Japan is a land of vastly different climates. At certain points of the year, the mountainous far north can be snowing while the tropical southern islands are warm and perfect for swimming. Many activities are however more suitable at certain times of year, and of course it’s best to know when the rainy season is so you can plan to enjoy any outdoor activities!
Japan is world renowned for its skiing in winter whilst the summertime is perfect for visiting the relaxing mountain resorts for a swim. No matter what journey of endless discovery you’re about to embark on, check the information below to make sure you’re prepared for the conditions in Japan!
The cherry blossoms, known in Japan as sakura, are usually only in full bloom for around one week. After the period of full bloom the small, round shaped flowers start to flutter gracefully from their trees and the blossoms are said to be the most beautiful in this final stage as the white and pink petals gently float to the ground.
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Summer is the season of fireworks. Almost every night, communities around Japan stage lively firework displays colourfully enlivening the night skies. Summer throughout Japan culminates with large scale festivals, many with folk dancing, as well as “Bon odori” dance meetings for the recreation of local residents, friends and visitors.
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Colourful autumn leaves, known as koyo in Japanese, draw just as many visitors in autumn as the cherry blossoms do during spring. The viewing of autumn leaves has been a popular activity in Japan for centuries. Today people still set out all over the country to find the best spot to view the beauty of the stunning blend of yellow, orange and red leaves.
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Depending on what part of Japan you are travelling to, winter experiences in Japan can be vastly different. Big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka generally experience short winters with cold and sunny days and occasional snowfall.
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Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or you just like to get a bit snap happy on your smartphone, you won’t have to look far (or try too hard) to get some impressive, envy-inducing travel shots in Japan.
From skyscrapers to national parks and high-end dining to casual eats, Japan promises to surprise and delight.
Six simple tips to make your first visit to Japan a great one.
Japan is renowned for its diverse and delicious cuisine. From street-food to Michelin star restaurants, discover the best ‘off the beaten track’ culinary hotspots.
Welcome to Tokyo, the only place in the world that you can eat Michelin-starred food for under $10, sleep in a capsule, or watch live baseball at 4am in the morning.
From the cities to smaller, less known ski resorts, to the wilderness, to the indigenous Ainu culture, there is plenty on offer in Hokkaido outside your favourite snow resorts.