmer than other parts of the region. While April is often considered the best time of year to visit Japan for cherry blossoms, you are likely to be disappointed if you arrive in the north in early spring. 
While warmer places such as Tokyo begin to see the trees blossoming in March, Hokkaido is still blanketed in snow during that month. May is usually when the trees are in full bloom here, once the snow has melted and the weather begins to warm up (although it can still be quite chilly in the evenings). If you are planning to visit Shiretoko, bear in mind that the tourist boats open only in late April.

Summer

Summers in northern Japan are generally pleasantly warm. Other parts of the country are often very hot and humid, so the regions in the north provide a welcome respite with cooler, more comfortable temperatures. Mid-August is the warmest time of the year in this region, with highs of up to 30℃. Mornings and evenings can still be on the colder side, though, and in Hokkaido it is not uncommon to experience rain in the summer.

Temperatures start to cool again in late August. This is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities in this scenic region, be it hiking, kayaking or fishing. In mid-July there is also the chance to see the lavender fields of Furano in full bloom, although you have to be quick - the season generally only lasts a couple of weeks.

Autumn

For us, Autumn is our favourite time to visit northern Japan. From early September the leaves begin to change colour, resulting in picture-perfect scenery, and there are also great bird watching opportunities in the region's nature reserves. In mid to late September, the spectacular red coral grass emerges at Lake Notoro. Temperatures range from around 18℃ in September to 12℃ in October, and by November snow starts to fall.

Winter

With cold temperatures, dropping below freezing in December, and heavy snowfall, winter is not an ideal time to visit northern Japan for general sightseeing. However, this is the ideal time for skiing, with February being the peak winter sports season, with the snow usually lasting until mid-March. 
There are several fantastic festivals held during the winter, including the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido, when giant snow sculptures emerge in the area, as well as the Sapporo White Illumination, where the city comes alive with numerous light installations. If you're planning to get around using public transport, keep in mind that snowstorms can often cause delays and disruptions.

Eastern Japan

Eastern Japan is formed of the regions of Kanto, Hokuriku and Tokai. Major cities include Tokyo, Kanazawa and Nagoya, and it is also home to the iconic Mount Fuji.

Spring

Spring is a great time to visit eastern Japan. The weather is pleasant, ranging from cool to very warm, with April often being considered the best time to visit Tokyo. The capital sees a pleasant average temperature of around 19°C and the cherry blossoms are usually in full swing in the first week of the month, with Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden being one of the best places to enjoy the sakura season. 
The only real drawback of visiting at this time is that it can be very busy, with hotel rates to match. If possible, visit in the second half of April. The cherry blossoms are likely to have ended, but this time of the month is much less crowded.

Summer

The summer months in eastern Japan tend to be hot and humid. The period from early June to mid-July is the rainy season, so it is a good idea to plan indoor activities such as Tokyo's teamLab Planets and Edo-Tokyo Museum. August is the hottest month, with highs of up to 35°C. However, the humidity tends to last until September, and can reach an uncomfortable 90%. 
On a positive note, the region is much less crowded during this time, with the exception of the Obon holiday in the middle of August, which can result in bullet trains being fully booked. This is also the ideal time to climb Mount Fuji, as it is only open to hikers from July to September.

Autumn

Autumn in eastern Japan brings cooler weather and less chance of rain, although it can still be relatively hot and humid. It's a great time to enjoy a Yakatabune river cruise in Tokyo, and it is also one of the best times to go to Japan to enjoy fewer crowds. In Kanazawa, the city's perfectly manicured gardens explode with autumnal colours. October is a particularly nice time to visit, with a pleasant average temperature of 22°C and the fall foliage at its peak.

Winter

Winters in eastern Japan tend to be relatively mild, with afternoon temperatures of around 10°C to 12°C. It is also typically dry, although it is not uncommon for rain or snow to appear a few times in January. This is a good time to take advantage of cosy izakayas and tea ceremonies to escape the cool weather. Winter is considered the best time to experience Kenroku-en gardens in Kanazawa, with the trees, bridges and flowers carpeted in snow. If you plan to visit Tokyo, you'll need to factor the New Years celebrations held in the last week of December to the first week of January into your plans, as many businesses and attractions close. If you are in the city in early February, you can witness the Emperor give his annual address at the Imperial Palace.

