Best Season To Visit Japan
Japan is a year-round tourist destination. While you may think that it’s best to visit during the spring or autumn, we also recommend that you explore all four seasons to truly get a feel for Japanese culture. Since Japan is also known for its beautiful temples and shrines, which often feature colorful statues of gods and goddesses that are sure to impress even the most casual visitor. If you’d like to see some of these sites without having to worry about language barriers or complicated directions then consider either one of our 10 or 14 day guided tours which will take care of everything from booking your hotel to arranging your itinerary so that everything runs smoothly. So pack your bags and get ready to explore this beautiful country!
Spring
Spring is the perfect time to visit Japan, as it’s one of the most popular seasons in which to do so. The weather is mild, and there are many reasons why spring is considered a good season for travel:
Temperatures are mild, with average highs ranging from 52–65 °F (11–18 °C).
In March and April, cherry blossoms begin blooming throughout the country. This phenomenon lasts from March to May. April is traditionally thought of as being the best month for viewing them. In addition, spring festivals are held throughout Japan during this time period for several different reasons (e.g., birthdays or anniversaries).
Autumn
In the autumn, the Japanese leaves change color from green to rich shades of orange, yellow, and red, and the weather is still warm enough to visit beaches on weekends and enjoy sightseeing around Tokyo. There are festivals all over the country, including some that have their own specialties. For example, in Tokyo there’s the Kanda Festival which features a parade of people carrying floats through town, and Kamakura has its own lantern festival where you can see traditional dancing and music. Or if you are looking for something more relaxed but still exciting, take a tour of one of the many hot springs resorts in Japan.
Summer
Japan is hot and humid in summer. June, July and August are the hottest months with average temperature around 20°C. The weather is generally pleasant as long as you don’t mind wearing a light jacket or cardigan around your shoulders. You can experience the occasional rainfall during this time of the year but it can get quite heavy during August because of the typhoon season.
The best time to visit Japan if you want to avoid crowds and to enjoy low hotel rates is from April until October when many Japanese students take vacation before entering high school or university.
Winter
Winter is the best season to visit Japan. You’ll find it milder and less crowded than other countries and offers plenty of snow and ice festivals to enjoy. If you’re looking for budget accommodation, hotels are cheaper at this time of year too.
You may want to consider visiting during Golden Week (late April) or in early July, when there are fewer tourists around but the weather is still pleasant enough for sightseeing and going out in public without bundling up too much.
Cherry Blossom Season
Cherry blossoms are a symbol of Japan, and they bloom every spring along with other flowers like azaleas and wisteria. Their presence is so special that they’re celebrated in many ways throughout the country; from festivals to parades, cherry blossoms are a defining part of Japanese culture. The cherry blossoms are so stunning that they draw millions of tourists from all over the globe each year. That’s why some people even refer to this time as “Cherry Blossom Season.” With over 2,000 cherry trees planted around the city of Kyoto, Japan makes for a vibrant and colorful travel destination. The city is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and it’s not hard to see why.
If you’re planning on visiting Japan during their Cherry Blossom season, there are a few things you should know before you go:
- You can’t miss out on these spectacular sights! They only last about 2 weeks each year (usually March-April), so make sure your trip aligns with those dates!
- You need to book your flight early! Airlines often sell out well in advance during this time period because everyone wants to see them too!
- You’ll want good weather and unfortunately, the weather is unpredictable. It can be hot one day, cold the next, and rainy all week after that. Do not pack anything that is not rain-resistant!
- Don’t worry about what to wear when you arrive in Japan. You will inevitably end up wearing a yukata anyway because it’s so fun and comfortable!
- The best food to eat while you’re there is okonomiyaki (a savory pancake), ebi ten gohan (shrimp tempura served over rice), and takoyaki (octopus balls).
Just know that you’re in for a real treat if the plan is to visit Japan during the Cherry Blossom season!