BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT JAPAN?

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT JAPAN?

ONE OF THE MOST COMMON JAPAN TRAVEL QUESTIONS WE HEAR AROUND HERE IS, “WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT JAPAN?”

The easy answer is of course that you should take advantage of any chance to visit, since each of Japan’s seasons is great in its own way!

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT JAPAN?

One of the most common Japan travel questions we hear around here is, “When is the best time of year to visit Japan?”

The easy answer is of course that you should take advantage of any chance to visit, since each of Japan’s seasons is great in its own way!

• In winter, you’ll find amazing skiing and snowboarding, seafood, and onsen (hot springs)
• In summer, there are colorful festivals throughout the country, hiking in the Alps, and lovely coastal areas where you can enjoy the sea
• In fall, Japan is famous for its brilliant autumn foliage (koyo) and pleasant temperatures
• And in spring, if you’re lucky (and don’t mind the crowds), you may experiencehanami (cherry-blossom viewing) in all its glory

• THE SEASONS IN JAPAN

  Before embarking on a discussion of Japan’s seasons, a very basic geography lesson may be in order.
  While Japan may not appear very large on most maps (especially next to a massive country like China), it is surprisingly vast.
  Most importantly, as far as seasons and weather are concerned, it stretches from the frigid island of Hokkaido in the extreme north, all the way to the idyllic subtropical islands of the Okinawan archipelago.
  Hokkaido experiences longer and more pronounced winters than the rest of Japan, while Okinawa enjoys longer summers and relative warmth almost year-round. In between – such as in places like Tokyo and Kyoto (on Japan’s largest island of Honshu) – you will find great variations in weather and climate.
  So as you can see, seasons and weather in Japan vary quite a bit from place to place!
  For the purposes of this article, and to keep things as simple as possible, the descriptions below are primarily based on the seasons and weather in Honshu, and specifically places like Tokyo and Kyoto.
  For reference, it’s a good rule of thumb to keep in mind that locations to the west and south will be slightly warmer, while locations to the north will be slightly colder. It’s also worth noting that, even within central Honshu, mountainous areas like the Japan Alps are also generally colder.
  So let’s get into it, starting with one of the (surprisingly) best times to visit Japan!

• WINTER IN JAPAN

  Winter in Japan lasts from about December to mid-March, depending on the location. Winters are cold, with temperatures ranging from approximately 30 to 45 °F.
  Yes, it is cold, but if you can get past this basic fact (which is a potential “dealbreaker” for some), you’ll find that winter is in fact one of the best times to experience Japan all for yourself.
  Aside from a few exceptions (described below), Japan – like many other destinations around the world – tends to receive less travelers during the cold winter season. This is partly because most people prefer to visit at more well-known times (such as cherry blossom season), and also in part because not everyone is able to utilize vacation days to visit at this time of year.
  This is unfortunate – especially if you are keen to experience Japan with less tourists around!
  In the mountains of Japan, snowfall is especially plentiful, making Japan an incredible ski and snowboarding destination. The most well-known places to enjoy Japan’s legendary powder are Hokkaido and the Japan Alps (the latter played host to the 1998 Winter Olympic Games).
  One of the best parts of visiting Japan in winter is the chance to really enjoyJapanese onsen (hot springs).
• While onsen can certainly also be enjoyed at other times of the year, nothing compares to sitting in a mountain onsen, surrounded by a white landscape with snow falling on you as you soak. It’s one of the quintessential Japanese experiences, and not to be missed.
  Need more reasons to get excited about exploring Japan in the cold? Don’t miss our post on the top 5 reasons to visit Japan in winter.

