NorthWest WaJapan · When to go
Japan month by month for Canadians
Weather, crowds, festivals, onsen season, closures and what to book, for every month of the year. Temperatures are Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) averages, and festival dates come from each organiser or city tourism site.
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Checked on Oct 26, 2026. Festival dates can change, so check before you book. Our founders lived in Japan. Every plan is checked against current official sources.
Month by month
Pick a season, or tap a month to open it.
JanuarySnowy, quiet weeks once New Year is over, and peak onsen season is just getting started.
Weather (JMA 1991–2020 averages)
Crowds
Busy until about Jan 3 while Japan is on its New Year break: trains, airports and the big shrines are crowded. Coming of Age Day is a national holiday (Jan 11, 2027). From mid-January most places are calmer.
Festivals and seasons
- Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year), Jan 1 to 3, at shrines across Japan. Expect long lines at the famous ones.
- Okinawa cherry blossoms: JMA’s average first-bloom date in Naha is Jan 16, much earlier than the rest of Japan.
Onsen season
Snow season for onsen towns in the north and the mountains, like Nyuto, Ginzan, Zao and Shibu. Winter roads and snow can slow buses, so leave extra time.
Closures and weather risks
Many museums, offices and some shops and restaurants close for a few days around New Year, usually to Jan 3. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is closed for winter, and Mt Fuji is out of season.
What to book now
Snow-season ryokan in Hokkaido, Tohoku and Nagano, and Sapporo stays for the Snow Festival in early February, which fill early.
For Canadians The Edmonton Public Schools 2026–27 calendar has no Alberta school breaks in January, which makes it a good month for couples and solo travellers.
Plan your days: Find things to do in Hokkaido (Klook) ↗ (Affiliate links)
FebruaryHokkaido is deep in snow for the Sapporo Snow Festival, and the first plum blossoms open.
Weather (JMA 1991–2020 averages)
Crowds
Sapporo fills up for the Snow Festival. National holidays on Feb 11 and Feb 23 make for busy long weekends when they fall near a Saturday or Sunday.
Festivals and seasons
- Sapporo Snow Festival: Feb 4 to 11, 2027, in Odori Park, Tsudome and Susukino.
- Setsubun bean-throwing at temples and shrines, around Feb 3. Dates vary, check before booking.
- Plum blossoms start opening in Tokyo and Kyoto gardens. Dates vary every year.
Onsen season
Still snow season. Jozankei and Noboribetsu pair well with a Sapporo trip, and Nozawa with skiing.
Closures and weather risks
The Alpine Route is still closed. Some mountain roads and ropeways close after heavy snow, so check the day before.
What to book now
Cherry blossom trips. If you want late March or early April in Tokyo or Kyoto, book stays now.
For Canadians Two handy dates: Alberta’s Family Day is Feb 15, 2027, and Edmonton Public Schools has no classes Feb 25 and 26, 2027 for the teachers’ convention, so families can make a long weekend of it.
Plan your days: Find things to do in Hokkaido (Klook) ↗ · Browse Sapporo tours (GetYourGuide) ↗ (Affiliate links)
MarchHere come the cherry blossoms: the season starts in Tokyo and Kyoto in the last week of March.
Weather (JMA 1991–2020 averages)
Crowds
Crowds build as cherry blossoms open. JMA’s average first-bloom dates are Mar 22 in Fukuoka, Mar 24 in Tokyo, Mar 26 in Kyoto and Mar 27 in Osaka. Japanese schools also break between school years in late March. Vernal Equinox Day is Mar 21, 2027, with Mar 22 as a substitute holiday.
Festivals and seasons
- Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day), Mar 3: doll displays in homes, shops and museums.
- Shuni-e (Omizutori) at Todai-ji in Nara, Mar 1 to 14, with torches on the temple balcony most evenings.
Onsen season
Late snow up north and mild days down south. Hot spring towns near the blossom routes, such as Arima near Kobe or Hakone-Yumoto near Tokyo, are easy add-ons.
Closures and weather risks
The Alpine Route opens in mid-April (Apr 15 in 2025 and 2026), so it is still closed in March.
