Best Time of Year to Visit Japan for First-Timers in 2025

Beliza
•
Dec 19, 2024

Are you planning to visit Japan soon? If your answer is “yes,” then read on. This archipelago of several islands enjoys a great history, and its cultural traditions capture the attention of tourists who visit it yearly.

In this article, we offer you a complete guide to the best time of the year to visit Japan, including weather characteristics, activities you can do, and packing tips.

Tokyo, Japan

Photo by Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash

The Seasons of Japan Explained

Spring in Japan (March, April and May)

Weather and Temperatures in Spring

In spring in Japan, temperatures vary between 13°C and 23°C during the day and between 5°C and 15°C at night. The weather can be variable, especially in March, when some cold days are common. Mornings and evenings can be cold even in April and May.
Humidity is lowest in early spring, but increases in May, which is usually the wettest month. This may be the best time of the year to visit Japan and fully enjoy the cherry blossoms.

Tatebayashi, Japan

Photo by AJ on Unsplash

Activities and Events During Spring in Japan

Cherry Blossom Festivals: Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival: Includes nighttime illuminations, local food stalls and performances of traditional music such as shamisen.

Tsuruoka Cherry Festival: The park is transformed into a festive space with lanterns illuminating the 720 cherry trees.

Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Festival: Features an impressive tunnel of cherry trees along the Kitakami River and nighttime shows with illuminations.

Other Spring Festivals

Takayama Spring Festival: Known for its decorated floats (yatai), parades, music, and local food.
Kamakura Festival: Including horseback riding, archery and outdoor tea ceremonies.

Packing Tips for Spring: Layers and Essentials

Long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters and jackets.
Consider including a collapsible umbrella or lightweight waterproof jacket, for common rain showers this season.
Comfortable walking shoes.
Lightweight boots if you plan to visit colder or mountainous regions.
Sunglasses
Scarf and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Camera or smartphone to capture the beauty of the cherry blossoms.
Necessary medicines.

Summer in Japan (June, July and August)

Weather and Temperatures in Summer

Summer in Japan is characterized as the hottest and most humid season of the year. In places like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima temperatures reach up to 33 °C during the day and around 24 °C at night. While in Sapporo (Hokkaido) temperatures are cooler, with maximums of 26 °C and minimums of 18 °C.
Humidity can be very high, therefore temperatures are felt to be above 40 °C on some days. In addition, summer coincides with the rainy season, which generally occurs from mid-May to mid-July, and therefore increases in rainfall.

Yoshino, Manno, Kagawa, Japan

Photo by Tantan Wiguna on Unsplash

Activities and Events: Fireworks and Summer Festivals

Main Fireworks Festivals like Sumida Fireworks Festival (Tokyo): One of the country’s oldest festivals, with approximately 20,000 fireworks lighting up the sky over the Sumida River.

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival (Niigata): Known for its impressive phoenix-shaped fireworks, it symbolizes recovery after World War II.

Omagari National Fireworks Competition (Akita): Pyrotechnic artists compete to create the best fireworks.

Other Summer Festivals of Note

Gion Matsuri (Kyoto): Famous for its parades with floats and street parties.
Tanabata: People hang wishes written on strips of paper.
Awa Odori: Traditional dance festival held in Tokushima.

Packing Tips for Summer in Japan

Opt for linen clothes, as they are breathable and dry quickly.
Wear light-colored clothing, as they absorb less heat and help keep you cool.
Wear light, comfortable T-shirts.
Include shorts, skirts and a couple of cool dresses.
Don’t forget a light sweater or jacket for cool nights or air-conditioned locations.
Sunglasses
Hats or caps
Consider carrying an umbrella or UV umbrella.
A portable fan can be useful for cooling off while outdoors.

Autumn in Japan (September, October and November)

Weather and Temperatures in Autumn

Daytime temperatures in September range from 23°C to 28°C, and 18°C to 21°C at night. In November temperatures decrease between 14°C to 18°C during the day and between 7°C to 12°C at night.
Humidity decreases in autumn and the weather is more comfortable for outdoor activities, so this may be the best time to visit Japan and enjoy the autumn scenery. Although there is some rain in September and early October, the weather becomes drier towards the end of October and November.

Kiyozumi Dera, Kyoto, Japan

Photo by Su San Lee on Unsplash

Activities and Events: Fall Foliage and Cultural Festivals

The “koyo” (changing of leaves) is one of the most popular activities during autumn in Japan. Enjoy spectacular scenery from the best locations:

Nara Park
Eikando Temple in Kyoto
Mount Takao

Outstanding Autumn Festivals

Otsukimi (Moon Watching Festival)
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri (Osaka)
Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages)

Packing Tips for Autumn: Layers and Comfortable Shoes

It is essential to wear layers that allow you to adapt to temperature changes.
Wear cotton T-shirts or quick-drying clothes.

Take one or two sweaters or cardigans that you can easily put on or take off depending on the temperature.
A light coat or jacket is ideal for colder nights. Opt for a waterproof coat if there is a chance of rain.
Shoes should be easy to put on and take off because, at many temples and traditional lodges, you will have to take them off.

Accessories:

Light scarf, gloves, or a hat.
Hat and sunglasses.
Antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer.

Winter in Japan (December, January and February)

Weather and Temperatures in Winter

Generally in winter, daytime temperatures are around 12°C, and 5°C at night. In January daytime temperatures can drop to 10°C and between 2°C and 3°C at night.

Winter is generally the driest season in many parts of Japan, especially in the Pacific. However, the Sea of Japan side experiences heavy snowfall due to cold winds from Siberia. Humidity is relatively low during the winter, around 30%.

Activities and Events During Winter in Japan

Japan has more than 500 ski resorts offering some of the best skiing conditions in the world. Here are some outstanding destinations:

Niseko (Hokkaido).
Hakuba Valley (Nagano)
Shiga Kogen (Nagano)
Rusutsu (Hokkaido)

Yōtei-zan, Niseko, Abuta-Gun, Japan

Photo by Kristian Klausen on Unsplash

Winter Illumination Exhibitions

Sapporo White Illumination (Hokkaido): Features impressive light decorations in Odori Park.
Tokyo Midtown Winter Illuminations: The Midtown Garden is transformed into a sea of blue lights.

Packing Tips for Winter in Japan

Base Layer: Wear long-sleeved shirts and thermal clothing.
Midlayer: A couple of wool sweaters are ideal.
Outer Layer: Don’t forget to bring a waterproof coat or jacket, especially if you plan to visit snowy areas.
Bring some jeans or thermal pants.
Wear waterproof boots that are comfortable to walk in and offer good support.
Accessories to protect you from the cold:
Warm gloves, a thick scarf, and a hat that covers your ears well are recommended.
Bring 5 to 7 thick socks to keep your feet warm and dry.

Travel Tips for Visiting Japan Any Time of Year

To fully enjoy the cherry blossom show, the best time to visit Japan is between mid-March and early April, depending on the region you wish to explore. The dates may vary from year to year due to weather conditions, so it is advisable to check the forecast before visiting Japan.

The worst time to visit Japan is the Typhoon season (July through October, with peaks in August and September). Some heavy rains and winds can disrupt your travel plans, and delay transportation due to flooding and landslides. Summer (July and August) can be also the worst time to visit Japan as temperatures often exceed 30°C with high humidity, making conditions uncomfortable for outdoor activities.

Avoid visiting during Golden Week (late April to early May) as it is one of the busiest periods of the year in Japan. Tourist attractions are extremely crowded, hotel prices increase and it is difficult to find availability on public transportation.