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Japan has four genuinely distinct travel seasons, and choosing between them changes both your itinerary and your budget more than any other decision you will make.
Spring (March–May)
Cherry blossom peaks in a narrow, moving window that runs south to north. Fares and rooms are at their highest and book out months ahead.
Summer (June–August)
Hot and humid on the mainland, with a rainy stretch in June. This is when Hokkaido and the northern mountains make sense.
Autumn (September–November)
The quiet favourite. Clear skies, comfortable walking weather and maple colour through November.
Winter (December–February)
The cheapest fares, the clearest views of Fuji, and world-class snow in Hokkaido and Nagano.