Cherry blossoms, few crowds and affordable prices: when is the perfect time to travel to Japan

Snowy vacations in Hokkaido, beach vacations in Okinawa, or incredible impressions of cherry blossoms. Japan will surprise tourists with its natural and cultural diversity.

It is a country with an endless number of events and festivals offered throughout the year, so there is no bad time to visit. The best time to visit Japan depends on what you want to do when you get there, how much money you are willing to spend, and what kind of weather you like best," writes Travel+Leisure.

The high season for traveling to Japan is March-May and September-November. Low season: June-August and December. Low season: January-March. Use this guide to find the perfect time to travel to the Japan of your dreams.

Seasons that attract the most tourists

Travelers from all over the world come to Japan to admire the cherry blossoms, so it's no surprise that the cherry blossom season (late March - April) is the busiest time for tourism. Domestic travelers also take advantage of the Golden Week (a series of four national holidays in Japan) from late April to early May. You'd be better off avoiding traveling during this time unless you plan ahead, as trains, hotels, and attractions are often overcrowded or fully booked. The stunning foliage tends to draw crowds in the fall, especially when the leaves reach their colorful peak between mid-October and early November.

If you want to avoid the crowds, plan your visit for the rainy season, which usually starts in June and lasts until mid-July. Although this period is usually humid and drizzly, it is one of the best times to enjoy popular tourist spots without crowds. From January to March, Japan is also quieter, making this time ideal for combining sightseeing with snow sports and onsen visits.

When is the best weather to travel in Japan

Japan, although not very large, is surprisingly diverse when it comes to weather. The cold winters on the northern tip of Hokkaido make the subtropical islands of southern Okinawa seem far away. The rainy season typically lasts from early June to mid-July in most of the country, including Tokyo, except for Okinawa, where the rains begin in early May. Meanwhile, in Hokkaido, summer brings mild temperatures and blue skies.

If you are not going to ski, March-May and September-November are considered the best periods to visit the country with pleasant weather. It is during this time that travelers can see the iconic cherry blossoms that look like they have stepped off a postcard, or, on the other hand, bright autumn leaves. During these seasons, precipitation is minimal, the skies are clear, and temperatures are mild, ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit on most days.

For those who don't mind the heat and humidity, summer brings a different pace of life to Japan. This time of year is ideal for exploring nature - ideally somewhere in the cool mountains or as far north as possible. In summer, Hokkaido is a real paradise, with rainbow flower fields and countless opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking to horseback riding.

In winter, the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido is undoubtedly the best place to go skiing or snowboarding, but outside of Tokyo, such as Niigata, you can get there by shinkansen and there are excellent ski resorts. For those who prefer warmth, it is better to fly south to Okinawa in winter, where the climate is more subtropical.

When are the cheapest prices for tourists

Japan has a reputation for being an expensive destination, but there are times of the year when visiting it is cheaper. During the low season, from January to March, you can find great deals on airfare and hotel rooms. Prices tend to rise during the holidays, especially before the New Year, so it's best to avoid early January if you're trying to save money.

Prices rise again in late March and April, when the cherry blossom season peaks, and remain high throughout the spring and summer. To find accommodation at a reasonable price and enjoy the mild weather, plan a trip in September or October.

Best time to visit Tokyo Disneyland

Spring and fall are usually the best, most moderate times of the year to visit Tokyo Disneyland. It is worth avoiding weekends and national holidays, especially Golden Week, which is one of the busiest periods in the theme park. Extreme heat in July and August can make it difficult to enjoy outdoor attractions. On the other hand, in January and February, temperatures rarely exceed 50 degrees, making these months less popular.

The period from mid-September to early December offers a combination of pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and seasonal entertainment. Spooky fall-themed decorations and events can be visited a few weeks before Halloween. Beginning in November, the theme park celebrates the holiday season with the "Christmas at Tokyo Disney Resort" program, which includes magical parades, characters in holiday costumes, and touching decorations to help offset the chill in the air.

The best time to admire cherry blossoms

If you're hoping to time your visit to Japan to coincide with the peak of the cherry blossom season, keep in mind that the dates are weather dependent. The cherry blossom period has been carefully studied. It starts from the southernmost tip of Japan as early as January. The best time for cherry blossoms in Kyoto, Tokyo, and the surrounding regions is often from the last week of March to the first week of April. And for more northern cities like Sapporo? Don't expect to see the pink color until at least May.

Taste unagi eel in summer and tako in spring

Japan is a great place for gourmets all year round, but it also has seasonal specialties. Therefore, if you have a favorite Japanese dish or ingredient, it's worth finding out when it's best to visit it so you don't miss out. In summer, you can taste light, cool somen noodles, shaved kakigori ice, and delicious unagi eel; autumn is a paradise for matsutake mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and saimaa (Pacific saury); winter is about warming hot pots of nabe, citrus fruits, and kaki (persimmon); and spring goes hand in hand with sea bream, takoyaki (bamboo shoots), and sakura mochi rice cakes.

The worst time to visit Japan

While there is no bad time to visit Japan, some months are worse than others, depending on your goals. If good weather is a priority for you, avoid the rainy season, which usually lasts from early June to mid-July throughout Japan (except for Okinawa, where it starts in May). This period is often preceded by extreme heat and humidity, and cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto become particularly unbearable during the peak summer months of July and August.

Those who want to save money and avoid crowds should avoid the "Golden Week", which runs from late April to early May. This is the time when many domestic travelers take vacations, so expect higher prices, fewer hotel rooms available, and larger crowds.