Best times to visit Japan

Let’s say you want to visit the shrines of Kyoto, admire the cherry blossoms all over Japan, or simply take in the country’s beautiful fall foliage. In that case, you’ll need to plan your trip carefully, as the best time to visit Japan depends entirely on what you want to do there. To avoid the crowds, arrive during the less popular rainy season from June to mid-July, or during the winter, when prices tend to be lower. Head to Tokyo Disney Resort in the spring and fall for fewer visitors and pleasant weather, or follow the seasonal nature of Japan’s ingredients and menus for the perfect foodie vacation.

Here's an overview of the country's main tourist seasons:

• High season: From mid-March to mid-May and from September to mid-November
• Intermediate seasons: End of May to August and end of November to December
• Low season: From January to early March

Whether you want a snowy getaway to Hokkaido, a beach vacation in Okinawa, or a photography trip to capture the city lights of Tokyo, these are the best times to plan your dream trip to Japan.

Best times to visit with fewer crowds

Visitors from all over the world come to Japan to admire the cherry blossoms, so it’s no surprise that cherry blossom season (late March to April) is the busiest time for tourism. Domestic travelers also enjoy Golden Week, a series of four national holidays in Japan, from April 29 to May 5. Avoid visiting the country during this time unless you plan carefully in advance, as trains, hotels, and tourist attractions can often be overcrowded or fully booked. The gorgeous foliage tends to draw crowds in the fall, especially when the leaves are at their peak of color, usually from mid-November to early December.

If you want to avoid the crowds, visit Japan during the rainy season, which typically begins in June and lasts until mid-July. While this period tends to be humid and rainy, it's one of the best times to enjoy popular tourist attractions without the crowds. Japan also tends to be quieter between January and March, making it a great time to combine sightseeing with snow sports—and relaxing baths at your closest hot springs (hot spring).

Best times to visit depending on weather

Japan, while not a particularly large country, is surprisingly varied in climate. The harsh winters in the northern tip of Hokkaido make the subtropical southern islands of Okinawa seem light years away. The rainy season runs from early June to mid-July in most of the country, including Tokyo, except in Okinawa where the showers begin in early May. In Hokkaido, summer brings mild temperatures and blue skies.

If you're not a fan of skiing, March to May and September to November are generally considered the best times to visit Japan, as the weather is pleasant. This is when travelers can admire the iconic cherry blossoms or, in the fall, the brightly colored autumn leaves. During both seasons, precipitation is minimal, skies are clear, and temperatures are mild, ranging from 4 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit most of the time, depending on where you are.

For those who don’t mind the heat and humidity, summer brings a different pace to Japan. It’s the perfect time to explore nature, ideally somewhere cool, high up on a mountain or as far north as possible. Hokkaido’s delightfully cool climate is a summer paradise, with fields of rainbow-colored flowers and endless opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking to horseback riding.

In winter, Hokkaido's northernmost prefecture is arguably the best place to ski or snowboard. That said, some areas outside of Tokyo, such as Niigata, are only a few kilometers away. Shinkansen (bullet train) and its superb ski resorts. Those who prefer a warmer climate would be better off flying south to Okinawa during the winter for a more subtropical climate.

Best times to visit at lower prices

Japan has a reputation for being an expensive destination, but there are times of year when it is cheaper to visit. During the low season, between January and early March, you may be able to find deals on flights and hotels. Prices tend to spike during the holiday season, especially around New Year's, so it's best to avoid visiting in early January if you're trying to save money.

Prices increase again in late March and April for the peak cherry blossom season and remain high throughout the spring and summer, with the exception of the brief rainy season from June to mid-July (mentioned above). For the best chance of finding reasonably priced accommodation while still enjoying mild weather, plan to visit in September or October.

