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Question If I were to plan a trip to southern Japan (June, July, August, September), which month would be best?

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JT303

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I have been planning a trip for a couple years now. I decided to go next summer (summer in the US, winter in Japan). I don't know what month would be best. I plan to do a long range bike ride while there. The original plan was to ride the entire length of the Japanese mainland, however this may be too ambitious for my first attempt. I have decided for the first attempt to be a test to see if I can ride from Tokyo to Kyoto by bike, maybe continue from there to Kobe then Hiroshima if I can keep going. This will serve as a proof of concept to determine if and how I can ride the whole mainland in another visit.

I do know I have the physical strength and endurance to make it. The limiting factor is my amputated right leg, below the knee. I do still have my knee on that side, but it doesn't help much with cycling. I do all the pumping with my left leg which isn't as hard as it sounds. (When you have one limb removed, the remaining one grows unnaturally strong, as it does the work of both). The left leg simply turns the pedal just enough to keep them turning, while the right is doing all the pumping. The difficulty comes in forms of prosthetic maintenance and the damage to the stump inside the prosthetic limb. Rubbing and friction cause opening of wounds and even tissue breakdown (be glad if you don't know what that is). Also, I'm in my mid 40's, this gets harder every year.
I have begun training for the long ride. When I go, I will post the details here as well as on YouTube and maybe Twitch.

I would like to go when it's cool and nice in Japan when it's hot here Southern Utah (it's 110F or 43.3C every day here from May to late October)

Below is a map with the general route I plan to take.
 
Out of those four months, September is best. June is muggy, rainy. July/August are super warm (and humid). September still warm but cooler and less humid. The only downside to September is that there is a little more potential for typhoon. But typically you can just hunker down for a day or two until it blows through with beautiful weather on its tail. And typhoons are a possibility in any of those months.

ジェイ・T said:
(summer in the US, winter in Japan).
Click to expand...
BTW I don't know where you got this idea but Japan is in the same hemisphere as the U.S. and the seasons are the same. Basically you can equate the area you're planning to travel with Atlanta or Orlando.
 
The best season to travel are May and October. Because June is the rainy season and there is a lot of rain. July and August are hot and humid. September is a hot month and typhoon season.

If you are planning to travel between June and September, I agree with mdchachi-san, September is the best. And preferably at the end of the month.

I think the temperature in Japan is close to Salt Lake City. The temperature in September is around 30 to 35 degrees. But the humidity is about 70 percent and very muggy even on sunny days.

Many people ride bicycles in Japan. And there are many bicycle shops. But bicycle shops are only big cities or towns. If you can't find a bike shop nearby in trouble, look for a home improvement store. The home improvement store also repairs bicycle.

NANGI
 
Thank you, (I thought it was the southern hemisphere for some reason). I would like to go when its hot here, which is half the year. It's an avg. of 110F every day and it doesn't cool down at night in the summer. I'm not too worried about how hot Japan is though it is humid so 80F would be like 95F here where it's a dessert. September sounds good.
 
Thank you that's very helpful. I was planning to take a pump, patch kit and at least 4 spare tubes. It will be useful knowing where I can get any parts or maybe just any tools a forgot to bring. Hardware stores, that's a great idea. I got an app that has the bicycle routes of Japan and where bike shops are, though I don't know how good the app is, I only looked at the maps so far. I'm thinking September or October.

Avg summer temp here is 110F or 43.3C, it's insanely hot! I can't imagine living here without my air conditioner. Though anything over 38-39C feels too hot.

I can't wait to see Japan. I've been wanting to take this trip for years, the only thing that held me from doing so was my lack of Japanese language skills. I know it isn't essential but every time I've traveled to another country, I make a point to learn the language first (enough to hold a conversation at least) It makes the trip better. Also, I consider it a matter of respect. Japanese is far more difficult than Spanish or German though.
 
Thank you, I saw the Cycling section but posted here as a general question to reach anyone who would have some info about the weather and temperature. I just started posting here so I'm still finding my way around.
The ride diaries are interesting, I've been looking at some of those, the bike paths look very nice and well maintained.

