Japan Through The Seasons

Intro

Everyone has a favourite season. Whether you love the golds and reds of autumn, the ice and snow of winter, the freshness and vitality of spring, or the warm rays of summer, deep down we all know which one we like best. And this can play a decisive role in where we choose to travel. When you combine a dream destination like Japan with your favourite weather then you’ve got all the makings of an extra special experience. Japan’s seasons are among the most distinctive and beautiful of any country in the world, from the transcendent emergence of the cherry blossom each spring to the golden glow of autumn and the heavy snowfall of Japanese winters. Of course, the seasons are about more than just the weather. In Japan, each season also brings with it unique experiences and traditions, from summer fireworks to skiing and snowboarding, harvest festivals to winter illuminations. As you plan your perfect stay with JapanDen, we thought we would help by providing you with an in-depth guide to Japan’s weather and seasons. 

When Is The Best Time To Visit?

Here’s the good news - there is no bad time to visit Japan. All four of its seasons are stunning in their own right. Ultimately, the single, biggest factor when it comes to when you should visit Japan is… you. More than anything else, your individual needs and preferences should determine when you travel to Japan, where you visit and stay, and what kind of experience you have. Do you like it hot or cold? Do you prefer big cities or idyllic countryside? Are you an avid skier or a beach bum? Fascinated by history or the latest technology? Do you enjoy the hustle and bustle of the crowds or would you rather have some peace and quiet? The great thing about Japan as a country is that it has all of these things and much more, and its four seasons are no different. Diversity is the name of the game. It might be the most vibrant, and eclectic place in the world when it comes to offering so much to see and do, and so many, radically different experiences, within a single country and the seasons definitely play their part by being so clearly delineated. In Japan, depending on when and where you visit, you can have a city break, a winter getaway, a beach holiday, an outdoors adventure, a cultural education, a spiritual experience, and more, all in one country. Talk about a perfect place…  

Four Seasons in One… Country

Before we get into an overview of each of the seasons, it’s worth noting that just like the famous song, Four Seasons in One Day, Japan’s unique geography means that the weather and seasons can differ depending on where you visit in Japan. The most obvious example being the difference between the country’s northernmost island Hokkaido, which sees high snowfall and winds from Siberia, and subtropical islands such as Okinawa in the south with crystal clear waters and white sand beaches. The point being that you can travel across the country and have a very different experience of Japan’s seasons as a result of the country’s distinct topography. Japan is an archipelago of more than 14,000 islands, and five main islands, Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa, surrounded by four seas, the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk, the East China Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. The country is one of the most volcanically active in the world with more than 111 active volcanoes, and 73% of the landmass is mountainous. It has subtropical islands, but it also has some of the heaviest snowfall in the world. As a consequence of this diverse geography and varied climate, Japan’s seasons can differ greatly across its main islands and also tend to be more distinct and dramatic than other countries where seasons almost blend into each other. 

The four seasons are very important in Japanese culture and each has a special significance. The two-week period when the cherry blossom trees bloom and fall during Spring, along with the changing of the leaves in Autumn, both reflect Shinto beliefs about the beauty and impermanence of life, while the icy cold winters are associated with the concept of purification. As such, you’ll find traditional festivals during each of the four seasons which honour the changing weather. Known as matsuri, these festivals are an incredible way to experience Japanese culture and we would highly recommend trying to attend one during your stay in Japan. There are also many specific activities linked to the seasons in Japan, from walking, hiking, and climbing in the spring and autumn, watersports and diving in the summer, and skiing and snowboarding in winter. Each season has something to offer. Let’s take a closer look.     

Spring

Arguably the most popular time of year to visit Japan, Spring takes place from early March and to the end of May and has the benefit of especially pleasant weather as well as being when one of the country’s most famous annual events takes place - namely cherry blossom season. This event alone attracts millions of visitors to Japan each year. Golden Week in Japan - a week-long celebration featuring a string of national holidays and one of the busiest weeks of the year - also takes place in Spring. Alongside this, just like Goldilocks’ favourite porridge, the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. As a result, the country’s diverse landscape is particularly beautiful as it awakens from the relative slumber of winter, and there is always a huge amount going on in Japan during these months. As the landscape unthaws after Winter, Japan literally springs to life with a packed programme of festivals, ancient ceremonies and traditions, seasonal food and drinks and much more. The season is also important culturally and spiritually. Spring symbolises rebirth and renewal in Japan and is closely linked to both Shinto and Buddhist beliefs. Here are a few expert recommendations for the best activities to enjoy when visiting Japan in Springtime:

