Whether you're chasing cultural experiences, natural wonders, or seasonal delicacies, finding out when to visit Japan is essential for an unforgettable journey. Trip.com is here to offer insights for you to plan a perfect trip! 🤗
What is the best time to visit Japan?
| Recommend | Season | Special Points to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐⭐⭐ | Spring (March to May) | Cherry Blossoms (*Sakura*), *Hanami* Festivals, Mild Weather |
| ⭐⭐ | Autumn (September to November) | Autumn Foliage (*Koyo*), Temple Views, Seasonal Foods |
| ⭐ | Winter (December to February) | Winter Sports, Hot Springs (*Onsen*), Snowy Landscapes |
| ⭐ | Summer (June to August) | Festivals (*Matsuri*), Fireworks Displays, Hokkaido Escapes |
- Best for Weather: Spring is perfect for nature lovers seeking cherry blossoms.
- Best for Culture: Summer is ideal for those who want to dive into Japanese culture through festivals.
- Best for Landscape: Autumn offers breathtaking scenery and mild weather for explorers.
- Best for Adventure: Winter caters to ski enthusiasts and those seeking peaceful hot spring retreats.
Based on your preference, start to plan your Japan trip now with Trip.com! No matter when you visit, Japan’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality ensure an unforgettable trip. Plan according to your passions and enjoy the unique beauty each season brings!
Spring (March to May): A Blossoming Wonderland
Ueno Park @Trip.com
Spring is the best time to visit japan for sakura (cherry blossoms), one of Japan’s most iconic attractions. From late March to early April, cities like Kyoto, Tokyo, and Hiroshima transform into a canvas of soft pink hues, attracting visitors worldwide.
Highlights of Spring in Japan:
- Cherry Blossom Viewing (Hanami): Parks like Ueno in Tokyo and Maruyama in Kyoto are perfect for picnics under the blossoms.
- Festivals: Don’t miss the Takayama Spring Festival in Gifu, featuring elaborately decorated floats and lively celebrations.
- Mild Weather: With temperatures averaging 10–20°C (50–68°F), spring is perfect for exploring both urban and rural areas.
Where to stay for Sakura
- Tokyo: Visit Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for spectacular cherry blossom views. Find hotels near Ueno Park.
- Kyoto: Wander through the historical streets of Gion and the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple for a traditional Sakura experience. Explore hotels near Kyoto.
- Mount Fuji: Spring is one of the best times to hike around Mount Fuji’s lower trails, with the snow-capped peak and colorful flowers in the foreground. View the popular hotels near Fuji.
Here are recommended hotels for viewing cherry blossoms:
Autumn (September to November): A Symphony of Colours
Deer Park in Nara @Trip.com
Autumn is a feast for the senses, which is the best time to visit Japan for its special autumn lanscape. The crisp air and vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold create stunning landscapes across the country.
Highlights of Autumn in Japan
- Autumn Foliage (Koyo): Explore the Japanese Alps or visit temples in Kyoto, such as Kiyomizu-dera, for breathtaking views.
- Seasonal Delicacies: Enjoy chestnuts, mushrooms, and sanma (Pacific saury), which are at their peak in autumn.
- Pleasant Weather: With temperatures ranging from 10–25°C (50–77°F), it’s a great season for outdoor activities.
Where to Stay for Autumn Lanscape
- Nara: Nara’s parks and temples, like Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha, are surrounded by the brilliant fall colors. Explore hotels near Nara.
- Nikko: Nikko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has vibrant fall colors and is less crowded than Kyoto or Nara. Discover wonderful hotels near Nikko.
- Hakone: For a relaxing escape near Tokyo, take a trip to Hakone to enjoy the views of Mount Fuji surrounded by autumn leaves, plus a soak in the hot springs. Find good view hotels in Hakone.
Here are some recommended hotels from Trip.com to experience Autumn Japan:
Winter (December to February): Snowy Retreats and Serenity
Rusutsu Resort for Skiing in Hokkaido @Trip.com
Winter in Japan offers a serene escape, with snow-covered landscapes and cozy experiences. It is the best time to visit Japan if you’re a winter sports enthusiast or someone who loves cultural traditions.
Highlights of Winter in Japan
- World-Class Skiing: Regions like Hokkaido and Nagano boast some of the best powder snow globally.
- Festivals of Light: Witness magical illuminations like the Nabana no Sato in Mie or the Sapporo Snow Festival in February.
- Hot Springs (Onsen): Nothing beats soaking in a steaming outdoor hot spring while surrounded by snow.
Where to Stay for Winter Experience
- Hokkaido: Hokkaido is a winter wonderland, offering fantastic skiing and snowboarding in Niseko and Furano. Don’t miss the Sapporo Snow Festival for incredible snow sculptures. Enjoy skiing by booking hotels in Hokkaido.
- Nagano: Famous for its ski resorts, Nagano is perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. Visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park to see the famous hot spring-loving snow monkeys. Find hotels near Nagano.
- Yokote: Head to Yokote in Akita Prefecture for the incredible Kamakura (snow hut) festival, a winter tradition where locals build igloo-like snow huts with candles inside. Explore some popular hotels in Yokote.
Here are some recommended hotels from Trip.com to experience Winter Sports:
Summer (June to August): Festivals and Adventures
Okinawa Beach @Trip.com
If you love beachs or Japan culture, summer can the best time to visit Japan with festivals and beach experience. Summer in Japan brings vibrant festivals, lush green landscapes, and opportunities for adventure. While the cities can get hot and humid, there’s no shortage of excitement.
Highlights of Summer in Japan:
- Cultural Festivals (Matsuri): Experience the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto or the Awa Odori Dance Festival in Tokushima.
- Fireworks Displays: Japan’s fireworks (hanabi) are spectacular. The Sumida River Fireworks Festival in Tokyo is a must-see.
- Hokkaido’s Mild Weather: Escape the heat by heading to Japan’s northernmost island, where you’ll find flower fields and cooler temperatures.
Where to Stay for Summar Festival
- Kyoto: Explore the Gion Matsuri, one of the most famous festivals in Japan, held in July. This event is filled with processions, street performances, and traditional food. If you plan to visit Kyoto, here are popular hotels in Kyoto.
- Okinawa: For beach lovers, Okinawa offers pristine white sand beaches and warm waters, perfect for snorkeling, diving, and relaxing by the sea. Explore ocean view hotels in Okinawa.
- Tokyo: Visit Odaiba Beach and spend time at Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea for summer fun. Don’t miss the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, a massive event that lights up the summer night sky. It is popular to stay in Tokyo for most of visitors, here to find hotels in Tokyo.
Here are some recommended hotels from Trip.com to Summer festivals:
Things to do in Japan: Best for all times
FAQs
What is the best month to visit Japan?
The best months to visit Japan are typically March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn). These months offer mild weather, breathtaking natural scenery like cherry blossoms or autumn foliage, and plenty of cultural events.When is cherry blossom season in Japan?
Cherry blossom season typically starts in late March and peaks in April, though the exact timing varies by location. Southern areas like Kyushu bloom earlier, while northern regions like Hokkaido bloom later in late April to May.When is the best time to visit Japan for skiing?
The best time for skiing in Japan is between December and February. Hokkaido (Niseko, Furano) and Nagano (Hakuba, Shiga Kogen) are renowned for their powder snow and excellent ski resorts.