So, you decided to book a trip to Japan? Congratulations! One of the first questions you probably have is, when is the best time to visit?
Well, the good news is that in Japan, there is something unique to experience every month of the year, thanks to the four distinct seasons, which bring with them seasonal festivals and events, foods, and experiences.
In this article we’ll do a month-by-month breakdown listing the pros and cons so you can decide which time of year is best for you to visit Japan and share links to detailed guides I have made for each month.
Contents:
Japan in January
The beginning of January marks a new calendar year where Japanese families gather and visit the country’s temples and shrines.
Most businesses and tourist attractions are closed during the first few days of January so it’s best to visit after the New Year holiday period.
If you’re in Japan at the beginning of the month you can try picking up a lucky bag, known as fukubukuro in Japanese. Many stores from MUJI to Starbucks sell these mystery bags of miscellaneous items at heavily discounted prices.
January is a great time to embrace all things winter – from visiting one of Japan’s famous ski resorts to seeing the famous snow monkeys in Nagano. You can also see sumo wrestling in Tokyo in January during the annual Grand Sumo Tournament.
Read about more things to do in Japan in January in my detailed guide here.
Pros of Visiting in January:
- Fewer tourists around
- You can experience seasonal activities like winter sports
- Winter illuminations
Cons of Visiting in January:
- Temperatures can be cold
- Many attractions closed during the New Year’s Period
Japan in February
February is actually one of my favorite times to visit Japan – it’s typically much quieter than March and April but there is still so much to see and do, from snow festivals to early cherry and plum blossoms!
You can visit some of the best snow and ice festivals of the year, particularly in Hokkaido, while further south, vibrant pink plum blossom trees mark the arrival of spring and hint at warmer months ahead.
February is also a good time of year to visit Japan as many tourist hotspots are quieter and slightly cheaper, and the weather is often sunny and dry. Further north and in the mountains, there are plenty of winter sports and festivals to experience.
Everyone has heard of cherry blossoms, but plum blossoms look almost identical and often bloom earlier, before the masses of international tourists arrive at the end of March for Sakura season. You can find plum blossom festivals in Tokyo and Kyoto, but one of the biggest events is in Odawara, set against a backdrop of Mt. Fuji.
Read more about what it’s like to visit Japan in February in my detailed guide here.
Pros of Visiting in February:
- See early blossoms before the peak tourist season
- Experience winter sports and festivals
- Cheaper flights and hotels
- Quieter temples and shrines
Cons of Visiting in February:
- Temperatures can be cold
- Shorter daylight hours limit sightseeing
Japan in March
With the arrival of spring, warmer temperatures gradually return to Japan. Late March is also typically the busiest and most expensive time to visit Japan. People spend more and more time outdoors as the days get longer and the best time of year for cherry blossom viewing arrives at the end of the month.
Cherry blossom viewing is obviously one of the main attractions in Japan during March, and all the related activities that come with it – having a hanami party, seeing the blossoms lit up at night, enjoying local festivals, and trying special limited-edition Sakura flavored desserts and snacks.
However, it’s not all about cherry blossoms in March in Japan, and there are plenty of other events going on such as the sumo tournament in Osaka.
Read more about what it’s like to visit Japan in March in my detailed guide here.
Pros of Visiting in March:
- You can experience cherry blossom season in late March one of the most beautiful times of year in Japan
Cons of Visiting in March:
- Flights and accommodation are more expensive
- Tourist attractions are a lot more crowded
Japan in April
The beginning of the month offers visitors the chance to catch the end of cherry blossom season in major cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto, while later in the month, there are late cherry blossoms to be found off the beaten path if you head north of Tokyo.
The spring weather in April is generally mild and very pleasant for sightseeing and spending time outdoors. In addition to cherry blossoms, there are plenty of other blooms to catch, from sweeping wisteria at Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Tokyo to thousands of pink moss flowers set against a backdrop of Mt. Fuji.
Cultural events include spring maiko performances in Kyoto and the Takayama Spring Festival, which sees traditional festival floats paraded through the city. For a full breakdown of things to do and see in April in Japan, check out my detailed guide here.
