Japan Holidays 2025: What You Need to Know for Your Trip

As the country recovers from the effects of the pandemic, the lively atmosphere has returned, enhanced by a variety of fresh and upgraded attractions. Additionally, an increasing number of facilities now provide English language support, making it easier than ever for travellers to explore and enjoy their trip.

Travelling to Japan has also become more convenient, with direct flights from major cities reducing travel time and eliminating layovers. Visitors can experience a wide range of Japanese holidays, from modern innovations to traditional cultural treasures, such as ancient temples, cutting-edge cities, serene shrines, and breathtaking landscapes.

Here we’ll have a look at some of the highlights to look forward to about a trip to Japan in 2025.

Is the Best Time to Visit Japan During Cherry Blossom Season in 2025?

Spring and late autumn are often considered the best times to visit Japan. These seasons not only showcase the country’s natural beauty — think delicate pink cherry blossoms in spring and the vibrant red and orange foliage of autumn — but also offer pleasant, moderate weather, ideal for sightseeing.

While summer in Japan can be hot and humid, it’s an excellent season for outdoor adventures like hiking in the Japanese Alps, exploring northern regions such as Aomori, Akita, or Hokkaido, and enjoying traditional festivals. Winter, though cold — especially in areas north of Tokyo, where snowfall creates picturesque snow scenes — offers clear weather for viewing Mt. Fuji and plenty of sunshine in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

Spring and autumn remain top choices for travellers. Spring’s cherry blossom season, typically from late March to mid-April, is particularly popular for its breathtaking displays of blush-coloured flowers. However, this time also draws large crowds, especially in urban areas. To escape the bustling city scenes, consider exploring lesser-known regions or visiting during autumn, which offers equally stunning fall scenery, moderate weather, and fewer tourists.

Requirements to Travel to Japan in 2025

Going on a holiday to Japan has never been easier. In 2025, there are no longer any special requirements to enter Japan regarding Covid-19, with the exception of anyone showing symptoms. It is the perfect time to book a direct flight to Japan, attain a visa on arrival, and spend your holiday worry-free.

As for visas, there are many countries that allow entry for tourists to Japan for up to 90 days without applying for a visa. Launched in 2024, there is now also a digital nomad visa that is valid for remote work for up to six months. You can check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website for more details on tourist visas and digital nomad visas.

To make immigration procedures easier, you can now apply to Visit Japan Web to get a personal QR code. This can help making things easier at the airport on arrival.

What happened in Japan in 2024

There were plenty of new events, buildings, hotels, restaurants and facilities being created around Japan, but here are some of the highlights that happened in Japan in 2024. See our blog post for the full line-up of Japan travel news in 2024.

teamLab Borderless

The renowned Japanese art collective teamLab continues to captivate audiences with immersive art experiences that engage all the senses. Their latest venture is a revamped version of teamLab Borderless, launched in 2024 within the newly opened Azabudai Hills business and shopping complex in Tokyo.

Samurai Restaurant

Replacing the former Robot Restaurant, Tokyo’s Samurai Restaurant debuted in late 2023, bringing a vibrant new energy to its location. Designed for family-friendly entertainment, the venue focuses less on the cuisine and more on the spectacle. Guests are treated to an elaborate show featuring three acts, extravagant costumes, and eye-catching floats.

Ghibli Park

By 2024, fans of Studio Ghibli’s beloved animations can rejoice as Ghibli Park is now fully open. Located in the expansive former World Expo Park in Aichi Prefecture near Nagoya, the park features five themed areas: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, the Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest, Mononoke Village, and the Valley of Witches, each inspired by iconic Ghibli films. The park is approximately a three-hour journey from Tokyo via public transport. While Ghibli Park is a must-visit, the Nagoya region also boasts a variety of lesser-known attractions worth exploring. Read more about Studio Ghibli Spots here.

What’s new in Japan: 2025

Osaka EXPO 2025

2025's most awaited event, the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, will run from April 13 to October 13 on the newly reclaimed Yumeshima Island. Themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” the event will showcase innovative ideas for improving wellbeing and environmental sustainability, with global participation through unique national pavilions.

The expo’s striking design includes a circular layout designed by Sou Fujimoto architects, extending into the ocean, offering visitors the chance to explore exhibits over both land and sea. With tickets still available, this world-class event promises a transformative experience celebrating creativity, collaboration, and the future of our planet. Read more about everything you need to know to visit Osaka EXPO 2025.

teamLab Planets Expansion, Tokyo

Tokyo’s teamLab Planets in Toyosu is set to expand on January 22, 2025, introducing three new interactive attractions: Athletic Forest, Catching and Collecting Forest, and Future Park. These additions promise immersive, hands-on experiences that blend art, technology, and creativity.

The Athletic Forest invites visitors to explore three-dimensional art through physical movement, enhancing their sense of balance and spatial awareness. In the Catching and Collecting Forest, guests use their smartphones to "capture" virtual animals and compile a personalized digital collection book. Meanwhile, Future Park encourages collaborative creation, featuring dynamic artworks that evolve through interaction. Early booking is highly recommended for this exciting expansion.

