Japan
Best Time to Visit Gotemba
Gotemba, a city in Yamanashi Prefecture, offers a range of experiences across the year. The climate is temperate, with distinct seasons, and crowds tend to be manageable, except during peak periods. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and skiing, depending on the season.
✦ Visit Gotemba in September or October for comfortable weather and fewer tourists, making it an ideal time to explore the city's natural beauty and attractions.
✅ Best months
September, October, and November are ideal months to visit Gotemba, with comfortable temperatures (around 15-20°C/59-68°F) and fewer tourists compared to peak summer months.
🔥 Peak season
January is the peak month, driven by the New Year's (Oshogatsu) celebrations and the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park's winter scenery. Hotel prices surge, and popular attractions may have long queues.
💷 Shoulder (best value)
April and May offer a good balance between weather and crowd levels, with mild temperatures (15-25°C/59-77°F) and discounts on accommodations and tourist attractions.
🌙 Quietest & cheapest
March and December are the quietest and cheapest months, but some attractions and businesses may be closed or operate on reduced hours.
Gotemba season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Weather: Temperatures gradually warm up, with cherry blossoms blooming in late March.
Crowds: Low in March, increasing in April and May.
Good for hiking and cherry blossom viewing.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Weather: Hot and humid, with occasional rain showers.
Crowds: Peak tourist season, with large crowds and long queues.
Best for Fuji-Q Highland and Hakone hot springs.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Weather: Comfortable temperatures, with some rainfall.
Crowds: Fewer tourists compared to summer, with a more relaxed atmosphere.
Ideal for hiking, wine tasting, and autumn foliage.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Weather: Cold, with snowfall in December and January.
Crowds: Low in December, but increasing in January due to New Year's celebrations.
Best for skiing and snowboarding in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
🎭 Events worth timing a trip around
Fuji Festival (usually in October) and the Gotemba Premium Outlets' annual sales event (usually in November) are significant events worth timing a trip around.
🧳 What to pack
Don't forget to pack layers for Gotemba's unpredictable spring weather, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night.
Found your dates? Get your hotel briefing.
Room tips, the 14-day forecast for your exact stay, dining, transport and more — free for any Gotemba hotel.
Researched & reviewed by the TripSage editorial team · Updated July 2026.