Traveling to Japan is enjoyable during any time of the year as weather conditions differ dramatically, because of the country’s large north-south extension. Japan has a complex climate because it does not divide easily into natural regions as its terrain is highly fragmented by sea and the mountains. Besides, as Japan is positioned in the northern temperate zone, it has four clear seasons. Hokkaido, the northernmost island is different from the rest of Japan. The island has the most extreme climate in Japan, and winters can be really harsh. In its lowlands, temperatures generally remain below freezing point and snow lies for about four months. The eastern side of the island is washed by the cold Oyashio Current and as a result, rice cannot be grown. In contrast, Kyushu and Shikoku on the south have sunny winters and hot humid summers. In southern Kyushu, the near tropical climate allows palms to grow and crops can be grown through out the year. In central and southern Honshu, there is a marked contrast between east and the west. On the Pacific side, winters are dry and summers hot, whereas on the Sea of Japan side, it is during winter that most of the rainfall occur.

Lying east of the Eurasian land mass, Japan has a temperate monsoon climate that characterizes the whole of East Asia. However, because it is a group of islands, maritime influences temper the effects of the monsoons, and the climate is generally harsh than it is on the continental mainland.

In autumn, the cold, dry air masses that move south from Siberia absorb moisture as they crosses the Sea of Japan, bringing rain or snow to the west coast. The snow is heavy in Hokkaido, lighter in eastern and southern Japan.

Winters are cold and dry and are characterized by north-west winds. There is a wide temperature range between north and south Japan. In January, the average temperatures range from -6°C in Hokkaido, the northern most island, 3°C in Tokyo, in central Japan, and 7°C in southernmost Kyushu.

Spring brings unsettled periods, which are followed from mid-June to mid-July by the “baiyu” season. This is a period of scattered rains and is called “plum rains” as they fall during the plum season – and sometimes storms. It is at this time that work on the rice field often starts.

It is also the period when Japan’s cherry trees or “sakura” burst into bloom. Once the sakura blooms, their glory is brief as it lasts for only about a week.

From mid-July the summer monsoon, a south-easterly air-stream traveling from high pressure areas over the Pacific towards low pressure areas over mainland Asia, brings higher temperatures of about 28 °C in the south and 20 °C in the north. It also brings rain except to some areas facing the Sea of Japan.

In summer and autumn, typhoons also sweep in from the Pacific. On an average there are about 20 typhoons between July and November. They develop to the south-east, in the Mariana, Caroline and Marshall Islands area, where equatorial, maritime and polar air currents meet. In Japan, typhoons cause more damage particularly in the agricultural areas than rain, drought, frost and floods put together.

In contrast to the extremes of summer and winter, the autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) in Japan is relatively mild. There is virtually no rain during autumn and spring and is relatively sunny. Naturally, this is the best time to plan your travel to Japan.

The New Year or Shōgatsu is very popular with the Japanese and it is one of the major three travel seasons. It is during this period when there is heavy international as well as domestic travel activity. However, most shops, tourist attractions, restaurants and other institutions close for at least a day between 29th December and 4th January. Despite this, January as a whole is relatively a good time to visit Japan. The climate is sunny with relatively low crowds. The Sea of Japan coast and the northern side experience heavy snowfall and it is ideal for winter sports. The negative side is that the winter sunsets are early (the sun sets around 5 pm in Tokyo) and the landscape is barren of vegetation. The plus side is that winter sport season is in full swing during February, and a good chance to also watch winter sceneries such as the drifting of ice in Hokkaido and the view the snow covered farm houses. Be sure to pack thick sweaters and jackets suitable for colder climates, including scarves, ear muffs and thick mittens. Protect your face and other exposed area from the winter chill and your eyes from the harsh glare.

The first signs of spring are the flowering plants and plum trees, which indicate that the climate is getting slightly warmer. At the end of March, the cherry blossom season begins in certain parts; however, the winter period is still not over in certain parts of northern Japan. The school holidays set in and as a result, domestic travel increases by the second half of March. People feel that April is the best time to travel to Japan, because of the mild weather and the cherry blossom season. The time between late April and early May is also known as the Golden Week and many consider this period as the busiest travel season. It is by the middle of May that the countryside is beautiful with lush vegetation with comfortable temperatures. The tourist spots are not crowded and it’s one of the best times to visit Japan. It is to be noted that in Hokkaido, the spring season begins only one month after it has set in Tokyo. However, in Okinawa, the rainy season starts in mid-May and ends by mid-June.

With the exception of Hokkaido, June is the rainy season (known as baiyu or tsuyu) in most parts of Japan. Although it may not rain regularly, it would be overcast most days. Besides, the intensity of the rainy season also varies from year to year and it ends in most cases by the second week of July. The latter half of July and August is rather sunny and humid, but is cooler in the higher locations. Hokkaido is a popular break-away for outdoor lovers during the summer seasons where it is very comfortable. Many festivals happen during this period. Mt. Fujiyama is also opened for mountain climbers. Domestic travel is also relatively heavy during this period (the Obon week) because of the summer holidays and the beach holidays at the Okinawa beach. Prepare for the unknown by bringing a small travel umbrella, a waterproof jacket and wear comfortable shoes if you plan to do some walking.

Mid-August and September is famous for its typhoon season and strong rains, particularly in the coasts of Shikoku, Kyushu and Okinawa. This is followed by lovely weather. The best part of September is that although it could be hot or humid, there are virtually no crowds.

October is one of the nicest weather for travel through Japan as it is not hot or humid, but mildly pleasant. In the higher regions, trees change colors. November is even more pleasant as the autumn has set in and the whole area is very colorful. The weather is dry and mild and this is also a good time to visit Japan as there are no crowds because of the low travel activity in most areas. December is even more dry and domestic travel is also low until the beginning of school winter holidays, which begin from the last week of December. It is also the ski season. The days are short, with sunset around 4:30 pm in Tokyo and the country is virtually barren. By late December, the New Year holidays commence and most areas close down.

Summarizing, traveling to Japan whether during winter or in summer is a mixed feeling. This is because during mid-winter which comes between December and February, the weather can be rather chilly or cold, particularly on the coasts of Sea of Japan in Hokkaido and Honshu. In contrast, the summer, which is between June and August, can be rather hot and humid. It is humid because, June is also Japan’s short rainy season and which at times, can bring in heavy showers daily. The peak holiday seasons come during late April and early May (also known as the Golden Week) and during mid-August which hosts the Festival of the Dead (also known as O-Bon), are extremely popular with the locals and can be problematic for domestic travel. Similarly, the Shogatsu or the New Year period is also very popular among locals and virtually everything comes to a stand-still. It depends on what you want to do and see in Japan when you plan your travel itinerary. Some would like to at least experience one of the rainy days in Japan while others will take advantage of the myriad colors of autumn to view a landscape that can be like no other. Whichever time of the year you plan to go to Japan, be sure to pack for the weather and the temperature that will be prevailing during that time so that your stay will be as pleasant and as comfortable as possible while you go out and enjoy the many wonderful sites that are laid out before you.