KhumTrip
Most Thai itineraries land on Tokyo–Osaka–Kyoto, but Hokkaido is much colder and Okinawa stays warm year-round. Don’t pack from a Tokyo forecast if you’re heading to Sapporo.
Quick take
- Mar–Apr sakura — beautiful, long queues, expensive stays — book early
- Sep–Nov comfortable walking, autumn leaves — strong for first-timers
- Dec–Feb Hokkaido snow / city New Year lights
- Jun–Aug humid, early rainy season, sticky city summers
Sakura isn’t nationwide at once
Kyushu and Shikoku bloom first; Tokyo–Kyoto usually follow late March to early April. Hokkaido can wait until late April–May. Dates shift year to year — book flexible stays if the week isn’t locked.
Autumn leaves
Hokkaido and Tohoku turn first (October); Kyoto–Nara often peak in November. If temples in red are the goal, shift about 3–5 weeks after Hokkaido.
Holiday peaks worth knowing
- Golden Week late April–early May — domestic travel surge, packed trains and hotels
- Obon mid-August — busy airports and shinkansen
- New Year many shops closed, busy temples — book lodging early
What to book next
Sakura and Golden Week flights sell the good seats early — Search flights → Main-city stays via Agoda — Search stays →