Japan is one of the most beloved travel destinations in the world. Not only famous metropolises like Tokyo(東京) and Osaka(大阪), but also surrounding suburban cities are crowded with tourists. From major big cities to cities that preserve tradition and cities where you can feel nature, each cities has its own unique characteristics, so many people visit Japan multiple times. Since each region has its own unique characteristics, visitors’ purposes for travelling vary as well. If you research the best times to visit a particular area based on your purpose, you can have a more satisfying trip.
Best month to visit Japan
1. Best month to visit Tokyo and Kyoto: April
As April begins, many countries start to warm up, but Japan has something special: cherry blossoms bloom. It’s one of the most iconic and beautiful times to visit, but it can also be crowded. Given that Japan experiences warmer weather earlier than many other countries, you can enjoy spring and cherry blossoms sooner than elsewhere.
2. Best time to visit Japan for autumn colour: November
After the hot summer, cool autumn arrives in Japan. This is when forests and trees turn red and yellow. With many tourist spots located in mountainous areas, going up to higher elevations to view this spectacle is truly a magnificent experience. Famous spots to visit in autumn include Kyoto’s Ginkaku-ji and the bamboo forest in Arashiyama. Additionally, since sake is in season during autumn, enjoying a glass of sake along with seasonal food is highly recommended if you visit Japan during this time.
3. Best time to visit Japan for cherry blossom
Many people who visit Japan for tourism probably come in spring to see the cherry blossoms. Japan, which welcomes spring earlier than other East Asian countries, begins to have cherry blossoms in full bloom from late March to April every year. Nakameguro in Tokyo, which is voted as the top famous spot for cherry blossoms every year, is one of these renowned locations. This famous spot, where cherry blossom festivals are held, has about 800 cherry blossom trees blooming along the riverside. When the sun sets, you can witness the spectacular view of the cherry blossoms reflected in the river. During the festival season, there are many food stalls selling yakisoba and takoyaki, making it a great place to stroll and enjoy the festival. There are also many cafes around, where you can enjoy coffee or tea. Another famous cherry blossom spot is around Osaka Castle in Osaka. This area offers the advantage of enjoying both the famous tourist attractions and cherry blossoms together. If you want to enjoy the cherry blossoms filled with the scent of spring in weather that makes you feel good just by walking, it is recommended to visit Japan in March or April.
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4. Best Time to see Snow and Enjoy Winter Festival
You don’t have to travel to cold places like Northern Europe or Russia to see snow; you can also see it in Japan, specifically in Sapporo(札幌), located in the northern part of Japan. In Sapporo, the temperature starts to drop around mid-November, and it begins to snow, covering the area in snow throughout the winter starting from December. Because of this, you can enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. If you visit Sapporo in winter, it is highly recommended to visit the famous Sapporo Snow Festival held every February. The festival is renowned for its giant snow and ice sculptures, which are illuminated at night, creating a beautiful spectacle. Biei, famous for its Christmas tree, is a nearby city you must visit if you go to Sapporo. It is known for its photo spot with a lone tree standing in the snow-covered field, attracting more visitors in winter than in summer.
Additionally, Sapporo is famous for its delicious food among Japanese regions. Kaisen-don, a bowl of rice topped with fresh seafood, is famous, and curry soup is another must-try dish. Enjoying these with Sapporo draft beer, named after the region, will enhance your travel satisfaction. Dairy products are also famous in Sapporo, so it is recommended to try ice cream made with fresh milk when you visit.
Enjoy Shopping Year Round Regardless of the Weather
Japan is a paradise for people who love shopping, with its various street brands, comics, and vintage items. If you love shopping, visiting Japan at any time would be a good idea. Many streetwear brands popular among people in their 20s and 30s are Japanese brands, so you can shop for a wide variety at slightly lower prices in Japan. Large cities like Tokyo and Osaka usually have many branches and stock, so if shopping is your main purpose for visiting Japan, it is better to choose cities over weather. Even if it’s not a Japanese brand, there are many famous street brands like Stussy, allowing fashion lovers to shop to their heart’s content in Japan.
Additionally, if you were to list famous shopping items in Japan, manga and anime would likely be at the top. Coming to Japan, the birthplace of your favourite manga and anime, and buying manga books or goods could make for an enjoyable shopping trip. There are Ghibli shops and Animate operated by animation studios, as well as many shops throughout the city selling second-hand goods. For those who love anime, it will be the perfect trip. If you like Disney animations, we recommend visiting Disneyland. In Japan, there’s also DisneySea, the only theme park with a water theme, so if you have time, consider adding it to your travel. Of course, if you want to visit during your travel, it’s best to choose a month when there are fewer tourists. Disneyland is always one of the most crowded places in the world.
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Months to Avoid Visiting in Japan
Japan’s summer is long with monsoons, and natural disasters like typhoons are frequent, so it is generally advisable to avoid travelling to most regions during summer. The temperature can rise up to 40 degrees Celsius, and the humidity is high, making it difficult for tourists to walk around. However, Japan is a country with a long, narrow geography stretching from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south, offering various climates. Therefore, it can be said that there are suitable months for travel throughout the year. Most regions like Osaka and Tokyo are hot in the summer. However, the northern regions have cooler summer weather, so many people visit Sapporo during the summer. From late April to May, there is a week-long holiday called Golden Week, which you might want to avoid if you dislike crowds. If you want to travel to Japan, choosing a region based on the desired season is a good strategy.
Consider Taking a Japanese Travel Survival Course Before Visit
Travelling to another country offers a sense of liberation from daily life. Experiencing new people and new experiences is wonderful! Imagine if you could learn the language and culture of the country you are visiting—it would make your travel experience even more enjoyable. With Dear Asia London, you can not only learn the Japanese language but also get to understanding the Japanese culture before your visit to make it a smooth journey!
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