Best Time To Travel Japan

siewcs · 3 Dec 2007

When will be the best time to travel Japan. Intend to try out the hot spring, any good place to recommend

Homerduff · 4 Dec 2007

I think the best season to travel to Japan is September - May. During summer it's very very hot in Japan and it might spoil the fun for you (it didn't for me, but for some it might). Touristic places will be less crowded during September - March I bet. April and May are populair months to visit Japan because of the cherry blossom, so not only foreign tourists will want to visit the country but also Japanese people will go out to visit touristic places. Anyway, I don't think you should worry about crowded touristic places. If you're worried about that, you'ill already have a hard time to walk to busy regions like Shibuya. I don't know if cherry blossom is worthwhile seeing because I haven't experienced it yet (I will because I'm going back in March and April). I do think that September and October are also nice times to visit Japan because temperature will stagnate around 20 degrees.

Glenski · 4 Dec 2007

This is a question that gets asked ad nauseum.

To say you are interested in onsens really doesn't help here, since onsens are available year round (yes, even in snowy areas you can find rotemburos open).

Best time of year is whatever time you want to enjoy it. So, what do you want to do here? Summer is very hot and humid in cities on Honshu. Winter on Hokkaido turns many away. What can you tolerate or not tolerate in the way of climate?

Some people want to see cherry blossoms or fall colors; I'd suggest Googling for the months (perhaps even the week or day) that they are expected in the country, as Japan is very good about keeping records of these things, and the climate is different enough to warrant doing so.

Some people want to see festivals; October seems to be the month with the most, but it depends on which ones you want to see. Some shrines, for example, have the same festival twice a year, but there will be different events.

mso · 25 Dec 2007

my experience

Glenski said:
This is a question that gets asked ad nauseum.
To say you are interested in onsens really doesn't help here, since onsens are available year round (yes, even in snowy areas you can find rotemburos open).
Best time of year is whatever time you want to enjoy it. So, what do you want to do here? Summer is very hot and humid in cities on Honshu. Winter on Hokkaido turns many away. What can you tolerate or not tolerate in the way of climate?
Some people want to see cherry blossoms or fall colors; I'd suggest Googling for the months (perhaps even the week or day) that they are expected in the country, as Japan is very good about keeping records of these things, and the climate is different enough to warrant doing so.
Some people want to see festivals; October seems to be the month with the most, but it depends on which ones you want to see. Some shrines, for example, have the same festival twice a year, but there will be different events.

Allow me to add to the comment above: Don't know about travelling to Japan from within Asia, but as a traveller from the EU I personally would recommend February. Cheaper, less crowded, and you will find some beautiful winter-going-into-spring scenery all around.

ArmandV · 26 Dec 2007

I've been to Japan during three different seasons. In autumn, you will see nice fall colors on the trees. The weather is generally pleasant, with most days (for us) sweater-weather and some rain. While non-Japanese can handle cool temps with a sweater or windbreaker, the locals are wearing parkas.

In summer, as been mentioned, it is hot and humid, especially after a summer rainstorm. If you don't mind heat and humidity, it's okay.

Spring is my favorate. If you are lucky, you may still see cherry blossoms. The weather is pleasant and suitable for sweaters or light jackets.

Dekamaster · 29 Dec 2007

I like it around late October up to November. The weather's fine --- hovering on 15 C average. Good for walking and sightseeing. Just pray that the rains won't come.

centrajapan · 29 Dec 2007

If you like beer then summer is the best time because then you can enjoy the hot sticky summer evenings on roof top beer gardens. I happen to find girls to be sexier in the summer time. So thats something to think about.

If you like skiing then winters are best because that is the only season with snow.

The best hot springs are up in the mountains and the best time to hop into a hot spring is in the winter time.

Those are my opinions based on my own empric studies.

The heating system in Japan is not good. In the summer time you end up freezing due to the strong AC and in the winter time you end up sweating due to the heating on trains and department stores. Atleast I did.

Since your flag says Malaysia. I say go to Japan in the winter time and experience a change in climate.

Best Time To Travel Japan

siewcs

Registered

Homerduff

ケビン

Glenski

Just me

mso

後輩

ArmandV

Eight Times To Japan

Dekamaster

「地獄の番犬！」

centrajapan

先輩

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