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The Best & Worst Times to Visit Japan in 2024

The Best & Worst Times to Visit Japan in 2024

What's the best time to visit Japan?

The best times to visit Japan are during two distinct seasons: April-May and mid-October to November. In spring, you can enjoy mild weather and the famous cherry blossoms, with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the 70s. Cherry blossoms typically bloom in early to mid-April, adding a beautiful touch to the landscape.

On the other hand, autumn brings cooler temperatures in the 50s and 60s, creating the perfect outdoor environment. During this season, you can also witness the stunning red foliage of Japanese Maples and other trees.

Whether you’re dreaming of visiting Japan one day or there is a trip right around the corner, there are many factors you may want to consider before your visit. 

With Japan’s tourism trends steadily growing, you may find it valuable to pick the least busy time of year to explore this extraordinary country. Or perhaps you want to catch a cherry tree in full bloom during the month of spring when it blossoms.

Whatever sights you want to see or annoyances you’d rather avoid, we have all the essential suggestions to get you on your way to Japan at just the right time.

Overall Best Time to Visit Japan

Two thin Japanese women walking under blooming cherry trees in front of a palace during the best time to go to Japan

Phattana Stock/Shutterstock

The best time to visit Japan is from April through May or mid-October through November. During this time, you’ll experience pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.

One of the best parts about visiting during these months is the beautiful transitions of foliage and flowers during the spring and autumn. Though flights to Japan will be more expensive during this peak period, you can find connection flights or secondary airports with more economical prices.

You will find springtime weather in Japan to be the most temperate out of the whole year, with highs reaching the low 60s and low 70s throughout most of the country.

Though southern regions of Japan may also face rainy weather in the spring, there is a higher chance of dry, pleasant weather than in the most humid months of the summer.

If you are looking forward to seeing the beautiful blossoms of cherry trees, schedule your visit to Japan in April to catch the full bloom. Cherry trees in Southern Japan will reach full bloom in early April while Northern regions see blossoms in mid-April.

Since this beautiful sight lasts about one to two weeks, you can count on seeing the beautiful blooms during your stay in April. On the other side of the sticky summers, autumn offers less heat and a greater likelihood of dry weather.

You can expect temperatures in the 50s and 60s between October and November with the chill of winter not yet fully advancing. Though typhoon season is concluding in these fall months, you can expect less of a threat of extreme weather as the temperatures become colder.

The deep red hues of deciduous trees are also especially beautiful in Japan. To catch the stunning Japanese Maples, wax trees, and burning bush in their fiery shades of red, schedule your visit in October.

You won’t have to worry about these trees shedding their leaves too soon, so early fall is a great season to anticipate beautiful views of nature.

Cheapest Time to Visit Japan

Neat aerial view from a balcony looking out onto a modern cityscape in Tokyo, pictured during Japan's cheapest time to visit

Wiennat M/Shutterstock

The cheapest time to visit Japan is in the winter months of December through February. Though Japan is no less scenic during the winter season, you can avoid the popular tourist waves of spring and fall by traveling during the cold.

Since Japan has a great deal of diversity among the eight regions, you can still find a climate that is comfortable for you during this time. You can also expect to see more sunny weather in the winter months to help warm your skin against any wind chill.

As long as you stay bundled up in your winter gear, you can see the wonders of Japan with fewer crowds and less cost. Big cities are just as lively in the winter, and you may find better deals on flights around the coldest months.

In northern Japan, temperatures can regularly reach the low 30s in January. However, the climate of the South remains milder during the coldest months, hovering at around the mid-40s and 50s. 

With less rainfall during the chilly months, you can count on less humidity in the northern regions to make for a clear and refreshing visit.

By avoiding the rush of sightseers during the other peak times of blossoming or wildlife activity, you can still enjoy the same places while not fighting for space or over-priced tickets. If you can stick out the colder weather, you will reap the benefits of a smoother and cheaper trip.