What to book now
Reserved train seats for the blossom weeks as soon as they go on sale. JR tickets go on sale at 10:00 a.m. Japan time one month before the travel date.
For Canadians Spring break for Edmonton Public Schools (Mar 30 to Apr 2, 2027) lands right on JMA’s average full-bloom dates for Tokyo (Mar 31) and Kyoto (Apr 4). Lovely timing for blossoms; just expect crowds.
Plan your days: Find things to do in Tokyo (Klook) ↗ · Browse Kyoto tours (GetYourGuide) ↗ (Affiliate links)
AprilFull bloom in early April, blossoms rolling north, then Golden Week from Apr 29.
Weather (JMA 1991–2020 averages)
Crowds
JMA’s average full-bloom dates are Mar 31 in Tokyo and Apr 4 in Kyoto and Osaka. Blossoms then move north: Sendai Apr 13, Aomori Apr 26. Golden Week starts with Showa Day on Apr 29.
Festivals and seasons
- Spring Takayama Festival, Apr 14 and 15, with festival floats in Takayama’s old town.
- Snow walls on the Alpine Route after it reopens in mid-April. The 2027 opening date isn’t announced yet.
Onsen season
Unazuki and the Kurobe area come back to life as the Alpine Route reopens. Blossoms in the north reach onsen towns like Kinugawa later in the month.
Closures and weather risks
Mostly open. Some high mountain roads still open in stages, so check road status for mountain trips.
What to book now
Golden Week (Apr 29 to May 5) is one of Japan’s busiest travel weeks. Book trains and stays as early as you can, or avoid those dates.
For Canadians Between Easter Monday (Mar 29, 2027) and spring break, plenty of Canadians are flying in early April too.
Plan your days: Find things to do in Kyoto (Klook) ↗ · Browse Tokyo tours (GetYourGuide) ↗ (Affiliate links)
MayGolden Week wraps up May 5, and the rest of the month is calm, green and pleasant.
Weather (JMA 1991–2020 averages)
Crowds
Golden Week runs to May 5 (in 2027: May 3, 4 and 5 are holidays, after a weekend on May 1 and 2). After that, May is often quieter. Okinawa’s rainy season starts around May 10 on average.
Festivals and seasons
- Aoi Matsuri in Kyoto, May 15 (moved to May 16 if it rains): a Heian-period costume procession.
- Sanja Matsuri at Asakusa Shrine in Tokyo, held on the third Friday to Sunday of May (May 14 to 16 in 2027).
- Sapporo’s cherry blossoms: JMA’s average first-bloom date is May 1.
Onsen season
Mild weather for outdoor baths almost everywhere. Hokkaido onsen like Toyako have spring blossoms in early May.
Closures and weather risks
No big closures. Okinawa trips should allow for rain from mid-May.
What to book now
Summer: Gion Matsuri stays in Kyoto, Obon in August, and Mt Fuji huts if you plan to climb.
For Canadians Leaving on the Victoria Day long weekend (May 24, 2027)? Golden Week is over by then, so you’ll miss Japan’s holiday crowds.
Plan your days: Browse Kyoto tours (GetYourGuide) ↗ · Find things to do in Tokyo (Klook) ↗ (Affiliate links)
JuneRainy season (tsuyu) for most of Japan means fewer crowds, while Hokkaido stays dry-ish.
Weather (JMA 1991–2020 averages)
Crowds
No national holidays in June, so it’s often quieter. JMA’s average rainy season is about Jun 6 to Jul 19 in Kansai and Jun 7 to Jul 19 in Kanto. JMA doesn’t declare a rainy season for Hokkaido.
Festivals and seasons
- Hydrangeas bloom in temple gardens during the rainy season, around Kamakura and Kyoto especially. Dates vary.
- Okinawa’s rainy season ends around Jun 21 on average.
Onsen season
A rainy day is a good onsen day. Hokkaido (Sapporo averages 60 mm of rain in June) and Noboribetsu are a drier choice.
Closures and weather risks
Heavy rain can delay trains and close mountain roads for a while. Check JMA warnings before mountain trips.
What to book now
Obon (mid-August) trains and stays, and Kyoto stays for the Gion Matsuri processions in July.
