The truth is that Japan is a such stunning country that it offers breathtaking beauty and serenity year-round. From magical cherry blossoms in spring to bright foliage in fall, discover amazing experiences each season. Depending on your preference, here’s a guide to some of the key events and places not to miss.

Autumn

Discover amazing deals right now to see Japan’s top fall destinations. The most popular place to visit during this colorful time of year is Kyoto. A wonderful destination year round, autumn is the best season to explore this great city. As the weather cools down throughout the country, Kyoto blossoms with an explosion of colorful autumn leaves.

Take a hike up to Fushimi Inari-taisha for great views. It’s a wonderful experience on its own exploring this popular shrine, but during autumn the fall colors make the panoramic views even more amazing.

Or, head to the west of the city for the Arashiyama area. Not only can you enjoy delicious food stalls and traditional restaurants, but also riverside walks beneath orange and red leaves. Hop in a paddle boat for a relaxing experience as well. If you’re here in the first two weeks of October you can also watch the Zuika Matsura Harvest Festival with its traditional parade.

Another great city to explore is Nikko, home to Japan’s splendid Toshogu Shrine. As an added bonus, Nikko is also one of the best areas to enjoy autumn leaves.

Winter

Winter is less crowded and largely dominated by the northern city of Sapporo.

If you plan to stick to the main island, then you’ll definitely want to experience the Japanese Alps, bordered by Takayama, Gifu and Nagano Prefectures. Stay at a traditional resort (hopefully one that has a hot springs) and rent a snowboard to hit the slopes. And wherever you go in winter, be sure to taste the seasonal fresh-caught seafood.

Spring

The highlight of Japan is the cherry blossom season, which runs from late February to early May, depending on the region. If you want to experience this stunning event, you’ll want to start prepping no later than January for a trip in March and April. Keep an eye on the Cherry Blossom Forecast Map to get the latest updates on when and where to experience peak blooming.

Journey to Nara to explore the iconic temple of Todai-ji, home to a giant Buddha statue, and visit scenic Nara Park, where you can meet friendly deer. Nagoya, in turn, is also a must-see and home to the illustrious Nagoya Castle, a traditional Japanese castle that cannot be missed.

If you’re looking to visit Kyoto, which also offers great cherry blossom viewing spots, then you should pop in around May 15, when the stunning Aoi Matsuri Festival takes place. See traditional Japanese clothing as participants lead richly adorned ox-drawn carts through the streets. Shrines will come to life with important ceremonies and rituals.

Pro tip: An important period to avoid in spring is early May, otherwise known as Golden Week. This is the longest vacation period for Japanese workers and a major holiday for students, meaning domestic travelers are also going to be out and about.

Summer

Dress lightly, as Japan’s summer is notably humid, making cities such as Tokyo and Osaka uncomfortable at times. Instead, head to the countryside, where you can explore a variety of hiking trails. Visit the charming village of Hakone and the grand island of Hokkaido.

Resting on the shores of Lake Ashi, one of the five Fuji Lakes, Hakone is a great place from which to visit Mt Fuji. A classical village full of traditional Ryokans, you can easily immerse yourself in Japanese culture here. Some Ryokan offer 24-hour guides to the village, combining the funicular, cable car and a pirate cruise (yes, a pirate cruise).

Located in the north, Hokkaido offers cooler temperatures than the rest of the country, making for more comfortable summer escapades. It’s also home to a stunning variety of flower fields. Sapporo, the capital, is a delightful city any time of the year, but if you’re going to explore the countryside you have to travel to Furano, home to extensive lavender fields that are truly picturesque in the summer light.

Kyoto, as always, is lovely to visit anytime of the year, but you definitely need to visit on July 1 for the Gion Matsuri. One of Japan’s most popular festivals, this event runs for about a week, but July 17 is highlighted for the lovely parade through the Gion District in Kyoto.

If you’re traveling in August, enjoy the Obon Festival, a period based around honoring ancestors, characterized most notably by the end of the festival, when you place a lantern in a river to symbolize the passing of the soul to the beyond.

For more things to do and trip ideas in Japan, click here.