If from the year the best time to visit Japan?

If from the year the best time to visit Japan? -

One of the most common questions we hear Japan trip here is, " When is the best time of year to visit Japan? "

the simple answer is, of course, that you should take chance to visit the advantages of each, as each of Japan's seasons is great in its own way!

do not feel watching a video, how? Read below for more details!

Season Highlights

In winter, you will find amazing skiing and snowboarding, seafood and onsen (hot springs)

in the summer, there are colorful festivals throughout the country, hiking in the Alps and beautiful coastal areas, where you can enjoy the sea

in the fall, Japan is famous for its brilliant fall foliage ( koyo ) and pleasant temperatures

and in the spring, if you're lucky (and do not the masses against it), you can experience hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in all its glory

Japan is really a year round destination, and the Japanese culture is remarkable in its appreciation of the changing seasons. As you can see when you visit any season, (and even sub-season!) Celebrated with seasonal foods and often festivals.

All this being said, if your data is very flexible, you might d 'to try and select your ideal time to visit. After all, fear some travelers the cold, and others do not like heat and humidity -. Not to mention those of you who prefer to avoid holidays and other crowded times of the year

So we have put together this handy guide to help you navigate Japan's seasons!

originally wrote this in the fall of 2013, we have significantly updated and added to the original article.

leaves in Nikko, Japan Autumn

The seasons in Japan

on a discussion of the Japanese seasons, a very basic geography lesson before the start may be to.

While Japan does not appear very large on most maps (especially next to a massive country like China), it is surprisingly large.

is most important, as far as seasons and weather affected, extending from the icy island of Hokkaido in the far north, all the way to the idyllic subtropical islands of Okinawa archipelago.

Hokkaido experiencing longer and more pronounced winter than the rest of Japan, while Okinawa enjoys more summer and relative heat most of the year. In between - as in places like Tokyo and Kyoto (on Japan's largest island of Honshu) - They are big changes in weather and climate, see

Thus, as you see, seasons and weather in Japan. vary quite a bit from place to place!

For the purposes of this article, and keep things as simple as possible to keep, the descriptions below are primarily is based on the seasons and weather in Honshu, and sets especially as Tokyo and Kyoto.

For reference, it should be noted a good rule of thumb that sites in the west and south is warmer, while sites in the north is colder. It is also worth noting that even within the central Honshu, mountainous regions such as the Japan Alps are colder in the rule.

which can come into it so, with the (surprisingly) bests begin Japan visit! [1945004[

Hakuba in the Japanese Alps

Winter in Japan

Winter in Japan lasts from about December to mid-March, depending on the situation. winters are cold, with temperatures ranging from about 30 to 45 ° C.

Yes, it's cold, but if you get this basic fact past can (what a possible "deal breaker" for some), you will find that the winter is indeed for yourself to experience one of the best times all Japan

With few exceptions (described below), Japan -. like many other destinations around the world - tends during the cold winter time receive less travelers. This is partly because most people prefer, at known times (as Cherry) to visit, and partly also because not everyone is able to use the holidays to visit at this time of year.

This is unfortunate - especially if you are interested in Japan to experience with fewer tourists

in the mountains of Japan, snowfall is particularly abundant, making Japan an incredible ski and snowboard destination !. The most famous places of Japan legendary powder are Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps (the latter played host to the 1998 Winter Olympics).
enjoy
One of the best parts of the visit to Japan in winter, is the chance to enjoy Japanese onsen really (hot springs)

Natural thermal springs at Osawa Onsen, Hanamaki Onsen, Iwate Prefecture (Photo credit: Ghost of Kuji on Compfight cc).

can also be enjoyed during onsen sure at other times of the year, nothing is onsen in comparison with a white landscape in a mountain surrounded sitting with snow on them fall as you soak. It is one of the quintessential Japanese experience, and not to be overlooked.

more reasons need to get upset over Japan to explore in the cold? Do not miss to visit our part of the top 5 reasons Japan in winter.

Tips for Visiting Japan in Winter

In general, you are far less tourists visit Japan find in winter, but there are some notable exceptions to keep in mind.

We receive many requests for travel around the New Year's holidays, and while it can be to visit a magical time, it is also worth considering that potential drawbacks.

Because a longer holiday period before (not only in Japan, but in many places in the world), the dates to be during and after the New Year's Day are usually busy with tourists, from the visit or take vacations abroad, and Japanese family.

, this means for example that the charming old streets of Kyoto is probably busy and full of people from all over Japan and the world. For some it is a magical atmosphere full of holiday spirit (Japanese style), but for those who prefer more tranquility, it is worth considering.

In addition, since Japanese have several days for the new holiday of the year (more than in countries like the US or Europe), accommodation throughout the country are usually at very high utilization, availability is low and the making prices higher than usual. Luxurious ryokan, in particular, tend of up to one year or be booked in advance "Repeater".

