The info on this page is based on historical averages and might not reflect current conditions. Check with local authorities for the latest travel advice.
Read moreThe best time to visit Japan is from late March to early April, and from September to November. During the spring, the country is covered in swaths of cherry blossom trees, while autumn takes on a new palette as tranquil gardens and parks turn shades of red, orange, and gold. Along with the beautiful foliage, the weather is mild during these periods and pleasant for strolling around the sights.
In major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, your best bet for immersing yourself in the pink tint of sakura season is the start of April. It’s not an exact science, but generally the milder the climate, the earlier the blossoms open – bear this in mind when planning your trip. Along with exploring Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, public bathhouses (sento) and hot-spring baths (onsen) are some of the most therapeutic ways to immerse yourself in the local culture. Japan is also renowned for its flavorful cuisine, so be sure to fill your plate with sushi, udon noodles, and tofu between soaking up the sights.
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Monthly weather and travel tips for Japan
Japan in January is relatively chilly with temperatures dropping to around 50ºF and many parts of the country getting snow. But between winter festivals, hot springs, and skiing, there are plenty of ways to keep warm. Thinner crowds combined with consistently impressive sights make it well worth braving the crisp weather in big cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, but bear in mind that a lot of businesses close during the New Year period. If you’re determined to leave your coat and umbrella at home, the Okinawa Islands in the southwest enjoy semi-tropical weather year-round, with temperatures of up to 65ºF.
The Shōgatsu (New Year) festival kicks off on January 1 when everyone unites to wish good health and prosperity to one another. Head to a snow art festival to see beautiful ice sculptures of mythological creatures that are illuminated at night. Since January is the coldest month of the year, many also take to the slopes to enjoy skiing or snowboarding, with Hakuba and Niseko being two of the most popular resorts.
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As the cold snap continues into February, ski season reaches its peak as blankets of thick, powdery snow are met with more sunshine and slightly warmer temperatures than January. Although the weather is usually sunny and dry, you should pack plenty of warm clothes to cope with the cooler temperatures, which average out at around 50ºF during the day and 35°F in the evening. There are smaller crowds this time of year, making it a great time to explore the main sights with shorter lines.
February’s highlights include Sapporo’s annual snow festival, which attracts two million visitors with its ice sculpting competition, a skating rink, and snow slides for kids. Towards the end of the month, plum blossoms begin appearing to signal the start of spring. Head to famous viewing points like Kairaku-en in Mito or Tokyo’s Hanegi Park along with many other gardens and shrines to appreciate the vibrant shades of these colorful trees.
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March’s main draw is undoubtedly the tradition of “hanami,” which literally means “to look at flowers.” It won’t take you long to see what all the fuss is about, with the sakura trees blooming in parks, along streets, and riversides. The cherry blossom colors begin to peek through at the beginning of March as the reddish hues spread from south to north. Expect a full-on pink parade as the month draws to a close. It's worth checking the cherry blossom forecasts ahead of time if you want to see the country at its most colorful. These will be available between January and February, and will be updated weekly throughout the season.
Anime is a big deal in Japan, so if you’re in Tokyo at this time, check out AnimeJapan – the world’s largest festival dedicated to this popular animation style. Daytime temperatures average out at a pleasant 55ºF, meaning it’s one of the most enjoyable times to visit the country. If you’re going to be out the whole day, you should pack a relatively warm coat or sweater to wrap up in during the evenings when it gets a bit fresher.
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A surge of warm weather throughout the country makes April the ideal time to visit any part of Japan. Cherry blossom season hits its stride in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, and southern Okinawa’s beach resorts are open for business. While temperatures average out at 66ºF during the day, you’ll still want to wear something warmer in the evening when it can get quite chilly.
Die-hard winter sports enthusiasts can still hit the slopes at some resorts, like Niseko, which offers spring skiing. If you’re looking to appreciate the beauty of cherry blossom season in full swing, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto offer some of the best hanami (blossom viewing) as flushes of pink cover streets, parks, and shrines. However, there are thousands of spots across the country to observe sakura (cherry trees) in bloom. Keep in mind that crowds will swell during Golden Week (April 29 to early May) when many Japanese holidays take place.
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As Golden Week festivities spill over into the first week of May, cherry blossoms are at their pinkish peak in the northern region of Hokkaido and average temperatures creep up to a pleasant 73ºF. Many Japanese people take the week off work, so expect public transit and parks to be packed.
