If you have your eyes set on travelling to Japan, you are already on an excellent path. In my opinion, at least. For a country so admired for its advanced technology and modern expressions, Japan is also wildly complex in its traditional roots and cultural identity. From the food to the nightlife to the natural beauty, Japan is a wonderful country to visit.
But we already knew how amazing Japan is. Now we need to find out when is the best time to visit Japan. To start, we should talk about Japan’s four seasons and what they mean for travellers. Check them out below:
When is the best time of year to visit Japan?
There are four main and distinct seasons in Japan:
- Winter – December, January, and February
- Spring – March, April, and May
- Summer – June, July, and August
- Autumn – September, October, and November
Because there’s so much to see and do during the different seasons, there is no definitive best time to visit Japan and each season has its own special highlights. So how do you decide when to visit the Land of the Rising Sun? By what you want to experience during your travels!
Ski down the slopes of Hokkaido and Nagano during the Winter season
When are the winter months?
The Winter season occurs in December, January, and February. During these months, the weather is dry, cold and sunny with average temperatures 35-55 degrees Fahrenheit in Tokyo.
December, the third coldest month of the year, is a perfect time for a Japan visit if you want to join in all of the end-of-year parties known as “Bonenkai”, which translate to “forget the year”.
January is the coldest month of the year with plenty of snow and clear, sunny skies, making it the best time to go to Japan if you are a ski or snowboard fan.
In February, the second coldest month of the year, spring plum blossoms start to grow and decorate the southern parts of Japan.
What is there to do in winter?
As the temperature drops and the snowfall increases, there are plenty of skiing and snowboarding activities. Check out Hokkaido and Nagano for the best skiing destinations in Japan. If you are a photography enthusiast, you will appreciate the surreal landscapes of Japan blanketed in pure white snow.
Highlights of the winter season in Japan:
In February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is held for one week. Here you will see the region come together and present the most spectacular ice and snow sculptures. Along with food and drinks, this festival is an absolute winter delight.
READ MORE: Discover what are the best and biggest festivals in the world
View the iconic sakura and experience the Golden Week of Japan in Spring season
When are the spring months?
The Spring season occurs in March, April, and May. During springtime in Japan, the gorgeous weather of daytime mixes with the brisk chill of nighttime. As May draws to a close, it’s time for the rainy season as the country experienced increased rainfall and higher chances of typhoons, lasting till October.
What is there to do in spring?
Because of the beautiful weather, springtime is known as peak season. This means the crowds will be bigger and the tourists will be plentiful. But that does not mean the beauty of Japan is undermined. If you love sakura or Japanese cherry blossoms, springtime, or the aptly named “Cherry Blossom Season”, may be the best time to visit Japan for you as these iconic flowers come to full bloom throughout the country.
Mount Fuji is also visible during the spring months, which is also a short-lasting opportunity as the mountain becomes covered in a fog over most of the year. Take a hike up Mount Fuji or, for a more adventurous hike, check out the Japan Alps.
Highlights of the spring season in Japan
As the most popular season, springtime is the time of Golden Week. This week is marked by four public holidays where many celebrations and parties take place. Golden Week is an exciting time, but also one of the busiest times and a very crowded experience as most Japanese travellers will take off work to celebrate. If you do not mind crowds, Golden Week can be an interesting look into Japanese culture.
READ MORE: Check out the best cities to visit in Japan
Immerse in Japan’s natural beauty at its best in the Summer season
When are the summer months?
The Japanese summer season occurs in June, July, and August. The summer months of Japan are marked with heat, humidity, and precipitation. As summer unfolds, the rainfall will increase and the typhoons will make more guest appearances along the coasts.
What is there to do in summer?
Despite the heat and rainy climate, Japan is wonderful during the summer. The season is filled with celebrations and festivals throughout the country.
Additionally, outdoor activities such as hiking and trekking are great opportunities to view Japan in all its natural beauty under clear, sunny skies. Head out to the coasts of Okinawa Island where scuba diving and other water sports are available to experience the magical underwater world of Japan.
Finally, the baseball season is underway. Japan’s love for the sport of baseball is very high, and it is almost impossible not to have some of that energy rub off on you. Check out one of the high-adrenaline games or visit a local pub to share some cheers and jeers.
Highlights of the summer season in Japan
Japan’s most famous festival, Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri, occurs in July. Here you will witness massive parades and floats, turning Kyoto into a city-wide party. If you enjoy the thrill of festivals, the summer may be the best time to visit Japan.
READ MORE: Discover why Japan is one of the best and safest places in the world for solo female travel
Take in the beautiful fall foliage and cooler temperatures of the Autumn season
When are the autumn months?
Autumn season occurs during the months of September, October, and November. In September, the typhoon season is at its peak and it lasts until October. Due to the consistent rainfall, the temperature can get quite humid. In November, the weather is dry and crisp.
What is there to do in autumn?
Fall foliage occurs in the autumn season, and one of the most epic places to see this is the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Lush green landscapes filled with mountains, the route flourishes in a variety of colour during the autumn season as the leaves transform.
Highlights of the autumn season in Japan
In November, the Japanese celebrate Labor Thanksgiving Day. This is a time similar to other countries where one gives thanks for their blessings in life.
READ MORE: Can you guess which 2 cities in Japan are among the largest cities in the world?
Experience Japan with lesser crowds: When to avoid travelling to Japan?
As one of the most popular countries to travel to, Japan receives plenty of tourists across the year. At the same time, the Japanese themselves also love to travel within their own country, particularly during the holidays.
During the peak travel season, expect the crowds and be prepared for the prices of accommodation to skyrocket as availability lowers.
When is Japan’s peak travel season? Here’s a summarised list of key periods to avoid travelling to the Rising Sun:
- New Year’s: Last week of December and into the first week of January
- Cherry Blossom Season: Particulary the second half of March, into the first half of April
- Golden Week: Extended week of holidays usually occuring in the first week of May
- Obon: Extended holiday period usually occuring in the middle of August
- National Holidays: Check out the list of Japanese national holidays (long weekends in particular)
So when should you plan your trip to Japan?
The best time to visit Japan in 2021 is dependent on what appeals to you. If you cannot stand crowds, the Autumn season will be a better time to go than the Spring season. If you prefer to indulge in adventure in the snow instead of adventure in the ocean, then you might want to schedule your Japan trip during January or February when the snow starts to really accumulate.
Regardless of the season, Japan is a wonderful country full of memories and experiences. Just be sure to understand the pros and cons of each of the four seasons!
Check out our Japan Travel Guide for tips on everything you need
to know when planning your trip to Japan so you can make the
most of your time in the Land of the Rising Sun!
