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Best Time to Visit Japan from India
Every visitor to Japan will tell you that the country offers an unforgettable experience. However, everyone cannot agree on the best time to visit Japan. This is because this country in East Asia has four seasons, which are prominent and different from each other.
Japan has many season-specific holidays, events, and festivals. Keep reading if you want to plan your trip around these events!
Table of Contents
Best Seasons/Months to Visit Japan
The 12 months in Japan are divided into four distinct seasons. Moreover, the weather and temperature significantly vary from one season to another. Plan your perfect trip to Japan in these four seasons:
| Month | Average Temperature | Description |
| March-May (Spring Season) | 2 to 24 degrees Celsius | Cherry blossoms in full bloom, ideal for hanami (cherry blossom viewing), exploring temples and gardens, and enjoying pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Popular events during this time: Cherry Blossom Festivals, Golden Week, and Takayama Spring Festival. |
| June-August (Summer Season) | 16 to 30 degrees Celsius | Hot and humid, great for visiting coastal areas, experiencing vibrant summer festivals, and hiking in cooler mountain regions. Popular events during this time: Gion Matsuri, Tanabata Matsuri, and Obon Festivals. |
| September-November (Autumn Season) | 7 to 27 degrees Celsius | Mild temperatures with beautiful autumn foliage, perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying seasonal cuisine. Popular events during this time: Kyoto Jidai Matsuri, Tokyo Ramen Show, and Shichi-Go-San Festival. |
| December-February (Winter Season) | -6 to 20 degrees Celsius | Cold temperatures, ideal for experiencing snow and skiing and snowboarding in Hokkaido, visiting hot springs, and experiencing traditional New Year celebrations. Popular events during this time: Sapporo Snow Festival, New Year Celebrations, and Otaru Snow Light Path Festival. |
March-May (Spring Season)
Springtime in Japan is a time for renewal, as cherry blossoms bloom, known as sakura, to bring the landscape to life. The weather is quite temperate, so exploring city parks and indulging in outdoor activities is suitable.
Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to Japan:
| Weather | Mild with occasional rain showers |
| Temperature | 2°C to 24°C |
| Season | Peak |
| Season for Localities | Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing), Golden Week, Children's Day |
| Key Highlights |
|
June-August (Summer Season)
Summer in Japan is hot and humid, perfect for visiting coastal areas, experiencing vibrant summer festivals, or hiking through colder mountain regions.
Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to Japan:
| Weather | Hot and humid |
| Temperature | 16°C to 30°C |
| Season | Moderate |
| Season for Localities | Gion Matsuri, Tanabata Matsuri, Obon Festivals |
| Key Highlights |
|
September-November (Autumn Season)
Autumn in Japan brings mild temperatures and beautiful fall foliage, ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying seasonal cuisine.
Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to Japan:
| Weather | Mild and dry |
| Temperature | 7°C to 27°C |
| Season | Peak |
| Season for Localities | Kyoto Jidai Matsuri, Tokyo Ramen Show, Shichi-Go-San Festival |
| Key Highlights |
|
December-February (Winter Season)
In Japan, winter comes with low temperatures, perfect for skiing and snowboarding in Hokkaido, bathing at hot springs, and celebrating the traditional New Year.
Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning a trip to Japan:
| Weather | Cold with occasional snowfall |
| Temperature | -6°C to 20°C |
| Season | Off-season |
| Season for Localities | Sapporo Snow Festival, New Year Celebrations, Otaru Snow Light Path Festival |
| Key Highlights |
|
When to Avoid Visiting Japan?
Although Japan can be visited throughout the year, there are times when you might think twice before booking your ticket. Knowing when not to go helps you have a more enjoyable trip.
| Months to Avoid | Reason |
| December-February (Winter Season) |
|
Seasonal Travel Costs of Visiting Japan from India
Travelling to Japan from India can be affordable if you choose the right time of year. The cost of flights and hotels varies significantly between seasons. Below is a detailed table outlining the different months/seasons and their respective pricing for various parameters:
| Season | Average Flight Cost | Average Hotel Cost per Night | Description |
| Spring (March-May) | ₹35,000 - ₹55,000 | ₹7,000 - ₹15,000 | Peak season with higher prices; ideal for exploring cities, enjoying cherry blossoms, and pleasant weather. |
| Summer (June-August) | ₹30,000 - ₹50,000 | ₹6,000 - ₹12,000 | Moderate season with moderate prices due to increased tourism; perfect for festivals and beach trips. |
| Autumn (September-November) | ₹30,000 - ₹50,000 | ₹6,000 - ₹12,000 | Peak season with moderate prices; great for sightseeing and experiencing the beautiful autumn foliage. |
| Winter (December-February) | ₹25,000 - ₹40,000 | ₹5,000 - ₹10,000 | Off-season with lower prices; best for winter sports, hot springs, and indoor cultural activities. |
Things to Know Before Visiting Japan
Here are some things that you must know before travelling to all the best places to visit in Japan:
- Book Japan rail passes before you land in Japan. This will help you get cheaper rail tickets whenever you travel from one place to another.