Once the crowds have dispersed, you can enjoy a relatively roomy exploration around main cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto while enjoying the t-shirt weather. With ski season officially over, hiking is the best way to keep active, with Hokkaido’s mountains and various national parks being the best spots for a scenic stroll. Tokyo is filled with festivals during May, including the wild weekend-long Sanja Matsuri where around 100 portable shrines are paraded through the streets. The end of the month sees the hugely popular Roppongi Art Night put on its weekend of outdoor installations and live performances, turning the area into one big open-air gallery.
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By late June, the rainy season (“tsuyu”) affects most of Japan, so packing a waterproof coat and umbrella is essential. The northernmost islands of Hokkaido are the one part of Japan that escapes the showers, enjoying sunny weather for most of the month. Down south it’ll be pretty hot and humid, with rain falling in sporadic tropical downpours and temperatures around 80ºF.
Despite the wet weather in central and southern Japan, there’s still plenty to see and do in the big cities. It’s an ideal time to make use of the traditional hot springs known as onsen, where you can soak in geothermally heated waters rich in minerals. There are also plenty of free festivals going on across the country, such as Hyakumangoku Matsuri in Kanazawa, where you can observe traditional 16th-century costumes and folk dancing.
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By July, sunny days are frequent in the north and south, making it perfect for mountain excursions or snorkeling around the Okinawa Islands. Honshu and central Japan are wetter regions as the rainy season continues. Although it can get very hot and humid in most parts of the country, you can find cooler weather in northern regions like Hokkaido where temperatures average out at 70ºF.
Climbing season officially begins in July, when adventurous types tackle Mount Fuji – the country’s highest peak at 12,400 feet. If you’re around on the last weekend of July, you can catch some of the biggest musical acts at Fuji Rock Festival. It’s also the time for popular summer festivals like Gion Matsuri in Kyoto and Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka, as well as hundreds of “hanabi taikai” (fireworks shows) to be held across the country.
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A combination of hot, humid weather, school vacations, and the start of typhoon season means a visit in August can be quite hectic and crowded. Temperatures range between 73º and 90ºF, so pack plenty of breathable, lightweight clothing. The beaches in Ishikari just outside Sapporo are very popular this time of year and have lower humidity than other parts of Japan thanks to the island’s higher altitude.
Due to the sticky and unpleasant weather, it's best to avoid central cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, but they still host some spectacular fireworks festivals that are worth checking out if you’re in town. Climbing season is still in full swing, so excursions up to Mount Fuji are still very popular at this time. But expect busy trails during Obon week – one of Japan’s three main holiday seasons.
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Harsh weather conditions and limited travel options make September a month to avoid for travelers visiting Japan. Although the weather is generally less hot and humid, peak typhoon season will kick in, usually hitting the coasts of Okinawa, Kyushu, and Shikoku with hard rain and high winds. With this in mind, always carry an umbrella and check weather forecasts before you head out.
In the north you can experience the first signs of autumn creeping through in Hokkaido’s National Parks, as the leaves turn beautiful shades of red and orange. If you’re in Osaka in the third weekend of September, then you’ll witness one of its most energetic festivals – Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri, while full moon gatherings known as “tsukimi” take place all over the country.
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October is one of the best times to visit Japan, as typhoon season and rainy weather give way to pretty autumn scenery, warm days, and mild evenings. Head to Hokkaido’s National Parks to make the most of the season’s glorious shades of red, orange, and gold, with O-numa Quasi National Park offering some of the most colorful foliage. Average temperatures range between 57º and 72ºF across all regions, so there’s no need to layer up while exploring.
The pleasant weather brings a big haul of festivities to all corners of the country, including the Matsue Suitōro festival of water and light, Tokyo’s annual performing arts festival (Festival/Tokyo), and Yokohama Oktoberfest. Halloween is also a big deal in Japan, so expect to see thousands of creative costumes around squares and parks on October 31. Events include flash mobs, street parties, and even zombie runs.
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The sunny weather and wonderfully photogenic autumnal scenery make November one of the best months to visit Japan. Things start to get a little cooler at this time of year, so be sure to pack some extra layers for the chillier evenings, particularly if you’re visiting the northernmost island of Hokkaido, which drops to around 46ºF. The warmest weather can be found in the southern Okinawa Islands, with an average temperature of 72°F.
