Quick decision
Go now or wait?
- Cherry blossoms (late Mar-Apr) or autumn foliage (Nov)
- Mild temperatures, 15-22°
- Clear, dry skies most days
- Book flights and ryokans early — peak demand
- Cold but dry and sunny on the Pacific side
- Best season for skiing and onsen hot springs
- Fewer tourists, better hotel rates
- Heavy snow on the Sea of Japan side
- Tsuyu rainy season through mid-July
- Intense heat and humidity, 30-35°
- Typhoon risk builds from August
- Obon holiday (mid-Aug) crowds domestic trains
Detailed view
Month by month
Still wondering
Frequently asked questions
Is cherry blossom timing predictable?
Only roughly. Full bloom in Tokyo and Kyoto usually falls between late March and early April, but it shifts by up to two weeks each year and moves north over several weeks. Official forecasts are only reliable a few weeks ahead — build a day or two of flexibility into your itinerary.
Is summer really that bad?
Yes for comfort — July and August bring 30-35° with heavy humidity, and air conditioning is essential. But it's also festival season (fireworks, Gion Matsuri in Kyoto), so it can work if you plan indoor breaks during the hottest hours.
Do typhoons really disrupt a trip?
They can, mostly from August to October, with the highest risk in September. A typhoon typically means one or two days of cancelled trains or flights rather than a ruined trip — keep an eye on the forecast and build a buffer day into any leg near that window.
Tell us when, we'll tell you where.
That's the Les Voyagistes principle: tell us your dates, and we'll reveal the destinations that are in perfect season.
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