Pros of Visiting in April:
- Chance to see late cherry blossoms with fewer crowds towards the end of the month
- The weather is generally good
- Good time for outdoor activities
Cons of Visiting in April:
- The beginning of the month is still very crowded
- Expensive time of year to travel, particularly early in the month
- The end of April coincides with Golden Week, a busy domestic holiday period
Japan in May
As summer approaches, the average temperature in Japan rises in May before the arrival of the rainy season at the end of the month. May is one of the best times of year to visit Japan and spend time outdoors before the uncomfortable humidity sets in during the summer months.
The beginning of May also sees the opening of summer beer gardens across Japanese cities, these are usually outdoor areas converted into temporary dining spaces on rooftops and terraces featuring all-you-can-eat and drink packages. In Kyoto, you can also experience kawadoko-dining, where you can experience eating outside on raised platforms built over the river, providing a cooler dining experience.
There is plenty of good weather and things to see and do throughout Japan in May, including numerous festivals like the Sanja Matsuri in Tokyo along with the Grand Sumo Tournament, and Kamogawa Odori geisha dances in Kyoto.
For more inspiration on what to do in Japan in May, see the full monthly guide here.
Pros of Visiting in May:
- Last of the good weather before the rainy season in June with low humidity (18–25°C / 64–77°F)
- Lots of outdoor activities to try and events to visit
- Chance to see the sumo tournament in Tokyo
Cons of Visiting in May:
- The beginning of the month is Golden Week, a busy domestic holiday period, which makes traveling very crowded and expensive
- If you’re visiting for cherry blossoms, you’ll be too late in most of Japan (except for northern areas like Hokkaido)
Japan in June
June is not typically the best time to travel to Japan as it is the start of the rainy season which lingers for around six weeks. That’s not to say it rains every day, but weather conditions are unpredictable and the heat and humidity levels soar, making it hard to spend much time outside.
That being said, there are some highlights of the rainy season. There are plenty of summer festivals, and it’s a good time to visit hot springs, see hydrangeas, and watch fireflies. Kamakura, Hakone, and Kyoto are all top spots for hydrangea viewing. Hokkaido is also a good place to travel to during this time, as temperatures are cooler and less humid.
Get a full breakdown of the best events and festivals going on in June in this detailed guide.
Pros of Visiting in June:
- Fewer tourists and lower prices, June is one of the least crowded months in Japan.
- Great for hydrangeas and firefly viewing
- Onsen towns are usually more affordable and less crowded to visit
Cons of Visiting in June:
- Expect rain on most days and high humidity levels
- Difficult to spend time outdoors
Japan in July
Mid-July usually marks the end of the rainy season in Japan before the typhoon season kicks in, during August and September. The July weather is hot, and the humidity can be stifling, making it difficult to spend extended periods outside, particularly in crowded cities. However, the arrival of summer sees some of the best festivals take place, which are worth leaving the comfort of air conditioning for!
Across Japan many cities host fireworks festivals, the one at Tokyo’s Sumida River is one of the biggest (and busiest) fireworks displays of the summer with more than 20,000 fireworks launched from two locations near Tokyo Skytree and Sensoji. You can also take part in Tanabata events – a Japanese festival featuring colorful decorations and streamers. July also marks the start of climbing season for Mt. Fuji, a once in a lifetime experience!
Pros of Visiting in July:
- Chance to experience Japanese summer festivals, fireworks, and seasonal dishes like kakigori (shaved ice with sweet syrup) and flowing somen noodles.
- Chance to climb Mt. Fuji for sunrise views during the official season
Cons of Visiting in July:
- Temperatures and humidity are high, making it difficult to spend time outdoors during the day
- Chance of typhoons occurring
Japan in August
The summer heat in Japan during August is pretty intense, and many people flock to air-conditioned spaces such as shopping malls to escape the humidity. However, if you can stand the heat (and typhoons), August is the time to put on a yukata (casual kimono), visit a local festival, and cool down with some Japanese summer foods such as kakigori (shaved ice dessert) or juicy watermelon. A good tip is to spend some time in more rural areas, like the mountains or by the ocean, for slightly cooler or breezier weather.
If you visit Japan in August, you’ll want to avoid the Obon holiday period, which is one of the busiest and most expensive times for domestic travel, with many people returning to their hometowns from the cities.
