Japan Travel Seasons Explained: The Best Time to Visit for Malaysians

 

I often get asked by friends and family things like, “Oh, I’m going to Japan in May, is the weather okay?” or “I want to avoid crowded seasons like Sakura or Autumn leaves, but when and where is the best time to go to Japan?” So today, I’d like to share some insights for our Malaysian travellers on when and where is the best season to visit Japan.

Spring (March–April)

Spring is the most famous season in Japan because of the cherry blossoms. But here’s the thing — the flowers only last for about two weeks, not the whole season. Depending on the area, they can bloom as early as mid-March or as late as early April. So the trick is, no matter when you’re coming, just check the cherry blossom forecast for different regions and plan your trip around that. That way, you still have a good chance to catch them in full bloom.

Tip: Not sure where to start? Just reach out to us — we’ll be happy to help you find the right spot!

Rainy Season (May–June)

This season is actually quite underrated, but honestly it can be one of the best times for Malaysians to visit Japan. The temperature is nice, around 16–23°C, which feels a bit like Genting Highlands. Cool enough to be refreshing, but not too cold until you have to bundle up. The only downside is there aren’t many big events going on. But the good part? Fewer tourists! You get to enjoy Japan in a more peaceful way compared to the busy seasons.

Hint: The first week of May is Golden Week in Japan, which is a major holiday. Locals will also be travelling, so better book your hotels early!

Summer (July–Mid September)

Summer in Japan is not just hot, it’s also very humid — quite different from Malaysia. The peak season (mid-July to late August) can be tough even for Malaysians, but outside the peak period the weather feels more or less like home, so it’s still manageable.

The best thing about summer is the atmosphere — Matsuri and the fireworks festivals are everywhere. Visiting the Hokkaido or the Tohoku region will be the best choice here because it is actually cooler in these areas!

Autumn (Late September–November)

Autumn in Japan is short but beautiful. Just like cherry blossoms, the autumn leaves appear at different times depending on the area. That means you don’t necessarily need to travel during the busiest weeks — even in late November you can still catch the colours in some regions.

This is also the perfect season for outdoor activities like hiking and camping, thanks to the crisp weather. And of course, foodies will love it — autumn is harvest season, so it’s the best time to enjoy fresh seasonal produce.

Winter (December–February)

Most Malaysians who visit Japan in winter usually go for ski or snowboard activities. Hokkaido is definitely the most famous spot during this season, but it’s not the only place for winter fun. 🤦‍♀️ Mountain areas like Nagano, Niigata, and Gifu also have plenty of well-known ski resorts. And if you’re looking for that “Romantic First Love” snowy scene you always see in dramas, the Tohoku region has just as much snow as Hokkaido, and it’s definitely less touristy too!

Hint: Want to experience Japan in winter but not a fan of the cold? Try Okinawa or Kyushu!

We hope this post gives you some fresh ideas about when and where to visit Japan. You don’t always have to stick to the typical “tourist areas” in each season — every region of Japan has its own beauty all year round.

If you want to avoid the crowds but aren’t sure where to go, just fill in the form here and we’ll be ready to help you plan the perfect trip! 😉