Best time to visit

Best time to visit Japan

Spring cherry blossoms (late March to mid-April) and autumn foliage (November) are the two magic windows. Summer is hot and humid; winter is excellent for skiing in Hokkaido.

Best monthsMarch–May, October–November
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Month-by-month overview

Japan at a glance

GreatGoodOkayAvoid
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Verdictgoodgoodgreatgreatgreatokayokayokaygoodgreatgreatgood
Temp (°C)
10°
1°
10°
2°
14°
5°
19°
10°
24°
15°
26°
19°
30°
23°
31°
24°
27°
20°
22°
14°
17°
9°
12°
4°
Rain (mm)50551001201301651551502101609050
Crowdslowlowhighhighmediumlowmediumhighmediummediumhighmedium
Price$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
NotesSki season in HokkaidoPlum blossom season beginsCherry blossoms begin late MarchPeak cherry blossomGolden Week early MayRainy season (tsuyu)Hot and humid; festivalsObon holiday; very hotTyphoon riskAutumn colours beginPeak autumn foliageIlluminations; ski opens

Festivals & events

Cherry Blossom (Hanami)

Mar–Apr

Japan’s most celebrated season; parks and temples blanketed in pink and white blossoms.

Gion Matsuri

Jul

Kyoto’s month-long festival culminating in a spectacular float procession on July 17.

Obon

Aug

Ancestral spirits return in this Buddhist festival featuring bon-odori dances and lantern floating.

Book your Japan trip for March–May, October–November

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