When is the Best Time to Visit Japan?

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you may be wondering which season is the best to visit. Japan has four distinct seasons, each offering unique landscapes, weather conditions, and travel experiences. The best time to visit depends on what you want to see and do.

In this guide, we will explore the characteristics of each season, highlighting both the advantages and disadvantages. Use this information to choose the perfect time for your visit to Japan.

Spring in Japan (March–May)

Pros of Visiting Japan in Spring

Beautiful Blossoming Flowers

Spring in Japan is synonymous with cherry blossoms, which bloom from late March to late April. While cherry blossoms are the most famous, other flowers also bloom during this season. Tulips brighten up gardens in March and April, wisteria blooms in late April, and azaleas flourish from April to May. Spring in Japan offers a colorful and picturesque landscape beyond just cherry blossoms.

Stunning Fresh Greenery

In early May, fresh green leaves emerge, covering the landscape with vibrant colors. This period, known as “shinryoku” (new greenery), makes parks and forests particularly beautiful.

Picturesque Rice Fields

In May, rice planting begins, and the fields are filled with water, creating stunning mirror-like reflections of the sky. The sound of frogs croaking in the rice paddies adds to the tranquil rural atmosphere.

Traditional Spring Festivals

April is a prime season for festivals, many of which celebrate good harvests. If you visit Japan in April, check local schedules to experience unique cultural events and festivities.

• For a great spring festival experience, I recommend the Inuyama Festival.

Pleasant Weather

Spring offers mild temperatures and low rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking.

Cons of Visiting Japan in Spring

Golden Week Crowds (Late April–Early May)

Japan’s Golden Week is a national holiday period when many people travel domestically. Expect crowded tourist spots, fully booked hotels, and expensive accommodations. If possible, avoid visiting during Golden Week to have a more relaxed trip.

Summer in Japan (June–August)

Pros of Visiting Japan in Summer

Vibrant Summer Festivals

August is festival season in Japan, with many events held during the Obon period (Mid-August). Fireworks festivals, traditional dances (Bon-Odori), and summer fairs create a lively atmosphere perfect for experiencing Japanese culture.

Beach and River Activities

From July to August, Japan’s beaches open for swimming, with seaside stalls selling snacks and drinks. Riversides become popular spots for barbecues and camping, making summer the best season for water activities.

Cons of Visiting Japan in Summer

Extreme Heat and Humidity

From June, humidity levels rise sharply, making the weather feel uncomfortably hot. In July and August, temperatures can exceed 30°C (86°F) even at night. Sunstroke is a risk, so hydration and sun protection are essential.

Obon Travel Rush (Mid-August)

During Obon, many people travel back to their hometowns, causing heavy congestion on trains, highways, and flights. Tourist spots also get crowded, and accommodation prices rise.

Autumn in Japan (September–November)

Pros of Visiting Japan in Autumn

Stunning Autumn Foliage

From late October to November, Japan’s mountains and parks transform with brilliant red and yellow leaves. Popular foliage spots include Kyoto, Nikko, and Hokkaido.

Cultural Events and Exhibitions

Autumn marks the start of major cultural events, concerts, and art exhibitions. Museums and temples often host special exhibitions, making it a great time for cultural enthusiasts.

Comfortable Weather

While September is still warm, October and November bring cooler, more comfortable temperatures, perfect for hiking and exploring nature.

Golden Rice Fields

In September, rice fields turn golden, creating stunning rural landscapes. The sound of autumn insects also enhances the seasonal charm.

Cons of Visiting Japan in Autumn

Typhoon Season (September)

September is peak typhoon season, which can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and train delays. If visiting in September, have backup plans in case of bad weather.

Winter in Japan (December–February)

Pros of Visiting Japan in Winter

Amazing Winter Sports

From January to February, Japan’s snow-covered regions, such as Hokkaido and Nagano, offer world-class skiing and snowboarding experiences.

New Year’s Shrine Visits (Hatsumode)

New Year is one of Japan’s most important holidays. Visiting a shrine for “Hatsumode” (first shrine visit of the year) offers a glimpse into Japanese traditions. Shrine stalls sell festive foods, adding to the cultural experience.

Cons of Visiting Japan in Winter

Harsh Cold Weather

Even in non-snowy regions, winter in Japan can be surprisingly cold due to strong winds. Outdoor sightseeing can be challenging if you are not used to cold weather.

Year-End Travel Rush (Late December–Early January)

During the New Year holiday, public transportation is extremely crowded, and long-distance travel can be difficult. Flights and bullet train tickets sell out quickly, and hotel prices rise.

Summary: When Should You Visit Japan?

• Spring (March–May): Best for cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and pleasant weather
• Summer (June–August): Best for festivals, beaches, and fireworks, but very hot and humid
• Autumn (September–November): Best for fall foliage, cultural events, and mild temperatures
• Winter (December–February): Best for skiing and New Year traditions, but very cold

If you’re not interested in summer water activities or winter sports, spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Japan. However, your ideal travel time depends on what you want to experience. Consider your travel goals and choose the season that suits you best!

When traveling abroad, one of the biggest concerns is unknowingly causing problems due to cultural differences. In recent years, Japan has been experiencing issues related to overtourism, with some tourists unintentionally causing disruptions.

