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Best time to visit

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March to May and October to November are considered the best time visit Japan, even though climate differs from north to south. Nothing can be more vibrant, yet more crowded, than Japanese parks during the Hanami (cherry blossom) season in April. Avoid the ‘Golden Week’ in early May when all the country is on the move. Summer can be hot and humid washed up with typhoon rains and spiced up with high prices because of holidays. You can conquer Mount Fiji in July–August thanks to warm days. October and November bring striking red and yellow hues to the landscapes. A period from December through February is cold so it’s time to experience traditional outdoor onsens or watch the snow monkeys taking a hot bath.

98 things to do in Japan

Snow Season

mid-December–March Weather

Observe magical fairy tale lanscapes that you can only find in Japan during the winter

Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri

mid-August Event

Definitely the wettest in Japan! This water-throwing festival brings both happiness and prosperity

Fuji Apples

September–November Food

These special Japanese apples are both sweet and juicy

Baby Deer at Nara Park

June–August Nature

The deer may be not the only attraction of Nara Park, but they are definitely the most popular one, especially the little ones

Kumo-Gassen or Kajiki Spider Fighting Festival (加治木くも合戦)

June 16, 2019 Event

This bloody battle between spiders is a regional highlight

Winter Magic of Biei Blue Pond

November–February Nature

Just half an hour by bus from Biei, you can feel the magic of winter and see a different version of the Blue Pond

Fireworks on Lake Toyako

April–October Activity

Watch fireworks every night on Lake Toyako over six months!

Spring

March–May Weather

The whole country turns into a beautiful garden

Zao Fox Village

March–October Nature

Around 200 fluffy residents of this village enjoy its diverse infrastructure with fox hotels as an alternative to fox houses, also fox feeding area, and even fox shrine—everything to cater their needs

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival

August 1–August 3 Event

This grand fireworks finale spans over two kilometers of the riverbank!

Kanamara Matsuri

April 7, 2024 Event

An interesting festival that celebrates fertility and openness that welcomes everyone!

Winter

December–February Weather

This time is good to travel and see the sights

Sumo Grand Tournaments

January 14–28, 2024 | March 10–24, 2024 | May 12–26, 2024 | July 14–28, 2024 | September 8–22, 2024 | November 10–24, 2024 Event

Check out this famous and ancient Japanese sport in action!

Inago

December–February Food

This insect dish is available in jars or freshly boiled and prepared over rice during winter

Abare Festival

July 5–6, 2024 Event

This fierce festival of "fire and violence" includes lots of smashing, dedicated to Yasaka Shrine in Ushitsu of Noto Peninsula

Setsubun

February 3 Event

A special ceremony to welcome spring by throwing soybeans

Strawberries

December–May Food

The unique Japanese strawberries make for great romantic gifts

Sapporo Snow Festival

February 4-11, 2025 Event

A bit commercialized but this beautiful festival of snow statues is a winter highlight in Sapporo parks

Hadaka Matsuri

February 17, 2024 Event

Finally being nude brings some luck and fortune at this festival!

Hanami Season

February–April Activity

Enjoy the colorful sights of spring blossoms

Omagari National Fireworks Competition

August 26, 2023 Event

A top-tier show in Japan that attracts thousands of spectators

Tanabata Festival

Early July–mid-August Event

Celebrated nationwide, this festival brings color and romance to daily life!

Dragon Boat Racing

May 3–May 5 Event

Colourfully decorated boats race for a good catch and safety

Hachi No Ko

August Food

A specialty of Nagano, this bee and wasp larvae dish is one of a kind!

Kinkan

November–February Food

A small fruit with a sweet peel

Whooper Swans at Lake Kussharo

December–February Nature

Gorgeous proud birds spend the winter in the snow-covered lake

Okunoshima (Rabbit Island)

November–March Nature

Get smothered by thousands of bunnies at a former secret military base

Pikachu Tairyou Hassei-Chu

August 6–12, 2019 Event

A wonderful week full of bright yellow colours and hundreds of Pikachus dressed in cute costumes

Snow Monkeys

December–March Activity

Visit one of Japan's 'hell valleys' to see snow monkeys playing and bathing in hot springs

Windsurfing

April–October Activity

Japan offers some great windy places perfect for this sport

Satonishiki Cherries

May–July Food

A bright red and luxurious variety of cherry

Snowboarding and Skiing in Japan

mid-December–late March Activity

Choose winter sports in Japan, the scenery is unforgettable!

