How to Enjoy
Japan’s Unique
Seasonality

Experience All Four Seasons in Japan

Japan is well-admired for its four distinct seasons. From the cherry blossoms of spring and the lush greenery of summer, to the vibrant autumn foliage and the snowy winter landscapes, you can truly experience the beauty of nature all year round.
Japan also offers an endless variety of experiences that vary with the seasons, including festivals and gourmet delights. In different regions, you will enjoy different seasonal offerings, even within the same month – making Japan an ideal destination throughout the year. Begin your memorable journey to Japan when you embark with ANA today.

Map of Japan. Hokkaido is an island located in the northern part of Japan.

Hokkaido is located at the northernmost tip of the Japanese archipelago.
It's the last place in Japan to welcome spring, allowing you to enjoy cherry blossoms even in May. It is also the only region without the rainy season, making its summers refreshing and pleasant. Being the first to experience winter, Hokkaido provides an extended season for snowy landscapes and winter activities. These unique characteristics make Hokkaido one of Japan’s most popular destinations.

Icon details

  • Cherry blossoms
  • Stargazing
  • Lavender viewing
  • Hydrangeas
  • Autumn foliage
  • Snow
  • Snowy Mt. Fuji landscape
  • Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route's ‘Snow Walls’
  • Penguin walks at Asahiyama Zoo
  • Sea turtles laying eggs
  • Whale-watcing
  • Swimming at the beach
  • Fireworks
  • Sapporo Odori Beer Garden
  • Trekking / Hiking
  • Surfing
  • Diving / Snorkeling
  • Camping
  • Rafting
  • Golfing
  • Skiing / Summer skiing
  • Hot springs
  • Illuminations
  • Apples
  • Strawberries
  • White shrimp
  • Yubari Melons
  • Cherries
  • Peaches
  • Pineapples
  • Mangoes
  • Sake
  • Shine Muscat grapes
  • Soba noodles
  • Hot pot dishes
  • Tuna
  • Crab dishes
  • Festivals
About Hokkaido. Spring is from March to May. In March, you can experience skiing, the Ice Fall Festival, and penguin walks at Asahiyama Zoo. The average March temperature in Sapporo ranges from -1°C to 6°C (31°F to 42°F). Recommended clothing includes a down jacket, gloves, and a scarf. In April, you can enjoy skiing and cherry blossoms. The average April temperature in Sapporo ranges from 5°C to 14°C (41°F to 58°F). Recommended clothing is similarly a down jacket, gloves, and a scarf. In May, skiing and cherry blossoms are still a highlight, with an average temperature in Sapporo ranging from 10°C to 21°C (51°F to 69°F). A light jacket is suitable. Summer takes place from June to August. In June, you can go trekking, play golf, and taste Yubari melons. The average June temperature in Sapporo ranges from 14°C to 21°C (57°F to 70°F). A jacket is recommended. July offers lavender viewing, Yubari melons, and the Sapporo Odori Beer Garden, with an average temperature in Sapporo ranging from 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 81°F). Light long-sleeved clothing is advisable. In August, you can continue to enjoy trekking, Yubari melons, and visit the Sapporo Odori Beer Garden. The average August temperature in Sapporo ranges from 20°C to 27°C (67°F to 80°F). Light long-sleeved clothing is suitable. Autumn spans from September to November. In September, you can go trekking and admire autumn foliage, with an average temperature in Sapporo ranging from 16°C to 24°C (60°F to 75°F). A jacket is recommended. October offers trekking and autumn foliage viewing, with an average temperature in Sapporo ranging from 8°C to 17°C (47°F to 63°F). A jacket is suitable. In November, skiing and autumn foliage are highlights, with an average temperature in Sapporo ranging from 4°C to 11°C (38°F to 51°F). Recommended clothing includes a down jacket, gloves, and a scarf. Winter lasts from December to January. In December, you can experience skiing, the Sapporo White Illumination, and penguin walks at Asahiyama Zoo. The average December temperature in Sapporo ranges from -4°C to 1°C (25°F to 34°F). A down jacket, gloves, and a scarf are advised. In January, skiing, the Sapporo White Illumination, and the Ice Fall Festival are the main attractions, with an average temperature in Sapporo ranging from -6°C to -1°C (21°F to 31°F). Recommended clothing includes a down jacket, gloves, and a scarf. February offers skiing, crab dishes, and the Sapporo Snow Festival, with an average temperature in Sapporo ranging from -6°C to 1°C (21°F to 34°F). A down jacket, gloves, and a scarf are suitable. Crowd levels vary throughout the year, with early May, late July to early September, and the New Year period being the busiest times, while mid-November to mid-December and mid-January are less crowded.
  • The average temperatures are based on the Japan Meteorological Agency's data for Sapporo City in 2022.
  • Festival schedules, average temperatures, and peak times may vary from year to year. For more details, please check respective websites and other sources.

