When Is the Worst Time to Visit Japan?
There’s never a bad time to visit Japan!
It’s an amazing travel destination, one that’s garnered a huge amount of attention these days (and deservedly so).
I love to show people my country, and I’m happy anytime someone visits. Doesn’t matter what time of year that is.
Having said that, if you ask me, “Aki, are there better times to visit? Are there any times that would be better to avoid?” Well, of course, I’ll gladly share my opinion.
Some spots on the Japan travel calendar definitely present more challenges than others. If you're flexible with your travel dates, you'll want to know about certain seasonal factors that could impact your Japan travel experience.
The Short Answer: Japan's Rainy Season
The “worst” time to visit Japan, in our opinion, falls during the rainy season, known as tsuyu.
This rainy season in Japan typically runs from early June through mid-July. But in any given year, these dates can shift slightly, both for the start and end as well as the duration.
But hey, before you start crossing off entire months from your calendar, let's talk about what this actually means for you, the intrepid traveler to Japan.
Rain, Rain: What Tsuyu in Japan Really Looks Like
Japan's rainy season isn't the continuous downpour many visitors imagine.
It’s not a “monsoon” season, like some other parts of the world receive (and suffer through).
It’s not an “all day, every day” type of event.
And it need not be a black hole on the travel calendar, either. Just something more to be aware of.
Think of it as a six-week stretch where carrying an umbrella becomes second nature. You might experience anything from light drizzles to steady showers, but you'll also find plenty of breaks in the clouds.
Some days during tsuyu offer several hours of sunshine, while others might stay completely dry.
Another challenge can be the combination of increasing temperatures & humidity that can make outdoor activities less enjoyable. By late June or early July, you might find yourself changing clothes more often than you'd like.
If you’re visiting the cities in Japan, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka or Nagoya, among many others, you should be able to manage the rainy season just fine. Just carry an umbrella whenever you leave the hotel or ryokan in the morning, and make sure to pack enough clothing (especially socks & a poncho / windbreaker) and/or materials that wick moisture away and dry more rapidly.
The wild cards are the more “outdoor” type destinations, such as the mountains and countryside. If you’re visiting popular places like Takayama, Shirakawago, the hills in Kyoto, the Japan Alps or the walking / cycling routes (Shimanami Kaido, Kumano Kodo or Nakasendo trails, etc.) – well, there’s just no telling how things might go. You might get lucky and catch good breaks with the weather; or you could end up in soggy, soaking, challenging conditions.
Same goes for climbing Mt. Fuji, by the way.
That’s why, whenever possible, we recommend visiting Japan outside of the date ranges of the rainy season if your plans call for more outdoor activity.
But if you’re sticking to the cities and you’re comfortable with walking about with an umbrella and employing an indoor strategy when necessary, it shouldn’t be a dealbreaker if your desired travel period happens to fall during Japan’s rainy season.
Summer Heat & Humidity: The Extended Forecast
While the rainy season marks the beginning of challenging weather conditions, it's actually just the opening act.
Once tsuyu ends in mid-July, Japan enters its intense summer season, which continues through September.
Many guidebooks or online forums suggest that September brings relief from the heat: don't believe it. The truth is, Tokyo & other major cities maintain their summer intensity until October arrives.
During these months, the mix of higher temperatures plus humidity hovers in the uncomfortable zone. How high?
It’s typically 30-35 degrees celsius (mid-80s to mid-90s fahrenheit) during the day, and really not that much cooler at night (in fact, if anything, some of the hottest days can “dry” out just enough in the day, but then get super humid and oh so sweaty in the evening, nighttime and early morning hours).
Every outdoor activity feels like a workout. Three showers a day? Not uncommon here in Japan.
Air conditioning becomes your best friend, & those aesthetic photos of temple & shrine visits turn into exercises in perseverance rather than peaceful appreciation.
Of course your hotel will have air conditioning, and even most ryokan or inns have it, too (but check to make sure). Department stores and malls are also good to duck into for a quick cooldown; ditto for cafes and other indoor spots. Museums often have air conditioning. But temples and shrines typically do not.
Typhoon Season in Japan
If you didn’t need another weather-related seasonal fun fact about Japan… well, here it is anyway.
Japan’s location in the western Pacific Ocean region puts it in the path of typhoons. The typhoon season in Japan runs, on the standard calendar anyway, from June through October, with the statistical peak typhoon activity happening in August - September,
What’s a typhoon, you might be asking? Sounds exotic, maybe, or downright dangerous?
For us, it isn’t usually either of those, so much as a nuisance here in Japan. The typhoons coming this way typically bring heavy rains and wind events. As a traveler in Japan, you’re most likely to be affected by a typhoon in the form of train and/or flight delays or cancellations.
And of course, heed warnings from the government and weather authorities about approaching storms. Ask your hotel or ryokan about what to do or where to go should a typhoon hit your location in Japan.
But the overall likelihood that you’ll experience a typhoon on your Japan trip, even in August or September, isn’t tremendously high. It’s just something to be aware of and have a Plan B for.
