Don’t come to Japan during these months / Best & Worst Time to Visit Japan

Don’t come to Japan during these months / Best & Worst Time to Visit Japan

The Worst and Best Times for Foreign Tourists to Visit Japan Hi! I’m Akanemaru, born and raised in Japan. In this video, I’ll explain in detail the periods foreign tourists
should avoid and the best times to visit Japan. Japan has four distinct seasons cherry blossoms in spring, colorful leaves in autumn,
snowy landscapes in winter, and lively summer festivals. However, in reality, there are periods 
when heavy crowds, expensive accommodation, and limited transportation create a lot of stress for travelers. In this video, I’ll share why certain times should be avoided and which periods are better alternatives,
using concrete examples. By the end, you’ll discover useful tips to make your trip
to Japan much more comfortable and enjoyable. The First Period to Avoid – Late March Late March may seem attractive with spring break
and cherry blossoms, but in reality, it’s one of the most crowded times in Japan. The main reason is that Japan’s new school
and fiscal year begins in April. During this period, students travel during their spring vacation, and many workers move due to job transfers and relocations. As a result, trains, buses,
and flights become extremely crowded, making it hard to secure seats. In addition, with the high demand for moving services, trucks and delivery bookings become limited, 
and hotel prices rise significantly. For tourists, this period may still seem attractive
because cherry blossoms begin to bloom. However, since locals also enjoy cherry blossom viewing, famous spots like Ueno Park or Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto
become packed with people. For example, in Tokyo, the usual commuter rush combined with tourist movement makes stations overcrowded,
and even passing through the gates can take extra time. Airline tickets also become more expensive
due to spring break demand, and domestic flights from rural areas to Tokyo or Osaka
are often fully booked. Therefore, you should remember that late March
brings more stress from crowds and expenses than the enjoyment of cherry blossoms. If you must travel during this time, you’ll need strategies like visiting tourist spots
early in the morning or focusing on regional cities. But if possible, avoiding late March
and shifting your trip to mid-April or later will allow for a more comfortable
and cost-effective journey. The Second Period to Avoid – Early April Early April may look like a very attractive period
for foreign travelers visiting Japan. The reason is, of course, cherry blossoms. In Tokyo and Kyoto, cherry blossoms are in full bloom, creating spectacular scenery and offering 
that quintessential Japanese atmosphere. However, in reality,
this period is one of the worst times to visit Japan. The main reason is that it coincides with the beginning
of Japan’s new school and business year. During this time, new employees
and students all start commuting, making public transportation even more crowded than usual. What makes things worse is the massive increase in people
buying commuter passes. At ticket counters, especially JR’s “Midori no Madoguchi,” long lines form, and foreign travelers often wait for
over half an hour just to buy Shinkansen tickets. Stations are also packed with new commuters and students, making it extremely difficult to move around with luggage. In addition, since it’s cherry blossom season, locals also gather in huge numbers at parks and famous spots. Places like Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi, and the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto are packed
even on weekdays, making it difficult to simply take photos. Hotel rates also rise sharply during this period,
and popular hotels sell out quickly. As a result, even if visitors come for the cherry blossoms,
they often end up struggling with crowds and high costs. That said, if you really want to enjoy cherry blossoms
during this time, there are alternatives. For example, in the Tohoku region,
cherry blossoms bloom in mid-April or later, so shifting your trip there lets you enjoy full bloom
without the intense crowds. Visiting spots early in the morning or at night
can also help you avoid crowds and enjoy the blossoms in peace. Nevertheless, if you want a smoother experience, it’s better to avoid early April
and plan your trip for mid-April or later. The Third Period to Avoid
Late April to Early May (Golden Week) Golden Week is Japan’s most famous
and also most crowded holiday period. This holiday spans from the last week of April to early May, when multiple national holidays align