- Please print out your hotel or Airbnb address in Kanji so you can show it to the cab driver while commuting from the airport or any other place.
- Learn a few phrases in Japanese, as many people do not speak English in this country.
- Download the Google Translates App on your smartphone.
- Map out all the ATMs near your accommodation because people in Japan do not like using cards and cashless methods for their payments.
- Cab prices are high in Japan, so make sure you have downloaded apps like Hyperdia to get discount prices on cabs.
Tips for Travelling in Japan
Below are a few tips that will come in handy when you travel to Japan for your next vacation:
- Make sure you are wearing the right shoe because Japanese people are very particular about this. They have designated shoes for outdoors, indoors, and toilets. So never wear your outdoor shoes inside a temple or in somebody's house. Furthermore, while using the bathroom, wear toilet shoes.
- If you are visiting Tokyo, select planes that will land at Haneda airport because it will be easier to commute to central Tokyo.
- Exchange your currency and carry physical cash everywhere because many places in Japan still do not have card-swiping machines and e-payment gateways like Apple Pay or Gpay.
- You must purchase Pasmo or Suica prepaid cards for public transport like metro and buses.
- Japanese people are very polite and soft-spoken and treat everybody concerned. Make sure you do the same when visiting Japan.
What Phrases Should You Know Before Travelling to Japan?
Since people don't speak English in Japan, you should learn some phrases before you travel to this East Asian country. It will help you in communicating with the locals. Here are some phrases that will come in handy:
Certainly! Here's an expanded table with the previously provided phrases along with the new ones:
| English Phrase | Japanese Phrase |
| Greetings | |
| Hello (During Morning/Daytime) | Konnichiwa |
| Hello (Evening/Nightime) | Konbanwa |
| Good Morning | Ohayou-gozaimasu |
| Goodbye (informal) | Sayonara |
| Good Evening | Konbanwa |
| Yes | Hai |
| No | Iie |
| Thank You | Arigatou gozaimasu |
| Excuse Me | Sumimasen |
| Useful Phrases if You Get Lost | |
| May I ask you a question? | O-tazune shite mo ii desu ka? |
| Where is….? | … wa doko desu ka? |
| Where am I/ Where is this place? | Koko wa doko desu ka? |
| I cannot speak Japanese | Nihongo wa hanasemasen |
| Phrases to Use While Ordering | |
| Can you please give me the menu card? | Menu o kudasai |
| I want to order/ I am ready to order | Chumon o onegashimasu |
| Can you please give me some recommendations? | O-susume no menu wa dore desu ka? |
| Where is the bathroom? | Toire wa doko desu ka? |
| Can you please give me some water to drink? | Mizu o onegaishimasu |
| Please give the bill | O-kaikei o onegaishimasu |
| Phrase before you start eating your food | Itadakimasu |
| Useful Phrases to Use at Hotels and Ryokans | |
| I want to check in/ check out | Check-in (Check-out) o onegai-shimasu |
| I forgot my room keys | Heya ni kagi wo wasuremashita |
| Please tell me about the guide tours in English | Eigo no tsua wo shokai shite kudasai |
| Where is the public bath? | Daiyokujou wa doko desu ka? |
| Additional Phrases | |
| Please | Onegaishimasu |
| I'm sorry | Gomen nasai |
| How much is this? | Kore wa ikura desu ka? |
| Where is the train station? | Eki wa doko desu ka? |
| I would like a taxi, please | Takushi o onegaishimasu |
| Could you help me, please? | Tetsudatte itadakemasu ka? |
| I'm vegetarian | Watashi wa bejitarian desu |
| Do you have vegetarian dishes? | Bejitarian menyu wa arimasu ka? |
| I don't eat pork | Buta wa tabemasen |
| Where can I find a pharmacy? | Yakkyoku wa doko desu ka? |
| I have allergies to... | Watashi wa ... arerugii ga arimasu |
| Where can I buy a SIM card? | SIM kādo o kau basho wa doko desu ka? |
| Can you speak English? | Eigo o hanasemasu ka? |
| I don't understand | Wakarimasen |
| Is there Wi-Fi here? | Koko ni wa Wi-Fi ga arimasu ka? |
Now that you know the best time to visit Japan and the phrases you can use to communicate there, you can plan your trip easily. It would also help if you made a detailed plan and the budget you want to spend there. Additionally, buy good travel insurance online before visiting Japan. Hope you have an excellent time vacation in this beautiful country.