  TIPS ON VISITING JAPAN IN WINTER

  In general, you’ll find far fewer tourists visit Japan in winter, but there are some notable exceptions to keep in mind.
  We receive a lot of requests for travel around the New Year’s holidays, and while it can be a magical time to visit, it’s also worth considering the potential drawbacks.
  Because it’s an extended holiday period (not just in Japan, but in many places worldwide), the days before, during, and after New Year’s Day tend to become quite busy with both tourists from abroad, as well as Japanese people visiting family or taking vacations.
  This means, for example, that the charming old streets of Kyoto will likely be bustling and full of people from around Japan and the world. For some, it’s a magical atmosphere, full of holiday spirit (Japanese style), but for those who prefer more peace and quiet it is worth a consideration.
  Additionally, since Japanese people have several days off for the New Year’s holiday (far more than in places like the US or Europe), accommodations throughout the country are typically at very high occupancy, making availability low and prices higher than usual. Luxurious ryokans, in particular, tend to be booked up to a year or so in advance by “repeaters.”
• As far as the New Year in Japan is concerned, it’s also important to point out that – from the end of December (generally sometime after Christmas) until a few days into January (usually until around January 3rd or 4th or later), many places are closed.
  This can include (but is not necessarily limited to) some restaurants, museums, shops, and more. While there are increasing exceptions, in the past it’s been fairly reasonable to expect that most restaurants will be closed from at latest December 31st until at least January 2nd or 3rd (apart from certain high-end restaurants, as well as those located in department stores, hotels, and those catering particularly to travelers).
  On the bright side, this can be a beautiful time to get off the beaten path and visit more remote areas of Japan.
  In another piece of great news, most temples and shrines – for example, in Kyoto and elsewhere throughout Japan – do remain open around the New Year’s holiday, and thus it can in fact be a very peaceful and rewarding time of year to visit.
  A special note about Tsukiji Fish Market, as well. Tsukiji usually remains open until late December, but because it’s a particularly busy time of year at the market, the tuna auctions usually close to tourists from around mid-December until mid-January.
  Around March each year, winter begins to give way to the first inklings of spring…

  SPRING IN JAPAN

  Ah, spring.
  Spring in Japan lasts from about mid-March to May, depending on the location. The weather in spring is notoriously fickle, with temperatures ranging from approximately 40 to 65 °F. On some days you may still want your winter coat, while on other days you may not even need a sweater.
• Spring is Japan’s most famous season, and is symbolized by the iconic sakura(cherry blossoms), which typically bloom sometime between the second half of March, and the first half of April (sakura bloom schedules, too, vary significantly depending on location).
  Without a shadow of a doubt, we receive far more inquiries for travel to Japan around cherry blossom season than for any other time of year. In fact, it is such a popular time to visit that we are often forced to stop even considering new inquiries months and months in advance.
  While the beauty of Japan’s cherry blossoms in bloom is undeniably alluring, whether or not it’s worth the potential downsides is not quite as clear!
  Would-be travelers to Japan often try to coordinate their trips to coincide with hanami season, but Mother Nature is unpredictable.
  In some years, the sakura bloom early, and in others they arrive late; in “lucky” years they might linger on the trees for a couple of weeks, while in others a strong wind or rain may scatter them early.
  Of course, it is in great part this unpredictability and impermanence that has provided inspiration to Japanese poets for centuries.

  WHY YOU MIGHT WANT TO AVOID CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON

  First, a confession: we can’t deny that cherry blossom season can be amazing. The question is whether or not it’s worth the trouble, added expense, and endless crowds.
  Apart from their unpredictability (alluded to above), the problem with the blossoms is that they’ve almost become too famous for their own good.
  Cherry blossom season has always been an appealing time of year to visit, but in the past few years – and now leading up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics – Japan has received steadily record-breaking numbers of visitors (primarily from throughout Asia, and also from throughout Europe, the US, Australia, and beyond).
  The “worst” of peak cherry blossom season lasts from mid-March until around mid-April, and in terms of popularity and crowds it’s comparable to Europe during summer vacations.
  What this means for you, the traveler:
• More tourists
• Lower accommodation availability
• Higher accommodation prices
• A need to plan much further in advance

• FINAL TIPS ON VISITING JAPAN IN SPRING

  Having read all of the above, some of you may be thinking you might want to skip the cherry blossoms (and Golden Week) in favor of less crowds.
  Late April can be a good time to try and visit, though lately the popularity of the cherry blossom season has started to spill over into this part of the month. Also, if considering late April, beware of Golden Week.
  Mid to late May can be a wonderful time to be in Japan, and tends to have a good combination of warmer temperatures and less tourists (though even May is starting to become popular).
  As May gives way to June, the spring weather noticeably transitions into Japan’s hot and humid summer.

  SUMMER IN JAPAN

  Summer in Japan lasts from about June to mid-September, depending on the location. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from approximately 70 to 90 °F.
  July and August are typically the hottest and most humid times of year, and can be uncomfortable for sightseeing if you are averse to humidity. But despite (or perhaps because of) the torrid climate, summer can also be one of the liveliest times to be in Japan.
• Japan has more festivals (matsuri) than almost any other country in the world, and Japanese festivals – in all their color, tradition, and exuberance – are often spectacular.
  While there are great festivals throughout the year, summertime features many of Japan’s best — including Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri, Osaka’s Tenjin Matsuri, Aomori’s Nebuta Matsuri, and the Awa Odori festival in Tokushima, on the island of Shikoku – not to mention countless lively (and delicious) neighborhood matsuri throughout the country.
  In addition to matsuri, summer is also renowned for its extraordinary fireworks extravaganzas. Hanabi (fireworks) are taken seriously in Japan, and going to ahanabi taikai is both entertaining and quite culturally immersive. Tokyo’s Sumida River Fireworks are especially famous, but throughout the summer fireworks displays take place all around the country.
  This all sounds fun – and it really is – but is it worth subjecting yourself to Japan’s summer heat and humidity?

