September in Japan is the transitional period from summer to autumn. This shoulder month offers pleasant weather, full cultural feasts, and only a few tourists compared to high season. September is a sweet spot for travellers in Japan tourism. The scorching summer sun dies, and the first signs of the autumn colours start to emerge in the north. Certain cultural festivals like the Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri and Tokyo Game Show are memorable. This is your opportunity to have the best mix of comfortable conditions, cultural authenticity and value of money with this detailed guide.
The best months to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are in September. Daytime temperatures hover between 26°C and 28°C (79°F to 82°F), with noticeably lower humidity than in August. Evenings are cool to around 18°C to 20°C (64°F to 68°F), creating perfect conditions for evening walks and outdoor dining. Here are the weather conditions in Japan according to the city.
City | Average High | Average Low | Best For |
Tokyo | 27°C (81°F) | 20°C (68°F) | City exploration, festivals |
Kyoto | 28°C (82°F) | 18°C (64°F) | Temple visits, early foliage |
Osaka | 28°C (82°F) | 20°C (68°F) | Food tours, castle viewing |
Hokkaido | 20°C (68°F) | 13°C (55°F) | Hiking, nature photography |
Okinawa | 30°C (86°F) | 25°C (77°F) | Beach activities, diving |
Tip: Early mornings are best for sightseeing in Kyoto to enjoy temples without crowds.
Early September belongs to the typhoon season in Japan (August-early October). The majority of typhoons occur at the end of August and in mid-September and cause intense rainfall and intensive winds most particularly on the coasts and southward regions.
Early Autumn Foliage
Even though it is not at full foliage, early colouration starts in the northern part of Japan at the end of the month. The first to witness the turning of mountains into yellow and orange is the Hokkaido and Tohoku regions.
Festival Name | Location (Prefecture) | Dates | Key Highlights |
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri | Kishiwada, Osaka | Early September | Teams pull massive wooden floats (danjiri) through narrow streets at high speed. |
Takayama Autumn Festival | Takayama, Gifu | September 9–10 | Ornate floats, traditional music, and local crafts in a picturesque mountain town setting. |
Hagi Autumn Festival | Hagi, Yamaguchi | Mid–September | Features folk performances, dance, and local cuisine, celebrating the autumn season. |
Tokyo Game Show | Chiba (Makuhari Messe) | Late September | One of the largest gaming expos worldwide with game demos, esports, and cosplay. |
Japanese Grand Prix (Formula One) | Suzuka, Mie | Late September | World-class F1 race featuring high-speed action and festival-like fan atmosphere. |
Aki Matsuri (Autumn Festivals) | Various regions | Throughout September | Local shrines hold harvest and autumn celebrations with parades and performances. |
Nezumido Kannon Jizo Festival | Tokyo | Early September | Celebrates guardian deity Jizo with processions, food stalls, and family-friendly activities. |
Tip: Book tickets 6–8 weeks in advance for Tokyo Game Show.
Japan's capital city offers its most pleasant weather conditions in September. September’s mix of warm days and cool evenings is perfect for exploring Tokyo’s attractions, museums, and green spaces. Outdoor food and street food markets are also a special delight due to the pleasant weather.
Kyoto's temples and shrines take on a special character during September. The pleasant climate is ideal for long walks and temple visits. It is among the most ideal tourist destinations in Japan in September 2025.
September has a mild climate, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities in Hokkaido. The natural beauty of the island is brought out beautifully without the large number of tourists. Sapporo is a blend of urban convenience and the surrounding nature, with parks filled with early autumn colours and restaurants which demonstrate the use of seasonal ingredients.
The climate in Southern prefectures is friendly in September. While occasional rain showers occur, the subtropical climate keeps water temperatures comfortable for swimming and water sports. Okinawa's distinct Ryukyuan culture offers a different perspective on Japanese history and traditions.
Located approximately two hours north of Tokyo in Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko offers a combination of UNESCO World Heritage temples and stunning mountain scenery. The best time to visit Nikko’s religious and natural sites is in September.
Attractions: The Toshogu Shrine complex, Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls
Expense Category | Budget Range (INR) | Notes and Recommendations |
Round-trip Flights | 30,000 – 70,000 | Book 2-3 months ahead; shoulder season rates |
Accommodation (per night) | 3,000 – 15,000 | Hostels to upscale hotels; book 1-2 months early |
Daily Food Budget | 1,500 – 3,500 | Convenience stores to restaurants; seasonal specialities |
Local Transportation | 700 – 2,000 | Subways, buses within cities; IC cards recommended |
Activities & Attractions | 1,000 – 5,000 | Temple admissions, tours, special events |
Shopping & Souvenirs | 1,000 – 10,000+ | Highly variable based on preferences |
Japan in September is the best time for a budget traveller. The month has good weather, fewer numbers of tourists, and cheaper travel, which makes it a perfect month to visit temples, have an outdoor adventure, and experience culture. Typhoons are rare with flexible planning, while festivals and accessible attractions enhance the travel experience. Now that you have the guide on Japan in September, it's you’re time to plan a trip. Customise your next Japan tour packages with Pickyourtrail for a memorable experience.
Yes, September is in the typhoon season of Japan that normally occurs between the months of August and early October.
Yes, Japan is very safe as a solo destination during September, as it has low crime rates.
Yes, but only in northern Japan, particularly Hokkaido.
Yes, September generally offers better value than peak travel periods with a 15-30% discount on flights than during cherry blossom season (March-April) or Golden Week (late April-early May).