In short: the two best times to visit Japan are spring (late March to mid-May) and autumn (mid-October to early December), with mild temperatures and the country's two great natural shows — cherry blossom, then red maples. Winter is an excellent alternative, quieter and often sunny. It's best to avoid the rainy season (early June to mid-July) and the humid heat of August, which coincides with the peak of typhoon season.
Japan at a glance, season by season
| When | What to expect | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Late March – April | Cherry blossom (sakura) in Tokyo and Kyoto, 12–20 °C | The busiest season: book early |
| May | Green landscapes, clear skies, ideal for hiking | Avoid Golden Week (29 April – 5 May), which is very busy |
| June – mid-July | Rainy season (tsuyu), hydrangea gardens | Frequent rain, but few visitors |
| Mid-July – September | Hot, humid summer, often above 30 °C, summer festivals | Typhoon season, especially August and September |
| Mid-October – early December | Autumn leaves (momiji), peaking in Kyoto in the second half of November | The second-best time of year |
| December – February | Cold and dry, often blue skies, snow in the Alps and Hokkaido | Fewer crowds, hot springs (onsen) at their best |
Spring: cherry blossom season
Cherry blossom begins in the south of the country from late March and gradually moves north. In Tokyo and Kyoto, the peak usually falls between late March and the first week of April, and lasts only about ten days. It is the most sought-after time of year: hotels and trains fill up months in advance. May is a valuable compromise, with pleasant temperatures and clear trails, as long as you avoid Golden Week, the run of national holidays from 29 April to 5 May.
Summer: rain, heat and typhoons
The rainy season covers most of the archipelago from early June to mid-July. It doesn't rule out travel — Kyoto's temples and gardens are beautiful in the rain and far less crowded — but it calls for flexibility. From mid-July to September, city heat is often stifling, and typhoon season peaks in August and September. It is, however, the right season for walking at altitude, where the cooler air makes trails in the Japanese Alps far more comfortable.
Autumn: the other great season
From mid-October, the maples turn in the mountains, then the colour moves down towards the cities. In Kyoto, the leaves usually peak in the second half of November, and the dry, mild air makes long sightseeing days a pleasure. It's also one of the best times to walk the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails, which we include in our Naoshima and Kumano Kodo journey.
Winter: Japan at its most peaceful
From December to February, the weather is cold but often sunny on the Pacific coast, and the major sights are calm again. It's the ideal time for open-air hot baths and for snowy mountain villages, such as the thatched farmhouses of Shirakawa-go, lit up on selected evenings in January and February — a stop on our Japanese Alps journey. Only the New Year period, from 29 December to 3 January, sees many businesses close.
Our advice for a first trip
For a first visit, aim for April, May, October or November, and allow at least two weeks to link Tokyo, the Alps and Kyoto without rushing. Our Kyoto to Tokyo itinerary follows exactly that pace, and every stage can be adapted to your dates. See all our trips to Japan, or tell us about your plans to receive a tailor-made proposal within 24 hours.