Japan is a super exciting place to visit all year round because each season offers something different and fun. In spring (from March to April), you can see lots of pink cherry blossoms everywhere, making it look like a dreamy place. During summer (from June to August), Japan is full of lively festivals with colorful decorations and interesting events happening on the streets. If you like the cool breeze and warm colors, the autumn season (from September to November) is also awesome. The streets and mountain sides will turn into a beautiful mix of golden-brown colors.

Then, in winter (from December to February) everything gets covered in calm and soothing white snow, making it feel magical. So, when you plan your trip to Japan, think about what kind of adventure you'd like to have, the blooming spring, the lively summer festivals, the cozy autumn, or the peaceful winter wonderland. However, if you're unsure about when to plan your visit, our guide below can assist you in choosing the best time to visit Japan. The great thing is there's no bad time to go to Japan since each season brings lots of entertaining activities. Now, discover the perfect time for your visit by exploring our guide that matches your needs and desires.

In Japan, there are four different seasons, just like in many other countries with similar weather. People in Japan really like the special things that each season brings, and this love for seasons has been there for a very long time. Back in the Heian Period, rich people had picnics under cherry blossom trees, and now everyone does it in spring and it is called Hanami. Each season has its own good things, and there are many fun ways to enjoy them all year round. Let's talk about all four seasons in Japan and the best ways to enjoy them!

Spring in Japan is the most famous season that people are waiting for when they visit Japan. After the cold winter, days become longer, and it gets a bit warmer. Nature started with plum blossoms in mid-February, followed by cherry blossoms that spread from late February to late April. People celebrate with Hanami picnics in parks, enjoying delicious treats under a cherry blossom tree. You can join hanami parties in parks all over Japan. In cities like Tokyo, you can join Hanami in Yoyogi Park, Ueno Park, and Inokashira Park. Or you can join bigger cherry blossom events like the Meguro River Sakura Festival and the Ueno Sakura Festival. In cooler northern areas, there are festivals like the one in Hirosaki Castle Park.

Spring in Japan also brings national holidays with many festivals and activities. Look for the doll displays of Hina Matsuri in early March, flying koi banners of Kodomo-no-hi throughout April and early May, the Takayama Festival in mid-April, and the geisha dances of Miyako Odori in Kyoto in April. May is also a great time to visit the beautiful Ashikaga Flower Park and see blooming wisteria.

In Japan, the first week of May is called Golden Week. It includes four national holidays: Shōwa Day, Constitution Day, Greenery Day, and Children's Day. People use this time to enjoy the nice spring weather and take a break from work and school. During Golden Week, you might get free entry to museums, parks, and cool places. Plus, there are special traditional celebrations, like flying carp kites called koinobori on Children's Day.

In Japan, June is the start of the rainy season, called minazuki or "the month of water." Even though there won't be constant heavy rain in cities like Tokyo or Kyoto, it's a good idea to have indoor plans. You can explore museums, enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, or simply relax in a bar with a glass of whiskey or sake to stay cozy.

However, when it comes to July, the summer brings high temperatures, often reaching 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) or even more. It's mostly warm, humid, and sunny, with occasional rain. To cope with the heat, people in Japan have various traditions. They head to the beach, climb Mt. Fuji, go hiking in cooler places, and enjoy camping. In the countryside, you might even spot magical fireflies!

Summer is also marked by lively festivals, featuring fantastic firework displays. It's a perfect time to savor festival foods like yakisoba and Dango, watch traditional performances, and wear yukata with family and friends. Hokkaido is also an excellent place to visit during summer, with more comfortable temperatures and breathtaking flower fields in Hirano and Biei (Farm Tomita).

Another festival is Natsu Matsuri, or summer festivals. You can also attend the famous dance festival Awa Odori Festival in Tokushima or the Hanagasa Festival in Yamagata, where groups of dancers in colorful traditional outfits parade through the streets. If you're there in the middle of August, you might see locals celebrating Obon, a Buddhist event honoring ancestors with food, dance, and floating lanterns.

From mid-September, the weather in Japan becomes cooler and quite comfortable, with occasional typhoons. This makes it an ideal period for physical activities and cultural exploration. You can explore Japan by hiking, biking, and kayaking, engaging your mind in Tokyo, training your body on the Shimanami Kaido cycling route, and satisfying your appetite with delicious ramen in Onomichi.

