When is the best time to travel to Japan?
A Season-by-Season Guide by a Japan Tour Specialist
Author: Col Beardmore, Co-Founder of Journey to the East. With more than 25years back and forth to Japan (visiting all 43 prefectures) and a dozen years running boutique tours of Japan, Col brings firsthand insight into when and how best to enjoy the fascinating country of Japan.
Last Update: June 2025
Quick Summary:
- Best Months: March–May & October–November
- Why: Cherry blossoms, autumn colours, ideal weather
- Be Aware of: Late June (rainy), early August (humid), September (typhoons)
- Top Tip: A small-group tour lets you enjoy the magic of Japan without the crowds—see our Small Group Tours for ideas.
The Commonly you will Hear: –
“The best times to visit Japan are typically March to May (for cherry blossoms and spring festivals) and October to November (for autumn colours and cultural events)”. But not so fast! Let’s get a better explanation for you.
Why There’s No simple answer to “Best” Time to Visit Japan
Japan is a country of four very distinct seasons—and endless reasons to visit all year round. From cherry blossoms in spring to fiery maple leaves in autumn, snow-covered temples in winter, and vibrant festivals in summer, your experience will be shaped by when (and how) you choose to travel.
We’ll help you understand:
- The pros and cons of each season
- How climate, crowds, and culture change month by month
- Why how you travel matters as much as when
Insider Tip: Japan stretches over 3,000 km north to south. That means the same season arrives at very different times depending on where you go. We design our private and small group tours to match the seasonal beauty in each region.
🌸 Spring in Japan (March–May)
Spring is Japan’s most iconic season—and the busiest.
Why Visit:
- World-famous cherry blossoms (“sakura”)
- Mild temperatures and crisp air
- Lively local festivals
Best Regions by Month:
- March: Kyushu, Shikoku, southern Honshu
- April: Tokyo, Kyoto, central Honshu
- Late April–May: Tohoku, Hokkaido
Avoiding Crowds:
- Visit early-blooming areas like Kawazu (February)
- Go north to Tohoku or Hokkaido after mid-April
Explore: Cherry Blossom Tours of Japan / Map of when & where to see Cherry Blossom
🍁 Autumn in Japan (October–November)
If you’re seeking peace, colour, and cultural richness, this is our favourite season.
Why Visit:
- Brilliant fall foliage (“koyo”) from mountain to garden
- Cool weather, clear skies
- Magical night-time temple light-ups
Best Regions by Month:
- Late October: Northern Japan (Tohoku, Alps)
- November: Kyoto, Nara, Tokyo
- Late November & early December: Kyushu
What Makes It Special:
- Lower crowds than spring
- Deep cultural immersion and natural beauty
Explore: Autumn Tours of Japan
❄️ Winter in Japan (December–February)
Winter is Japan’s most underrated season—perfect for those who love food, snow, or quiet beauty. Why Visit:- World-class skiing (esp. Hokkaido & Alps)
- Snow-covered temples and gardens
- Winter festivals and hot springs (onsen)
- Something different, a white Christmas in Japan
- See snow monkeys bathing in steamy rivers
- Visit the Sapporo Snow Festival (February)
- Enjoy seasonal cuisine at its best
🎆 Summer in Japan (July–September)
Summer is festival season in Japan—and perfect for getting off the beaten path.
Why Visit:
- Vibrant street festivals (matsuri)
- Traditional food stalls, fireworks, and dancing
- Northern regions and the Alps offer cool escapes
Tips:
- June is rainy; August is hot and humid
- Head to Tohoku or Hokkaido for cooler air
- Plan for typhoons (late August–September) by staying flexible
Explore: Walking Tours of Japan | Rural & Remote Japan Tours
🧭 Matching the Best Time to How You Travel
FIT vs. Small Group vs. Cookie-Cutter Tours
Whilst independent (FIT) travel takes up your time to arrange, the reward is they are generally a cheaper trip. Large group tours are both generic and more general to cope with the volume of guests. Truly small groups (or private journeys) cater better for the more discerning traveller, seeking the depth, flexibility and cultural insights.
As our travellers consistently tell us: “It wasn’t just the timing—it was how we experienced Japan that made it so unforgettable.”
Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms or planning for peak colour in autumn, the right season and the right travel style go hand in hand.
Explore: Choosing the Right Tour of Japan | Small Group Tours
📌 Need Help Deciding?
We’ve spent over 12 years guiding travellers through Japan’s changing seasons. Let us help you match your perfect travel window with a personalised tour plan.
Start with: Connect with a Japan Specialist
