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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.
Mobile Phones & Data
If you want to use the mobile phone data anywhere you go, it is recommended to consider purchasing a SIM-card or a pocket WiFi. The simplest option is to purchase a SIM-card with unlimited data before your arrival, and pick it up at the airport you land in. The staff helps you to prepare the card and make sure the data works. After arrival, you can also purchase Japan Travel SIM-cards for example at Bic Camera stores, which can be found in many locations. Rental pocket WiFi is another possible option for using data while exploring Japan. With a tourist visa, you can also purchase voice/data SIM-cards.
Convenience Stores
Lawson convenience store in Fukuoka @ David Magalhães, Unsplash
There are a large number of convenience stores, combinis, all over Japan. These stores are open around the clock 7 days a week. Combinis sell an incredible variety of food, snacks, and drinks, and the selection differs based on the season and locale. You can find for example sandwiches, lunch boxes (obento), rice balls (onigiri), instant ramen, fried chicken, and microwave meals that can be heated in the store.
Other everyday items, such as cosmetics, body care products, newspapers, manga, umbrellas, and even clothes can be found. Convenience stores also offer various services, such as ATMs, bill payment service, Wi-Fi, delivery services (drop-off and pick up), and multi-purpose terminals (tickets for events, theme parks, and some transportation services). Some combinis also have a toilet for the customers to use. The major operators are Family Mart, Lawson and Seven-Eleven, which compete against each other to deliver the best service and selection.
Travel tip: If you are ever in need of something, run into a combini and chances are they will carry it.
Money
Japan is a cash-based economy - if you’re unsure about whether a restaurant or bar accepts cards, ask first. Some places now accept PayPay, ApplePay (mobile payment systems), and Suica/PASMO (the prepaid fare cards used for trains and buses), but we always recommend carrying cash, especially if you are exploring more traditional old town areas.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Japan, and commercial settings do not generally require tips. However, in high-end restaurants and ryokan (traditional Japanese hotels), there is a similar custom known as chadai (茶代）or kokorozuke (心付け). Contrary to tipping in Western countries, chadai or kokorozuke has to be “wrapped” in paper or enclosed in “tipping bags” called shugibukuro (祝儀袋). Handing out bills or coins without envelopes is considered to be very rude. Another different aspect is the timing: kokorozuke is given before receiving service, as it is part of the greeting or requesting ritual.
These customs can feel quite confusing and daunting when first coming to Japan, so please feel free to ask us or your guide when you are unsure of the necessary formalities.
Gift-giving is also a major part of Japanese customs. If you are going to an artisan’s atelier for a private lesson or experience, you are essentially entering their “home”. It is customary to bring a gift to express gratitude.
Currency Exchange
Exchanging money at the airport is an obvious disaster, but you may not have much of a choice unless you have come prepared with traveler’s cheques or cash in hand. You may be better off withdrawing cash from an ATM at the airport if your bank waives international transaction fees. There are a couple from the exit at Terminal 1 South Wing in Narita - as you face the exits to the road outside, take a 5 minute walk leftwards and you’ll see a bank of ATMs.
It’s harder to find dedicated currency exchange stores like Travelex, so you’re better off going to a bank, like Mitsubishi UFJ or Mitsui-Sumitomo (SMBC). Some places will have a dedicated ground-floor space for foreign currency exchange. They’ll usually levy a 2% fee. Be sure to check with your credit card and debit card providers to see if they’ll dock you for using your card overseas. Charles Schwab Visa and Capital One don’t charge fees.
ATMs
Most convenience stores have an ATM, however, not all convenience store ATMs accept foreign credit cards, so we recommend you head into a convenience store early on in your trip to check the options. Also, withdrawing money from an ATM, even at a 24-hour convenience store, may be restricted by bank access hours. Try not to find yourself stuck without cash.
Purchasing online
You can purchase things on Amazon.co.jp and pay to have them delivered to you at a convenience store, which can be convenient if you’re in need of something quick. Amazon also does same-day delivery in Japan.
Driving in Japan
You cannot drive in Japan with only a US driver’s license. International Driver’s permits obtained outside of Japan can be used, but not for extended periods of time. In order to complicate things even further, International Driver’s permits from some countries (France for instance) are not valid in Japan. Driving is on the left side, with the driver’s wheel on the right. No right turns on red are allowed. If you are heading out into the rural parts of Japan for a nature trip, contact us and we are more than happy to provide hired transportation or prepare a rental car for your use.
Post office in Hokkaido @ Magic Mary, Unsplash
Postal Service
At the post offices, you can send letters, postcards, parcels and registered mail, as well as insurance services and savings. The small post offices are open from 9AM to 5PM from Monday to Friday, and stay closed during weekends and national holidays. The larger post offices are open until 7PM, and might also be open on weekends. The mailboxes are red and have the “〒” service mark on them. A small selection of postcards and stamps can also be found from most of the convenience stores (combinis).
Helpful Apps
When visiting Japan, mobile apps are a great help for having a smoother travel experience.
