After the cold months of winter, Japan emerges into vibrant spring in spectacular fashion. Towards the end of March, as the weather gets notably milder, the celebrated cherry blossom begins to appear in the south of the country, reaching a peak across Japan in April. Typically sitting in the high teens or low 20s Celsius, days are mostly warm, and often dry, at this time of year.

As summer approaches, so humidity rises markedly, spawning some heavy downpours. It’s the wettest time of year; but, on the plus side, Japan’s many beautiful gardens are at their most lush and vibrant.This is also a great time to head into the mountains to find cooler air amidst the many wild national parks. Summer is the best time to climb Mount Fuji. And if the 30-degree heat is too much across the lowlands of Kyushu, Shikoku and Honshu, the northern island of Hokkaido will offer more comfortable summer temperatures.

As autumn arrives, so the weather become drier and less humid. The leaves begin to change colour, bringing striking red and golden hues across the landscape. It’s a great time to visit Japan.

A word about typhoons. There is a very occasional risk, especially at this time of year. Southern islands and coastal areas are most prone. However, infrastructure is extremely well built for such events, which helps to minimise impacts.

The chill and crisp winter days of winter offer a different, starker beauty. Temperatures in Tokyo vary either side of freezing. But if winter sports is your thing, then the other side of Japan is opening up for business! Hokkaido provides some of the best skiing in the world, with copious amounts of snowfall guaranteed.