We are finally starting to feel that autumn transition. Across Japan, expect mostly cloudy conditions with frequent rain for many regions, though northern areas will enjoy some beautiful, brief sunny intervals mid-week. Temperatures will range from mild in the north (like Sapporo) to warm in central Japan (Tokyo) to consistently hot down south in Naha.

Let's look at the weather patterns: From September 16th to 17th, high pressure will move from the Sea of Japan toward the Kuril Islands, while a weather front stretches along the southern coast of Honshu. From the 18th to the 20th, as the high pressure shifts further east, humid air will flow into Japan. Keep an eye out for a tropical depression moving from the south of Japan toward southern Okinawa. Around September 18th, the Ogasawara Islands could see very rough seas depending on how this tropical depression develops.

Japan’s typhoon season runs from May through October, with most activity from July to September. During a typhoon, transit delays and cancellations can be expected. Be sure to stay updated on the latest weather and flight information. For real-time updates on railways and airports, visit LIVE JAPAN's transport information page.

September marks a beautiful transition in Japan, as the intense summer heat begins to soften into the milder, refreshing breezes of early autumn. The countryside turns a stunning golden hue during the rice harvest, and locals celebrate Tsukimi (moon viewing) festivals, gathering to admire the harvest moon and enjoy traditional treats like tsukimi dango.

While the massive summer matsuri wind down, September offers its own thrilling cultural events. Tokyo hosts the highly anticipated September Grand Sumo Tournament, while Osaka comes alive with the high-speed, adrenaline-pumping Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri. For outdoor enthusiasts, the first week of the month offers the final opportunity to catch the tail end of the Mt. Fuji climbing season before the mountain officially closes to the public.

As the month progresses, nature lovers can head north to Hokkaido or to high-elevation areas in the Japan Alps to witness the very beginning of the country’s spectacular autumn foliage (koyo) season. When it comes to seasonal eating, September is a culinary delight—be sure to savor early autumn flavors like roasted sweet potatoes, chestnuts, freshly harvested Asian pears, and grilled sanma (Pacific saury).

Tokyo is finally transitioning from late-summer warmth into a noticeably cooler, overcast stretch this week! You will feel the high temperatures slide from the muggy low 30s Celsius (low 90s Fahrenheit) down into the comfortable mid-20s Celsius (mid-70s Fahrenheit). Nighttime lows will also dip nicely from 25°C (77°F) to around 19°C (66°F). Cloudy skies will dominate the cityscape, frequently accompanied by light, passing rain showers.

Sapporo starts the week with brief showers, but don't worry—sunny, partly cloudy skies will soon take over for a beautiful stretch before cloudier conditions and a chance of rain return toward the weekend. Afternoon highs will hover comfortably between 22°C (72°F) and 26°C (79°F), while crisp morning lows will dip into the refreshing 13°C (55°F) to 17°C (63°F) range.

Sendai greets visitors with a noticeable shift from warm, muggy conditions to brisk autumn air! Overcast skies dominate the early part of the week, bringing steady rainfall that gradually settles into intermittent showers and cloudier, drier intervals as the days pass. Afternoon highs will take a sharp dip from a warm peak near 29°C (84°F) down to the comfortable low 20s Celsius (low 70s Fahrenheit) before climbing slightly late in the week. Overnight lows will stay cool and consistent between 17°C (63°F) and 21°C (70°F).

Osaka starts the week with warm, sun-dappled skies before cloud cover builds and brings wet conditions mid-week, eventually settling into steady, overcast weather. High temperatures gradually ease from a hot peak of 33°C (91°F) down to a comfortable 28°C to 30°C (82°F–86°F), while overnight lows cool slightly from 25°C (77°F) to around 23°C (73°F). Rain chances spike noticeably mid-week, remaining moderate through the rest of the period.

Fukuoka starts the week with wet conditions that gradually give way to persistent cloud cover and milder overcast skies, though a stray shower remains possible before occasional sunshine breaks through toward the weekend. Low temperatures hold steady in the comfortable low-to-mid 20s°C (70°F–77°F), while afternoon highs warm up from the upper 20s°C (77°F–84°F) to around 30°C (86°F).

Cloud cover dominates Naha's outlook this week, accompanied by scattered showers that are most frequent early on before tapering into brighter, partly sunny stretches mid-week, only to return toward the weekend. Warm temperatures remain steady, with pleasantly warm highs in the upper 20s°C to low 30s°C (84°F–88°F) and comfortable, mild lows in the mid-20s°C (75°F–79°F) throughout the day and night.

Source for forecast and images: Japan Meteorological Agency website (www.jma.go.jp)

Whether you're planning to be in Japan this week or later this year, check out these fun things you can add to your itinerary!