Best Time to Visit Japan by Weather, Activities, and Low Season

When it comes to the best time to visit Japan, the common answer is March and May for the cherry blossoms and pleasant temperatures. But Japan is a year-round popular destination with four distinct seasons. Each season offers a variety of charming scenery and culture-rich events to enjoy.

The joys, however, may be affected by other factors like crowds and lines, seasonal costs, the weather, local activities, and so on. Considering these factors and different travel needs, we'll recommend the best times to visit Japan for you to help you make the most out of the trip.

Scroll down to learn the details.

Japan Monthly Weather: Pick A Month for More Details

Best Time to Visit Japan for Pleasant Weather

Most people vote that the best times to visit Japan are spring and summer. During these periods, the weather is clear and pleasant, making international travel more comfortable.

Additionally, most traditional events are held in the two seasons, providing a great opportunity to experience local traditions.

Spring: Best Time to Visit Japan for Warm and Refreshing Days

Best Time to Visit Japan in Spring: March - April

Spring is a generally pleasant one compared to other seasons in Japan, with high temperatures around 20°C (70°F) and lows around 5°C (40°F).

It's advisable to prepare warm clothing still during this time, especially in early March when you may see leftover snow in northern Japan.

However, for those traveling in April and May, or mainly in major cities, the weather is mild, ideal for strolling or sightseeing, without the embarrassment of sweat or shivering.

Notably, Japan hosts various cherry blossom-themed events in Spring, such as the Takayama Festival and the Sanja Matsuri. In these events, you will have the chance to witness beautiful floats and performances.

Autumn: Best Time to Visit Japan for Cool and Sunny Days

Best Time to Visit Japan in Autumn: September - November

Autumn gradually cools down, with temperatures in September ranging from about 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), decreasing to highs of 14°C to 18°C (57°F to 64°F) by November.

This coolness, coupled with sunshine, is perfect to venture outdoors and immerse yourself in the rich autumnal vibe. You'll see sparkling dew in the morning and leaves in shades of red, yellow, and orange carpeting the forests and lakesides.

Additionally, historically significant Fujiwara Matsuri and the internationally renowned Tokyo International Film Festival grace the autumn calendar. Apart from the ongoing events, crowds are fewer, making autumn the best time to visit Japan.

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Best Time to Visit Japan By Activities

Japan has a rich tradition and numerous attractions, bringing many activities. Each activity reflects the region's history, lifestyle, and good wishes.

Therefore, planning the best time to visit Japan around seasonal events is also a good choice. This is an excellent window to learn more about Japanese culture and customs.

Best Time to Visit Japan for Cherry Blossoms

March to May comes with the most beautiful scenery and is the best time to visit Japan for cherry blossoms. They usually reach full bloom from late March to early April (March 24th to April 2nd), making the spring or Easter vacation the perfect time to travel to Japan.

If you want to avoid the large crowds and enjoy slightly lower prices in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the week before full bloom (around March 16th to 23rd) is your best time. While the cherry blossoms have not yet fully opened on some trees, the scenery during this time is almost as stunning as it is when the blossoms are in full bloom.

If you want to appreciate the cherry blossoms from April to early May with fewer crowds and lower costs, Hokkaido, the northernmost part of Japan, is an excellent destination for you. It is also the perfect place to experience Japanese indigenous culture. The best time to view cherry blossoms in Sapporo is from mid to late April (around April 15th to 20th).

Click to know further: Plan a Japan Cherry Blossom Trip 2025, Dates and Avoid Crowds

Hotels around popular attractions are always booked up quickly, contact us at least 3 months in advance to have the best chance of room availability and choice.

Best Time to Visit Japan for Festivals

Most Japanese festivals are related to history, mythology, local customs, or cherry blossoms. Therefore, if you are interested in the events in Japan or wish to witness the beauty of cherry blossoms, the best time of year to visit Japan is days before local activities begin.

Highly recommended are cherry blossom festivals like the Ueno Sakura Matsuri and the Maruyama Park Sakura Matsuri, which focus on cherry blossom appreciation, picnics, and performances.

Also worth experiencing is the Kanda Matsuri, held in mid-May, which is one of Tokyo's three major Shinto festivals alongside the Sanja Matsuri (Sanja Festival) and the Sanno Matsuri. It offers a glimpse into Tokyo's rich cultural heritage and an opportunity to seek good fortune.

If you're a winter enthusiast, don't miss the Sapporo Snow Festival, renowned for its concerts, ice and snow sports events, and local Hokkaido food stalls.

