Japan
The most rewarding country to over-plan
The honest version
Tokyo, Kyoto and one detour is the classic ten days and it works. Cherry blossom and autumn colour are spectacular and priced accordingly; book six months out or accept the shoulder.
On the ground in Japan
Places our team has checked against their own sources. We hold the table, book the guide and split the cost across the crew.
When to go
Same country, four different trips. Pick the one you actually want.
Cherry blossom
Mar – Apr
Mild, brief, spectacular.
Book six months out. Prices are set accordingly.
Early summer
May – Jun
Warm, rainy season from mid June.
Good value between the two peaks.
Autumn colour
Oct – Nov
Cool, clear, the best hiking weather.
Equal to spring and slightly easier to book.
Winter
Dec – Feb
Cold and dry in Tokyo, deep snow in the north.
Best time to go if skiing is the point.
While you're there
Events in Japan that could anchor the trip instead.
Your countdown
Counted back from the day you fly. Lock dates in the planner and these become real calendar entries.
- Coming up3 months before you fly
Book flights
The 90 day mark is usually the floor for long-haul economy. Peak season windows want more like 150.
- Coming up3 months before you fly
Lock accommodation
Group-sized villas and adjoining hotel rooms are the first thing to disappear.
- Don't miss2 months before you fly
Check visa and passport
Confirm entry requirements for every passport in the group, and that nobody expires within six months of the return date.
- Coming up2 months before you fly
Rail pass and reservations
Buy the rail pass before arrival and reserve the popular routes as soon as the window opens.
Source - Don't miss4 weeks before you fly
Final group payment
Collect the balance from everyone before the supplier deadlines land.
- Good to know7 days before you fly
Pack for the season
Check the forecast against what this season actually does, not what the month sounds like.