The periods between March to May and October to November have the best weather. These times, which line up with spring and most of autumn, are filled with calm days and comfortable temperatures.

Nature lovers will appreciate the blooming flowers of spring, including the famed cherry blossoms, along with the equally stunning foliage of late autumn.

With sunny skies and low rainfall, winter is also a great season to spend in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, and, being the off-season, tourist numbers will drop significantly.

Japan is a beautiful country 365 days a year, and you won't regret your trip no matter when you go. However, depending on the season, you may see a very different Japan from the one you imagined. That's why it's essential to create a list of goals for your trip, then compare them against each month to find the Japan you want to see the most.

To help you choose the best time to visit Japan, we've broken down each month into a handy pros and cons list. After you've decided what you'd like to see and do, use this list to select the best time to go!

Japan has four seasons. Each begets a new set of activities, so you should first consider your objectives, then choose when to go.

For example, if you want an outdoor adventure, such as hiking, then the cooler weather of spring and autumn is ideal.

If beaches are your thing, then late June and August are perfect!

If a ski holiday is on your mind, you should pack your bags for January, February, and March.

Plan your activities first, then use this guide to find the season that will suit your needs best!

Why visit Japan in spring?
Arguably the most loved season in Japan, spring is synonymous with glorious weather and the blooming of flowers. After a cold winter, the country jumps back into life with activities and fun around every corner. The start of the new school and business year, along with the world-famous cherry blossom festivals, spring endows Japan with a freshness that highlights the country's beauty to its pinnacle.

Spring weather in Japan
Calm, warm days and chilly nights characterize most of the spring. While rain is often, most bouts don't last the day and will clear up quickly. The low humidity makes it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities.

During April, Tokyo boasts pleasant high temperatures of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 10°C (51°F), while Sapporo is still cold with average highs of just 11°C (53°F) and lows of 3°C (37°F).

Cherry blossoms
Spring's crowning jewel is the short period of mankai - the full blooming of the cherry blossom trees. Taking part in flowing-viewing picnics under the trees is a dream for lovers of Japan. And mid-March is the best time to visit Japan for cherry blossoms. However, there are also reasons to avoid this time. Mankai is one of the busiest times in Japan, and popular spots will be packed. Partaking in the spectacle will be a constant battle with crowds, especially in major cities. Trains and accommodation will also be busy on any weekend falling into the period.

Bottom Line
In terms of weather, spring is one of the best times to visit Japan. However, choosing another season is recommended for those wanting to avoid crowds.

Why visit Japan in summer?
Early summer is considered the off-season for domestic traveling, making it perfect for those wanting a quieter Japan. While often very muggy, especially in June and July, warm temperatures mean you can wear comfortable summer clothes all day and night. During late summer, particularly in August, Japan is filled with hundreds of spectacular festivals - most being free to enjoy! Beautiful beaches lined with resorts and bars make for a superb place to spend your time during this fun-filled season.

Summer weather in Japan
Summer is often the most disliked season in Japan due to its humidity. This is most pronounced in June and July, which are dominated by tsuyu, Japan's rainy season. Despite this name, there aren't many more rainy days than in spring; however, it is intense and heavy when it does rain. After tsuyu, August develops into a traditional summer, with sunny skies and blazing heat. Tokyo will see average highs of 31°C (88°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F) during this time. Hokkaido has a much more comfortable summer, with August’s average high a sublime 26°C (80°F).

Bottom Line
Despite its reputation, summer is a great season to spend in Japan. Through the huge array of local festivals, it is arguably when the roots of traditional Japan are felt most strongly. For those sensitive to humidity, perhaps wait for another time.

Why visit Japan in autumn?
Autumn is spring’s main contender for the best time to visit Japan. A well-received break from the throbbing heat of summer, autumn gradually changes into winter with cooler days every week. This period is most famous for momiji, beautiful red fall leaves that can be seen across most of Japan. Unlike the brief life of cherry blossoms, momiji can be spotted for months, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the spectacle on your own schedule. Autumn is also the beginning of the off-season for international travel, so tourist hotspots are generally less crowded.

Autumn weather in Japan
Autumn can have wildly varying weather depending on the month, so keep those summer clothes handy but don't forget the jacket! By October, Sapporo will already be experiencing average lows of 7°C (45°F) and Sendai 11°C (52°F), so expect to feel cold. Warmer weather will linger in Tokyo with average highs of 22°C (72°F), making life in the city very pleasant. Keep your eye on the forecast for typhoons, with the strongest ones usually hitting in September. These nasty storms can bring the entire country to a halt and even ground flights.

Bottom line
If you can successfully navigate around typhoons, you'll be rewarded with amazing scenery, fantastic weather, and quiet tourist attractions. Autumn is a strong contender for the best time to visit Japan.

