When is the best time to visit Japan? Here’s your season-by-season guide
Japan plays host to all four seasons, and its geographic and cultural diversity mean you can find seasonal beauty no matter when you choose to go.
Japan offers countless can’t-miss experiences—and thanks to its diverse geography, it offers countless seasonal wonders, too! This collection of islands in Asia is almost the size of California, and no matter when you go, our Japan tours will be jam-packed with activities that highlight the best of the country. Interested in sunny days along the seaside or wintry afternoons admiring snowy vistas—or both? Read on for our month-to-month guide to help you plan your perfect trip to Japan.
The best seasons to visit Japan
Japan stretches from the northeast to the southwest, is home to Alpine mountains, and lies along both the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean. This varied and distinct geography means the country experiences a variety of climates. In general, Japan enjoys all four seasons, but the weather during any given month may be dramatically different in different parts of the country. For instance, snow very rarely falls in Tokyo in the winter. But, if you head northeast to Hokkaido, you’ll find much cooler temps—and much more snow. This wide range of seasonal variety means that the best season to visit Japan comes down to what you hope to experience.
Winter in Japan
Go for fewer crowds, snowy vistas, and onsen culture
A winter trip to Japan has its own kind of magic. The three big cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are exciting to explore no matter when you visit, but the upside to planning a Japan tour in the winter is that they won’t be as busy. If you want to explore these cities’ castles, temples, museums, and other attractions at a slower pace, winter is the best time to visit Japan. Plus, if you love idyllic, snowcapped landscapes—and the snow monkeys that call them home—then you’ll love Japan in the winter.
Weather in Japan in December, January, and February
The geographic variety of Japan makes for diverse weather throughout the winter months. Head to Tokyo (which is generally considered to be in the central part of the country) to find more mild, sunny winter days that fall between 40-50 F. But, head northeast and you’ll find colder, snowier conditions—Hokkaido sees temperatures between 10-30 F.
December
December is one the best times of year to visit Japan if you want to enjoy Japan’s top attractions with fewer visitors around. Plus, a comprehensive itinerary—like the one we offer on our Japan: Kyoto, the Japanese Alps & Tokyo tour—will give you a taste of the country’s classic destinations with a festive twist, since seasonal light displays illuminate many neighborhoods and central squares.
- Head to the Otemachi district in Tokyo to find illuminated installations—there will be about a mile of trees wrapped in lights!
- Soak up seasonal revelry at the annual Chichibu Night Festival, which brings floats, fireworks, and flute music to the city of Chichibu every December 2 and 3. If you want to get in on the action, use your free time to travel the two hours from Tokyo for the festivities—your Tour Director can give you tips about getting there.
January
Planning a January trip to Japan is always a good idea—especially if you enjoy winter sports or a relaxing soak in a hot spring. There are mountains all over the country, including up north in Hokkaido, where you’ll find some of the softest snow in the world. But, you don’t even need to go that far—Nagano, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998, is just a few hours drive from Tokyo.
- Use your free day in Sapporo to hit the ski slopes on the Hokkaido extension of our South Korea & Japan: Seoul to Tokyo tour.
- Find an onsen, a Japanese hot spring, so you can soak your ski-weary muscles. Onsen culture has very specific rules (you’re generally not allowed to show your tattoos or put your hair in the water, for instance), and your expert Tour Director can be sure you’re familiar with them before you go.
- Take a day trip to Jigokudani Monkey Park to see wild Japanese macaques (also called snow monkeys) bathing in a local onsen. It’s a fascinating ecological experience (and a top-notch photo op), and you can use your free day in Tokyo on our Japan: Kyoto, the Japanese Alps & Tokyo tour to observe the monkeys for yourself.
February
If you love the cultural enlightenment that comes with experiencing local festivals, then February is the best time to visit Japan—there are unique celebrations around the country all month. Book our Japan: Kyoto, the Japanese Alps & Tokyo tour for February to get in on the revelry.
- Admire beautifully designed lanterns, performances, and parades at the Nagasaki Lantern Festival. This event takes off during the first 15 days of the Chinese New Year, so the dates vary every year. But, one thing’s for sure: It’s a colorful celebration worth writing home about.
- Be wowed by eye-popping ice sculptures at the week-long Sapporo Snow Festival. This is one of Japan’s most popular winter events—and for good reason, since some of the ice sculptures can be almost 50 feet tall!
- Join the locals in Tokyo to celebrate the current emperor’s birthday on February 23, 2025, when a public ceremony is hosted on the grounds of the Imperial Palace.