and most Japanese people take vacations at the same time. As a result, tourist spots, transportation,
and accommodations across Japan all become crowded, making this one of the worst times for travelers. The Shinkansen becomes especially congested, with reserved seats often selling out immediately
after booking opens. In the past,
you could still board by standing in unreserved cars, but in recent years many lines 
have abolished unreserved seating, meaning if you don’t have a ticket, you simply can’t get on. Flights and highway buses are also heavily booked, with prices sometimes doubling
or tripling compared to normal. Hotels face the same issue,
with popular destinations fully booked months in advance, and even business hotels
or guesthouses charging much higher rates. Crowds at tourist sites are overwhelming. Places like Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto or Senso-ji in Tokyo are so packed
that walking becomes difficult and you may have to wait just to take a photo. On top of that, roads suffer from traffic jams. Highways can see traffic jams
stretching for dozens of kilometers, adding hours of delay to reach your destination. Thus, during Golden Week, when the entire country
is on the move, tourists face stress in transportation, lodging, and even dining. If you must travel during this period,
you’ll need strategies like booking six months in advance, focusing on regional cities,
and traveling early in the morning or late at night. But if possible, it’s far better to avoid this period
and visit in mid-May or later, when conditions are much more comfortable and affordable. The Fourth Period to Avoid
June to July (Rainy Season and Summer Heat) From June to July, Japan is far from an ideal time for tourists. First, June marks the rainy season,
when long and frequent rains cover much of Japan. Unlike the short showers in Southeast Asia, Japanese rain often continues steadily throughout
the entire day. You’ll constantly need an umbrella,
and wet clothes and shoes make sightseeing uncomfortable. On top of that, the high humidity makes it feel hotter
than the actual temperature. Once July begins, the rainy season ends,
and the full force of summer heat arrives. Summer in Japan not only exceeds 30°C (86°F)
but also combines with high humidity, pushing the heat index even higher. Just a short walk outside causes heavy sweating
and increases the risk of heatstroke. In cities like Tokyo and Osaka, heat radiating from buildings
and asphalt makes sightseeing exhausting and unpleasant. During this season, heavy rains
and even typhoons can disrupt transportation. Shinkansen and flights may be delayed or canceled, 
forcing major changes to your travel plans. This mix of unstable weather
and extreme heat makes sightseeing far less enjoyable. Many travelers have said,
“I had to use my umbrella the whole trip in June and July,” or “It was too hot to even walk outside.” If you must travel during this time,
limit your sightseeing to mornings or evenings and spend midday indoors. Hokkaido is a good alternative, as it has little
to no rainy season and remains relatively cool compared to the rest of Japan. Still, overall, June to July is one of the least favorable times
to visit Japan, and traveler satisfaction tends to be lower
compared to other seasons. The Fifth Period to Avoid
August (Summer Vacation and Obon) August in Japan is one of the toughest times
of the year for travelers. The biggest reasons are the combination of extreme heat
and heavy crowds. First, daily temperatures often exceed 30°C, and in cities, 
it is not uncommon to reach over 35°C (95°F). With high humidity, the heat feels even worse,
and just walking outside makes you drenched in sweat. Many people are hospitalized with heatstroke, 
making it a serious risk for travelers as well. In addition, Japanese schools have their summer holidays,
and many families travel during this time. Tourist spots, theme parks, and beaches all become crowded,
with several times more visitors than usual. The biggest issue within August is “Obon.” Obon is a traditional Buddhist event in mid-August
when many Japanese return to their hometowns. During this period, Shinkansen trains, flights,
and highways are jam-packed, with reserved seats selling out right after booking opens. In fact, many travelers report that “I couldn’t get a reserved Shinkansen seat from Tokyo
to Osaka even a week in advance.” Highways often see traffic jams stretching
for tens of kilometers, turning a 3-hour drive into 6 hours or more. Hotel prices also skyrocket,
sometimes doubling or tripling in popular areas. Tourist spots are so packed
