First Time in Japan?

Welcome! Planning a trip to Japan can feel overwhelming. This page has everything you need to start: when to go, how long to stay, and the tools to plan perfectly.

5 min readLast updated: Dec 2024

When Should You Visit?

Japan is beautiful year-round, but each season offers a unique experience. Here's what to expect:

Spring

March - May

10-20°C / 50-68°F

Cherry Blossoms

Peak cherry blossom season in late March to early April. Book 3-6 months ahead.

Pros: Sakura season, Pleasant weather, Festivals
Cons: Crowded, Expensive, Book early

Summer

June - August

25-35°C / 77-95°F

Festivals & Fireworks

Hot and humid with rainy season in June. Amazing summer festivals (matsuri).

Pros: Festivals, Beach trips, Mt. Fuji climbing
Cons: Hot & humid, Rainy June, Crowded Aug

Fall

Sept - November

15-25°C / 59-77°F

Autumn Colors

Stunning fall foliage in November. Perfect weather for exploring.

Pros: Beautiful koyo, Great weather, Less crowded
Cons: Nov is busy, Book ahead

Winter

Dec - February

0-10°C / 32-50°F

Snow & Onsen

Best for skiing, hot springs, and fewer crowds. New Year is busy.

Pros: Skiing, Onsen, Illuminations
Cons: Cold, Some closures, New Year busy

How Long Should You Stay?

Japan has so much to offer. Here's what you can realistically cover based on your available time.

7 Days

The Essentials

Perfect for first-timers with limited time. Tokyo + Kyoto highlights.

Coverage: 2 cities

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Recommended

14 Days

The Sweet Spot

Ideal length for first-timers. Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and day trips.

Coverage: 4-5 cities

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21 Days

The Ultimate

Deep dive into Japan. Add Hiroshima, Kanazawa, or Hokkaido.

Coverage: 6+ cities

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Popular Itineraries

Detailed day-by-day guides to make planning easy. Each includes routes, timing suggestions, and budget estimates.

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