For overall Japan information and traveling in Japan, apps such as the Japan Official Travel App, Tabimori (App Store & Google Play), and NAVITIME can assist you. In case you are not familiar with speaking Japanese, apps such as Google Translate and VoiceTra (App Store & Google Play) can help to ease the language barrier.
You can find more apps for traveling in Japan from our Tokyo Travel Guide and Kyoto Travel Guide!
Unique Japan SPectrum Tours
Central Tour
Would you like to experience the way of life from past centuries in Japan while exploring the towns in Kanazawa and Kyoto, as well as enjoy excellent service and delicious cuisine that is unique to Japanese culture? TOKI presents you the Central Japan tour that takes you to the wonderful regions of Tokyo, Nagano, Kanazawa, Takayama, and Kawaguchiko! Read more about this tour that lets you explore the long history and traditions of Japan here.
Getaway Voyage
Do you love being close to the sea and experience beautiful island life? Are you also a fan of art and architecture? We have the perfect tour for you, which allows you to discover adventure and inspiration in the natural beauty of the Seto Inland Sea. On our Getaway Voyage tour you will be traveling in the comfort of a beautifully designed ship and treated to freshly caught seafood delivered straight to the ship by local fishermen. Read more about this tour that takes you to gorgeous locations such as Tokyo, Hiroshima, Seto Island Sea, and Naoshima here.
The Grand City
Have you dreamed of a luxurious adventure in the beautiful cosmopolitan city of Tokyo? Look no further, TOKI offers you an unforgettable Grand City tour, which lets you explore Tokyo with an expert guide and a full-time private driver, stay in the finest hotels, as well as enjoy exclusive introductions to craftsman, Michelin-starred chefs, a sake sommelier and other experts in various fields! Read more about this tour that allows you to enjoy Japanese hospitality, culture and traditions first-hand here.
Kansai Adventure
TOKI has curated an exciting adventure in the Kansai region for those willing to travel away from the super city of Tokyo! During our Kansai Adventure tour, you will visit Japan’s most famous historical spots and relive the vibrant and exotic past, as well as experience some of Japan’s finest soul food at Osaka and Kobe. You can also see relics in Hiroshima, marking the beginning of culture in the modern era of Japan. Read more about this customizable experience offering the traditional aesthetics in the aristocratic culture in Kyoto and the energetic merchants' atmosphere in Osaka here.
Wonderful Japan Cultural Tours
The Classic
Our Classic cultural tour takes you to explore the wonders of Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Kanazawa! To make this tour a perfect adventure for discovering the traditional side of Japan’s art forms, TOKI has prepared everything from ceremonial arts to swordsmithing for you to experience. During the Classic tour, you will work alongside high-class artisans in their own personal workshops, and create your own masterpieces that will serve as lifelong memory of the unique experiences. Read more about this tour that allows you to discover what lies in the mystique of Japanese arts and crafts here.
Arts and Design
Are you an enthusiast of art and design? Would you like to meet world renowned designers and participate in private workshops across Japan? Our Art and Design cultural tour is a perfect experience for those willing to browse through exclusive museums and galleries, and get insight into some of the latest fashion trends of Asia from he top fashionistas of Japan. Read more about the Arts and Design tour that is set on the beautiful cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, Naoshima, and Takamatsu here.
Architect’s Delight
Would you like to experience a balance of traditional aesthetics in the long history of Japanese architecture and contemporary art in the hubs of Tokyo and Naoshima? We present you the Architect’s Delight cultural tour, which lets you to explore architecture that is deeply rooted in the everyday lives of Japanese people. During the tour, you will be able to follow the long history of Japan through the legacies of Buddhist and western influences in architecture while visiting the cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Naoshima, and Hiroshima. Read more about this perfect tour for architecture enthusiasts here.
Temple Run
Are you interested in learning more about the history of Japan, as well as Buddhism? TOKI offers you a chance to take part in the ultimate Zen experiences in remote temples of the large cities! During our Temple Run cultural tour, you will get a glimpse into the Japanese mindset through experiencing the historical customs, dive deeper into the histories of a number of Buddhist temples, and learn about the different Buddhist sects. Read more about this unique tour focusing on Japanese history that takes you to the cities of Kyoto, Osaka, Wakana, and Shiga here.
The Gourmet
If flawless dining experiences with an emphasis on Japanese cuisine and sake is to your liking, look no further! We have curated the perfect experience for those willing to experience the excellent Japanese hospitality combined with top-notch cuisine, creating the ultimate travel opportunity for food-lovers. Our Gourmet cultural tour takes you to the cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka to enjoy the best of the best Japanese delicacies. Read more about the Gourmet tour here.
Serene Luxury
Our Serene Luxury concept tour combines joining in ultimate Zen experiences at temples in the middle of nature, enjoying excellent Japanese hospitality, staying in the finest hotels, and having flawless dining experience in the most luxurious locations. This tour is perfect opportunity for those willing to have the best and smoothest travel experience, and has emphasis on the quality and exclusive opportunities. Read more about this tour that lets you to explore the luxury of Tokyo, Kyoto, Naoshima, and Takamatsu here.