that even taking a simple photo becomes a struggle, leaving visitors more exhausted than satisfied. If you must travel in August, consider cooler destinations
like Hokkaido or mountain resorts. You can also avoid some heat and crowds by visiting spots early in the morning or in the evening,
and spending midday indoors. Still, if comfort is your priority, August is definitely a period
you should avoid whenever possible. The Sixth Period to Avoid
Late September (Silver Week) Late September is a period that requires special caution
when planning a trip to Japan. The reason is that every few years,
Japan experiences a long holiday known as “Silver Week.” It occurs when several public holidays align with weekends,
creating around five consecutive days off, and many people take vacations during this time. For example, 2026 is particularly notable, 
with holidays from September 19th to 23rd, and some people will extend this into a nine-day vacation
from the 19th to the 27th by taking extra leave. During this time, reservations for flights, Shinkansen trains, and highway buses sell out almost immediately
after booking opens. Hotels face the same situation, with demand skyrocketing
and prices doubling compared to normal seasons. Tourist spots become as crowded as they are
during Golden Week. Historical sites like Kyoto and Nara,
or tourist spots in Tokyo such as Asakusa and Odaiba, are packed with people, making it difficult even to take photos. Highway traffic jams are also severe, with trips that usually take two hours stretching
into six hours or more. Since many families travel during this period, 
theme parks and amusement facilities are overcrowded, with popular attractions requiring several hours of waiting. For travelers, the combination of transport inconvenience,
higher hotel costs, and overwhelming crowds often results in a less satisfying trip. If you must travel during this time,
it is better to focus on regional cities or less crowded areas. Still, the wisest choice is to avoid Silver Week
in late September if at all possible. The Seventh Period to Avoid
Late December to Early January (New Year Holidays) Late December to early January
is the most important holiday season of the year in Japan. This period overlaps with Christmas festivities,
and cities are decorated with dazzling illuminations. At first glance, it may seem like a great time to travel,
but in reality, it is one of the worst periods for tourists. One reason is that New Year’s is traditionally a time
for Japanese families to gather. Millions of people return to their hometowns,
causing Shinkansen trains, flights, and highways to become overcrowded. Reserved Shinkansen seats often sell out immediately, and unreserved cars are packed with standing passengers. At airports, returning travelers and tourists overlap,
resulting in long waits at security and check-in counters. Another major issue is the sharp increase in hotel rates. In popular areas like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka,
prices can more than double, with rooms sold out months in advance due to family trips
and group bookings. Tourist spots are also crowded with New Year shrine visits. At places like Senso-ji, Meiji Shrine, and Fushimi Inari Taisha, hundreds of thousands of visitors arrive from New Year’s Eve
to New Year’s Day, making movement extremely difficult. In addition, many small shops
and restaurants close during this time. Even in regional towns, visitors may struggle to find
open restaurants or shops. On the other hand, large department stores
and chain restaurants remain open, but often with shorter hours. The cold weather also affects sightseeing. In northern Japan and mountainous regions, 
heavy snow can disrupt transportation. Therefore, visiting Japan during New Year 
often means facing a triple burden of crowds, high costs, and shop closures. If you must travel at this time, it is best to secure
accommodations early in major cities and focus more on experiencing
Japanese New Year traditions than sightseeing. From here, we’ll cover the recommended times to visit, so pay close attention
and make the most of this information for your trip. The First Best Time to Visit: Mid-April Mid-April is one of the most
highly recommended times to visit Japan. One reason is that the hectic rush of late March
and early April settles down, and both transportation and city life return to a calmer state. By this time, the rush of new workers
and students buying commuter passes has passed, making ticket counters less crowded
and Shinkansen tickets easier to purchase. For travelers,
the ability to move around without stress is a major advantage. This is also an excellent time for those who want to enjoy
