Outside Golden Week (Apr 29–May 5), May and October are arguably the best months to visit Japan.
Side-by-side comparison
| Month | Tokyo temp | Crowds | Hotel price index | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early May | 15–23°C | Very high (GW) | 150% | Golden Week |
| Mid–late May | 16–24°C | Moderate | 100% | — |
| October | 15–22°C | Moderate | 100–110% | Early-Oct typhoons |
| Late March (peak sakura) | 8–16°C | Very high | 140–200% | Sold-out Kyoto |
May highlights
Fresh green maple, Kamikochi opening, Shibazakura at Fuji and wisteria tunnels.
October highlights
Mountain foliage in Nikko, Takayama Autumn Festival (Oct 9–10) and Halloween in Shibuya.
Plan it with our free tools
Price your route with the Shinkansen Fare Calculator, check the JR Pass Calculator, set a daily spend in the Budget Calculator, and convert prices in 30 currencies with the Yen Converter.
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good time to visit Japan?
Yes, after Golden Week: warm, dry and uncrowded.
Is October a good time?
Yes; mild weather and the start of autumn colors.
When is Golden Week?
April 29 to May 5 — Japan's busiest travel week.
Are typhoons a risk in October?
Some risk early in the month, mostly in Okinawa and Kyushu.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: