Best Time to Visit Japan

Cherry blossoms or autumn leaves? Snow or summer festivals? Here's when to go based on what you want to experience.

Seasons at a Glance

March - May | 10-20°C (50-68°F)

Highlights: Cherry blossoms (late March-April), Pleasant weather, Golden Week crowds (late April-early May)

Challenges: Peak crowds and prices in April, Unpredictable bloom timing, Golden Week = everything booked

Best time: Late March or May (avoid Golden Week)

Pricing: Peak (April), Shoulder (March, May)

June - August | 25-35°C (77-95°F)

Highlights: Festivals (matsuri), Fireworks shows, Mountain hiking season, Obon (August) atmosphere

Challenges: Hot and humid, Rainy season (June), Obon crowds (mid-August)

Best time: Late June (after rainy season) or September

Pricing: Moderate to High

September - November | 15-25°C (59-77°F)

Highlights: Stunning fall colors, Perfect weather, Fewer crowds than spring, Harvest foods

Challenges: Peak prices in November, Popular spots crowded, Colors timing varies

Best time: Mid-September to early October, or late November

Pricing: Peak (November), Shoulder (September-October)

December - February | 0-10°C (32-50°F)

Highlights: Skiing and snow, Hot springs (onsen), Illuminations, Low crowds (except holidays)

Challenges: Cold (especially north), Some attractions closed, New Year crowds

Best time: Mid-January to February

Pricing: Low (except December holidays)

Month	Weather	Crowds	Verdict
January	Cold, clear skies	Low	Great for skiing, onsen, budget
February	Coldest month	Low	Budget-friendly, winter activities
March	Warming up	Rising	Good before peak sakura
April	Pleasant, rain possible	Peak	Beautiful but expensive and crowded
May	Comfortable	High (Golden Week)	Good after Golden Week (mid-May+)
June	Rainy season starts	Lower	Good for Hokkaido (skips rainy season)
July	Hot, humid, rainy	Moderate	Challenging weather, great festivals
August	Hot, humid	High (Obon)	Hot but vibrant festival season
September	Cooling down	Moderate	Sweet spot - good weather, fewer crowds
October	Perfect	Rising	Excellent month to visit
November	Crisp, clear	Peak	Beautiful but busy, especially Kyoto
December	Cold	High (holidays)	Good early month, avoid late Dec

Cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons fill up fast. Hotels and ryokan sell out months ahead.

May (after Golden Week), September, and October offer great weather with fewer crowds.

Cherry blossoms start in Kyushu (late March) and move north. Hokkaido blooms in May.

Golden Week, Obon, and New Year see domestic travel surge. Everything is booked and crowded.

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