Mid-November hosts the traditional festival of Shichi-Go-San (“7-5-3”), where girls of seven and three and five-year-old boys don colorful kimonos and receive blessings at Shinto shrines. You can also catch the last sumo wrestling tournament of the year at Fukuoka as the Kyushu Basho event wows crowds at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center. Kyoto is also worth a visit this time of year, with its temples and gardens full of picture-perfect scenery.
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The winter chill is well underway by this time of the year, ushering in the first snowfall, festive illuminations, and the start of the ski season in Hokkaido. Average temperatures range between 39º and 54ºF, and the days are shorter with sun setting in Tokyo around 4:30pm. On the southwest islands, you can still enjoy mild weather reaching 68ºF. The beaches will be all but empty, though the water may be too cold for dipping anything more than your toe.
Many shrines hold New Year’s Eve events on December 31, and eating buckwheat noodles is a tasty tradition known as “toshikoshi soba” – said to bring luck and longevity to those with the longest noodles. At midnight, temple bells around the country ring out 108 times as part of Joya-no-kane, an annual purifying ritual. Despite the fun festivities, this period is one of the three major travel seasons in Japan, so many businesses may be closed or have limited hours. Expect public transit to be more crowded as well.
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Although Japan’s climates and weather patterns vary a lot across its regions, the spring season between March and May is always a safe bet for exploring this amazing country. To give you an idea of how the season pans out weather-wise, Tokyo’s average temperature is around 55ºF in March, steadily climbs up to 65ºF in April, and 73ºF in May. If you’re visiting at the start of the season, it’s best to pack something a bit warmer for the cooler evenings.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | ||
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Tokyo | High | 49°F | 49°F | 57°F | 65°F | 75°F | 78°F | 85°F | 88°F | 81°F | 72°F | 62°F | 52°F |
Low | 36°F | 37°F | 44°F | 52°F | 62°F | 67°F | 75°F | 78°F | 71°F | 61°F | 51°F | 41°F | |
Rainfall | 21 days | 20 days | 21 days | 17 days | 17 days | 19 days | 20 days | 18 days | 19 days | 17 days | 18 days | 21 days | |
Osaka | High | 48°F | 48°F | 57°F | 66°F | 76°F | 81°F | 88°F | 91°F | 83°F | 74°F | 62°F | 51°F |
Low | 37°F | 37°F | 43°F | 51°F | 61°F | 69°F | 76°F | 78°F | 70°F | 61°F | 51°F | 40°F | |
Rainfall | 21 days | 20 days | 21 days | 17 days | 17 days | 19 days | 20 days | 18 days | 19 days | 17 days | 18 days | 21 days | |
Kyoto | High | 46°F | 47°F | 57°F | 67°F | 77°F | 81°F | 89°F | 91°F | 83°F | 74°F | 62°F | 50°F |
Low | 35°F | 35°F | 41°F | 49°F | 58°F | 67°F | 75°F | 77°F | 69°F | 59°F | 48°F | 38°F | |
Rainfall | 21 days | 20 days | 21 days | 17 days | 17 days | 19 days | 20 days | 18 days | 19 days | 17 days | 18 days | 21 days | |
Sapporo | High | 29°F | 31°F | 39°F | 52°F | 63°F | 70°F | 78°F | 79°F | 73°F | 60°F | 48°F | 35°F |
Low | 19°F | 20°F | 28°F | 38°F | 48°F | 57°F | 66°F | 68°F | 60°F | 46°F | 36°F | 26°F | |
Rainfall | 21 days | 20 days | 21 days | 17 days | 17 days | 19 days | 20 days | 18 days | 19 days | 17 days | 18 days | 21 days |
Weather data provided by Forecast.io
Cost of stay in Japan
Want to travel smart? Here you can check out the average cost of accommodations per night in Japan.
The best places to visit in Japan
Check out some of the most popular cities, places to visit, and things to do in Japan!
Tokyo
Popular in April
Shopping, Convenient Public Transportation, Food
Osaka
Popular in April
Shopping, Local Food, Food
Kyoto
Popular in April
Temples, Culture, History
Fukuoka
Popular in December
Food, Shopping, Convenient Public Transportation
Nagoya
Popular in December
Local Food, Food, Shopping
Sapporo
Popular in February
Food, City Walks, Sightseeing
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This places is so beautiful . . . stunning. We walked the beaches, visited lighthouses and took trips to outer islands. Loved it all.