  HOW HOT & HUMID IS SUMMER IN JAPAN?

  Apart from the usual summer crowds (thanks in great part to summer vacations taking place across half the world), one of the potential downsides of visiting Japan in summer is the heat and humidity, which can be uncomfortable at times.
  In my personal experience, summers in Tokyo feel more or less like summers in New York City. It’s hot and humid, but the days are long, people are out enjoying themselves, and it’s worthwhile as long as you aren’t the type of person who melts in this type of weather.
  Kyoto is more comparable to an even muggier city like Washington, DC. If you’re not accustomed to this type of weather, it can be tiring to try and fit too much in.
  Whether or not it is worthwhile depends on your own ability to enjoy yourself in this type of weather. Californians accustomed to mild weather may find it challenging, while those from places with distinct seasons will probably be fine.
  But fortunately, even if you’re not the hot-and-humid type, there are ways to experience a milder version of Japanese summer, even during the summer months!

• TIPS ON VISITING JAPAN IN SUMMER

  As we’ve explained above, Japan stretches quite a long way from the northern extremes of Hokkaido, to the southern subtropics of Okinawa. This leads to significant variations in weather, meaning that – to a degree – you can choose your own desired climate when visiting Japan.
  Additionally, even within central Japan itself, mountainous areas such as the Japan Alps enjoy cooler temperatures than places like Tokyo and Kyoto.
  So if you’re visiting Japan in summer, but want to mitigate your exposure to heat and humidity, it’s worth trying to spend as much time as you can in places such as the Japanese Alps, Tohoku (northern Japan), and Hokkaido. You’ll still have the chance to experience summer, but in a milder way than if you were in the major cities.

  JAPAN’S RAINY SEASON AND TYPHOON SEASON

  Fortunately, compared to most countries in Asia, Japan has a relatively mild rainy season. The rainy season (known as tsuyu, the plum rain) goes from early to mid June until mid July, depending on the location.
  Despite being the rainy season, travelers shouldn’t necessarily expect rain every day. In addition, the rains – while often persistent – are not usually terribly intense (unlike in many Asian countries, torrential rain is not the norm).
  I personally enjoy this time of year (make sure you have proper footwear!), but if you are particularly averse to rain it is worth considering other dates.
  Typhoons (known as hurricanes when taking place over the Atlantic Ocean) generally occur between May and October, with the peak taking place in late summer.
  Okinawa and southwestern Japan are particularly vulnerable to typhoons, though they can affect other parts of Japan as well. In late summer it’s not uncommon for typhoons to affect travel plans (e.g., flight cancellations) to and from Okinawa, though this tends to happen less in most other parts of Japan.
  Japan’s summer extends into September, but as October peeks around the corner the coveted autumn season gets underway.

  FALL/AUTUMN IN JAPAN

  Fall (autumn) in Japan lasts from about mid-September to early December, depending on the location. Autumn is widely considered to be the most pleasant time (weather-wise) to visit Japan, with temperatures ranging from approximately 50 to 70 °F.
• Apart from its comfortable temperatures and generally clear weather (particularly in later autumn), fall is perhaps most famous for the vibrancy of the changing foliage (koyo).
  While autumn technically begins in late September, it’s still usually quite warm (sometimes very hot) at this time of year, but with the arrival of October the fall definitively gets underway.
  With the pleasant change in weather, tourists also begin pouring in to enjoy the lovely temperatures, making October a very popular travel season in Japan.
  But its popularity doesn’t compare to November’s, when the peak autumn travel season begins. By November, autumn is in full swing, and throughout Japan you can begin to witness the fall foliage.
  Due to the popularity of October and November, if you would like to try and avoid tourists to the extent possible, you may wish to consider early December, when you may still catch some of the koyo, though likely with less tourists around.
  Soaking in an outdoor onsen while gazing at the autumn foliage is also an unforgettable experience.

• TIPS ON VISITING JAPAN IN FALL

  Japan’s fall foliage season is in many ways similar to cherry blossom season, in terms of the appeal and potential downsides (described in more detail above).
  As with hanami season travel, koyo travel means contending with more tourists, lower accommodation availability, higher accommodation prices, and a need to plan further in advance.
  Please refer to our thoughts in the spring section above to get a better idea of whether fall (or spring) travel may be right for you.

  WHEN IS THE LEAST EXPENSIVE TIME TO VISIT JAPAN?

