The best times to visit Japan are during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) for pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. However, it is all about your preferences and what you want to experience. Each season in Japan offers unique attractions and activities, so consider your interests and priorities when planning your visit.
Today, you will get to know about the best month to visit Japan. Keep reading!
Visiting Japan in January
In January, the weather in Japan is usually cool, dry, and sunny. It’s a good time to visit because places aren’t as busy as they are later in the year. In the north of Japan, there’s a lot of snow, which is great for skiing.
Visiting Japan in February
In February, skiing is really popular in northern Japan. Everywhere else in the country, the weather is usually cool, dry, and sunny. Also, many tourist spots are not as crowded as they are at other times of the year.
Events & Festivals
- In the first week of February, Sapporo becomes packed with huge ice and snow sculptures. They’re built in the middle of Odori Park as part of the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Visiting Japan in March
In March, the weather gets warmer, and the plum trees start to bloom, which shows that spring is starting. By the end of March, cherry blossoms start to appear in the southern parts of Japan, and people celebrate by having picnics in parks. Since this is a popular time to visit Japan, it gets packed toward the end of the month.
Events & Festivals
- As spring tiptoes across mainland Japan, the delicate cherry blossom gracefully unfurls its petals, painting the landscape with hues of pink and white. With each passing day, this ephemeral beauty spreads its enchantment northward, weaving a tapestry of fleeting magic across the land.
Visiting Japan in April
This is the best time to see cherry blossoms because they start blooming further north. The blossoms are really beautiful and make for a magical experience. But if you go during this time, be prepared for crowded places and higher hotel prices.
Events & Festivals
- Cherry blossoms bloom and move north across Japan. In Takayama, an old town in Japan, there’s a festival called Takayama Matsuri. It’s considered one of Japan’s top three most beautiful festivals. During this festival, decorated floats and shrines are carried through the streets in a parade.
Visiting Japan in May
The weather is nice and warm in May and usually not rainy. Plants are green and lively. Cherry blossoms only bloom in the northern part of Hokkaido by May. In Okinawa, it’s the rainy season in May. The first week of May is Golden Week, a big holiday in Japan. It’s one of the busiest times for people travelling within the country.
Events & Festivals
- In Tokyo, Asakusa is where the Sanja Matsuri festival happens. It’s held on the third full weekend in May. During the festival, there are bright floats and shrines, and people dressed in traditional clothes from the Edo period. They parade between Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine, with musicians and dancers joining in the fun.
Visiting Japan in June
During this time of year, it’s hot, humid, and rainy in most parts of Japan. Despite the rain, the trees and plants are really lively and colourful, making Japan’s gardens look especially beautiful.
Visiting Japan in July
July is a fun time to visit Japan because there are many festivals happening all over the country. The rainy season usually ends by the middle of the month, but it stays humid.
July is also the best time to climb Mount Fuji because the weather is better. Lots of Japanese people travel around this time, and Okinawa gets a lot of rain and strong winds. Get in touch with Travel Planner for the best Japan tour packages!
Events & Festivals
- Japan’s biggest festival, the Kyoto Matsuri, happens in Kyoto. It started in the 9th century as a religious event to please the gods. Huge floats are paraded through the streets all month, but the best day to see them is July 17th.
- During the 7th lunar month, there’s a festival called Awa Odori in Tokushima on Shikoku Island as part of the Obon Festival, which honours the dead. Musicians and dancers wearing colourful costumes fill the streets.
Visiting Japan in August
In August, festivals are still happening all over Japan, and it’s a busy time for people travelling within the country because it’s a school holiday time. The weather is usually hot and humid everywhere, but Hokkaido is cooler and more comfortable compared to other places.
Events & Festivals
- During the 7th month of the lunar calendar, there’s a festival called Awa Odori on Shikoku Island in Tokushima. It’s part of the Obon Festival, which honours the dead. Lots of musicians and dancers wearing colourful costumes fill the streets. It is one of the top 5 things to do in Japan.
Visiting Japan in September
By September, the big crowds of Japanese tourists have usually gone home, and the skies are usually clear and blue. But it can still be hot and humid.
In late September, the leaves in Hokkaido start to change colour, and this colourful process spreads south over the next few weeks. Towards the end of September, there’s a five-day national holiday called Silver Week.
During this time, prices for things like hotels and transportation go up a lot because lots of Japanese people travel around the country. But Silver Week only happens every few years.
Visiting Japan in October
In October, fall begins in mainland Japan, and the landscape gets colourful with red and gold leaves. The weather starts to cool down from the hot summer, so it’s a nice time to visit. The weather in Japan is the best during this time period.
Visiting Japan in November
November is the best time to see colourful leaves in mainland Japan. It’s not as busy for travelling, and the weather is nice and cool. This is the best season to visit Japan and enjoy your holidays!
Visiting Japan in December
In December, the weather in Japan is cool and usually not rainy. The country isn’t very crowded in the first few weeks, so it’s a good time to visit if you don’t mind the cold.
During the winter, outdoor hot springs, called onsens, can be really enjoyable, especially in northern Japan, where you can soak in warm water while surrounded by snow. It gets busier toward the end of December because of the school holidays, and some places might close as New Year’s approaches.
Travel Tips For The People Heading To Japan:
Here are some simple steps to prepare for your trip to Japan:
- Check if you need a visa. Citizens of 68 countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Have a return or onward flight booked, as they might ask you about it when you arrive.
- Consider getting a Japanese Rail Pass before you go if you plan to travel around by train.
- Learn some Japanese, especially numbers, to make communication easier. Locals appreciate it!
- Get an International Driving Permit if you plan to go-kart on Tokyo roads as your favourite character.
- Ensure you have your travel insurance with you in case of any emergencies.
- Consider getting a Mastercard credit or debit card, as some Japanese websites may not work with Visa.
- Get ready to walk a lot in Japanese cities, so wear comfy shoes and do some training beforehand.
- Practise using chopsticks, as you’ll need them in most restaurants. Also, get used to sitting on the floor for some dining experiences.
Final Thoughts:
You can explore Japan’s diverse experiences year-round, from cherry blossoms to summer festivals and autumn foliage. December offers cool weather for outdoor hot springs.
Whether immersing in cultural traditions or savouring culinary delights, Japan promises something for all. Prepare by checking visa requirements and learning basic Japanese for a seamless journey.