Why visit Japan in winter?
For skiers, there is no better time than winter - even by December the ski slopes of Hokkaido are open for business! While temperatures are cold, metropolises like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are partial to clear, dry, and sunny days, making travel a breeze.

Other fun winter wonders to enjoy include stunning lights shows, magnificent snow festivals, and delightful Christmas markets. Best of all is the breathtaking utopia that most of Japan becomes, with magnificent winter scenery transforming the landscape to an almost unrecognizable degree. Both international and domestic tourism slow down during winter, so you can travel the country in relative peace.

Winter weather in Japan
During January, average lows in the south are a chilly 5°C (41°F) and Tokyo a brisk 1°C (33°F), which is cold, but not unbearable. However, central ski paradises Niigata and Nagano will regularly fall below freezing and bone-chilling cold will hit Sapporo with an average low of -8°C (17°F). While heavy snowfall is rare in Tokyo and Osaka, an occasional light powdering is not uncommon. Surrounding prefectures, especially those on the Sea of Japan and in Tohoku receive deep and constant snowfall, resulting in stunning views that come at the expense of transport disruptions. Surprisingly, Hokkaido doesn't have the most snowfall in Japan – that honor goes to Yamagata, with some places in the prefecture being covered in a staggering 11 meters of snow!

Bottom line
While winter is not for everyone, most major cities enjoy mild and consistent weather. However, some prefectures are prone to harsh conditions, and care should be taken before traveling. Crowds will be thin and most attractions quiet outside New Years and public holidays. For skiers, there's no better time!

International tourists:
As seen in the above chart, August to December is low on international tourists, with the quietest month being September. For those looking to beat the crowds, this is the best time! January and February are also scarce on European and North American travelers; however, mostly due to the Chinese New Year and summer holidays, thousands of additional tourists will flock from Asia and Oceania, making it not as ideal.

Domestic tourists:
To avoid crowds of local travelers, stay clear of these three periods!
・March – Very busy due to the good weather and cherry blossoms.
・Late April/early May – The week-long holiday of Golden Week occurs.
・Mid-August – The most popular time for Japanese to travel due to the Obon holiday period.

Airfares to Japan may drop significantly from September, with tourist numbers falling and flight costs adjusting accordingly. Depending on the date, you may be able to find flights well under US$1,000!

In terms of accommodation, winter is the cheapest time, excluding ski resorts. Many hotels will offer off-peak specials, including cheaper deals on weekdays! Most hotels hike up their prices on public holidays, so keep an eye on the calendar to avoid a shock.

Following are Japan's national holidays. Particularly around the row of holidays in May (known as Golden Week), you can expect sightseeing areas, attractions, and major cities to be more crowded.

If you plan on traveling around these dates, be sure to make hotel, train, and activity reservations in advance to avoid inconvenience. You may also wish to consider booking tables at popular restaurants as well.

February 14 - Valentine's Day
Although not a national holiday, Valentine's Day is indeed celebrated in Japan. On this day, women give chocolates to men - including male coworkers.

March 3 - Doll's Festival (Hina Matsuri)
Families with girls celebrate this day to wish them a happy and successful life. Special hina dolls are displayed in homes to mark the occasion; certain temples and communities put on events to celebrate with community members.

March 14 - White Day
An interesting tradition in Japan that's kind of the opposite of Valentine's Day, in which men give chocolates or sweets to women.

July/August 7 - Star Festival (Tanabata)
Rather than a national holiday, Tanabata is a festival period celebrating the deities of Orihime and Hikoboshi meeting in the sky above. Around July 7, a Tanabata festival is held in Hiratsuka (about 90 minutes south of Tokyo), while a large-scale festival is held in Sendai around August 7.

Mid-August - Obon
A Buddhist event to honor the spirits of one's ancestors, Obon is generally held from around August 13-15 and is a time of family reunions.

November 15 - Seven-Five-Three Day (Shichi-Go-San)
Based on customs developed over 800 years ago, this day a traditional rite of passage: at age 3, girls and boys are allowed to grow their hair longer; at 5, boys are considered old enough to wear hakama, pants worn with a kimono; and at age 7, girls would try on their first kimono obi. Families go to shrines and temples to pray for their children's good health and growth.

December 25 - Christmas
Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan, however one can still feel the holiday spirit in Japan. Shops are decorated in the weeks leading up to Christmas, and many people spend the time with people close, often having a chicken dinner home with family or out on a date with someone special. It's also the time of year to see incredible Christmas illuminations in Japan.

December 31 - New Year's Eve (Omisoka)
Although December 31 is not a national holiday, many shops will close early ahead of the New Year festivities.

No matter when you visit Japan, you'll have a good time! Japan is a country that celebrates each season accordingly, making for year-round fun! However, if you have a specific activity or interest, choosing the best time to visit Japan for you is extremely important.

Balancing this with crowds and costs will also help you get the most out of your Japan trip. By reading this guide, you'll have all the information you need to enjoy Japan's wonders to their fullest extent!