• Don’t Miss the Cherry Blossom

One of the most popular annual occasions in the Japanese calendar with residents and international visitors alike, Cherry Blossom season attracts millions of tourists to Japan each year. Hanami, or flower viewing, is most commonly associated with the Sakura even though it originated many centuries ago with plum blossom, and it is about much more than just gazing at flowers – there are festivals, picnics in the park, celebrations and special foods. There is a genuine party-like atmosphere in Japan during Cherry Blossom season which is one of the many reasons why it is so popular. While most associated with the Sakura, technically the practice of hanami could be applied to the whole spectrum of beautiful flowers, from azaleas to pink moss, wisteria to blue nemophila, and many more, that bloom in Japan throughout the year. 

• Enjoy Golden Week

Spring is also Golden Week in Japan. At the end of April and beginning of May, Japan celebrates four holidays within one week – Shōwa Day (29 April), Constitution Memorial Day (3 May), Greenery Day (May 4), and Children’s Day (May 5) – formerly Tango no Sekku (Boy’s Day).

• Watch the Geisha dance along the banks of Kamogawa River, Kyoto

Kamogawa Odori was first performed in 1872 at Pontocho’s Kaburenjo Theatre and it has become a symbol of Spring as well as a key part of Kyoto’s cultural history.

• Spring Festivals

Some of the most significant traditional matsuri take place in the Springtime, such as Kanda Matsuri and Sanja Matsuri in Tokyo and Aoi Matsuri in Kyoto. From the doll displays of the Hinamatsuri in March, to the mikoshi floats of Takayama Matsuri in April, to the carp kites of Kodomo No Hi, Japan’s Spring festivals are colourful, diverse and spectacular. 

• Fireflies in the Bay

From March to May, tiny bioluminescent squid known as Hotaru ika (firefly squids), make for a once-in-a-lifetime sight in Toyama Bay as thousands come to the surface of the water to lay eggs, creating a magical rippling blanket of electric blue across the bay. 

Summer

Here comes the sun! June, July, and August, is summer in Japan and the perfect time to hit the beach, go swimming and diving, and enjoy watersports. Temperatures are at their hottest, so it’s important to drink plenty of water and take proper precautions, but it remains a great time for outdoor adventures, from climbing and hiking, to bike rides around the country’s excellent cycle trails, river rafting, and exploring Japan’s beautiful National Parks. If you’re travelling to Japan in the summer you’ll need to be aware of the potential for rain. Japan’s rainy season is caused by warm bodies of air, from Southeast Asia and the North Pacific, colliding with colder air from the Sea of Okhotsk and China. Although the level of rain and the timing can vary year on year, and geographically by area of Japan, typically, June is the month most closely associated with the rainy season in Japan – so much so that it is referred to as ‘minazuki’ or ‘the month of water’. Japan’s rainy season does have a number of positives though - this beautifully green country is at its greenest due to the rainfall, popular attractions tend to be quieter, and thanks to the huge number of indoor attractions and activities in Japan, you’ll never be short of things to do. And despite the annual rainy season, Japan’s summers still manage to hit record temperatures year on year. If you want to discover the best summer activities then keep reading: 

• Japanese Fireworks

Unlike most countries where fireworks are linked with autumn and winter, in Japan, these dazzling displays are very much a summer activity. The word ‘hanabi’ in Japanese means ‘flower fire’ - a very apt and beautiful description for fireworks, which hints at their cultural significance in Japan. Hanabi first became popular during the Edo period as a symbol and celebration of spiritual beauty. They have also been historically used to ward off evil spirits, and in the modern era have become synonymous with celebrations, from summer festivals and major sporting & music events, through to bringing in the New Year. Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in Tokyo is arguably the oldest and most historic firework display in Japan and takes place every summer. The festival dates back to the 1700s and is staged on the last Saturday in July each year along the river. 

• Summer Festivals

While Japan’s colourful and mesmerising traditional festivals take place throughout the year, the biggest, best, and most important arguably happen in the height of summer. One particularly famous summer festival to look out for is Gion Matsuri in Kyoto. The festival dates back to 869 and the grand procession of floats - Yamaboko Junko - is so spectacular and so significant to the people of Kyoto, and the rest of Japan, that it has been registered with UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Also in July is Tenjin Matsuri at Tenmangu Shrine in Osaka, which attracts over 1.5 million visitors each year. For a different kind of festival, you could also check out Soma Nomaoi, a three-day celebration of martial arts and horsemanship in northeast Honshu, which also takes place each year in July. And these are just three recommendations from several thousand spectacular festivals that take place during the summer months in Japan. They really are a very special way to experience Japanese culture and customs first-hand and have lots of fun while doing it. 