Additionally, other classic Japanese festivals include:

• Fujisan Kaizen Climbing Ceremony, a major summer event held in June in Shizuoka City, Japan.
• Kyoto Gion Matsuri, featuring shrines and float parades, is celebrated in July.
• Hakata Gion Yamakasa, a float competition host in July in Kyushu.
• Akita Kanto Matsuri, held in August, features hundreds of giant lantern displays.
• Nagasaki Kunchi Festival with dragon dances and taiko performances, held in October in Nagasaki.

Best Time to Visit Japan for Tokyo Disneyland

The best time to visit Japan Disneyland attractions depends on a lot of factors. For comfort, spring and autumn are recommended. The weather is pleasant during these seasons, and aside from rides under maintenance, everything is operational. Especially in autumn, Halloween and Christmas decorations and themed events will be added.

If you prefer a less crowded time, January to early March is a good choice. However, it will be cold, and some outdoor attractions and rides might be closed. As for June to August, it is the least recommended time to visit. Not only is it peak season, but it also coincides with Japanese holidays, making it even more crowded.

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Best Times to Visit Japan for Less Crowds and Lower Prices

Winter: Least Crowded Time to Visit Japan

Winter (December to February) is considered the cheapest time to visit Japan, except during Christmas and New Year. This period is cold and dry, with an average daily high of 10°C (50°F). It is not too cold to go outside with minimal tourists and lower travel costs.

Whether you head to Sapporo for skiing, attend the Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival in Hokkaido, or enjoy the hot springs at Kusatsu or Kurokawa, you won't have to wait in extremely long lines. Additionally, since it's the off-season, it's easier to book hotels or traditional Japanese inns at reasonable prices.

Avoid Peak Travel Season and Japanese Holidays

However, if you don't have time in the winter or around it, the best time to visit Japan is to avoid the peak season like March and April. While these two seasons have pleasant weather, they attract tourists from around the world for cherry blossom viewing.

Also, avoid four major Japan holidays: Golden Week in May, Obon in mid-August, Silver Week in mid-September, and the New Year holiday from late December to January 3rd. During these four periods, the Japanese may use these dates to go on vacation. Tourist attractions will be extremely crowded, the costs for food and accommodation are greatly higher, and traffic is often congested.

Worst Time to Visit Japan

June to August is the worst time to visit Japan. It is summer and very hot, with average high temperatures around 31°C (88°F) and feels-like temperatures reaching 41°C (106°F). Traveling between attractions, or even just stepping out of the hotel to shop, can feel like being scorched by the sun.

Worse yet, as Japan is an island nation, summer is not only the peak typhoon season but also the rainy season, with maximum rainfall reaching up to 140mm. For parks and shrines with outdoor facilities, they may have to close for safety.

However, you may still want to fly to Japan to experience the traditions and culture in the summer. It is recommended to check the weather forecast, prepare plenty of time to get there and bring cooling and heat-relief items.

Also, try to avoid attending the mentioned festival activities around Obon in mid-August if you have a limited budget. It is a nine-day holiday in Japan that will cause unnecessary expenses and congestion.

Weather in Japan by Month: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka

Of the must-visit cities in Japan, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are always the most famous ones for first-timers.

They all have distinct seasons, with a rainy season from June to July and possibly affected by Pacific typhoons from August to October.

Apart from these seasonal commonalities, there are differences in their climates and best visiting times due to their different locations within Japan.

Tokyo: Due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Tokyo's climate is mild. Therefore, the best time to visit Tokyo, Japan may cover four seasons. As for attractions, Tokyo Tower, Skytree, Akihabara, Sensoji Temple, and Ueno Park are all excellent options, each offering a unique seasonal experience.

Kyoto: Located inland, Kyoto experiences hot and humid summers and cold and snowy winters. Thus, the two seasons are not the best times to visit Kyoto, Japan. However, if you visit in the spring or autumn, Kinkakuji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple will immerse you in Japanese culture. Places like Kinkakuji, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Gion will show you what serene and unhurried life looks like.

Osaka: Osaka's summers are hot with temperatures above 30°C (86°F), but winters are relatively mild, typically around 0°C (32°F) with little snowfall. So other than Spring and Autumn, the best time to visit Osaka, Japan might include winter, which is also a great time to enjoy oden (Japanese hotpot).

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Plan Your Japan Trip

To wrap up, in addition to the seasonal climate, festival events, crowd size, and budget can also be priorities to be your best time to visit Japan. Alternatively, you can even describe your interests and requirements to us for a tailor-made travel plan without any worries.

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