I am planning my trip to Japan, but what is the best time to go? Many travelers may have these problems: “I want to enjoy the best of Japan while avoiding the crowds and high costs”. For example, the cherry blossom season is beautiful but hotel prices skyrocket, summer festivals are fun but the heat saps your energy… Planning without knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each season can take you away from your ideal trip.
In this article we explain the characteristics of each month in Japan in terms of weather, events and crowds. We also present specific tourist attractions and times of the year to avoid, so you can create your perfect travel plan!
- January-February: winter travel with snowy landscapes and thermal springs
- March-April: Spring under the spell of cherry blossoms
- May-June: fresh greenery and travel in low season
- July-August: frenzied summer with summer festivals and fireworks
- September-October: autumn color of leaves and culinary delights
- November-December: Christmas lights and preparations for New Year’s Eve
- Conclusion
January-February: winter travel with snowy landscapes and thermal springs
January is ideal for those who want to enjoy skiing and hot springs.
Niseko and Hakuba village in Hokkaido are popular for their spectacular powder ski slopes.
At Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture, the romantic Taisho streets and snow-covered scenery are fantastic.
The Sapporo Snow Festival reaches its peak in February, so visit in late January to avoid the crowds.
March-April: Spring under the spell of cherry blossoms
The best time to enjoy the symbol of Japan, the cherry blossom, is from late March to early April.
In Tokyo’s Ueno Park and Kyoto’s Philosophers’ Path, the cherry blossom tunnels are an ideal place for Hanami.
In Hirosaki Park, Aomori Prefecture, some 2,600 cherry trees adorn the castle.
Check flowering forecasts and plan to stagger the calendar between Kanto/Kansai and Tohoku/Hokkaido.
May-June: fresh greenery and travel in low season
It’s time to enjoy the lush green nature while avoiding the crowds.
Avoid Golden Week (April 29-May 6) and explore the fresh greenery of Oirase Keiryu (Aomori) in June.
May is the best time to visit Okinawa’s resorts before the rainy season.
Take an early summer vacation in Kyushu or Okinawa in June. However, in Honshu, umbrellas are a must for the rainy season.
July-August: frenzied summer with summer festivals and fireworks
It combines traditional festivals with outdoor activities.Kyoto’s Gion Festival (July) and Osaka’s Tenjin Festival (late July) are lively, with shrines, parades and stalls.
Furano Lavender Fields in Hokkaido (July) and hiking on Yakushima Island are cool and comfortable activities.
August is extremely hot, so choose a summer retreat or a mountainous area such as Karuizawa for early morning sightseeing.
September-October: autumn color of leaves and culinary delights
The most pleasant season in Japan, with spectacular scenery and gourmet food.
The autumn colors of Arashiyama in Kyoto and Daisetsuzan in Hokkaido are breathtaking.
Seasonal delicacies such as matsutake mushrooms, autumn swordfish and crab can be sampled in many places.
It is the perfect season for sightseeing in comfort, as long as you wear warm clothes.
November-December: Christmas lights and preparations for New Year’s Eve
It’s time to live the traditions of winter and the New Year.
The illuminations of Roppongi (Tokyo) and Universal Studios (Osaka) are romantic.
From late December to January, shrines are filled with people preparing for the Hatsumode (first visit of the year to the temple/shrine).
Travel between November and mid-December, as hotel prices soar during the New Year’s Eve and New Year holidays (December 28 – January 5).
Conclusion
There is no best or worst time to go, as every month has its pros and cons, in addition to the personal tastes of each one. So first make a list of “what you want to experience” and then plan your trip taking into account the month-by-month characteristics described in this article. Determine the perfect time to create memories of your trip to Japan!
