Best time to visit Japan

It's no secret that a big attraction for Japan is the cherry blossom season during spring, but other opportunities include vibrant foliage in the autumn and incredible skiing in the winter. Not forgetting the abundance of festivals and celebrations in the summer. Choosing the best time to travel to Japan can be difficult, as the country has so much to offer. When planning any trip to Japan, it is always important to consider national holidays which are the busiest times for residents. These include Golden Week towards the end of April and into May, Obon (in mid-August or mid-July depending on the area) and Japanese New Year (Shogatsu).

Here are my top picks:

January - Ski northern Japan

January is perfect for skiing in northern Japan due to the expected heavy snowfall. Resorts like Hokkaido tend to be much quieter than others, meaning peaceful slopes for amazing adventures.

April - Cherry blossom season

Peak time for cherry blossom season, bringing a magical experience across the mainland. Crowds will be busy during this time and hotel prices higher than usual, but the views are well worth the expense. Early booking is highly advised.

June – See vibrant gardens

The start of rainy season, but with that comes vibrant and luscious gardens, making Japan particularly beautiful. A signature of traditional Japanese culture, these gardens can be found across the country.

July - Hike Mount Fuji

July marks the official start to climbing season, as the weather gets drier and cooler. Hiking Mount Fuji in July also means quieter trails, as the Obon Festival (which falls mid-August) often brings big crowds during the public holidays.

September - Beat the crowds.

Travelling to Japan in September usually means less domestic travel, as schools return. Not only does this mean fewer crowds, but prices can be cheaper too. If visiting Osaka in September, there’s also chance to experience Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri, one of Japan’s most traditional festivals.

November - See Tokyo

Clear skies and cooler weather make November the perfect time to experience Tokyo. With less crowds at this time of the year, visitors can also enjoy travelling around the city with relative ease. During autumn, Tokyo’s outdoor attractions like gardens and temples are transformed with golden foliage and crimson trees. Travelling to Tokyo in November also means an opportunity to witness one of the city's main sumo tournaments, which only take place six times a year