With a record number of visitors coming to Japan, certain tourist hotspots have seen rising frustrations among locals. In some cases, small misunderstandings have escalated into bigger issues, even leading to unpleasant experiences for both tourists and residents alike.

If you’re spending time and money to visit Japan, you want to create great memories—not run into trouble. To help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, it’s important to be aware of certain behaviors that could lead to problems.

In this article, we’ll cover the key things to avoid while traveling in Japan.

Etiquette for Visiting Temples and Shrines in Japan

Japan is home to numerous religious sites, including Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, many of which are open to visitors. Some, like Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto—famous for its countless red torii gates—are especially popular among tourists.

Recently, incidents involving tourists behaving inappropriately at these sacred sites have sparked controversy in Japan. One notable case involved visitors dancing on shrine grounds and mishandling objects within the premises. A video of tourists dancing at a shrine went viral on social media and even made national news, highlighting the severity of the issue.

As a result of such incidents, some shrines, including those in Tsushima, have restricted access, allowing only worshippers to enter.

While temples and shrines welcome visitors, they are, first and foremost, places of worship. Locals visit these sites for religious practices and ceremonies, making it crucial for travelers to show proper respect. To ensure a positive experience for both yourself and the local community, always be mindful of your behavior and avoid any actions that may be considered disrespectful.

Public Transportation Rules & Etiquette in Japan

In Japan, many people rely on trains for their daily commute, especially when traveling to work. During peak hours, typically between 7 AM and 9 AM, trains become extremely crowded, and passengers tend to be more stressed than usual. Loud conversations or disruptive behavior during this time are generally unwelcome. If you prefer a more comfortable and relaxed journey, it’s best to avoid commuting hours whenever possible.

Additionally, since there is a constant flow of passengers getting on and off, large suitcases can become an obstacle inside the train. While it depends on how crowded the train is, I strongly recommend avoiding bringing bulky luggage on board during rush hour. If the train isn’t crowded, it’s usually not an issue.

Another growing concern in Japan is the filming and live-streaming of videos on trains and buses. Some railway companies, such as Tokyo Metro, have already banned unauthorized recording and streaming inside trains. Moreover, there have been increasing cases of streamers getting into conflicts with passengers while filming. To avoid trouble and respect the privacy of others, it’s highly advisable to refrain from recording or live-streaming on public transportation.

What You Need to Know About Filming and Live Streaming in Japan

Here, “filming” refers to recording videos for platforms like YouTube. One of the biggest issues in recent years has been live streaming. There have been multiple incidents where tourists live-streamed inside trains, leading to police intervention or conflicts with passengers—some of which have even made the news.

As mentioned earlier, filming or live streaming on public transportation can easily lead to trouble with other passengers, so it is strongly discouraged.

When it comes to restaurants and other dining establishments, recording videos or live streaming generally requires permission from the restaurant staff. The reason is simple: other customers may feel uncomfortable being filmed without their consent. No one wants their private conversations or meals unknowingly broadcasted online. In some cases, such filming can even harm the reputation of the restaurant.

If you plan to film or livestream in a restaurant, always ask for permission first. The staff may have specific guidelines regarding the appropriate time and location for filming. Failing to get permission could lead to serious disputes, so it’s essential to be mindful of this before recording.

Smoking Rules in Japan

In recent years, Japan has implemented much stricter smoking regulations. For example, smoking is strictly prohibited inside train stations except in designated smoking areas. Additionally, an increasing number of parks, such as those in Yokohama, have become entirely smoke-free, meaning you cannot smoke even in outdoor park spaces.

In Tokyo, smoking on the streets is illegal, and violators caught smoking outside designated smoking areas may be fined. This street smoking ban is expanding across Japan, so it is highly discouraged to smoke in public spaces.

Temples and shrines also enforce strict smoking restrictions. Unless a designated smoking area is provided, smoking is prohibited, even outdoors. Many of these sites are protected cultural properties, and smoking in unauthorized areas can cause serious problems.

If you smoke in Japan, always look for a designated smoking area first. This will help you avoid fines and ensure that you are following local rules.

When Problems Arise, Avoid Insisting on English Communication

One of the common issues linked to overtourism in Japan is the language barrier between non-Japanese-speaking travelers and Japanese people who don’t speak English. Unfortunately, not everyone in Japan is fluent in English, and insisting on speaking English during a conflict can sometimes make the situation worse.

In recent years, some tourists have assumed that if they keep speaking English, the other person will eventually give up and let the issue slide due to the language barrier. However, this has led to a growing misunderstanding—that many travelers create problems and then avoid responsibility by refusing to communicate in Japanese. Because of this, continuing to speak only in English during a dispute may leave a negative impression.

To handle these situations more smoothly, it’s best to use a translation app on your smartphone. If the person you’re speaking with doesn’t understand English, try using a web-based translator like DeepL to convey your message in Japanese. This can help prevent misunderstandings and de-escalate the situation. (Google Translate is not always accurate and may lead to further confusion, so DeepL is a better option.)

Many people in Japan warmly welcome travelers. However, with the rise of overtourism, some locals have become increasingly frustrated with visitors who do not follow the rules.

That being said, as long as you act respectfully and follow local customs, you are unlikely to encounter any issues and can fully enjoy your trip to Japan. To help ensure a smooth and pleasant experience, we encourage you to read this article and keep these tips in mind while traveling.