Everyone says to visit during cherry blossom season, but is that really the best time to travel? The pictures you’ve seen of cherry blossom festivals look really crowded.

From flower viewing in spring, festivals in summer, and skiing in winter, each season is a brand-new Japan! That’s why careful attention needs to be paid to the when, not just the where, when planning your Japan adventure!

To help you with your planning, we’ve created the ultimate guide to Japan’s seasons, weather, and trends. Use this information to pick a time confidently and get the Japan you’ve dreamed of!

The best times to visit Japan are the spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) seasons, with May and October-November being the optimal months to balance good weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.

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.

September-November are recommended as good alternatives to avoid the peak crowds and prices, while still enjoying pleasant weather and scenery.

Finally, the winter months can also be a good time to visit, with fewer tourists (except for snow resort areas like Niseko in Hokkaido) and lower prices, though the weather may be colder, especially in northern regions.

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 compiled a handy pros and cons list for each season. 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!

Spring weather in Japan
Spring brings serene, warm days and cool nights, with common but quickly clearing rain. Low humidity makes outdoor activities enjoyable. In April, Tokyo sees highs around 19°C (66°F) and lows around 10°C (51°F), while cooler Sapporo averages highs of 11°C (53°F) and lows of 3°C (37°F).

End of March – Mid-April: Cherry Blossom Season
High crowds. The cherry blossom (sakura) season is a spectacular but extremely busy time of year. The beauty of the blossoms draws large crowds, making major tourist sites very crowded. Accommodations, especially in Kyoto, often need to be booked 6 to 8 months in advance.

End of April – Around May 10: Golden Week (Japanese Holidays)
High crowds. Golden Week is a peak travel period in Japan, as there are few public holidays and many people travel simultaneously. Expect high accommodation rates, with bookings required months ahead, and heavy congestion at popular sights and on transportation networks.

After May 10 – End of June: Green Season/Early Summer
Low crowds. This period marks a transition from the unpredictable weather of early spring to a pleasant early summer, ideal for enjoying a variety of blooming flowers. Tourist sites are quieter, and accommodation prices are more attractive due to the lack of major holidays. Although occasional early summer rains occur, they are generally mild.

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.

Summer weather in Japan
Summer in Japan, particularly during the rainy season in June and July, is often unpopular due to high humidity. Rainfall, though not significantly more than in spring, is heavy. August brings sunny and hot weather, with Tokyo averaging highs of 31°C (88°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F), while Hokkaido enjoys milder temperatures of around 26°C (80°F) on average.

July – Mid-August: Summer Season
Moderate crowds. Japan's summer is hot and humid but is punctuated by vibrant festivals, which are free to attend, and lively beach resorts and beer garden activities. Early to mid-July might still see some summer rains, but they are generally sporadic.

Mid-August / Obon Week
High crowds. This period is akin to Golden Week in terms of busyness, with widespread travel across the country. Due to the heavy congestion, it's advisable to avoid traveling during this time.

End of August – End of October
Low crowds. Post-summer, when everyone returns to work or school, is an excellent time for quieter visits. The weather is warm, around 30°C (86°F), but less humid, making it more comfortable. Typhoons can occur but are typically short-lived, and indoor alternatives like museums and spas provide excellent rainy-day options.

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.

Autumn weather in Japan
Autumn brings variable weather, requiring both summer attire and jackets. By October, cities like Sapporo and Sendai become chilly, with lows around 7-11°C (45-52°F), while Tokyo maintains a warmer climate, with highs around 22°C (72°F). Beware of typhoons, especially in September, which can disrupt travel and daily activities.

November / Fall
High crowds. Autumn is a prime time for tourism, driven by the stunning momiji (autumn leaves), which begin turning in mid-November. This season is very popular, often requiring accommodations to be booked months in advance, and it features cooler, rainier weather.

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.

Winter weather in Japan
In January, temperatures drop to around 5°C (41°F) in southern Japan and 1°C (34°F) in Tokyo. Skiing destinations like Niigata and Nagano often see temperatures below freezing, while Sapporo experiences lows around -8°C (18°F). Snowfall is minimal in Tokyo and Osaka but common in regions near the Sea of Japan and in Tohoku, with Yamagata receiving up to 11 meters of snow.

December (Until around Christmas)
Low crowds. The early winter period offers some of the clearest days, ideal for outdoor activities and viewing autumn leaves or Mt. Fuji. Hotel rates are more reasonable, and there's better availability compared to the peak seasons.

December 20 – January 5th: Year-end Holiday Season
High crowds. Travel during the year-end holiday season is not recommended due to the influx of both international and domestic travelers and widespread closures of tourist facilities. Accommodations are often fully booked far in advance due to the holiday demand.

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!

Airfares to Japan often decrease from September as tourist numbers dwindle and flight prices adjust. Depending on your travel dates, you could find flights for less than US$1,000!

For accommodation, winter, excluding ski resorts, is typically the least expensive period. Many hotels offer off-peak specials, including weekday discounts. However, note that hotel rates often increase during public holidays, so check the calendar to prevent unexpected costs.

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.

With Japan’s four distinct seasons and subtle climate changes, travelers often question what clothes to pack. But bringing extra clothes “just in case” can make for one crammed suitcase!

‘Any Wear, Anywhere’ is an innovative service that allows you to rent stylish clothes for all seasons and most sizes, making travel in Japan lighter and more eco-friendly. By using surplus and used garments, this service not only reduces luggage weight but also cuts down on carbon emissions in partnership with Japan Airlines. Enjoy exploring Japan with a lighter load and a clear conscience!

Using ‘Any Wear, Anywhere’ is easy. Simply access the official website from your PC or smartphone and reserve your wardrobe before traveling to Japan.

When you arrive in Japan, simply pick up your stylish rental clothes at your hotel. After use, return the clothes to your hotel without the need for cleaning.

Clothing sizes range from S to XL, in a total of 36 patterns. Clients can choose from a combination of styles (for men or women), season (spring/autumn, summer/winter), usage scenario (casual, smart casual, or a mix of both), and number of clothing items included in the set (basic or variety pack).

The basic set includes three tops and two bottoms, while the variety set includes five tops and three bottoms, with the option of adding outerwear as needed.

Next, let’s look at some of the menswear and womenswear rental clothes in three different seasonal styles: spring/autumn, summer, and winter!

First up is clothing for spring and autumn. In Japan, spring and autumn are both mild with daytime temperatures of around 20°C (68°F). However, it often gets chilly during the evenings and overnight, and there’ll occasionally be an uncharacteristically hot or cold day, making clothing selection particularly tricky at these times of year.

‘Any Wear, Anywhere’ boasts a line-up of shirts and T-shirts that can be easily layered to cope with temperature differences.

Summer in Japan is hot, humid, and sunny. If you reserve rental clothes during your summer travels, you’ll receive light and airy items such as T-shirts and sleeveless tops to help you stay comfortable while sightseeing under the hot summer sun.

Heavy rainstorms and typhoons can be expected between July and September, so short-length pants can alleviate any worries about wet legs and feet in the event of sudden showers.

Warm clothes are essential for winter in Japan. It can get so cold that the temperature drops below freezing in some areas! The ‘Any Wear, Anywhere’ winter line-up also includes down jackets and other outerwear to protect against the cold.

Winter jackets are bulky and take up luggage space, so renting one at your destination makes life so much easier. Popular rental clothing items to wear underneath your jacket include sweaters, long-sleeved tops, and other clothes that’ll help you stay warm.

*All accessories belong to the stylist.

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!