Japan is beautiful 365 days a year, but what you see can vary dramatically by season. That's why it's essential to create a list of goals for your trip first. Do you want to:

See cherry blossoms or autumn leaves?

Avoid crowds and save money?

Hit the ski slopes?

Experience festivals in summer or beach weather?

Visit the Osaka Expo?

Once you know your priorities, use this guide to find the season that suits your needs best!

Generally, the periods between March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn) offer the best weather.

・Optimal Balance: May and October-November are often ideal for balancing pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices (outside of specific holidays).

・Nature Lovers: Spring for cherry blossoms and late autumn for stunning foliage.

・Winter Travel: December-February can be great for fewer tourists (outside of snow resort areas like Niseko in Hokkaido and New Year countdowns) and lower prices, though it's colder.

Even during peak seasons, visiting Japan can still be very enjoyable: just consider exploring less-touristed yet beautiful regions like Tohoku, Shikoku, or Kyushu for a more relaxed experience.

Understanding peak times is crucial for your budget and sanity.

If you're looking to visit Japan when it's less crowded with international tourists, January, February, and September are your best bets. Here’s why:

・January & February: Despite being winter, they see the lowest total international arrivals, especially from regions like Europe, Oceania, and South America. This is an excellent time to enjoy winter festivals, onsen towns, and ski resorts, generally with fewer crowds elsewhere.

・September: While still warm and potentially affected by typhoons, it has lower visitation than the summer peak (July–August) and sees a dip in arrivals from Asia and North America. If you aim for early or late September, you can often catch the tail end of summer without the crowds.

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.

Japan has four distinct seasons, each offering unique experiences. To make the most of your trip, start by considering what you want to do, then select the season that best suits your interests.

For instance, if you're into hiking, the cooler weather of spring or autumn is ideal.

Prefer beaches? Aim for late June or August.

Dreaming of a ski holiday? January through March is your window.

Plan your activities first, then use this seasonal guide to help you decide when to go. We've outlined the key pros and cons of each season to make it easy to find the best time for your trip.

Spring (March – May) in Japan is defined by crisp, clear days and bursts of color from blooming flowers. Warm afternoons and cool nights make it ideal for sightseeing, with Tokyo averaging 19°C (66°F) in April and cooler temperatures in Sapporo around 11°C (53°F).

This is peak tourist season, with cherry blossoms drawing massive crowds from late March to mid-April. Hotspots like Kyoto, <@Nara|a=article:a2000489>, <@Tokyo|a=article:a0000001@>, and Hirosaki are especially popular and require hotel bookings up to 6–8 months in advance.

Golden Week (April 29 – May 6) further drives up travel demand, with surging hotel prices and packed trains and highways nationwide. Families often vacation during this period, intensifying congestion across major cities and tourist routes.

On the plus side, spring is breathtaking: cherry blossoms aside, wisteria tunnels in Ashikaga, tulip fields in Tonami, and flower parks in Hitachi add layers of seasonal charm. Just beware of crowds, lingering chill in northern areas, and pollen allergies if you're sensitive.

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 (June – August) in Japan swings from muggy rains to blazing sunshine. Expect high humidity during the rainy season (tsuyu) in June and early July, with Tokyo peaking at 31°C (88°F) in August, while Hokkaido stays relatively comfortable around 26°C (80°F).

Rainy season tends to quiet tourist crowds, but mid-August's Obon Week (around August 13–16) sees a sharp spike in domestic travel, filling up trains and accommodations much like Golden Week. If you're crowd-averse, it’s best to avoid this period.

Despite the heat, summer is packed with cultural highlights ranging from Kyoto's Gion Matsuri in July to the dazzling fireworks festivals in Tokyo, Osaka, to the Three Great Festivals of Tohoku. For those chasing sun and sand, beach destinations like Okinawa, Kamakura, Shirahama, and Amami shine in August.

On the downside, extreme humidity, buzzing insects, and potential typhoons (especially from late August onward) can be challenging. Mt. Fuji is also often hidden behind clouds until later in the season.

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 (September – November) brings welcome relief from the summer heat, though conditions vary—September can still feel warm and humid, while October ushers in crisp, comfortable days. Tokyo sees highs around 22°C (72°F) in October, while places like Sapporo and Sendai cool to lows around 7–11°C (45–52°F).

September is one of the quieter months for international travel, making it a great time to explore with fewer crowds—if you can dodge typhoons. By contrast, October and November see increasing visitors drawn by fall foliage.

November is peak season for autumn leaves in northern areas, like Hokkaido, Tohoku, and even Nikko. Meanwhile, early December tends to be peak foliage season for places like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara. Hotels in these areas often sell out weeks or even months in advance.

The rewards of autumn include striking colors, mellow weather, and a relaxed atmosphere, particularly in September. However, early typhoons and packed viewing spots in late autumn can complicate travel.

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 (December – February) in Japan is cold but often dry and sunny, especially in cities like Tokyo, where lows hover around 1°C (34°F). In contrast, ski areas such as Niseko, Hakuba, and Nozawa Onsen plunge well below freezing with reliable snowfall.

Early December is an underrated time to visit, with somewhat lighter crowds, crisp weather, and more affordable hotel rates. However, the year-end holiday period (around December 29 – January 5) brings a travel surge, packed trains, and many shop closures.

For winter highlights, look to Sapporo’s powdery slopes, snowy onsen towns like Ginzan Onsen and Nyuto Onsen, and dazzling illuminations in Kobe, Tokyo, and Nagoya. Views of Mt. Fuji are often clearest in winter, making it a great time for photography. Be sure to check out ski packages ahead of time as they can sell out quickly. And don't get us started about countdown parties in Tokyo and Osaka, or the fantastic New Year sales.

Downsides include biting cold, occasional travel disruptions from snow, and limited dining or shopping options during New Year closures. Still, outside the holiday rush, winter offers quiet beauty and unique seasonal charm.

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!

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’ lets you rent stylish clothes in Japan for any season and most sizes, helping you pack lighter and travel greener. By using surplus and secondhand garments, it reduces both luggage weight and carbon emissions—so you can explore 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 XS to 3XL, and kids 80 to 160. Clients can choose from a combination of styles (for men, women or kids), season (spring/autumn, summer or winter).

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: clothing for spring and autumn. These seasons in Japan are generally mild, with daytime highs around 20°C (68°F), but temperatures can dip in the evenings—and occasional warm or chilly days can catch you off guard.

With ‘Any Wear, Anywhere,’ you’ll have access to shirts and T-shirts that are perfect for layering, making it easy to adjust to the day’s changing conditions.

Summer in Japan is hot, humid, and sunny. With ‘Any Wear, Anywhere,’ you’ll get light, breathable items like T-shirts and sleeveless tops to help you stay cool while sightseeing.

Since heavy rain and typhoons are common from July to September, short-length pants are also included to keep you more comfortable during sudden downpours.

Warm clothing is a must for winter in Japan, where temperatures often drop below freezing. With ‘Any Wear, Anywhere,’ you can rent down jackets and other outerwear to stay protected from the cold—without stuffing your suitcase.

To layer up, choose from popular rental items like sweaters and long-sleeved tops that help keep you warm under your jacket.

(*All accessories are the stylist’s own.)

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!

(This article was last updated in June 2025.)