When to visit Japan

Spring and cherry blossom

. From March to May, milder weather returns. Cherry blossom briefly transforms cities and countryside, with hanami, the appreciation of flowers, deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Parks, riverbanks and temples become places to pause and spend time together.
Temperatures are generally mild, around 12 to 18°C, making spring appealing for a first visit. It is the most sought-after season among Japanese and overseas travellers alike:

a magical time that rewards early planning. Where to see the blossom? Sakura begins in the south and gradually moves north. Tokyo, Kyoto, Kanazawa and the Mount Fuji area are particularly popular. For fewer crowds, rural and quieter regions can be just as beautiful.

Summer in Japan

. From June to September, summer can be intense. Heat and humidity build, especially in cities, with a rainy season in June and peak temperatures in July and August.
Yet it is a vibrant time of traditional festivals, spectacular fireworks and lively evenings. Mount Fuji’s climbing season falls in summer. With a suitable pace and cooler regions on your route, summer offers a vivid insight into Japanese life.

Where to go in summer? Favour cooler areas such as the Japanese Alps, mountain regions and parts of the countryside. Islands and coastal areas offer another appealing option, while climbing Mount Fuji is a seasonal highlight.

Autumn in Japan

. From September to November, autumn is one of the best times to visit. The air becomes drier, temperatures more comfortable and landscapes glow during kōyō, the red maple season.
Kyoto’s temples, mountains and Japanese gardens are particularly beautiful, sometimes enhanced by evening illuminations. Autumn combines comfortable conditions, striking scenery and cultural interest.

Where to go in autumn? Kyoto, Nara and the Japanese Alps are especially spectacular, with vivid maples around temples, gardens and valleys. Tohoku also offers magnificent, wilder landscapes with fewer visitors.

Winter in Japan

. From December to February, winter reveals a calmer, more understated country. Snow covers the north and mountain regions, while cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto tend to be cold, dry and often bright.
It is an appealing season for quieter sightseeing, onsen and a more intimate atmosphere, particularly for travellers drawn to tranquillity and culture.

Where to go in winter? Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka offer a calmer city experience. Snow lovers can head to the Japanese Alps or Hokkaido, while Okinawa offers milder weather and beaches, even in winter.