When to Go to Japan

When is the best time of year to visit Japan?

Now that you've decided to visit Japan, you maybe wondering when you should visit Japan. Japan has four distinct seasons. Let's take a look at each season.
Average Weather for Tokyo

Spring (March-May)

Ume (Asian plums) blossoms can be viewed from late January to March in Honshu region.
Ume Festivals

Sakura or cherry blossoms bloom in March and April on the mainland of Japan. Viewing pretty sakura flowers is a main reason for many travelers to visit Japan. See Japanese Cherry Blossom Links

There is a popular Japanese vacation season called Golden Week from the end of April to around May 5. Since airports and train stations in Japan are overflowing with people, it's best to avoid traveling to Japan during Golden Week if possible.

Summer (June-August)

Japanese rainy season starts in early June and ends in middle July. If you don't like rain avoid this time of year. If you don't mind gloomy weather, it can be a cool and nice time to visit Japan. In Hokkaido, there is no rainy season, this is a good time to visit Hokkaido.

July and August are usually hot and humid on the mainland in Japan. If you are visiting Hokkaido, these months are the best, because the weather is cool and dry.

Obon (August 13-16) is another Japanese vacation season. If possible, avoid traveling during this time. However, Tokyo tends to be less crowded during obon since many people travel out of the city to their home towns.

Fall (September-November)

Japan's fall foliage season begins in mid. October and extends through early December. See Autumn in Japan.

Halloween Events in Japan
Japanese Fall Festivals

Winter (December - February)

Winter in Japan is cold, but it's not so bad. In Tokyo, the temperature hardly drops below 33F. January and February is a good time for skiing. There are many good ski resorts in Hokkaido and the north region on Honshu island. See Snow Resorts in Japan.

Colorful holiday illuminations and Christmas decorations can be seen around the country from November to December.
Holiday Illuminations in Japan
Christmas in Japan

New Year's is an important holiday for Japanese people. Japanese airports, highways, and train stations are crowded during the last week of December and the first week of January. Try to avoid traveling this period of year. See Japan Holiday Travel Tips.
Japanese New Year Celebration
New Year's Eve Events in Japan
The Most Popular Shrines and Temples for New Year's Visit in Japan

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