To make the most of your trip to Japan, it's crucial to choose the right season based on the regions you plan to visit and your availability. Japan stretches over about 3,000 km from north to south, resulting in a diverse climate that differs significantly from Europe. Japan is actually situated farther south than France, with Tôkyô lying on the same latitude as Tunisia.
Here’s a guide to help you plan your visit by season and region.
What’s the Best Season to Visit Japan?
Public data from the Japan Meteorological Agency gives us insight into average temperatures and rainfall throughout the country each year. The graph below represents 2020.
Average Temperature and Rainfall in Japan
At first glance, it’s clear that Japan experiences two main seasons:
- A hot summer with significant rainfall
- A cold winter with little precipitation
The transitional seasons of spring and fall pass quickly but are the most pleasant in every way.
Spring (March to June)
Spring is one of the most popular seasons, mainly due to the cherry blossom season, known as Hanami. This natural event draws many visitors each year, leading to higher prices and crowded tourist spots. The blossoms typically start in the south and gradually move northward, offering a stunning spectacle for about two to three weeks.
However, French school holidays don’t perfectly align with the cherry blossom season. Additionally, it's highly recommended to avoid Golden Week (April 29 to May 5), a period of public holidays when many Japanese people travel, making accommodations and transportation bookings particularly difficult.
Summer (June to September)
Summer in Japan is marked by intense heat and high humidity, especially in the south and major cities like Tôkyô and Ôsaka. June and July are also characterized by the rainy season, followed by typhoon season in August and September. These weather conditions can make visiting Japan in the summer less enjoyable, particularly for those who struggle with humidity.
That said, summer is also the season for major festivals, such as the Gion Matsuri in Kyôto in July and the fireworks displays in Tôkyô in August. If you plan to visit Japan in the summer, it’s advisable to focus on northern regions like Hokkaidô, where the climate is milder.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is often considered the best season to visit Japan. The temperatures are pleasant, and typhoons become less frequent starting in October. It’s also the season of Kôyô, where the Japanese maple leaves turn vibrant shades of red, rivaling the beauty of spring’s cherry blossoms.
Every region of Japan is delightful to visit during this time, and prices are generally more reasonable than in spring. However, the growing popularity of autumn among tourists is leading to a gradual increase in prices.
Winter (November to March)
Japanese winters are cold, dry, and often windy, particularly in the northern part of the country. However, it’s an interesting season for those who enjoy snowy landscapes and winter festivals, such as the Yuki Matsuri in Sapporo. Winter sports enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities in Hokkaidô.
In Tôkyô, winter is generally a quieter time for tourism, though the Christmas lights and year-end decorations add a festive touch to the city. If you prefer milder temperatures in winter, the tropical islands of Okinawa are a great option.
Conclusion
To choose a season, here’s our preference ranking:
- Autumn: Beautiful landscapes with maple leaves, and fewer tourists.
- Spring: Stunning cherry blossoms, but crowded.
- Winter: Snowy landscapes in the north with several festivals.
- Summer: Heat, humidity, and insects can be unpleasant, but there are many festivals.
Regional Climate Guide for Japan
Given Japan’s diverse climate, it’s wise to select your destination based on the season.
- Sapporo (Hokkaidô, nord du Japon) : Idéale pour les randonnées de printemps à automne, et pour les festivals d'hiver.
L'immense île d'Hokkaidô est une réserve naturelle géante avec peu de villes. C'est l'endroit idéal pour faire de grandes randonnées en milieu naturel.
-
Tôkyô (Honshû, Central-East): Best visited in spring and autumn, less pleasant in summer.
As the capital and largest city of Japan, Tôkyô is almost a must-see for any visitor. It’s especially enjoyable in spring with the cherry blossoms in early April and in autumn with the maples turning red in November.
Visiting in the summer isn’t as appealing due to monsoons, heat, and pollution. Note that in the first week of August, fireworks are set off every evening along the Sumida River.
-
Ôsaka (Honshû, Central-West): Similar climate to Tôkyô, with easy access to Kyôto and Nara.
Japan’s second-largest city is located in the central-west part of the country, on the island of Honshû.
-
Kagoshima (Kyûshû, Southern Japan): Pleasant from October to April, but avoid in summer due to high temperatures and humidity.
This city is located at the southernmost part of Japan, on the island of Kyûshû. The temperatures are very enjoyable from October to April, but summer is unbearable. The record humidity and high temperatures make the region a place to avoid for any outdoor activities. If you’re not used to this type of tropical climate, you’ll likely spend most of your vacation exhausted from the heat or seeking refuge in air-conditioned spaces.
