Discover the Magic of Japan Beyond Cherry Blossom Season

While cherry blossom season (sakura) is world-famous and an incredibly popular time to visit Japan, this unique country has so much to offer year-round. Explore historic temples, ski on fresh powder in the Japanese Alps, hike through hidden valleys, discover ancient pilgrimage routes, go diving in tropical waters, take part in a traditional tea ceremony or try a kimono in any season. Whenever you can go, we can guarantee that there’s always something new and exciting to discover.

Not only that, visiting Japan during the off-season can offer a more relaxed and budget-friendly experience - flights cost less and budgets go further regarding accommodation; a great thing as Japan is home to incredible hotels. A trip to Japan out of season also allows you to explore the country's stunning landscapes and rich culture without the tourist crowds. All in all, there’s a lot to be said for travelling to Japan outside of Cherry Blossom season.

With this in mind we’ve shared some amazing experiences and landscapes to consider when travelling outside the sakura season:

Winter (Jan - Feb):

From the snow-covered landscapes of Hokkaido to the Japan Alps, winter in Japan is a magical experience, particularly if you’re a keen and advanced-level skier or snowboarder. However, it’s worth waiting until after Christmas and New Year when tourism (both local and international) drops significantly. Don’t miss the Sapporo Snow Festival in early February, which features massive ice sculptures, or relaxing in a hot spring (onsen) surrounded by snow and mountain views.

Late Spring (May, after Golden Week - Jun)

Even without the cherry blossoms, Japan’s gardens and landscapes are worth visiting for their beautiful and lush green scenery. The spring weather is warm and pleasant, making it the perfect time to explore the stunning Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa, the serene bamboo forest of Arashiyama, or hike through the tropical cedar forests of Yakushima Island. In June, many temples and gardens celebrate the blooming of hydrangeas.

If you can, try to avoid Japan’s Golden Week (29 April to 5 May) - a collection of four national holidays within seven days, which makes this period one of Japan’s busiest holiday seasons.

Late Summer (Aug - Sep):

Japan comes alive in the summer months with firework displays and vibrant festivals (matsuri), including Gion Matsuri in Kyoto and Awa Odori dance festival in Tokushima. The weather can be hot and humid at this time of year, particularly in urban areas like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, so you may want to head to the Okinawa Islands for surfing, diving or a relaxing beach break. Flight and hotel prices drop dramatically in late August after the Obon Festival, an annual Japanese holiday that commemorates and remembers deceased ancestors.

Autumn (Nov - early Dec):

Autumn is a lovely time to visit Japan when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing, and the autumn leaves (koyo) are out offering a breathtaking display of red, orange and gold. Early November can be a great time to visit before the peak autumn foliage season begins. Visit Kyoto’s temples, like Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji and Daigo-ji, or take a scenic hike in Nikko National Park, just north from Tokyo, to experience the stunning autumn scenery.

By traveling during Japan's ‘off’ seasons, you’ll enjoy a more peaceful, affordable and authentic experience of this wonderfully rich and diverse country.

If you’re interested to know more about planning a tailor-made holiday to Japan, our team would love to hear from you: info@ampersandtravel.com or 0207 819 9770.