Japan tours for your winter bucket list
Spring in Japan
Go for cherry blossoms, sumo wrestling, and lesser-known gems
As Japan begins to thaw from winter, the number of visitors begins to pick up—and the favorable weather makes the activities that Japan is famous for even more inviting. Some of the most important events in the country are staged in the spring. Add the lovely weather—and cherry blossoms—and it’s easy to see why most travelers think that spring is the best time to bask in bucket list experiences like seeing the Golden Pavilion, touring the Meiji Shrine, and perusing the wares of Kuromon Ichiba Market.
Weather in Japan in March, April, and May
The days start to warm throughout Japan in the spring, and average temperatures are between 50-75 F in the central part of the country. Of course, that varies the farther north you go—Hokkaido sees spring temps between 27-47 F.
March
When is the best time to travel to Japan? If you want to watch world-class sumo wrestling, the answer is March. Sumo wrestling is a 2,000-year-old tradition in Japan. Here are a few ways to enjoy the sport during free time on our Japan for Solo Travelers: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji & Kyoto tour.
- Make your way to Osaka to see part of the two-week-long March Grand Sumo Tournament (it’s one of six tournaments held across the country each year). This is your chance to watch the country’s most renowned wrestlers duking it out for supremacy.
- Eat like a sumo wrestler during your free time on tour in Osaka. Just outside the city is Sumo Restaurant Ochiizumibeya, an eatery opened by Konishiki, a famous former sumo wrestler. Watch a live sumo show as you dine on chanko hot pot—sumo wrestlers eat this protein-packed meal daily.
April
Seeing cherry blossoms in Japan is a can’t-miss travel experience, and countless visitors flock to see them in April, when most of Japan is dotted with flowers. So, if you plan on taking our dedicated Cherry Blossoms in Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto tour or our Japan: Kyoto, the Japanese Alps & Tokyo tour in April, expect to get your fill of these fragrant blooms.
- Take part in hanami, the national tradition of relaxing under the flowers and enjoying their beauty. Don’t touch the delicate trees, though—snagging a petal is a cultural faux pas.
- Have a picnic in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, which is home to more than 1,500 cherry trees.
- Admire the scenery at Sumida Park, which stretches along the Sumida River in the Asakusa district and is a popular viewing spot in the center of Tokyo.
- Make your way to Kyoto to stroll through the Botanical Garden, and admire the 17th-century Nijo Castle and other iconic sites against the backdrop of pink blossoms.
May
If April is the best time to visit Japan to soak up big-city energy surrounded by cherry blossoms, then we think May is the time to immerse yourself in lesser-known gems. The first half of this month still sees plenty of visitors thanks to late-blooming flowers, but seeking out under-the-radar marvels is your chance to soak up the mild spring weather while getting away from the crowds.
- Add the Volcanic Hokkaido excursion on the extension of our South Korea & Japan: Seoul to Tokyo tour to visit Shikotsu-Toya National Park, which features caldera lakes, volcanic mountains, and hidden hot springs.
- Visit Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba, an open-air museum and craft village on the western shores of Lake Saiko, near Mount Fuji.
- Make your way to Chubu-Sangaku National Park, in the Japanese Alps, on our Japan: Kyoto, the Japanese Alps & Tokyo tour. You can hike along Tashiro Pond and take in mountain views as you cross the Kappabashi suspension bridge.
Explore Japan on these springtime tours
Summer in Japan
Go for temple-hopping, escaping into nature, and cooling off along the coast
Japan gets hot in the summer, but this mountainous island country is full of stunning regions where you can cool off. So, in between big-city adventures, consider visiting destinations in the mountains or along the coast, where you can enjoy milder climates. Good news: Our immersive Japan tours will give you both.
Weather in Japan in June, July, and August
Ready to see Tokyo and other central parts of Japan in the summer? Average summer temperatures are usually between 75-105 F. For cooler days, go north to Sapporo and soak up nature during days that are between 64-71 F.
June
June marks the beginning of the rainy season for most of Japan. In fact, it’s locally known as “the month of water”—but, don’t let that discourage you from enjoying a Japan tour. Traveling to Japan in June can be a top-notch experience, especially if you’re visiting castles, temples, and other iconic landmarks—all of which you’ll find on our Highlights of Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto tour.
- Cool off inside Osaka Castle, which houses a museum dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the legendary leader who built it.
- Set off for Hiroshima on our Japan: Kyoto, the Japanese Alps & Tokyo tour to tour Peace Memorial Park and see the Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome—the only structure to survive the World War II bombings.
- Explore the Asakusa Kannon Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most sacred temple. It’s also known as Sensi-Jo Temple and has earned a spot as one of the must-see temples in Japan to visit on tour.
July
Like in February, Japan in July is full of lively events—in fact, the country is known for its fun summer festivals. If you want to soak up the sun as you join the locals for various summer gatherings, then July is the best time to visit Japan.