cherry blossoms. While cherry blossoms in Tokyo and Kyoto may be falling,
Tohoku and Hokkaido are just entering their full bloom season. For example, Hirosaki Park in Aomori reaches its peak
from mid to late April, offering breathtaking views of cherry blossoms
around the castle. Sendai’s Nishi Park and Fukushima’s Hanamiyama Park
are also excellent spots to visit during this time. Compared to major cities, these areas are less crowded,
allowing for a more relaxed cherry blossom experience. The climate is comfortable, with daytime temperatures
between 15°C and 20°C, making it perfect for sightseeing and walking. A light jacket or long sleeves are sufficient,
which also makes packing lighter and traveling easier. Another advantage is that this period comes right
before Golden Week. Hotel prices have not surged yet, and even popular accommodations
are still relatively easy to book. Crowds at tourist sites are moderate,
giving travelers more space for photos and relaxed exploration. Mid-April truly offers the ideal balance of cherry blossoms,
pleasant weather, and manageable crowds,
making it one of the best seasons to travel in Japan. The Second Best Time to Visit: Mid to Late May Mid to late May is a highly recommended time for travelers
visiting Japan. The main reason is that Golden Week has ended, and the massive domestic travel rush has settled down. After the holidays, Japanese people return
to their normal routines, and the crowds at tourist sites
and on transportation ease dramatically. As a result, even at popular spots, there are fewer crowds,
allowing visitors to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. The weather during this period is also very pleasant. In Tokyo and Osaka, daytime temperatures are around 20°C, with low humidity,
making it perfect for sightseeing and walking. Since it is before the rainy season in June,
there are many sunny days, making it an excellent time for photography under clear skies. There are also advantages in terms of accommodation costs. After Golden Week, demand decreases, 
so hotel and inn prices stabilize, and reservations are easier to secure. For example, ryokan in Kyoto or business hotels in Tokyo drop from nearly double their holiday rates
back to normal prices. For travelers, this is an ideal time to stay comfortably
while keeping costs low. In addition, it is also a season of beautiful natural scenery. May is the season of fresh greenery,
with mountains and parks covered in vibrant green, offering a different charm from cherry blossoms. In rural areas, it is also rice-planting season,
creating picturesque countryside landscapes and a great opportunity for photography enthusiasts. Mid to late May offers the perfect combination 
of fewer crowds, comfortable weather, and reasonable travel costs,
making it one of the best seasons to visit Japan. The Third Best Time to Visit: October to November October to November is one of the most popular 
and beautiful seasons for traveling in Japan. The biggest attraction during this time is the autumn foliage. Mountains, gardens, and parks across Japan 
are painted in shades of red and yellow, creating scenery that looks like a painting. Famous spots like Arashiyama and Eikando in Kyoto,
Mount Yoshino in Nara, and Irohazaka in Nikko are globally renowned for
their autumn colors. The climate during this season is also very pleasant. Daytime temperatures are around 20°C with low humidity,
making it ideal for walking and sightseeing. There is none of the muggy heat of summer
and none of the harsh cold of winter, so most travelers find it very comfortable. In addition, many cultural events
and festivals take place across the country during this time. For example, Kyoto hosts illumination events where temples and gardens are beautifully lit up at night. In Tokyo, events like the Kanda Festival and Asakusa’s traditional ceremonies
allow visitors to experience the autumn spirit. However, because of its popularity, places like Kyoto and Nikko become extremely crowded
during the foliage season. Hotel prices rise,
and reservations often sell out months in advance. Therefore, early booking is essential
when planning a trip during this period. On the other hand, by choosing less famous regional spots, you can still enjoy autumn colors without the crowds. For example, Lake Towada and the Zao mountain
range in Tohoku offer spectacular autumn scenery in vast natural settings. October to November combines beautiful autumn colors, pleasant weather, and cultural events,
making it truly one of the best seasons to visit Japan. The Fourth Best Time to Visit: Early December Early December is a surprisingly good hidden season
for travelers visiting Japan. At this time, winter has just begun,
