The Best, Worst, and Most Affordable Times to Visit Japan (2024)

Suppose you're interested in shrine-hopping in Kyoto, seeing the cherry blossoms in bloom across Japan, or simply gazing at the country's stunning fall foliage. In that case, you'll want to plan your trip carefully, since the best time to visit Japan depends entirely on what you want to do there. To avoid the crowds, arrive during the less popular rainy season from June to mid-July or during the winter when prices tend to be lower. Head to Tokyo Disney Resort in spring and fall for fewer visitors and decent weather, or follow the seasonal nature of ingredients and menus around Japan for the perfect foodie vacation.

Here's a look at the country's main tourist seasons:

• High Season: Mid-March to mid-May and September to mid-November
• Shoulder Seasons:Late May to August and late November to December
• Low Season:January to early March

Whether you want a snowy getaway in Hokkaido, a beach vacation in Okinawa, or a photography trip to capture the city lights of Tokyo, these are the best times to plan your dream trip to Japan.

Best Times to Visit for Smaller Crowds

Visitors from all over the world come to Japan to admire the cherry blossoms, so it should come as no surprise that Sakura season (late March to April) marks the busiest time for tourism. Domestic travelers also take advantage of Golden Week, a series of four national holidays in Japan, from April 29 to May 5. You'll want to avoid visiting the country during that time unless you meticulously plan ahead, as trains, hotels, and sightseeing spots can often be overcrowded or sold out entirely. Stunning foliage tends to draw crowds in autumn, especially when the leaves reach their colorful peak, typically from mid-November to early December.

If you're looking to avoid the crowds, visit during the rainy season, which usually begins in June and lasts until mid-July. Though this period tends to be humid and drizzly, it's one of the best times to enjoy popular tourist attractions without the masses. Japan also tends to be quieter between January and March, making it a perfect time to pair sightseeing with snow sports — and relaxing soaks at the nearest onsen (hot spring).

Best Times to Visit for Good Weather

Japan, while not an especially large country, is surprisingly varied when it comes to weather. Frigid winters at the northernmost tip of Hokkaido make the subtropical islands of southern Okinawa seem worlds away. The rainy season runs from early June to mid-July throughout most of the country — Tokyo included — except in Okinawa where showers begin in early May. In Hokkaido, summertime brings mild temperatures and blue skies.

If you aren't hitting the ski slopes, March to May and September to November are generally considered the best times to visit Japan for pleasant weather. That's when travelers can find the iconic cherry blossoms, or, in the fall, vivid autumnal leaves. During these two seasons, rainfall is minimal, skies are clear, and temperatures are mild, ranging from 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit most days, depending on where you are.

For those who are not averse to heat and humidity, summer brings a different tempo to Japan. It's the perfect time of year for exploring nature — ideally, somewhere cool up a mountain or as far north as possible. The lusciously cooler climes of Hokkaido are heaven in the summer, with rainbow-bright flower fields and opportunities for countless outdoor activities, from hiking to horseback riding.

In the winter, the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido is undeniably the best place to ski or snowboard. That said, some areas outside Tokyo, such as Niigata, are only a Shinkansen (bullet train) ride away and boast great alpine resorts. Those who prefer the warmer weather would be better off flying south to Okinawa during the winter for a more subtropical climate.

Best Times to Visit for Lower Prices

Japan has a reputation for being a pricey destination, but there are times of year when it's less expensive to visit. During the low season between January and early March, you may be able to find flight and hotel deals. Prices tend to spike during the holiday season, especially around the New Year, so it's best to avoid coming at the beginning of January if you're trying to save money.

Costs rise again in late March and April for the peak cherry blossom season and remain high throughout the spring and summer, except for the brief rainy season from June to mid-July (mentioned above). For your best bet of scoring reasonably priced accommodations while also enjoying mild weather, aim to visit in September or October.