• Stop and Smell The Flowers

The summer months see some of Japan’s most beautiful flowers bloom. If you love flowers, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Japan - there are almost too many amazing flower parks and fields to mention, but we’ll do our best. Yamana Flower Park is located at the base of Mt. Fuji and close to lake Yamanaka, one of the Fuji Five Lakes. At different times of the year, there are over one million seasonal flowers that make for the most colourful display of Fuji, you’ll even see. The park is relatively unknown, but highly recommended on any visit to the area, such as on a day trip to Kawaguchiko, arguably the most popular of the Fuji Five Lakes. Other famous flower viewing destinations include the famous Lavender fields in Furano.

Autumn

If strolling through a Japanese garden surrounded by leaves of burnished gold, red and yellow sounds like your idea of heaven, then perhaps autumn is the best time of year for you. Autumn in Japan sees this beautiful country transformed into a sea of red, brown, yellow and golden leaves. Japan’s autumnal foliage, koyo (紅葉), has inspired and attracted ‘leaf chasers’ who follow the changing of the leaves from northeast to southwest. The custom of viewing the autumn leaves in Japan can be traced as far back as the ancient collection of Manyoshu poetry from the 8th Century. Later examples of hunting for autumn foliage can also be seen in the classic 11th Century text, The Tale of Genji, which is acclaimed as the world’s first ever novel. The Kokin Wakashu poetry collection, written in Heian times, also features many poems dedicated to autumn leaves. Over the centuries, koyo viewing and momiji-gari have become deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. In Japan, just as the cherry blossom is the symbol of spring, the momiji is the symbol of autumn. Momiji-gari or ‘red leaf hunting’ is associated with the fleeting nature of life in Buddhism and, like cherry blossom season, there are specific ways to appreciate its special beauty. From ‘slowing down’ to truly notice the changing colours to immersing yourself in the wonder of the natural world, momiji-gari is more spiritual than just taking a stroll through the autumnal leaves and yet it is also something everyone can enjoy and participate in. Autumn is also associated with physical activity and outdoor activities, especially climbing, walking, and hiking, which are all hugely popular pastimes at this time of year. They also allow you to combine exercise and fresh air with viewing the koyo. A dip in the onsen (hot springs) afterwards is also recommended during Autumn to warm up once the air takes on an extra chill, or to refresh your body after a vigorous hike through the golden woods. There is also a phrase in Japan at this time of year called ‘Autumn’s Appetite’ with popular seasonal dishes including ramen, persimmons, pine mushroom broth, pumpkin soup, chestnuts, Kyoho grapes, sweet potato, Pacific mackerel and Sanma fish. Let’s take a look at some unmissable autumn activities in Japan:

• View the autumn leaves from Kyoto’s Pure Water Temple

We chose Kyoto’s ‘pure water temple’ Kiyomizu-Dera as the image on our homepage for a reason - it’s one of the most spectacular and beautiful views in all of Japan. Even in Kyoto, a city that is world famous for its temples and shrines, Kiyomizu-Dera is known for being one of the most beautiful and historic sites. The ‘pure water temple’ is especially renowned for its famous and iconic wooden stage which offers breath-taking views over Kyoto and there’s no more beautiful time of year than autumn. As well as the famous wooden stage, the temple consists of more than 30 buildings and structures on the slopes of Mt. Otowa. This ancient Buddhist temple dates back more than 1,200 years and takes its name ‘pure water temple’ from the water flowing through the temple complex from Otowa Waterfall. Kiyomizu-Dera also hosts annual illuminations every autumn after dark. Kyoto is one of the best places to visit in Japan during autumn thanks to the wealth of harvest celebrations and traditional festivals taking place. 

• Enjoy Tsukimi, Japan’s Autumn Moon Festival

Traditionally, tsukimi was celebrated with music and poetry while appreciating the beauty of the moon. Later, rice offerings were made to express gratitude for a good harvest. Today’s celebrations bring these customs together. When people gather at a window or balcony to view the moon, it is described as a tsukimidai and is decorated with rice dumplings known as tsukimi-dango, seasonal offerings such as edamame, chestnuts, and pumpkins, with taro bulbs and pampas grass to represent the rice harvest. It’s common for people to invite friends and family over for moon-viewing parties, as it’s seen as a social occasion. Moon viewing events also take place at temples, shrines, gardens, castles, and at outdoor locations across Japan with traditional dancing, music and poetry recitals. You can also go on boat rides at night to enjoy the reflection of the moon shimmering on the water, just like they did back in Heian times.

