Japan: Best time to go

The Sapporo Snow Festival displays enormous snow and ice sculptures across the city, making Hokkaido's capital a major winter destination.

Where

Sapporo, Hokkaido

Timing

Dates vary by year or edition

Japan's cherry blossom season covers parks, gardens and riversides in pink and white flowers, with famous viewing spots in Tokyo and Kyoto and later bloom in northern regions.

Where

Tokyo, Kyoto and across Japan

Timing

Peak bloom varies by year and region, reaching Hokkaido later in spring.

Japan's cherry blossom season covers parks, gardens and riversides in pink and white flowers, with famous viewing spots in Tokyo and Kyoto and later bloom in northern regions.

Where

Tokyo, Kyoto and across Japan

Timing

Peak bloom varies by year and region, reaching Hokkaido later in spring.

Japan's cherry blossom season covers parks, gardens and riversides in pink and white flowers, with famous viewing spots in Tokyo and Kyoto and later bloom in northern regions.

Where

Tokyo, Kyoto and across Japan

Timing

Peak bloom varies by year and region, reaching Hokkaido later in spring.

Gion Matsuri fills Kyoto with elaborate festival floats, traditional music and neighbourhood celebrations, with major processions in July.

Where

Kyoto

Timing

Usually held annually

Autumn leaves turn Japan's temples, gardens and mountain landscapes red and gold, with particularly famous viewing areas around Kyoto.

Where

Kyoto and mountain regions

Timing

Peak colour varies by altitude, latitude and weather.

Autumn leaves turn Japan's temples, gardens and mountain landscapes red and gold, with particularly famous viewing areas around Kyoto.

Where

Kyoto and mountain regions

Timing

Peak colour varies by altitude, latitude and weather.