• Travelers occasionally ask us, “When is the most reasonable time of year to visit Japan?”
  Japan’s low and high travel seasons are not as clearly delineated as they are in certain other countries, such as India, Thailand, or Costa Rica, where there are more clearly-demarcated low and high seasons.
  With that being said, it’s easy to identify the most expensive times of year to visit Japan: national holidays.

  JAPANESE NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

  Japanese people love to travel, and will take advantage of any 3-day weekend (or longer holiday) to go on a trip. Two of the most expensive times of year to travel are thus:
  • Golden Week (described in more detail above), and
  • Obon (in mid August, with the specific dates changing slightly from year to year)
  While the cost of certain services (such as train and bullet train transport) is not subject to drastic variations relative to holidays, the price of accommodations at hotels and ryokans can skyrocket during national holidays (this includes 3-day weekends). Domestic flights can also fluctuate significantly.
  To help you plan around them, here is an overview of Japanese holidays 2016 and 2017.

  JAPANESE HOLIDAYS 2016

  December 31 to January 3: New Year
  January 1: New Year (Shogatsu)
  January 11: Coming of Age Day (Seijin no hi)
  February 11: National Foundation Day (Kenkoku kinenbi)
  March 3: Doll’s Festival (Hina matsuri)
  March 21: Spring Equinox Day (Shunbun no hi)
  April 29 to May 6: Golden Week
  April 29: Showa Day (Showa no hi)
  May 3: Constitution Day (Kenpo kinenbi)
  May 4: Greenery Day (Midori no hi)
  May 5: Children’s Day (Kodomo no hi)
  July 18: Ocean Day (Umi no hi)
  August 11-16: Obon
  August 11: Mountain Day (Yama no hi)
  Sep 19: Respect for the Aged Day (Keiro no hi)
  September 22: Autumn Equinox Day (Shubun no hi)
  October 10: Health and Sports Day (Taiiku no hi)
  November 3: Culture Day (Bunka no hi)
  November 23: Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro kansha no hi)
  December 23: Emperor’s Birthday (Tenno no tanjobi)
  December 31 to January 3: New Year

  JAPANESE HOLIDAYS 2017

  December 31 to January 3: New Year
  January 1: New Year (Shogatsu)
  January 9: Coming of Age Day (Seijin no hi)
  February 11: National Foundation Day (Kenkoku kinenbi)
  March 20: Spring Equinox Day (Shunbun no hi)
  April 29 to May 7: Golden Week
  April 29: Showa Day (Showa no hi)
  May 3: Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpo kinenbi)
  May 4: Greenery Day (Midori no hi)
  May 5: Children’s Day (Kodomo no hi)
  July 17: Ocean Day (Umi no hi)
  August 13-17: Obon
  August 11: Mountain Day (Yama no hi)
  Sep 18: Respect for the Aged Day (Keiro no hi)
  September 22: Autumn Equinox Day (Shubun no hi)
  October 9: Health and Sports Day (Taiiku no hi)
  November 3: Culture Day (Bunka no hi)
  November 23: Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro kansha no hi)
  December 23: Emperor’s Birthday (Tenno no tanjobi)
  December 31 to January 3: New Year

  FLIGHTS

  International airfare is also worth considering, though airfare fluctuations are notoriously difficult to predict. As most travelers know, the period from mid December to early/mid January is generally quite expensive, as is the time from approximately June through August.
  The best-value international flights (whether you are paying or using miles) are often found for what are considered lower travel seasons. Of course, for many travelers avoiding holidays is not an option, so it’s not worth stressing over.

  SO WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT JAPAN?

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT JAPAN?

One of the most common Japan travel questions we hear around here is, “When is the best time of year to visit Japan?”

The easy answer is of course that you should take advantage of any chance to visit, since each of Japan’s seasons is great in its own way!

Don’t feel like watching a video? Read below for more details!

SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS

• In winter, you’ll find amazing skiing and snowboarding, seafood, and onsen (hot springs)
• In summer, there are colorful festivals throughout the country, hiking in the Alps, and lovely coastal areas where you can enjoy the sea
• In fall, Japan is famous for its brilliant autumn foliage (koyo) and pleasant temperatures
• And in spring, if you’re lucky (and don’t mind the crowds), you may experiencehanami (cherry-blossom viewing) in all its glory

Japan is truly a year-round destination, and Japanese culture is remarkable in its appreciation of the changing of the seasons. As you’ll see when you visit, each season (and even sub-season!) is celebrated with seasonal foods, and often festivals.

All this being said, if your travel dates are very flexible, perhaps you’d like to try and pick your ideal time to visit. After all, some travelers fear the cold, and others don’t like heat and humidity – not to mention those of you who prefer to avoid holidays and other crowded times of year.