For Canadians Summer flights start getting busier as Alberta’s school year wraps up in late June (the last day of classes at Edmonton Public Schools is Jun 28, 2027).
Plan your days: Find things to do in Hokkaido (Klook) ↗ · Browse Sapporo tours (GetYourGuide) ↗ (Affiliate links)
JulyOnce the rainy season ends it turns hot and humid, and the big summer festivals and Mt Fuji’s climbing season arrive.
Weather (JMA 1991–2020 averages)
Crowds
The rainy season ends around Jul 19 on average in Kanto and Kansai. Japanese school summer holidays start in late July, and Marine Day is Jul 19, 2027.
Festivals and seasons
- Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, all of July, with the big float processions on Jul 17 and Jul 24.
- Hakata Gion Yamakasa in Fukuoka, Jul 1 to 15, ending with the dawn race on Jul 15.
- Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka, Jul 24 and 25, with boats and fireworks on the evening of the 25th.
- Sumida River Fireworks in Tokyo, usually the last Saturday of July (Jul 25 in 2026). Dates vary, check before booking.
- Mt Fuji climbing season: in 2026 the Yoshida and Subashiri trails opened Jul 1, Fujinomiya and Gotemba Jul 10, and all closed Sep 10.
Onsen season
Mountain onsen are cooler: Kusatsu, Shin-Hotaka and Nyuto. Hokkaido stays mild.
Closures and weather risks
Typhoons start to arrive more often. JMA’s averages show about 2 a month coming near Japan in July. They can cancel flights, ferries and trains for a day or two.
What to book now
Obon now if you haven’t. Autumn leaf trips to Kyoto in November fill early too.
For Canadians Summer break is a popular time to fly from Canada, so lock in flights early. WestJet flies nonstop from Calgary (YYC) to Tokyo Narita, and Vancouver (YVR) has nonstop Tokyo flights too.
Plan your days: Browse Kyoto tours (GetYourGuide) ↗ · Find things to do in Osaka (Klook) ↗ · Browse Osaka tours (GetYourGuide) ↗ (Affiliate links)
AugustThe hottest month brings Obon, Tohoku’s summer festivals and peak typhoon season.
Weather (JMA 1991–2020 averages)
Crowds
Obon in mid-August is Japan’s main summer travel week, with full trains and highways. Mountain Day is a holiday on Aug 11. Heat is serious, so watch the heatstroke alerts.
Festivals and seasons
- Aomori Nebuta, Aug 2 to 7 every year, with giant lantern floats.
- Sendai Tanabata, Aug 6 to 8.
- Awa Odori in Tokushima, mid-August (Aug 11 to 15 in 2026). Dates vary, check before booking.
- Gozan Okuribi in Kyoto, Aug 16: five bonfires on the mountains around the city.
Onsen season
Hokkaido is the cool choice (Sapporo averages 19 to 26°C). Bathe early or late in the day and drink water.
Closures and weather risks
Some small shops close for Obon. August and September have the most typhoons in JMA’s averages (about 3 a month come near Japan).
What to book now
Kyoto in November and the New Year period, which both fill early.
For Canadians It’s peak summer travel season from Canada. Sort out flights early, and build in a spare day in case a typhoon holds you up.
Plan your days: Browse Tokyo tours (GetYourGuide) ↗ · Find things to do in Tokyo (Klook) ↗ (Affiliate links)
SeptemberWarm days linger, typhoon risk stays, and Silver Week brings a run of holidays.
Weather (JMA 1991–2020 averages)
Crowds
Respect for the Aged Day (Sep 20, 2027) and Autumn Equinox Day (Sep 23, 2027) make for busy long weekends. Mt Fuji’s climbing season ends Sep 10.
Festivals and seasons
- Moon viewing (tsukimi) events at temples and gardens. Dates follow the lunar calendar, so check before booking.
- Early autumn leaves start in Hokkaido’s high mountains. Dates vary.
Onsen season
The first cool evenings make outdoor baths pleasant again in the north, like Noboribetsu and Nyuto.