It was a nice city wasn’t crazy comparing to Tokyo, Osaka. You can visit the yamashita park, china town and so on many places to see just walking distance
Furano was an interesting city town, with enough restaurants and markets to find whatever we might need. Both my huband and myself were not feeling well, so it was a good place to relax. All the people at the stores and eating establishments were always helpful and so very polite. There were some amazing views as Furano is surrounded by mountains. Having the ski resort nearby was a bonus.
SOOO much to see, it's hard to choose where to go and what to do. Buy a Pasmo subway pass. It makes getting all around town so easy. And then just keep walking and eating your way through town. Shop for deals, especially on food. And don't hesitate to ask for help or directions. People will kindly help you and if you can't communicate easily, Google translate will be the trick!
If you like shopping, eating, party, and night life, this is the city.
We stayed here to take an early flight out of Kansai airport. Easy access by train from the location to the train station! Even for a very early flight.
The people, the food, and the overall vibe of Osaka was wonderful. I highly recommend this city. I visited many neighborhoods and local restaurants to get a feel for the overall city outside of the more toursity spots (but I did go there too). Shopping was amazing the food was otherworldly. Everyone one I encountered from the hotel staff to the convenience store clerks, and owners of small businesses were so helpful and sweet. I love Osaka and I can't wait to come back!
Motobu is a wonderful smaller town right on the ocean, with ferry terminals and a fishing port. Close to Ocean Expo Park and the aquarium with easy bus transportation to many locations. People were very friendly. Fantastic seafood options and many good local Okinawan food restaurants. and grocery stores. The Motobu Museum is small but had good cultural exhibits.
Tried to escape the week long hustle and bustle of Shinjuku with a two day getaway to Hakone. Like the small town feel of Hakone Yumoto and the natural beauty of the Hakone region. The quaint stores and family run restaurants made for a short relaxing stay before going back to Shunjuku to finish our trip
Very nice high end onsen hotel for those looking for the onsen experience.
Tokyo is a great place to visit and place to get your bearings if you traveling from a long way. You could spend weeks in the city, however, there is so much more of Japan to visit with easy access that 3 days is plenty to budget for Tokyo.
It was a weekend trip for me... On day 1, I visited the snow monkeys relaxing in the onsen. Nice little 1.6km hike through the forest. Lots of great photo opps of the monkeys!! On day 2, I visited Togakushi shrine. I'd been in the summer, but winter was totally different! The snowy landscapes were SO beautiful!! Fantastic photo opps!!
I think Osaka is an underrated city. I discovered many attractions that I did not know that they existed. A real find.
Hagi is a beautiful seaside town, offering a unique ambiance. However, if you don't speak Japanese you may struggle.
Highly modern city while preserving culture and traditions making the experiences very educational and fulfilling. You won’t find any hint of flaw and glitch. There’s always a reason to be happy about everywhere you look at. It’s truly an amazing adventure to explore the city.
Really enjoyed our trip to kamakura! Stayed two days but it’s short, I will stay a week next time!
Hakone is actually a very large place. We decided to take the cable car and ropeway to see the surrounding area, which was a big outing but very worth it. The main area of Hakone has a lot of shops and places to eat. Definitely a destination for people who want to unwind away from the city and enjoy some nature.
We loved visiting the Castle but felt people were being pushed through and you couldn't spend time to read all there was to learn, The Street of Frogs was fun and the general feel of the town was lovely.
On the second day it was raining the whole time so we did not get to see much of Hakone. We did manage to see the open air museum on our first day which is just wonderful.
Tokyo was unique, with lots to see and do. The train system certainly made it easy to access other places. We loved our recent stay in Tokyo.
I have come to Tokyo multiple times. Love the people, love the food, love the atmosphere, enjoy my time here every time. Love Japan
Quaint little town with a lot of old world culture & atmosphere. The deer are a little overdone and smelly but what the heck you are in Nara !!
Stay was too short in Nara! Staying at Smile Hotel was good choice, centrally located to shops, restaurants, buses, train ~ very convenient! Loved the visible culture in Nara and the very pretty deer that wander occasionally through the city! Beautiful location!
Tokyo was absolutely amazing! It has a little bit of everything, from modern to ancient sites, you must visit to understand and appreciate. I can't wait to go back and explore more.
Kyoto is very beautiful. It is very touristy but I could still enjoy wandering along the old streets, shops, restaurants etc. The temples, shrines, bamboo forests are very stunning. People are very nice and friendly. There are a lot to see in Kyoto.
