The Best Time To Visit Japan: A Simple Guide To Each Postcard-Perfect Season
When it comes to Japan, every season has something special to offer. Whether you want to see the famous cherry blossoms, hike up a mountain, watch the autumn leaves turn gold, or enjoy powdery snow in a quiet village, Japan changes beautifully with the weather. Choosing the right time to visit just depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Here’s an easy guide to help you pick the perfect season for your trip.
Cherry Blossom season in Japan. Credit: CanvaSpring (March to May)This is the time for Cherry blossom (sakura) chasers with these pink blossoms in full bloom. Parks across multiple cities in Japan completely transform into fluffy wonderlands and host Cherry Blossom Festivals which are the perfect places for travellers. At this time, Hanami (flower viewing) picnics are practically a national sport. But it’s also peak season and hotels get booked fast. So plan ahead like you’re securing concert tickets.
Where To Go: Tokyo’s Ueno Park, Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path, Hirosaki Castle in Aomori.
Gion, Japan. Credit: Canva
Summer (June to August)Sure, it’s sticky and off season, but it’s also when Japan bursts into technicolour with matsuri (festivals) featuring fireworks, dancing, and yukata (summer kimono). Plus, it’s prime hiking season in places like Mount Fuji. But most cities are super crowded with local travellers so if you don’t mind chilling with a group, Japan could be doable for you in summers too.
Where To Go: Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, Aomori’s Nebuta Festival, Tokyo’s Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto, Japan. Credit: Canva
Autumn (September to November)This is when cherry blossom fever dies down and autumn leaves (koyo) steal the show. Japan’s forests, gardens and temple grounds glow in fiery shades of red, orange, and gold. Just like cherry blossom viewing, you can also partake in autumn foliage viewing at places like Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Where To Go: Arashiyama in Kyoto, Nikko National Park, Daisetsuzan in Hokkaido.
Jigokudani Monkey Park. Credit: Canva
Winter (December to February)While this is not peak season, winter in Japan is also a vibe, especially northern Japan, which turns into a real-life snow globe. Ski resorts like Niseko offer world-famous powder snow but are often very crowded. If you’re visiting in winter, make sure to bookmark Japan’s hot spring onsens. The highlight however is Yamanouchi’s Jigokudani Monkey Park, which is unique for its wild ‘snow’ monkeys that bathe in the park’s natural hot springs. Plus, winter is THE season for slurping bowls of hot ramen and soaking in steamy onsens.
Where To Go: Sapporo Snow Festival, Shirakawa-go village, Hakuba ski resorts.
Since April 2024, Japan offers e-visa facilities to Indians. You can apply for a single entry short term visa for tourism (up to 90 days).
AloJapan.com