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Japan travel guide

A city-based trip through Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and beyond, best in May and October

Best: May, Oct

Photo: Andrea De Santis / Pexels

Capital
Tokyo
Language
Japanese
Currency
Japanese yen
Time zone
UTC+09:00
Plugs
Type A, B · 100 V
Driving
On the left
Emergency
119 / 118 / 110

Why visit Japan

Japan suits travellers who like a city-based trip. Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka and Kanazawa can fill one itinerary. Sapporo and Naha add more distant options. The best months to go are May and October. One practical limitation: Japan runs on 100 V with type A and B plugs. Check that your devices work on 100 V and bring the right adapter. Japanese is the only language listed, so learn a few phrases before you go.

  • A capital city of huge scale

    Tokyo is the capital of Japan and its population runs into the millions, making it one of the largest cities in the world. Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka and Hiroshima each hold over a million people too, giving visitors several big-city options beyond Tokyo.

  • May and October for easier weather

    The best months to visit are May and October. These months sit between the summer heat and the colder winter months, so travellers can expect milder, more comfortable conditions for sightseeing.

  • Coastal and inland cities side by side

    Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Hiroshima and Naha all sit on the coast, while Sapporo, Kyoto and Kanazawa lie inland. This mix means travellers can combine seaside cities with inland destinations within one trip.

  • Kanazawa for a smaller-scale stop

    Kanazawa has a population of around 462,479, far smaller than Tokyo or Osaka. It offers a quieter contrast to Japan's largest cities for travellers planning a varied itinerary.

  • A country spanning a wide area

    Japan covers 377,930 square kilometres and is home to about 122,650,000 people. That combination of land area and population density shapes everything from crowded capital streets to quieter regional cities.

Is Japan right for you?

Great for

  • Travellers wanting mild, dry days: May highs reach 20.3°C with 9.8 sun hours
  • October visits for 17.6°C highs and low rain days (10.3)
  • City-hoppers, since Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and Hiroshima are coastal, easy to reach by rail
  • Winter sports or cold-weather travellers, with January lows near -4.6°C and Sapporo inland
  • Travellers who like distinct seasons, from winter lows to a hot, humid summer peak

Less ideal for

  • Travellers who dislike humidity, since July brings 179mm of rain over 17.1 rain days
  • Those avoiding heat, as August highs hit 28°C with 18.9°C lows overnight
  • Beach-focused trips, since only a few cities (Naha, Fukuoka, Hiroshima) are coastal and tropical
  • Travellers sensitive to rain, given June and July each bring over 13 rain days

Japan right now: November

5.6/10
Avg high
13°C
Avg low
3°C
Rain days
8

Averages for Japan.

Weather by month

This data is for Tokyo, Japan. May and October bring mild highs of 20–18°C with moderate rain, making them the top-rated months, while July and June are toughest, with 17–18 rain days and highs near 23–27°C that add humidity to the wet conditions.

Average highs and lows in Japan by month January: high 4°C, low -5°C , 8 rain days . February: high 5°C, low -4°C , 8 rain days . March: high 10°C, low -1°C , 11 rain days . April: high 15°C, low 4°C , 11 rain days . May: high 20°C, low 9°C , 10 rain days . June: high 23°C, low 14°C , 14 rain days . July: high 27°C, low 18°C , 17 rain days . August: high 28°C, low 19°C , 15 rain days . September: high 24°C, low 15°C , 13 rain days . October: high 18°C, low 9°C , 10 rain days . November: high 13°C, low 3°C , 8 rain days . December: high 7°C, low -2°C , 9 rain days . 4°C -5°C JAN 8d 5°C -4°C FEB 8d 10°C -1°C MAR 11d 15°C 4°C APR 11d 20°C 9°C MAY 10d 23°C 14°C JUN 14d 27°C 18°C JUL 17d 28°C 19°C AUG 15d 24°C 15°C SEP 13d 18°C 9°C OCT 10d 13°C 3°C NOV 8d 7°C -2°C DEC 9d
Best months Other months (low–high) Nd = rain days

Japan (country average) · averages 2015–2024

Best time to visit Japan: month-by-month weather →

Sample itineraries

7 days

Classic Japan: Tokyo to Hiroshima

  1. Day 1–3

    Tokyo

    Explore Japan's capital and largest city. Wander between modern districts and historic temples, and try the city's famous food markets.

