The Best Time To Travel To Japan – best travel

December 19, 2020 No Comments

When Is The Best Time To Travel To Japan?

Japan, also known as “The land of the rising sun” is an island country located in the eastern part of Asia. The country has four distinct seasons which is a source of pride and joy for Japanese people. Spring and autumn seasons are generally believed to be the best time to travel to Japan.

But there are many factors when you are deciding to travel to Japan.

Japan is one of the few technologically advanced countries which has culture and history dating back thousands of years. Because of that, the country is now a unique mix of tradition, culture, and technology.

This unique condition made Japan into an appealing travel destination and attracted a lot of tourists from around the world.

Along with other traits, Japan is also very organized and the people there are very well behaved. You’ll find only a few countries which run in such orderly fashion along with the politeness of the people there.

Most of the travel-related problems that the tourists face are also non-existent there.

Now that we know how alluring Japan is like a tourist spot, we just need one more question answered and that is – When is the best time to travel to Japan?

Although we’ve roughly answered the question at the beginning, we need some explanation to convince you as a tourist.

What is the Weather Like in Japan?

The country of Japan has four seasons and each season gives it a new transformation.

If you want to fully enjoy your tour in Japan then you need to know about the weather in Japan and carefully consider every factor related to it.

Describing the overall weather of Japan is a bit difficult because a different part of Japan shows different characteristics. As Japan an island country, it has 6852 islands.

The 5 main islands of Japan are –

Hokkaido – Second largest island located at the northern end of Japan
Honshu – Largest and most populous island located in the north of Japan
Shikoku – Second smallest major island located in the southern part of Japan
Kyushu – Third largest island located further south of Japan
Okinawa – Smallest and least populated of the five major islands in the southwest of Japan.

Each of these main islands has slightly different weather due to geographical locations. Let’s start with the winter season in Japan.

Japan Weather in December

December is the start of the winter season in Japan. Japan’s winter weather usually depends on the region you are traveling to. But usually, it’s good for traveling due to the dry weather condition.

Temperature in Hokkaido can drop down to 2º C or 35.6º F.

Honshu has the driest weather in December. Tokyo, the capital of Japan is located on this major island. In Tokyo, the temperature should be around 12º C or 54º F and at night it can drop to 5º C or 41º F. Typically the temperature is 8 – 9°C on average.

Shikoku & Kyushu is located further south of Japan. But despite that, both of these major islands have similar weather to Honshu with an average temperature of 8-9° C or 46-48° F in December and the driest month of the year.

Okinawa Islands has the gentle-most temperature in December. On average the temperature is around 20º C or 68º F.

The only problem in December is its short days and barren state of plants and trees.

Japan Weather in January

Under normal circumstances, January is the coldest month of the year in Japan.

The average Temperature in Hokkaido is around -3º C or 26.6º F due to heavy snowfall.

Honshu has an average temperature of 4 – 5º C or 39 – 41º F on a sunny day.

Shikoku & Kyushu has an average temperature of 4 – 5° C with the coldest and darkest month of the year.

Okinawa Islands enjoys a mild temperature of 18º C or 64.4º F.

January also has the problem of short days and barren plants like December.

Weather in Japan in February

February is the month that ends the winter season in Japan.

On Average, Temperature in Hokkaido is around at (-7) – 0º or 19 – 32º F with the perfect powered snow for winter skiing.

Honshu has the second coldest month of the year with an average temperature of 5 – 7º C or 41 – 44.6º F. Tokyo is slightly cooler and light snow.

Shikoku & Kyushu can have 5 – 12.22º C or 41 – 54º F of temperature. Some of the parts have a lower temperature but Fukuoka and Nagasaki are a bit warmer. Matsuyama has a similar temperature to Tokyo.

Okinawa Islands have a blissful warm temperature of 17º C or 62.6º F.

Just like January and December, February also has short days and barren plants.

Japan Weather in March

With the start of spring, March brings life and joy in the nature of Japan.

Hokkaido has an average temperature of 1º C or 33.8º F. It rains frequently with the occasional snowfall.

At the beginning of the month, the temperature remains like the winter season, but after a few days, it rises to a more spring-like temperature with an average of 10° C or 50° F.

Shikoku & Kyushu set the mood for spring.

The average temperature of the Okinawa Islands is about 20° C or 68° F and spring blossoms at the end of the month.

