The Best Time to Go to Japan: Weather, Climate & Seasons

Japan is a country that boasts of four seasons, and each season has something wonderful to offer. For those wondering when is cherry blossom season in Japan or what the temperature is in Tokyo, here’s a brief overview of the climate, seasons, and weather in Japan. You'll also see some tips about where to go and what to do during each season.

Spring in Japan

Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Japan. The mild weather and wonderful array of colors from nature waking up from the long winter months attract visitors from around the world who want to see what Japan in the spring has to offer.

One of the most popular sights in spring is that of blooming cherry blossom trees. These delicate pink flowers, known as the sakura, have become an internationally recognized symbol of Japan. You can spot them as early as January in Okinawa and until as late as May in Hokkaido. However, plum and cherry blossoms aren't the only flowers coming back to life. Other flowers like fuji (wisteria) and churripu (tulips) bloom during this time of the year.

Travel times peak during Golden Week (late April to early May) when increased domestic travel adds to the bustle in Japan.

Top three spots to visit in the spring:

1. Hirosaki Park, Aomori - one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan at the grounds of Hirosaki Castle.

2. Ashikaga Flower Park, Tochigi - a popular place to see wisteria, one of the most-loved flowers in Japan, in full bloom.

3. Fuji Five Lakes, Yamanashi - a lake resort area where you can camp and fish or visit hot springs and museums.

Summer in Japan

The summer season starts with rain in June, while most of July and a little of August are characterized by hot and humid days. Most visitors visiting Japan around this time head to the beaches, lakes, and rivers. There's a wide variety of summer activities to do, including surfing, sunbathing, snorkeling, and river rafting.

Other tourists head to the mountains for cooler temperatures. Cities located at higher elevations offer charming, rustic accommodations where you can stay for a few days. You will also find various local attractions to beat the summer heat.

If you visit Japan in the summer, the Japanese matsuri (festival) or hanabi taikai (fireworks display) are two not-to-be-missed summer experiences. There is often dancing, games, and music at a summer matsuri. On the other hand, the fireworks display is a Japanese tradition dating back hundreds of years.

Top three spots to visit in the summer:

1. Hokkaido - popular in the winter, but also a beautiful place to visit in the summer because of its flower fields, lakes, and other nature spots.

2. Kyoto City - a picturesque city near Osaka where you can go on bike tours to see teahouses, shrines, and zen gardens.

3. Okinawa Islands - Japan's beach destination. Once the waters start warming in May, you can swim, snorkel, kayak, and participate in other outdoor activities (it's best to avoid Golden Week, though, when locals flock to the beach for the holiday).

Fall in Japan

In fall, Japan’s landscape is dyed with a myriad of rich colors during this brief respite from the summer heat. The beautiful autumn leaves and cool weather make August and September a popular time for visiting Japan. Travelers can walk through parks and forests and admire the rich hues of the Japanese maple, known as momiji, which literally translates as red leaves. Whether you take a short train ride from the city or go for an overnight trip, the fall vistas of Japan are not to be missed.

For those visiting the cities, cafes, restaurants, and nightlife are in full swing around this time. The cooler weather also encouraged excursions to temples or ryo-kans (traditional inns) in the countryside.

Top three spots to visit in the fall:

1. Nikko, Tochigi - known for its beautiful fall colors and scenic mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs

2. Naruko Gorge, Miyagi - one of the Tohoku Region’s most popular autumn color spots, which you can view from an observation deck next to Narukokyo Resthouse

3. Chichibu, Saitama - two hours from Tokyo by train and popular for the natural landscapes framed by fall foliage, such as the Arakawa River and the Paleo Express on the Chichibu Railway

Winter in Japan

In winter, blankets of white snow cover the landscape, especially in the northernmost regions of Tohoku and Hokkaido. For winter sports enthusiasts, this is the best time of year to visit Japan. Ski resorts are open, and you can try out a variety of outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. If you don't have much experience yet, several ski resorts offer lessons and courses that you can take.

For those looking for a more relaxing vacation, you can check out a rotenburo (hot spring) with the snow falling gently around you or sample the popular hot pot of Japanese stew known as nabe.

The weather is quite dry during winter. Because the sun sets earlier, you’ll get to see the illumination displays that have been set up for the visitors to enjoy. Keep in mind, though, that shops are usually closed over the New Year holidays from December 29 to January 4.

Top three spots to visit in the winter:

1. Hakuba, Nagano - one of Japan’s most popular ski areas and home of the 1998 Winter Olympics

2. Niseko, Hokkaido - a winter wonderland near Sapporo where you can enjoy various activities in the snow, including skiing, sledding, tubing, and more

3. Zao, Miyagi - famous for the Zao Onsen Ski Resort, which is open from late December to early May and a perfect place for winter sports activities

Weather in Japan: What to prepare for

Japan weather varies, depending on when and where you’re going.

Japan in April to May: Spring (temperature range: 2°-24°C)

If you want to see the flowers in bloom, travel in the spring (April-May). On average, the temperature remains cool (21°C), and a light coat is enough in cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Up north in places like Sapporo, it can get as low as 2°-10°C.

Japan in June to August: Summer (temperature range: 16°-30°C)

Summer in Japan starts with the rainy season (June). If you forget your umbrella, you can easily buy one at the convenience stores located at almost every corner throughout Japan. It’s best to get a foldable one that you can tuck into your bag and take out when you need it.

The temperature rises rapidly after the rainy season, reaching as high as 28°C in Tokyo. Wear short-sleeved or sleeveless tops made of cotton or linen. You can also bring a thin coat and hat to protect your skin against the summer heat. During the summer, Japan can be muggy and humid, often causing heat stroke for those who aren’t used to the climate. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. Download mymizu, Japan’s first water refill app, for a more eco-friendly way of drinking and disposing of used bottles.

Japan in September to November: Fall (temperature range: 7°-27°C)

One of the best times to go to Japan is in the fall, when nature is alive with vibrant colors. Unfortunately, fall is also a time when typhoons are blown into Japan. Dress warmly in a heavy coat and expect temperatures to drop 12-14°C at night.

Japan in December to March: Winter (temperature range: -6°-20°C)

Japan in December is characterized by colder weather, which is when the winter winds blow until February. Tokyo weather is warmer, and the temperature doesn’t usually drop below 0°C. Still, it’s a good idea to bring a thick coat and warm clothes if you’re traveling. In places like Sapporo, however, there’s a good chance that the temperature will even reach -6°C, especially at night and in the early mornings.

There are reasons to visit Japan at any time of the year

The best time to visit Japan depends on what you want to see. Whether spring, summer, fall, or winter, Japanese seasons have something that will fascinate any traveler, no matter where you go.

Get to know Japan in each season. Explore Japan Explorer Pass.