So we’ve put this handy guide together to help you navigate Japan’s seasons!

Originally written back in the autumn of 2013, we’ve significantly updated and added to the original article.

THE SEASONS IN JAPAN

Before embarking on a discussion of Japan’s seasons, a very basic geography lesson may be in order.

While Japan may not appear very large on most maps (especially next to a massive country like China), it is surprisingly vast.

Most importantly, as far as seasons and weather are concerned, it stretches from the frigid island of Hokkaido in the extreme north, all the way to the idyllic subtropical islands of the Okinawan archipelago.

Hokkaido experiences longer and more pronounced winters than the rest of Japan, while Okinawa enjoys longer summers and relative warmth almost year-round. In between – such as in places like Tokyo and Kyoto (on Japan’s largest island of Honshu) – you will find great variations in weather and climate.

So as you can see, seasons and weather in Japan vary quite a bit from place to place!

For the purposes of this article, and to keep things as simple as possible, the descriptions below are primarily based on the seasons and weather in Honshu, and specifically places like Tokyo and Kyoto.

For reference, it’s a good rule of thumb to keep in mind that locations to the west and south will be slightly warmer, while locations to the north will be slightly colder. It’s also worth noting that, even within central Honshu, mountainous areas like the Japan Alps are also generally colder.

So let’s get into it, starting with one of the (surprisingly) best times to visit Japan!

WINTER IN JAPAN

Winter in Japan lasts from about December to mid-March, depending on the location. Winters are cold, with temperatures ranging from approximately 30 to 45 °F.

Yes, it is cold, but if you can get past this basic fact (which is a potential “dealbreaker” for some), you’ll find that winter is in fact one of the best times to experience Japan all for yourself.

Aside from a few exceptions (described below), Japan – like many other destinations around the world – tends to receive less travelers during the cold winter season. This is partly because most people prefer to visit at more well-known times (such as cherry blossom season), and also in part because not everyone is able to utilize vacation days to visit at this time of year.

This is unfortunate – especially if you are keen to experience Japan with less tourists around!

In the mountains of Japan, snowfall is especially plentiful, making Japan an incredible ski and snowboarding destination. The most well-known places to enjoy Japan’s legendary powder are Hokkaido and the Japan Alps (the latter played host to the 1998 Winter Olympic Games).

One of the best parts of visiting Japan in winter is the chance to really enjoyJapanese onsen (hot springs).

While onsen can certainly also be enjoyed at other times of the year, nothing compares to sitting in a mountain onsen, surrounded by a white landscape with snow falling on you as you soak. It’s one of the quintessential Japanese experiences, and not to be missed.

Need more reasons to get excited about exploring Japan in the cold? Don’t miss our post on the top 5 reasons to visit Japan in winter.

TIPS ON VISITING JAPAN IN WINTER

In general, you’ll find far fewer tourists visit Japan in winter, but there are some notable exceptions to keep in mind.

We receive a lot of requests for travel around the New Year’s holidays, and while it can be a magical time to visit, it’s also worth considering the potential drawbacks.

Because it’s an extended holiday period (not just in Japan, but in many places worldwide), the days before, during, and after New Year’s Day tend to become quite busy with both tourists from abroad, as well as Japanese people visiting family or taking vacations.

This means, for example, that the charming old streets of Kyoto will likely be bustling and full of people from around Japan and the world. For some, it’s a magical atmosphere, full of holiday spirit (Japanese style), but for those who prefer more peace and quiet it is worth a consideration.

Additionally, since Japanese people have several days off for the New Year’s holiday (far more than in places like the US or Europe), accommodations throughout the country are typically at very high occupancy, making availability low and prices higher than usual. Luxurious ryokans, in particular, tend to be booked up to a year or so in advance by “repeaters.”

As far as the New Year in Japan is concerned, it’s also important to point out that – from the end of December (generally sometime after Christmas) until a few days into January (usually until around January 3rd or 4th or later), many places are closed.

This can include (but is not necessarily limited to) some restaurants, museums, shops, and more. While there are increasing exceptions, in the past it’s been fairly reasonable to expect that most restaurants will be closed from at latest December 31st until at least January 2nd or 3rd (apart from certain high-end restaurants, as well as those located in department stores, hotels, and those catering particularly to travelers).

On the bright side, this can be a beautiful time to get off the beaten path and visit more remote areas of Japan.

In another piece of great news, most temples and shrines – for example, in Kyoto and elsewhere throughout Japan – do remain open around the New Year’s holiday, and thus it can in fact be a very peaceful and rewarding time of year to visit.

