Tips for First-Time Travelers in Japan
seasons in japan
Looking for a particular season? Jump down from the links below:
THE FOUR SEASONS IN JAPAN
From the blossoming of cherry blossoms to the elegant dance of snow, Japan enjoys the four clear seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter with its numerous lively celebrations and colorful traditions.
Spring
Widely considered the most beautiful season of Japan, spring is truly a season to begin the year off with. Enjoy the loving warm embrace of the sun as thousands of cherry blossom petals dance around you in a vivacious waltz. Hanami, or flower viewing, has long been an important activity of Japan and in earlier times was a ritual of spiritual cleansing. Now, it has become a cherished yearly tradition amongst friends and families in Japan to simply watch the gorgeous display of nature’s beauty together.
Tokyo and Kyoto house some of the most famous and spectacular spots, but there are many hotspots around Japan to enjoy this tradition, so no matter where you are, there will be one nearby! But aside from cherry blossom viewing, there are also numerous traditions and yearly festivals that are all definitely worth participating in.
Weather in Spring:
15~23 ℃ / 59~73 ℉ (Tokyo) 14~24 ℃ / 57~75 ℉ (Kyoto) 8~17 ℃ / 46~63 ℉ (Sapporo)
Warm but not too hot, with not much rain. Great for picnicking in the gardens.
Coastal Crawl Cultural Tour: Looking to experience different sides of Japan, whether it's the high-end cutting-edge contemporary art and fashion in Tokyo, the Zen spirit and beautiful landscapes of Miyajima, or the peaceful paradises of Yakushima and Okinawa? TOKI offers a unique opportunity to enjoy various locations of Japan through our Coastal Crawl cultural tour! This unforgettable journey is the best during the seasons of spring, summer, or early autumn. Read more about this experience that will mesmerize you with the incredibly rich history, culture, wildlife, and natural wonders of Japan here.
Summer:
It may be hot and humid, but don’t let that make you forget the most important part. It’s summer! That of course means all sorts of outdoor activities, travels, and festivities are ready and waiting for you in Japan. With plenty of mountains, spearheaded by the almighty and famous Mt. Fuji, Japan is absolutely perfect for those looking for an adventurous hike. But if mountains aren’t your thing, there’s always good old sightseeing. Take a leisurely stroll around the historic sights of Kyoto, or enjoy the lovely green of Hokkaido. And of course, join in on all the summer festivals and firework shows! Japanese festivals are truly unique, so don’t miss out on them. A particularly festive period in the summer is in the middle of August during the Obon period, a custom in which families pay their respects to their ancestors.
Weather in Summer:
24~33 ℃ / 75~91 °F (Tokyo) 25~33 ℃ / 77~91 °F (Kyoto) 19~26 ℃ / 66~79 ℉ (Sapporo)
Rainy season for about 3 weeks from June to July. Becomes humid and hot after the rainy season until mid-September.
Summer is enjoyed in Japan through various traditions and events - you can read more about the topic from our blog post Getting through the summer in Japan!
Autumn:
The leaves change color once again, and another beautiful shade of Japan reveals itself. With the weather cooled down, hiking and other outdoor activities still present themselves as great options. But as the leaves turn a vivid spectrum of crimson, visiting all the historical landmarks or hotspots and seeing them dyed in autumn colors is simply an experience you cannot miss! Soaking in hot springs during this time is also a highly recommended experience that we suggest. If you are visiting Japan in the fall, Kyoto, Kamakura, and Takayama are all stellar choices for a relaxing weekend trip.
Weather in Autumn:
13~22 ℃ / 55~72 °F (Tokyo) 13~22 ℃ / 55~72 °F (Kyoto) 1~15 ℃ / 34~59 °F (Sapporo)
Perfectly clear skies are followed by the brief typhoon season in September. The weather is dry and mild.
You can read more about the colorful season and how to enjoy autumn in Japan from our blog post Experiencing autumn in Japan!
Winter:
The trees are empty and the weather cold, but winter in Japan is surprisingly full of life and joys. If you are an aficionado of snow and snow-related activities, northern Japan has it all for you. With beautiful fields of soft powdery snow, Hokkaido and the Tohoku region is home to numerous ski resorts and snow festivals. But if the cold northlands are not for you, Tokyo is lit up with dazzling illuminations throughout the winter. Regardless of where you are, stay warm with a nice hot pot and other delicious warm winter Japanese cuisines. If you happen to be passing the New Year in Japan, consider participating in the unique experience of hatsumode, or the first shrine visit of the year, and having your luck divined. Winter in Japan is a busy, happy time packed full of festivities, both traditional and modern.
Weather in Winter:
2~12 ℃ / 36~54 °F (Tokyo) 1~10 ℃ / 34~50 °F (Kyoto) -7~2 ℃ / 19~36 °F (Sapporo)
Dry and sunny. Snows heavily in the Northern part of Japan, but rarely for the central to southern part of Japan including Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
Our blog post Winter holidays in Japan tells you more about the traditions and activities of the winter season!
Snow Country Cultural Tour: Do you love snow and enjoy the winter season to the fullest? TOKI invites you to join the Snow Country cultural tour, perfect for those looking to enjoy winter activities and participate in cheery snow festivals! Our tour takes you to Hokkaido where you can admire the gorgeous landscapes and winter scenery while experiencing a wide array of winter sports! Read more about this magical tour here.
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