The fashion capital of the world!! And it showed me every day. I played music in the clubs and did rehearsals. The food was way beyond expectations!! Long live, My Basket, Yoshinoya, Lawson. and Calpis Soda!!
It has beautiful shrines and temples. Kinkaku-ji is a stunning heritage sight. The castle interior is a work of art. Kyoto is also a short ways from Nara and Osaka for day trips.
One week was the perfect way to enjoy the town and explore temples and shrines...and cute cafes! We recommend taking a walking tour to get a feel for the town and learn temple etiquette, etc.. In addition, we tried a few experiences - kintsugi golden joinery, woodcarving, and indigo dyeing. It was wonderful to meet the artisans and work with them (even though we are not terribly artistic!). Kamakura never fails when it comes to food - especially Japanese and Italian restaurants, and gelato!
Sixth visit over the last ten years. We make repeat stops for either quality, cost or service and the charm never gets old. Don’t expect to rush, just take your time and enjoy. Also expect to need another bag to get home!
We enjoyed the World Expo the most, visiting the different pavilions of the countries that participated in the expo and learning about the future in terms of innovation and sustainability. Also enjoyed the street food at Dotonburi. Wish the shops stayed open a little longer specially during the World Expo period.
Amazing place. I've never felt safer in a major city. Public transit it very good, and uber is pretty reasonable (also gotaxi). All the delish food everywhere. The shopping streets are very exciting and busy. I would recommend going early, like when they open to avoid the crowds (same for the temples). I was a fan of the sword museum, the exhibits rotate swordsmiths.
A lot of places to see and places to eat. Awesome food!
Kanazawa was definitely one of the highlights of our 3 weeks in Japan. Such an easy city to explore the sights. We loved the Omicho Market, the Kenroku-en Gardens were beautiful, the Nagamachi Samurai district was fascinating and the Higashi Chaya and Kazuemachi Chaya districts were gorgeous, without the crowds of tourists elsewhere in Japan. Definitely worth visiting Kanazawa, we would have liked one extra night to explore a little more, and I would recommend 2 nights as a minimum here.
Beautiful city and nice people. A lot to do and see
Bad check in experience. Took so long. I didn’t know we got a room on the ground floor. At first we thought it’s going to be a bit noisy because the only ground floor room is right by the elevator. But it was quieter. Good price. Great location.
Calm and refreshing after the cities. Air is refreshing and less humid than the major cities. Try renting bikes to get around.
Hiroshima is a very beautiful city. Compared with other Japanese cities, it feels very international because there are many European and American tourists coming here. Most of them probably come to see the Atomic Bomb Memorial! Let's cherish peace!
We had visited Matsuyama many years ago during another long stay in Japan, but we stayed near the station. This time, we stayed across from Dogo Onsen. It was fabulous.
Delicious food, a lot of places to go for anything, and SHOPPING!
Himeji Castle is a must-visit attraction. It’s a good idea to plan an overnight stay in Himeji. The city is not too far from Osaka. Consider adding it to your trip when visiting the Kansai area.
Otaru is a wonderful port town that is not far from Sapporo. Beautiful landscape of both mountains and ocean. I enjoyed my quiet morning walks along the canal near the harbor watching the beautiful sunrise.
Be careful of their public transportation. There are 2 sets of train system which doesn't accept the same ticket. Great way to get around Tokyo is the subway system. It can be daunting in the beginning but once you get the hang of it then its a breeze. Be prepared to do a lot of walking with a lot of people. It seems this city, is the city that never sleeps.
Espectacular . Loved everything. People are so beautiful and friendly. A must come back.
If you are looking for a boutique hotel that offers Western comfort and Japanese hospitality and traditions near Mount Fuji, Mizno Hotel is your place to stay. The views of Mt Fuji are phenomenal. The staff is truly amazing and on par with Amex Fine Resorts standards. We were pleasantly surprised by the amenities (shuttle service, electric bikes, private bath), which made our stay so much more enjoyable. Breakfast and dinner (Shabu Shabu) also exceeded our expectations. Highly recommend.
One of the best city visited . Very neat and historic town , small enough to walk around every where. Love the local people talking Japanese— close to Kyoto with a touch of countryside. More authentic Japanese castle and impressive garden less crowded than in Kyoto. All is less expensive and less spoiled. Love this town.
We went at summer time - there’s rain almost daily but only a few hours. It’s nature’s act which was beyond our control. We still enjoyed our stay!