Azaleas

late May–June Nature

A colourful miracle of spring!

Kyoho

September–December Food

Japanese grapes with a thick skin

Aoshima (Cat Island)

April–October Nature

Mice are not allowed to the island, but guests bringing tuna cans are welcome

Sumida River Fireworks Festival

July 27, 2024 Event

One of the oldest and most famous fireworks shows in Japan

Lavender

July–August Nature

A season for purple fields of beauty

Asparagus

May–July Food

You will find it everywhere during this season!

Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri

September 14–15, 2024 Event

A truly wild festival with giant floats and hundreds of participants

Climbing Mount Fuji

early July–mid-September Activity

Climbing Mt Fuji is a truly beautiful experience​!

Teahouse "Tetsu"

April Activity

Visit one of the world's most fantastic tree houses when it's bathing amidst the cherry blossoms

Mikan

October–January Food

A citrus fruit that is easy to peel

Onbashira

April–May 2028 Event

A deadly festival of log riding that attracts more than half a million people

Obon Matsuri

July 13–July 16 | August 13–August 16 Event

Feel the spirituality of the Japanese Buddhist festival of the Dead

Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition

November 2, 2024 Event

One of the last major fireworks shows of the year

Autumn

September–November Weather

Despite possible showers and typhoons, it's one of the most beautiful seasons to visit

Cormorant Fishing

May 11–October 15 Activity

One of the oldest fishing traditions in the world, Ukai fishing is a fascinating practice. Check out just how it's done!

Eight Hells of Beppu

September–May Nature

Blood Pond Hell... For some it became the sheer blood hell—the Japanese used the pond to boil sinners in their own blood and dirt...

Ume Blossom

February–March Nature

The beautiful though often underappreciated blossom of the Japanese plum is one of the first signs of spring

Fukinoto

late March– April Food

Taste this true sign of spring

Daimonji or Gozan no Okuribi

August 16 (limited event) Event

Enormous characters set afire to guide ancestors to the other world

Aomori Nebuta

August 2–August 7 Event

Enormous lantern-floats with human figures and intense dancing make this summer festival extraordinary

Summer

June–August Weather

Hot and rainy weather, good for a beach vacation. But mind the possibility of typhoons

Naki-Zumo

late April or early May Event

This Baby Crying Festival that has been making children cry for over 300 years!

Baseball Season

late March–October Activity

An American sport with a Japanese twist

Wisteria Tunnels

mid-April–mid-May Nature

Visit the hundred-year-old wisteria gardens during bloom and see their unbelievable beauty

Shinmei Fireworks Festival

July 8, 2024 Event

With its beautiful colours and stunning displays, the Shinmei fireworks festival will not leave you disappointed!

Hydrangea Blossoms

June–early July Nature

Explore the temples of Kamakura with its stunning flower carpets

Kaki

November–February Food

An autumn fruit with a woody texture

Synchronous Fireflies

mid-May–mid-July Nature

Although thousands of firefly species live around the world, there are not that many places where you can observe such magic

Sea Cucumber

December–February Food

Though not too pleasing to the eye, these creatures are a true delicacy

Cherry Blossoms

late March–late April Nature

The first week of April is the best chance to see Japanese cherry trees in full bloom!

Fuji Rock Festival

July 26-28, 2024 Event

Japan's largest outdoor music festival provides a great opportunity to enjoy the best of indie, rock and world music! And maybe also win a year's supply of meat?

Eel Fishing

November–mid-April Activity

In order to attract eels, Japanese fishermen use an interesting technique. Check it out for yourself!