I'm still considering which route to take. Tokyo to Kyoto is a lot of uphill. By car it's 227 miles or 365 KM, by bike it's 540 KM with 1506 Meters in elevation gain (That's very advanced). Most cyclist take the route through the mountains. There seems a cycling path that follows the route of the Shinkansen (train) along the coast. I don't know the exact distance or elevation gain for that route. I know if it follows a train's route, I will have a nice level grade to ride without much uphill riding.
Again, thank you.
 
Konnichiwa ジェイ・T-san!

I recommend taking the coastal route rather than the inland route. Because there are many flat areas along the coast and there are always houses. If you are in trouble, you can easily ask for help.

The inland area has many hills, and there are few houses in the mountains. If you get into trouble in the mountains, it's not easy to call for help.

In addition, there are many large cities along the coast, so there are many tourist attractions. And I recommend taking the coastal route.

But there are two mountain passes on the route from Tokyo to Kyoto. Mt.Hakone and Suzuka Mountains.

Avoid these two passes. It's easier to go inland, Ooi-Gotenba route and Sekigahara route.



NANGI
 
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Some might argue that flat routes are boring.

Additionally, the coastal routes experience significantly more traffic.
 
ジェイ・T said:
ank you, I saw the Cycling section
Click to expand...
No, Tokyo Cycling Club is a different website, where people who are cyclists meet and talk.

If you want cycling-specific ideas and suggestions for your route and weather--from cyclists--go there.

**
Frankly, only a masochist/sadist would ride the coast route. (the most unpleasant, boring route possible)
 
You'd have a great time and adventure even on the coast route I'm sure. But if you think you can manage it, the Naka-sendo trail would definitely be more scenic and rustic with fresher air.

Top 10 Scenic Cycling Routes in Japan You Won't Want to Miss

Discover Japan's top 10 scenic cycling routes, from coastal roads to mountain trails—perfect for exploring nature, culture, and adventure on two wheels.
www.triptojapan.com
 
I might do that, I wanted to see a lot of things in both cities. I could reverse the route and schedule, no reason to see Tokyo first. Thank you
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thats what I was thinking but I wasn't sure. I figured it would be more or less like riding any other coast (flat mostly). Not to mention the train that runs along that route, trains always run on the flattest terrain available.

The map you included is very helpful, I appreciate it.

Someone said its flat and boring, flat is what I'm looking for. All of the pictures I've seen of the coast look great, and I suspect I'll get a good view of Mt Fuji along the way! Thank you.
 
thomas said:
Some might argue that flat routes are boring.

Additionally, the coastal routes experience significantly more traffic.
Click to expand...
Yes, I've heard that. I am looking for something like that, I'm 44 years old with a prosthetic leg. I think the experience for me, comes down to what natural beauty I see on the ride. The Mtn. route is too advanced for me, most people in my condition would just rent a car.

That coastal route for any 1 leg amputee would be a major challenge.

I could be wrong but from all the videos and pictures I've seen of the coastal route, it looks great. The coastal is quite beautiful in my opinion and I think I might get a good view of Mt. Fuji. The more towns and people the better, I don't anticipate trouble (I always bring at least 3 spare tubes, first aid, air pump and a patch kit for long rides, as should everyone). There seems to be more capsule hotels and baths on that route too.
Thank you.
 
Yeah, the coastal route is challenging enough for me. I'm 44 years old and have a prosthetic leg. I've received a lot of helpful links and maps. Everyone has been very helpful and supportive. I checked out Triptojapan.com, I liked the 3rd entry, 'ride around Mt. Fuji'.
Thank you.
 
I think the naysayers regarding the coastal route are pointing out you'll see a lot of non-scenic stuff.
Like here's a road you'd probably take on that route with fairly typical scenery. But, still, it's Japan and you'll see a variety of sights you haven't seen before even if it's just Japanese suburbia.

Street View · Google Maps

Explore a place in a more immersive way in Google Maps.
maps.app.goo.gl

By the way if you take the time to learn katakana I think it would be really helpful for your trip. For example you'd be able to read lots of things on the way for example this says "coin laundry."
 
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