When is the best time to go to Japan?

There’s so much to tempt in this fascinating country that you’ll want to choose the perfect time to explore, whether that’s when to see the cherry blossoms in bloom, the best time to discover Japan’s winter wonderlands or simply to understand the country’s climate so you can work out your own best months to visit Japan. 

To make it easier, we’ve looked at the weather month by month to help you decide, as well as the other things to keep in mind when you’re considering when to go to Japan. 

Japan in spring 

March and April are the perfect months to visit Japan, as the start of spring is signalled by the blooming of the cherry blossom, or sakura, a breathtaking burst of delicate white and pale pink flowers, which is celebrated nationwide with Hanami flower-viewing parties and picnics beneath the trees. The even has deep social and cultural significance for Japanese people and is an unforgettable sight. 

As the blossoms are dependent on the varying weather, the timings change slightly every year, beginning any time from late March to early May in different parts of the country. Every year a cherry blossom forecast is broadcast on TV, so locals can plan their own flower-viewing celebrations. 

The first flowers emerge from the buds at the southern tip of the island of Kyushu, gradually spreading north through the main island of Honshu into Hokkaido. Kyoto and Nara are particularly lovely, with their ancient temples seen through a blur of pastel petals. 

Even without the wonderful cherry blossoms, spring is always a good choice if you’re wondering when to go to Japan. Temperatures are ideal for exploring, usually around 18-20C in April, and in the low 20s in May, and it’s typically less rainy in cities like Tokyo than in the summer months. 

Japan’s famous gardens are also often at their best at this time of the year as well. In Kanazawa, Kenroku-en features the six aspects considered vital to a Japanese garden, with streams and lakes alongside the pavilions and tea houses here. Or the wisteria is also in bloom at Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture, while you can gaze on three million tulips of different colours at Tonami Tulip Park in Toyama Prefecture. 

The end of April also marks the beginning of Japan’s ‘Golden Week’, a series of days when most of the country is on holiday. Running from April 29-May 5, you can enjoy free museum entry as well as a string of special festivities, although it’s worth bearing in mind that many Japanese people will also be on holiday so popular destinations can be significantly more crowded. 

If you’re travelling further north, Hokkaido is still cold in March, with temperatures just above freezing, and only reaching the mid teens in May, while further south Kyushu is warmer with Okinawa’s subtropical climate seeing temperatures of 20C+ from March onwards. 

Japan in March 

If you’re visiting some of Japan’s most popular destinations on Honshu, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Nara and Hiroshima, you can expect the weather to be cool but pleasant, with the highest temperatures hovering around 14C and around 10 days of rain across the month. 

It’s also a good month to enjoy festivals and illuminations at temples around Kyoto, signalling the end of the darker months. 

Hokkaido is significantly cooler, only slightly above freezing, while further south, Kyushu’s temperatures are already in the 20s. 

Japan in April 

April is one of the most popular months to choose if you’re considering when is the best time to go to Japan. Temperatures have risen further in April, to the high teens in most of the country’s main tourist destinations, with around 11 days of rain. 

It’s peak cherry blossom month across the country – while some flowers may have bloomed in March, you can usually guarantee sightings this month, as well as other spring flowers including wisteria and tulips. 

Hokkaido is also warmer with temperatures of around 11C, while Kyushu is distinctly summery at around 24C. 

Japan in May 

May is easily one of the best months to go to Japan, with warmer temperatures across the country. In Tokyo and the nearby cities, you can expect temperatures of 20C and above, with similar rainfall as April. 

In Hokkaido, the winter snow is long gone with temperatures in the mid teens, and into the high 20s in Kyushu. 

Across Japan, May starts with the Golden Week celebrations, which bring both special festivities including the kite-flying fun of Children’s Day but also bigger crowds. 

Japan in summer 

While summer is peak season in many destinations, it’s not the answer if you’re considering when to go to Japan. Rainfall is at its highest during the summer months, especially during June in Tokyo, which is known as minazuki, the month of water.  

The heat and humidity also rise during these months, and unsurprisingly, it’s far less pleasant to travel at this time of year, so you’ll find many Japan tours have fewer departures during the summer for this very reason. 

Many locals escape the cities for the coast and the mountains to find cooler weather, although there are some summer celebrations and festivals which shouldn’t be missed if you do travel at this time of year. 

As evening falls, there are often spectacular fireworks displays during August in particular, with around 20,000 lit in a single two-day celebration in Niigata Prefecture, at the Nagaoka Matsuri, held in the first week of August on the Shinano River. 

July also sees the start of the climbing season on Mount Fuji, and it’s a good month for watersports. However, if you’re visiting the cities, it’s best to focus on indoor activities to escape the worst of the summer heat, as well as the downpours. 

Discover one of more than 100 museums and galleries in Tokyo, whether you prefer the national treasures of the Tokyo National Museum, the quirky Ghibli Museum, the Roppongi Hills ‘Art Triangle’ or discovering traditional Japanese crafts. 