but the severe cold has not yet arrived. In cities like Tokyo and Osaka, daytime temperatures
are around 10°C, and with a warm coat, it feels comfortable enough to walk around. In northern Japan, such as Hokkaido and Tohoku,
snow begins to fall, but it is still before the heavy ski season crowds arrive. This allows those who want to enjoy snowy scenery to do
so in a calm and peaceful environment. Another major advantage is that hotel prices
remain relatively stable. As New Year approaches, hotel rates increase sharply, but in early December, prices are still normal,
even at popular hotels. Tourist spots are also less crowded,
allowing for a more relaxed experience. In Kyoto, some autumn leaves can still be enjoyed, and combined with nighttime illumination events,
it creates a magical atmosphere. In Tokyo and Osaka, illumination events begin, 
filling the cities with dazzling lights. Visiting at this time also lets you experience
the special pre-Christmas atmosphere while sightseeing. It is also an excellent time for travelers who enjoy shopping. Winter sales and Christmas promotions begin, and department stores and malls in major cities 
are filled with a wide variety of items. Yet, unlike the New Year rush,
it is still calm enough to shop without overwhelming crowds. Early December combines mild cold, 
stable hotel prices, and fewer crowds, making it a highly cost-effective
and comfortable season to visit Japan. The Fifth Best Time to Visit: February to Early March February to early March is a surprisingly 
overlooked yet excellent time to visit Japan. This period is the coldest time of the year in Japan. Even in cities like Tokyo and Osaka,
temperatures drop close to 0°C, while in Hokkaido and Tohoku, snow piles up deeply. For visitors from warm countries,
the cold can feel quite harsh. On the other hand, for those coming from colder countries
like Canada or Northern Europe, the climate may actually feel just right. One of the main attractions of this season 
is that there are fewer Japanese tourists. Since it falls outside of busy periods like New Year’s or spring break, tourist sites are calmer and far less crowded. As a result, hotel and ryokan rates drop significantly. In particular, hot spring inns often offer very reasonable rates, giving travelers the chance to stay at ryokan
that are usually too expensive. Another highlight is the unique winter experiences
available during this time. For example, you can enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival
in Hokkaido or watch monkeys bathing in hot springs 
at Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano. In addition, the crisp winter air makes Mount Fuji visible
on many days, offering spectacular views. With fewer tourists, you can quietly stroll
through famous temples, shrines, and UNESCO sites, and take photos without crowds. Of course, proper cold-weather gear is necessary, but in exchange, you gain the opportunity to enjoy Japan
peacefully and at lower costs. February to early March truly combines cold, affordability,
and tranquility, making it a hidden gem season for visiting Japan. Simply choosing the right time to visit Japan
can make a huge difference in both crowds and costs. By avoiding peak seasons and traveling during off-peak times, you can enjoy Japan more comfortably and economically. Be sure to use these recommended times
as a guide to plan your best trip to Japan.

Japan Travel Tips – In this video, we’ll show you the worst months to visit Japan and when you should avoid traveling here.
We’ll also share the best time to visit Japan so you can enjoy the seasons at their finest.
Perfect for anyone looking for Japan travel tips and advice before booking your trip!

【 Check out more videos here 】
◆Japan Has Changed / 10 Tourist Traps in Japan / Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan

◆Things to do in Tokyo Japan – Ultimate Travel Guide

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Would love to have your support!!
【Patreon】https://www.patreon.com/samurai_junjiro

【YouTube Membership】https://www.youtube.com/c/SAMURAIJUNJIROChannel/join

Follow me! /
Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/samurai_junjiro

X：https://twitter.com/samurai_junjiro

★ For more info about Samurai Junjiro Channel
The ultimate channel for traveling in Japan!
Junjiro and Akanemaru, both Japanese locals, share helpful information for travelers visiting Japan.
– Popular tourist spots and things to do in Japan
– Recommended foods to try
– Things to know before traveling to Japan, etc
We are introducing these topics in detail, making them easy to understand and enjoyable 🙂

#japantravel #japan #tokyo