The best times to visit Japan are during the spring and the fall. The spring brings vibrant changes in scenery including cherry blossoms coming to life around the country, resulting in a myriad of festivities. The striking colors and temperate climate of fall are a welcome relief after the hot months of summer and before the chilly winter winds appear in Japan.
Spring and fall each have their charms- festivals take place in major cities, clear skies give way to perfect days for Japan cruises, and people come out en mass to celebrate age-old traditions across the island.
Spring in Japan- March to June
Cherry blossoms are only one of the highlights of spring in Japan. Plum trees, wisteria, and irises come into bloom from early March through June which makes for a beautiful sight across the country.
The celebration that surrounds the short window of cherry blossoms blooming in the country dates back to the Edo Period. Warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi held extravagant hanami parties in Kyoto to welcome the end of winter with thousands in attendance, starting a tradition that continues today.
During March and April, when the trees burst with color, people around Japan take to the parks, UNESCO world heritage sites, and open spaces to enjoy the day under the canopy of blossoms with good friends, picnic fare, and fine spirits.
Spring also starts a festival season in cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Takayama, and Okinawa. Japan cruises during this time of year will have you visiting hip, hot spots, far-off islands, and cultural sights that give you a new perspective on the modern world around you.
Fall in Japan- September to November
In the fall, an artist’s palate fills Japan’s sprawling landscape; brilliant reds, sun-drenched yellows, turquoise greens, and fields of flowers greet those who visit. Celebrations are held for good harvests, humpback whales breach the waters at sea, and there is a slower pace than in the busy months of spring and the holiday season that comes shortly afterward.
Summer and Winter highlights
Summer and winter, although either quite hot or cold, also have something to offer. Summer festivals include the month-long Gion Matsuri in Kyoto during July were parades, Shinto rituals, and traditional music take over the city. When the snow flies in winter, ski resorts on the island of Hokkaido welcome snow seekers from around the world.
Japan has a boundless history; a food, culture, and art scene that is truly diverse, and a stunning natural landscape that has drawn visitors for ages. For more information about how Adventure Life can help you plan a custom-made trip to Asia, and the different highlights of Japan-based around the seasons of the year,
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.