Universal Studios Japan All You Need To Know Before To Go, Bagan Myanmar Discover This Ancient City With 3000+ Temples, Malapascua Island One The Hottest Travel Destination in the Philippines, Hue Vietnam Our Selection Of The 10 Best Things To Do In Hue Vietnam, Where to stay in Hoi An The Coolest Areas For Your Travel Accommodation, Shodoshima Japan Discover The Beautiful Olive Island in Shikoku, The 10 Best Cycling Cameras In 2023 To Create Amazing Footage, Discover our Selection of the 5 Best Beaches in Cambodia. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. For some, the answer is a resounding yes - Japan is an incredibly unique and fascinating country with a rich culture and history. Omotesando is great for two things: Sightseeing all the chic modern architecture, and spending copious amounts of money at name-brand luxury stores. The southern and western parts of the country tend to be slightly warmer, while the northern and eastern parts of the country tend to be cooler. So getting to Tokyo from Narita Airport can be a lot more complicated than you would think. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Make sure you buy a sturdy umbrella or opt for a good poncho. An example of these day passes would be the Tokyo Metro 24-hour ticket (600) and the Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway 1-day ticket (900). With such an array of activities to partake in that are limited to the summer season in Japan, it would be a shame for anyone to reconsider traveling to the small island country during the hotter months. Each of Japans 4 distinct seasons has its draws and drawbacks (some more than others!). That said, you arent exactly going to a maid cafe for the food. Well try our best to bet back to you! Copyright 2021 Asian Wanderlust, All rights Reserved. Those that might not have much experience with mountain hiking are advised to do so during the summer, though access to the mountain is available year-round. Hopefully with these helpful tips youll be able to brave the weather and enjoy your time in the land of the rising sun to the fullest! Even if you are not a native Japanese speaker, you can still enjoy Japan and make the most of your stay. Ever thought of goingscuba diving in Japan? Its embarrassing to admit, but we must have suffered lugging around huge rolling suitcases for about 9-years, while traveling to and from Japan, before we learned why every Japanese traveler was lined up in front of the Yamato Transport counters (famous for their black cat logo) upon arriving at the airport. Look, I know convenience stores often have a terrible reputation for mediocre food and food-related illnesses, but Japan has stepped the convenience store game up. The Japanese tea ceremony also called sadou or chanoyu (the way of tea), is a part of Japanese arts of refinement along with ikebana (kado) and incense (kodo) preparation. Some seasons are better than others depending on your interests or what kind of weather you prefer. Knowing what to expect is half the battle, and this way you can prepare yourself for it. The only way to get to and from the Kansai International Airport (KIX) is via public transportation, which is approximately 50 kilometers from Osakas center. Under the right circumstances, buying gold can have several advantages. Despite being a very high-tech nation, Japan still relies heavily on cash for transactions. More international and domestic travelers mean not just higher prices for getting around, but also higher hotel rates. Looking at 2 weeks. More tips to climb the Mount Fuji are available here: Climbing Mt Fuji. Now, that may sound like the only customers youll find are single men, but theyre actually pretty popular among young women in Japan as well. Japan has four distinct seasons: Youve got the famed cherry blossoms in the spring, festivals in the summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and powdery snow come wintertime. The Pros And Cons Of Tourism In Japan - Visit Nagasaki Weve heard that summer in Tokyo is similar to summer in NYC, hot and humid. Most Japanese people go back to their parents homes for family reunions during Obon. What other place will you find school kids taking trains without help from anyone else to school every day? Sendai Japan Visit This Beautiful City in Miyagi Prefecture. Here are some useful words and phrases to get you through your time here: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. November has a smaller chance of rain than October, and more comfortable temperatures than December. 1. When is the Best Time to Visit Japan in 2023? Here's When to Go/When to Just type the restaurant name on Google Maps for directions: I know what youre thinking. Fukuoka & Tokyo. Visiting Japans traditional temples, shrines, gardens, geisha, shops, restaurants, and festivals here is the best experience of your life. Awadori Festival is the largest dance festival held in all Japan in August and it attracts over one million tourists to watch the festivities each and every year. But still, it wasnt all that pleasant, and it wouldnt be our season of choice. