Best time to visit Japan

January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December

Honshu is Japan’s main island and home to most of its big-hitters from neon-lit Tokyo to ancient Kyoto. The best time to visit Honshu depends on what you’re after: spring (late March–April) for cherry blossoms, summer (July–August) for lively festivals, autumn (October–November) for spectacular foliage, and winter (December–February) for crisp skies and Mt. Fuji views.

Honshu is Japan’s cultural and geographic hub, home to Tokyo’s neon lights, Kyoto’s ancient temples, the samurai streets of Kanazawa, and the peaks of the Japanese Alps. You can soak in an onsen in Hakone, hike the Kumano Kodo, or ski in Nagano — all connected by lightning-fast bullet trains. The variety is huge: buzzing cities, quiet countryside, coastlines, and mountains all within easy reach.

The best time to visit Kyushu is spring (March–April) or autumn (October–November) for warm days, clear skies, and seasonal colours. Summers can be hot and humid, but ideal for its beaches, while winters are mild compared to much of Japan. Kyushu blends natural drama with rich history — think bubbling hot springs in Beppu, active volcanoes at Mount Aso, and samurai-era streets in Kumamoto and Kagoshima. Early cherry blossoms in February and lingering autumn leaves in late November stretch the sightseeing season. Food is a huge draw, from Hakata ramen in Fukuoka to fresh seafood in Nagasaki. Add in friendly locals and a slower pace of life, and Kyushu feels like a warm welcome in every season.

The best time to visit Shikoku is spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November), when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most colourful. Summers are hot and lively, with August’s Awa Odori dance festival in Tokushima a highlight. Winters are cooler but quiet, perfect for crowd-free exploring. Shikoku’s laid-back pace makes it ideal for slow travel whether you’re walking a stretch of the 88-temple pilgrimage, hiking in the Iya Valley, or cycling the Shimanami Kaido. The Seto Inland Sea sparkles along the coast, while the island’s mountains hide dramatic gorges and waterfalls. Foodies will love the fresh sanuki udon noodles, best eaten at a tiny local shop. It’s authentic, unhurried Japan at its best.

The best time to visit Okinawa is spring (April–June) or autumn (September–early November), when it’s warm and sunny without the peak summer humidity or typhoon risk. Winters are mild enough for sightseeing, while summer is hot, with dazzling beaches at their best from June to August. Sitting closer to Taiwan than Tokyo, Okinawa feels like Japan’s tropical getaway, with turquoise seas, white-sand beaches, and a unique Ryukyu heritage. Snorkelling and diving here are world-class: you can swim with sea turtles, explore coral reefs, and island-hop to remote isles like Ishigaki and Miyako-jima. Life here moves at an easy pace: think lazy lunches of fresh seafood, castle ruins to explore, a different Japan waiting to be explored.