Inspiration

The Best Time of the Year to Go to Japan

Ever wondered when the real magic happens in Japan? Is it under a canopy of cherry blossoms in April? Or beside a huge snow sculpture at a February festival? Maybe you’ve pondered the best time of the year to go to Japan by JRailpass and enjoy an unforgettable Shinkansen ride?

With every season offering something totally different, the ‘best’ time to visit Japan really comes down to what kind of trip you’re after! Here’s a month-by-month breakdown to help you plan the perfect trip.

Spring: Cherry Blossoms, Flowers, and Fresh Starts
Let’s start with perhaps the most popular (and arguably most picturesque!) time to visit Japan.

While March might be too early for cherry blossoms, there’s still plenty to see. On March 3rd, Japan celebrates Hina Matsuri (Girls’ Day) by decorating homes with hina ningyo, which are traditional porcelain dolls representing wishes for girls’ health and happiness. The most impressive and elaborate displays can be found in Saitama and Tokushima, where entire ‘doll towns’ are created with hundreds of dolls arranged on tiered platforms.

April, of course, is prime time for cherry blossom viewing. Parks, walkways, and river embankments across the country burst into colorful pink hues, especially in cities like Kyoto, Tokyo, and Nara. Although the blossoms only last a couple of weeks, locals still take time to celebrate hanami, which are festive picnics under the cherry trees with food, drinks, friends, and family.

May is one of the best months to travel around Japan, thanks to the warm weather and green landscapes. However, keep in mind that April 29 through May 5 is Golden Week. This is one of Japan’s biggest holidays and a time when trains, buses, and hotels are packed to the brim (after all, nearly everyone gets a week off work!)

On the third weekend of May, Sanja Matsuri takes over the streets of Tokyo with dancing, drumming, and mikoshi (portable shrine) processions. It’s one of Japan’s liveliest festivals, filled with energy and color.

Summer: Fireworks, Dancing, and Yukata
Summer in Japan is filled with fireworks, festivals, and the quintessential yukata robes.

June marks the start of the tsuyu, or rainy season, which lasts about a month and is vital for the country’s agriculture. This is hydrangea season — especially in Kamakura and Kyoto — where temples like Meigetsu-in and Mimuroto-ji attract crowds eager to see the colorful blooms.

In Tokyo, the Sanno Matsuri takes place in June. Dating back to the 17th century, it’s one of the Three Great Festivals of Edo, featuring solemn processions with mikoshi and people in period costumes that are believed to protect the city from misfortune.

Meanwhile, July is the peak of Japan’s summer festival season. One of the biggest is Gion Matsuri in Kyoto - a tradition that dates back over 1,000 years. Throughout the month, the city hosts parades featuring huge and beautifully-decorated floats called yamaboko.

In Sendai and other regions, people celebrate Tanabata, or the Star Festival, based on an old legend about two star-crossed lovers who can only meet once a year. During the festival, streets are decorated with colorful streamers, paper stars, and handwritten wishes tied to bamboo branches.

July also marks the start of beach season in Japan. Coastal towns like Kamakura (near Tokyo) and Shirahama (in Wakayama) fill up with visitors wearing yukata - lightweight cotton kimonos - enjoying the sun, swimming, and snacking on traditional street food by the sea.

Finally, August is a time for remembrance and family traditions. The month centers around Obon, one of the country’s most important holidays, which honors the spirits of deceased relatives. Based on Buddhist customs dating back to the 7th century, it’s believed that during Obon, the souls of ancestors return to visit the living.

To welcome and send off these spirits, many cities host bon odori (folk dances) and memorial events. One of the most moving traditions is Toro Nagashi, a ceremony where paper lanterns are floated down rivers to symbolically guide spirits back to the afterlife.

Autumn: Maple Leaves, Moonlight, and Tea
After summer’s exciting festivals and fireworks, September marks the transition from heat to cooler, more pleasant weather.

It’s also the time for Tsukimi, the Japanese moon-viewing festival. In the evenings, temples host special gatherings where people enjoy seasonal sweets, fragrant grasses, and sake while admiring the full moon. This tradition is especially beautiful in Nara and the Kairakuen Gardens in Mito.

Meanwhile, October rings in the momiji season, when maple trees and other leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. In Kyoto, Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages) recreates historical parades featuring samurai, nobles, and courtesans from different periods.

By November, the fall colors reach their peak. Kyoto in particular glows with autumn reds and oranges, especially around temples like Eikando and Tofuku-ji. This season is also a popular time for tea ceremonies, which reflect the peaceful spirit of autumn and the beauty of changing leaves.

Winter: Snow Monkeys and Hot Springs
Winter in Japan is a time of coziness and warming up. Despite the chill, there are plenty of things to see and do!

December kicks things off with beautiful light shows across the country, like the Shibuya Blue Cave and the glowing trees of Roppongi Hills in Tokyo.

Up north, Nagano’s snow monkeys are a must. These little guys hang out in hot springs at Jigokudani Park, soaking in the warmth while snow falls around them. How many places in the world can you say you saw monkeys in a spa?

January starts with a wholesome tradition called Hatsuhinode, watching the first sunrise of the year. People head to mountains or beaches to catch those early rays and make a wish for the year ahead.

If you’re not a morning person, no worries - January is also peak onsen season! This is especially true in Hokkaido and Nagano, where hot baths under open skies are combined with ski resorts.

Finally, one of Japan’s most famous winter events takes place in February. The Sapporo Snow Festival is a week-long event held in “the Winter Capital of Japan” and includes dozens of amazing snow and ice sculptures (some over 15 meters tall)

For more information, you can visit the following website: https://www.jrailpass.com/japan-travel.info