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Once again, Japan tops the list of the world’s best countries, according to our Readers’ Choice Awards, which means our readers believe that the best time to visit Japan is simply “always.” It makes sense: With an abundance of trailblazing restaurants, mouthwatering street food spots, unique shopping experiences, rich craft and heritage histories, hikes out in nature, and hotels that represent the pinnacle of hospitality, there’s a curated escape to Japan for every type of traveler. After all, there are over 14,000 islands in this archipelagic country, so you’re bound to find one strip of land that will fulfill your travel needs.
That said, a little trip planning never hurt anyone, especially when it comes to visiting one of the most popular travel destinations on the planet. Whether you’re going for cherry blossom season in the spring, leaf peeping in the fall, or the snowy landscapes of the country’s northern reaches in the winter, there is a best time to visit Japan. It all depends on what you’d like to get out of your trip. To get some of the best tips for when and how to visit Japan, we spoke to Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists to get their take on how to plan for a trip to the country: Amy Tadehara and Chris Wiggin, the senior travel consultant and Japan product executive, respectively, of InsideJapan Tours; Andres Zuleta, founder of Boutique Japan; and Alys Colayera, a travel expert who specializes in Japan at Black Tomato offer their expert insight into visiting Japan, from when to go, what to bring (pack light!), and where to see those ever-popular cherry blossoms.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
When is the best time to go to Japan?
Winter is the best time to visit Japan for an all-purpose trip. Zuleta of Boutique Japan recommends going after the New Year’s rush: “From around January 15 to March 15, you can almost feel as if you have the country to yourself. The exception is at winter resorts, which will be crowded with skiers and snowboarders.” Tadehara and Wiggin of InsideJapan Tours add that the cooler temperatures in winter make Japan’s hot spring onsens all the more enjoyable; plus, the air is usually much clearer in winter, letting travelers see the majesty of Mt. Fuji from more high points around the country. Just be sure to avoid the winter holidays themselves, when there are significant closures—many shops, restaurants, and other places of interest close for several days or longer around this time of year.