Closures and weather risks
Typhoon season is still at its height, and Tokyo averages 225 mm of rain in September. Keep a flexible day.
What to book now
Kyoto autumn leaf stays (late November), ski trips and the New Year.
For Canadians With Canadian schools back in class, September works well for couples and solo travellers.
Plan your days: Find things to do in Kyoto (Klook) ↗ · Browse Kyoto tours (GetYourGuide) ↗ (Affiliate links)
OctoberComfortable temperatures and autumn festivals, with leaves turning in the mountains and Hokkaido.
Weather (JMA 1991–2020 averages)
Crowds
Sports Day is Oct 11, 2027, the same day as Canadian Thanksgiving. JMA’s average date for maples turning in Sapporo is about Oct 28.
Festivals and seasons
- Nagasaki Kunchi, Oct 7 to 9.
- Autumn Takayama Festival, Oct 9 and 10.
- Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto, Oct 22 (moved to Oct 23 if it rains): a costume procession through 1,000 years of history.
Onsen season
Autumn leaves at mountain and northern onsen: Nikko-Yumoto, Naruko and Jozankei.
Closures and weather risks
Tokyo’s wettest month in JMA’s averages (235 mm). Some high mountain roads start closing in late autumn.
What to book now
New Year stays and ski trips. December and early January fill early.
For Canadians Canadian Thanksgiving (Oct 11, 2027) falls on Japan’s Sports Day, so expect company on that long weekend.
Plan your days: Find things to do in Hokkaido (Klook) ↗ · Browse Tokyo tours (GetYourGuide) ↗ (Affiliate links)
NovemberCrisp, clear days, and autumn leaves reach the cities.
Weather (JMA 1991–2020 averages)
Crowds
Kyoto is very busy in late November. JMA’s average dates for maples turning are about Nov 28 in Tokyo, Dec 1 in Osaka and Fukuoka, and Dec 5 in Kyoto. Culture Day (Nov 3) and Labour Thanksgiving Day (Nov 23) are holidays.
Festivals and seasons
- Shichi-Go-San around Nov 15: families visit shrines with children aged 3, 5 and 7.
- From Nov 1, 2026, tax-free shopping becomes a refund at the airport. See what changed for Japan trips in 2026.
Onsen season
Leaves around Arima, Kurama near Kyoto and Hakone-Yumoto. Snow starts in Hokkaido (Sapporo averages 30 cm of snowfall in November).
Closures and weather risks
The Alpine Route’s 2026 season ends Nov 30. Mountain roads and some ropeways close for winter around now.
What to book now
Ski season and snow onsen, and the New Year if you want it.
For Canadians Tucked between Thanksgiving and the winter break, November is a quiet month for Canadian travel.
Plan your days: Find things to do in Kyoto (Klook) ↗ · Browse Kyoto tours (GetYourGuide) ↗ (Affiliate links)
DecemberClear, dry winter days, Kyoto’s leaves early in the month, and the New Year shutdown at the end.
Weather (JMA 1991–2020 averages)
Crowds
Calm until the last week. Japan’s year-end break starts around Dec 29: government offices close Dec 29 to Jan 3 by law, and many businesses close for some of those days. Trains and flights are packed around Dec 28 to 30.
Festivals and seasons
- Chichibu Night Festival, Dec 2 and 3, with lantern-lit floats and fireworks.
- New Year’s Eve temple bells (joya no kane) at temples across Japan, Dec 31.
Onsen season
Snow season begins in the north. Ginzan and Nyuto are classic snow scenes, and Beppu and Ibusuki in Kyushu are milder.
Closures and weather risks
Expect museums, offices and some shops and restaurants to close around Dec 29 to Jan 3. Check each place’s holiday hours.
What to book now
Book New Year stays and trains well ahead, and confirm what’s open on the days you’ll be there.
For Canadians Winter break for Edmonton Public Schools runs Dec 21 to 31, 2026, right over Japan’s year-end closures, so plan your days around what’s open.
