The sheer expanse of places to see in Japan is astounding. The country is home to a dizzying variety of landscapes—snow-covered peaks, beaches with emerald waters, bamboo woodlands, even sand dunes. Its urban centers are like forests of skyscrapers, impeccably connected by sprawling metro systems.
The best time to visit Japan will of course depend on what you want to do. If it’s your dream to see cherry blossoms, the window to visit is pretty small. If you’re all in on Tokyo‘s museums, a winter visit can be a good option. In general, the best time to visit Japan is mid-March through May. This is when the weather in most places is nicest—not too cold, but not yet hot and humid. Beyond the best time to visit Japan for nice weather, here’s when to go for skiing, fewer crowds, and raucous festivals.
Best time to visit Japan for fall foliage
- Best months: early October–early December
The autumnal counterpart to Japan’s cherry blossoms is the koyo, the phenomenon of colorful fall foliage, which is just as stunning. The leaves start changing in early October in far northern Hokkaido, while in Tokyo and Kyoto, fiery maples and golden gingko can retain their color until late November/early December. Partake in momijigari (the practice of enjoying autumn leaves) on a relaxing fall train ride or while soaking in an outdoor onsen (hot-spring bath).
Where to stay
For views of Lake Kawaguchi and Mt. Fuji, stay Fufu Kawaguchiko, an all-suite property that offers outdoor activities such as canoeing and hiking trips. All 32 rooms have onsen baths and walls of glass doors that lead to balconies with views of the surrounding forest and Fuji’s snow-capped peak.
Best time to visit Japan for cherry blossoms
- Best months: March–June
Crowds and higher prices aside, the floral explosion of cherry blossoms in Japan is worth the trip. From late March to mid-April, hillsides, parks, and city streets across the country overflow with the glowing pastel pink of sakuras. In Tokyo, the Nakameguro Sakura Matsuri Festival (held mid/late March to early April) brings with it some 800 trees that form a pink arch over the Meguro River. West of Tokyo and just under an hour’s train ride, Arakurayama Sengen Park blooms with 650 trees in the springtime—with an added bonus of Mount Fuji as a backdrop. Japan Tourism’s sakura forecast can help you time your visit to peak bloom.
Where to stay
The intimate, 39-room Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto, on the banks of Hozu River, gives front-row views of Arashiyama Hills’ kaleidoscopic colors in springtime as well as in autumn.
Best time to visit Japan for avoiding the crowds
- Best months: Mid-May–September, November–early March
Thirty-seven million people visited Japan in 2024, but it’s a big country and, outside of urban centers, there’s more space to spread out. The most affordable time to visit Japan is in off-season, late May to September and November through early March. This is when you can visit most major attractions with fewer crowds. Unless you’re in tropical Okinawa, winter is quite cold; you can warm up with an onsen soak in regions like Beppu, home to more than a thousand hot springs. Winter is also a great time to visit Tokyo’s dozens of fantastic museums, including the often-packed Yayoi Kusama Museum.
Where to stay
The 89-room ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa offers guests an outdoor onsen, set against massive layered stones that cascade down a mountainside.
Related: I’m a Tour Guide in Tokyo. These Are My Tips for Avoiding the Crowds in Japan.
Best time to visit Japan for skiing
- Best months: December–late March/early April
Japan’s northernmost prefecture Hokkaido entices snowboarders and skiers with 115 areas offering heli-boarding, backcountry skiing, and some beginner slopes. Popular ski resort town Niseko sees an average of 45 feet of snow per year and is less than two hours from Hokkaido’s capital Sapporo, host of the 1972 Winter Olympics. Advanced skiers who don’t mind a trek and want to ski without any crowds can head to the volcanic island of Rishiri, just off the northwestern tip of Hokkaido. For a ski station closer to Tokyo and less expensive than Niseko, try Nekoma Mountain in Fukushima province.
Where to stay
Ski-in, ski-out Hoshino Resorts Bandaisan Onsen Hotel, on Nekoma Mountain, is an exceptionally affordable and family-friendly resort. Between trips to the slopes, the 149-room hotel entices with a plethora of activities, including morning food markets and hands-on programs for making local Aizu handicrafts, plus a tiled onsen, spa, and pool.
Related: Winter Is Japan’s Most Underrated Travel Season—6 Reasons That Will Have You Booking Your Trip Immediately
Best time to visit Japan for festivals
Each month you’ll find at least one festival somewhere in Japan, especially in spring when highly anticipated cherry blossoms appear. A major celebration to note during the summer months is the Gion Matsuri in July, which began in 869 B.C.E. Today, more than 30 floats and nearly a million people take over the streets of Kyoto for a massive party, complete with yukata robe dress, street food, and lots of beer. The Sapporo Snow Festival occurs each February in Hokkaido’s capital city. Drawing over 2 million people annually, this winter wonderland includes family-friendly daytime activities like a snow-rafting slope and elaborate snow sculptures that light up at night.
Where to stay
Located in a secluded valley in Hokkaido two hours and 15 minutes by train from Sapporo, Shiguchi is a luxurious renovated farmhouse with five villas and an open-air onsen.
Best time to visit Japan for beach getaways
- Best months: July–August
The summer months in Japan are hot and humid in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, making a coastal getaway ideal then. When the urban hot spots become too hot, head south to the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of Okinawa, closer to Taipei than Tokyo. Beach season here runs from May through October. Naoshima, one of Japan’s art islands and a cultural destination in its own right, also has several nice places to cool off; try Gotanji Bathing Beach, which is on the island’s shuttle-bus route. For a refreshing escape closer to Tokyo, consider a train ride of less than two hours to Onjuku and Katase Higashihama Beach.
Where to stay
On the main island of Onna, 355-room Halekulani Okinawa faces a mile of sparkling turquoise waters and is steps away from Busena Marine Park, the only underwater observatory tower in Okinawa.
This article was originally published in 2023 and most recently updated on October 7, 2025, with current information.
