{"id":1383,"date":"2020-02-18T10:00:55","date_gmt":"2020-02-18T09:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=1383"},"modified":"2025-08-05T12:05:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T10:05:06","slug":"when-visit-japan-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/when-visit-japan-times","title":{"rendered":"When to go Japan? Best times of the year to visit"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>When is the best time to visit Japan?<\/strong> This is a question without a simple answer. Japan is a <strong>year-round destination<\/strong>, with interesting activities, attractions, and festivities throughout the year.<\/p>\n<p>Your decision will depend on several factors. First, do you <strong>wish to avoid<\/strong> the crowded, busy times, more expensive times, or hot, cold, or rainy weather? Second, what activities or events to do <strong>wish to enjoy<\/strong>? Are they seasonal or available year-round?<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ve been saving up, making plans, and dreaming of your Japan vacation. For many, visiting Japan is a once in a lifetime opportunity. But, <strong>what time of year should you visit in order to have the best vacation possible?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Consider this helpful guide to determine the best and worst times for your trip to Japan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Read more<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/is-it-safe-to-travel-to-japan\">Is it safe to travel to Japan?<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_white no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Japan_season_by_season_highlights\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> Japan season by season highlights<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Spring\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.1<\/span> Spring<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Cherry_Blossom_Viewing\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_3\">1.1.1<\/span> Cherry Blossom Viewing<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Golden_Week\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_3\">1.1.2<\/span> Golden Week<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Summer\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.2<\/span> Summer<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Matsuris_Summer_Festivals\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_3\">1.2.1<\/span> Matsuris \u2013 Summer Festivals<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Tenjin_Matsuri\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_3\">1.2.2<\/span> Tenjin Matsuri<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Gion_Matsuri\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_3\">1.2.3<\/span> Gion Matsuri<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Fireworks_Matsuri\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_3\">1.2.4<\/span> Fireworks Matsuri<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Beaches\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_3\">1.2.5<\/span> Beaches<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Autumn\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.3<\/span> Autumn<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Fall_Foliage\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_3\">1.3.1<\/span> Fall Foliage<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Winter\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.4<\/span> Winter<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Snow_Skiing_and_Snowboarding\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_3\">1.4.1<\/span> Snow, Skiing, and Snowboarding<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Illuminations_and_snow_festivals\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_3\">1.4.2<\/span> Illuminations and snow festivals<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Plum_Blossom_Viewing\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_3\">1.4.3<\/span> Plum Blossom Viewing<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Diving\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_3\">1.4.4<\/span> Diving<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Peak_Seasons\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> Peak Seasons<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Japan_month-by-month_highlights\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">3<\/span> Japan month-by-month highlights<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Japan_season_by_season_highlights\">Japan season by season highlights<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You can enjoy Japan\u2019s natural beauty at any time of the year. Check out the following suggestions for the best <strong>attractions and experiences in every season<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Read more<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/things-to-know-before-traveling-to-japan\">Things to know before traveling to Japan<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n            <a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">\n                Buy your JR Pass\n            <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Spring\">Spring<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Spring in most of Japan takes place <strong>from mid-March through May<\/strong>. <strong>Temperatures<\/strong> then average 40 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (F), or 5 to 20 degrees Celsius (C). Weather can be unpredictable, so it is advisable to <strong>bring both warm weather and cold weather clothing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-10656 size-large aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/cherry-blossoms-kyoto-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"Cherry blossoms in Kyoto\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/cherry-blossoms-kyoto.