  2. Day 4–5

    Kyoto

    Visit Kyoto's temples, shrines and traditional streets. This inland city is known for preserving old Japanese culture.

  3. Day 6–7

    Hiroshima

    Spend your last days in this coastal city, learning its history and visiting nearby island shrines.

10 days

Japan in Depth: North to South

  1. Day 1–3

    Tokyo

    Start in Japan's capital, exploring its mix of ultra-modern neighborhoods and quiet historic corners.

  2. Day 4–5

    Kanazawa

    Head inland to Kanazawa, a smaller city known for its traditional gardens, crafts and samurai-era streets.

  3. Day 6–7

    Kyoto

    Continue to Kyoto to see its many temples, shrines and traditional wooden buildings.

  4. Day 8–9

    Osaka

    Move to the coastal city of Osaka, known for its street food and lively atmosphere.

  5. Day 10

    Fukuoka

    Finish your trip in the coastal city of Fukuoka, a gateway to southern Japan with its own distinct food culture.

Food to try in Japan

Sushi

Vinegared rice topped with raw fish or seafood. Found everywhere from casual conveyor-belt shops to high-end counters in Tokyo.

Ramen

Wheat noodles in a meat or fish broth, served with toppings like pork, egg, and seaweed. Regional styles vary across the country, from miso ramen in Hokkaido to tonkotsu in Fukuoka.

Tempura

Seafood and vegetables coated in a light batter and deep-fried. Often served with a dipping sauce or over rice as a donburi.

Okonomiyaki

A savory pancake made with cabbage, batter, and a choice of meat or seafood. Popular in Osaka and Hiroshima, each city has its own version.

Kaiseki

A multi-course meal that follows the seasons, with small, carefully arranged dishes. Traditionally served at ryokan inns and formal restaurants.

Sake

A fermented rice drink, usually served warm in winter and chilled in summer. It's made across Japan, with each region offering its own style and flavor.

Know before you go

  • Currency: The currency is the Japanese yen. Japan still runs on cash more than many other rich countries, so carry some yen even if you plan to use cards.
  • Language: Japanese is the main language. English signage is common in big cities and at stations, but it thins out quickly once you leave tourist areas.
  • Plugs and voltage: Japan uses plug types A and B, the same flat two-pin style as North America. Voltage is 100 V, lower than Europe, so check your charger before packing.
  • Driving side: Cars drive on the left in Japan. Look right first when crossing streets if you're used to right-hand traffic.
  • Emergency numbers: Call 110 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance. Operators may not speak English in smaller towns, so keep this in mind if you need help outside major cities.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not expected in Japan, including in restaurants, taxis and hotels. Leaving extra cash can confuse staff rather than please them.
  • Tap water: Tap water is generally safe to drink across Japan's cities and towns, so you don't need to buy bottled water for everyday use.

Japan: frequently asked questions

Is Japan good to visit in August?

Yes, but it is hot and sticky. August highs average 28°C with lows near 19°C, and there are 15.2 rain days with 128 mm of rain. The scoring gives August a 6 out of 10, so it's still workable, just plan for heat and humidity, especially in cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

What is the best month to visit Japan?

May and October score highest, at 8.1 and 7.7 out of 10. May has warm days averaging 20.3°C, cooler nights around 9.3°C, and 9.7 rain days. October is similar, with highs of 17.6°C and fewer rain days (10.3) than the summer months, making both good picks for comfortable sightseeing.

Is Japan rainy in June and July?

Yes, June and July are the wettest months. June has 13.7 rain days and 175 mm of rain, while July has 17.1 rain days and 179 mm, the most of any month. Despite this, both score well (7.3 and 6.7), since the rain tends to fall in short bursts rather than all day.

What is winter like in Japan?

Winter is cold with low scores. December through February have highs between 4°C and 6.9°C, with lows dropping to around -4.6°C in January. Rain days are fewer (7.7 to 8.5), and sun hours are also lower, around 7.8 to 8.4 hours. These months score 3.3 to 3.5, reflecting the cold rather than bad weather overall.

What currency and plug type does Japan use?

Japan uses the Japanese yen, and electrical plugs are types A and B, running on 100 V. The driving side is left, and the country code is +81. Emergency numbers are 119 for fire and ambulance, 110 for police, and 118 for coast guard.

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