Japan in September : Weather, Festivals & Travel Guide

• Weather: Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) with lower humidity than summer months, though typhoon risk remains in early September
• Festivals: Well-known festivals are the Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri, Tokyo Game Show and the sumo Autumn Basho.
• Crowds: There will be less traffic and more accommodation space than during the spring and the peak season.
• Value: More affordable flights and hotels than peak seasons, with better deals on JR passes and attraction tickets
• Foliage: Early autumn colours begin appearing in northern regions like Hokkaido by late September

Temperature and Climate by Region

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. 

Tip: Early mornings are best for sightseeing in Kyoto to enjoy temples without crowds.

Typhoon Season Awareness

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.

Tip: Book tickets 6–8 weeks in advance for Tokyo Game Show.
 

Tokyo: Urban Energy Meets Cultural Depth

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.

• Attractions: Ueno Park, Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Kyoto: Cultural Heritage in Comfortable Conditions

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.

• Attractions:  Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Philosopher's Path, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Taisha

Hokkaido: Nature's Autumn Preview

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. 

• Attractions:  Daisetsuzan National Park, Sapporo, Sapporo Beer Museum

Okinawa: Tropical Paradise Extends Summer

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. 

• Attractions: Ishigaki Island, Naha, Kerama Islands

Nikko: UNESCO World Heritage and Scenic Beauty

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 

• Matsutake mushrooms: These are mushrooms which are highly valued because of their smell and rarity in September. They are a part of soups or rice meals, grilled dishes at Kyoto or kaiseki restaurants.
• Sanma (Pacific saury): It is normally grilled using salt, daikon and soy sauce.
• Chestnuts: In savoury foods, like Mont Blanc, chestnut rice, and candied chestnuts and in desserts.
• Grapes and pears: The markets in Japan in September are the best months to buy grapes and pears.

• Pack light sweaters or cardigans, handle a cooler, t-shirts and light long-sleeve shirts for September's temperature fluctuations.
• Wear modest attire for temple and shrine visits means covering shoulders and knees. 
• Bring a power adapter for Japan's Type A outlets (same as North America) ensure you can charge devices. 
• Early morning visits to key tourist sites will save time on waiting, particularly in most temples and shrines that are well attended.
• Reserve flights 2-3 months in advance to get better prices and a choice of seats.
• Tickets to Tokyo Game Show are sold anywhere between 6 to 8 weeks before the event.
• The most expensive restaurants in Japan can be booked a few weeks in advance. Use services like TableAll or have your hotel concierge assist with bookings.
• The JR Pass is great for long-distance travel, must be bought before arrival, and activated within three months.  A 7-day ordinary pass costs approximately ₹24,000 and covers most JR trains, including many shinkansen (bullet train) routes.
• Luggage forwarding (takuhaibin) costs around ₹1,500–2,500 per bag, which lets bags travel between hotels, avoiding heavy suitcases on trains. 

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.