Japan month by month: weather, festivals, flowers, food and crowds from January to December

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Tokyo 5.4 °C

January

Crisp, sunny days on the Pacific side and deep snow on the Sea of Japan coast and in Hokkaido. January is for New Year traditions and hot springs in the snow.

Tokyo 6.1 °C

February

The coldest month of the year, but Hokkaido is at its most dazzling with snow and ice festivals, and by month's end plum and early cherry blossoms announce spring.

Tokyo 9.4 °C

March

It warms by the day, and in the last week cherry blossoms open in Tokyo and Kyushu. The most exciting season of the year begins.

Tokyo 14.3 °C

April

Early April brings full bloom in Tokyo and Kyoto, then the blossom front moves north into Tohoku. Mild and beautiful, it is one of Japan's finest months.

Tokyo 18.8 °C

May

Bright green leaves and dry, sunny days make May ideal for travel — apart from Golden Week at the start, when the whole country is on the move.

Tokyo 21.9 °C

June

Honshu enters the rainy season, but this is the best time for hydrangea temples and mossy gardens — and Hokkaido, with no rainy season, is at its loveliest.

Tokyo 25.7 °C

July

When the rainy season ends, full summer arrives — yukata, festivals, fireworks and the opening of Mount Fuji's climbing trails.

Tokyo 26.9 °C

August

Midsummer Japan at its most festive: the great Tohoku festivals and Awa Odori follow one another, and fireworks fill the night sky.

Tokyo 23.3 °C

September

The heat eases bit by bit and the summer crowds thin out. Typhoons are a risk, but Okinawa's sea is still in full summer mode.

Tokyo 18 °C

October

Typhoon season winds down and crisp, clear autumn days set in. Autumn colours start in the mountains — prime travel season has arrived.

Tokyo 12.5 °C

November

Kyoto's temples turn crimson in Japan's other high season, rivalling the cherry blossoms — and the evening illuminations are magical.

Tokyo 7.7 °C

December

Cities sparkle with illuminations and ski season opens in the north, while the end of the year brings uniquely Japanese traditions.