A special note about Tsukiji Fish Market, as well. Tsukiji usually remains open until late December, but because it’s a particularly busy time of year at the market, the tuna auctions usually close to tourists from around mid-December until mid-January.

Around March each year, winter begins to give way to the first inklings of spring…

SPRING IN JAPAN

Ah, spring.

Spring in Japan lasts from about mid-March to May, depending on the location. The weather in spring is notoriously fickle, with temperatures ranging from approximately 40 to 65 °F. On some days you may still want your winter coat, while on other days you may not even need a sweater.

Cherry blossoms at Takayama’s Nakabashi bridge, over the Miyagawa River

Spring is Japan’s most famous season, and is symbolized by the iconic sakura(cherry blossoms), which typically bloom sometime between the second half of March, and the first half of April (sakura bloom schedules, too, vary significantly depending on location).

Without a shadow of a doubt, we receive far more inquiries for travel to Japan around cherry blossom season than for any other time of year. In fact, it is such a popular time to visit that we are often forced to stop even considering new inquiries months and months in advance.

While the beauty of Japan’s cherry blossoms in bloom is undeniably alluring, whether or not it’s worth the potential downsides is not quite as clear!

Would-be travelers to Japan often try to coordinate their trips to coincide with hanami season, but Mother Nature is unpredictable.

In some years, the sakura bloom early, and in others they arrive late; in “lucky” years they might linger on the trees for a couple of weeks, while in others a strong wind or rain may scatter them early.

Of course, it is in great part this unpredictability and impermanence that has provided inspiration to Japanese poets for centuries.

WHY YOU MIGHT WANT TO AVOID CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON

First, a confession: we can’t deny that cherry blossom season can be amazing. The question is whether or not it’s worth the trouble, added expense, and endless crowds.

Apart from their unpredictability (alluded to above), the problem with the blossoms is that they’ve almost become too famous for their own good.

Cherry blossom season has always been an appealing time of year to visit, but in the past few years – and now leading up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics – Japan has received steadily record-breaking numbers of visitors (primarily from throughout Asia, and also from throughout Europe, the US, Australia, and beyond).

The “worst” of peak cherry blossom season lasts from mid-March until around mid-April, and in terms of popularity and crowds it’s comparable to Europe during summer vacations.

What this means for you, the traveler:

• More tourists
• Lower accommodation availability
• Higher accommodation prices
• A need to plan much further in advance

JAPAN’S ACCOMMODATION SHORTAGE

We typically begin receiving requests for cherry blossom season up to a year in advance or more, and many hotels and ryokans begin to fill up surprisingly early (fortunately, some accommodations don’t start accepting bookings this far in advance, meaning it’s not impossible to plan with less advance notice).

One of the main problems most travelers don’t realize is that Japan’s recent rise in popularity as a tourist destination has, to a great extent, taken the country by surprise. Whereas the JNTO’s (Japan National Tourism Organization) main challenge used to be drawing more travelers to Japan, its main challenge now is dealing with the huge influx.

Sadly, for would-be travelers, there are simply not enough hotel rooms to go around. This is particularly dire in the city of Kyoto, which has a striking shortage of rooms relative to demand. It’s also of course an issue when it comes to boutique properties, which tend to have less rooms in the first place.

It’s worth noting that guides, too, are in disappointingly limited supply. The best guides in Japan are often booked just as early, making it a challenge to find great guides when booking without significant advance notice.

GOLDEN WEEK IN JAPAN

Despite the downsides, cherry blossom season can be a lovely time to visit, provided you plan wisely. However, there is one week in spring that we definitely recommend avoiding, unless you simply have no choice: Golden Week.

Along with the New Year’s holiday (and the Obon holiday in August), Golden Week is one of Japan’s peak travel weeks.

Golden Week usually begins at the very end of April, and runs through the first week of May (each year’s calendar varies slightly).

During this time of year, Japanese people travel heavily, making it an extremely busy and expensive time to travel around Japan.

In case you’re wondering what all the fuss is about (after all, maybe holidays and festivals are your thing) it’s important to mention that there is nothing particularly exciting about being in Japan during Golden Week. It’s simply a collection of several non-particularly-exciting public holidays in a row.

If you must travel during Golden Week it can be done, but if you can shift your dates a little you should consider doing so.

FINAL TIPS ON VISITING JAPAN IN SPRING

Having read all of the above, some of you may be thinking you might want to skip the cherry blossoms (and Golden Week) in favor of less crowds.

Late April can be a good time to try and visit, though lately the popularity of the cherry blossom season has started to spill over into this part of the month. Also, if considering late April, beware of Golden Week.

Mid to late May can be a wonderful time to be in Japan, and tends to have a good combination of warmer temperatures and less tourists (though even May is starting to become popular).

