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Side-by-side comparison
Japan vs Italy: Best Time to Visit
Trying to choose between Japan and Italy? The right answer almost always comes down to when you can travel. Here's the month-by-month breakdown.
best
good
shoulder
off-season
Month-by-month: which is better?
| Month | Japan | Italy | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | good | off-season | Japan 🇯🇵 |
| February | good | off-season | Japan 🇯🇵 |
| March | best | shoulder | Japan 🇯🇵 |
| April | best | shoulder | Japan 🇯🇵 |
| May | good | best | Italy 🇮🇹 |
| June | shoulder | best | Italy 🇮🇹 |
| July | shoulder | best | Italy 🇮🇹 |
| August | shoulder | shoulder | tie |
| September | best | best | tie |
| October | best | best | tie |
| November | good | shoulder | Japan 🇯🇵 |
| December | good | off-season | Japan 🇯🇵 |
Pick Japan 🇯🇵 if you're going in…
January, February, March, April, November, December
Book sakura-week accommodation in Kyoto 6+ months ahead — and budget for ~2x normal rates. If you miss the cherry blossom window, head to Hokkaido in early May where the sakura peaks 4–5 weeks later.
Pick Italy 🇮🇹 if you're going in…
May, June, July
Many small towns and restaurants close in Aug when Italians take their holidays.
Months where both are equally good: August, September, October.