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/cherry-blossoms-kyoto-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/cherry-blossoms-kyoto-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Spring is<strong> one of the most popular times to visit Japan<\/strong>, largely due to the flowering trees of the <em>ume<\/em> <strong>plum blossom<\/strong> season and the <em>sakura<\/em> <strong>cherry blossom<\/strong> season. If traveling to witness these beautiful phenomena, keep in mind that the weather can alter the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\">peak bloom times<\/a> in any given year. Bloom times are also affected by geography, with blossoms opening earlier in southern regions and later in northern regions.<\/p>\n<p>Golden Week, a series of national holidays, is also a <strong>busy time for travel in Japan<\/strong>. Many visitors avoid Golden Week due to the large crowds and crowded transportation.<\/p>\n<p>Because both locals and international visitors travel in the spring, prices for travel and accommodations are often the highest during this season.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n            <a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">\n                Buy your JR Pass\n            <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-transform: none; letter-spacing: inherit; font-size: 1rem;\"><span id=\"Cherry_Blossom_Viewing\">Cherry Blossom Viewing<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Japan\u2019s iconic <strong>sakura cherry blossoms<\/strong> are a draw for many travelers. Trees in the south begin to bloom in mid-March. The blossoms peak marches steadily north, concluding in the country\u2019s northern reaches in May. <strong>Late March to early April is peak season throughout much of the country<\/strong>. The trees bloom for about a week in each location, so you can increase your viewing time by beginning your travels in the south and then moving north.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-7449 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/cherry-blossom-viewing-spots-japan-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"Cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/cherry-blossom-viewing-spots-japan.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/cherry-blossom-viewing-spots-japan-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/cherry-blossom-viewing-spots-japan-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Expect large crowds<\/strong> at parks and shrines featuring cherry trees and busy transportation stations at this time. <strong>Book your accommodations early<\/strong>, as they often sell out well in advance.<\/p>\n<p>If your visit falls in late May when the cherry blossom season is over, you can still immerse yourself in beautiful foliage at one of Japan\u2019s many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/ashikaga-flower-park\">flower parks<\/a>. These include magical wisteria tunnels.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-transform: none; letter-spacing: inherit; font-size: 1rem;\"><span id=\"Golden_Week\">Golden Week<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/golden-week-travel-tips\">Golden Week<\/a> is a series of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-holidays\">public holidays<\/a> from late April to mid-May<\/strong>. It is often considered one of the \u201cworst\u201d times for international travelers to visit Japan. Many residents use their time off work to travel domestically during this time, resulting in crowded attractions, accommodations, and train stations. Prices often peak at this time.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Summer\">Summer<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Summers in Japan take place during the months of <strong>June through September<\/strong>. <strong>Temperatures<\/strong> range from 70 to 90 F (21 to 32 C) throughout most of the country. Summers are mildest in Hokkaido due to its northern position.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3806 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/obon-festival-japan-800x457.jpg\" alt=\"Obon festival: floating lanterns (toro nagashi)\" width=\"800\" height=\"457\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/obon-festival-japan-800x457.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/obon-festival-japan-300x171.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/obon-festival-japan-768x439.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/obon-festival-japan.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Summers in Japan are hot and humid\u00a0across most of the country, but milder in mountainous regions. But summer is the <strong>perfect time for outdoor activities<\/strong>, from hiking to festivals.<\/p>\n<p>Weatherwise, summer is Japan\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/rainy-season-japan\">rainy season<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/typhoons-japan\">typhoon season<\/a>. <strong>Even during the rainest parts of June and July, torrential rain rarely affects travel<\/strong>. One exception to this is transportation between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/okinawa-travel-guide\">Okinawa<\/a> and the mainland.<\/p>\n<p>Japan\u2019s summers are full of festivals, called <em><strong>matsuri<\/strong><\/em>. Many include elaborate fireworks displays.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-transform: none; letter-spacing: inherit; font-size: 1rem;\"><span id=\"Matsuris_Summer_Festivals\">Matsuris \u2013 Summer Festivals<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Japan\u2019s cultural, historical, and religious festivals<\/strong> are known the world over. They often feature spectacular parades, decorations, and fireworks.