 

Naoshima's New Art Spaces

Opening in spring 2025, the Naoshima New Museum of Art on Japan's Seto Inland Sea will be a stunning addition to the island's renowned art scene. Designed by Tadao Ando, the museum will showcase works by Asian artists and host exhibitions, workshops, and programs fostering dialogue and cultural exchange.

As part of the Benesse Art Site Naoshima, the museum will seamlessly integrate with existing venues, blending art, nature, and community. Nearby, the Setouchi Triennale 2025, themed “Restoration of the Sea,” kicks off on April 18, spanning 17 locations across three seasonal sessions.

Japan's "traditional sake brewing" is now Cultural Heritage

In the very end of 2024, Japan’s traditional sake brewing, encompassing sake, shochu, and awamori, was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This honour has spurred growing interest in sake, with specialty stores flourishing across Kyoto, Tokyo, and beyond.

Adding to this momentum, a new store in Kyoto is set to open in 2025, offering visitors the unique experience of crafting their own original sake. This innovative concept is expected to draw even more attention to Japan’s rich sake culture.

Annual Events Around Japan in 2025

While many annual events took a break for a few years due to the pandemic, most of them are now back in full swing for 2025. Here are a few to look out for around Japan:

• Kayabuki no Sato Snow Lantern Festival (January-February) - Located north of Kyoto, the village of Miyama transforms into a winter wonderland, where locals and visitors come together to create enchanting snow lanterns.
• Kyoto Miyako Odori (April) - This annual tradition of mesmerizing geisha performances has been a highlight of Kyoto’s cultural calendar for over 150 years, offering an unforgettable showcase of grace and artistry.
• Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival (April-May) - Experience the magic of cherry blossoms in full bloom in Aomori, northern Japan, with breathtaking pink petals filling the air.
• Ashikaga Great Wisteria Festival (April-May) - A dream for flower enthusiasts, this festival features over 350 wisteria trees in one of Japan’s most picturesque parks, perfect for lovers of beauty and charm.
• Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival (June) - Kanazawa's premier annual celebration, featuring vibrant samurai parades, thrilling ladder-climbing performances, and the powerful beats of taiko drums.
• Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival (All seasons) - A signature event in Atami, this year-round festival dazzles with stunning fireworks displays, culminating in a breathtaking "Niagara in the Air" finale.
• Fire-Walking Ceremony at Daiganji Temple (November) - Held on Miyajima Island, this iconic Buddhist ritual involves walking over fire to ward off evil spirits and embrace spiritual renewal.

Highlights to See in Tokyo in 2025

Tokyo and Kyoto are often the top two cities which people want to visit on a trip to Japan, and for good reason! While they are both always thinking of new ways to make their city more exciting for visitors, there are also tons of long-standing attractions as well. Here are some ideas as jumping-off points for your 2025 Japan trip.

Tokyo’s Recommended Permanent Sightseeing Spots

• Tokyo Skytree – A towering 634-meter structure featuring an observation deck, shopping areas, and restaurants.
• Shibuya Sky – A chic open-air observation deck in Central Tokyo’s Shibuya district, complete with shops and dining options.
• Sensoji Temple – A historic bright red temple in Asakusa, showcasing a five-story pagoda and massive lanterns, surrounded by vibrant souvenir shops.
• Ghibli Museum - A family-friendly favourite located in Mitaka, Western Tokyo, celebrating the magic of Studio Ghibli’s animations.
• Tokyo National Museum - A treasure trove of Japanese history, culture, and art, showcasing countless priceless National Treasures.

New in Tokyo for 2025

• teamLab Planets Expansion - expanding with three new areas in January 2025, Tokyo's biggest teamLab facility is about to get even more exciting - details above!
• Ginza Sony Park - opening in January 2025, a dynamic urban park in the fashionable Ginza district of Tokyo
• Yokohama Museum of Art – contemporary and modern art museum near Tokyo reopening with "Welcome Back, Yokohama" grand exhibition in February 2025
• Machine Love: Video Game, AI and Contemporary Art - from February to June 2025, Mori Art Museum introduces contemporary art that employs game engines, generative AI, and virtual reality (VR) - a rare occasion to witness technology surpass human creativity
• Tokyo Game Show - in late September 2025, gamers’ must visit trade show event is returning to Tokyo for two days full of exciting booths, events and more
• JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo - a new hotel opening in Spring 2025, as part of the Takanawa Gateway Urban Development project
• Park Hyatt Tokyo - Tokyo's iconic hotel with the jazz bar from movie Lost in Translation, is reopening with newly designed guestrooms in October 2025, bringing back timeless elegance to the metropolis

Highlights to See in Kyoto in 2025

Kyoto’s Recommended Permanent Sightseeing Spots

• Fushimi Inari Taisha - Kyoto’s iconic Shinto shrine, renowned for its thousands of vermillion torii gates and breathtaking views of the city.
• Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) - A magnificent pavilion adorned with pure gold leaf, part of the Shokoku-ji temple complex, originally commissioned by the Ashikaga shogunate.
• Nishiki Market - A lively street food market in central Kyoto’s Kawaramachi area, offering a wide variety of culinary delights to satisfy every craving.
• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - Immerse yourself in nature’s tranquillity at Kyoto’s famous bamboo grove in the picturesque Arashiyama
• Yasaka Shrine - One of Kyoto’s most historic shrines, featuring an ancient pagoda on the Eastern Hill near the vibrant Gion geisha district.