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace is open year-round but is closed on Mondays and Friday and New Year holidays. The country also has a very strong economy, and its citizens enjoy a high standard of living. There will always be a thing going on somewhere in Japan at any given time of year. Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses features exhibits on how Japanese farmers lived in the past. If youre in an expensive area like Roppongi, then prepare to spend a ridiculous 900-1,200 per beer, or you could go to a cheaper area, such as Ebisu, and find it as low as 350. JR Pass cannot be used in these lines. The company, Japan Wonder Travel, provides guided tours throughout Japan. The dance that started the craze combines lively and traditional movements set to modern music. We like to suggest at least 7 days as it gives you enough time to see much of Tokyo and its surrounding areas. The best time of year to visit Japan is not necessarily the best time of the year; each season has its own unique charms. We spent the night in Hakone and bought the (not so cheap!) You might think in all this heat and rain everyone would stay inside, but that's simply not true! Umeda Sky Buildings rooftop observatory provides breathtaking views of Osaka, as well as spectacular views of the surrounding city. These hotels are actually quite respectable in Japanese society and provide an escape for many Japanese couples still living with their families; which is still quite common here. Fuji. Nowadays, its atmosphere still feels like it because of the bargain foreign brands like Nike, Chanel, and Korean cosmetics. There are many good experiences to be had in Japan. Summer means rising temperatures and more sunscreen for those enjoying outdoor activities. But its beautiful outside, we thought naively. And fall foliage in Japan is something weve been dreaming about seeing! I admit though, there are some not so great points about summer in Tokyo. Note that the Japanese celebrate Christmas here by buying KFC chicken of all things (no, Im not kidding), but its not an official holiday. The country is known for its rich culture and history, and its people are known for their hard work and dedication. While contributing to noise pollution, overcrowded public spaces, and a general feeling of being overwhelmed. June to July is Tokyo's rainy season, when grey skies and heavy rain makes the city a washout. If youve had a few days in Japan, you can still visit Tokyo spots like Oedo Onsen Monogatari, which is only open to Japanese visitors. But if youre looking to get that iconic shot of a clear sky day and the mountain towering in the background in her famous symmetrical grandeur, late autumn through early spring will be your best bet at capturing this sight. . The Japanese word meaning Cheers! Visit: Nearest Stations Otemachi Station, Marunouchi Station, and Tokyo Station. East Shinjuku is where youll find Kabukicho; home of pubs, hostess bars, restaurants, karaoke, Toho IMAX, and a vast number of pachinko parlors. I would also love to visit Kyoto, which is full of beautiful temples and gardens. You should also be able to store your normal clothes and belongings at the shop, so you dont have to worry about needing to carry large bags around with you. Copyright 2018 All Japan Tours All Rights Reserved. After you've decided what you'd like to see and do, use this list to select the best time to go! Tokyo is a massive city at over 800 square miles, so it's hard to pick a true center of the city. Check out ourUltimate Japan Travel Guidefor all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below. Once you visit a Japanese garden and sat down, you just want to stay there forever. DISCLOSURE: Were not sponsored by Dormy Inn, we honestly just like it this much and want to see it succeed. Tokyo is the world's greatest city: 50 reasons why This is also where youll find the infamous Robot Restaurant and Golden Gai. Japan is a great place to visit for budget-minded travelers because public transportation is inexpensive. Yet, despite the head and humidity, Japanese culture and traditions never fail to come alive in summer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live. Compare that to dining at family restaurant chains like Jonathans, Saizeriya, or Cafe Gusto, where you can get a decent meal for around 400-1,500. We will send some suggestions based on your needs. All the major attractions will be absolutely packed! Want to visit Japan for a conducted tour of 15 days and am thinking of mid September to early October. Not only are there tons of awesome things to see and do in Japan during the summer, but the season itself happens to match up with many holidays in various countries that enable travelers to visit the country! The park is a day trip by itself if you visit all the museums and shrine within it. If either of those would bother you, its easy to eliminate a season right off the bat. In short, Kyoto is the best destination for Japan travel, and it should be at the top of any travel itinerary. What are the pros and cons? PROS OF LIVING IN JAPAN Where else in the