THE SEASON AHEAD
October brings one of Japan’s most atmospheric seasons, as maple and ginkgo trees turn temple gardens and forested hillsides brilliant shades of red and gold. The colour usually gathers pace through November and can linger into early December, when crisp, bright days and fewer visitors give places like Kyoto a lovely sense of calm. I remember wandering through Gion early one December morning in little more than a light jacket, coffee in hand, and having its old wooden streets almost to myself. It remains one of my fondest memories of the city.
As winter settles in, Japan takes on a completely different character. From mid-December through February, Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps are deep in powder snow, and I can help shape the right ski itinerary depending on whether you want serious terrain or a more relaxed stay built around onsen and beautifully prepared kaiseki dinners. By March, milder days and the first blossom begin to hint at spring. Sakura is never an exact science, so timing and routing really matter; if cherry blossom is a priority, I always recommend planning well ahead and building in a little flexibility to give you the best chance of seeing it at its peak.
Sam – October 2026
WHERE AND WHEN
When is the best time to visit Japan?
The best times to visit Japan are during spring and autumn. Spring usually arrives in Japan in March, and brings mild temperatures and bright days – perfect for exploring gardens, temples and ancient forests. By April and May, average temperatures range from 14C to 20C (57F – 68F). We particularly recommend the month of May if you want to visit Japan in spring. The peak crowds that visit for cherry blossom season will have ebbed away, but there are still possibilities of seeing blossoms in the north. Hotel prices also decrease significantly in May.
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Japan, as you can enjoy comfortable temperatures for exploring and it is a season of astonishing natural beauty. September marks the start of autumn in Japan and, by October, the turning of autumn leaves brings the country’s forests and temple gardens alive in vivid shades of red and gold. Temperatures average at 18 – 23C in September and October (64F – 73F). Japan is still beautiful in November and even in early December, with crisp bright days. Temperatures are not unbearably cold, and fewer visitors at this time make popular areas like Kyoto particularly enjoyable to explore.
It is still possible to visit Japan over winter. Central areas such as Tokyo see average temperatures of 6 – 10C (43 – 50F). Conditions in the north are much colder, and heavy snowfall turns areas of Hokkaido and Honshu into skiing havens.
Summer in Japan (June to August) is generally the least popular time to visit as this season sees the most rainfall. Temperatures hover between 28 – 35C (82 – 95F) in central regions. There can be high humidity too, but air conditioning keeps travel comfortable. If summer is the only time you can visit Japan, you may be fortunate enough to witness one of the country's colourful local festivals.
Where are the best places to visit in Japan?
The possibilities for a tailor-made tour to Japan are endless, but – if you are visiting the country for the first time – these key areas are good places to start:
- Tokyo – few world cities balance tradition and modernity in quite such a striking way as Tokyo. You could spend two weeks in the city and still not run out of things to see and do. Equally enjoyable is slowing the pace and exploring Tokyo’s diverse neighbourhoods. You can contrast Harajuku’s creative street fashion contrasts with nearby Meiji Shrine’s forested calm, for example. Shibuya pulses with pop culture and innovation, while Shinjuku shifts from skyscrapers to lantern-lit alleys in an intoxicating mix. The possibilities are endless.
- Kyoto – Japan’s imperial capital is eternally popular due to its timeless beauty and rich cultural appeal. The city is home to over 1,000 temples, ornate gardens, and the meticulously preserved machiya townhouses of atmospheric Gion. Our expert local guides and insider access will show you a side of Kyoto that not everyone gets to see.
- Osaka – if you are travelling to Japan on a family holiday, the city of Osaka is brimming with fun things to do for children of all ages. You can combine an adventurous day at Universal Studios Japan with countless engaging cultural activities in the city itself.