Spring

Arakurayama Sengen Park
  • Yamanashi
  • Kanto

Springtime
Brings
Blossoms

Hitachi Seaside Park
  • Ibaraki
  • Kanto

Spring is generally from March to May in Japan. “Sakura” or cherry blossoms are a symbol of spring in Japan. Many people gather under sakura trees for “ohanami,” which means cherry blossom viewing, all over Japan. Japan geographically stretches from north to south, and sakura starts blossoming in the south in late March then moves its way up to the north. Hokkaido, located in the north of Japan welcomes full blossoms in May. Spring is a mild season suitable for various leisurely activities.

数多くある桜の名所の中でも、桜と富士山という日本のシンボリックな風景は、国内外から多くの人気を集めます。他にもお城と桜を一度に見れる、姫路城や弘前公園の景色も絶景です。

Wisteria, moss phlox and many other types of flowers other than sakura also bloom in the spring. These flowers become a tourist attraction but they are also is there as a guided path.

  • Hirosaki Park
    • Aomori
    • Tohoku
  • Kawachi Wisteria Garden
    • Fukuoka
    • Kyushu
  • Himeji Castle
    • Hyogo
    • Kansai

Summer

Zamami Island
  • Okinawa

Summertime
Brings
the Heat

Tsunoshima Bridge
  • Yamaguchi
  • Chugoku

Summer is usually from June to August. Japan is surrounded by the sea, so you can enjoy swimming in various places. You can swim in the sea near Tokyo, but remote the islands of Okinawa are also recommended to enjoy a relaxing time.

Once the rainy season called “tsuyu”, which lasts from June to late July is over, the temperature rapidly increases. This is the season for summer festivals and firework displays happening everywhere in Japan. You can enjoy watching festivals or take part in dancing at other festivals as well.

  • Omagari Fireworks
    • Akita
    • Tohoku
  • Awa Odori Festival
    • Tokushima
    • Shikoku
  • Aomori Nebuta Festival
    • Aomori
    • Tohoku

Autumn

Karasawa
  • Nagano
  • Chubu

Autumn is a
Sight Unlike
Any Other

Rurikoin Temple
  • Kyoto
  • Kansai

September to November is usually the fall season. The heat of summer eases, and the most comfortable and nicest weather comes in this season. The peak for leaves changing colors is from October to late November. Mountains in Hokkaido start to turn color, and colors of leaves gradually change from the north down to the south of Japan. Visit tourist attractions anywhere in Japan that are famous for leaves changing colors and delight in the beauty.

Fall is also best for outdoor sports and leisurely activities. Seasonal foods, rich in nutrition and flavor, in other words, "the fall that makes you hungry", are also something worth tasting.

  • Blue Pond (Aoi Ike)
    • Hokkaido
  • Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue
    • Tokyo
    • Kanto
  • Kiyomizu Temple
    • Kyoto
    • Kansai

Winter

Otaru Canal
  • Hokkaido

Experience
a Winter
Wonderland

Yokote Kamakura
  • Akita
  • Tohoku

Winter is from December to February. It is the coldest season of the year, which is perfect for enjoying hot springs. Dipping in a hot spring while relishing in the beautiful winter scenery is exceptionally remarkable. Illumination events are held all over Japan toward the year-end.

Drift ice and snowy landscape representing dazzling winter are not to be missed. Skiing and dog sledding are also an amusing leisurely activity of winter.

  • Shirakawa-go
    • Gifu
    • Chubu
  • Beppu Onsen
    • Oita
    • Kyushu
  • Niseko Ski Resorts
    • Hokkaido

Choose
Your Next
Destination

Sendai Sendai Tokyo Tokyo Nagoya Nagoya Kyoto Kyoto Osaka Osaka Fukuoka Fukuoka Hiroshima Hiroshima Gifu Gifu Akita Akita Tokushima Tokushima Sapporo Sapporo Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa

Seasonal
Recommendations