world is it. From Haneda Airport, the travel to Tokyo is shorter and cheaper (30 minutes vs. 100 minutes). Summer in Japan Japan is a beautiful country rich with culture and traditions that people travel from around the world to witness and take part in. Many Japanese people take international vacations and airlines take advantage of this. It is nearly impossible to commit a violent crime. For the purpose of this article, well mostly be discussing the weather on the island of Honshu. But it forces you to squeeze everything is within the days your pass is valid. Japan Trip Planner: Things To Know Before Traveling Japan - Pages of Travel When you visit Japan, it is unquestionably a must-do to take a shinkansen ride. Only a few minutes walk from Kabuki-za theater, youll find yourself in the former popular Tsukiji Fish Market. But Harajuku isnt just for teenagers, its also well known for Yoyogi Park, Meiji Shrine, Cat Street, a ridiculous amount of crepe shops, and vintage clothing. Summer was hot and humidlike really humidso we found ourselves sweating through our shirts daily. Uber does exist here but is actually far more expensive than just taking a taxi. Visit: Nearest Station Akihabara Station. Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for students. Women are also not permitted to board trains in some cases. A good kimono service will offer a large selection of colorful kimonos in gaijin (foreigner) sizes, and professional dresser who will assist you to properly select and wear your kimono. Summertime is peak season for Japanese people to travel. Visit: Nearest Station Harajuku Station. From the end of December to the beginning of January, many businesses close their doors. Youll know it by their black cat logo. With typhoon season peaking at the beginning of September, the start of fall in Japan is typically rainy depending on where you are. If you know what to do and keep a close eye on your expenses, you can save a lot of money when traveling to Japan. If youre planning on visiting Japan during the summer season (or are already booked and ready to go! Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkeling: Read Before You Book! You will have a great time at the club because the people are friendly and welcoming, and they will make you feel right at home. Thats because, in Kyoto, nearly every attraction has an entrance fee. In 2018, the country welcomed over 31 million international visitors. Sort of the little brother to Akihabara, Ikebukuro is an entertainment and shopping district where you can find plenty of electronics, manga, anime, video games, and whatever else your inner otaku needs. Learn the ins and outs of Japanese bento cooking at a Japanese hosts home. Sushi in Japan comes in a few varieties. Viator. A little effort can go a long way. If you travel to Japan in the spring, youll be rewarded with comfortable temperatures, beautiful blossoms, andcrowds. Below are some pros and cons for why this is the best and worst week to travel the archipelago. Despite the climate, the locals sprightly stroll through booths to try dishes from different parts of the country, play carnival games, and enjoy haunted houses. One of the most iconic places in Japan, Sensoji Temple is what most foreigners think of when they picture Japanese temples, and its in Asakusa. Is Los Angeles a Good Place to Live? 12 Pros and Cons - Redfin And it did rain on us a few times but typically it would only last for 20-30 minutes and the rain would stop. If you visit Nara from Kyoto, you can take a walk through the citys Buddhist temples and see deer running around freely. They are best for couples traveling in a group who want some time alone, or for people just looking for a little fun. If you are planning to visit the northernmost island of Hokkaido, or Okinawa in the very south, be sure to look up their specific weather, as they vary from the rest of the county. Why? Youll also want to reserve seats on trains ahead of your trip, otherwise youll be out of luck. . 3) A good camera to take pictures of Osakas architecture. Golden Week, which is celebrated along with New Years and Obon holidays, is one of the most popular travel weeks in Japan. Kid-friendly area, perfect for staying in if you plan to visit Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea. Click here for the best coffee shops in Tokyo. During the winter, it is not uncommon to see far fewer tourists in Japan. This is the first article I read for the trip we are planning. Public transportation in Japan is efficient and convenient. Although dressing in a kimono is best experienced in Kyoto, Tokyo offers plenty of options for this experience as well. It is the countrys cultural and historical heart. Japan has 4 distinct seasons: The winter is cold and the summer is hot. For my American readers out there, 300 meters is just under 1000 feet or 0.18 miles. Remote worker count is estimated based on the total amount of trips logged by Nomad List members. You should plan ahead of time to visit Japan for 7 to 10 days if you are visiting for the first time. You can watch from the crowd and learn the steps of the dance, or be taught by an onsite dancer teacher! Your best Japan trip should not take you from one place to the next, but rather provide you with an in-depth understanding of each. Red is bad. Our guide is geared towards first-time travelers to Tokyo, but we believe that it can help you no matter how many times youve been here. Our personal pick would be to visit Japan during November; but more on that later. Turns out, they were picking-up or dropping-off their luggage! If you're going to be visiting a famous sightseeing spot, some people prefer to have a detailed explanation about the history or the cultural aspects in English. Thats because the typical starting price is between 400-700 and 80-90 per 300 meters traveled. 