- Make your way to the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, one of the country’s most important festivals. It dates back to the ninth century, when it started as a religious ceremony. Today, you’ll find parades, enormous floats, street food, and locals wearing traditional attire throughout the month.
- Gaze up at the illuminated night sky during the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in Tokyo, when thousands of fireworks are set off during the last Saturday in July.
- Head to Osaka in late-July for the Tenjin Matsuri, a river parade and fireworks festival that’s truly impressive. Plus, it has cultural and historical significance—it started as a religious festival to honor the Tenmangu shrine deity and now includes ceremonial rituals and prayers by the river.
August
August can be very hot in Japan, so seeking out the cooling refuge of nature can make your trip to Japan even sweeter. For that, we love our Japan: Kyoto, the Japanese Alps & Tokyo tour; it brings you to classic cities as well as more tucked-away, nature-first locales.
- Stroll through Kenroku-en in Kanazawa, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, where you can see fireflies, meandering paths, and colorful blooms like azaleas.
- Head to the Japanese Alps to hike around Taisho Pond, a picturesque mountain lake formed by a volcanic eruption.
- Get a taste of Japan’s tropical side by adding our Okinawa & Tokyo extension. This is your moment to kick back on Okinawa’s white-sand beaches and dive into the turquoise water—and to escape the August heat.
Soak up Japan’s summer days on these tours
Fall in Japan
Go for fall foliage, harvest season, and hiking opportunities galore
While August and September are considered the peak typhoon season in Japan, the rest of autumn typically highlights some of the most pleasant weather in the country. During this time of year, our Japan tours are made even more magical as foliage casts the country in shades of yellow, red, and orange. The fall scenery alone is reason enough to visit (and thousands of travelers do!), but there’s also sports, hiking—and food. After all, autumn is a busy time of harvest, which means this is the best time to visit Japan if you want to sample farm-fresh Japanese food.
Weather in Japan in September, October, and November
Autumn in Japan brings about cooler temps that are still mild enough to invite you outdoors. In Tokyo, average temperatures are between 55-85 F. In Hokkaido and other northern parts of the country, those temps drop to between 36-63 F, depending on the month.
September
While sumo wrestling is a historic activity in Japan, baseball is actually the country’s most popular sport. The Nippon Professional Baseball Organization is the Japanese equivalent of Major League Baseball in the U.S., and it’s a big deal. Baseball season runs from March to October, so September is a great month to get in on the action. (Plus, we mentioned the country’s six Grand Sumo Tournaments, and September is another month to join the spectators.)
- Take yourself to a ballgame! If you’re a baseball fan who wants to set off on any of our Japan tours, you should definitely spend one of your free nights in a baseball stadium. One great spot? The Tokyo Dome, which is Japan’s largest baseball stadium.
- Save yourself a seat at the September Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo. Like the March tournament, this event is an ideal blend of history and current-day culture.
October
Fans of fall foliage will find that late-October is the best time of year to visit Japan. The weather won’t be too cold, so you can really take advantage of being outside to see the changing leaves, which start to turn this month and then peak around mid-November (but they often turn earlier in the northern reaches of the country!).
- Go leaf-peeping in Tokyo along the tree-lined Icho Namiki Avenue, just east of Shibuya, on our Japan for Solo Travelers: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji & Kyoto tour.
- See some of Japan’s most stunning fall foliage in Kyoto at the stunning Koko-en garden, which is designed to be visually beautiful in all four seasons.
- Take in the colorful scenery at Nara Park, where wild deer and changing leaves make your sightseeing tour even more stunning.
- Set off on our Japan: Kyoto, the Japanese Alps & Tokyo tour to take in breathtaking autumn scenery in the mountains.
November
Are you a foodie? November is an ideal time for a trip to Japan because, as one Japanese saying goes, autumn is the season for eating. So, a bowl of ramen, a bite of world-famous Kobe beef, a platter of sushi, or a cup of matcha are always a good idea during this time of year—and there are plenty of seasonal specialties, too.
- Dig into seasonal treats, like Japanese sweet potato, pumpkin, and matsutake mushrooms, which show up in soups, noodle dishes, and more during the fall months.
- Bite into sanma fish, grilled with salt. Similar to sardines, this small, seasonal fish is always served whole. Add some lime juice or soy sauce to up the flavor.
- Try seasonal fruits, like Asian pears and persimmons, if you’re craving something sweet.
- Warm up with a bowl of oden, made with dashi broth and a variety of fillings, like daikon radish, fish cakes, boiled eggs, and more. This one-pot meal is a popular street food and is often served during Japan’s chillier months.
- Get a taste for what’s known as “seasonal sake” as you drink Hiyaoroshi. This autumn sake is typically sipped between September and November, and is often enjoyed slightly chilled.
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