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Read more<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/summer-festivals-japan\">10 best Japanese summer festivals<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h4 style=\"text-transform: none; letter-spacing: inherit; font-size: 1rem;\"><span id=\"Tenjin_Matsuri\">Tenjin Matsuri<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tenjin-matsuri-osaka\">Tenjin Matsuri<\/a> in <strong>Osaka<\/strong> honors the god of scholarship on <strong>July 24 and 25 each year<\/strong>. The festival has been <strong>celebrated for over 1,000 years<\/strong>. It is a fireworks matsuri, concluding with a fireworks display over the Okawa River.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1554 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/tengu-matsuri-800x453.jpg\" alt=\"Tengu (heavenly dog) are a type of legendary creature found in Japanese folk religion\" width=\"800\" height=\"453\" \/><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-transform: none; letter-spacing: inherit; font-size: 1rem;\"><span id=\"Gion_Matsuri\">Gion Matsuri<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/gion-matsuri-kyoto\">Gion Matsuri<\/a> is <strong>Kyoto\u2019s most important festival<\/strong>. The festival has been taking place for over 1,000 years. Main events include <strong>parades of enormous floats<\/strong> called <em>yamaboko<\/em>, the selection of a \u201csacred child,\u201d and carrying a portable shrine through the town. Attendees dress in colorful <em>yukata<\/em> robes and enjoy delicious street foods.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9081\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9081\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-9081 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/gion-matsuri-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"Gion Matsuri, Kyoto\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/gion-matsuri.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/gion-matsuri-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/gion-matsuri-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9081\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Gion Matsuri procession &#8211; Photo courtesy of Kyoto City Tourism Association<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Festivities of the Gion Matsuri take place in Kyoto during the entire month of July<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-transform: none; letter-spacing: inherit; font-size: 1rem;\"><span id=\"Fireworks_Matsuri\">Fireworks Matsuri<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japanese-fireworks-hanabi-festivals\"><strong><em>Hanabi<\/em> or fireworks festivals<\/strong><\/a> take place throughout the summer. Displays often last two hours and are accompanied by <strong>traditional street foods<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/japanese-fireworks-hanabi-festivals-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"Hanabi, the japanese fireworks\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/japanese-fireworks-hanabi-festivals.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/japanese-fireworks-hanabi-festivals-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/japanese-fireworks-hanabi-festivals-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Some of the most popular include the <strong>Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival<\/strong> (last Saturday in July), <strong>Nagaoka Fireworks Festival<\/strong> (early August), <strong>Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival<\/strong> (early August), <strong>Kumano Fireworks Festival<\/strong> (August 17), <strong>Omagari Fireworks Competition<\/strong> (late August), <strong>Miyajima Fireworks Festival<\/strong> (late August), <strong>Kachimai Fireworks Festival<\/strong> (late August), and the <strong>Tsuchiura Fireworks Competition<\/strong> (early October).<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n            <a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">\n                Buy your JR Pass\n            <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-transform: none; letter-spacing: inherit; font-size: 1rem;\"><span id=\"Beaches\">Beaches<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>From Okinawa to the northern islands, Japan is ringed with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-japanese-beaches\"><strong>popular and picturesque beaches<\/strong><\/a>. Escape from the big-city traffic of Tokyo and hit a nearby beach. View larger-than-life outdoor art on the island of Naoshima, or scuba dive in various locations.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-7659 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/okinawa-island-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"Okinawa Island\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/okinawa-island.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/okinawa-island-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/okinawa-island-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Autumn\">Autumn<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>September through December<\/strong> are Japan\u2019s fall or autumn months. <strong>Temperatures<\/strong> generally range from 50 to 70 F (10 to 21 C).<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9490 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/autumn-daigo-ji-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"autumn japanese landscape\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/autumn-daigo-ji.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/autumn-daigo-ji-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/autumn-daigo-ji-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Locals and visitors will <strong>enjoy <em>koyo<\/em>, or autumn leaves viewing<\/strong>. Kyoto&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/arashiyama-bamboo-forest\">Arashiyama<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/takayama-japanese-alps\">Japanese Alps<\/a> are among the best locations for this type of excursion.