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Best time to visit Japan?

Best time to visit Japan?

It is no secret that an absolute highlight of the Japanese calendar is the springtime cherry blossom 'sakura' season. Late March to mid April sees these soft pink petals sweep their way from the north to the south of Japan. Full bloom really is a sight to behold and despite generally only lasting a few weeks, it can be seen in northern Japan until the middle of May. The weather in spring is pleasantly mild with some rain but rates increase dramatically due to our Easter school holidays in the early part of April and Japan’s Golden Week at the end, and the sheer demand of foreign visitors from across the world. Two million people pass through Kyoto alone during this time!

Although the cherry blossoms and mild weather make spring a popular season, we consider autumn to be the best time to year to visit Japan as the summer heat and humidity turns to mild and pleasant weather, and the leaves begin their transition to powerful reds and golds. Rainfall decreases considerably in October after the typhoon season, prompting a newfound desire to spend time outdoors. The deep red and orange leaves are to the Japanese autumn what cherry blossoms are to spring, which can be seen in abundance framing temples, castles, gardens and mighty Mount Fuji.

An October trip also presents an opportunity to witness traditional harvest festivities on the island of Shodoshima, along with rice harvesting in some of the only terraced fields in the country. There is also an olive harvest here – the only one in Japan – and a visit combines well with a stay on the art haven of Naoshima island nearby.

The leaves then reach their peak in the lowland viewing spots in November, which is a great time to escape the damp grey British autumn and experience a Japan that is considerably less crowded than in cherry blossom season. By late autumn rainfall drops further, making it arguably the best season to visit Japan as far as scenery and weather is concerned. Seasonal food is at its freshest and most abundant.

It is also of course a good time to fly before the airport chaos of the Christmas season. Excellent deals on flights can often be had in late Autumn as it’s not peak season from the airlines’ point of view. With all this in mind, November the best month to visit Japan in our opinion. The brightness and proliferation of the leaves can only really be matched by those in New England and, while our own autumn has its moments, it pales in comparison!

*  View our top recommended tour for Spring - 'Following the Cherry Blossom through Japan'

*  View our top recommended tour for Autumn - 'Autumn Leaves in Japan'

*  For more information please contact email info@ampersandtravel.com / +44 (0)20 7819 9770



Client Testimonials

I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines

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