Best time to visit Japan
Planning a trip to Japan involves more than just picking dates; it’s about finding the sweet spot between affordable flights, manageable crowds, and favourable weather. But of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach – and when you decide to go depends on what you want out of your vacation.
Should you book a flight for the December holidays? What if you wanted to experience snow for the first time? Don’t worry, we’ve got you sorted with the best times to visit Japan according to what you’re travelling for.
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Mar-May – Best for sightseeing in comfortable weather
If you can’t tahan Singapore’s heat, March to May is the best time to go to Japan. That’s because temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 10°C-20°C in cities like Tokyo and Osaka. And since you don’t have to worry about packing layers, you get to save space in your luggage for snacks and souvenirs too.
Image credit: @setsunafragment via Instagram
This period is also when the sakura season, or cherry blossom season, is taking place. The flowers are expected to peak from late March to early April this year. That’s when its landscapes are peppered in hues of pink and orange. But you don’t have to travel far to see Japan’s national flower, there are plenty of things to do in Tokyo during cherry blossom season, like taking a stroll along the Meguro River and planning a sakura-filled picnic at Ueno Park.
Besides Sakura season, this period also coincides with Golden Week from 29th April to 5th May. It’s one of Japan’s busiest seasons consisting of 4 public holidays within 7 days.
Koinobori.
Image credit: @gene_jeune_foo via Instagram
If you’re in Japan during this period, you’ll find plenty of festivals such as the annual Atama Odori Geisha dance festival, where you get to watch dance performances by Geishas of Atami. There’s also Kamo Koinobori Festival, also called “carp streamer festival”. It’s marked by colourful flying carps across the Kamo River in Niigata, making for great photo ops.
Special events:
- Cherry Blossom Festival
- Golden Week
- Atama Odori Geisha dance festival
- Kamo Koinobori Festival
Weather: 10°C-20°C, with temperatures falling as low as 2°C-10°C in the North
Jun-Aug – Cheapest flights & summer seasonal food
If you were wondering when you can save money on your flight tickets from Singapore to Japan, know that July has the cheapest flights. According to Google Flights, the cheapest time to fly from Singapore to Tokyo is typically in July, when prices are between $410-$570. Plus, if you use these cheap flight hacks, you might be able to score even more deals.
Screenshot from: Google Flights
The period from June to August also happens to be Japan’s hottest season, with temperatures going as high as 30°C. But, since Singaporeans are pretty much accustomed to the heat, it’s also the best time to experience touristy spots without the crowds.
Image credit: @hikkii_8 via Instagram
If you’re lucky, you’ll get to catch the matsuri festivals around Japan, which are cultural events involving processions and decorated floats. One of the most famous festivals is the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, a grand celebration that honours the spirits of deities and seeks the protection from natural disasters.
The festival’s highlight is the Yamaboko Junko procession on 17th July, where you’ll see majestic floats adorned with intricate tapestries and sculptures parading through the streets of Kyoto.
Hiyashi chuka.
Image credit: @maygreen1985 via Instagram
Beyond the festivities, this is also the perfect time to indulge in Japan’s seasonal summer cuisine. Savour the crisp freshness of somen noodles served cold with dipping sauces, or cool down with a bowl of refreshing hiyashi chuka, which is chilled ramen topped with colourful vegetables and savoury toppings. For sweet tooths, keep an eye out for kakigori, a Japanese version of ice kacang, drizzled with sweet syrup and topped with fresh fruits.
Tip: Bring along a refillable bottle with you to stay hydrated. Download Mymizu, Japan’s refillable water app which helps you access free refill points to top up your water bottles.
Special events:
- Gion Matsuri (Kyoto)
- Tanabata Matsuri
- Obon Festival
- Awa Odori
Weather: 25°C-30°C
Sep-Oct – Best for hiking & outdoor activities
Toji Temple.