Best Times to Visit Tokyo Disney Resort

Spring and autumn are generally the best, most temperate times of the year to visit Tokyo Disney Resort. It's worth avoiding weekends and national holidays, especially Golden Week, one of the busiest periods at the theme park. Extreme heat in July and August can make it difficult to enjoy outdoor attractions. On the other hand, the temperatures rarely exceed 50 degrees Fahrenheit in January and February, making those months less popular.

The period from mid-September through the beginning of December offers a combination of pleasant weather, thinner crowds, and seasonal entertainment. Spooky decorations and fall-themed events can be enjoyed in the weeks leading up to Halloween. Starting in November, the theme park celebrates the holiday season with special programming, including magical parades, characters in festive costumes, and heart-warming decorations that help offset the chill in the air.

Best Times to Visit Tokyo

While many of Tokyo’s biggest cultural festivals happen during the cherry blossom season and Golden Week in the spring, a few others throughout the year are also worth checking out. In late August, the Koenji Awa-odori dance festival features roughly 10,000 traditional dancers and gets the whole crowd on its feet. In the fall, events are held at gardens, temples, and shrines all over the city to celebrate the blooming Chrysanthemum flowers.

The Tokyo International Film Festival happens each year in late October, as does the Japan Mobility Show (formerly the Tokyo Motor Show), which celebrates the technology and innovation behind what keeps society moving. Sci-Fi, fantasy, and Anime fans descend upon the city in early December for Tokyo Comic Con, always a treat for the senses, with creative cosplay costumes and appearances by international celebrities from all your favorite nerdy shows and movies.

Best Times to Visit Okinawa

Whale watching is a popular activity in and around Okinawa from January to March, particularly from the Kerama Islands (Zamami, Tokashiki, Aka, and Geruma), located just west of the main island. Tours are also available from northern Okinawa, Ie Island, Onna, Naha, and Yomitan if you'd like to see the humpback whales up close.

Okinawa is also known for its many cultural festivals, such as the Ryukyu Lantern Festival, held from December through March, when thousands of lanterns light up the islands, or the 10,000 Eisa Dancers Parade on the first Sunday in August. In May, Okinawa puts on the Naha Hari Dragon Boat Races during Golden Week, while the island hosts several exciting Tug-of-war Festivals throughout the year in Yonabaru (August), Itoman (September), and Naha (October), a tradition that dates back to the 1500s.

Best Times to Visit for Cherry Blossoms

If you're hoping to time your trip with the height of cherry blossom season, bear in mind that the peak bloom dates vary each year depending on the weather. The cherry blossom front, meticulously studied and broadcasted across the country, edges its way up, starting at the southernmost tip of Japan as early as January.

The best times to see the cherry blossoms in Kyoto, Tokyo, and the surrounding regions are often from the last week of March to the first week of April. And for more northerly cities such as Sapporo, don't expect to see any pink at least until May.

Best Times to Visit for Food Lovers

While Japan is a great foodie destination year-round, it's important to take the time of year into account, as many specialties are only available seasonally. If you have a favorite Japanese cuisine or ingredient, it's worth finding out when to visit to avoid missing out completely.

Popular summertime treats include light, cool sōmen noodles, kakigōri shaved ice, and delicious unagi (eel); autumn is heaven for matsutake mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and sanma (Pacific saury); winter is all about warming nabe hot pots, citrus fruits, and kaki (persimmon); and spring goes hand in hand with sea bream, takenoko (bamboo shoots), and sakura mochi rice cakes.

Worst Times to Visit Japan

While there's no bad time to visit Japan, some months are worse than others, depending on your travel preferences. If pleasant weather is a priority, avoid the rainy season, which typically runs from early June to mid-July throughout Japan (except in Okinawa, where it begins in May). This period is often preceded by extreme heat and humidity, with cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto being especially unbearable during the peak summer months of July and August. Also be aware that Japan's typhoon season happens from May to October, with the greatest risk being in August and September. Though these storms rarely make landfall, it's something to be aware of, just in case.

Those looking to save money and avoid crowds should steer clear of Golden Week, which runs from the end of April to the beginning of May. That's when domestic travelers tend to take their holidays, so you can expect to see higher prices, less availability at hotels, and larger crowds.