Japan is a beautiful and magical country that offers a variety of different activities to enjoy as the seasons change. Which season is right for you?
This website has a great breakdown of temperatures by season so you can pack and plan appropriately.
Spring: Cherry Blossoms
March to May is one of the most popular (and expensive) times of year to visit Japan, thanks to the beautiful blooming cherry blossom trees. You’ll see them dotted all over the island but tourists often flock to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka to see these fragrant florals.
Due to the gorgeous warm and sunny weather during this time of year, you’ll also be able to spend lots of time outside – think picnics by idyllic flowing rivers, wandering through age-old temples and hiking through the mountains, or even visiting theme parks like Tokyo Disney Sea.
Summer: Beaches and Festivals
If you’re visiting Japan from June to August, you might want to check out Okinawa for fabulous beaches featuring soft sand and crystal blue waters. There are also plenty of Matsuri festivals in July scattered throughout Tokyo and Kyoto, during which you’ll see traditional performances and parades and experience local tradition.
Fall: Leaves and Delicacies
The fall, between September and November, is one of the most beautiful seasons to visit Japan. From watching the leaves change to various shades of golden and red around the temples in Kyoto and in the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, you can’t go wrong. The weather will also be crisp and refreshing, and local delicacies will be plentiful during the Harvest Festival in Kyoto.
Winter: Snow Festivals
From December to February, plan on visiting Hokkaido in the north. You’ll not want to miss the iconic Sapporo snow festival, where you’ll see hand carved ice sculptures and more. Consider snowboarding or skiing in Niseko, and thaw out at the end of the day in the world renowned onsens (hot spring spas). Don’t forget to warm up with a bowl of steaming ramen. Winter is one of our favorite seasons to travel to Japan!
The Eternal Tokyo
Tokyo is a dramatic urban jungle that thrives irrespective of seasons and can be enjoyed year-round. This should be a do-not-miss no matter what season you travel to Japan!
In short – you really can’t go wrong in picking when to travel to Japan, as this beautiful country has mind blowing offerings throughout the year! Maybe multiple visits are in order?
Interested in Japan, or looking for more itineraries? Head over to this page here!