Cherry Blossom & Beyond: Japan Through the Seasons

Tree lined paths in ancient gardens. A carpet of soft pink flowers. Feasts of mochi, dango, and sake under the drooping boughs. These are images we most closely relate to Japan and her world-famous cherry blossom season, or Hanami. It is what draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the island nation from early March to the end of May, to witness this revered symbol of ephemeral beauty as it sweeps up the country from Kyushu in the south to Hokkaido in the north.

But, whilst this is certainly not an event to be missed when visiting in the Spring, it is not the only treasure that Japan has to offer. Every season has its own unique attractions: festivals in the Summer feature lively and colourful parades and fireworks light up the night sky; Autumn brings the turning of the gingko and Japanese maple leaves, sparking a riot of colour to rival that of the cherry blossom earlier in the year; snowy temples and steaming onsen, as well as some of the best powder skiing in the world, make Winter a very attractive time to visit too.

Whenever you wish to plan your trip, Japan has so much to discover and our Destination Experts are here to help you plan the perfect itinerary, ensuring you experience the very best this exquisitely beautiful country has to offer.

Cherry Blossom & Hanami

The tradition of enjoying the flowering of the cherry blossom – known as Hanami – stretches back more than a thousand years and is marked with gatherings and parties beneath the Sakura trees where foods like dango – sweetened rice flour dumplings – are eaten along with bento and washed down with sake. It is wildly popular with both tourists and Japanese locals alike and therefore draws huge crowds.

The flowering only lasts, at most, a couple of weeks, and where and when the Sakura bloom is dependent on the climate forecast for each region, beginning in the southernmost island, Kyushu, in early March, moving up through Honshu then ending in Hokkaido in late May. The cherry blossom forecast is followed attentively by people across Japan to ensure they are prepared and don’t miss it. For this reason you must time your visit very carefully if you wish to attend Hanami, and even then you can get unlucky – a single short rain shower can wash away the fragile blooms and then it is all over.

Our advice, if you wish to witness this poignant symbol of nature’s fleeting beauty, is to choose a destination away from the crowds of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka – Tohoku in northern Honshu is ruggedly beautiful and doesn’t draw anywhere near as many people as the central regions. You also have the advantage of the Sakura flowering later making it slightly easier to predict when the blooms will come.

Spring Beyond Sakura

Visiting Japan in the Spring does not have to centre on the cherry blossom. There are many other attractions to lure travellers, not least being the myriad other flowers that bloom at this time – wisteria tunnels in Ashikaga Flower Park, just one hour from Tokyo, offer a striking mauve alternative to the Sakura, whilst the tulip fields of Toyama are a jaw-dropping display of primary colours.

For those wishing to get off the beaten track, Spring can be the perfect time for walking one of Japan’s many hiking routes. Mild temperatures and lower rainfall make taking to the hills on the Nakasendo Trail – with its historic post towns, lush bamboo forests, and picturesque waterfalls – a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

Equally spring is an ideal time for temple visits and relaxing in Japan’s many Onsen spas as these are far less busy than later in the year.

Summer of Festivals

Summertime in Japan brings the season of vibrant and colourful Matsuri festivals. These are traditional celebrations, originally centred around Buddhist and Shinto worship but in modern times focusing on community events involving music, dance, street food, and traditional crafts. It is also a time of fireworks festivals, often taking place by rivers and lakes. Lake Biwa near Kyoto and the Sumida River in Tokyo both play host to draw-dropping pyrotechnic displays, drawing thousands to their banks in the summer evenings.

If the busy and humid cities become too much, summer is also a great time for heading into the mountains. The Japanese Alps, especially around Kamikochi and Tateyama, are home to well-maintained hiking trails and stunning vistas. Alternatively, for those more inclined to the sea, Okinawa island chain offers hot, sandy beaches, coral reefs, and a strong local culture distinct from mainland Japan. For an even more pristine and exclusive beach experience, head to one of the more remote islands like Miyako.

Autumn Colours

As the Sakura blossom spreads from south to north in the Spring, so in Autumn do the leaves turn in the opposite direction. Starting in Hokkaido in September, the Japanese maple (Momiji) and ginkgo tree leaves begin to colour, losing their summer green and setting the landscape ablaze with orange and yellow hues. The Japanese pastime of momijigari (‘leaf-hunting’) describes the activity of observing this time of change and is a great excuse to visit historic castle towns and temples like those found around Nikko.

For food lovers, Autumn is also one of the best times to visit Japan as harvest cuisine brings many local delicacies to the table. Matsutake mushrooms, sweet chestnuts, grilled Pacific saury, and fresh, juicy persimmons are all favourites in a Japanese market at this time of year, and enjoying a comforting Nabe hot-pot at a traditional Ryokan inn is an experience not to be missed.

Winter Wilderness

Winter in Japan is arguably its most magical season and if there is one thing that has put this country on the map in recent years, it is its world-class skiing. The north island of Hokkaido is home to celebrated resorts like Niseko, Furano, and Rusutsu, as well as plenty of opportunities for off-piste ski touring in pristine powder fields. It is also worth visiting Sapporo in February for the annual Snow Festival, featuring intricately carved, massive snow and ice sculptures, as well as ice bars and family friendly snow parks.

Possibly the best activity to do in winter though is to visit one of Japan’s many onsen. Sitting in a volcanic hot spring, surrounded by trees laden with snow and the flakes falling gently around you, is a uniquely tranquil experience and one that, in Yudanaka resort near Tokyo, is shared by the world-famous snow monkeys – though there is separate bathing reserved for humans.

Why book with c+l?

We, at cazenove+loyd, know the best local hosts, insiders and guides who will take you off the beaten path and under the skin of your desired country. You can trust our knowledgeable team of specialists to design the perfect bespoke itinerary for your luxury holiday. Get in touch to speak to an expert and start planning your next adventure now.