Depending on the area you are travelling in and the timing – there may be a festival happening. 

Some festivals to watch out for:

  • Gion Matsuri – Kyoto
    Whole month of July; procession of floats is on July 17
  • Tenjin Matsuri – Osaka
    July 24, 25, Summer festival with fireworks
  • Nebuta Matsuri – Aomori
    August 2-7, Summer festival in the most northern point of Kyushu Japan’s biggest island. There are large illuminated paper floats 
  • Awa Odori festival – Tokushima
    August 12-15, A dance festival on Awaji island
  • Sapporo snow festival 
    February 4-11, See snow and ice sculptures in Hokkaido
  • Tone River Fireworks Festival – Sakai Riverside Park, north of Tokyo
    September 16, a riverside fireworks festival 
  • Shirone Kite Festival – Niigata
    Early to mid June – Kite battles

Spring

A highlight is the cherry blossoms – their bloom changes year to year, and with the varying altitudes – there is a wide range of dates to see the ‘hanami’ (flower viewing) Cherry Blossom Forecast Website

There may be larger crowds, and prices may become more expensive

 

Summer

Summer may be more pleasant in the mountains – it can get hot, humid and rainy during the summer

If you would like to climb Mt. Fuji – the main climbing season is July and August.

 

Autumn 

Japan is a land of four seasons – and the fiery colours of the autumn leaves is a stunning sight to behold 

 

Winter

Winter is a time of snow and skiing – as well as crisp clear air – the best time to see Mt. Fuji from Tokyo.

It’s a time with few tourists, so you can avoid the crowds. 

 

Best time to go