Western Japan
Western Japan includes the regions of Shikoku, Chugoku, and Kansai. Being home to major tourist destinations such as Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe, it is one of the most visited parts of the country.

Spring

Spring is a variable month in terms of weather, but you can generally expect an average temperature of 8℃ in March and 14℃ in April. Mornings and evenings can be cold, so it is definitely a good idea to bring warm layers. The best month to travel to Japan to see the cherry blossom trees is usually April, and western Japan is no exception. While the first two weeks of the month are crowded, this is likely to be your only chance to see the cherry blossom in Japan, as they usually disappear by mid-April. Golden Week takes place from 29 April to 5 May. This national holiday can mean crowded tourism attractions and long-distance travel such as bullet trains is often fully booked.

Summer

Summer in western Japan is hot and humid. The rainy season starts in June and lasts until mid-July, leaving foliage lush and colourful. As the rain dissipates the hot weather picks up, with highs of 35°C in many parts of the region. Kyoto can be especially hot, so it is a good time to visit the city's many temples and tea houses to cool down. 
In July the Kyoto Matsuri takes place, with huge brightly decorated floats paraded through the streets, and the Gion Festival also brings festivities to the city throughout the entire month. The weather starts to cool down by mid-September, making it more comfortable to enjoy outdoor attractions such as Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park.

Autumn

Autumn is the best time to go to Japan's western region. With cooler weather, fiery coloured foliage and plenty to do, it is a great time to enjoy both indoor and outdoor attractions, from Nara Deer Park to Osaka Castle. In October, there are two major festivals in Kyoto - the Kurama Fire Festival and the Festival of Ages, making it an ideal time to experience the city's traditions. The average temperature hovers around 17℃ in October, providing a perfect contrast to the intense heat of the summer.

Winter

The winter months in western Japan can be chilly, with an average temperature of around 8℃ in December and 5℃ in January. The temperature can vary by a few degrees throughout the region, with Osaka typically being warmer than Kyoto and Nara. 
The low season from mid-December to February means fewer crowds, with the exception of the New Year period. Snow sometimes makes an appearance in January and February, adding a particularly majestic touch to temples like Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto and Himeji Castle.

Southern Japan
Southern Japan is formed of the regions of Okinawa and Kyushu and the Amami archipelago. The area has a subtropical climate, keeping it warm all year round.

Spring

Spring in southern Japan is pleasant and warm, with an average temperature of 21°C in March rising to 27°C in May. Note that if you are planning to visit for cherry blossom season in Japan, it starts earlier down here than in other regions, with the blossom starting to emerge in late March. This inevitably means that by early April things get rather crowded. The rainy season begins in May in Okinawa and lasts until June, but it doesn't usually rain all day, making it a great time to visit for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.

Summer

Southern Japan has hot and humid summers. August is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 31°C, meaning it's a great time to visit to enjoy the beaches of Okinawa and Amami. However, we can't say this is the best time to visit Japan's south, due to the chance of typhoons, particularly in July. However, thankfully there are plenty of indoor attractions to take advantage of if the winds do pick up, including castles, caves and temples.

Autumn

October and November are great months for visiting southern Japan. The temperatures are mild and pleasant, the humidity is low and there are fewer crowds than in the spring and summer months. In October, the weather remains warm enough to enjoy the region's picturesque beaches, with an average temperature of 26°C and water temperatures of around 27°C. There are also a number of cultural festivals in the autumn months, including Okinawa Soba Day and Karate Day.

Winter

While winter is rarely hailed as Japan's best time to visit, the months of December to February are actually very pleasant in southern Japan. Thanks to the region's subtropical climate, temperatures remain mild with an average of 18°C. It is even possible to swim at the beach for those who don't mind the cooler climate - the water temperature is still around 23°C. There is also very little rain and humidity during the winter period, making it a great time for outdoor pursuits. 

In December the cities are lit up with festive lights, while from January to March the seas around Okinawa play host to visiting humpback whales.

As you can see, the weather can vary a lot from place to place, but there are things to do all year round - particularly if you are staying in one of the country's major cities. Whether you plan to visit Japan for cherry blossom season or want to see Mount Fuji covered in snow, you are sure to have an unforgettable trip filled with unique outings and new experiences.