Japan’s Seasons
One of the things I love about Japan is that the seasons are celebrated and mark distinct times of the year.
Spring is Sakura or cherry blossom season. A time when everyone comes out to celebrate the fleeting cherry blossom and picnic under the delicate, transitory petals. This is one of the most popular times to travel to Japan.
Summer is very humid in Japan, a time of celebration with fireworks, trips to the beach and watermelon smashing!
Autumn sees the changing of the maple leaves and the red leaf hunting season begins along with with drying persimmons and roasted chestnuts.
Winter sees the most beautiful powdery snow fall in the mountain areas and northern Japan. It is another popular time for tourists and a time of winter wonderland, snow monkeys and Sake on the snow slopes.
Spring
Spring is our favourite time to travel to Japan, there is an excitement in the air, and it is like Japan is dressed up in the beauty of the cherry blossom.
Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is an age old custom in Japan, a celebration of Spring and recognition that life can be fleeting like the cherry blossom.
Cherry blossom viewing in Japan is a magical experience with rows of trees flowering on masse and groups picnicking beneath the trees, enjoying the flowers and sharing a meal.
There is a buzz and excitement in the air, as though everyone has been waiting all year for the sakura to blossom. Sakura blossoms have a short glorious season of two weeks so it can be hard to time it right. Ume or plum blossom viewing generally comes before the cherry blossoms and can be seen from February to March, while cherry blossom is from March to April.
The sights of Japan are all the more beautiful with the Cherry blossoms framing the view! Even if you are not particularly keen on flowers, the sense of festival and party atmosphere as you walk through the parks and viewing spots is infectious and uplifting.
After a short two weeks, the cherry blossoms begin to fall and the slightest breeze brings a cascade of petals like confetti that cover the ground in a blanket of pink or white petals.
Summer
Summer in Japan is hot and humid, a time of summer festivals and beaches. It’s perfect if you want to escape the cold of Australia’s winter. However, be aware that the humidity can make it very tiring to travel. Plan regular stops and breaks or consider escaping to the Japanese alps for cooler weather. Check out our posts on Mount Tateyama and Kamikochi for ideas.
An absolute must in summer is kakigori! Kakigori is a traditional summer dessert dating back to the 11th century of shaved ice with flavourings and milk or sweetened condensed milk.
Summer is beach time in Japan and what better to do at the beach than smash a watermelon!! Suikawari involves smashing a watermelon with a stick or bokken when blindfolded. The watermelon is then eaten!
Firework celebration or Hanabi were originally to ward off evil spirits. They are held across Japan in July and August and are an amazing way to celebrate the summer. The first public firework display began in 1933 and has continued ever since. Displays can last up to 2 hours.
Autumn
In Autumn, Japan transforms into a magical show of colour as the trees turn from green to red and gold. The sights of Japan are all the more striking with the backdrop of autumn colours. The changing colours or koyo, make this an exquisite time of year to visit Japan. Come and join in the annual momijigari (red leaf hunting or leaf peeping).
The kaleidoscope of colours are juxtaposed against perfectly manicured gardens.
Kyoto is one of the most popular spots for viewing autumn colours, particularly in the Arashiyama area, where you can have a leisurely cruise as you watch the multicoloured landscape slip by.
Autumn brings out themed dishes where chestnuts, pumpkins and persimmons feature and there is nothing more delicious than a paper bag of freshly roasted chestnuts warming your hands as you hunt for red leaves.
The best time to view the Autumn colours will depend on where you will be travelling. Autumn colours start in the North in Hokkaido in mid September and move slowly South.
If you are travelling through Japan in September to December and enjoy visiting gardens and the outdoors, then you will be absolutely stunned with Japan’s autumn colours.
Winter
Winter in Japan is a very popular time for Aussies to visit, particularly if you are keen on skiing or snowboarding, or just seeing some incredible snow! If you are dreaming of a White Christmas in Japan you will certainly get the white, but perhaps not the Christmas. Christmas is not really celebrated in Japan and is not a holiday. However, be aware that the week after New Year is holiday time in Japan and many of the sites and particularly the shrines are crowded with locals. If you are in Japan for the first few days of the year avoid the shrines and you’ll be fine!
Winter time in Japan is truly magical, seeing the countryside covered in a layer of soft fresh snow makes it especially beautiful.
Even if you are not into skiing or snowboarding there is so much to do in Japan in the winter.
Visit an onsen (hot spring) town like the magical 500 year old Ginzan Onsen, with traditional wooden multi-story Ryokans camped right on the banks of the river, cobblestone streets, gaslights and bridges that criss-cross the river adding to the romance and nostalgia of this charming town.
Visit the snow monkeys hanging out in their own onsen, or the spooky snow monsters of Zao Onsen. Winter is also the time of illuminations and the cities across Japan are dressed up with thousands of tiny twinkling lights!
Of course if you do want to go for the snow then the powder is plentiful. For more on skiing and snowboarding in Japan, check out this page on where to go or this page on skiing and snowboarding for first timers.
There are so many exciting things to do in Japan in winter, remember to rug up (find some of our hints and tips here) and you will all have an amazing winter wonderland adventure!
No matter when you decide to go to Japan, you will find some amazing experiences. In fact you will find that visiting in different times of the year will give completely different experiences, so you’ll just have to visit in every season!