When to Go

We have been to Japan in January, May, August, and September. That means we've experienced Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn, at least to some extent. For me, the best time so far has been Winter, and then Spring. But we are going to try out October in 2026 and I have high hopes for that!

Summer ☀️

The first thing to say is that without question you should avoid Summer. I'm sure there are exceptions, like if you are North enough, or in the mountains enough, or you are planning simply on going to beaches in Okinawa or something. I don't know. It is so hot, and so humid, it is genuinely so brutal. Like, you walk 100m outside and you are feeling it already for sure. There are not enough "cooling wipes/sprays" and mini fans and stuff in the world to make it bearable. You will get hot, it will make you more tired and grumpy.

Autumn 🍂

So, we went in Autumn that was mid through to late September. It was still pretty warm to be honest, but not as bad as Summer. Like, this was a fine time, but in aan ideal world you are going October or later I think (which is what we are doing in 2026)!

Autumn should present you with changing leaves and all the beauty that can provide, well, September is definitely too early for that. October should be the sweet spot. It should also mean temperatures are generally around a lovely low 20s and it should be pretty dry.

Winter ❄️

We were there in January, and honestly, it was great! We made sure we avoided the first week, which apparently can be busy, but then we had a great time while there. We got some snow in Kanazawa, but it was the perfect amount (and hoped for) in that it blankets the gardens etc but you can also walk with ease.

Winter is also less busy, and less expensive. This matters, obviously, but especially if you are doing to the more tourist heavy places, like Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo etc.

Spring 🌸

Yes, we all know cherry blossoms etc, but that really is April, maybe even late March. In May (when we went) it is past that, which means it is less busy! The weather was beautiful, tending towards hot but not yet at the Summer unbearable. More like a Tasmanian Summer than anything.