<\/p>\n<p>The mild weather, stunning foliage, and <strong>less intense crowds<\/strong> make autumn a favorite time for many travelers to Japan.\u00a0Autumn crowds are largest in <strong>November<\/strong>, but can often be avoided by planning your visit in early December.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-transform: none; letter-spacing: inherit; font-size: 1rem;\"><span id=\"Fall_Foliage\">Fall Foliage<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Japan is famous for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-autumn-leaves-forecast\"><em>koyo<\/em>, or autumn leaf viewing<\/a>, as the trees give way to <strong>reds and golds<\/strong>. The peak season for koyo is <strong>late November to early December<\/strong>. You can view <strong>autumn leaves almost anywhere in the country<\/strong>, but special train tours are available to give you the best views. <strong>Hiking<\/strong> is also a great way to see fall leaves. Consider the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kumano-kodo-pilgrimage\">Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nakasendo-trail\">Nakasendo trail<\/a> and even taste a <strong>deep-fried maple leaf<\/strong> at Minoo Park!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n            <a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">\n                Buy your JR Pass\n            <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Winter\">Winter<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Winter in Japan lasts <strong>from late December to mid-March<\/strong> with <strong>temperatures<\/strong> from 30 to 45 F (0 to 8 C). Winter is great for frugal travelers \u2013 if you avoid the holidays, winter is <strong>one of the cheapest times to visit Japan<\/strong>. After the holidays pass, mid-January to mid-March is also the <strong>least crowded<\/strong> time to visit. Is winter in Japan right for you?<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5541\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5541\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-5541 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/japan-best-winter-illuminations.jpg\" alt=\"Best Japanese Winter Illuminations\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/japan-best-winter-illuminations.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/japan-best-winter-illuminations-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/japan-best-winter-illuminations-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5541\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shibuya Blue Cave &#8211; by @\u9752\u306e\u6d1e\u7a9fSHIBUYA \u5b9f\u884c\u59d4\u54e1\u4f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Winter is also an <strong>ideal season for visiting an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-onsen-in-japan\">onsen<\/a>, or natural hot spring<\/strong>. A dip in an onsen is a perfect way to warm up and remedy sore muscles after winter sports. The traditional villages in which many onsen are located are picturesque after a dusting of snow.<\/p>\n<p>Humans aren\u2019t the only creatures that enjoy a dip in the hot springs. You can visit <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/jigokudani-monkey-park\">Japan\u2019s famous snow monkeys<\/a><\/strong> in a snowy environment. The months of November through February are also the best times to <strong>catch a glimpse of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/climbing-mount-fuji\">Mount Fuji<\/a><\/strong>, as it is less likely to be enveloped in clouds.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-transform: none; letter-spacing: inherit; font-size: 1rem;\"><span id=\"Snow_Skiing_and_Snowboarding\">Snow, Skiing, and Snowboarding<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Snow blankets northern Japan, and much of the rest of the country, each <strong>January and February<\/strong>. Resorts dot Japan\u2019s mountainous areas, providing <strong>perfect powder for skiers and snowboarders<\/strong>. In fact, one mountain range goes by the name of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/takayama-japanese-alps\">Japanese Alps<\/a> in honor of its European counterpart.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5758\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5758\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-5758\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/shiga-kogen-resort-ski-japan.jpg\" alt=\"Shiga Kogen Resort, Japan\" width=\"800\" height=\"522\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/shiga-kogen-resort-ski-japan.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/shiga-kogen-resort-ski-japan-300x196.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5758\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shiga Kogen Resort &#8211; Photo credits: Prince Hotel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Winter is, not surprisingly, Japan\u2019s <strong>snow season and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/skiing-snowboarding-japan\">skiing season<\/a><\/strong>. Japan is home to many ski resorts in Hokkaido and the Honshu Alps. <strong>Stunning snowscapes and some of the best skiing in the world meet congested travel during the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/christmas-in-japan\">Christmas<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/new-year-in-japan\">New Years<\/a> holidays<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n            <a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">\n                Buy your JR Pass\n            <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-transform: none; letter-spacing: inherit; font-size: 1rem;\"><span id=\"Illuminations_and_snow_festivals\">Illuminations and snow festivals<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>If winter sports aren\u2019t your thing, you can check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sapporo-snow-festival\">Sapporo Snow Festival<\/a>, or Yuki Matsuri. Stroll through a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and <strong>illuminated ice sculptures<\/strong>, or play the day away on a snow slide, in a snow maze, and at a snowman building area.