Japan, a country of islands, extends along the eastern or Pacific coast of Asia with the area of 377,835 sq km and the coastline length of 29, 751 km. Due to its great length from the north to south, the climate of Japan varies from region to region: the north is very cold in winter, while the south is subtropical. The climate is also affected by seasonal winds that blow from the continent to the ocean in winter and visa versa in summer.
Since there are regional differences due to Japan's geography, it is difficult to say which period is the best for visiting Japan. In fact, every season can be nice for visiting, except a rainy season. Japan's rainy season starts in early May in Okinawa and gradually moves north until it dissipates in Hokkaido in late July. Thus, the period of the rainy season is different regionally too. Consider the following introduction to each season of the year with the respect to travel to Japan.
The New Year and winter season is the period of a dense domestic and international travel activity. Even the northernmost areas of Japan, like Hokkaido, are attractive for tourists, since the conditions are excellent for winter sports and it is an opportunity to participate in famous winter festivals. The weather in January and February is usually dry and sunny, airfares are low in comparison with the busiest summer period and sightseeing spots are not overcrowded.
Among spring months April is considered the best month for visiting Japan, as in most regions of the country, cherry blossoms are in full bloom, making Japanese the most famous and spectacular sightseeing, and the weather is warm and mild. In the end of April and beginning of May there is the Golden Week or one of Japan's busiest travel seasons, which is best to avoid.
The rainy season typically starts in the beginning of May and lasts until the end of June. From the beginning of June, the rainy season will visit most parts of Japan, though it does not rain everyday, the weather simply tends to be dreary and wet. The duration and intensity of the rainy season can vary considerably from year to year; hence, it is better to observe meteorological forecasts, prior to planning your travel to Japan for summer months. Surprisingly, the rainy season can also be beneficial. Hot spring resorts, like Hakone and the wooded temple mountain Koyasan, are some of the places, which can be quite attractive in a rainy weather. Hokkaido, least affected by the rainy season, is an attractive destination in June.
In July and August, it is hot and humid in most of Japan. Due to summer school holidays, which last from the end of July to the end of August, a travel activity is increasing and in the middle of August there is the Obon week, one of Japan's busiest travel periods, when fares and room rates go up in many hotels.
Autumn starts with the typhoon period that reaches its peak in September. Typhoons usually hit the coasts of Kyushu, Shikoku and Okinawa and produce strong rainfalls and winds in most or all Japan for about two days. However, a clear weather often follows a furious typhoon period. After the summer travel peak, September shows lower hotel rates and transportation fares. November is one of the best times to visit Japan, since the weather is dry and mild, airfares are low and colorful Japan's autumn is spectacular.
Therefore, as it was stated above, visiting Japan can be enjoyable in every season of the year, but looking through meteorological forecasts will allow you not to stay in your hotel room for the rainy or windy period.