The Holiday Factor: When Japan Gets Busy
Beyond weather considerations, certain holiday periods can significantly impact your travel experience.
Understanding these busy periods helps you plan accordingly. Japanese holidays often bring unique cultural experiences, but they also mean larger crowds & higher prices.
The major holiday periods include Golden Week (late April to early May), when most of Japan goes on vacation simultaneously. During this time, trains fill up quickly & popular destinations become incredibly crowded. Hotels often charge premium rates, & some may require minimum stay periods.
Mid-August brings Obon, a major cultural holiday centered around family reunions. This period sees massive movement across the country as people return to their hometowns. Transportation systems operate at full capacity, & popular tourist areas can become surprisingly quiet as locals focus on family gatherings.
The New Year period, typically from around December 28 to January 4, presents its own unique challenges. Many businesses close during this time, including some restaurants & attractions. However, temples & shrines become incredibly lively with traditional New Year visits, offering a distinctive cultural experience if you're willing to brave the crowds.
Best Time to Visit Japan: The Alternative Options
To put things in perspective, let's look at when you might want to schedule your trip instead.
The best time to go to Japan typically falls during spring (March to early May) or autumn (October to early December). These seasons offer comfortable temperatures & generally clear skies.
The timing of your visit might depend on specific experiences you're seeking.
Spring brings the famous cherry blossom season from late March to early April, though you'll need to contend with larger crowds during this popular period.
Late October through early-mid December offers spectacular fall colors & cool temperatures, with November standing out for its consistently pleasant weather (love those crisp mornings) & autumn foliage displays.
Making the Most of Any Season
While the rainy season might be considered the worst time to visit Japan, it's still completely manageable with proper preparation.
If tsuyu coincides with your only available travel dates, don't let it stop you. Japan offers countless indoor activities, from museums & art galleries to shopping complexes & cultural experiences.
The rainy season actually brings several advantages, too.
Tourist numbers historically are a bit lower during this period, making it slightly less difficult to secure reservations at popular restaurants & accommodations.
You'll encounter somewhat manageable crowds at major attractions. Plus, the season brings its own unique beauty, particularly in the form of flowering hydrangeas that thrive in the humid conditions.
Weather Patterns by Region in Japan
Japan's weather varies dramatically from north to south, creating distinct regional experiences throughout the year.
Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island, operates on an entirely different seasonal schedule. While the rest of Japan grapples with tsuyu, Hokkaido enjoys relatively mild temperatures & lower humidity. Summer is an ideal time to visit Hokkaido, with comfortable temperatures & beautiful weather for outdoor activities.
Central Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka, experiences the classic tsuyu pattern from early June to mid-July. These regions face the greatest impact from the rainy season, with humidity levels that can make urban exploration challenging. However, the rain also brings vibrant greenery & creates atmospheric scenes in traditional gardens & temple grounds.
Southern Japan tells a different story. Kyushu typically experiences its rainy season slightly earlier than the central regions, while Okinawa follows a subtropical pattern entirely its own.
The Okinawan islands (Ryukyu Islands, et al) face their primary rainy season in May, well before the rest of Japan. This region also deals with a secondary rainy period during autumn, coinciding with typhoon season. However, Okinawa's tropical climate means warm temperatures year-round, making it a popular winter destination when the rest of Japan turns cold.
Plan Around the Challenges – And Lean Into the Seasons
Successful navigation of Japan's challenging weather periods requires strategic planning.
Early morning activities help you avoid peak afternoon heat & humidity
Scheduling indoor experiences during the warmest parts of the day provides welcome relief from the elements
Selecting accommodations with reliable air conditioning becomes crucial during summer months
As does choosing appropriate clothing materials that handle moisture well
See? Simple as that!
Japan's excellent transportation system runs smoothly year-round, but certain periods present unique challenges. During major holidays, shinkansen (bullet trains) & other public transportation can become incredibly crowded. Advance reservations become essential rather than optional.
Each season in Japan brings its own special events & festivals. Even during the rainy season, you'll find unique cultural celebrations. The key is understanding what's happening during your intended travel dates so you can either participate or plan around them.
While winter (December to February) brings cold temperatures & occasional snow to much of Japan, it's actually an underrated time to visit. The crisp air & clear skies can make for spectacular viewing of Mount Fuji, & winter illuminations transform cities into magical nightscapes.
Looking at the Long View: When to Visit Japan
The best time to travel to Japan ultimately depends on your personal preferences & constraints.
While certain periods present more challenges than others, each season offers unique experiences that can't be found at other times of the year.
Understanding the progression of weather conditions throughout the year helps put the "worst" time in context. The real challenges begin with tsuyu in June, intensify through the summer months & finally start to ease when October arrives.
While the rainy season from early June to mid-July technically qualifies as the “worst” time to visit Japan, the reality is less scary and more positive.
With proper planning & realistic expectations, any time can be the right time for your Japan travels. The key lies in understanding the seasonal challenges & adapting your itinerary accordingly.
Want to make the most of your Japan trip, no matter what time of year you’re visiting here? Schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help!