Planning Your Dream Outdoor Destination Wedding in Japan: A Month-by-Month Weather Guide
Japan's diverse climate and stunning landscapes make it an ideal country for an outdoor elopement or destination wedding. However, to ensure that your special day is everything you've dreamed of, it's crucial to understand the country's weather patterns throughout the year. This guide can help you choose the perfect time and location for your wedding in Japan by detailing the monthly weather conditions and seasonal highlights.
Winter - December through February
December
For most of Japan, December is generally a great time for dry weather conditions, excluding the northern regions like Hokkaido. In the second half of December, Hokkaido tends to start getting plenty of snowfall if you’re looking for a winter wonderland wedding.
- Short Days - Sunset is typically around 4:30pm in Tokyo
- Nature landscapes without snow tend to look barren and grey
- From roughly December 28th - Jan. 4 is new year national holidays, most wedding venues will be closed for bookings during this time.
- Shrines and temples have New Year Celebrations, so besides early December tend to not be available to perform wedding ceremonies.
January
In January weather tends to be sunny and dry for most of Japan. This season is perfect for a snowy, fairytale wedding. Locations like Niseko (Hokkaido), Hakuba (Nagano), Myoko (Niigata) typically offer breathtaking winter landscapes come January.
- Short Days - Sunset is typically around 5pm in Tokyo
- Nature landscapes without snow look barren and grey.
- From roughly December 28th - Jan. 4 is new year national holidays, most wedding venues will be closed and unavailable for bookings during this time.
- Shrines and temples have New Year Celebrations, so in early January they tend to not be available to perform wedding ceremonies.
February
February tends to be quite cold throughout most of Japan and the peak of winter with plenty of fresh powder snow in Hokkaido, Nagano, Niigata. February is also statistically one of the best months for clear full views of Mt. Fuji.
- Sunset is typically around 5:20pm in Tokyo
- Nature landscapes without snow look barren and grey.
Considerations:
You’ll likely want to opt for venues with both outdoor and indoor spaces to get warm.
Be prepared for potential travel delays due to snow and bad weather.
Spring - March through May
March
Much of March tends to be quite cold, with northen Japan still good for winter sports into April. Cherry blossoms start to bloom, starting from Kyushu in late March and moving northward.
- Sunset is typically around 5:50pm in Tokyo
- Nature landscapes without snow in early March still tend to look barren and gray
Considerations:
Book early as this is peak tourist season and popular for weddings as well.
Although cherry blossom bloom is quite consistent each year, it’s difficult to predict it to the day. This past year temperatures were more cool then usual and the blossoms arrived 11 days later than predicted.
April
April tends to be quite dry with comfortable temperatures with cherry blossom bloom carrying into the first couple of weeks in April. This is a great season for outdoor wedding ceremonies.
- Sunset is typically around 6:15pm in Tokyo
- Nature landscapes in warmer regions are finally turning green and showing nature colour.
Considerations:
Book early as this is peak tourist season and popular for weddings as well.
Although cherry blossom bloom is quite consistent each year, it’s difficult to predict it to the day. This past year temperatures were more cool then usual and the blossoms arrived 11 days later than predicted.
May
Temperatures in May tend to be comfortable and pleasant. This is a great season for outdoor wedding ceremonies.
- Sunset is typically around 6:40pm in Tokyo
- Nature landscapes tend to be green and vibrant.
Considerations:
Avoid the first week of May as it’s golden week holiday in Japan which means many places will be busier than usual along with fewer accommodation options and prices extra expensive.
Plan for early to mid May if trying to avoid the rainy season.
Summer - June through August
June
Temperatures in June tend to be pleasant and warm making it a good time for a wedding.
- Sunset is typically around 7:00pm in Tokyo
Considerations:
Rainy Season: June marks the start of the rainy season, particularly in central and southern Japan.
Have a backup plan for potential rain in June.
July
Temperatures in July tend to start getting hot and humid. It’s a beautiful time for outdoor wedding in higher altitude regions where temperatures tend to be more bearable. In July you do run the risk of rain or typhoon. Statistically July is also the worst month for a clear view of Mt. Fuji if you’re considering having a wedding with a view of the mountain.
- Sunset is typically around 7:00pm in Tokyo
Considerations:
Rainy Season: Rainy season typically ends in early July.
Have a backup plan for potential July rainy weather or typhoon.
Hokkaido and Nagano are both two great regions with great outdoor nature and more comfortable July temperatures.
August
August is hot and humid and peak season for typhoons running through September. If you’re planning and outdoor wedding in August, definitely consider higher elevation regions with cooler more bearable temperatures.
- Sunset is typically around 6:30pm in Tokyo
Considerations:
Have a backup plan in case of typhoon.
Hokkaido and Nagano are both two great regions with great outdoor nature and more comfortable August temperatures.
Avoid mid-August due to Obon holiday crowds and expensive accomodations.
Autumn - September through November
September
In September temperatures tend to start to cool down and become more bearable. It’s still peak season for typhoons and there’s a significant drop in the length of daylight.
- Sunset is typically around 5:50pm in Tokyo
Considerations:
Have a backup plan in case of typhoon, especially if you’re planning to have a wedding in southern Japan where they’re more prevelant.
October
October temperatures tend to be pretty neutral, perfect for outdoor weddings. The Autumn temperatures also mean that leaves start to change colour, making for a perfect nature backdrop for outdoor ceremonies.
- Sunset is typically around 5:07pm in Tokyo
Considerations:
October is a popular time for outdoor wedding ceremonies so many venues book out early.
This season is also a popular time for tourists which can lead some places to be busier than usual.
November
In early to mid November the autumn leave colours are still in full swing, especially in warmer regions. Temperatures tend to be cool vibrant nature colours from the changing leaves make for a perfect backdrop.
- Sunset is typically around 4:35pm in Tokyo
Considerations:
November is popular time for outdoor wedding ceremonies so try to book your venue as early as possible.
This season is also a popular time for tourists which can lead some leaf viewing spots being busier than usual.
In Conclusion:
Consider microseasons: Japan has microseasons within each main season, offering subtle variations in weather. For example, early spring (March-April) offers cooler temperatures and a higher chance of rain compared to late spring (May) with its warmer weather. Researching and understanding microseasons can help you fine-tune your travel dates.
Think about indoor ceremony backups: If you're worried about rainy weather, try choosing a venue that offers a beautiful indoor ceremony option, just in case.
Different climates: Remember, Japan is a long island stretching north to south, so weather patterns and temperatures can differ dramatically between regions.
With careful planning and a good understanding of Japan's weather patterns, you should be able to find the perfect time and place for your outdoor wedding, creating unforgettable memories in one of the world's most enchanting countries.