Best time to visit Japan

Winter beckons skiers and snowboarders to the mountainous regions, which transform into hiker's paradises during summer. The southern islands boast inviting beaches, drawing sunseekers during the warm summer months.

In spring and autumn, pleasant temperatures harmonize with natural beauty, with cherry blossom season (sakura) and autumn leaf viewing (koyo) making these seasons exceptionally popular.

Japan is generally grouped into four regions – the main island, Honshu, the northern island, Hokkaido, the southern island, Kyushu, and the far southern islands including Okinawa. Due to the placement of Japan along a tectonic plate, these four regions offer a wide range of climates at different times of year.

As the largest island, Honshu displays diverse weather conditions. Northern Honshu and the Japanese Alps endure chilly winters and heavy snowfall, while the south and west enjoy milder winters but experience hot, humid summers, particularly in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Despite the heat, June is the wettest month with tropical showers until early July. Spring and autumn are both delightful times to visit, offering the most pleasant weather, and beautiful scenery with cherry blossoms in bloom from March to April (it varies year to year so make sure to check) and autumn colours descending from the mountains from late September through to early November.

In the north, Hokkaido experiences cooler temperatures, with a general range of -10°C to 25°C across the various seasons. Hokkaido is famous for its winter sports due to the impressive snowfall in the region during winter. Spring brings sunny days and cherry blossoms in May and the summer comes shortly after Summer is pleasant with warm and sunny weather, avoiding the typhoons that affect the south. Autumn welcomes crisp and dry days, with Hokkaido experiencing the famous autumn colors in mid-September.

Linked to Honshu in the southern region, Kyushu boasts climatic conditions akin to southern Honshu, encompassing temperatures from 5°C in winter to slightly above 30°C during summer. The arrival of cherry blossoms in April heralds the onset of spring. Spring and summer offer delightful weather with agreeable temperatures and sunlit days. June might witness tropical downpours, and there's a possibility of typhoons later in summer and early autumn. Once the typhoon season subsides, autumn graces the area with clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

The southernmost regions, including Okinawa, experience a subtropical climate where temperatures seldom dip below 20°C. Winters bring gentle temperatures, yet the ocean remains refreshingly cool. Spring is renowned for its eagerly awaited cherry blossoms, while May and June provide excellent diving conditions despite sporadic tropical rainfall. As summer arrives, it ushers in high temperatures and sun-drenched days, creating an ideal setting for beach enthusiasts. However, it also marks the peak of the typhoon season, which spans August and September. Autumn brings the conclusion of the typhoon season, delivering warm and arid days.

Each month and each area in Japan offers unique experiences, from cherry blossom viewing to winter wonderlands and vibrant festivals. Your ideal time to visit depends on your preferences, whether it's enjoying the sakura bloom, savoring autumn foliage, or experiencing cultural festivals.