• Enjoy Walking and Hiking Trails

Thanks to the pleasant autumnal weather, cooler temperatures, and golden light, it’s the perfect time for hiking, climbing, walking, and other outdoor activities. These activities are also an amazing way to see and experience the beautiful landscape of Japan up close and personal. Japan’s picturesque and rugged geography of islands, mountains, forests, beaches, and waterfalls, is spectacular and diverse. This means a huge range of treks to suit every kind of walker. One of the great things about Japan is that you don’t necessarily have to be in the middle of nowhere to find excellent hiking trails either. Even with a day trip from major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, you can enjoy some terrific hikes and take a break from the urban jungles. Mount Takao, which is within reach of Tokyo, is an ideal hiking destination in October and is also a popular autumn foliage viewing spot.

• Sumo Grand Tournament

Autumn offers two opportunities to witness the Sumo Grand Tournament with the Tokyo Basho in September and the Fukuoka Basho in November. Sumo is quintessentially Japanese. Big, bold, steeped in tradition, and completely unique. There are six official national sumo tournaments in Japan, each lasting 15 days, and one of these - the Sumo Tokyo Basho - takes place in Tokyo each September at Ryogoku Kokugikan stadium. Attending a match is an unforgettable way to get up close and personal with Japan’s national sport and you don’t get any bigger than the Grand Basho in Autumn. 

Winter

Japan may be located at a southern latitude and often associated with subtropical weather, but it also has some of the highest snowfall in the world. This is due to the combination of cold, icy winds coming from Siberia colliding with moisture from the Sea of Japan. The result is both heavy snowfall and a superior quality of snow - ‘Japow’ or ‘Japanese powder snow’ as it’s called - and it is this unique combination that makes Japan such a special place for fans of winter sports and snowy vistas. With such consistent snowfall, cold temperatures, and spectacular mountain ranges, it’s no surprise that Japan is one of the world’s best destinations for skiing and snowboarding, with Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps being especially popular. With more than 500 ski resorts, from beginner to expert slopes, you’ll have plenty of choice. 

Of course, even if you’re not the sporty type, winter is a spectacularly beautiful time of year to enjoy Japan’s stunning landscape and traditional architecture. There’s something particularly striking about seeing a vermillion red pagoda or torii gate covered in white snow. 

Winter is also a time for celebration. Japan marks Christmas and New Year at the same time as other countries although there are a few distinct differences such as having Kentucky Fried Chicken as a festive dinner. New Year is also a bigger celebration than Christmas in Japan. In fact, it’s considered the country’s most important national holiday. While Shogatsu is the overall name of the New Year celebrations there are many special traditions to look out for during this period such as Hatsuhinode, Hatsumode, Omamori (good luck charms) and Shishimai (a traditional lion dance). The final day of the year, December 31, is called omisoka (New Year’s Eve). In keeping with Shinto beliefs, houses are often thoroughly cleaned from top to bottom, including attics, basements and under tatami mats, to welcome the gods. As well as these annual celebrations, there are lots of other reasons to visit Japan in winter and many special experiences unique to this season: 

• Winter Sports

Having hosted the Winter Olympics twice in 1972 and 1998, as well as the Asian Winter Games, it’s probably not surprising to find out that winter sports are hugely popular in Japan as well as a major attraction for international visitors. As a result, Japan has some of the best slopes and winter sport infrastructure anywhere in the world. And one of the very best resorts is just three hours from Tokyo meaning you don’t have to travel too far to hit the slopes if you want to combine a visit to Japan’s capital with some skiing and snowboarding. Hakuba Valley in the Japanese Alps announced itself to the world as the main event site for the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, but it has been famous within Japan for much longer. With its stunning mountainous peaks, white powder snow, ski slopes, and hot springs, Hakuba Valley Winter Resort has it all, making it a No.1 destination for snow sports enthusiasts every winter. 

• Hot Springs

Japan’s famous hot springs, onsens, and bathhouses, can be enjoyed throughout the year and are an important part of Japanese culture, which we highly recommend you try for yourself, but could there be a better time to lower your body into bubbling warm water than the depths of winter? You even bathe in an outdoor mountain onsen with the snow falling around you. It’s an amazing way to warm up while relaxing your body and mind while surrounded by ice and snow. Our personal recommendation would be a trip to the town of Ginzan in Yamagata prefecture – the beautiful real-life inspiration for the fantastical onsen town in Studio Ghibli’s animated masterpiece Spirited Away. 

