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Ah, Japan. Sakura season, Shinto shrines, icy saké and sumo wrestling. What a mix. This is that once in a lifetime holiday.
The big dream trip. The place to walk through red torii gates, glimpse a Geisha and see Mount Fuji in the flesh. Japan is the holiday you take when you want to see the world from a different angle. One country, eight regions, four large islands and hundreds of once in a lifetime experiences. Japan will steal your heart. Hop on a trailblazing bullet train that feels faster than the speed of light and practice the art of slow living at a cocoon-quiet Japanese tea ceremony. Go where the scenery is supermodel pretty; Mount Fuji, dove-white for five months a year, forests full of bamboo stalks as tall as houses, and temples gleaming with gold leaf. Come for Tokyo’s sky-punching buildings; the cushy viewing platforms at the top of Skytree and Shibuya Sky, and the designer stores - Louis Vuitton and Prada - that are as beautiful as the clothes inside. Soak up the sweet smell of passionflowers and snapdragons, the grass-like scent of tatami mats and the warm smell of soy sauce and ginger cooking in mini ramen restaurants. See the graceful strokes of brush calligraphy, ride trains controlled by AI and drink matcha tea everywhere you go, it’s emblematic of Japan.
A trip to Japan will take you to castles and palaces and onto timeworn grounds that were once walked by emperors, samurai and shoguns. A holiday where you’ll bask in the glow of serenity at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, taste country-famous okonomiyaki in Hiroshima, City of Peace, get swept up in Tokyo’s good times and late nights and be spellbound by Kyoto’s storied allure. Visit Japan in spring for cherry blossoms as pink as bubblegum. Come in autumn and see its maple leaves turn toasty red and pumpkin spice. Visit for summer’s firework festivals or take that wish list trip in winter when clear sky days show off Mount Fuji at its best. Japan is beautiful in every season. For the sake of saké, you simply must visit.
Japan Regions
Our recommendations for the best places to visit in Japan
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Discover the many wonders in the Land of the Rising Sun on a leisurely paced guided tour of Japan
Whether it’s your first time to Japan and you’re looking for a leisurely paced introduction to the country, or returning for a deeper exploration of the lesser-visited areas, our escorted tours can give you an authentic insight into Japan’s unique culture and local life. This fascinating country of contrasts makes a captivating holiday destination and insider knowledge can really help you understand it in a different way. Small group numbers mean more time to enjoy experiences with your local guide; you could go sake tasting with a brewer, discover the haunting history of Hiroshima, learn wood block painting, and enjoy bathing in hot springs – all tour-led experiences that will give you a true taste of Japan.
Our recommended Japan tours
Best time to visit Japan
With an equal billing of futuristic architecture and breathtaking natural beauty, it’s no wonder why Japan is becoming such a sought-after holiday destination. If you’re wondering ‘when is the best time to visit Japan?’ March, April and May all fall under the ‘high season’ and are usually considered as the best months to go to Japan. Of course, if you do go in the high season, you can expect it to be busier and more crowded than usual. Temperatures in Japan during the high season are typically mild, and you’ll be treated to a stunning backdrop of flourishing cherry blossoms, so be sure to have that camera fully charged if you want to snap some beautiful photos. By contrast, summers in Japan (June - August) are fairly rainy and humid and as we move into Autumn, it becomes much cooler and dryer. Winter weather in Japan is pretty cold, although conditions do vary depending on where you’re staying. Many areas experience snowfall, particularly the North and mountainous regions, making it feel like a real winter wonderland.
Japan Weather
Mar - May, Oct - Nov
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Japan Weather by Month
Japan in January
January weather in Japan is cold, so if it’s sunshine and blue skies that you’re after, you’re probably best off waiting until those temps start to creep back up. The weather in Japan in January varies quite drastically from region to region. In the northern areas, heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures are the norm, meanwhile in the central and southern regions, it’s usually much milder. It’s still chilly, so you’ll definitely want to pack some nice warm clothes to keep you snug, but you’re far less likely to see any snow. Japan attracts most of its visitors during the warmer months, but winters here are pretty special, and there’s always something going on. From winter festivals and hot springs to jaw-dropping snowscapes, one thing’s for sure - you’ll never be short of things to see and do.
Japan in February
Pack plenty of warm clothes because the weather in February in Japan is cold. The northern regions can be particularly bitter, with frequent snow showers, especially in places like Hokkaido, where temperatures tend to sit anywhere between 0°C to -7°C. Central regions are much milder, with temperatures peaking at around 10°C. In the more southern areas, highs can even reach around 19°C. February is typically considered as a ‘shoulder season’, with much thinner crowds and fewer festivals. It’s not the most popular time of the year to visit, which means you can usually scoop a pretty good deal, as well as avoiding the hustle and bustle.
Japan in March
Spring has arrived, but don’t cast a clout just yet, because Japan weather in March is still pretty cold, with average temps ranging between 5°C - 13°C. That being said, conditions can be fairly unpredictable at this time of year, and while some days might bring sub-zero temperatures and snowfall, others can be surprisingly hot. All in all, Japan weather tends to be pretty dry in March, with approximately 108 mm of rain expected over the course of the month. Wet spells are more common as April creeps closer, but the rainfall is usually fairly light, so you don’t need to worry about it getting in the way of your plans.
Japan in April
Cherry blossom season is officially at its peak, so if it’s spectacular scenery that you’re after, April is one of the best times of year to visit Japan. April is actually the first ‘wet month’ of the year for Japan, but on the whole, the weather tends to stay pretty mild, with temperatures ranging anywhere between a pleasant 15°C, right up to a scorching 30°C. Central Japan is typically warmer, while northern regions are notably cooler, with temps usually peaking at around 14°C. If you’re journeying to one of Japan’s more southern regions, you’ll be treated to nice balmy conditions, with lows of 19°C and highs of 25°C, great news for those that like it toasty!
