Shaped by its distinct seasons and ever-changing landscapes, Japan boasts a variety of travel experiences throughout the year.
Japan’s peak seasons, spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (foliage), are undeniably enchanting, but they also come with larger crowds and higher prices. For a more serene experience, EXO suggests exploring Japan during the off-peak months and venturing beyond the traditional tourist hotspots, discovering a side of Japan that many miss.
Due to its size and geography, different parts of Japan feature different climates. To help guide our recommendations, EXO divides the country to four regions:
- Hokkaido (Japan’s northernmost island)
- Tohoku and the Japanese Alps
- The Golden Route and Southwest Japan (including Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and surroundings)
- Okinawa
Read on to learn more about the variations in Japan’s seasons and EXO’s recommendations for where to go at each time of year.
March-May: Cherry Blossoms and Beyond
Spring (March-May) in Japan is synonymous with cherry blossoms, or sakura, which bloom across the country from late March to early May.
- Hokkaido: Snow is likely in Hakodate till mid-April and in East Hokkaido and the mountains through early May, then tapers off and warms to around 11 °C in the daytime
- Tohoku and the Japanese Alps: Snowfall ends by the end of March, giving way to sakura blossoms in April & warm, humid weather in May
- The Golden Route and Southwest Japan: Spring starts off cool and sunny, with cherry blossoms appearing late March and into mid-April as the temperatures rise to around 15 °C
- Okinawa: Okinawa’s tropical climate means a mild spring, humid with occasional rains. Temperatures climb from near freezing to around 20°C
EXO’s spring recommendations: Northern Tohoku and Hokkaido regions offer a brilliant sakura season that typically begins in mid-April, a few weeks later than the peak season on the Golden Route. Visiting both areas increases the chance for spotting sakuras, while also enjoying incredible historic and cultural sites.
June to August: Summer heat, lush landscapes
Summer (June to August) in Japan is marked by lush green landscapes and hotter temperatures.
- Hokkaido : Summers in Hokkaido are pleasant and dry, making it a popular destination for domestic travellers. Although temperatures can reach 30°C in the day time, after sunset it drops to under 20°C , a pleasant change from the warmer temperatures in other parts of the country.
- Tohoku and the Japanese Alps: June starts off damp and warm but by July and August the rains have subsided and temperatures climb to the low 30s.
- The Golden Route and Southwest Japan: The summer months feature a mix of tropical showers and dry days. The season’s high temperatures are paired with high humidity.
- Okinawa: Likewise, Okinawa’s summers are a hot and humid affair, with temperatures regularly reaching 30°C
EXO’s summer recommendations: Head to eastern Hokkaido’s National Parks, where the cooler evenings make it a great option for escaping the heat. During these months, Shiretoko, Kushiro and Akan Mashu National Parks are lush and less crowded, a great option for a summer Japan journey.
September to November: Autumn’s fiery foliage
Autumn (September to November) transforms Japan into a canvas of red, orange and gold.
- Hokkaido: The weather is pleasant in early Autumn, with foliage colours peaking mid October to early November around Sapporo, Shikotsu Toy National Park and Hakodate. By late November, parts of eastern Hokkaido begin closing for the winter.
- Tohoku and the Japanese Alps: A rainy September gives way to a vibrant October and November with cool temperatures dipping close to freezing by the last days of the season..
- The Golden Route and Southwest Japan: November is peak fall foliage season in most of the region, with cool, dry weather (day time temperatures average around 15C).
- Okinawa: September brings a risk of typhoon but by October the weather is dry and pleasant with temperatures dipping lower in November.
EXO’s autumn recommendations: To maximise opportunities to see beautiful fall colours, we recommend to follow the autumn front, starting from Hokkaido then continuing down to the Golden Route. Autumn is also perfect for hiking in Japan! From ancient pilgrimage trails to dense cedar forests, there are plenty of options- check out a full list of recommendations here.
December to February: Snow-capped winter wonders
Winter (December to March) in Japan brings a magical transformation, with snow-covered landscapes and steaming hot springs providing a picturesque contrast.
- Hokkaido: Hokkaido is a winter paradise for snow sports enthusiasts, bird watchers as well as the famous ice and snow festivals. Cold and crisp, temperatures rarely rise above freezing.
- Tohoku and the Japanese Alps: Cold temperatures and snowfall mark the winter months in Tohoku and the alps.
- The Golden Route and Southwest Japan: The winter months are cold but snowfall is light, rarely disrupting transportation services or sightseeing.
- Okinawa: Compared to the rest of the country, Okinawa has a mild winter with daytime temperatures hovering around 15-20C.
EXO’s winter recommendations: The tourist crowds thin out in winter, making it a great season for exploring the famous Golden. As a bonus, the winter months also offers a higher chance of seeing Mount Fuji from Tokyo and Hakone. We also recommend travelling to Shiretoko to witness the incredible ice drift phenomenon, a privileged opportunity to see birds like stellar sea eagles, Japanese cranes and more.
EXO Travel is a premium Destination Management Company (DMC) providing bespoke travel solutions in Japan and across a growing portfolio of global destinations. Our services range from one-off tours for individual travellers to memorable incentive trips for groups of hundreds or thousands.
Established in 1993, we’ve harnessed in-depth local knowledge and a widely-recognized penchant for authentic, groundbreaking touring to become a leading DMC for the premium travel market. As a Certified B Corporation, EXO is also demonstrably committed to sustainability and using travel as a force for good.
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