Updated September 17, 2023

When to go to Japan? Well...as soon as you can. With some local help, we explain why this destination is worth visiting all year round: 

Essentially, every city in Japan is unbelievable and worth going to. So do that if you can!

Whether you plan on spending a week in Kyoto, a few days in Tokyo, or even just an afternoon in Osaka, you’ll have an incredible time in any Japanese city. There are festivals worth seeing all year round, people worth meeting, and exciting experiences you can only have in Japan. 

Japan’s weather is just like America’s, so packing’s a breeze!

Japan’s climate is a lot like most of America’s, meaning it has four seasons. Northern and Eastern Japan typically have warm-to-hot summers (between 70–75°F) and pretty cold winters (20–35°F, usually). Western Japan, on the other hand, is much more mild in both winter and summer.

You can find awesome, unique things to do throughout the year

Japan is packed with seasonal activities like spring’s Cherry Blossom Festival and summer’s hauntingly beautiful Bon Festival. Winter’s one of the best times to go to Japan’s fabled hot springs, and it’s always a great idea to explore Tokyo’s hidden secrets. 

There’s a reason that Japanese food is considered some of the best in the world—it’s all seasonal

The food of Japan is, for lack of a better word, phenomenal. Whether you’re looking for some of the nicest restaurants in Japan or the best local cuisine in each city, Japanese food is largely seasonal. Fresh vegetables dominate the spring, while cold noodles are a summer specialty. Autumn brings chestnuts and winter fresh crab. Suffice it to say, Japanese food is always fresh and always delicious.

Getting from Point A to Point B is super easy no matter the weather

Japan’s incredible rail system makes traveling between cities incredibly easy. And given the country’s infamous punctuality, you’ll never have a problem getting between cities—even in the snowy dead of winter or the sweltering heat of summer. And a tip from Japanese locals: invest in a rail pass—it’s really worth it.

The natural wonders are absolutely unreal.

The natural world of Japan is beautiful, and from season to season there is so much to see. The natural landmarks locals love to see include the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Nara Park, each of which displays the beauty of Japan in any weather. Whether the snowy mountains in winter or the beautiful shores in summer, you’ll adore all of the natural wonders that Japan can provide for you.

If you’re looking for a cheap trip to Japan, it’s extremely possible year-round

The preconception about Japan is that it’s an expensive country to travel in—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s easy to find cost-effective trips in Japan no matter the season! With a little research, you can find affordable flights to Japan, and finding a place to stay is also very affordable on a budget.

Autumn and early spring are generally the cheapest months to travel

All else aside, flights to and hotels in Japan are cheapest in the autumn and early spring, so consider going during those months if you’re looking for the best deals.

So when should you go to Japan? Pretty much whenever you can

Japan is such a cool country and is packed with amazing places to go and things to do 365 days of the year.