2020 has begun, and what better time to plan your next trips? And why not a stay in Japan?
Land of the rising sun, of the culture of respect and kindness, Japan is a country that's popular! From big cities to small remote villages, Japan will give you a change of scenery and make you dream.
But what's the best time to go? Kajiro tells you everything!
The Japanese archipelago is stretched from north to south, so its climate varies from continental to subtropical. It's therefore impossible to determine THE best time to travel, so much do the landscapes change from one season to another.
We can already tell you that the most pleasant seasons to visit Japan are:
- spring (from late February to late May)
- autumn (from late September to early December).
In these periods, the weather is temperate and you'll have access to magnificent colourful landscapes thanks to the many blossomings and leafings.
Spring (March to May)
In Japan, spring is the season of the sakura (cherry blossoms) which bud all over the country from late March to mid-April.
It's the best time to go for a walk in the parks, with family and friends, to celebrate Ohanami: the contemplation of cherry blossoms.
Be careful: the sakura spots are more and more crowded — go there knowing this.
Moreover, early May sees the Golden Week: a series of four public holidays during which bookings are snapped up well in advance and prices rise!
Apart from Golden Week, May is the ideal time to visit Japan: there are fewer tourists, the weather is mild and the greenery is at its peak.
Going to Japan in spring:
The advantages:
- There are many festivals and celebrations, notably during the cherry blossom
- The climate is conducive to walks and visits
- The landscapes are flowery, in the city as in the countryside
The disadvantages:
- There are many festivals and celebrations, notably during the cherry blossom
- The climate is conducive to walks and visits
- The landscapes are flowery, in the city as in the countryside
Summer (June to August)
In summer, it's very hot and humid. If you already cope badly with the heat, avoid travelling to Japan during this period because, in addition to the high temperatures, the humidity is very high. It's also the typhoon season, and from mid-June it's the rainy season for a month.
It is, however, the best season to enjoy the matsuri (festivals) and Japanese fireworks.
Summer is the only official season for climbing Mount Fuji, but watch out at the summit: it's very cold there, even in summer!
Going to Japan in summer:
The advantages:
- It's hot (an advantage or disadvantage, it's up to you)
- It's the perfect opportunity to discover Japanese dishes meant for hot weather
- Summer holidays generally let you stay longer
The disadvantages:
- The heat and humidity (as we said, advantages or disadvantages, it's up to you)
- Mosquitoes are legion in this season
Autumn (September to November)
From mid-November, the cherry trees give way to the contemplation of the momiji, the red maple leaves.
It's the perfect time to visit the Japanese countryside and relax there. Temperatures remain very mild until late in the season.
Going to Japan in autumn:
The advantages:
- The landscapes take on unique colours
- The climate is mild and conducive to walks and visits
- There are fewer tourists than in spring
The disadvantages:
- Possibility of rain or typhoons in September
- Prices are sometimes high because the season is increasingly popular.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is sometimes quite harsh, but it remains very bearable. Temperatures are low so prepare warm clothes; however, the air is drier than in France and the sky is generally clear and sunny.
It's the best time to warm up in the onsen: natural hot springs!
With a bit of luck you'll be able to see the snow fall in Tokyo and in the north of Japan.
Did you know? Japan has a very developed ski area with more than five hundred resorts. They are mainly located on Hokkaido and the north of Honshu.
If you want to visit Japan without being bothered by tourists, January and February are ideal months to discover the country in complete peace and without constraints.
The weather there is often sunny and offers superb views and landscapes.
Going to Japan in winter:
The advantages:
- The prices are very attractive, both for accommodation and flights
- The landscapes are diverse
- There are fewer tourists than the rest of the year
The disadvantages:
- The low temperatures
- Possible heavy snowfalls
Your holidays are already booked and you want to make sure they fall in the right season to visit Japan? Check the weather using the meteorological tables for Tokyo and for the other cities of Japan.