While at the end of March, many parts of Japan enjoy the start of their seasonal cherry blossom, north Japan still has conditions for winter sports.

Japan Weather in April

Most regions of Japan enjoy cherry blossoms during the spring of April. This is the reason many considers April to be the best time to travel to Japan.

The lower grounds on Hokkaido starts to melt with the average temperature of 8° C or 46.4° F and bright sunny days.

Although evenings of Honshu still feels chilly, Spring starts at full power with an average temperature of 15° C or 59° F.

For Shikoku & Kyushu, it’s dry and sunny in April with the temperature rising to 19° C or 66.2° F.

The average temperature of the Okinawa Islands rises to 21° C or 69.8° F.

While at the end of March, many parts of Japan enjoy the start of their seasonal cherry blossom, north Japan still has conditions for winter sports.

Japan Weather in May

Spring finally arrives in the Hokkaido and northern part of Japan! The temperature of dry and sunny days is comfortable with an average of 13° C or 55.4° F. At the end of the month, cherry blossom finally decides to show its face in Hokkaido.

Honshu have sunny and warm weather during May with occasional rainfall. The average temperature is 19 – 20° C or 66.2 – 68° F.

Sunny and dry weather is enjoyed throughout Shikoku & Kyushu in May with an average temperature of 19° C.

On Okinawa islands, the temperature rises on average 23° C or 73.4° F, and tropical rain also visit this region.

Japan Weather in June

June is the start of the rainy season in Japan.

Hokkaido and the northern part of Japan do not have a rainy season. It only has low rainfalls occasionally. Most of the time it’s the clear and sunny skies with an average temperature of 17° C or 62.6° F.

Rainy seasons start for Honshu and the central part of Japan which lasts until mid of July. It’s the wettest month of the year for this region.

Shikoku & Kyushu also face the most rainfall of the year during this month.

Okinawa and southern parts of Japan also face heavy rainfall which decreases and the end of June. At the end of the month. The temperature can rise to 29° C or 84.2° F.

Weather in Japan in July

The rainy season ends after the first half of July.

Hokkaido and the northern part of Japan don’t have anything to do with the rainy season as usual. July brings the signal of the hottest time of the year in this region with an average temperature of 21° C or 69.8° F.

Honshu is always drenched in rain at the start of July. Although the rain disappears at the end of the month, it becomes very hot and humidity increases with an average temperature of 27° C or 80.6° F.

Shikoku & Kyushu also have a soggy start at the beginning of July. But in the middle of the month, the average temperature rises to 27° C and the weather becomes hot and humid just like Honshu at the end of July.

Even if most other parts of Japan are experiencing rainy season, Okinawa and southern Japan have a time of high temperature with an average of 29° C in July.

Weather in Japan in August

In August, Japan is too hot for you!

It’s the hottest month of the year in Hokkaido with an average temperature of 23° C of 73.4° F. But the island has a higher altitude and because of that, the humidity of the northern region is much more bearable than other parts of Japan.

Honshu experience the hottest month of the year during August with the temperature rising to 35° C of 95° F. Sometimes the temperature might even rise higher. The humidity is also very high this month.

Just like any other part of Japan, Shikoku & Kyushu also faces the hottest time of the year the possibility of emerging typhoons.

Okinawa has an average temperature of 29° C or 84.2° F with a hot and humid temperature. Okinawa islands along with the northernmost parts of Japan are at the risk of being hit by powerful storms as it is the peak time for typhoons in august.

Weather in Japan in September

With the intense heat and typhoons, it may appear that traveling to Japan is not so appealing in September.

Hokkaido escapes the effects of typhoons although there might be light rain. Hokkaido experiences the time of autumn color during this month. The temperature on average is pretty high with an average of 20° C or 68° F.

The temperature of Honshu is very high in September with an average of 23 – 25° C or 73.4 – 77° F. Typhoons that hit the southern part of Japan cause intense rainfall. Tokyo experiences the soggiest time of the year.

Shikoku & Kyushu has a high temperature this month with an average of 245° C or 75.25° F. The possibility of typhoons remains in September.

For Okinawa islands typhoon continues at its peak. September is the wettest month for the southern part of Japan. With the temperature rising to 30° C or 86° F, Okinawa is the hottest place in Japan during this month.

