As for June to August, it is the least recommended time to visit. Not only is it peak season, but it also coincides with Japanese holidays, making it even more crowded.
If you are not a fan of huge crowds, mid-March and mid-April are the months you should avoid visiting Japan. Apart from the Cherry Blossom months, the Golden Week (it is the amalgamation of the New Year's holiday and the holiday of Obon in the month of August – back-to-back) is a busy season as well.
However, mid-June can also see an increase in tourist activity. During these times, popular tourist attractions and accommodations can become crowded and expensive. By planning your trip outside of these peak periods, you can enjoy a more relaxing and authentic experience of Japan's unique culture and natural beauty.
In 2025, a summer House of Councillors election is set to test the Liberal Democratic Party, the Osaka Expo will draw visitors from around the world, and Japan will commemorate 80 years since the end of World War II.
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.
June to August is the worst time to visit Japan. It is summer and very hot, with average high temperatures around 31°C (88°F) and feels-like temperatures reaching 41°C (106°F). Traveling between attractions, or even just stepping out of the hotel to shop, can feel like being scorched by the sun.
The cheapest months to travel to Japan are typically January, February, and early June. January & February: After the New Year holidays, tourism slows down. Early June: This is Japan's rainy season (tsuyu), but showers are usually light. Fewer tourists mean lower prices on flights and accommodations.
From the end of 2024, a rumor began that a great earthquake would occur in Japan in July 2025, based on a purported prophecy in the 1999 manga The Future I Saw by Ryo Tatsuki. Its spread in several Asian countries resulted in a notable decline in holiday travel to Japan. Seismologists discounted the prediction.
Additionally, beginning November 2026, Japan's current tax-free shopping system will change to a refund-based process, requiring tourists to pay full price upfront and claim tax refunds later. The Japanese yen is also strengthening, making currency exchange less favorable for travelers.
The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). This is when Japan is at its most vibrant, with delicate cherry blossom or bright red leaves adding contrast to the scenery. Remember, it can also be very crowded at this time.
The best option for tourists is perhaps railway passes. They cover different regions and are offered by many rail companies. The ones offered by the JR Company, which runs most trains in Japan, give tourists unlimited access to ride JR trains for a few weeks, great for traveling long distances on the Shinkansen.
What is the weather like in Japan in September 2025?
The average temperature is about 27℃ (80.6℉) by day during September, and it decreases to 20°C (68°F) or so at night. Therefore, please remember to keep warm at night if you decide to visit Japan in September 2025.
Generally, the best month to visit depends on what you want to experience. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) stand out for their mild weather, stunning natural beauty, and various festivals that showcase Japan's rich culture.
The New Year period from 30 December to 4 January. The Golden Week period from late April to the end of the first week of May. The Obon holiday from 13-16 August.
In 2025, travel with purpose – venture further afield than the masses and explore beyond the usual Golden Triangle of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Whether it's the cedar forests of Yakushima, the remote ryokans of Wakayama, or the serene art galleries of Aomori, there's a world of experiences waiting to be uncovered.
2025 is poised to be the cheapest year to visit Japan, thanks to a favorable exchange rate with the yen at a 30-year low, making travel more affordable for international visitors.
2026 might be your last chance to experience “cheap” Japan. 🇯🇵💸 Japan isn't banning tourists — but starting 2025, things are changing fast: ▪️ New dual pricing means foreigners will pay more at parks, museums, shrines, and ski resorts.
According to the latest data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), a staggering 3.69 million foreign tourists visited Japan in May 2025, marking a 21.5% increase compared to the same month last year. This number exceeds the previous record for May, set in 2024, by over 650,000 visitors!
According to Tatsuki's manga "The Future I Saw", a major disaster was predicted to strike southern Japan on July 5, 2025. Although the predicted disaster didn't strike on July 5, many are now wondering if Ryo Tatsuki's prophecy was a warning for the entire month, rather than a specific date.
One of the biggest reasons 2025 is shaping up to be the cheapest year to visit Japan is the historically favorable exchange rate for many international currencies against the Japanese yen. The yen has weakened significantly, meaning your dollar, euro, or pound will stretch much further.
A mid-range average for one person for a one-week trip to Japan is around $2,000. This includes basic flights, staying at Airbnbs, casual dining, and public transportation. Meanwhile, a single luxury traveler can expect a total estimated cost for a one-week trip to Japan from $3,500–$10,000 .
So, Is $5,000 Enough for a Week in Japan? Yes. If $5K (per person) is your travel budget, in most seasons you should be able to make this work for a Japan trip. This of course assumes that you're not booking five-star hotels and $400 sushi dinners every night.
Late April – Early May – Golden Week, one of the costliest 10. Late December (Christmas–New Year) – Holiday surge, very expensive 11. Mid-August (Obon) – High domestic travel costs 12. August (summer vacation) – Most expensive overall.
Twelve days is just enough time to experience Japan, a country of extreme contrasts that will transport you back to the distant past at one moment and hurtle you forward to a futuristic world at the other. Explore this fascinating dichotomy on the tour of megacities like Tokyo and Osaka.
