Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit Japan
Searching for the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Japan? This guide has you covered and will help you plan when to visit based on your travel budget.
Most Expensive Time to Visit Japan
The most expensive time to visit Japan is during its peak travel seasons, when both domestic and international tourism spikes. These high-demand periods drive up flight and hotel costs across the country.
- Cherry Blossom Season (Late March to April)
This is the busiest and most expensive time to visit Japan. Tourists from around the world flock to cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka to see cherry blossoms in full bloom. Flights and accommodations are often fully booked weeks in advance.- Expect to pay a premium for hotels near major parks like Ueno Park and Maruyama Park.
- Prices can rise by 30–50% or more compared to off-season rates.
- Golden Week (Late April to Early May)
A cluster of national holidays makes this a peak domestic travel season.- Hotels and bullet train tickets are hard to find and expensive.
- Major tourist spots like Mount Fuji, Hiroshima, and Kyoto see huge crowds and price surges across the board.
- Obon Festival (Mid-August)
A traditional Buddhist holiday that honors ancestors, Obon draws millions of Japanese travelers back to their hometowns.- Local travel spikes—especially flights and trains—result in higher prices and limited availability.
- Tourist-friendly cities like Hiroshima and Tokyo see full occupancy in many hotels during this week.
Cheapest Time to Visit Japan
The cheapest time to visit Japan is during its off-peak seasons, when tourism slows and travel prices drop. These periods typically fall outside of major holidays and festival times.
- Winter (Mid-January to Early March)
After the New Year’s holiday rush, travel demand drops sharply.- Flights to Japan are at their lowest, and hotel rooms can be found at discounted rates, especially in Tokyo and Kyoto.
- Cold temperatures deter some travelers, but it's a great time for hot springs, museums, and fewer crowds.
- Rainy Season (June to Mid-July)
Japan’s tsuyu (rainy season) can mean daily showers, but prices drop significantly.- Expect cheaper airfare and hotels, especially outside major cities.
- It’s ideal for indoor attractions like temples, aquariums, and Japanese culinary experiences.
- Late Autumn (Late November to Early December)
After the fall foliage season ends, but before winter illuminations begin, this is a low-demand travel period.- You can enjoy quieter streets, discounted stays, and fewer crowds at iconic spots like Nara, Hakone, and Fushimi Inari Shrine.
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 are going will most certainly make the difference in such cost like flights, hotels, attractions and food. Aligning your travel dates with Japan’s off-peak seasons can significantly cut costs on flights, accommodations, and activities. Consider what experiences you hope to have and plan accordingly to make the most of lower prices and thinner crowds.
If you aren't really sure as to when you want to go, here is a guide that is broken down, month by month for when it's best to visit Japan.
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