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Best Time for the Japan Golden Route
Sweet spot: February, April, November — computed from NASA POWER climate normals across the route's overnight towns, balancing temperature, rainfall and daylight.
Cherry-blossom season: magical and mobbed — book trains, stays and popular temples weeks ahead.
Tsuyu (rainy season) through June; July turns hot and humid — plan indoor culture for midday.
Obon week (mid-August): heavy domestic travel — reserve Shinkansen seats early.
Typhoon season tail: rail is resilient but check forecasts; autumn colours from late October.
| Month | Temp | Rain | Daylight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -4.9–18.0°C | 82 mm | 9.9 h | ❄ |
| February | -4.7–19.7°C | 83 mm | 10.7 h | ❄ |
| March | -3.0–20.8°C | 120 mm | 11.7 h | ❄ |
| April | -0.8–26.1°C | 132 mm | 12.9 h | ❄ |
| May | 4.8–29.0°C | 150 mm | 13.8 h | |
| June | 9.8–31.9°C | 194 mm | 14.3 h | |
| July | 15.6–34.5°C | 200 mm | 14.1 h | |
| August | 16.2–34.4°C | 156 mm | 13.3 h | |
| September | 10.9–32.9°C | 211 mm | 12.2 h | |
| October | 5.2–29.1°C | 198 mm | 11.1 h | |
| November | 0.1–23.6°C | 102 mm | 10.1 h | ❄ |
| December | -3.1–22.1°C | 90 mm | 9.7 h | ❄ |