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Guidance on the best time to visit Japan
Simply put, the best time to go to Japan is when you have the opportunity to do so. Don't put it off, or you may regret never visiting. Japan may not be a cheap destination, but you can find some last-minute holidays and family trip packages. Check out our range of holiday options for all sorts of travellers, from couples to solo holidaymakers. Meanwhile, find out when the best month to go to Japan might be for your travel plans.
The best time to visit Japan's capital, Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a holiday destination in its own right. This sprawling city is the first part of Japan that many will experience and is worth a visit at any time of the year. That said, visiting Tokyo in July, when much of Japan is hot and humid, is often worth considering. Despite these less appealing factors, Tokyo stages some great summer festivals during this month, which can make up for them. Examples are the Sumida River Fireworks and Tanabata.
If you have to come in the summer, when many tourists avoid Japan's hot season, Tokyo in July is a good call. If you put off your visit until August, then bear in mind that Tokyo can be subject to typhoons at this time of year. These can disrupt flights and cruises that call in at Tokyo. As such, for many, the best month to visit Japan is any time other than August.
When is the best time to go to Japan's southern regions?
Southern Japan is much less-visited than other parts of the country. Visitors to this part of the country are often surprised to discover its beautiful beaches and tropical holiday atmosphere. Places like Okinawa, Kyushu or Shikoku are well worth visiting, but avoid the high summer season, as it can become unbearably hot. If you come in the summer, then opt for an island, such as Miyakojima or Ishigaki, where you can find a sea breeze to cool you. Spring and autumn are often the best times for visiting southern Japan when it is warm but not too hot.
When is the best season to visit Japan's far north?
Hokkaido and the rest of the north of Japan is well-known for its excellent skiing. If you intend to book a skiing trip during your visit to the country, then January and February are the best months. Not only do you get to enjoy the best powdery snow at such times, but there are also more winter events taking place.
In the summer, northern Japan offers excellent scenery and is a good place for hiking along its many trails. Unlike the big cities of central Japan, it is often less humid in the north. The lavender fields in Furano are a big summertime draw, and the best month to visit Japan to see them is July.
When is the best month to visit Japan with children?
If you are planning a family holiday in Japan, then avoiding the heat and humidity of the summer months is advisable. Little ones, especially toddlers, can suffer from the heat. As a result, the cherry blossom season of spring is often preferable. The blooming of cherry trees is a national obsession in Japan. In the south, the blossom typically puts on a show from late March. In Tokyo and central Japan, the best month to see it is usually April.
It is worth knowing that the cherry blossom season is often a peak time for hotel bookings and flight reservations. If you have made up your mind that this is the time to come, then it's advisable to book your trip to Japan at least three months in advance. Six months would be better. Springtime is still a good choice for a family trip to Japan after the blossom season has ended in late April or May.
Is autumn the best season to visit Japan?
The best time of year to go to Japan is spring in many people's eyes. It is easy to see why this is the case despite the higher travel costs associated with the country's peak travel season. What some visitors don't realise, however, is just how beautiful late September and October can be. You get the same milder climate in the autumn, plus another natural show to rival the cherry blossom season. If you want a cheap holiday in Japan that avoids the high season, consider autumnal travel instead.
FAQS about when to visit Japan
Q: What is the rainiest month in Japan?
A: In a typical year, June is the wettest year throughout most of Japan. That said, the rainy season does have regional variations. If you travel to Hokkaido, then there's no rainy season to speak of, for example. In Okinawa and other parts of the south, May can sometimes be wetter than June.
Q: How many days do you need in Japan?
A: Japan is a large country, and you cannot explore it all on a three-week holiday or even longer. Most people find that a fortnight helps them get to know more about the country. Then, they may well book another package deal to Japan at another time of year somewhere else. This way, they can enjoy it from a new perspective.
Q: How much should I expect to spend in Japan for 2 weeks?
A: After flights and accommodation in Japan have been booked, you should set a budget of around £50 to £80 per person per day, depending on how much you travel and eat out. You can bring this budget down by booking a full board deal with the hotel. That said, this means eating all your meals in one place, which can limit your exploration of the country. Bed and breakfast deals tend to be more popular in cities due to the large number of restaurants available.
Q: What are the most beautiful months in Japan?
A: The cherry blossom season, which falls from late March to early April, is popular with many tourists. Some consider springtime to be the best season to visit Japan for this very reason. Others think the best month to visit Japan is November. This is because the middle of autumn is when temples and parks are surrounded by golden leaves. It is also neither too hot nor too cold for much of November.
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