Zao Snow Monsters

January–February Nature

If you suppose these are man-carved ice blocks, you underestimate the talents of nature—the snow monsters appear on their own

Ohinata no Hitoboshi or Fire Ring Festival

August 14–August 15 Event

The beautiful mystic sight of spinning fire rings is an unforgettable experience

Beach Season

April–October Activity

The official beach season starts with the end of school. But you can enjoy it any time

Mizubasho or Skunk Cabbage

mid-April–early May Nature

A beautifully strange flower

Sunflowers

late July–mid-August Nature

These amazing yellow flowers are now in bloom!

Fuji Shibazakura

April 13–May 26, 2024 Event

A festival that celebrates the beauty of Shibazakura

Jidai Matsuri (Festival)

October 22 Event

An ancient costume procession that cannot be missed

Geisha Dances in Kyoto

April–late May | early November Event

Don't miss the chance to meet prominent Japanese Geishas while in Kyoto

Samurai Kembu (Sword Dance)

all year round Activity

Learn about the Samurai culture and traditions at Kembu Theater in Kyoto

Tokyo Marathon

March 2, 2025 Event

Update: The Tokyo Marathon 2020 will be held only for the marathon elites and the wheelchair elites

Flowering in Hitachi Seaside Park

April–May | September–October Nature

Discover the ravishing beauty of the blooming meadows

Sagano Bamboo Forest (Arashiyama)

all year round Nature

Mind visiting this bamboo grove to relax from the noisy city streets

Yonaguni Monument

November–June (all year round) Nature

The possibly humanmade underwater structure could date back to the ice age

Nabana No Sato Winter Illumination

October 21, 2023–June 2, 2024 Event

Discover the beauty and magic of Japanese gardens at night

Star Sand Beach (Hoshizuna-no-Hama)

June–November Nature

The tiny beach on Takenomi island is really one of a kind

Toyosu Market

all year round Activity

A successor of the legendary Tsukiji market is a new gourmet tourist mecca

Winter Illumination in Tokyo

early November–mid-February Event

Tokyo beats many European capitals as far as holiday lights are concerned

Whale Watching

all year round Nature

A wonderful alternative to whaling from Hokkaido to Okinawa

Halloween in Japan: Events & Parties

early September–early November Event

Even without trick-or-treating Halloween is an incredible holiday in Japan

Firefly Festivals (Hotaru Matsuri)

late May–mid-July Event

Watching fireflies is a summer obsession for the Japanese

Asahikawa Winter Festival

February 6-11, 2025 Event

Feel the atmosphere of the Hokkaido's second largest winter event

Otaru Snow Light Path Festival

February 8-15, 2025 Event

Enjoy the spirit of event with tiny illuminated snow statues

Yokote Kamakura Festival

February 15–16 Event

An extraordinary winter event will make your eyes sparkle

Tokamachi Snow Festival

February 18, 2023 Event

The oldest winter festival in Japan promises tons of fun

New Year's Eve in Tokyo

December 31 Event

Discover the uniquely Japanese way of greeting the New Year

Asakusa Samba Carnival

September 15, 2024 Event

For one day, Asakusa turns into Rio

Lantern Festival in Japan (Toro Nagashi)

August, 2024 Event

Japanese Lantern Festivals, where people commemorate the souls of the dead, is the second most essential event in the country after New Year's Eve.

Tokyo Comic Con

December 6–8, 2024 Event

The celebration of American popular culture in Japan

Fall Foliage

mid-October–early December Nature

Embrace the shimmering colors of autumn all over Japan

Festival of the Light Osaka

November 3, 2024–January 31, 2025 Event

The Festival of Lights of Osaka consists of two main events and welcomes everyone to rejoice in this extravaganza

Wara Art Festival

August 27–October 31, 2023 Event

Giant straw sculptures mark the end of the harvest season in Japan

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

February 1-24, 2025 Event

Visit this one-of-a-kind ice festival in Japan

Saga International Balloon Fiesta

October 31–November 4, 2024 Event

One of the largest ballooning events in Asia

Tokyo International Film Festival

October 28–November 6, 2024 Event

The second largest film festival in Asia

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