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The best times to visit Japan are spring (late March to May) and autumn (October to early December): mild weather, cherry blossoms or autumn leaves, and clear skies. Winter is right for snow; summer is hot, humid and stormy.
Month by month
| Month | Weather (Tokyo / Kyoto) | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cold, dry, sunny | Snow in Hokkaido, onsen, fewer crowds | New Year closures on 1 to 3 Jan |
| February | Cold, dry | Sapporo Snow Festival, skiing | Chinese New Year crowds some years |
| March | Cool to mild | Cherry blossoms from late March | Singapore school holidays |
| April | Mild | Cherry blossoms early April; Tohoku later | Golden Week from about 29 Apr |
| May | Warm, pleasant | Green landscapes, festivals | Golden Week until about 5 May |
| June | Warm, rainy | Hydrangeas, Hokkaido | Rainy season outside Hokkaido |
| July | Hot, humid | Summer festivals, Mt Fuji climbing season | Rain until mid-July, heat |
| August | Very hot | Hokkaido, fireworks festivals | Typhoons, Obon holiday crowds |
| September | Hot, then easing | Late-summer deals | Peak typhoon month |
| October | Mild, clear | Autumn colour in the north, hiking | Some typhoons early in the month |
| November | Cool, clear | Autumn leaves in Kyoto and Tokyo | Weekend crowds at famous temples |
| December | Cold | Illuminations, start of ski season | Year-end closures from about 29 Dec |
Cherry blossom season
Cherry blossoms usually open in the last week of March in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka and reach full bloom about a week later, lasting roughly a week more. The bloom moves north: Tohoku in mid to late April, Hokkaido in late April to early May. Official forecasts come out from late winter. Book refundable hotels early, then adjust once the forecast is published.
Autumn leaves
Autumn colours start in Hokkaido in late September to October, reach the Japan Alps in October, and peak in Kyoto and Tokyo from mid-November to early December. It is as popular as cherry blossom season in Kyoto, so go to famous temples at opening time.
Snow and skiing
Hokkaido (Niseko, Furano, Sapporo) has reliable powder snow from December to March. Nagano and the Japan Alps are closer to Tokyo by shinkansen. Pack for temperatures well below zero.
Holidays to plan around
- Golden Week (about 29 April to 5 May): the busiest domestic travel week.
- Obon (mid-August): many Japanese travel home; trains are packed.
- New Year (about 29 December to 3 January): some shops, restaurants and sights close.
Questions people ask
What is the cheapest time to visit Japan?
Usually January to early March (outside Chinese New Year and ski areas), June, and early December. Flights from Singapore are dearest during the school holidays.
Is Japan too cold in winter for Singaporeans?
Tokyo and Kyoto are around 2 to 10°C in January; Hokkaido is well below zero. With a proper coat, thermals and gloves it is very comfortable, and winter is quieter and clearer.
Related
Japan travel guide for independent travellers
Entry rules for Singapore passports, the best months for cherry blossoms, autumn leaves and snow, getting around by rail, and where to stay in Japan.
Where to travel in March
Cherry blossom season begins, Yunnan is in spring and Thailand's beaches are still dry: where to go in March from Singapore.
Where to travel in November
Kyoto's autumn colours, the Yi Peng lantern festival in Chiang Mai and spring in Australia: where to go in November.