Blog

Seasons5 min readJuly heat and fireworks: a hot-season planJuly is hot and humid in most of Japan, with festivals and fireworks at night. Learn how to plan the heat, the evening events and the crowded trains.Seasons6 min readKyoto in November: leaves, lights and late crowdsNovember is a strong month for Kyoto's leaves and evening lights. Learn how to plan the busy days, the cold evenings and the crowds at the best spots.Seasons5 min readMarch: early blossom in Tokyo and KyotoMarch can bring the first cherry blossom in Tokyo and Kyoto. Learn when to expect it, how to avoid the crowds and what to pack for cool evenings.Seasons5 min readMay: mild weather and the spring festival seasonMay brings mild weather, green parks and spring festivals to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Learn what to expect and how to pick the right days for a relaxed trip.Seasons4 min readOsaka Castle Park in cherry blossom seasonOsaka Castle Park is a good place to see cherry blossom in spring. Here is how to plan a visit in March or April, with a picnic, a walk and a forecast check.Seasons5 min readReading a sakura forecast before you bookCherry blossom forecasts change often. Learn the difference between first bloom and full bloom, when forecasts appear and how to book with flexible plans.Seasons5 min readSeptember: shoulder weeks and typhoon checksSeptember can be a good month for travel, with the summer crowds gone. Learn how to use the shoulder weeks and check typhoon risk before you book.Festivals5 min readSummer fireworks: how to watch themSummer fireworks draw large crowds in Tokyo and Osaka. Learn how to choose a viewing spot, arrive early and get back to your hotel safely.Festivals5 min readTenjin Matsuri in Osaka: boats and drumsTenjin Matsuri is one of Japan's great summer festivals, held in Osaka in July. Learn how the boat procession works, where to watch and how to plan a night out.Seasons5 min readWinter in the old cities: quiet streets and short daysWinter in Kyoto and Tokyo is cold, with short days and fewer crowds. Learn how to plan the shorter light, the cold and the quieter streets.

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