We’ve gathered all the deets on the best time to visit Japan, whether you’re looking to bask in the cherry blossoms or take in the autumn foliage.
There are endless things to see and do in Japan. Whether you’re seeking nature – cherry blossoms in Nara, bamboo forests in Nikko, hot springs in Hokkaido – or history and culture – cloud-piercing skyscrapers in Tokyo, ancient temples in Kyoto, bustling izakayas in Osaka – Japan is a country of endless possibilities. It’s important to plan your trip around the things you definitely want to include in your itinerary to make sure you don’t miss any of Japan’s best bits.
When is the best time to visit Japan?
It depends on what type of trip you’re looking to take. However, spring and autumn tend to be the most beautiful weather-wise. We’d recommend a trip between March and May or September and November. If you’re looking to steer clear of crowds, then a trip in May after Golden Week is for you.
When is the best time to visit Japan for cherry blossoms?
Cherry blossom season is one of the most popular times to visit Japan. Crowds of people excitedly welcome spring with the blooming of the beautiful Sakuras, with various festivals popping up across the country to celebrate.
The blooming timeline does depend on what region of Japan you’re in. For example, the bloom time in southern Japan is slightly earlier than the other regions, while the middle of April is the peak month for Tokyo. We recommend checking out the cherry blossom forecast via the Japan Meteorological Corporation if you want more information on the regions you’ll visit.
When is the best time to visit Japan for good weather?
The weather is the most mild and sunny during the spring months between March and May or autumn from September to November. The summer months see higher, humid temperatures with increased rainfall.
What is the cheapest time to go to Japan?
It’s always cheapest to travel during the off-season, which would fall between mid-January and March. The winter months see a decrease in the number of tourists, meaning airlines and hotels are eager to greet visitors.
When is the busiest time for visiting Japan?
Cherry blossom season and Golden Week are the busiest times to visit Japan. The Sakura season sees many international tourists arrive, while Golden Week (a collection of four national holidays) at the beginning of May shows increased domestic tourism.
Japan’s temperatures throughout the year
The average temperatures throughout Japan vary depending on where you are. In Tokyo, summer temperatures stay around between 22°C and 28°C, while winters are between 4°C and 10°C. Osaka offers slightly wider gaps, with summers between 23°C and 31°C and winters between 3°C and 9°C. In Hokkaido, a popular ski resort, winter temperatures hover at around -2°C.
Where does it snow in Japan?
There are a few different places to visit in Japan for serious snow. The most popular ski resorts include Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Hokuriku, where the snow offers perfect conditions for snow sports.
Where are the best places to stay in Japan?
Japan is home to some of the world’s most impressive hotels. For places to stay in Tokyo, you’ll find the likes of The Tokyo Edition, a sleek, modern bolthole in the Ginza neighbourhood; while the Trunk(Hotel) in Yoyogi Park is a haven for those looking for a nature-filled escape (the infinity pool looks out over the treetops). In Niseko, Hokkaido’s favourite ski resort, opt for Higashiyama Niseko Village, on the northernmost island, for an elegant, intimate stay, or Shiguchi, a countryside hotel looking out over the twinkling white slopes of the valley.
How many days are enough for Japan?
This depends on what kind of holiday you want. If you’re looking to get under the skin of a particular city, five days should be enough to explore the depths of Tokyo. If you want to explore multiple destinations – which makes more sense when considering the travel time from the UK to Japan – then we’d recommend a longer trip. Start by making a list of the places and things you consider most important, and go from there.
