The best months to move to Japan are March – April or October. Four distinct seasons. Tokyo: mild winters (2–10°C), hot humid summers (30–35°C). Osaka similar. Hokkaido: heavy snow winters. Okinawa: subtropical.

Seasonal planning guide — weather, visa timing, rental markets & expert tips

Last updated: June 2026

The best time to move to Japan is March – April or October. Four distinct seasons. Tokyo: mild winters (2–10°C), hot humid summers (30–35°C). Osaka similar. Hokkaido: heavy snow winters. Okinawa: subtropical. Avoid moving during June – July (rainy season / tsuyu) and August (extreme humidity) if possible.

Best Time to Move

March – April or October

Avoid If Possible

June – July (rainy season / tsuyu) and August (extreme humidity)

Japan Climate Overview

Four distinct seasons. Tokyo: mild winters (2–10°C), hot humid summers (30–35°C). Osaka similar. Hokkaido: heavy snow winters. Okinawa: subtropical.

Season-by-Season Guide

Spring (Mar–May)

8–22°C

Cherry blossom season — magical time to arrive
Japanese fiscal year starts April 1 — aligns with job contracts
Most apartment leases start in March/April

Summer (Jun–Aug)

25–35°C

Tsuyu rainy season June–mid July — humid and grey
August: extreme heat + humidity — challenging for moving
Summer festivals (matsuri) are spectacular

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

12–25°C

October–November: perfect weather, stunning fall colors
Good time for apartment hunting — less competition
Typhoon season (Sep–Oct) — minor risk in most cities

Winter (Dec–Feb)

2–10°C

Tokyo winters are mild and sunny
Lowest rents — moving season is April, not now
Onsens and winter culture at their best

Visa & Immigration

Work visa: employer sponsorship (1–3 months). HSP fast-track PR (1–3 yrs). DIGITAL NOMAD VISA (Mar 2024): ¥10M income (~$64K at ¥157/$), 6-mo MAX, NOT renewable — must wait 6 mo outside Japan to reapply; ¥10M private medical insurance required. **NATURALIZATION RESIDENCY DOUBLED 5 → 10 years from 1 April 2026** (Justice Ministry; expanded tax/social-insurance review). PR application fees rising sharply FY2026; ¥4-5M income threshold for PR under consideration. Departure tax tripling to ¥3,000 (Jul 2026). Tourist visa: 90 days for most Western nationals.

Rental Market

Tokyo 1-BR centre: ¥80,000–230,000/mo (~$510–$1,465 at ¥157/$). Osaka ¥60,000–130,000 (~25% cheaper than Tokyo). Min wage 2026: Tokyo ¥1,226/hr (highest); national avg ¥1,121. Upfront move-in costs 4–6 months' rent (key money, deposit, agent fee, guarantor company). Weak yen (~¥157/$) makes Japan exceptionally affordable for USD/EUR earners.

Japan Relocation Timeline

6–12 months before

Research Japan visa options and residency pathways. Consult an immigration lawyer. Start gathering documents (apostilles, translations, police clearances).

4–6 months before

Submit your Japan visa application. Arrange international health insurance. Open a multi-currency bank account (Wise, Revolut). Start learning the local language.

2–3 months before

Book temporary accommodation in Japan for your first 2–4 weeks. Arrange international shipping if needed. Downsize and sell belongings. Get apostilles on remaining documents.

1 month before

Book flights to Japan. Set up mail forwarding. Cancel local subscriptions and memberships. Download offline maps and translation apps.

First week in country

Get a local SIM card. Open a local bank account. Register with local authorities. Explore neighborhoods before signing a long-term lease.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to move to Japan?

The best months to move to Japan are March – April or October. Four distinct seasons. Tokyo: mild winters (2–10°C), hot humid summers (30–35°C). Osaka similar. Hokkaido: heavy snow winters. Okinawa: subtropical.

What visa do I need for Japan?

How much does rent cost in Japan?

When should I avoid moving to Japan?

Try to avoid moving during June – July (rainy season / tsuyu) and August (extreme humidity). This is typically the most challenging period due to weather extremes, peak pricing, or administrative slowdowns.

Best Time to Move to Japan (2026)