Japan changes skin four times a year and each version attracts a different traveller. Picking the right dates matters more than any money-saving trick: it decides the photos you bring home, the crowds you meet and what you pay to sleep.
Spring (late March to April): sakura
Cherry blossom lasts seven to ten days per city and moves south to north. It's the most beautiful season and the most contested: Kyoto accommodation sells out months ahead. If sakura is the priority, book early and accept company.
Autumn (late October to November): koyo
Red maples are, for us, the best balance of beauty and calm. Dry weather, 12-20 °C, and the temples of Kyoto and Nara turning colour without April's madness. It's the window we choose for our departures.
Summer and winter: the extremes
- June: rainy season (tsuyu), humid with flat skies.
- July and August: 33 °C with high humidity; worth it only for festivals or the Japanese Alps.
- December to February: snow in Hokkaido and the Alps, empty temples and low city prices.
Weeks to avoid
Golden Week (late April to early May), Obon (mid-August) and New Year move the entire country at once: packed trains, higher fares and many closed businesses.
FAQ
- How many days do I need? Ten to fourteen for Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara and one rural area.
- Do I need a visa? Many Latin American and European passports enter visa-free for tourism; confirm yours before booking.
- Can I travel without speaking Japanese? Yes, and our departures include a Spanish-speaking guide.
- Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it? It depends on the route; on fixed itineraries single tickets often win.
