There are endless things to see and do in Japan. Whether you’re seeking nature – cherry blossoms in Nara, bamboo forests in Nikko, hot springs in Hokkaido – or history and culture – cloud-piercing skyscrapers in Tokyo, ancient temples in Kyoto, bustling izakayas in Osaka – Japan is a country of endless possibilities. It’s important to plan your trip around the things you definitely want to include in your itinerary to make sure you don’t miss any of Japan’s best bits.
It depends on what type of trip you’re looking to take. However, spring and autumn tend to be the most beautiful weather-wise. We’d recommend a trip between March and May or September and November.
If you’re looking to steer clear of crowds, then a trip in May after Golden Week is for you. Cherry blossom season is one of the most popular times to visit Japan. Crowds of people excitedly welcome spring with the blooming of the beautiful Sakuras, with various festivals popping up across the country to celebrate.
The blooming timeline does depend on what region of Japan you’re in. For example, the bloom time in southern Japan is slightly earlier than the other regions, while the middle of April is the peak month for Tokyo. We recommend checking out the cherry blossom forecast via the Japan Meteorological Corporation if you want more information on the regions you’ll visit.
Need more inspiration? We've rounded up all the best reasons to visit Japan in 2024 after it was voted the best country.
