Japan travel guides
Seasons
Cherry blossom, autumn leaves, snow and when to go.
Seasons
3 guides
Autumn leaves in Japan: when and where to see koyo
Autumn may be the best season of all to visit Japan. The air is clear, days are mild, food is at its best, and from the mountains of Hokkaido in late September to the temple gardens of Kyoto in early December, the leaves turn red, orange and gold. Japanese call it koyo. This guide gives the Japan Meteorological Agency's average dates for maples and ginkgo in 12 cities, explains why the mountains come first, and suggests where to go week by week.23 Oct 2026
Cherry blossom season in Japan: when and where to see sakura
Cherry blossom season is Japan's most famous, and its most fleeting: in any one city, the trees go from first flowers to full bloom in about a week, and petals start to fall soon after. The good news is that the blossoms sweep across the country for more than a month, from Kyushu in late March to Hokkaido in May. This guide gives the average dates for 14 cities from the Japan Meteorological Agency, explains how much they move from year to year, and shows how to plan a trip that gives you the best odds.23 Oct 2026
Japan in winter: snow, skiing, festivals and hot springs
Winter is Japan's most underrated season. The Pacific side, Tokyo included, is dry and sunny, while the Sea of Japan side and Hokkaido get some of the deepest snow on Earth. That means world-class powder skiing, snow festivals, thatched villages under white blankets, and the best onsen weather of the year, often at lower prices than in spring or autumn. This guide covers where to find snow, when to go, what to wear and the few weeks to avoid.23 Oct 2026
