Explore Japan

Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit Japan

Q: What is the cheapest month to travel to Japan?

The cheapest months to visit Japan are typically January and February (after the New Year holiday rush). Hotel rates and crowds tend to drop, making it a great time for hot springs, museums, and winter scenery—often at a lower overall trip cost.

Q: When are hotels most expensive in Japan?

Hotels are usually most expensive during cherry blossom season (late March–April), Golden Week (late April–early May), Obon (mid-August), and late December–early January. Prices jump fastest in places like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, especially near top sightseeing areas.

Q: What are the peak tourist seasons in Japan?

The peak tourist seasons in Japan are cherry blossom season (late March–April) and autumn foliage season (November). These periods are famous for scenery and weather, but they also bring larger crowds and higher prices in major tourist cities.

Japan is cheapest to visit during quieter off-peak windows like mid-January to early March, June, and late November to early December—while cherry blossom season, Golden Week, and Obon are the priciest for hotels and crowds.

Japan travel costs can swing a lot depending on when you go. The same Tokyo hotel that feels “reasonable” in winter can jump dramatically during cherry blossom season, and Kyoto can feel completely different during Golden Week when demand peaks and rooms sell out fast. If you’re trying to save money (or just avoid the biggest crowds), timing matters.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most expensive and cheapest times to visit Japan—including the specific seasons and holiday windows that typically drive prices up, plus the best value periods when you can still have an amazing trip without paying peak-season rates.

Most Expensive Time to Visit Japan

The most expensive time to visit Japan is during peak-demand periods when the country’s biggest seasonal draws and holidays collide. Expect higher hotel rates, faster sellouts in top neighborhoods, and heavier crowds at major attractions—especially in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Cherry Blossom Season (Late March to April)

Japan’s most famous travel season is also one of the priciest. Hotels near prime sakura areas book quickly and rates jump as peak bloom approaches.

Highest costs: central Tokyo + Kyoto, especially near major parks and scenic districts
What gets expensive fastest: well-located hotels, traditional ryokan, weekend stays

Golden Week (Late April to Early May)

Golden Week is one of Japan’s busiest domestic travel periods, driving up accommodation costs nationwide.

Highest costs: major cities + popular day-trip bases (Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka)
What to expect: limited hotel inventory and crowded sightseeing hubs

Obon Festival (Mid-August)

Obon creates a nationwide travel rush that pushes up hotel demand and tightens availability in many regions.

Highest costs: cities and transit-friendly hubs where occupancy spikes
What to expect: fewer lodging options and higher nightly rates during the week

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Cheapest Time to Visit Japan

The cheapest time to visit Japan is typically during off-peak windows when travel demand drops between major holidays and seasonal rushes. These periods usually bring lower hotel prices, more lodging choices, and shorter lines at popular attractions.

Winter (Mid-January to Early March)

After New Year, Japan enters one of its most reliable value seasons.

Best for: cheaper hotels in big cities, fewer crowds, hot springs, museums
Why it’s cheaper: demand falls sharply after holiday travel

Rainy Season (June to Mid-July)

Rain keeps crowds lower, which often translates to better lodging value.

Best for: temples, museums, markets, food-focused travel, indoor attractions
Why it’s cheaper: fewer tourists plan trips around wet weather

Late Autumn (Late November to Early December)

A quiet gap after peak fall foliage and before holiday travel ramps up.

Best for: discounted stays with comfortable sightseeing weather
Why it’s cheaper: demand dips before winter illuminations and late-December travel

Price Summary Table for Japan Travel

Time Period	Price Level	Why It Matters
Late March – April	💲💲💲 Highest	Cherry blossoms, peak international travel
Late April – Early May	💲💲💲 Very High	Golden Week, major domestic travel
Mid-August	💲💲💲 High	Obon holiday, national movement
Mid-Jan – Early March	💲 Lowest	Winter off-season, great for savings
June – Mid-July	💲 Low	Rainy season, fewer tourists
Late Nov – Early Dec	💲 Low	Post-fall, pre-holiday quiet period

How To Save Money When Visiting Japan

When you visit Japan has a huge impact on your overall trip cost. Traveling during off-peak months can lower hotel prices, reduce crowds, and make popular attractions easier to enjoy without paying peak-season premiums. In general, the best value windows are mid-January through February, June, and late November through early December—times when demand drops after major holidays and before the next surge.

To stretch your budget even further:

Stay in business hotels or book smaller neighborhoods one or two train stops from the main tourist zones.
Visit major sights early in the morning (often feels “cheaper” because you avoid time-wasting lines).
Use convenience stores and local markets for some meals (Japan’s quality is high even at low cost).
Book lodging with free cancellation, then re-check prices as your dates get closer.

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What is the cheapest month to travel to Japan?

The cheapest months to visit Japan are typically January and February (after the New Year holiday rush). Hotel rates and crowds tend to drop, making it a great time for hot springs, museums, and winter scenery—often at a lower overall trip cost.

When are hotels most expensive in Japan?

Hotels are usually most expensive during cherry blossom season (late March–April), Golden Week (late April–early May), Obon (mid-August), and late December–early January. Prices jump fastest in places like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, especially near top sightseeing areas.

What are the peak tourist seasons in Japan?

The peak tourist seasons in Japan are cherry blossom season (late March–April) and autumn foliage season (November). These periods are famous for scenery and weather, but they also bring larger crowds and higher prices in major tourist cities.

How can I save on accommodation costs in Japan?

To save on accommodation in Japan, travel during quieter periods like mid-January–February, June (rainy season), and late November–early December. Staying in business hotels, booking refundable rates early, and choosing neighborhoods one or two train stops away from the main tourist hubs can also lower nightly costs.