Climate & Seasons

Spring

As winter fades out from March, flowers begin to blossom everywhere, including the famous sakura or cherry blossoms, Japans national flower. This is a spectacularly beautiful period. You will still need a jacket until late March/early April.This is considered one of the best seasons to travel to Japan. Warm sunny days, cool evenings, and colourful trees everywhere you look. If you are interested in experiencing Japans cherry blossom season, taking in the famous Takayama Spring Festival, join our Sakura Spring tour.

Summer

July, August and September are Japans hottest months, with high humidity and temperatures up to almost 40° C in the south. Luckily, most places have air conditioning, be prepared for the cold indoors! Rainy season traditionally falls in late June/early July. However, over the past few years it has been a bit more unpredictable, e.g. in 2010 it fell only for a few days here and there in July. Don't plan your trip around this. You may get it wrong! The best of our Summer tours include The Northern Trail that visits Sado Island for a spectacular Summer festival and Lost in Japan for the energetic and vibrant Awa odori Matsuri in Shikoku Island.

Autumn

From the end of September to late November, the temperatures are perfect in Japan - warm days and cool nights. Autumn is also considered the best season to travel with its rich foliage covering every corner of every mountain. The Southern islands are always warmer but during autumn have your not-quite-winter clothing on hand. To the north or anywhere higher up in the mountains, warmer clothing is required. To see Japans Autumn at its best, Japan Discovered small group tour is your best option.

Winter

The severity of weather during December, January and February depends on the latitude. Winter is generally crisp and fresh with frosty mornings that clear with the rising sun. Warm clothing is recommended though remember, as soon as you enter buildings or public transport, you may be too hot. Temperatures indoors are set between 22 and 26°C. Sweaters, warm jackets and gloves, especially if planning on going to snowy areas are essential. To experience the best of our Winter packages that includes an option to go skiing, join our Winter Wonderland Self Guided Tour.

Don't miss the Sapporo Snow Festival in February - a real highlight for the winter traveler!!