Japan tours & holidays

March, April and May are excellent months to holiday in Japan and, as a result, are the busiest. The weather is usually fine and beautiful cherry blossoms are in full bloom. September, October and November are also great months to visit Japan on holidays, as the days are warm but not humid and the autumn colours are out.

Winter, while cold, offers great conditions for skiing, snowboarding, going to snow festivals and admiring the stunning mountain scenery. The summer months can be quite humid, but tourist areas are generally quieter and there are many fun festivals and fireworks displays to enjoy.

Read more about the best time to visit Japan

Weather in Japan

• Spring (March to May): temperatures range from 10 to 20°C, with conditions getting sunnier and clearer towards the end of the season.
• Summer (June to August): temperatures range from 21 to 32°C depending on where you are. It’s warmer in the south than in the north. You can expect some rain in June, and it can get quite humid towards the end of the season.
• Autumn (September to November): temperatures range from 7 to 20°C. The humidity starts to calm down in September, but days stay warm until October. Nights can be chilly.  
• Winter (December to February): break out the coats, temperatures during winter range from 0 to 15°C. The mountains and the north experience snowfall.

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While there is evidence the archipelago has been occupied by humans for around 35,000 years, what we know now as ‘Japan’ began to take shape about 1700 years ago as disparate tribes started to unify. Over the centuries, Japan has alternated between feudal, empirical, religious and government rule, with each period birthing different styles of art, architecture and spirituality.

It’s difficult to discuss the emergence of modern Japan without talking about WWII, as it played a large and damaging role in the worldwide conflict. The Empire of Japan surrendered unconditionally to the Allies in September 1945 after the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and was subsequently forced to rename itself as just ‘Japan’. Following the war, the nation faced the prospect of rebuilding and reinventing in the second half of the 20th century. This led to the Japan of today, a nation of technology-led metropolises and a new wave of culture in the form of arts and food.

There are two dominant religions in Japan: Shinto and Buddhism. New-age culture plays a large part in modern Japan with the rise of fashion, manga (Japanese comics) and gaming culture in the 21^st century. However, Japan’s traditional cultural practises of tea ceremonies, bowing, kendo, geisha and sumo still live on.

Read more about religion in Japan

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Japan is an archipelago of more than 6,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean in Asia. The main islands are Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku.

Lying on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan is prone to volcanic activity, which causes frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Because of this volcanic activity, Japan has many natural hot springs that are often used for onsens (Japanese bathhouses).

The majority of Japan’s landscape consists of mountains, which has led to the majority of people living in the flatter coastal regions. The most famous volcano, Mount Fuji, is also Japan's highest peak and is only 100km from Tokyo.

Japan’s cuisine is famous worldwide and for good reason. With a focus on fresh seafood, fresh produce and cooking techniques honed over centuries of practice, Japanese food is bound to delight.

Things to try in Japan

1. Ramen

A staple of Japan: ramen. This dish combines a tasty broth with added ingredients of vegetables and meat.

2. Sashimi

Sashimi is raw, thinly sliced meat, typically fish and served along with soy, ginger and wasabi. The most popular fish served is tuna, salmon, sea bream and mackerel.

3. Tempura

Tempura is a style of deep-frying that is often lighter than other types of fried food. Many things can be made tempura, including vegetables, so this may be a good option for vegetarians.

4. Gyoza

Japan’s dumpling, a gyoza is a delicious parcel of minced vegetables and meat accompanied with a tasty dipping sauce. This dumpling is fried and a delicious snack to find at markets.

5. Sake

Sake is a centuries-old alcoholic drink, sometimes used during ceremonies. Sake can be served hot or cold and does have a bit of an alcohol kick – so user beware.

Read more about the food in Japan

Read more about what to drink in Japan

1. Tokyo

One minute you’re walking through a former black-market quarter, the next you’re paying your respects at a 1400-year-old temple. Eclectic Tokyo is an essential part of any visit to Japan.

2. Osaka

If you’ve ever eaten at a sushi train restaurant, you’ve got the underrated city of Osaka to thank! The motto in this city is 'kuidaore,' which roughly translates as ‘eat until you drop.’ You can consider that a (friendly) order.

3. Kyoto

The home of temples, palaces and the Gion district (where geisha live and work), Kyoto is also where you’ll find the famed Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.

4. Kanazawa

A great place to see a slice of old Japan, with classic sculpted gardens, a restored Old Town and well-preserved architecture from a variety of eras.

5. Hiroshima

Most travellers visit Hiroshima to see the Peace Memorial Park, constructed around the hypocentre of the atomic bomb that destroyed the city in 1945. Follow this up with nearby Miyajima, a tranquil island where tame deer roam the streets. 

6. Yudanaka

This quaint resort town is best experienced in the winter, when snow coats the normally evergreen trees and Japanese macaques come down from the mountains to bathe and groom each other in the steaming natural hot springs of Jigokudani (Hell Valley).

Learn more about the best places to visit in Japan

Learn more about the best things to see in Japan

The official currency of Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY).

Major credit cards are accepted by some stores; however, Japan is still very much a cash culture and as such, some places may not accept credit cards. Ensure you carry enough cash to cover purchases.

ATMs are common in Japan, but unfortunately, some of them don't accept foreign-issued cards. ATMs can be found at many 7-Eleven convenience stores and at post offices.