Fall 2025 Japan Travel Update
As summer comes to an end and we begin the transition into fall here in Japan, there’s plenty afoot in the Japan travel scene.
Travel to Japan in late 2025 comes with a weak yen (helping your travel budget), record visitor numbers (mixed emotions on that front), and maybe a few surprises in the headlines.
Some of these stories will directly affect your trip while others are part of the bigger picture that shapes what travelers experience here. Let’s look at what’s new this season and how it might impact your Japan travel plans.
What’s happening with konbini food in Japan?
Convenience stores in Japan are famous among tourists and Japanophiles for fresh rice balls, sandwiches and bento meals delivered multiple times a day.
But a piece of that puzzle is changing. Major chains like FamilyMart and Lawson have cut delivery frequency to many stores. Fewer trucks mean food sits on shelves longer, and the food kitchens are quietly adjusting “recipes” (aka more preservatives added) to extend shelf life.
For travelers, this means that your konbini onigiri may not taste quite as fresh if you buy late in the day, especially in less busy areas. It is still a popular option, but check labels more closely and buy earlier when possible.
Or better yet, buy foods like onigiri, sandwiches and fried chicken at places that make it fresher and with better quality ingredients, such as Japan’s famous department store food halls, supermarkets or local shops & restaurants.
When’s a good time to See fall colors in Japan?
Autumn foliage in Japan seems to be starting later and later in recent years.
Contrary to what you may have heard or read (from content creators or chatty AI platforms, October is not the right time to come to Japan if you expect to see fall colors.
Japan’s meterological agency has released the 1st fall foliage forecast for 2025, and similar to much of the past decade, it shows November and early December as prime time for autumn colour (aka “koyo”) in much of Japan.
We’ve often seen reds and oranges on Japanese maple trees in Kyoto and Osaka as late as Christmas and New Year’s.
If you’ve already booked your trip for October? You’ll need to head way north, and/or to much higher elevations in the interior, to get a glimpse of fall colors.
Otherwise, your chances drastically improve by visiting Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kanazawa or other popular (and not-so-popular) areas of central and western Japan from mid-November into December.
Are hotel prices in Japan still climbing?
Short answer: Yes.
Inbound travel has bounced back so strongly that hotel rates in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and other hotspots continue to rise. And with the increased demand comes a crunch of availability in key locations at peak times.
If you are booking for peak travel dates, expect higher rates than in previous years, as well as fewer choices for those who wait.
Best to reserve rooms early, or be flexible about location and/or hotel type if you’re booking later in the game.
Why is Japan crowded anyhow? And is it all locals, or a lot of tourists?
While Tokyo and Osaka are densely populated cities, the “crowd” factor in Japan these days is magnified in tourist zones.
Japan continues to break inbound travel records year after year. In 2025 Japan welcomed over 3.4 million international visitors in August, the highest August on record.
The weak yen makes Japan more affordable for travelers from the US, Europe, Canada and Australia/NZ, fueling demand even further.
Crowds at headline sites like Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, Osaka’s Dotonbori or Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo can be intense, particularly during high and peak seasons (which are expanding in duration and frequency these days).
The counter-punch: pre-book tickets where possible, and look into shifting some of your trip to lesser-known destinations (often the best surprised in Japan!) or off-peak times.
How is Japan responding to overtourism?
Local and national authorities are no longer ignoring the strain of record tourism in Japan.
New measures include visitor caps at popular sites, tighter rules for tax-free shopping and discussions of different pricing tiers for locals and tourists.
Kyoto has begun limiting access in certain alleys of Gion, and other cities are watching closely.
Respecting these restrictions and avoiding problem behaviors is about politeness and etiquette – basic respect, really. It directly affects whether travelers will continue to be welcomed in historic districts and neighborhoods.
Do I need to prepare anything for entry to Japan?
Yes. Japan’s Visit Japan Web system is now a standard step for international travelers.
It allows you to pre-register immigration and customs details, saving time on arrival. Visa exemption lists were updated at the start of September, so double-check your eligibility before booking.
Some nationalities may soon face stricter rules, so do not assume that requirements are the same as pre-pandemic. Always confirm the latest details before departure.
Has Japanese politics affected travel?
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigned as LDP president in September, setting the stage for leadership change within the party. And Japan’s most recent elections saw nationalist parties gaining in support.
While visitors to Japan will likely not feel an immediate difference, shifts in tax policy or funding for tourism infrastructure could follow. Travelers should keep an eye out for any changes that impact fees or transport systems.
Are trains in Japan still reliable?
Yes, for sure!
Japan’s Shinkansen remains one of the world’s best systems. And regional trains as well as local transportation systems are among the best globally.
Still, occasional incidents can and do happen. In mid-August, a fire broke out on a Kodama train at Gifu-Hashima, forcing evacuation of 250 passengers. Weather disruptions continue to cause delays, especially in southern and western regions.
Always check train status on the day of travel and keep backup plans in mind. Domestic flights can sometimes be a viable alternative if rail service is suspended.
What about weather risks when traveling in Japan?
Late summer storms made their presence felt again this year. Tropical Storm Peipah and torrential rains in Kyushu caused landslides, train suspensions and flight disruptions. Tokyo also saw sudden downpours in September that cut electricity in some neighborhoods.
Travel insurance is highly recommended. Build buffer time into your itinerary and avoid scheduling tight connections in typhoon-prone regions.
Is the heat a problem?
This summer saw record highs, including 41.8°C in Gunma (in the Kanto region near Tokyo). Such temperatures – combined with Japan’s infamously intense humidity – can make outdoor sightseeing, hiking and festivals uncomfortable or even unsafe for unprepared visitors. Heat also affects rail infrastructure, which occasionally slows services.
If you are traveling during warmer months, plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings, stay hydrated and adjust expectations. This is true from June (typically the rainy season in Japan) through July & August and these days (contrary to what some content creators or ChatGPT tell you) well into September.
From late September onward through the fall, winter and spring months, Japan sees a lot of good weather. Of course if you’re traveling in the Japan Alps or northern regions of Tohoku and Hokkaido, winter brings a lot of snow.
But on the Golden Route (Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka) and in other areas of central and western Japan, travelling in the months of October through May is generally ideal.
Are locals in Japan pushing back against tourist behavior?
Unfortunately, yes. That’s to say that it’s a shame that a few bad apples have spoiled it for the rest of the visitors, but it’s understandable that locals are getting upset.
Frustration with overcrowding and disruptive tourist behavior is leading to stronger enforcement of etiquette. Videos have gone viral showing attention-seeking tourists doing disrespectful things.
In some places, eating while walking or entering residential alleys has been explicitly banned. Violators may be fined or asked to leave.
The message is clear: treat Japan with respect and avoid adding to the tension. Following simple local rules makes travel smoother for everyone.
TL;DR
Konbini are cutting daily deliveries so food will be less fresh (or filled with even more preservatives)
The fall foliage forecast shows why you should visit between mid-November and early-mid December
Hotel prices are going up and availability is getting tighter
Visitor numbers are at record levels so crowds are unavoidable
Overtourism is leading to new restrictions in popular areas
Visit Japan Web is required and visa rules are being updated
Typhoons and heavy rain continue to disrupt travel
Politics could affect policy but not much immediate impact yet
Trains are reliable but not immune to delays or accidents
Extreme heat is still a risk for outdoor activities
Local etiquette rules are more strictly enforced