Seasons

When should you go to Japan? Short answer: October and November are the sweet spot for weather, late March to early April for blossoms, and July and August are hotter than most people can comfortably handle — but every month works if you know what you're signing up for. This section is our month-by-month series, built on real Japan Meteorological Agency data instead of stock-photo optimism: actual temperatures and humidity, rainy-season dates, typhoon probabilities, and what each month does to hotel prices and crowds. We cover the calendar traps too — Obon week in August, the year-end shutdown from December 29 to January 3, and why Kyoto's famous foliage peaks in late November, not October. Each guide ends with a clear verdict for your travel style, plus the packing list that matches the season. Read your month before you book flights; it's the cheapest mistake-prevention available.