If you read anything from blog posts to renown guidebooks, you will get pretty certain answer when you should visit Japan: spring and autumn. What do I have to say? Absolutely not true!
Japan is fabulous country at any time maybe with exception of rainy season. The only thing you need to know is what you wish to do or see. The rest is good planning.
Let me introduce you seasons of Japan and get you inspired for your trip – or trips?! Japan is so diverse and have something to offer anytime of the year it is hard not want to taste all its flavors!
Early spring
It is that delicate time just before you feel „the spring is here“. Most of the places in Japan are still cold and in higher altitude covered by snow. In all this coldness and grey the sweet smelling trees of plums start to bloom. They come in many colors and their beauty is so refined they became inspiration for countless Japanese and Chinese artists of old. Moreover Japan is pretty free from tourists, so you can see many iconic spots without crowds or make it up to Hokkaidó for the best powder snow in the world.
Sakura season
Sakura season is considered to be the most beautiful in Japan. No matter what you think or what pictures you saw, it will exceed your expectations. I remember my first time standing in the middle of thousands blooming cherry trees thinking, „that´s why all great poets wrote about it“. The beauty of trees is subtle and fleeting. One day hills are pink, then comes rain and all the beauty is gone. It is difficult to catch it, but if you can, try it. Just remember everyone will try to do the same.
Spring
When sakura are gone, the true spring begins. Weather is nice and the country is turning into colors of fresh green and blooming flowers. Several spring festivals are performed and snow in high altitudes slowly melts down. It is delightful time to travel, just expect more tourists due to good weather and also lot of Japanese moving around especially at the beginning of May during so called „Golden Week“.
Rainy season
When it rains, it rains. You can be angry about it, but it will rain anyway, so it is better to be happy. Japanese people keep it cool and seek enjoyment inside, most of the tourists skip this season. But if you are adventurous enough and don´t mind to be wet, there is high chance to have lot of places all for yourself. If you do not feel like running in rain day after day, you can always take Japanese approach. Just be sure to peak at least from a widow to spot some hydrangeas for their bright blue.
Summer
Summer in Japan is hot and humid. You sweat just by existing and most of tourists justly avoid it as plague. But! It is perfect time to conquer higher mountains and the absolutely best season to enjoy Japanese grand festivals and mind blowing fireworks! You will se gigantic floats pushed through cities, people in traditional clothes, dances and music in streets. It is the moment when Japan truly somes alive!
Autumn
Autumn is another brilliant season since Japan wrap itself into coat of shiny red and golden yellow. Kakis are hanging under the roofs in countryside to dry and smell of roasted chestnuts is in the air. Since weather is pleasant and gardens pretty spectacular, it belongs to more popular seasons to visit.
Winter
Winter is fantastic time to go to Japan if you prefer less tourists and don´t mind cold. Especially north of the country is stunning with big winter festivals. Aside from huge snow and icy statues you can encounter towns lit up by thousands of icy candles, children providing sweets in little igloos and demon dances. And also no other time feels bowl of hot ramen so satisfying and onsen dip so warming.
Bonus season – Okinawa
Okinawa is a group of islands roughly two hours by plane from Tokyo. Its culture is influence by China and Oceania, so it is bit different than the rest of Japan. The weather is tropical with roughly three seasons – warm, pleasant and rainy. Outside of winter when it is bit colder and June which can be bit rainier, you can enjoy beautiful beaches and swimming around coral reefs.