Japanese monks on Mount Koya (Koya-san) walking in snow (Credit Photo: Crystalline Radical over Compfight cc)

What the New Year concerns in Japan, so it is also important to point out that - by the end of December (usually sometime after Christmas), until a few days into January (usually until about January 3rd or 4th or higher) , many places are closed.

This may include (but is not necessarily limited to) some restaurants, museums, shops and more. While there are exceptions to rise, in the past by some high-end restaurants, as well as those in department stores, it was quite reasonable to expect that most of the restaurants up at least 2 or 3 January (closed except 31 December are hotels, and especially for travelers those catering).

on the bright side, this may be a good time to climb the beaten track and remote areas of Japan.

In another visit piece good news, most temples and shrines - as in Kyoto and elsewhere in Japan - still remain open to the new year the holiday, and it may in fact a very peaceful and rewarding time of year to visit his
.
A special note about Tsukiji fish market, as well. Tsukiji usually remains open until the end of December, but because it is. A particularly busy time of the year on the market, the tuna auctions usually around tourists from around mid-December to mid-January

Around March of each year, winter begins route to the first hints of spring to give ...

Spring in Japan

Ah, spring.

Spring in Japan from about mid-March to May, depending on location. The weather in spring is notoriously fickle, rich with temperatures ranging from about 40 to 65 ° C. Some days you can still get your winter coat want while on other days you do not even need a sweater.

cherry blossoms in Takayama Nakabashi Bridge over Miyagawa River

Spring is Japan's most famous season and is from the iconic sakura (Cherry ), the bloom is usually sometime between the second half of March and the first half of April (sakura blossom symbolizes also plans vary significantly on the spot).

Without a shadow of a doubt, we get a lot more requests for travel to Japan to Sakura than any other time of year. In fact, it is such a popular time to visit, we are often forced to stop new requests months and months in advance, taking into account.

While the beauty of Japanese cherry blossoms in full bloom is certainly tempting, whether or not it is worth the potential drawbacks is not quite so clear!

travelers often to Japan wannabe trying their trips to coordinate with hanami season coincide, but Mother Nature is unpredictable.

In a few years, the sakura flower early, and in others they are too late; in "luck" years they could stay on the trees for a few weeks, while in other countries a strong wind or rain it soon distraction.

Of course, it is to a large extent this unpredictability and instability, which has been an inspiration for centuries Japanese poet

, why do you want avoid Cherry Blossom Season

First, a confession :. We can not deny Sakura Be amazing. The question is whether or not the effort, worth extra effort and endless masses.

Apart from their unpredictability (indicated above), the problem with the flowers is that they have become almost famous for their own good

cherry blossom season has an appealing time of year to visit, but always been in recent years -. and now led to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo - Japan has steadily received a record number of visitors (mainly from Asia, and also from all over Europe, the USA, Australia, and beyond).

the "worst" of the top cherry season lasts from mid-March to about the middle of April, and in relation to it's popularity and masses to Europe during summer holidays comparable

What does this mean for

plan, the traveler .:

More tourists

Lower accommodation availability
Higher Room rates One needs much further in advance

Cycling on the Kamogawa river in Kyoto [1945004[

Japan accommodation Shortage

We usually start applications for Sakura reception to to one year in advance or more, and many hotels and ryokans start surprising to fill early (thankfully, some units begin bookings to accept so far in advance, it is not impossible which means to plan with less advance).

One of the main problems that most travelers do not know is that Japan has recent rise in popularity as a tourist destination, surprised to a large extent, the country. While (Japan National Tourism Organization) used the JNTO biggest challenge drawing more travelers to Japan, his biggest challenge now is the huge influx.

Unfortunately for would-be travelers, there are simply not enough hotel rooms to go. This is particularly terrible in the city of Kyoto, which has a striking lack of spaces in relation to the demand. Of course, it is also a problem when it comes to boutique properties that are less prone room in the first place.

It is worth noting that leaders are limited in disappointing. The best leaders in Japan are often booked so early, it is a challenge to make great leaders to find when they without significant notice booking.

Golden Week in Japan

Despite the drawbacks, Sakura may be a good time to visit if you plan wisely. However, there is one week in the spring that we avoid, definitely recommend, unless you just have no choice. Golden Week

Together with the holiday of the New Year (and the Obon holidays in August), Golden Week is one of Japan's major travel weeks.

Golden Week usually starts at the end of April and runs until the first week of May (each calendar year varies slightly).

During this period of the year, Japanese traveling strongly, it is a very busy and expensive time to travel to make Japan.

If you're wondering what all the fuss is (after all, might holidays and festivals are your thing), it is important to mention that nothing particularly exciting in Japan during the Golden Week, there are to be. It's just a collection of several not particularly exciting holidays in a row.