Image credit: @ryansulistyo21 via Instagram
Outdoorsy types who love hiking should plan their Japan trip for September to October. Temperatures are cooler at this time of the year, ranging from 15°C-25°C, making it comfortable for outdoor adventures. Additionally, this period coincides with Japan’s famous autumn foliage season, offering stunning views of colorful landscapes across hiking trails nationwide.
Image credit: Ibaraki Tourist Information Center via Facebook
One of the most beautiful places in Japan to see Autumn is in Kyoto, especially at attractions like Tofukuji Temple and Toji Temple. If you’re heading to Tokyo, the best views would be at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a park dating back to the Edo Period.
If you’re travelling with the whole fam, plan to experience the many Autumn festivals like the Sapporo Autumn Festival in Hokkaido and Gunma Prefecture’s Tone River Fireworks Festival in October. The latter lets you have your magical Frozen moment as you watch the pyrotechnics show light up the night sky.
Special events:
- Sapporo Autumn Fest
- Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri
- Fukuro Matsuri
Weather: 15°C-25°C, temperatures can drop to 12°C-14°C at night
Nov-Dec – Best for a holiday with the fam
Those with young kids looking for a travel destination during the school holidays should consider travelling to Japan from November to December. Flights from Singapore to Tokyo in November isn’t too expensive, ranging from $450-$560, and you’ll still get to see the beautiful Autumn landscapes in most parts of Japan.
Meiji Jingu Gaien.
Image credit: @jekkkjek via Instagram
In fact, late November marks the pinnacle of vibrant foliage displays throughout Japan. This period witnesses 2 distinct waves of foliage, beginning with the golden hues of ginkgo trees in late October, followed by the fiery red tones of Japanese maple trees in early November.
Those who want to get IG photos should save Meiji Jingu Gaien on Google Maps. It’s an avenue in Tokyo lined with approximately 150 Ginkgo trees. Otherwise, the famous Yoyogi Park has over 13,000 towering trees, including Ginkgoes.
Image credit: @tyshgc via Instagram
If you’re in Japan during the first 3 days of November, add the Yabusame Shinji to your itinerary. It’s a horseback archery festival held annually at the Meiji Jingu Shrine, and you’ll get to witness skilled archers on horseback showcasing their precision and skill by shooting targets while galloping at high speeds. Admission is free, but we’d recommend heading early for the best seats.
Special events:
- Yabusame Shinji
Weather: 0°C-10°C
Dec-Feb – Best for onsen soaking & viewing Mount Fuji
You don’t have to go far to experience snow, since Japan is one of the winter destinations with direct flights from Singapore, especially from December to February. Plus, you’ll get to experience beautiful winter festivals like the Sapporo Snow Festival and Nagasaki Lantern Festival.
Image credit: Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou
This is also considered the best time to travel to Mount Fuji for the clearest views. Head to towns located at the foot of Mount Fuji, like Fujiyoshida and Fujikawaguchiko. If you’re someone who prefers chilling at your hotel, book a ryokan with views of Mount Fuji for an authentic experience.
Image credit: @shokudou2023 via Instagram
Snowfall in the northern region makes it ideal for skiing and winter sports, while southern regions remain mild, with a myriad of ski resorts you can check yourself into. However, skiing isn’t the only activity you can do in Japan. This is also the best time to visit a Japanese onsen town, where you can soak your worries away.
Special events:
- Sapporo Snow Festival
- Nagasaki Lantern Festival
- Sapporo White Illumination
- Nozawa Fire Festival
- Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival
Weather: 0°C-10°C, with temperatures falling to -6°C in Northern regions
So, when IS the best time to visit Japan?
All things considered, the universally best time to travel to Japan for Singaporeans would be during the shoulder seasons of Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). Spring from March to May is ideal for Singaporeans looking to avoid extreme weather.
This is the time where you’ll get to enjoy favourable weather conditions while avoiding crowds during peak tourist seasons – plus, potentially securing better deals on flights and accommodation. But if you’ve got other priorities on your hands, then we hope that our tips have helped you make decision.
More travel hacks:
Cover image adapted from: Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou & @ryansulistyo21 via Instagram
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