Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Climate

Stretching a significant distance north to south means that Japan’s regions experience distinct weather patterns throughout the year. Spring bursts into life with iconic cherry blossoms filling gardens and parks. This can start from February in subtropical southern Okinawa and as late as May in the north of Hokkaido. The most popular period is the fleeting late March and early April weeks when the blossoms are at their best in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Autumn sees glorious reds and golds and is a wonderful season for both city discovery and hiking trails in national parks. Summer is hot and humid in most of Japan, but sees fewer crowds. These months are good for exploring the cooler climes of the Japanese Alps or the island of Hokkaido. Winter visitors should be aware that while Okinawa beaches remain warm, much of the country is cold with many cities seeing snow. This is the time to take to the slopes of Japan’s world-class ski resorts with excellent facilities for skiers of all levels.