Best times to visit Tokyo Disney Resort

Spring and fall are generally the most temperate times of year to visit Tokyo Disney ResortIt's best to avoid weekends and public holidays, especially Golden Week, which is one of the theme park's busiest times. The extreme heat of July and August can make it difficult to enjoy outdoor attractions. On the other hand, temperatures rarely exceed 10 degrees Celsius in January and February, making these months less popular.

Mid-September through early December offers a combination of pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and seasonal entertainment. Spooky decorations and fall-themed events can be enjoyed in the weeks leading up to Halloween. Beginning in November, the theme park celebrates the holiday season with special programming, including magical parades, costumed characters, and heartwarming decorations that help offset the chill in the air.

Best times to visit Tokyo

While most of Tokyo's biggest cultural festivals take place during cherry blossom season and Golden Week in spring, there are a few others throughout the year that are also worth checking out. In late August, the Koenji Awa-odori dance festival brings together around 10,000 traditional dancers and gets the crowd dancing. In the fall, events are held in gardens, temples, and shrines throughout the city to celebrate the blooming of chrysanthemums.

THE Tokyo International Film Festival occurs every year at the end of October, just like the Mobility Expo in Japan (formerly the Tokyo Motor Show), which celebrates the technology and innovation that advances society. Fans of science fiction, fantasy and anime descend on the city in early December for Tokyo Comic Conalways a feast for the senses, with creative cosplay costumes and appearances by international celebrities from all your favorite cheesy shows and movies.

Best times to visit Okinawa

Whale watching is a popular activity in and around Okinawa from January to March, especially from the Kerama Islands (Zamami, Tokashiki, Aka, and Geruma), located just west of the main island. Tours are also available from northern Okinawa, Ie Island, Onna, Naha, and Yomitan if you want to see humpback whales up close.

Okinawa is also known for its many cultural festivals, such as the Ryukyu Lantern Festival, which runs from December to March and features thousands of lanterns lighting up the islands, or the parade of 10,000 Eisa dancers on the first Sunday in August. In May, Okinawa hosts the Naha Hari dragon boat races during Golden Week, while the island hosts several exciting tug-of-war festivals throughout the year in Yonabaru (August), Itoman (September), and Naha (October), a tradition that dates back to the 1500s.

Best times to visit the country to see cherry blossoms

If you're hoping to plan your trip during the peak of cherry blossom season, keep in mind that peak bloom dates vary each year depending on the weather. cherry blossom storefrontmeticulously researched and disseminated throughout the country, is gradually progressing, starting in the southern tip of Japan in January.

The best time to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto, Tokyo, and surrounding areas is often from the last week of March to the first week of April. And for cities further north like Sapporo, don't expect to see pink until at least May.

Best times to visit for foodies

While Japan is a great foodie destination year-round, it’s important to consider the time of year, as many specialties are only available seasonally. If you have a favorite Japanese cuisine or ingredient, it’s helpful to know when to visit so you don’t miss out on it completely.

Popular summer treats include light, cool drinks somen noodles, kakigōri crushed and delicious ice unagi (eel); autumn is a paradise for matsutake mushrooms, sweet potatoes and Sanma (Pacific saury); winter means warming name hot pots, citrus fruits and khaki (khaki); and spring goes hand in hand with sea bream, prisoko (bamboo shoots) and sakura mochi rice cakes.

The worst times to visit Japan

While there is no bad time to visit Japan, some months are worse than others, depending on your travel preferences. If you want to enjoy pleasant weather, avoid the rainy season, which typically runs from early June to mid-July throughout Japan (except Okinawa, where it begins in May). This period is often preceded by extreme heat and humidity, with cities like Tokyo and Kyoto being particularly unbearable during the peak summer months of July and August. Also be aware that typhoon season in Japan runs from May to October, with the highest risk being in August and September. While these storms rarely make landfall, it is worth being aware of them, just in case.

Those looking to save money and avoid crowds should avoid Golden Week, which runs from late April to early May. This is when domestic travelers tend to vacation, so you can expect higher prices, less hotel availability, and larger crowds.