As May gives way to June, the spring weather noticeably transitions into Japan’s hot and humid summer.

SUMMER IN JAPAN

Summer in Japan lasts from about June to mid-September, depending on the location. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from approximately 70 to 90 °F.

July and August are typically the hottest and most humid times of year, and can be uncomfortable for sightseeing if you are averse to humidity. But despite (or perhaps because of) the torrid climate, summer can also be one of the liveliest times to be in Japan.

Japan has more festivals (matsuri) than almost any other country in the world, and Japanese festivals – in all their color, tradition, and exuberance – are often spectacular.

While there are great festivals throughout the year, summertime features many of Japan’s best — including Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri, Osaka’s Tenjin Matsuri, Aomori’s Nebuta Matsuri, and the Awa Odori festival in Tokushima, on the island of Shikoku – not to mention countless lively (and delicious) neighborhood matsuri throughout the country.

In addition to matsuri, summer is also renowned for its extraordinary fireworks extravaganzas. Hanabi (fireworks) are taken seriously in Japan, and going to ahanabi taikai is both entertaining and quite culturally immersive. Tokyo’s Sumida River Fireworks are especially famous, but throughout the summer fireworks displays take place all around the country.

This all sounds fun – and it really is – but is it worth subjecting yourself to Japan’s summer heat and humidity?

HOW HOT & HUMID IS SUMMER IN JAPAN?

Apart from the usual summer crowds (thanks in great part to summer vacations taking place across half the world), one of the potential downsides of visiting Japan in summer is the heat and humidity, which can be uncomfortable at times.

In my personal experience, summers in Tokyo feel more or less like summers in New York City. It’s hot and humid, but the days are long, people are out enjoying themselves, and it’s worthwhile as long as you aren’t the type of person who melts in this type of weather.

Kyoto is more comparable to an even muggier city like Washington, DC. If you’re not accustomed to this type of weather, it can be tiring to try and fit too much in.

Whether or not it is worthwhile depends on your own ability to enjoy yourself in this type of weather. Californians accustomed to mild weather may find it challenging, while those from places with distinct seasons will probably be fine.

But fortunately, even if you’re not the hot-and-humid type, there are ways to experience a milder version of Japanese summer, even during the summer months!

TIPS ON VISITING JAPAN IN SUMMER

As we’ve explained above, Japan stretches quite a long way from the northern extremes of Hokkaido, to the southern subtropics of Okinawa. This leads to significant variations in weather, meaning that – to a degree – you can choose your own desired climate when visiting Japan.

Additionally, even within central Japan itself, mountainous areas such as the Japan Alps enjoy cooler temperatures than places like Tokyo and Kyoto.

So if you’re visiting Japan in summer, but want to mitigate your exposure to heat and humidity, it’s worth trying to spend as much time as you can in places such as the Japanese Alps, Tohoku (northern Japan), and Hokkaido. You’ll still have the chance to experience summer, but in a milder way than if you were in the major cities.

JAPAN’S RAINY SEASON AND TYPHOON SEASON

Fortunately, compared to most countries in Asia, Japan has a relatively mild rainy season. The rainy season (known as tsuyu, the plum rain) goes from early to mid June until mid July, depending on the location.

Despite being the rainy season, travelers shouldn’t necessarily expect rain every day. In addition, the rains – while often persistent – are not usually terribly intense (unlike in many Asian countries, torrential rain is not the norm).

I personally enjoy this time of year (make sure you have proper footwear!), but if you are particularly averse to rain it is worth considering other dates.

Typhoons (known as hurricanes when taking place over the Atlantic Ocean) generally occur between May and October, with the peak taking place in late summer.

Okinawa and southwestern Japan are particularly vulnerable to typhoons, though they can affect other parts of Japan as well. In late summer it’s not uncommon for typhoons to affect travel plans (e.g., flight cancellations) to and from Okinawa, though this tends to happen less in most other parts of Japan.

Japan’s summer extends into September, but as October peeks around the corner the coveted autumn season gets underway.

FALL/AUTUMN IN JAPAN

Fall (autumn) in Japan lasts from about mid-September to early December, depending on the location. Autumn is widely considered to be the most pleasant time (weather-wise) to visit Japan, with temperatures ranging from approximately 50 to 70 °F.

Apart from its comfortable temperatures and generally clear weather (particularly in later autumn), fall is perhaps most famous for the vibrancy of the changing foliage (koyo).

While autumn technically begins in late September, it’s still usually quite warm (sometimes very hot) at this time of year, but with the arrival of October the fall definitively gets underway.