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5523\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/nabana-no-sato-nagoya-illuminations.jpg\" alt=\"Nabana No Sato Winter Illuminations, near Nagoya\" width=\"800\" height=\"571\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/nabana-no-sato-nagoya-illuminations.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/nabana-no-sato-nagoya-illuminations-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Read more<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/winter-illuminations-japan\">Best Winter Illuminations in Japan<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h4 style=\"text-transform: none; letter-spacing: inherit; font-size: 1rem;\"><span id=\"Plum_Blossom_Viewing\">Plum Blossom Viewing<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Only slightly less famous than the <em>sakura<\/em> cherry blossom season is the<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-places-plum-blossoms\"><em>ume<\/em> or plum blossom<\/a> season in Japan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Plum trees begin blooming <strong>earlier than cherry trees<\/strong>, typically in <strong>mid-February<\/strong>. Some parks are blanketed with the fragrant flowers of over 3,000 trees. You can get a similar experience to cherry blossom viewing during plum blossom season, <strong>without the large crowds<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_680\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-680\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-680\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/plum-blossom-tree.jpg\" alt=\"Plum blossom tree\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/plum-blossom-tree.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/plum-blossom-tree-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/plum-blossom-tree-768x510.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-680\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Detail of a plum blossom tree<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 style=\"text-transform: none; letter-spacing: inherit; font-size: 1rem;\"><span id=\"Diving\">Diving<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Yes, <strong>February marks the beginning of the scuba diving season in Japan\u2019s southern regions<\/strong>. This is an ideal time for viewing humpback whales, sea turtles, and even rare manatees.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Peak_Seasons\">Peak Seasons<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>The spring months of March through May and the autumn season of September through November<\/strong> are the times that many people choose for their Japan vacation. Temperatures and rainfall are generally mild during these times, and you can enjoy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\">cherry blossom viewing<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-autumn-leaves-forecast\">autumn leaf viewing<\/a>, respectively. <strong>Japan\u2019s northern ski resorts are popular during the winter<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Other peak seasons occur during the <strong>Christmas\/New Year\u2019s holidays in December and January<\/strong>, the <strong>Golden Week festivities in late April through early May<\/strong>, and the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/obon-festival-in-japan\">Obon Festival<\/a> in August<\/strong>. Residents often have holidays from work during these times and travel domestically. Because of this, prices increase, rooms are harder to find, and transportation facilities and attractions are more crowded.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\"\n\t\t\t\t    href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/green-pass\" target=\"\"  rel=\"\">JR Green Pass<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Japan_month-by-month_highlights\">Japan month-by-month highlights<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>What is going on in Japan each month of the calendar year? Find out below.<\/p>\n<h3>January<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Expect crowds following <strong>New Year\u2019s Day<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Shogatsu<\/em><\/strong> is celebrated from January 1 to 3.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Coming of Age Day<\/strong> is celebrated on the second Monday of the month.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sumo-wrestling\"><strong>Sumo New Year <em>Basho<\/em><\/strong><\/a> takes place in Tokyo.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tsukiji-outer-market\"><strong>Tsukiji Fish Market<\/strong><\/a> opens to tourists in early January.<\/li>\n<li>Snow makes January a great time to visit the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/jigokudani-monkey-park\">snow monkeys<\/a> of Nagano<\/strong> or soak in a warm <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-onsen-in-japan\">onsen<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Cherry blossom season begins in Okinawa.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1125 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/onsen-japan-e1489757317893-800x496.jpg\" alt=\"Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma. Photo courtesy of EM7\/Shutterstock.\" width=\"800\" height=\"496\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/onsen-japan-e1489757317893.