Season by season
Spring. The line’s most photographed days come in early April, when cherry trees and rapeseed bloom along the track. Strawberry picking continues to May.
Summer. Hot; green paddies, sunflowers in August and summer festivals in Moka.
Autumn. Race season at Motegi and golden rice fields. Comfortable weather for the train.
Winter. Cold, clear days when the locomotive’s steam shows best — and the start of strawberry season.
Events
- Cherry blossom and rapeseed along the Moka Railway — late March to early April.
- Moka Summer Festival — late July, with fireworks and floats.
- MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix — usually late September or early October.
- Super GT and Super Formula rounds — spring to autumn; see the circuit calendar.
Crowds
The steam train is busiest in blossom season and on holiday weekends. Race weekends transform Motegi; on other days it is very quiet.
Moka & Motegi month by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Visit rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C | -2°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| February | 10°C | -1°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| March | 13°C | 2°C | ★★★ Peak season |
| April | 19°C | 8°C | ★★★ Peak season |
| May | 23°C | 13°C | ★★★ Peak season |
| June | 26°C | 18°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| July | 30°C | 22°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| August | 31°C | 23°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| September | 27°C | 19°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| October | 21°C | 12°C | ★★★ Peak season |
| November | 16°C | 5°C | ★★★ Peak season |
| December | 11°C | 0°C | ★★☆ Good time |
Temperatures are approximate long-term averages for the area and vary with altitude; check a forecast before you travel.
