Japan’s fascinating geisha districts, bustling metropolis, age-old Buddhist temples and magnificent shrines are the main reasons it has become a tourist hot spot in Asia. But there’s more to enjoy in the country, especially for travelers seeking to travel in luxury. You can indulge in a private dinner with a geisha or a night out on a yacht in Tokyo. Whatever your preferences, here’s a luxury guide to traveling to Japan.
The Best Time Visit
The best time to visit Japan will mainly depend on the activities you wish to do and the places you want to explore. But regardless of the time of your visit, you will always find numerous experiences to discover in this magnificent country.
The cherry-blossom season, also known as the Sakura festival, is the peak travel season in Japan and runs from April to May. During this period, locals and visitors flock to Japan’s gardens and parks for a picnic under a canopy of cherry blossom trees. It’s the best time to visit Japan to experience the cherry blossom season but prepare for the crowd. And since it’s the peak season, hotels can be expensive and fill up fast.
August to November is also a popular time to visit Japan. It’s the best time for hiking through the fall foliage. Mid-August is when the busy season starts. The colder destinations up in the mountain can also get crowded in August, especially the areas close to Mt. Fuji as trekkers gather for their climb.
As for the weather, the best time to visit Japan is between March to May and September to November. During these periods, Japan enjoys warm and dry weather, giving you plenty of time to explore outdoors and not worry about pouring rain.
Top Attractions
There are seemingly endless attractions to explore in Japan that it’s impossible to see them all in a single trip. But there are attractions you should definitely see on your first visit, such as Mount Fuji. You can see Mount Fuji in various places in Japan, such as when taking the train from Tokyo to Osaka and vice versa. It’s also worth exploring the areas surrounding Mount Fuji, such as the Fuji Five Lake region, which sits at the northern foot of the mountain.
History lovers who want to experience Japan’s past should visit Gion in Kyoto, also known as the Geisha District. As you stroll through the streets, you’ll see traditional wooden merchant houses and tea houses, where geisha would entertain guests. You could even come across a real geisha during your stroll.
Japan has numerous temples and shrines, but if you only have time to see one, make it the Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its torii gates that straddle a network of trails. It’s a significant shrine of the Shinto religion located in Kyoto.
If you’re in Tokyo, you should visit Sensoji Temple, which you’ll find in the Asakusa district. It’s one of Japan’s most famous Buddhist temples.
Getting Around
Home to over 7,000 islands and mega cities, Japan can be overwhelming to explore for first-time visitors. To enjoy a stress-free getaway, consider booking a luxurious vacation to Japan which include pre-planned itineraries, which take the stress out of planning your trip.
Adventurous travelers who prefer to explore by themselves can take the trains. Japan has an efficient railway network covering almost the entire country and a fantastic way to get around and visit major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nagoya. These trains are comfortable, clean, fast, and efficient.
What to Pack
When planning what to pack for Japan, consider the time of your visit. For instance, if you’re visiting in winter, you must pack warm clothing since the country experiences cold temperatures. To give you an idea, here are some of the essential items to bring for your trip.
- Appropriate clothing – of course, clothing is an essential item to bring on your trip. Research the weather to determine the proper clothes to wear. Summer can be hot, so bring light clothes, allowing you to explore comfortably. Meanwhile, winter can be very cold, so pack winter clothes to keep you warm.
- Comfortable walking shoes – exploring Japan will involve lots of walking, especially in the bustling capital city of Tokyo. So, don’t forget to pack a pair of comfortable shoes. When buying new shoes for your trip, walk around with them ahead of time to get your feet used to them.
- Universal travel adapter and converter – although most hotels can provide adapters, and you can easily purchase them at convenience stores, it’s a good idea to come prepared by bringing your own.
Best Things to Do
Home to the biggest cities in the world and boasting rich culture and history, you will find numerous things to do on your Japan trip. If you need ideas on what to do on your trip, check these out.
- Walk the Shibuya crossing – considered the world’s busiest crossing, walking the famous Shibuya Crossing is a must on your trip. After your walk, take the time to explore the busy Shibuya District and discover its numerous shopping and dining options.
- Climb Mount Fuji– avid mountaineers should consider climbing Mount Fuji, a sacred mountain in Japan. The official climbing season is from July to mid-September, as the trails are free from snow while the weather is relatively mild.
- Experience the izakaya culture of Tokyo – izakayas are informal bars serving alcoholic beverages and snacks and offer the perfect setting to indulge in delectable Japanese cuisines. You will find these in various places around Tokyo.
- Visit a sake brewery – sake is Japan’s national drink, and a visit to a brewery is a fun and educational experience. The best place is Kobe’s Nada district, home to over 40 breweries, and many offer tours.
- Join a tea ceremony – immerse yourself in the local culture by joining a tea ceremony, a local tradition involving the preparation of green tea and drinking it in a traditional tea house while sitting on a tatami floor. You can also book a private tea ceremony with a real geisha to entertain you.