Tokyo will always be a very special city. It’s a different experience compared to Kyoto, which has a different ambiance. The people, food, temples and culture of Japan are extraordinary. A first time traveler should experience both Tokyo and Kyoto_ it’s always wonderful to come back to Japan!
For me the best city i have visit. Really nice places, great food. Felt save! and amazing landscaping!
Tokyo is a very diverse and sensory stimulated city. So many unique and interesting places.
Plenty of places to visit. Wonderful food everywhere. Cost is a bit lower compared to bigger cities like Tokyo or Osaka. Train can take you to most places you want to go if you prefer to relax a bit more without having to drive
Even though Towada is about 60,000 population (big to me), it is very walkable. Lots of parks to visit (don't miss the Marshmallow House) and you can't beat the food you find in c-stores (Lawsons, 7-11, Family Mart) all over Japan. Towada is a good central location for day trips (if you have a car) to gorges, lakes, mountains, etc.
Tokyo is a great city to visit, if you are going to Japan for just 1 week I recommend staying the whole time in Tokyo. No need to worry about navigation in English there is plenty of signage plus google maps works well. Most places will have an English language menu as well for food. I recommend no car for your trip, the public transit is top notch and get you pretty much everywhere.
This was my first time in Tokyo & i absolutely loved it !
Incredible experience to see the monkeys in the hot springs!
Very enchanting and peaceful city. We embraced the crowds, a necessary part of being one of the adventurers in the country and world.
Tons to do in this area from the river front outdoor market and wonderful shopping on the side streets to unique villages and mountain hikes. I recommend renting a car (Toyota Rent-a-car in Takayama Station) and driving one hour to the shuttle that takes you in Kamikochi (The Yosemite of Japan) and then anther day to the Rope Course (Gondola). I think you need 5-6 days to get it all in.
What can I say. Tokyo is a world class city with plenty to see and do
Beautiful area with an Alpine feel. Plenty of great restaurants. Lots of beautiful nature and hiking. Definitely take the bus up to Shiraito Falls, a unique waterfall like nothing you’ve ever seen.
Lovely walking around old town for dining and shopping local products
Naha has so much to do. We used it as a home base for visiting outer islands and other parts of Okinawa. The people are friendly and laid back. We even enjoyed joining a local band in singing and dancing.
The people are so helpul and nice and the specialities foods in the area lilke okonomiyaki and takoyaki are awesome. Also, the Shinsaibashi/Dontonbori, Osaka castle, the Aquarium are amazing as well.
Nice, charming and clean city, would like to come back again and again.
Just pass by Ina. It a big town between Nakasendo and Aichi.
Tokyo is jam packed but very fun. Plenty to see and do and the people are friendly (although more business like- formal and direct) Of all the places in japan -tokyo is where you’d want to be a little more attentive because of all the foreigners (someone slipped into my hand bag (from a different store), an electronic package while i was queuing to pay for my items in a basket- was a good thing i happened to look into that bag to look at the receipt…)
Nikko is a welcomed change from the bustle of Tokyo. It's many temples and shrines are accessible by foot and are surrounded by peace and nature.
Okunoin cemetery --meditative walk-- was lovely. Would have enjoyed having more time to visit the town. We only stayed one night (which is good, because it was very expensive). However, the train logistics from Okayama meant that we ararived in Koyasan about 2pm and so had very little time to see it. We left after lunch the following day. Two fuller days and one night would have been ideal.
The first place to go to for first timers. Tokyo had a lot to offer and it showed us what Japan is in a nutshell.
1 week should suffice for a relaxing holiday to shop, dine, visit Legoland/USJ + iconic sites and Kyoto nearby.
This place has the best customer service I've ever been to. The Host is a very kind lady that not only have a free sauna & hotel amenity but offered to drive me to local popular destinations & the train station. She's the best host ever!
Tokyo is great! Full, vibrant, diverse! Make sure you know where you are going and how to get there though. Also, be sure to try experiences in addition to the food, shopping, and sight seeing. My favorite part of the trip was a Samurai Museum and Tea Ceremony. They were each very interesting, informative, and fun!!
Hakone was beautiful and provided the views of Mt. Fuji that we were hoping for. We did not have a car and travelled the area by train, cable car, ropeway and pirate ship! Get a tourist pass to make getting on and off the transportation easy. We walked for miles and used all the transportation in the pass. So much fun!
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