Japan Weather October

In October, the weather is warm but not too hot with less rain and less humidity. So ideally this should be a great time to visit Japan.

Autumn is showing its magic across Hokkaido with everything it got in October. This is considered one of the best months of the year in this region with a dry and sunny day and an average temperature of 16° C or 60.8° F.

Honshu experiences a little bit cooler and drier time during October with an average temperature of 22° C 71.6° F.

With the arrival of Autumn Shikoku & Kyushu enjoys an average of 22° C temperature with warm evenings.

Okinawa islands and the southern part of Japan is peaceful in October since the peek time of typhoons has already passed. With an average temperature of 25° C or 77° F the days are sunny and warm. Although seawater starts to cool off, it’s still good enough for swimming and diving.

Japan Weather November

November is one of the best time to travel to Japan.

The temperature of Hokkaido drops down with an average of 8° C or 46.4° F. The chilly air is signaling that winter is coming in Japan! The first snowfall of the year often happens in November.

November brings a relatively dry time of the month in Honshu with an average temperature of 12 – 13° C or 53 – 55.4° F. Since Hiroshima gets more sunlight than Tokyo, it’s slightly warmer. November is the time that brings color and joy to Honshu and other central parts of Japan like Tokyo.

Shikoku & Kyushu also enjoys relatively dry weather in November with an average temperature like Honshu.

Typhoon season is fully over and so Okinawa along with southern parts of Japan are pretty much safe in November. The weather is dry and warm with an average temperature of 22° C or 71.6° F. The seawater is cold so it’s wiser not to go for a swim without a wetsuit.

When is the best time to travel to Japan?

With the seasonal discussion from above, we can finally conclude this topic and make a solid decision about the best time to travel to Japan.

Winter Season in Japan (December – February)

If you are into snowboarding and other snow sports, then the winter season is definitely the best time for you to visit Japan. Although many of the tourist attractions close down for the New Year holidays ski season starts in December.

If you time it right, you may enjoy Christmas and New Years’ in Japan during winter.

The snowy landscapes, hot springs, and Mount Fuji is also very alluring especially if you are a photographer.

Spring Season in Japan (March – May)

If you decide to travel to Japan, you can enjoy Japan’s famous cherry blossom. The mid-spring or April is said to be the best time to visit Japan because cherry blossom is in full swing at that time. The start of Golden Week also happens in late April.

May is also a very good choice for traveling to Japan due to the flourishment of nature and the comfortable temperature.

Autumn Season in Japan (September – November)

During the autumn season, while October is considered a great time to travel to Japan, November is one of the best time to visit Japan.

The typhoon is all over and the sun shines brightly with mild temperature. The true color of autumn shows all over Japan.

What else do you need?

If you are a photographer or a nature lover then this is the time for you to shine.

Final Thoughts

Life is stressful and traveling is a great way for reducing our stress. While getting rid of our stress we don’t need any more stress to add up. That’s why it’s important to carefully consider many things when you are traveling.

If we just pay attention to a few things, we can reduce many hassles and make the travel experience much more enjoyable.

The best time to travel to Japan is dependent on the time and region you want to visit. We tried to briefly explain this in an easy way.

Hope you’ll have a nice trip to Japan this year.

Thank you and happy traveling.

In Japan

Best Unique Things To Do When You’re Travelling In Japan: best travel

December 13, 2020 No Comments

Things to do in Japan for an Unforgettable enjoyable trip:

Japan has a wealth of stunning country to explore! The land of the rising sun Japan is an East Asian island country comprised of roughly 6852 islands. Although it has this many islands, there are only 5 major islands this is discuss when it comes to japan.

From north to south these islands are – Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu and Okinawa.

Tokyo is the capital of Japan located in central Japan or Honshu. In the country Tokyo also the largest city. The other major cities are – Kyoto, Osaka, Sapporo, Nagoya, Kobe, Fukuoka, etc.

Japan covers an area of 377,975 square kilometers or 145,937 square miles.

Japan is the most populated and urbanized country with a population of roughly 126 – 126.5 million. It’s also estimated to be the 11th most populous country in the world.

Attractions best beautiful Japan:

The earliest known description of Japan is find in Chinese writings and they called the country Wa. We can be translate as dwarf or submissive which was humiliating to the Japanese people. In the seventh-century, Prince Shotoku from Japan in a letter to the Chinese emperor, first addressed his country as Nihon which means “Sun Origin”. From then on Japan known as “The land of the rising sun”.