There are a host of authentic Japanese experiences to try, in order to escape the weather, from themed cafes where you could pet a capybara or an owl, to more traditional options such as a tea ceremony in Kyoto or a chance to see a kabuki performance. 

If you’re ready to embrace the wet weather, known as plum rain, you’ll also see rice fields around the country burst into luminous green life as well as hydrangeas flowering.  

Japan in June 

When is the best time to go to Tokyo? The answer is definitely not June. One of the wettest months or the year, you can expect it to rain almost half the month, while temperatures are already above 25C making it less pleasant to explore. 

If you want to escape the humid cities, it’s drier and cooler in Hokkaido at around 20C and a great month to explore the national parks here. While the temperature doesn’t rise much more at subtropical beaches further south, hovering steadily around 27C, the rainfall is equally tropical. 

Japan in July 

Although there’s less rainfall in Japan in July than June, the hot humid weather continues, hitting 30C in Tokyo and the surrounding cities.  

As the rainy season comes to an end, it’s a good time to head to some of the country’s beaches, whether that’s the turquoise seas and white sand of Okinawa, the coast at Fukuoka or something closer to Tokyo, such as Kamakura. 

Or head into Japan’s mountains or to the lakes to enjoy cooler temperatures. 

Japan in August 

Expect rainfall to drop, with fewer rainy days this month, although temperatures in Honshu are still in the 30s in August. 

The festival of Obon takes place in the middle of the month, when many Japanese visit family – seats on public transport sell out well in advance, but the cities can be quieter during this period. 

There are several major festivals this month, as well as a string of firework displays, including the moving ceremony of remembrance at Hiroshima on August 6, the day the atomic bomb was dropped in 1945, when glowing lanterns are set adrift on the river. 

Japan in autumn 

Autumn – known as Koyo in Japan – is a spectacular, colourful time to visit Japan, with the leaves of the enchanting maple and ginkgo trees gently turning red and yellow. This colourful makeover begins from mid-September in the northern island of Hokkaido, spreading south to central and southern Japan until near the end of November. 

Less famous than the cherry blossom season, these vibrant autumn landscapes tempt plenty of visitors to see the country’s natural attractions as well as locations transformed by the changing leaves. 

Matsumoto is one of the most popular, where the eye-catching black and white castle has been built overlooking the water. In autumn, this historic monument is surrounded by the blazing colours in the trees, reflected in the rippling water – truly a sight to see. 

Japan’s gardens are enticing year-round but more so than ever during this season. At the Kenroku-en Garden, Korakuen Garden and Kairakuen Garden, autumn transforms the scenery, adding new vibrancy to these peaceful spots with the kaleidoscope of colours reflected in waterfalls and pools for a magical experience. 

It’s also the perfect season to discover the mountains; whether you are hiking or taking the cable car to the peaks, the colours are spectacular – Mount Takao is a particular showstopper, including the views from the top, 599 metres above sea level. From here, you can also enjoy some wonderful views of Tokyo, Mount Fuji and Yokohama in all their autumn glory.  

Clear November days are also a great time to see Mount Fuji without the usual cap of cloud hiding the peak. 

And while Japan’s great cities might not spring to mind as the first place to visit to enjoy this natural extravaganza, there are plenty of places to soak up the golds and crimsons of autumn. Don’t miss the glorious stretch of gingko trees on Tokyo’s Icho Namiki Avenue, which erupt in a glowing wave of colour in November and early December. 

Rikugien Gardens, built in the early 1700s and famed for being one of Tokyo’s oldest parks, is home to several teahouses, including the Fukiage Chaya teahouse where you can relax and drink in the colours across the tranquil pond too. 

In Kyoto, the Kiyomizudera Temple looks particularly lovely at this time of year as well. 

With gentler weather after the heat and humidity of summer, autumn is one of the best times to visit if you’re wondering when to go to Japan. Many Japanese plan their own holidays in late September so it may be busier, and if you’re planning to head to Hokkaido, it quickly becomes cooler than Honshu. 

Japan in September 

The worst of the summer heat and humidity is gone by September, although temperatures in Tokyo are still pleasantly warm, hovering around 24C. It’s still rainy this month, but while it’s still peak typhoon season, these rarely make landfall – it’s a good plan to keep itineraries flexible if possible, to allow for unexpected bad weather. 

While beach season is officially over, you can enjoy the white sands of the south without the crowds this month, although you may need to dodge rainfall here too. 

If you’re all ready for the new season, the first autumn colours begin to fire through the landscape in Hokkaido which is cooler this month, especially in the evenings. Daisetsuzan National Park is a great location to try if you want to enjoy the changing hues on the trees. 

Japan in October 

If you’re looking to get outside, October in Japan is one of the loveliest months to explore the country, including its national parks. Typhoon season is over, and while temperatures are becoming chilly in the northern areas, the cities are still pleasant at around 18-20C. 