If you travel during the Golden Week has it can be done, but if you can your dates move a little, you should consider doing so.

Spring cherry blossoms scene in Kyoto (Photo credit: sun_summer over Compfight cc)

Final Tips for visiting Japan in the spring of

after read all of the above, some of you might think, you might want to skip the cherry blossoms (and Golden Week) in favor of less crowds.

end of April may be a good time to try and visit, although lately the popularity of cherry blossom has begun to spill over into this part of the month. Even when considering the end of April, beware of Golden Week.

mid to end of May can be a wonderful time to be in Japan, and tends to have a good combination of warmer temperatures and fewer crowds (though May start to become popular).

to June hot as May, the spring weather Way noticeably transitions in Japan and humid summer.

summer in Japan

summer are in Japan in June lasts approximately until mid-September, depending on the location. , summers are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from about 70 to 0 ° C.

July and August are usually the hottest and most humid times of the year and can be uncomfortable for sightseeing when They are averse to moisture. But despite (or because of) the hot air, can also be one of the liveliest times in Japan in the summer.

Lighted floats in Aomori spectacular Nebuta Matsuri (Festival) (Photo credit: chrisliang82 over Compfight cc)

Japan more festivals ( matsuri ) than almost any other country in the world and in Japanese festivals - in all their color, tradition and exuberance - are often spectacular

Although there are great festivals throughout the year summer time offers many of Japan's best -. including Kyoto Gion Matsuri, Tenjin Matsuri Osaka, Aomori Nebuta Matsuri of and the Awa Odori Festival in Tokushima on Shikoku Island -. not countless vibrant (and delicious) neighborhood Matsuri across the country

In addition to mention Matsuri, summer is also known for its extraordinary fireworks extravaganzas. Hanabi (fireworks) are seriously in Japan, taken in and become a hanabi taikai is both entertaining and very culturally immersive. Tokyo Sumida River Fireworks are particularly famous, but all summer fireworks display across the country

sounds All fun -. And it's really - but well worth it Japan's summer heat and humidity is exposed?

How Hot & Wet is summer in Japan?

In addition to the usual summer crowds (thanks in large part takes place for the summer holidays, more than half of the world), one of the possible disadvantages visits Japan in the summer is the heat and humidity, which can sometimes be uncomfortable.

in my personal experience, the summer in Tokyo feel more or less like in the summer in New York City. It is hot and humid, but the days are long, enjoy the people from themselves, and it's worth it as long as you. Not the kind of person that will melt in this kind of weather

Kyoto is more comparable to a still sultry city like Washington, DC. If you, this kind of weather are not accustomed to, it can be exhausting to try and fit to much in.

Regardless of whether it's worth it depends on your own ability to enjoy themselves in this kind of weather. accustomed Californians mild weather, it may find it difficult, while those will probably be from places with different seasons in order.

But fortunately, even if you are not the hot-and-humid type, then There are opportunities to experience a milder version of the Japanese summer , even in the summer months!

Mt. Fuji

Tips for Visiting Japan in summer

As we explained above, Japan extends quite far from the northern extremes of Hokkaido to the southern subtropics of Okinawa. This leads to significant changes in weather, which means that - to a degree -. You can select your own desired air when Japan visit

In addition, within the central Japan itself, mountain areas such as the Japan Alps enjoy cooler temperatures than places like Tokyo and Kyoto.

So if you visit Japan in the summer, but want to mitigate your exposure to heat and humidity, it is worth it to spend as much time as you can in places like trying Japanese Alps, Tohoku (North Japan ) and Hokkaido. You will still have the opportunity to experience in the summer, but as if you were in a milder way in the big cities.

Japan's rainy season and typhoon season

Fortunately compared to most countries in Asia, Japan has a relatively mild rainy season. The rainy season (aka tsuyu that rain plum) is from early to mid-June to mid-July, depending on the location.

Despite the rainy season travelers should not necessarily expect rain every day. Moreover, the rain - while often stubbornly - are not usually terribly hard (unlike in many Asian countries torrential rain not the norm)

I personally this time of year to enjoy (make sure that you have the right footwear. it rain is worth considering other dates.

typhoons (known as hurricanes!), but if you are particularly averse when taking place across the Atlantic) occur usually between May and October up with the peak in late summer.

Okinawa and southwestern Japan are particularly vulnerable to typhoons, although it can also affect other parts of Japan. In late summer it is not uncommon for typhoons affecting travel plans (eg flight cancellations) to and from Okinawa, although this tends to happen less in most other parts of Japan.

Japan's summer extends into September, but as October peeking around the corner with the coveted autumn season gets underway.

Autumn / Fall in Japan

autumn (fall) in Japan lasts from mid-September to early December, depending on the situation. Autumn is widespread with temperatures ranging from about 50 to 70 ° F up to the most convenient time (weather-wise) to visit Japan, considered.