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/onsen-japan-e1489757317893-300x186.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/onsen-japan-e1489757317893-768x476.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>February<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The <strong>first day of spring<\/strong> is celebrated on February 3, often by visiting Buddhist temples to ward off evil.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>diving season<\/strong> begins, with the best chance of seeing humpback whales in February.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-places-plum-blossoms\"><strong>Plum blossom season<\/strong><\/a> begins in mid-march.<\/li>\n<li>February is typically the country\u2019s coldest month, making it the perfect time to visit an <em>onsen<\/em>, <em>izakayas<\/em>, or engage in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/skiing-snowboarding-japan\">winter sports<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sapporo-snow-festival\"><strong>Sapporo Snow Festival<\/strong><\/a> takes place in February.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>March<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Plum blossom season<\/strong> comes to an end in mid-March.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\"><strong>Cherry blossom season<\/strong><\/a> begins in mid-March.<\/li>\n<li>Crowds decrease in Okinawa.<\/li>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sumo-wrestling\"><strong>Sumo Spring <em>Basho<\/em><\/strong><\/a> is held in Osaka.<\/li>\n<li><strong>AnimeJapan<\/strong>, the world\u2019s largest anime festival, is held in March.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-7194 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/ashikaga-flower-park-wisteria-tunnel-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"Ashikaga Flower Park wisteria tunnel\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/ashikaga-flower-park-wisteria-tunnel.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/ashikaga-flower-park-wisteria-tunnel-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/ashikaga-flower-park-wisteria-tunnel-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>April<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Ski season ends<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cherry blossom<\/strong> season typically <strong>peaks<\/strong> in early April and comes to an end in mid-April.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Miyako Odori<\/strong> is held in Kyoto throughout the month.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/golden-week-travel-tips\"><strong>Golden Week<\/strong><\/a> begins in late April.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>May<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Golden Week<\/strong> continues through the first week of May.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Flowers<\/strong> such as wisteria, iris, and azalea are <strong>in bloom<\/strong>, making <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/ashikaga-flower-park\">flower parks<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-gardens-japan\">gardens<\/a> a must-see.<\/li>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sumo-wrestling\"><strong>Sumo Summer <em>Basho<\/em><\/strong><\/a> is held in Tokyo.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>June<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>June is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/rainy-season-japan\">Japan\u2019s <strong>rainiest month<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>Sumo <em>Basho<\/em><\/strong> is held in Nagoya.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>Yosakoi Soran Matsuri<\/strong> folk dance festival is held in Sapporo.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8289\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8289\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-8289 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/hydrangea-japan-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"Hydrangeas, known as ajisai (\u7d2b\u967d\u82b1) in Japanese\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/hydrangea-japan.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/hydrangea-japan-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/hydrangea-japan-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8289\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hydrangeas, known as ajisai (\u7d2b\u967d\u82b1) in Japanese<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>July<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/climbing-mount-fuji\"><strong>Mount Fuji climbing season<\/strong><\/a> begins on July 1.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tanabata-star-festival\">Tanabata<\/a> star festival<\/strong> is held on July 7.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/obon-festival-in-japan\"><strong>Obon festivals<\/strong> <\/a>are held in Tokyo and eastern Japan around July 15.<\/li>\n<li>The popular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/gion-matsuri-kyoto\"><strong>Gion Matsuri<\/strong><\/a> is held in Kyoto from July 17 to 24.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>Fuji Rock Festival<\/strong>, Japan\u2019s largest music festival, is held during the last weekend in July at the Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n            <a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">\n                Buy your JR Pass\n            <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<h3>August<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The <strong>Obon holiday of Hachigatsu Bon<\/strong>, three days honoring the dead, takes place in mid-August.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japanese-fireworks-hanabi-festivals\"><strong>Hanabi or fireworks festivals<\/strong><\/a> are held throughout the country. One of the best is the Lake Biwa festival near Kyoto.