Least Busy Time to Visit Japan

Empty street in Tokyo's historic district with lots of natural greenery and unique white decorations sprinkled throughout the classic Japanese architecture

TOKYO, JAPAN – AUGUST 1, 2022: Traditional Street in Tokyo, Japan/Cavan-Images/Shutterstock

The least busy time to visit Japan is from late May until June, and from August until September. Due to the unique climate of East Asia, the rainy, tsuyu, weather of these times make for Japan’s least busy times of the year. 

Since central Japan can see annual rainfall exceeding 80 inches, many tourists avoid Japan during the wettest months of summer.

However, a wise traveler may find plenty of compelling reasons to travel during tsuyu while also benefiting from fewer crowds and congestion. The reason some may have for avoiding Japan during this season is the mixture of heat and humidity that the rain brings.

During these months, most regions face a daily forecast of a 50% chance of rain. On top of this, the temperature levels of the 70s and 80s can create muggy and sticky conditions that may make for an unpleasant stay.

You may notice that tsuyu covers most of the summer, except July. This is because the greatest chances of rain occur on the cusp of summer’s transition to and from the colder weather.

This means that though July still bears some risk of rainfall, it can be a pleasant time to travel with other tourists fearing tsuyu conditions through the whole summer.

Though some tourists may dislike traveling or walking in the rain, many other benefits may make it worthwhile. The overcast and foggy days during the rainy season can add even more beauty and mystery to your sightseeing activities. 

Though it may frequently rain, there are many afternoons and full days of clear skies and drier air. During these moments without rain, you can expect the air to feel fresher with a purifying rain having left the landscape with a sense of cleanliness and calm.

Worst Time to Visit Japan

People walking down the street in the rain during the worst time to visit Japan

Liudmila Kotvitckaia/Shutterstock

Due to the highest threat of typhoons, the worst time to visit Japan is August through mid-October. Though it is difficult to predict extreme weather with much precision, Japan’s typhoon season remains constant every year due to a few climate factors. 

The island of Japan lies between a high-pressure area off the coast of Russia and a low-pressure area off the coast of the Philippines.

Accompanied by heavy rainfall and rising temperatures, the frequency of typhoons has increased in Japan over recent years. In one year, an average of 10.3 typhoons approach Japan closer than 300 kilometers to the coast.

Though only 3 of those typhoons usually reach land, this yearly threat can quickly become a serious matter. However, Japan’s improved flood-prevention strategies have greatly improved the survival rate of extreme typhoons since WWII.

Tourists that may choose to brave the threats of typhoons during this season can find confidence in Japan’s sophisticated helicopter rescue system and tidal prediction methods. Visiting Japan during this time can yield both sunny and rainy days, with temperatures usually falling around the 60s and 70s.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Many people crammed into the busy Shibuya Crossing in Japan during the country's best time to visit, the spring

TOKYO, JAPAN – APR 8, 2022: View of Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest crosswalks in the world/Takashi Images/Shutterstock

You have almost everything you need to know about your trip to Japan. See below for other common questions about the best time to visit Japan:

What's the best month to see Japan's cherry blossoms?

Cherry trees will reach full bloom in Japan during the springtime, so April is the overall best month to see these delicate flowers. It takes the pink cherry blossoms about one week to reach full bloom and they will remain on the tree for one more week.

When is the best time to visit Japan to avoid the summer heat?

To avoid the hot and humid summer weather, consider traveling to Japan in the cooler months of autumn (September to November) or spring (late March to early May).

When can you see autumn foliage in Japan?

To enjoy the vibrant autumn foliage, plan your trip to Japan in November when the fall colors are at their peak.

So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Japan?

👍 Best Time to VisitApril-May & October-November
💲 Cheapest Time to VisitDecember-February
🗓️ Least Busy Time to VisitMay-June & August-September
👎 Worst Time to VisitAugust-October

The overall best time to visit Japan is during spring or autumn to witness the beautiful cycles of foliage. This season is a popular time to go, and for good reason!

With all of the modern and historical attractions throughout Japan, it is no surprise that the weather and landscapes are equally as diverse.

Considering periods of rainfall, cold, and heat all within this country, there may be reasons to visit Japan year-round for an unforgettable experience!