• Snow Festivals

Ice and snow sculptures, lanterns, and illuminations, help make Japan’s snow festivals a truly unique experience. Known as Yuki Matsuri, the most famous of the many snow festivals that take place across Japan each winter is arguably Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, which is renowned for its cold winters and plentiful snowfall. The Sapporo Snow Festival is celebrated for a week during February each year and features hundreds of ice carvings, enormous snow sculptures, concerts, stalls, and winter illuminations. Remarkably, it began with just six snow sculptures created by high school students in 1950, and has gone on to become world-famous. As we mentioned, while Sapporo Snow Festival may be the most famous, snow festivals take place throughout Japan during winter featuring beautiful ice sculptures, snow lanterns, illuminations, food stalls, and much more to enjoy.

• Illuminations

Winter sees Japan indulge one of its many love affairs with all things neon - in this case, winter illuminations. Of the major cities, Tokyo has a huge number of illuminations to see in the run-up to Christmas, but some of the biggest take place elsewhere in Japan. If you love illuminations as much as people in Japan, try Kobe Luminaire or Sagamiko Illumillion festival in Kanagawa, which is said to use six million LED lights in its Pleasure Forest at Lake Sagami Resort.

• Winter Wonderlands

A UNESCO world heritage site and real-life winter wonderland, the rural Japanese village of Shirakawa-go is a travel destination right out of a snowy fairy tale. Hidden away in the mists of the Japanese Alps, the region of Shirakawa-go was long isolated from the outside world. The result is a unique local culture and history, marked by the traditional Gassho-style houses (with distinctive inverted V-shaped roofs) and sustainable way of living in local, sometimes harsh, conditions. Winter Is a great time to visit Shirakawa-go to experience those Gassho houses covered in deep snow.

• Witness Omiwatari at Lake Suwa, Nagano Prefecture

The natural phenomenon of omiwatari is interpreted as the crossing of the lake's ice by a local deity, and the traditional measuring of a large icicle at Taroshi Falls in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, which is done to predict how the harvests will be in the year ahead. 

• Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival 

Held in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, this beautiful festival sees rows of around 150 snow lanterns and sculptures illuminate the shimmering ice-covered castle.

Final Thoughts

As we said at the top, there is no bad time to visit Japan - only good times - and all four seasons have something special to offer visitors so the best time to visit depends on your own preferences. And if you love the different seasons equally then you know what the answer is - visit Japan multiple times and experience a different side of the country during every stay. It is such a special, unique, and diverse destination that every repeat visit will bring fresh rewards and new discoveries.   

Useful Links 

Now that you're an expert on Japan’s seasons, it’s time to start planning your perfect stay and we couldn’t be happier to help you. Alongside our carefully curated selection of hotels and ryokans, we hope to provide everything you need to plan your dream visit, from in-depth travel guides to 24/7 customer assistance, as well as our upcoming community forum. We can also point you in the right direction for the most cost-effective and enjoyable transport, portable Wifi devices, and partner services to ensure everything goes smoothly during your time in Japan:

• To search for the perfect place to stay, visit our Hotels page and choose from more than 2,800 hotels and 1,800 traditional ryokans.

• Meanwhile, if you want to learn more about Japan’s regions and prefectures so you can decide the best place to visit, you should check out our Destinations page. 

• If you’re looking to explore Japan then the country’s famously efficient trains are the way to go. Japan’s railways are renowned as being the fastest, cleanest, and safest in the world. The country’s rail network is so vast and interconnected that it can help you reach almost any corner of Japan you’d like to visit. Furthermore, with a Japan Rail Pass you can enjoy unlimited travel on the majority of the country’s trains, including the famous Shinkansen ‘bullet trains’. The JR Pass is by far the most cost effective and flexible way to get around Japan. Find out more by visiting our partners at www.jrpass.com today.

• Want to use Google Translate to support your language skills? Or Google Maps for live train updates? What about posting photos to social media or keeping in touch with home? For all this and more, you’ll need a PocketWifi device like those from Ninja Wifi. With unlimited data, support for five devices simultaneously, the ability to share your Wifi with your travel companions, and more, renting a PocketWifi is highly recommended. Our Pocket WiFi guide has everything you need to know.   

• If you’re looking for information about Japan and want to speak with expert travellers who have been there and done that, then you should join our Community. This welcoming and friendly forum is the place to go to share stories, knowledge, and experiences about Japan, ask questions, make new connections, and find travel inspiration.