Japan in May
If you’re wondering ‘is May a good time to visit Japan?’ then the answer you’re looking for is ‘yes.’ Thanks to its pleasant weather conditions and thinner crowds, May is considered to be one of the best months to visit Japan. Peak cherry blossom season draws to a close in April, but there’s still a fairly good chance you’ll catch some lingering blooms in certain regions of the country. Temperature wise, you can expect to experience anything between 15°C to 25°C, depending on the part of the country that you’re in. Japan is quite unique in the sense that temperatures can vary pretty drastically from region to region, but this allows visitors to tailor their trip to suit the conditions they prefer. Outdoorsy types will likely prefer milder conditions, meanwhile self-professed sun-seekers will relish the opportunity to locate Japan’s toastiest spots. May also brings sporadic showers, especially in regions like Tokyo and Kyoto.
If you’re travelling to Japan in May, you’ll also get the chance to experience the country’s famous ‘Golden Week’, as well as a bunch of different festivals to mark the official start of Japan’s eagerly anticipated festival season.
Japan in June
Summer in Japan begins in June, but it’s also the start of the rainy season, which runs from now, right through to mid-July. If you struggle with humidity, it’s worth noting that the conditions in Japan in June are pretty oppressive. Average temps tend to peak at around 26°C, so it can get very warm indeed, but there’s also about 10 rainy days over the course of the month, too. Despite sometimes feeling a bit muggy, particularly in places like Honshu and central Japan, June is still a popular time to visit. It isn’t peak season, so you’ll often snag good deals on flights and accommodation, and thanks to the rain, the outlook at this time of year is particularly lush, with plenty of greenery and flourishing hydrangeas.
Japan in July
The weather in Japan in July is hot, with temperatures ranging between 23°C - 29°C across the country. It’s mid-summer, so there’s plenty going on at this time of year, including a bunch of festivals. Outdoor activities and hikes are particularly popular right now, and although it isn’t peak season, there are still a decent amount of visitors at this time of year. Just be aware that although it’s warm, there’s a fair bit of rain in July, too. You can expect to see around 171 mm of rain over the course of the month, with an average of 11 wet days. Shield yourself from the showers by stowing a mac and an umbrella in your case.
Japan in August
Slammed with festivals, fireworks and fun, August in Japan is a ball. Make no mistake, though, the weather right now is seriously hot. For the most part, you’ll need to brace yourself for humid conditions and as it’s summer, crowding is to be expected in most places. When it comes to the temperature in Japan in August, there is some variation. Central Japan tends to sit between 26°C - 35°C, while over in Hokkaido, it’s a tad cooler, with averages ranging from 21°C - 30°C. Japan is blessed with some truly beautiful beaches, so if you love nothing more than lazing back and soaking up the sun, August is one the best times of year to do exactly that. Equally, if you prefer to stay active, you couldn’t wish for a better place to explore. The Japanese Alps offer a cooler temperature that’s great for hiking, and if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you could even head to the craggy peaks of Mount Fuji.
Japan in September
Japan’s hot summer months can feel intense, but temps begin to mellow a little in September. It’s a lot less humid now, too, so there’s no need to worry about feeling sticky or uncomfortable. In terms of the temperature in Japan in September, Tokyo and central Japan usually experience averages ranging from 26°C - 30°C, dropping to a minimum of 20°C in the evening. It’s still warm, but there’s fewer crowds and the pace is much more leisurely. One thing that’s worth noting is that it’s still typhoon season, so there’s a possibility that you could be hit by some disruptive weather conditions. Most major cities are well prepared for the possibility of a typhoon, but it’s definitely worth thinking about before you book your trip.
Japan in October
It’s no secret that Japan has more than its fair share of natural beauty, but October time is particularly special as it marks the beginning of the Autumn foliage season. At this time, regions such as Nikko, Kyoto and the Japanese Alps come alive with a rainbow of vibrant hues, creating a postcard-perfect mount to your adventure. When it comes to the temperature in Japan in October, there is quite a bit of variation from region to region. Central Japan usually peaks at around 24°C, with lows averaging at about 15°C. Hokkaido, on the other hand, is considerably cooler, with lows of 10°C and highs of 18°C. In the more southerly regions, like Okinawa, it’s lovely and warm, with temps ranging from 23°C to 28°C. All in all, October is a great time to visit Japan, with minimal humidity, crisp conditions and some truly awe-inspiring scenes.
Japan in November
Is November a good time to visit Japan? Yes, absolutely. What’s great about visiting Japan in November is that the weather is comfortable and the Autumn foliage is at its peak. It’s mild and dry at this time of year, with average temps varying between 7°C - 18°C, depending on the time of day and the region in which you’re staying. The crisp conditions are ideal for enjoying hikes and other outdoor activities and with Christmastime in sight, you can sample a spot of festive anticipation, without having to contend with December’s hectic hustle and bustle.
Japan in December
December marks the beginning of winter for Japan, with a typical forecast of cold, dry days to be expected throughout the month. Daily temperatures average at around 10°C, before plummeting to around 1°C in the evening, and when it comes to rainfall, it’s unlikely you’ll experience any at all. December wears the crown for the driest month of the year in Japan, so there’s no need to pack an umbrella, but you’ll want to make sure that you have plenty of warmer layers on-hand to keep you snug. December in Japan is uniquely magical, with plenty of winter activities on offer and tons of festive decorations to admire. If you do decide to visit Japan in December, just bear in mind that certain attractions may be closed or operated under a restricted schedule due to snowy and icy weather conditions.

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