Moreover, what makes autumn more special in Japan is the stunning change in tree colors from mid-October to early December. Places that are beautiful all year become even more breathtaking as trees turn deep red, orange, and bright yellow. Famous spots like the Silver Pavilion, Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto, and Mt. Takao near Tokyo look extra photogenic in the fall, along with Japanese landscape gardens. Many people enjoy day trips to Nikko, Hakone, and Nara during this season.

Although light-up events are more common in winter, some start as early as November. Certain Japanese gardens like Rikugien and Otaguro Park in Tokyo have exclusive fall foliage light-ups. Just like in other temperate climates, autumn is the time for harvesting fruits and vegetables. it's the best moment to go on a food tour. If you travel from Tokyo to Osaka, you might see farmers picking rice, persimmons, chestnuts, and Japanese pears. Some farms even let you join in and pick your own fruits and veggies! In the Takayama region, famous for sake breweries and delicious Hida-gyu beef, there's a big celebration called the Takayama Autumn Festival. People from all around gather to enjoy dances, marionettes, and a parade with fancy floats, celebrating the successful harvest.

Winter in Japan begins with a 1 or 2 weeks holiday around the New Year. Most parts of Japan get cold during winter, except for Okinawa, which stays relatively mild. While places like Tokyo and Kyoto may not get much snow, other areas have plenty, making Japan a fantastic destination for winter sports from late December to April. Hokkaido and Nagano are famous for their high-quality snow resorts, catering to both beginners and experts. You can even take the Shinkansen to Gala Yuzawa for a day of skiing from Tokyo.

Winter in Japan offers more than just skiing. Some attractions are exclusive to winter, like the snow monkeys in Nagano and the enchanting Kamakura Snow Hut Festivals. Picturesque places like Shirakawago look even more magical covered in snow. And don't forget to relax in an onsen hot spring bath to warm your body.

In Japan, there are four different seasons, and each one brings its own kind of fun activities. So, before you plan your trip, think about what you want to do, and then pick the right season. If you like outdoor adventures like hiking, it's best to go in the cooler spring or autumn. For beach lovers, late June and August are great because it's warm and perfect for the beach. And if you dream of a ski holiday, the best time to go is in January, February, or March when there's snow in the mountains. By choosing the right time based on what you enjoy, you can make your trip to Japan even more exciting!

For you who are looking for a less crowded experience while exploring the beauty of Japan, consider planning your visit during the months of August to December, with September being the quietest. During this time, international tourist numbers are at their lowest, because the summer holiday comes to an end.

January and February also present a favorable opportunity to beat the crowds, particularly from European and North American travelers. However, it's essential to note that additional tourists from Asia and Oceania may visit during these months due to the Chinese New Year and summer holidays.

To avoid the hustle and bustle caused by domestic tourists, it's advisable to avoid three peak periods: March, marked by busy travel due to pleasant weather and cherry blossoms; late April/early May during Golden Week; and mid-August, the most popular time for Japanese travelers celebrating the Obon holiday period.

Traveling to Japan becomes more affordable starting in September because there are fewer tourists and flight prices may drop. Depending on when you plan to go, you might find flights for less than RM4000! In winter, which is not the ski season, it's usually cheaper to stay in hotels. Many hotels have special deals during this quieter time, especially on weekdays. But remember, hotel prices might go up during public holidays, so it's a good idea to check the calendar to avoid any surprise costs.

Japan has national holidays, and during the busy time around May's Golden Week, popular places, attractions, and big cities can get really crowded. If you're thinking of traveling during these holidays, it's advisable to book your hotel, train, and activities previously to avoid any problems. You might also want to make reservations at popular restaurants to make sure you get a table.After reading through our guide on the best time to visit Japan, you shouldn’t wait to experience the enchanting beauty of Japan throughout all four seasons! Plan your trip now to enjoy the delicate cherry blossoms in spring, the various festivals of summer, the breathtaking autumn foliage, or the serene snowy landscapes in winter, Japan promises an amazing adventure every season. Now is the perfect time to turn your dreams into reality. Book your flights, activities, and accommodations seamlessly with Traveloka, your trusted travel companion. Discover the ease of planning your 4-season holiday with Traveloka's user-friendly platform. Your extraordinary Japanese journey awaits, book now!