Winter, Summer, Spring and Autumn - every season offers a remarkable experience here in Japan. Thanks to the remarkable climate in Japan, we are always thrilled when anticipating the four seasons here, whether considering the countless tourist attractions, numerous celebrations or the unique Japanese delicacies.
Let’s travel around and celebrate the fascinating seasonal changes throughout the year. Here are the Top 5 ways to enjoy the Four Seasons in Japan!
#5: Conquer Mt. Takao this Fall
Starting in mid-September, crops are gathered and the scenery of foliage appears throughout Japan as temperatures slowly drop during autumn. With the magnificent touch of red, orange, and yellow colors, hiking the country’s natural beauty is one activity to add to your bucket list.
Mt. Takao and the changing leaves near Tokyo illustrate the highlight of the season with the grandeur of natural landscapes. This ultimate destination is considered the world's most climbed mountain due to its several trail options and accessibility as it is within an hour-ride on the train from Shinjuku and Tokyo. With plenty of food and refreshments available, your autumn experience in Japan’s nature will be memorable forever.
#4: Celebrate various Japanese summer festivals
It’s time to beat the heat by witnessing the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri fire festival and the Omagari Fireworks in the Tohoku region.
Illuminated floats are showcased in the parade with lots of dancing and traditional performances. Enjoy these festivals by wearing yukata (summer kimono) with your family and friends.
Apart from this, you should never miss out on Japan’s summer snacks, including the delicious yakisoba (Japanese stir-fried noodles), dango (rice flour dumplings), kakigori (ice dessert) and other Japanese traditional sweets like mizu-yokan.
#3: Have a dose of Vitamin Sea!
Many people enjoy Japan's hottest time of the year with plenty of exciting activities and the list goes on and on, whether you like golfing or cycling or simply camping and hiking. But it’s hard to consider missing the fun at the beach.
Numerous beaches are popular in Japan, attracting tourists and locals to hit the waves and relax with the magnificent sunsets. Some of the most famous islands include Okinawa and Ishigaki. What are you waiting for? It’s time to book your next beach holiday!
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#2: Experience a Winter Wonderland Adventure
Enter the world of snow through Japan’s world-famous snow resorts - including in Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps. Japan benefits from light and soft powdery snow with some of the snowiest resorts in the world located across the north of the country. There are plenty of ski slopes and they are open for everyone, whether you're a beginner or an experienced ski adventurer.
Discover more ski-resort developments here.
After going for an extreme ski adventure you can relax in one of the natural onsen hot spring baths and enjoy the fresh winter air and scenery while bathing. Level up your experience by staying at a ryokan to try some winter delicacies such as crab and sukiyaki after your day in the deep Japanese snow.
But wait, there’s more! To complete your winter experience, make sure to visit Shirakawago's traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses with their breathtaking views on winter nights and the cutest Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, located at Nagano park.
#1: Treat yourself to Hanami under the blooming Sakura flowers
Of course, your Japanese adventure would not be complete without the iconic cherry blossoms or sakura flowers. Tourists and Japanese locals alike celebrate the arrival of Japan’s spring as nature wakes up again with warmer temperatures.
Many people gather under the cherry blossoms for Hanami with picnics (and of course plenty of drinking!) and cherry blossom viewing. There are also several national holidays to look forward to this season to visit flourishing natural parks and celebrate festivals with some Japanese delicacies.