There are a lot of fireworks festivals throughout Japan in August, so be sure to check those out, along with famous dance festivals such as the Awa Odori and Yosakoi on Shikoku Island, and live music festivals.
For a detailed guide on what to do in August, check out the full article here.
Pros of Visiting in August:
- Lots of local festivals to enjoy
- Enjoy summer seasonal foods and activities
Cons of Visiting in August:
- The weather is extremely hot and humid
- Typhoons are common
- The Obon period is expensive to travel
Japan in September
In early September, Japan is still hot and humid, gradually cooling toward the end of the month. This is the final window to climb Mount Fuji before the season closes, and rooftop beer gardens remain open nationwide.
September is also a time for traditional celebrations, particularly tsukimi, the Japanese custom of moon viewing. Festivals dedicated to this seasonal event take place across the country, with standout experiences including the Himeji Castle festival and live musical performances at Yokohama’s Sankeien Garden.
Additionally, it’s the last opportunity of the year to witness a sumo tournament in Tokyo at the iconic Ryogoku Sumo Hall.
For more inspiration on what to do in Japan in September – see the full guide here.
Pros of Visiting in September:
- Last chance to climb Mt. Fuji
- Last chance to see sumo in Tokyo
Cons of Visiting in September:
- The weather is still quite uncomfortable, especially early in the month
- Typhoons are common
Japan in October
With milder temperatures setting in, October is one of the most pleasant times to visit Japan. There are plenty of festivals taking place throughout the month from more traditional events like the Saijo Sake festival in Hiroshima to bigger events such as the Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony.
Halloween is a major theme in Japan during October, with special events at theme parks such as Tokyo Disney and Universal Studios, along with many food-related events like Halloween-themed dessert buffets and afternoon teas to enjoy! In some areas, you may also be lucky to see the autumn leaves begin to change color!
For a full list of events in Japan during October – read the full article here.
Pros of Visiting in October:
- Pleasant temperatures make it a good time for sightseeing and spending time outdoors
- The chance to experience special Halloween events and festivities
Cons of Visiting in October:
- Prices can be higher compared to other months (flights & accommodation)
- There may still be occasional typhoons at the beginning of the month
Japan in November
Autumn colors typically peak in November, while the arrival of cooler temperatures signals the transition into winter. This change also marks the beginning of Japan’s breathtaking seasonal light displays, making it one of the most visually stunning and exciting times to visit.
Though Christmas isn’t widely celebrated in Japan, November sets the stage for the holiday season with festive Christmas markets popping up in major cities toward the end of the month. True to Japanese style, winter illuminations across the country dazzle with meticulous attention to detail, transforming city streets and parks into magical, immersive experiences.
Throughout the month, festivals both large and small honor the changing seasons with spectacular fireworks, traditional processions, and vibrant parades featuring giant floats that celebrate local heritage and traditions.
Find out more about some of the unique events and activities you can do in Japan during November in my detailed guide here.
Pros of Visiting in November:
- The chance to see beautiful autumn foliage
- Temperatures are still not too cold
- Winter illuminations begin
Cons of Visiting in November:
- Travel costs (flights & accommodation) can be expensive
- More crowded in popular leaf-viewing spots
Japan in December
I really like traveling around Japan in December—particularly at the beginning of the month. Travel costs are much more affordable than other times of year, and there are fewer tourists around, even in busy cities like Tokyo.
Although Christmas is not officially celebrated in Japan, I still find it a great place to also get in the festive spirit with many European-inspired Christmas markets in bigger cities like Tokyo and Yokohama, in addition to some seriously impressive winter illumination events that make the most of the shorter days.
If you are in Japan during Christmas, you can find more traditional Western-style Christmas buffets in high-end international hotels, but for the most part people pre-order KFC and eat Christmas cake, a sponge cake filled with cream and strawberries. Would you try a Japanese-style Christmas dinner?
For more details on events happening around Japan in December and seasonal activities, read the full guide here.
Pros of Visiting in December:
- Quieter with fewer crowds
- More affordable for flights and accommodation
- Chance to experience winter activities and illuminations
Cons of Visiting in December:
- The New Year period is very quiet, and everything shuts down for several days
- Temperatures can be cold, depending on where you visit
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