With the pleasant change in weather, tourists also begin pouring in to enjoy the lovely temperatures, making October a very popular travel season in Japan.

But its popularity doesn’t compare to November’s, when the peak autumn travel season begins. By November, autumn is in full swing, and throughout Japan you can begin to witness the fall foliage.

Due to the popularity of October and November, if you would like to try and avoid tourists to the extent possible, you may wish to consider early December, when you may still catch some of the koyo, though likely with less tourists around.

Soaking in an outdoor onsen while gazing at the autumn foliage is also an unforgettable experience.

Autumn colors, Nikko

TIPS ON VISITING JAPAN IN FALL

Japan’s fall foliage season is in many ways similar to cherry blossom season, in terms of the appeal and potential downsides (described in more detail above).

As with hanami season travel, koyo travel means contending with more tourists, lower accommodation availability, higher accommodation prices, and a need to plan further in advance.

Please refer to our thoughts in the spring section above to get a better idea of whether fall (or spring) travel may be right for you.

WHEN IS THE LEAST EXPENSIVE TIME TO VISIT JAPAN?

Travelers occasionally ask us, “When is the most reasonable time of year to visit Japan?”

Japan’s low and high travel seasons are not as clearly delineated as they are in certain other countries, such as India, Thailand, or Costa Rica, where there are more clearly-demarcated low and high seasons.

With that being said, it’s easy to identify the most expensive times of year to visit Japan: national holidays.

JAPANESE NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

Japanese people love to travel, and will take advantage of any 3-day weekend (or longer holiday) to go on a trip. Two of the most expensive times of year to travel are thus:

• Golden Week (described in more detail above), and
• Obon (in mid August, with the specific dates changing slightly from year to year)

While the cost of certain services (such as train and bullet train transport) is not subject to drastic variations relative to holidays, the price of accommodations at hotels and ryokans can skyrocket during national holidays (this includes 3-day weekends). Domestic flights can also fluctuate significantly.

To help you plan around them, here is an overview of Japanese holidays 2016 and 2017.

JAPANESE HOLIDAYS 2016

December 31 to January 3: New Year
January 1: New Year (Shogatsu)
January 11: Coming of Age Day (Seijin no hi)
February 11: National Foundation Day (Kenkoku kinenbi)
March 3: Doll’s Festival (Hina matsuri)
March 21: Spring Equinox Day (Shunbun no hi)
April 29 to May 6: Golden Week
April 29: Showa Day (Showa no hi)
May 3: Constitution Day (Kenpo kinenbi)
May 4: Greenery Day (Midori no hi)
May 5: Children’s Day (Kodomo no hi)
July 18: Ocean Day (Umi no hi)
August 11-16: Obon
August 11: Mountain Day (Yama no hi)
Sep 19: Respect for the Aged Day (Keiro no hi)
September 22: Autumn Equinox Day (Shubun no hi)
October 10: Health and Sports Day (Taiiku no hi)
November 3: Culture Day (Bunka no hi)
November 23: Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro kansha no hi)
December 23: Emperor’s Birthday (Tenno no tanjobi)
December 31 to January 3: New Year

JAPANESE HOLIDAYS 2017

December 31 to January 3: New Year
January 1: New Year (Shogatsu)
January 9: Coming of Age Day (Seijin no hi)
February 11: National Foundation Day (Kenkoku kinenbi)
March 20: Spring Equinox Day (Shunbun no hi)
April 29 to May 7: Golden Week
April 29: Showa Day (Showa no hi)
May 3: Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpo kinenbi)
May 4: Greenery Day (Midori no hi)
May 5: Children’s Day (Kodomo no hi)
July 17: Ocean Day (Umi no hi)
August 13-17: Obon
August 11: Mountain Day (Yama no hi)
Sep 18: Respect for the Aged Day (Keiro no hi)
September 22: Autumn Equinox Day (Shubun no hi)
October 9: Health and Sports Day (Taiiku no hi)
November 3: Culture Day (Bunka no hi)
November 23: Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro kansha no hi)
December 23: Emperor’s Birthday (Tenno no tanjobi)
December 31 to January 3: New Year

FLIGHTS

International airfare is also worth considering, though airfare fluctuations are notoriously difficult to predict. As most travelers know, the period from mid December to early/mid January is generally quite expensive, as is the time from approximately June through August.

The best-value international flights (whether you are paying or using miles) are often found for what are considered lower travel seasons. Of course, for many travelers avoiding holidays is not an option, so it’s not worth stressing over.

SO WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT JAPAN?

Hopefully our guide to Japan’s seasons has helped you form a clearer picture of what each season in Japan is like, and helped you decide when to visit.

Japan is beautiful at any time of year, and we hope you have the chance to visit soon!
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