2,118 people. This is especially true for college students or parents with children still attending school, as summer breaks allow for extended vacations for many travelers. There are no last call laws, there are no laws against public consumption of alcohol, and, as long as youre not causing a huge public problem, you arent going to be arrested for public drunkeness. Pros and cons of traveling in each month in Japan To help you choose the best time to visit Japan, we've broken down each month into a handy pros and cons list. With some careful planning, a Japan vacation can be a wonderful and memorable experience without breaking the bank. In Japan, there are only one of two ways you could witness sumo wrestlingvia a televised broadcast which you could view remotely or up close in person during any of these four eventsSumo Practice, Sumo Events, Sumo Tours, and Grand Sumo Tournament. From July to September daily temperatures are in the high 20s and often reach into the low 30s, whilst humidity can rise to between 70-80%. Click here if youd like to join some of the best food tours in Tokyo. The main international airport is Tokyos Narita International Airport. Weve traveled to Japan in both the summer and the wintertime, and each had its own pros and cons. And theres no arbitrary time where purchasing alcohol suddenly becomes illegal. Visit: Nearest Station Omotesando Station. Despite the fact that you wont be able to see all of Japan, there are some great places to visit. Sandwiches, boxed lunches (bento), ramen, and even sushi (yes, actually good sushi!) Being an island nation, the diving in Japan is actually quite good, and being an off the radar scuba destinations means less crowded dive sites! You can schedule a visit with a doctor and get the medication you need more . Flying into Tokyo How to transfer to central Tokyo from the airport Understanding Tokyo's transportation system Passes and tickets to get around in Tokyo Japan hacks to know for smarter travel How many days to stay in Tokyo Accommodations options in Tokyo Best areas to stay in Tokyo Instead, picture a multi-story building with hundreds of private rooms, many with zany themes to suit your interests, with drinks and food to order, and a group of your closest friends laughing and joking about your impeccable (to you at least) rendition of Sweet Child O Mine. You are served with small food dishes designed to be as cute as possible and seem custom made for Instagram. Ise Jingu is the countrys most sacred Shinto temple, also known as Ise Grand Shrine. It's definitely a decision you should think about before creating an itinerary for your trip. Exactly as you would expect, bunk beds and privacy issues. Lets chat about the sun, the snow, the rain, and those dreaded typhoons. Our fast food restaurants recommendations: Go to a convenience store! The further you can stay away from those big summer dates, the better! Traveling during the summer off-season means better deals, better prices, and more money to spend on souvenirs, food, and activities while traveling around Japan. If you walk on a city street at night, you will not be ugged. It is best to visit Kyoto if you want to learn about Japans history and traditions. While theres plenty of traditional Japanese cuisine here (obviously), dont limit yourself to it alone. Golden Week is a series of four national holidays that all fall within the same week from April 29th May 5th every year. Thinking about your answers to these questions is going to help you start to determine when to visit Japan. The main attraction of these festivals is the bon odori (Bon Dance). Trip Tips: Pros and Cons of Traveling Japan during Golden Week What to Expect When Visiting Japan Nothing beats visiting Japan and experiencing its culture and sights for yourself. They provide the ultimate form of relaxation after a long day of sightseeing, and you always leave feeling spoiled. Capsule hotels cater to overworked (or overdrunk) salarymen who miss the last train. Most people think of Tokyo as the capital city of Japan, but thats not strictly true. Flights and accommodations in Japan have a larger discount in summer due to the fact that there arent many visitors between cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Green is good. Ah food, my favorite subject. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Check out the type of Sumo tickets you can purchase. The rainy season (suyu, plum rain) lasts from early June to mid-July. Mount Fuji is perhaps the most well-known symbol of Japan, if not the most well-known landmark. See our favorite restaurants in Tokyo. In fact, you can find many museums within the park such as Tosho-gu Shrine, The National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo National Museum, Shitamachi Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum Central Building, The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures, and Tokyo National Museum of Nature and Science. Except for nattoyuck. Hakone Day Pass to get close to the mountain, yet we only saw WHITE FRICKIN CLOUDS. We mention this to clear up any confusion when talking about places like Shinjuku, Shibuya, etc. opportunities to gro . A great festival to enjoy during the annual heatwave is the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival. Hotels and other types of accommodations in Japan typically range from 5,000-15,000 per night for budget accommodations and 15,000-50,000 per night for deluxe and traditional Japanese accommodations. Japan, Japan Travel Tips, Very useful, it wont be for this year but for next one hopefully. The average temperature in Japan during spring is between 5-21 C (41-70 F), with pretty chilly mornings and nights. You should avoid visiting Japan during the peak tourist seasons if you want to feel as if youve been there yourself (to the degree possible). For your lunch or dinner, I recommend unagi bentorice topped with marinated eel. If you cant or dont want to use the TA-Q-BIN service, but still want to sightsee during your first and last days in Tokyo without lugging around large bags or suitcases, then there are luggage storage options available for you. With 100 USD spent per day, you can expect to spend $2,100 per year. Summer in Japan Cons #1 - The Weather The biggest set back to traveling through Japan in the summer is the weather. Hokkaido can be freezing while the subtropical island of Okinawa can be experiencing a beach day. Whichever you choose, have fun, and dont burn yourself. As a general rule, the further away from the major cities you stay, the cheaper it will be. Should you visit Tokyo or Barcelona? - Budget Your Trip The castle, which was built by a powerful warlord who ruled Japan in 1583, is one of Japans most well-known landmarks. Japan is a country where you can save money by being a local. a:visited {
There are plenty of other festivals to enjoy in the summertime. Where To Stay In Tokyo - Our Favourite Areas & Hotels In Tokyo If you visit Japan as an international tourist, you will be able to buy a JR Pass, which is an extremely cost-effective way to do so. One thing many first-time visitors to Japan may not realize (ourselves included) is that Mount Fuji is notoriously shy. As described above, celebrants carry insanely large poles adorned with lanterns through the streets of the city during the night. Visit: Nearest Stations Ginza Station and Tsukijishijo Station. Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning Property in Japan The Nations Kitchen is known for its excellent restaurants and food, which distinguishes it from other cities. Japanese etiquette: Dos and donts for first-time tourists, My 41 travel advice before traveling to Japan, Click here if youd like to join some of the best food tours in Tokyo, Click here for the best coffee shops in Tokyo, here are our recommended bar-hopping tours in Tokyo, Click to read our article on the average cost of travel in Japan (with the detailed expense breakdown), https://www.tokyo-icc.jp/guide_eng/kinkyu/05.html, How to transfer from Narita Airport to central Tokyo, How to transfer from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo, Click to view all important apps to download for your trip to Japan, Accessible guide to Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines, Accessible guide for exploring the greater Tokyo area, Leave your luggage at the Voyagin Office in Shibuya, Click to see our recommended family & baby-friendly hotels in Tokyo, Click here to get your teamLab borderless tickets in advance, Click here to book a private Toyosu Fish Market tour, Lake Yamanaka: Our Itinerary in Fujis Biggest Lake, Guide to Renting the Best Pocket WiFi for Japan Travel 2023, How to Really Plan the Perfect Trip to Japan: First-Timers Guide, The Best and Worst Times to Visit Japan: Weather Tips 2023, Japan in 10 Days: The Ideal Itinerary For A First-Timer, Guide To Choosing The Best Bag For Traveling Japan, Japan Vacation: Every Cost You Need to Know. THIS SAFE Yes, we know every country has some crime, and Japan has its share, but it is incredibly safe most of the time. Japan Rail Pass - Is It Worth It? - Inside Kyoto Article | January 2nd, 2023 | Dayna Hannah. Let us help you. July and August can reach as high as 35 and 40C (95 and 104F) respectively. They also do bike tours, if you're wanting to see the city on wheels. So you really need to find the right balance. Spring is most commonly defined as the time period from March to May, or from October to November.