Japan has four distinct seasons, with a climate ranging from subarctic in the north to subtropical in the south. If you are not familiar with the general climate of Japan, you can learn more on the Japan Meteorological Agency’s webpage.
Please be aware that our tours typically take you through forests and mountainous areas, where temperatures can vary significantly. Weather changes are common and some tours include steep ascents and descents, so we recommend being prepared for a range of conditions.
If you have any questions or concerns about what to bring or the weather, please feel free to reach out to us directly.
For Warm Season
Nasu, Aizu: May to September
Kumano Kodo: End of April to October
Tohoku: June to September
Temperature and Recommended Clothing
During this period, average daily temperatures on the plains are generally above 15℃(59°F). While it will be warm or hot during the sunny daytime, remember that it cools down in the mornings, evenings, and bad weather, and it is cooler up in the mountains. A short sleeve jersey and cycling shorts will be fine, but for mornings, evenings, and downhill rides, you will need a wind jacket. You should bring rainwear as well.
What to Bring
MUST bring
- Some sets of cycling jerseys, shorts and wind jackets
- Rain jacket / pant for cycling
- Cycling gloves (Recommend to bring short finger gloves)
- Water bottle (We provide you water but please bring your own bottle)
- Smartphone with internet access in Japan
- Sunscreen
- Japanese money including some coins
- Passport
Recommend to bring
- Helmet （We can rent helmets but not a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Your own helmet must be the most comfortable.）
- Sports eyewear
- Mobile battery
- One small bag for easy access to the goods which you need during cycling separated from One larger luggage
If you need
- Cycling shoes (if you need)
- Pedals (if you use your own ones) (rental bike has flat pedals only)
- Sports bicycle (Road bikes and e-bikes are available for rent)
- Enough strong front and rear lights for bike and bike lock （included if you rent a bike）
- Spare inner tubes if you prefer special ones （included if you rent a bike）
For Other Seasons
Temperature and Recommended Clothing
Average daily temperatures on the plains are typically lower than 15℃(59°F).
A long sleeve jersey and cycling short bibs or tights with arm and leg warmers are recommended. Remember, you will need a wind jacket for mornings, evenings, and downhill rides. You should bring rainwear as well.
In the Tohoku region in late September or October, the temperature can be below 10℃(50°F) depending on the location and weather conditions, so bringing your preferred cold-weather accessories would be helpful.
What to Bring
MUST bring
- Some sets of cycling jerseys, shorts or tights with pad, arm & leg warmers, and wind jackets
- Rain jacket / pant for cycling
- Cycling gloves (Recommend to bring short finger gloves and full finger)
- Water bottle (We provide you water but please bring your own bottle)
- Smartphone with internet access in Japan
- Japanese money including some coins
- Passport
Recommend to bring
- Helmet （We can rent helmets but not a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Your own helmet must be the most comfortable.）
- Sunscreen (if you need)
- Sports eyewear
- Mobile battery
- One small bag for easy access to the goods which you need during cycling separated from One larger luggage
If you need
- Cycling shoes (if you need)
- Pedals (if you use your own ones) (rental bike has flat pedals only)
- Sports bicycle (Road bikes and e-bikes are available for rent)
- Enough strong front and rear lights for bike and bike lock （included if you rent a bike）
- Spare inner tubes if you prefer special ones （included if you rent a bike）
When is the best time to see the autumn foliage?
The best time to enjoy autumn leaves in Japan varies widely due to the country’s long north–south geography. You can experience autumn colors for nearly three months—from mid-September in Hokkaido up to mid-December in the southern regions. Please also note that higher elevations change color earlier. In other words, adjusting either the area or the elevation can help you find the foliage at its peak. However, foliage conditions are highly sensitive to climate and weather, and the timing can vary from year to year. We recommend checking the latest information when planning your trip.
- Expected foliage periods in our tour areas:
- Tohoku : October to Early November
- Nasu and Nikko :Mid October to Mid November
- Kumano Koto : Late November to Early December