After adopting western technology, japan began to industrialize and modernize. This led to the invasion of China by Japan in 1931 and participation in the 1st and 2nd World Wars as a major power. After the loss in the pacific war and 2 atomic bomb strike, Japan had no choice but to surrender.

After WW2, in May of 1947 with article 9 of the Japanese constitution, Japan has renounced the right to declare war.

Currently, Japan is one of the world’s most advanced countries as well as a great power. The country is a member of quite a few international organizations such as the United Nations, g7, and OECD.

Best unique Things to do in Japan:

There are so many things to do in Japan that it can sometimes be frustrating and hard to decide on your activities. So we have picked and shortlisted some of the best activities you can do in Japan.

Visit Tokyo’s Biggest Buddhist Temple Senso-Ji:

Senso-Ji is not only the biggest but also the oldest and most visited Buddhist temple in Tokyo. The temple is locate in the Asakusa district.

Senso Ji one of Tokyo's most colorful and popular temples

You can start your sightseeing when you first arrive in Tokyo. Senso-Ji holds a lot of historical and cultural value.

Admission Fee: Free

Go to an Onsen Town:

If you go to Japan in winter, then you must visit an Onsen town. Onsen is Japanese for hot-spring. Japan has a lot of volcanic activities and these hot-springs are all results of these volcanic activities.

Kusatsu Onsen is the most famous Onsen town in Japan. It’s located in the Gunma prefecture in the Kanto region of Honshu which is in central Japan.

Rent Price:

There are different sections of this Onsen and they have different rent prices.

For children, the rate ranges from 300 yen to 1290 yen.

For an adult, the price ranges from 600 yen to 1770 yen.

Experience the Wonders of Ghibli Museum:

Go to the famous Ghibli Museum and get Spirited Away with My Neighbor Totoro!

An anime fan with a taste of culture should visit Ghibli Museum at least once even if you have never seen any of their movies. The museum is locate in the western city of Tokyo inside Inokashira Park.

Ghibli Museum Mitaka a world of dreams wonder and curiosity things to do in Japan

The museum was design by the famous legendary director from Studio Ghibli Hayao Miyazaki himself.

Ticket Price: The regular price is 1000 yen per person.

Visit Ise Grand Shrine:

Shintoism was embedder in Japan’s roots long before Buddhism came to the country.

The Ise Grand Shrine is the central shrine for the Shinto religion and is dedicate to the sun goddess Amaterasu. It’s located in Ise in the Mei prefecture from the Kansai region of Honshu. This grand

shrine is one of Japan’s most expensive buildings and every year it’s taken apart and reconstructed.

According to the Chronicles of Japan (Nihon Shoki), the Ise Grand Shrine is find around 2000 years ago by the daughter of emperor Suinin, Yematohime-no-Mikoto.

Admission Fee: Free

Go Through a Bamboo Forest in the Heart of Kyoto:

If you go to Kyoto then the Arashiyama bamboo forest is one of the top sights you should visit. Walking through the forest will make you feel like you are being said (going to another world). This is Japan’s most popular bamboo forest for no reason.

In the modern era, many bamboo forests were destroy and turned into residential or other working areas. But the 1967 Japanese government acted and protected the remaining bamboo forests to

preserve nature as well as their culture.

Admission Fee: Free

Play with Foxes in the Zao Fox Village:

Zao Fox Village is a pure haven for animal lovers. Located in the city of Shiroishi at Miyagi prefecture of central Japan, it’s also known as Kitsune Mura.

You’ll find 6 types of adorable foxes in this village. These are –

Japanese Ezo red fox, Silver fox, Blue fox, Platinum fox, Shadow fox, and cross foxes.

Admission Fee: For only 1000 Yen or $10 you can play with these adorable creatures.

What Is the Weather In Japan?

Japan is a country of four seasons and they are – Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.

But from north to south Japan is divide into different geological parts and that’s why different parts of the country show different kinds of weather in the same season.

Spring: From March to May is the spring season. The weather is warm but not humid. It’s the time of the year when you can see Japan’s famous cherry blossom.

Spring is say to be one of the best times to travel to Japan.

