As a truly year-round destination, the best time to visit Japan depends on what you want to do there.
The most popular times to go are spring (end of March to mid-April), when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, or autumn (November to early December), when the autumn leaves put on another spectacular colour show. But since these times attract the most tourists, you might consider going at another time so if you prefer to avoid the crowds.
So, when's best time for you? That depends heavily on the sort of weather you prefer. Japan has four distinct seasons, with January being the coldest month and August the hottest. In winter snow is common, while summers are hot and humid with tropical storms.
Since Japan is a relatively long, skinny country, weather also varies from place to place – from the frigid northern island of Hokkaido, to the subtropical islands of Okinawa in the southwest. Generally speaking, the south and west tend to be slightly warmer, while the north and east are cooler. Of course, the higher you go into the mountains, the colder it gets.
Read on to discover what you can expect from Japan's seasons, and all the highlights worth travelling for throughout the year.
Summer in Japan
Enduring from June to mid-September (depending where you are), Japanese summers are sweltering and damp, with temperatures running around 70 to 90°F. Saying that, most places in Japan are cooled, so the warmth is reasonable. It's likewise a lot cooler in the mountains, where summer is prime season for open air exercises like climbing.
Toward the start of summer comes Japan's stormy season – known as 'tsuyu', the plum downpour – what begins in right on time to mid-June and keeps going around a month. Contrasted with quite a bit of Asia, Japan's blustery season is moderately gentle – you probably won't get downpour consistently, and when it descends it's not typically heavy.
Summer might be one of the calmer occasions for vacationers, which means you're bound to have the magnificence spots to yourself, yet it's quite vivacious on the way of life front, with a lot of celebrations (or 'matsuri') filling the schedule. Look at additional on this underneath.
Simply attempt to try not to go around mid-August: school's out and numerous local people travel over the Obon occasion (thirteenth fifteenth August).
Autumn in Japan
Harvest time in Japan begins in mid-September (despite the fact that it can in any case be very hot in certain spots) and proceeds until early December. Climate astute, it's a ravishing chance to go, with temperatures going from around 50 to 70°F and by and large clear skies.
Pre-winter in Japan is most popular for its dazzling tones, as the leaves turn all shades of red and orange (known as 'koyo'). Discover when to get this common exhibition beneath.
Because of the delightful scenes and more charming climate, Autumn in Japan is an active time for sightseers. November specifically is a rush hour – an interesting point in case you're not a fanatic of groups.
Winter in Japan
Beginning in December and going on until mid-March, Winter in Japan is cold and very dry, with temperatures going from around 30 to 45°F. On the off chance that you wouldn't fret layering up, winter can be an extraordinary opportunity to investigate the country without the groups.
Winter in the bumpy and northern pieces of Japan is somewhat more and carries with it a lot of snow – in case you're a sharp skier or snowboarder, you'll no uncertainty have known about Japan's incredible powder. Look at when and where to hit the inclines beneath.
Then, in southern and western Japan winter can a lot milder – and in subtropical spots like Okinawa it's practically non-existent.
In case you're thinking about visiting around New Year, be cautioned that since this is an all-encompassing occasion period – both in Japan and across the world – it very well may be very occupied. Added to that, numerous spots are shut from the finish of December until a couple of days into January – despite the fact that you can in any case visit most sanctuaries and places of worship, just as appreciating nature, obviously.
Spring in Japan
Enduring from March until May and with temperatures going from around 40 to 65°F, Japanese springtime is fairly unusual – so pack for all projections! Saying that, skies are typically bright and precipitation is low (despite the fact that it tends to be cool around evening time).
Renowned worldwide for 'hanami' (cherry-bloom seeing), spring in Japan could well be quite possibly the most sentimental sights you'll at any point see – look at the best an ideal opportunity to see cherry bloom underneath. Because of its prominence, however, it's additionally the busiest time for vacationers.
Homegrown travel is at its top during Golden Week, a run of four public occasions inside seven days from late-April through to early May. Try not to go as of now assuming there is any chance of this happening. (Try not to stress, you will not be passing up a lot.)
From mid-May to end of June, there are less vacationers around and the climate is incredible, with next to no rain. Temperatures begin to rise and blossoms other than the cherry bloom begin to sprout – a sight that is definitely justified even despite the visit.