There are incredible attractions whatever season you choose to visit Japan, but most of us can’t be in Japan every season. If you are able to visit once in a year’s time, that’s likely more realistic. Japan’s various seasons offer unique experiences that you want to consider before planning your trip.
First, what about travel costs?
People living in Japan are notorious for not taking vacation time, but there are 3 times of the year when everyone can travel:
- Golden Week – a string of holidays that start at the end of April and continue into the first week of May.
- Obon – 3 days in the middle of August when people return to their hometowns or travel elsewhere
- New Year’s – travel is busier from Dec. 28 to Jan. 3
It is at these 3 times of the year that domestic airfare in Japan is more expensive and you will have to deal with crowds. It will likely be more difficult to find hotel availability and relevant reservations.
Regarding international flights from the US west coast to Japan, the cheapest months are generally February and September/October (and sometimes into November). Some round-trips flights during these months can be found for less than $700.
Conversely, the most expensive international flights tend to be in April/May, summer months, and December. It isn’t unusual to see roundtrip airfares pushing $3000 for economy flights at these times.
What can you do each season in Japan?
Cherry Blossom Viewing
Spring is the best time to see the cherry trees in fully bloom. Depending on where in Japan you visit, there is a window of about a week between mid-March to early May for enjoying this beauty, so time your visit carefully. The weather is usually pleasant with comfortable temperatures.
Most people visit Tokyo or Kyoto to view cherry blossoms, but be mindful that this is where the crowds will be enjoying picnics under the cherry trees (with some people drinking way too much).
If you want to avoid the crowds of Tokyo and Kyoto, there are many other beautiful groves of cherry trees around Japan. Castles in Japan usually landscape with cherry trees and make for great places to enjoy the cherry blossom season.
Summer Vibes
If you aren’t averse to the heat and humidity, summer is a great season to visit Japan. Personally, I found it excruciating this summer as 2024 was the hottest summer on record, according to the weather reports.
Traveling in early summer means you might experience the rainy season, but it can be hit or miss. Airfare is a little more reasonable in early summer due to the rainy season, but rather expensive for most of the summer.
Unfortunately, summer is when most people can take vacation time, which means you can expect big crowds at Tokyo Disney and most other popular attractions. If you must travel in summer, I would recommend visiting Hokkaido in the north or mountain areas where it tends to be cooler and more bearable.
Even so, summer offers some great opportunities to attend traditional festivals and enjoy fireworks.
Koyo – The changing colors of trees in autumn
Fall might be the most ideal time if cost and weather are your primary considerations. September and October airfares are on the low end and temperatures are pleasant, even brisk later in fall.
Temples and shrines and their surrounding gardens have such vivid colors as maple and other trees change colors. Driving through mountainous areas and staying in a local minshuku in the mountains can make for a wonderful vacation.
Not only are the fall colors worth it, the food that is served in the fall is a favorite among the Japanese. Sweet potatoes, grilled “sanma” fish, chestnuts cooked in rice, mushrooms, and many other favorites can be enjoyed during the fall season. |
Winter Wonderland
If you are interested in winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, Hokkaido and Niigata are world-renowned for their resorts. Hokkaido has easy and affordable flights from Tokyo. Niigata is not far from Tokyo by bullet train.
If you travel in late January or February, you’ll save money with airfare, but I learned recently about “foreigner prices” at some of the resorts in Hokkaido that are more expensive. In fact, the locals know not to go to some resorts for skiing in Hokkaido because those resorts cater to foreign patrons and charge significantly higher prices.
Even so, if you look for more reasonable resorts, you can find them. You can also count on the chance to warm yourself well in the hot springs at these resorts.
Perhaps you are cold-natured like me and want to find a warmer place to enjoy the winter. Okinawa is a great recommendation. Tropical and beautiful, Okinawa is a place you should put on your bucket list for a winter trip, complete with scuba diving and time on the beach.
Other Seasonal Considerations
A new word has become common in Japanese conversations since Japan opened again to tourism after the pandemic. That word is “Inbound” and refers to the increase in tourism from foreign visitors.
With the popularity of viewing cherry blossoms, springtime is unquestionably the busiest travel season for “inbound” visitors. As a result, the overcrowding of places like Tokyo and Kyoto can lead to waiting in long lines and having a tiring experience.
For first-time visitors to Japan, you don’t want to miss seeing Tokyo and Kyoto. They are both world-class destinations with so much to see and do. However, consider visiting these two cities during a different time of the year when it’s less crowded.
If you must see the cherry blossoms, consider less traveled areas like Kyushu around March or a mountain town in central or western Japan in April. Fukui and Toyama are less known, but have some amazing natural scenery and traditional sites. While you are there, combine your visit with a stay in a traditional “ryokan” and enjoy the hot springs and other local attractions.
What about Disney?
If Tokyo Disney is on your bucket list, it is wise to plan for the fall season. You can avoid the sweltering heat of summer and the larger crowds of spring’s Golden Week. I’ve had friends tell me they had to wait in 2-hour lines at Disney during busy seasons.
Special Events and Hobbies
For automobile enthusiasts and those interested in the future of transportation, a visit to the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo at their October event is very exciting.
For film enthusiasts, the Tokyo International Film Festival in late October / early November is a must see.
And for those who love Anime and other fantasy entertainment, don’t miss out on the Tokyo Comic Con in early December. You’ll enjoy the CosPlay and many exhibitions, as well as see celebrities at this popular conference. Since this takes place in Tokyo, visits to many other nearby sites for those interested in Pokemon, Ghibli, and other fun and nerdy interests is totally possible.
Which Is Best for You?
You certainly can’t see everything in one trip to Japan. You can make the most of your trip, though. Knowing the seasonal costs, the best times to avoid large crowds, and your weather preferences can help you narrow down your plans more easily.
So, if you could visit Japan sometime over the next two years, when and where would you prioritize?
Write your comments below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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