Apsley Travel · Bespoke Luxury Travel
Japan has two peak luxury travel windows: late March to early April for cherry blossom and October to November for autumn colour (koyo). Both deliver extraordinary photography but book out 9–12 months ahead. May, June and September are excellent shoulder months with fewer crowds and lower rates. Summer (July–August) is hot and humid; winter (December–February) is exceptional for Niseko skiing, snow monkeys and onsen culture.
The best time to visit Japan is late March to early April for cherry blossom (sakura) or October to November for autumn colour. May and June are excellent shoulder months; July–August are hot and humid; December–February is cold but exceptional for Niseko skiing and onsen.
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Late March to early April in Tokyo and Kyoto, mid-March in Kyushu, early May in Hokkaido. Book 12 months ahead.
Yes — July and August are peak domestic tourism and hot/humid. We recommend May–June or September–November instead.
Yes — Niseko (Hokkaido) is world-renowned for powder, December–March. Pair with onsen culture and kaiseki dining for an exceptional ski week.
Mid-October to late November for autumn colour, cooler weather and lower crowds than spring. Our specialists' preferred window.