Ginkakuji (the Silver Pavilion), Higashiyama District, Kyoto

In addition to its pleasant temperatures and generally clear weather (especially in late autumn), Autumn is perhaps best known for the vitality of the changing leaves ( koyo ).

During autumn begins technically the end of September, it is usually still quite warm (sometimes hot) at this time of year, but with the arrival of October, the case is definitely underway.

The pleasant change in weather, tourists pouring also begin to enjoy in the beautiful temperatures, a very popular travel in Japan make of October.

But not compare its popularity November when the tips fall begins travel season. In November Autumn is in full swing, and in Japan, you can begin to experience the fall foliage.

Due to the popularity of October and November, if you want tourists to the extent to try and avoid possible, you may want to consider the beginning of December, when you can catch a bit of the koyo , although probably with less tourists.

, while gazing at an outdoor onsen soaking in autumn foliage and a memorable experience.

autumn colors, Nikko

Tips on Visiting Japan in autumn

Japan's fall foliage season is similar to Sakura in many ways, in terms of the attractiveness and potential drawbacks (detail above).

As with hanami season travel, koyo means travel, with more tourists, lower property dispute availability, to continue to plan higher accommodation rates and a need in advance.

Please note our thoughts in the spring section on a better idea of whether or fall (or spring) to obtain travel which may be right for you.

When is the least expensive time to visit Japan?

travelers we sometimes ask: "If the most reasonable time of year to visit Japan?"

Japan's low and high travel times are not as clearly defined as they are in some other countries, such as India, Thailand or Costa Rica, where there are more low and high seasons clearly delineated.

With that being said, it's just that most to identify expensive times of the year to visit Japan .: national holidays

Japanese National Holidays
[1945001Japaner] love to travel and take the benefit of any 3-day weekend (or longer holiday) to go on a trip. Two of the most expensive times of the year to travel are thus:

Golden Week (described above) and

Obon (mid-August , easy to change with the exact data from year to year)

While the cost of certain services (such as train and bullet train traffic) is not subject to drastic changes in regard to vacations, the price of accommodation in hotels and ryokans , during the national holidays skyrocket (including 3-day weekend). Domestic flights can also vary considerably.

you to help them plan, here is an overview of Japanese holidays 2016 and 2017.

Japanese Holidays 2016

31. January 3: New Year
January 1: New Year ( Shogatsu )
January 11: Coming of Age Day ( Seijin no hi ) March
11: National Foundation Day ( Kenkoku kinenbi )
MARCH 3: puppet Festival ( Hina matsuri )
MARCH 21: Spring equinox day ( Shunbun no hi )
April 29 - MAY 6: Golden Week
APRIL 29: Showa day ( Showa no hi )
MAY 3: day of the Constitution ( Kenpo kinenbi )
MAY 4: greenery day ( Midori no hi )
MAY 5: children's day ( Kodomo no hi )
18 July: Ocean day ( Umi no hi )
11 to 16 August: Obon
August 11: day of the mountains ( Yama no hi )
SEPTEMBER 19: respect for age ( Keiro no hi )
September 22: autumnal equinox day ( Shubun no hi )
October 10: Health and Sports day ( Taiiku no November hello )
3: day of Culture ( Bunka no hi )
November 23 Labor Thanksgiving day ( Kinro kansha no hi )
December 23rd Emperor's Birthday ( Tenno no tanjobi )
December 31 JANUARY 3: new year

Japanese Holidays 2017

December 31 to 3 JANUARY new year
January 1: new year ( Shogatsu )
JANUARY 9: Coming of Age Day ( Seijin no hi )
FEBRUARY 11: National Foundation day ( Kenkoku kinenbi )
March 20 vernal equinox day ( Shunbun no hi )
April 29 to 7 . Mai: Golden Week
APRIL 29: Showa day ( Showa no hi )
May 3rd Constitution Memorial day ( Kenpo kinenbi )
4 . Mai: greenery day ( Midori no hi )
MAY 5: children's day ( Kodomo no hi )
JULY 17: Ocean day ( Umi no hi )
13 to 17 August: Obon
August 11: day of the mountains ( Yama no hi )
SEPTEMBER 18: respect for the aged ( Keiro no hi )
September 22: autumnal equinox day ( Shubun no hi )
OCTOBER 9: Health and Sports day ( Taiiku no hello )
3 November: Culture day ( Bunka no hi )
November 23 Labor Thanksgiving day ( Kinro kansha no hi )
December 23rd Emperor's Birthday ( Tenno no tanjobi )
December 31 JANUARY 3: new year

flights

International flights is also worth under consideration, although airfare fluctuations are notoriously difficult to predict. jQuery (document) .bind ( 'gform_post_conditional_logic', function (event, formid, fields, isInit) {});