New in Kyoto for 2025

• Year of the Snake - 2025 is believed to be "the year when efforts bear fruit" - several snake-themed Kyoto temples and shrines await visitors for new year pilgrimages
• Nintendo Museum - opened in late 2024, the Nintendo Museum in Uji, Kyoto is now welcoming visitors interested in one of the biggest gaming companies in the world
• Nishijin Craft Beer Town - Nishijin, a central area in Kyoto is hosting a craft beer festival from January to February 2025, combining sightseeing with delicious beer tasting
• Yayoi Kusama Print Works - from April to September 2025, Japan's celebrated contemporary artist, Yayoi Kusama's prints are brought to Kyoto's Kyocera Museum of Art
• Capella Kyoto - Kyoto's newest luxury hotel is opening in September 2025, in the historical Miyagawa-cho geisha district, with a design by renowned architect Kengo Kuma

Japan's New Highlights for 2025

Mount Fuji Area

After checking off your list the main attractions of Tokyo and Kyoto, explore further on Japan's main Honshu Island, and discover its natural beauty. Mount Fuji, with its snow-capped peak, is a must-see natural treasure, and shows a different side in every season. In late 2024, the Oshino Shinobi no Sato near Mt Fuji, which is a ninja-themed village, opened a new ninja photo spot, featuring red torii gates with Mt Fuji as a backdrop.

Kansai Area

Ancient castles like Osaka Castle and Himeji Castle are significant and always available historical sites for visitors, while theme parks like Universal Studios in Osaka remains an ever-popular attraction for families and friends. In 2025, Osaka will host the World Expo, and more events connecting to that are to come. In March 2025, Osaka will host the Grand Sumo tournament, which is a highlight for sumo enthusiasts.

Rural Areas

Overall, Japan offers diverse attractions in each season, from relaxing seasides, sacred shrines and ancient temples, to steaming-hot onsen hot springs, historical samurai towns, and lush mountain resorts like Takayama and Nagano. Visitors can see Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, bathing in hot springs in the Japanese Alps. Additionally, the Japanese Alps offer powder-soft snow in winter, making it a prime destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Kofu City, in Yamanashi Prefecture is opening a charming streetscape market called Little Edo in April 2025. On the southern tip of Japan’s archipelago, in Okinawa Prefecture, a new theme park called Junglia is about to open in 2025 near UNESCO heritage Yambaru National Park, bringing an exclusive jungle adventure to everyone. In November 2025, the Ibaraki Botanical Gardens is set to reopen after renovation, offering overnight stays to visitors. Rural areas also boast serene and historical sites, including tranquil temples, that provide a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.

 

Getting Around Japan in 2025

Whether you plan to stay in one region or explore the entire country during your Japan holiday, trains and public transport remain the most convenient and efficient ways to get around.

While taxis can be tricky to hail and renting a car offers greater flexibility, it requires extra planning and preparation. In contrast, Japan’s extensive train network links all major cities, with local train lines and buses providing access to more remote areas. For faster travel between major destinations, the Shinkansen, or bullet train, offers a quick and reliable option for exploring Japan.

If you are intending to travel to multiple destinations on your Japan holiday, the Japan Rail Pass might be your best option for saving time and making your travel hassle-free. Otherwise, there are a whole host of other regional rail and bus passes that can make short distance travel easier. Have a look at our introduction to Japan’s different rail passes here!

When to Visit Japan in 2025

Planning a trip to Japan in 2025? Keep in mind the country’s major holidays, as these periods often see increased crowds, fully booked accommodations, and higher prices. Here are the key dates to consider:

• New Year (December 31 – January 3): A time for family gatherings, temple visits, and traditional celebrations, with many shops and attractions closed.
• Golden Week (April 29 – May 5): One of Japan’s busiest travel periods, as multiple national holidays occur back-to-back, making transport and tourist spots exceptionally crowded.
• Obon (Mid-August): A traditional festival honouring ancestors, marked by high domestic travel, with locals returning to their hometowns or visiting gravesites.

For more details on the best times to travel Japan, including tips on seasonal highlights like cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, check out our blog. Our FAQ section also provides practical advice on navigating Japan’s public transport, cultural etiquette, and more.

Excited to see Japan in 2025?

Now that you know some of what you can look forward to on your 2025 trip, why not explore some of our tours and get planning your next holiday to Japan?

For more travel inspiration, check out our latest blog posts for exploring Japan.