BackAre you keen to wander amidst the magic of Japan, but don't know when to go?
Here is our expert guide on the best time to visit Japan, with all you need to know about each of its four seasons!
As you begin planning your trip to Japan, the usual question arises: when is the best time to visit?
It is generally agreed upon that spring and autumn are the overall best times to visit Japan, due to the way the country's landscapes transform and because of the mild and pleasant temperatures which accustom for a range of activities. You will also experience little rainfall during these seasons. However, deciding on when to go is not this black-and-white!
Like many of our luxury holiday destinations, Japan is one of those places that remains equally beautiful throughout the year. Depending on your tastes and travel desires, each of its four seasons offers something wonderful and unique. Between cherry blossoms and flower festivals, mountain skiing and beach getaways, Japan has to have some of the most diverse and distinctive travel offerings on Earth, fit for all ages and abilities.
Whether you are heading on a romantic Japan honeymoon, on an adventure-packed family holiday or an intrepid solo journey, Wayfairer is on-hand to help you plan the perfect trip to Japan. Read on to discover what benefits arise from travelling to Japan during each of its months and seasons.
Get in Touch with one of our Travel Specialists to discuss the best time to visit the Japan in more detail, or check out our Japan page to read more:
Your Seasonal Guide
Spring in Japan (March-May)
This is the best time to visit Japan for cherry blossoms. The Sakura season is a sought after sight for many travellers who seek this East Asian gem of a country, as beautiful pink blossoms begin to drape places like Kyushu, Tokyo, Nara, and later, Hokkaido.
Visiting Japan in Spring brings mild yet pleasant temperatures, often ranging between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius, although the northern island of Hokkaido still remains chilly. Outdoor activities make a great addition to your Japan holiday in spring, as long as you bring a few layers, as you can enjoy the gorgeous countryside of Japan.
Spring is the best time to visit Japan if you seek the country’s colourful culture, as many Japanese festivals take place during this time. In April, the Nagahama Hikiyama Festival takes place in the Shiga Prefecture, where young boys perform on floats ahead of crowds of astounded locals. Hanami (flower viewing) festivals are held around the country in Japan’s most beautiful parks – a true celebration of the beauty of spring!
For more tips on visiting Japan to see cherry blossoms, read out expert blog:
Cherry Blossoms decorate many of the best cities in Japan with beautiful colours, offering scenic adventures for all
Japan in Summer (June-August)
As temperatures begin to rise in Japan, people may be put off by the hot and humid conditions around many of its most popular locations. However, summer in Japan brings a variety of unmissable opportunities for culture buffs and hikers alike, with festivities spreading across the country and its coastal and rural areas offering unparalleled beauty.
Perhaps surprisingly, summer in Japan is the best time to climb Mount Fuji, offering relief from high temperatures as you trek towards its summit. With multiple different routes, it is important to be fully prepared as you embark on your challenging climb. Make sure to speak to one of our Travel Specialists for more information on this!
Japan's magnificent contrasts offer much for a summer holiday here, as climbing Mount Fuji can be followed by a relaxed break on one of the best beaches in Japan. Head to Kyoto or Osaka and visit their gorgeous, nearby beaches, or for a magical snorkelling adventure amidst crystal-clear waters, the Okinawa Prefecture lays a two-hour flight from Osaka.
Summer makes for a fabulous family holiday in Japan, crowned by the vibrancy of the Sumida River Firework Festival, held on the last Saturday of each July in Tokyo. What better way to celebrate the soul-stirring buzz which pulsates through Japan's capital?
Check out our Family Summer Holiday to Japan, an example of what's on offer during this season:
Beautiful green spaces and bright coloured flowers dress Japan's rural areas delightfully during summer
Japan in Autumn (September-November)
Moderate temperatures bless Japan again during autumn, sweeping its rural regions and coastal areas with cool breezes whilst retaining the quintessential blue of Japan's summer skies. However, it is the fall foliage which makes Japan in autumn so unbelievably beautiful, as red and orange hues wash across its already breath-taking landscapes.
One of the best places to visit in Japan during autumn is Nara Park, where you can feed hundreds of local deer and enjoy scenic hikes before resting up in a cosy, nearby ryokan. Another great place to visit during autumn is Kyoto, especially during the middle and end of November when autumn leaves flourish most - its temples look especially stunning during this time.
Autumn is one of the best times to visit Japan if you are a keen hiker, as the country's best waterfalls, mountains and rivers are distinctly serene during the season. Nikko National Park is a great option for those who wish to go hiking in Japan, with rich historical, cultural and natural surroundings and blissful boat rides along the Kinugawa River.
Get in Touch and speak to one of our Travel Specialists to find out more about hiking in Japan:
Feed adorable Sika deer in Nara Park amidst the warm-toned beauty of Japan's autumns
Japan in winter (December-February)
Whilst winter is not the most popular time to visit Japan, the season brings an incomparably tranquil feel to your luxury trip, offering a range of unique and exciting experiences for families, couples and solo travellers. Temperatures can range from 0 to 12 Degrees Celsius, with Japan's northern island of Hokkaido being much colder at times.
In Tokyo and Osaka, winter brings a beautiful experience crowned by illuminated streets whilst temperatures are very manageable if you make sure to bring plenty of layers and a woolly hat. A stay in a ryokan during this season is especially cosy as, whilst you may want to pack layers to avoid slightly chiller nights, a plunge into an onsen bath brings a bliss like no other! Hot spring resorts in Takayama are encased by celestial winter scenes if you visit during mid-winter.
If you seek snow during your winter trip to Japan, you should head to Northern Japan to the island of Hokkaido, where cities like Otaru are blanketed in white whilst its famous ski resorts, like Niseko, offer endless fun for thrill-seekers. Another fabulous idea is visiting Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park in Yudanaka, a hot spring town accessed by a train journey from Nagano. Here you will discover majestic, snowy scenes, and the marvellous sight of the snow monkeys bathing in natural hot spring baths to warm up!
The Japanese Alps are also a spell-binding option for a winter trip to Japan, where lovers of escapism can wander freely and immerse themselves in winter sports, perhaps visiting iconic places like Nikko or Kanazawa.
Go Skiing in Niseko, Hokkaido, and see a whole new side to Japan during winter
We hope this blog has offered all the information you need.
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