It’s a month of harvest festivals as well as a great month for foodies to visit Japan, with the rice harvest plus plenty of fruits and vegetables making their way into menus – look out for persimmons, Japanese pears and chestnuts, along with sake in restaurants this month. The Jidai Matsuri festival in Kyoto, Autumn Ginza event in Tokyo and the Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival in Fukushima all take place this month too. 

The changing colours of autumn are also spreading south, although they won’t yet have reached Tokyo, there’s more chance of seeing them across Hokkaido and Tohoku. 

It’s a great month to enjoy some culture in Japan too, with many exhibitions traditionally beginning this month at the country’s museums and art galleries. 

Japan in November 

The spectacular autumn colours reach Tokyo and Kyoto this month, including a chance to see the illuminations at Rikugien Gardens, with the Japanese maples and other trees lit up to show off their reds and golds. 

With clear skies and cooler days, you’ll need to wrap up warmer, with temperatures dropping to the low teens in Honshu, but it’s much drier this month. Winter has arrived in Hokkaido, where temperatures drop to around freezing overnight. 

When is a good time to go to Japan if you want to see Mount Fuji without the usual cap of cloud at the peak? November is actually one of the peak months to get this clear view if you’ve got your heart set on this particular experience, 

You can also expect evening illuminations events around the country, as the evenings become darker, and even some Christmas lights starting to appear. 

Japan in winter 

Winter isn’t always the first answer to the question of when is the best time to go to Japan, but the country’s ‘silver season’ is a wonderful time to see the country. 

Discover a winter wonderland of snow and ice, celebrated by special festivals as well as the chance to see the country’s famous snow monkeys relaxing in hot springs against the chill of the weather. 

Cities light up with illuminations to drive the dark nights away, while you’ll also find more festive fun for Christmas in Japan, which has become more popular over the years despite not being a traditional Japanese holiday – the classic way to celebrate, surprisingly, is with dinner from KFC! 

New Year is a far more important time in Japan though, with some businesses closing as many Japanese see extended family and visit shrines, especially on the first day of the year to pray for good fortune and success in the coming year, known as hatsumode. 

The light displays of late autumn continue through the winter months too, including several in the cities - the Caretta Illuminations near Shimbashi Station in Tokyo are an easy set to see. 

Winter sees the driest period of the year, although you’ll need to wrap up warm. In Tokyo, temperatures usually stay around 4-6C on average, while in Hokkaido, it’s rarely much above freezing. 

Does it snow in Japan? Absolutely, although not across the entire country. In the far south, you won’t see a single flake around Okinawa and Kyushu, and there’s rarely huge snowfalls in the major cities but in the northernmost areas, snow is common throughout winter. 

So when does it snow in Japan? it can start as early as November and continue to snow through to May, but the best time to see snow in Japan is usually around January and February, including at the Sapporo Snow Festival which takes place in early February. You can ski in Japan as early as mid-December at some resorts too. 

Japan in December 

If you’re considering when to go to Japan in winter, December is one of the most memorable months for a visit. Venture north to find snowy landscapes, and the chance to try skiing in Japan, or enjoy the winter illuminations and festive celebrations in Tokyo. 

You can also spot snow monkeys warming up in the hot springs this month at Jigokudani Monkey Park, a few hours from Tokyo. 

Temperatures in Tokyo drop to around 8C this month, but it’s also one of the driest months of the year, so perfect for wrapping up warm and exploring. Hokkaido is colder, falling below freezing at night. 

Japan in January 

The New Year celebrations at the start of the month make for a memorable introduction to the country, if you visit Japan in January, although you can expect a busy beginning to the year as people visit shrines and travel to see family. 

But it’s also a great month to discover Japanese traditions, including the practice of hatsumode as people flock to temples to pray for a good year ahead, with a festive atmosphere to enjoy as they do. Illuminations also continue through the month to brighten the darkness. 

Temperatures are slightly cooler than December in Tokyo, dropping to around 6C, while it’s another of the driest months of the year. Snow is becoming more widespread across the country, so for keen skiers visiting Japan, when to go should always include January as the ski resorts are already making the most of the impressive powder across Hokkaido, Nagano and Niigata. 

Japan in February  

One of Japan’s most memorable festivals takes place at the start of February, the Sapporo Snow Festival, with hundreds of huge and intricate snow and ice sculptures, lit up in an array of colours. As well as admiring the frosty creations, you could even try out the giant snow slide this month. 

The ski season also continues, although some resorts may find less snow towards the end of February, and you can still enjoy many of the highlights of the season on a winter wonderland tour of Japan, from snow monkeys bathing in hot springs to a chance to try one yourself, plus the sights in frozen Hakodate in Hokkaido. 

February’s weather is very similar to January, with temperatures of around 6C in Tokyo and little rain, although there’s a chance of snow in the city this month, and freezing temperatures in Hokkaido. Traditionally spring begins on February 4 in Japan, although you wouldn’t know if from the weather, although you may see plum trees beginning to blossom towards the end of the month. 

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