Plan your days: Find things to do in Tokyo (Klook) ↗ · Browse Tokyo tours (GetYourGuide) ↗ (Affiliate links)
Planning from Canada
- Flights: Calgary (YYC) has nonstop WestJet service to Tokyo Narita, daily and year-round since its 2025 winter schedule. Vancouver (YVR) has nonstop flights to Tokyo. From Edmonton, you’ll usually connect through Calgary or Vancouver. Schedules change, so check with the airline.
- School breaks (Edmonton Public Schools, 2026–27): winter break Dec 21 to 31, 2026; Family Day Feb 15 and teachers’ convention Feb 25 and 26, 2027; spring break Mar 30 to Apr 2, 2027; last day of classes Jun 28, 2027. Other Alberta divisions may differ, so check your own calendar.
- Clashes to know: Alberta’s spring break lands on Tokyo and Kyoto’s average full-bloom dates, and the Canadian winter break overlaps Japan’s New Year closures.
- Entry: check Travel.gc.ca’s Japan page for entry rules and advisories before you book.
Before you fly: Mobal Japan eSIMs ↗ · TuGo travel insurance ↗ (Affiliate links)
Our TuGo partner link doesn’t apply in Manitoba, Nunavut, Quebec or Saskatchewan. This isn’t insurance advice; read the policy wording before you buy.
Plan the rest of your trip
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Our newsletter sends calm, practical Japan tips, including heads-ups before blossom and leaf season.
Sources
Weather figures are JMA 1991–2020 normals for the Tokyo, Kyoto, Sapporo and Naha stations, rounded to the nearest degree. “Rain or snow” is the monthly total precipitation. Cherry blossom, maple and rainy season dates are JMA averages; actual dates move every year. Where a festival date moves, we say “dates vary, check before booking.”
- Weather normals (1991–2020): Tokyo, Kyoto, Sapporo, Naha: JMA climate normals, Tokyo · Kyoto · Sapporo · Naha
- Weather overview: JNTO: Japan’s weather
- Cherry blossom first-bloom and full-bloom normals: JMA first bloom · JMA full bloom
- Maple colouring dates: JMA maple observations
- Rainy season normals: JMA rainy season start and end
- Typhoon averages (1991–2020): JMA typhoon normals
- Heat safety: Ministry of the Environment heatstroke information
- National holidays 2027 (Golden Week, Silver Week): Cabinet Office
- Year-end closures for government offices (Dec 29 to Jan 3): Act on Holidays of Administrative Organs (e-Gov)
- Train ticket sale dates: JR Group: ticket sale dates · JR West online reservations
- Sapporo Snow Festival 2027: snowfes.com · Welcome to Sapporo
- Shuni-e (Omizutori): Todai-ji · JNTO
- Takayama Festivals: Hida Takayama: spring · autumn
- Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route season: alpen-route.com
- Aoi Matsuri, Gion Matsuri, Gozan Okuribi, Jidai Matsuri: Kyoto City tourism: Aoi Matsuri · Gion Matsuri · Gozan Okuribi · Jidai Matsuri
- Sanja Matsuri: Asakusa Shrine schedule · JNTO
- Hakata Gion Yamakasa: Visit Fukuoka · JNTO
- Tenjin Matsuri: Osaka Tenmangu
- Sumida River Fireworks: sumidagawa-hanabi.com
- Mt Fuji climbing season: Official Mt Fuji climbing site
- Aomori Nebuta: nebuta.jp
- Sendai Tanabata: sendaitanabata.com
- Awa Odori: Tokushima City
- Nagasaki Kunchi: nagasaki-kunchi.com
- Chichibu Night Festival: Chichibu City tourism · JNTO
- Alberta school breaks 2026–27: Edmonton Public Schools calendar (PDF)
- Calgary to Tokyo nonstop: WestJet news release
- Entry and travel advice for Canadians: Travel.gc.ca: Japan · JNTO Canada
Checked on Oct 26, 2026. Spot an error? Tell us.
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links (Klook, GetYourGuide, Mobal and TuGo). If you book through them, NorthWest Wa may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we list, and every date here comes from the source shown. Read our affiliate disclosure.
Photo credits: Spring: Alex Brites / Pexels · Summer: Family photo · Autumn: Emiliano Lara / Pexels · Winter: 家豪 陳 / Pexels