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9141 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/climbing-mount-fuji-800x480.jpg\" alt=\"Climbing mount Fuji\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/climbing-mount-fuji.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/climbing-mount-fuji-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/climbing-mount-fuji-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>September<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mount Fuji\u2019s trails close<\/strong> by the second week in September.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>Sumo Basho<\/strong> takes place in Tokyo.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri<\/strong> is held in Osaka.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>Seto craft festival<\/strong> is held during the second week of September.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>October<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-autumn-leaves-forecast\"><strong>Fall foliage season<\/strong><\/a> begins.<\/li>\n<li>Temperatures in <strong>Okinawa<\/strong> remain high enough to visit the beaches.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>Roppongi Art Night<\/strong> is held in mid- to late October.<\/li>\n<li>As a curiosity, you can see thousands of costumes in Tokyo\u2019s Shibuya district on October 31 (<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/halloween-in-japan\">Halloween!<\/a><\/strong>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1631 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/ginko-trees-autumn-japan-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"Yellow japanese landscape during the fall\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>November<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>A \u201cshoulder\u201d month when <strong>crowds are fewer and prices are lower<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>Ohara festival<\/strong> is held in Kagoshima.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>Momiji Festival<\/strong> is held in Kyoto.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>December<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Snowfall begins<\/strong>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/skiing-snowboarding-japan\">ski slopes<\/a> open.<\/li>\n<li>Travel in early December to avoid crowds.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>Sanpoji Daikon festival<\/strong>, celebrating the Daikon radish, is held in Kyoto.<\/li>\n<li>Expect closures of restaurants, shops, and attractions between <strong>Christmas and New Year\u2019s Day<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tsukiji Fish Market closes<\/strong> to tourists in late December.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5538\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5538\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-5538\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/shirakawa-go-winter-light-up.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawa-go Winter Light-up\" width=\"800\" height=\"571\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/shirakawa-go-winter-light-up.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/shirakawa-go-winter-light-up-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5538\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Shirakawa-go Light up festival is a must-see in the winter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>When is the best time to visit Japan?<\/strong> The short answer is, <strong>there is no bad time!<\/strong>\u00a0Plan your trip based on what you want to see &#8211; cherry blossoms, snow, or autumn leaves &#8211; and what you wish to avoid &#8211; heat, cold, high prices, or crowds.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n            <a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">\n                Buy your JR Pass\n            <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<p>In whichever season you choose to visit Japan, <strong>you will not be disappointed by its unique seasonal offerings<\/strong>. And if you\u2019ve traveled to Japan in the past, visiting during a different season can bring new life to your travel experiences.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When is the best time to visit Japan? This is a question without a simple answer. Japan is a year-round destination, with interesting activities, attractions, and festivities throughout the year. Your decision will depend on several factors. First, do you wish to avoid the crowded, busy times, more expensive times, or hot, cold, or rainy weather? Second, what activities or events to do wish to enjoy? Are they seasonal or available year-round?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6290,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[92],"tags":[],"acf":{"related_tours":{"tour_number":false},"bread_1":false,"bread_2":false,"bread_3":false,"bread_4":false,"bread_5":false,"bread_6":false,"bread_7":false,"bread_last":false,"custom_guide":"","pageresume":"In whichever season you choose to visit Japan, you will not be disappointed by its unique seasonal offerings.","shortcodes":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.10 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>When to Visit Japan? Bests Times and 2026 Travel Tips<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Wondering when is the best time of the year to go to Japan? Check out our travel guide with seasonal highlights, travel tips and weather info for 2026.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1383\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"When to Visit Japan? Bests Times and 2026 Travel Tips\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Wondering when is the best time of the year to go to Japan? 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