Things to Do in Japan Throughout The Year

Japan is a country where every month brings a new spectacle, perfectly tailored to the rhythms of nature and vibrant cultural traditions. From snowy landscapes and cherry blossoms to summer festivals and autumn foliage, there's always something breathtaking to experience. As a Muslim traveller, you can enjoy Japan’s beauty while ensuring your journey remains halal-friendly. Here’s a month-by-month guide to some of the best seasonal sights and experiences across Japan, with helpful tips for Muslim travellers.

Also read: 10 Muslim-Friendly Airbnbs in Sapporo, Japan 2025

January: Snowy serenity in Narai-juku, Nagano

Image credit: JAPAN SPORT TOURISM | Official Website

January ushers in the pristine beauty of winter, and there's no better place to embrace it than Narai-juku in Nagano. This well-preserved post town along the historic Nakasendo route looks like a scene from a snow globe, with traditional wooden houses blanketed in snow. Walking through its quiet streets offers a serene glimpse into Japan's Edo-period past, framed by the crisp winter air and snow-capped rooftops.

HalalZilla Tip: Be sure to pack extra warm clothing, as winter in Nagano can be extremely cold. For halal meals, consider bringing instant halal-friendly food or checking out halal-certified restaurants in nearby Matsumoto.

February: Early cherry blossoms in Kawazu, Shizuoka

Image credit: 1 minute traveller | Official Website

While most of Japan waits until spring for cherry blossoms, Kawazu in Shizuoka gives a head start with its famous Kawazu-zakura. These early-blooming sakura trees burst into vibrant pink hues along the Kawazu River, creating a breathtaking contrast against the still-cool February skies. The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival draws visitors eager to experience the first blush of spring.

HalalZilla Tip: Shizuoka is known for seafood, so look for vegetarian or seafood-based options at local restaurants. Always ask if dishes contain alcohol or non-halal ingredients. Halal snacks and onigiri (rice balls) from convenience stores can be a good option.

March: Plum blossoms at Kairakuen, Ibaraki

Image credit: Japan National Tourism Organization | Official Website

March is the season of plum blossoms, and Kairakuen in Ibaraki is the perfect spot to witness their delicate charm. One of Japan’s three great gardens, Kairakuen boasts over 3,000 plum trees in full bloom. The sight of pink, white, and red blossoms, accompanied by their subtle fragrance, signals the gentle transition from winter to spring.

HalalZilla Tip: If you need a place to pray, some large train stations and malls in major cities like Tokyo and Ibaraki may have prayer spaces. Carry a small prayer mat and use mobile apps to locate nearby prayer rooms.

April: Cherry blossom magic at Ryugenbuchi, Shizuoka

Image credit: KKday | Official Website

Also read: Cherry Blossom Season in Japan: Top Places And Dates to Visit in 2025

April is synonymous with cherry blossoms in Japan. Ryugenbuchi in Shizuoka offers a particularly stunning view, with rows of cherry trees lining the banks of the Fuji River. Against the backdrop of snow-dusted Mount Fuji, the blossoms create a picture-perfect scene that captures the heart of hanami (flower-viewing) season.

HalalZilla Tip: When participating in hanami picnics, prepare your own halal-friendly bento or buy from halal-certified restaurants. Also, be mindful of alcohol consumption at public parks during this season.

May: Cascading Wisterias at Ashikaga Flower Park, Tochigi

Image credit: Tabimania Japan | Official Website

May brings the mesmerising beauty of wisterias, and Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi is the ultimate destination. Here, massive wisteria trellises form dreamy purple canopies, with blossoms cascading like waterfalls of lavender light.

HalalZilla Tip: Tochigi has limited halal food options, so research in advance and consider bringing your own food. Nearby Utsunomiya has some halal-friendly restaurants.

June: Hydrangea Wonderland at Hasedera, Kanagawa

Image credit: Rakuten Travel | Official Website

As the rainy season begins in June, hydrangeas burst into bloom, adding vibrant splashes of blue, pink, and purple to temple gardens. Hasedera in Kamakura is renowned for its hillside paths lined with thousands of hydrangeas.

HalalZilla Tip: Kamakura has a few halal-friendly restaurants, and Tokyo (about an hour away) offers a variety of halal dining options.

July: Thrilling rafting in Oboke, Tokushima

Image credit: Activity Japan | Official Website

July's warm weather calls for adventure, and Oboke in Tokushima delivers with exhilarating white-water rafting on the Yoshino River.

HalalZilla Tip: Adventure sports can be tiring, so ensure you have halal-friendly snacks and stay hydrated. Check if your accommodation can provide a space for prayers.

August: Summer spectacle at Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival

Image credit: Amazing AOMORI | Official Website

August is festival season in Japan, and the Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival in Aomori is nothing short of spectacular.

HalalZilla Tip: Be mindful of food stalls selling non-halal items at festivals. Stick to vegetarian options, and seafood, or bring your own meals.

September: Red Spider Lilies at Murakami Green Space Park, Chiba

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As summer fades, September ushers in the striking beauty of red spider lilies, known as higanbana.

HalalZilla Tip: Chiba is close to Narita Airport, where you can find halal-certified restaurants. Some mosques in Chiba offer prayer facilities.

October: Kochia carpets at Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki

Image credit: THE GATE | Official Website

October's cool breeze brings out the vibrant reds of kochia bushes at Hitachi Seaside Park.

HalalZilla Tip: Plan your meals in advance, as halal food options might be limited in suburban areas. Carry a list of halal restaurants or vegetarian-friendly eateries.

November: Autumn foliage at Yahiko Park, Niigata

Image credit: Tsubamesanjo | Official Website

November is the peak of autumn foliage season, and Yahiko Park in Niigata offers a stunning display.

HalalZilla Tip: Niigata is famous for rice dishes, but always check if dashi (broth) contains non-halal ingredients. Some places offer seafood-based alternatives.

December: Winter warmth at Unazuki Onsen, Toyama

Image credit: WAmazing | Official Website

Also read: 10 Private Muslim-Friendly Onsens in Japan for Best Hot Spring Experience

As the year winds down, December invites travellers to relax in the soothing hot springs of Unazuki Onsen in Toyama.

HalalZilla Tip: Many onsens have separate bathing areas for men and women, but some require full nudity, which may not align with Islamic guidelines. Look for private onsen options or book accommodations with en-suite baths.

Japan's seasonal beauty is an ever-changing tapestry, offering unique experiences throughout the year. Whether it’s the delicate cherry blossoms of spring, the lively festivals of summer, the fiery hues of autumn, or the serene snowscapes of winter, every month presents a new reason to fall in love with Japan—all while ensuring a comfortable and halal-friendly journey.