Summer: The summer season in Japan takes place from June to August. It’s hot and humid which will make you very uncomfortable. June is the time of rain for most of the country except for Hokkaido. Hokkaido and the northern part of Japan do not have much rain in the area.

Autumn: From September to November it’s the time for autumn. Autumn is consider another one of the best times to travel to Japan. Especially after September when the typhoon is over and the

country is overrun by beautiful colors.

Winter: December to February is the time of winter. The weather is cold but clear and crisp. It’s also a great time to visit Japan. If you are fascinate with winter sports and the scenery created by snowfall,

then winter time is the best time to visit Japan for you.

Transportation in Japan:

Japan has a well-planned and maintained public transport system in the country. The available public transportations can categorize into several parts –Train, Shinkansen or Bullet Train, Subway, Buses, Cars

Railway (Train, subway, shinkansen) is the main method for public transport.

For Japan Railways or JR regular train tickets, the price is 20 yen per kilometer for a short distance and under 10 yen per kilometer for long-distance. This is the base fee for train transportation in the Japan Railway.

Shinkansen bullet trains are part of a new generation of Japanese high-speed train things to do in Japan

How enjoying the Japanese scenery from a Shinkansen? Shinkansen or bullet train is Japan’s high-speed transit. its travelling at speeds of over 200 kilometers an hour, in its 50 years of history, there has never been an accident or death making it famous worldwide for its safety.
If you use Limited Expense train and Shinkansen, an extra fee will be add to the base price. For using , an more fee can range from 500 to 4000 yen.

If you take the Shinkansen, for short-distance extra fee will be 800 yen and for long-distance, it’ll be 11,000 yen.

You shouldn’t spend more than 1000 – 1500 yen for transport daily if you are within a large city like Tokyo.

Where to Stay in Japan?

When it comes to accommodation for foreign visitors in Japan there are a few options.

You can stay in hostels, business hotels, ryokan, temple, capsule

hotel, manga cafes and internet cafes, etc.

Hostels:

A bed in the dorm room costs from 2000 – 3000 yen per night.

For a private double room with a shared bathroom, per room rent ranges from 5600 – 8000 yen for one night.

One private double bedroom with a bathroom is 8000 – 11,000 yen per night.

Business Hotels:

For business hotels, prices can vary. But you can get hotel rooms for 2 adults per night from 5000 – 12000 yen or approx. $48 – $106.

A business hotel is suitable for couples on a budget.

Ryokan:

Ryokan is traditional Japanese inns that is find all over the country

especially in hot-springs. Ryokans are much more expensive than any hostels or standard hotels.

But with a taste of rich Japanese culture, it’s worth it.

The cost of ryokan’s can start from as low as 3200 yen up to 31500 yen or more.

Temple:

Staying in a Japanese Buddhist temple can be a life-changing experience for you.

The rooms are traditional like Luken and the food served there is vegan.

The cost is high like a ryokan. It can cost from 13,650 yen to 24,000 yen.

Capsule Hotel:

Single people who need an overnight stay within budget can rent a capsule hotel.

These hotels are usually made for a single person to sleep but they also come in double beds sometimes. The room is create only for sleeping so it’s very small.

The cost is 3000 – 4500 yen per night.

Best Restaurants in Japan:

Sushi Dai:

If you are into eating raw fish try going to Sushi Dai. It’s said to give you a great experience in sushi. But if you can’t beat the meat then I don’t recommend it for you.

There are two different menus here. The standard is price 2,600 yen and the “Trust the chef” menu is price 4000 yen.

Wakkoqu:

It’s a steakhouse located in Kobe Hyogo. Its menu price starts at 7.800 yen up to 13,800 yen.

Narisawa:

Narisawa uses an omakase-style menu like Sushi Dai. That means all the menus are select by the chef. The price for lunch is 27,000 yen and for dinner, it’s 32,400 yen.

It’s located in Minato, Tokyo.

Ippudo Nishikikoji:

It’s a Japanese ramen house located in Kyoto. It’s open from 11 am to 2 pm and the price is also very cheap. The price range is from 728 yen to 1041 yen.

Final Thoughts:

Japan is a enriched country as well as an advanced country. The people there are also very polite and well behaved. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can enjoy a trip to Japan within budget. Traveling to Japan at the right time can increase your enjoyment by very much.

Have a safe trip and thank you for reading this through.