Japan's Best 4 Seasons to Photograph
If you're coming to Japan, the first thing you should think of is the seasons.
The country has all four seasons well distinct from the other. That means you will get different experiences depending on which time of the year you come.
And, of course, this will affect your photos.
From cherry blossoms to snowy landscapes, Japan offers something spectacular in every season. The sunlight will hit your photos in very unique ways from season to season, so it's better to be prepared for that.
Also, given the rise in popularity as a travel destination, crowds are getting bigger. You definitely don't want to have your shooting photobombed by a dozen strangers.
That said, let's dive into the ideal times for photography across the year.
Our happy clients: the boy, the girl, and the crane
Spring: Cherry Blossom Season
Spring in Japan usually means one thing: cherry blossoms in full bloom.
What a lot of people don't know is that the Sakura trees show up within a brief window: less than 15 days. That means you and everyone else will have the same idea.
This is the trickiest period of the year to balance sunlight and crowds. Of course, everyone will aim for those soothing rays during the golden hour, making it tricky to find quiet locations.
Unless, of course, you follow Photo My Tokyo's secret spots :)
Mornings still bring the best balance in the light vs crowds situation, since early Spring's sun is still mild.
As the cherry blossoms fall and the weather gets warmer, Spring keeps going strong in Japan. Beautiful greens contrast with wisterias, rape blossoms, peonies, nemophilias, magnolias, and many others.
Given the lower popularity of the rest of the season, aim for that sunset to get the most flattering sunlight in your photos.
Summer: Green Landscapes and Festivals
Summer brings lush greenery and vibrant festivals across Japan.
To capture the essence of this season, mornings are your best bet. Imagine the sun peeking through bamboo groves or illuminating the traditional thatched-roof houses in the countryside.
In certain areas, like the big cities, July and August can be quite intense with high temperatures and humidity. The ideal time is always super early in the morning or just a little before evening.
Evenings are perfect for capturing the festive atmosphere of the matsuris or the city lights, and you can also avoid the crazy heat.
Crowds will be better this time of the year, so we highly recommend focusing on your well-being and avoiding the harsher sunlight. If you can, opt for shorter photoshoots no longer than 1 hour.
Or even better, head up to the mountains and escape the heat altogether!
Autumn: Fall Foliage Spectacular
Ah, autumn in Japan—nature puts on a fiery display with its reds, oranges, and yellows.
Unlike the cherry blossom rush in Spring, this season runs slower through the months. That means your chances of seeing beautiful colors are much higher than the fleeting Sakura trees.
Crowds can get tricky in certain locations, so don't forget to follow our team's tips on where and when to go.
Early mornings and late afternoons bring out the best in these colors.
Autumn leaves will blossom in the North first. So if you're coming in October try to head to the mountains or provinces north of Tokyo. In late November most of Japan will be colored in yellow and oranges, and expect the fiery maples to show up in December.
Kyoto and Nara are also must-visit spots during this season, though mornings are quieter for better shots.
Winter: Snowy Landscapes and City Lights
Winter transforms Japan into a winter wonderland with snowy landscapes and dazzling illuminations.
Early mornings and late afternoons work wonders for snowy scenes, like capturing snow-covered temples in Kyoto or the frosty beauty of Sapporo.
Evenings offer a chance to photograph Tokyo's winter illuminations or the ice sculptures at Sapporo's Snow Festival, all aglow under city lights.
All in all, the cold helps hold the crowds in most areas, so chances are you will have a quiet photoshoot.
Balancing Light and Crowds
While timing your photoshoots around sunlight is crucial, navigating the crowds at popular spots is equally important.
Places like Tokyo's Asakusa or Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine can get packed.
Beat the crowds by arriving early in the morning or later in the day when the light is still magical but the crowds have thinned out.
Tips for Photographing Crowded Locations:
Plan Ahead: Check peak visiting times and plan your photoshoot with our team accordingly
Be Patient: Sometimes, the perfect shot is worth waiting for amidst the hustle and bustle.
Explore Alternatives: Discover lesser-known spots or unique angles to capture iconic landmarks without the crowds. Trust our research on this!
Japan is a photoshoot paradise, offering endless opportunities to capture its diverse landscapes and cultural richness.
Whether you're into cherry blossoms, fall foliage, or snowy cityscapes, there's a perfect time and place to snap that unforgettable shot. So grab your things, explore Japan's stunning scenery, and let the Photo My Tokyo team capture your moments in gorgeous photos!