Why is summer and autumn the best time to travel in Japan?
There is probably no other country in the world that could achieve such technological progress and at the same time maintain millennial traditions. It is interesting to come to Japan for the tenth and twentieth time – this country will always have something to surprise even the most advanced traveler. People come to Japan for interesting national culture, unusual architecture and gastronomy, as well as for nature, which is very cherished here.
Japan is interesting in any season, but it is most comfortable here in spring and autumn. In the summer, as a rule, it is quite hot, and walks in the sights can be combined with a vacation on the beach, going to the coast. Sakura blooms in spring, and there is no crowding among tourists from all over the world. In the fall, comfortable weather sets in, and there are fewer tourists than in the spring. This is an ideal season for walking, because all over the country maple leaves turn purple in color, the season of “momiji” begins.
Tokyo
Why is summer and autumn the best time to travel in Japan?
Almost all tours to Japan begin in the capital. Tokyo is a unique city, here you can easily shoot any science fiction about space and the future. You can ride the world’s fastest Shinkasen trains, order coffee from a waiter’s robot, see a panorama of the city from one of the highest observation platforms in the world on Tokyo Tower and visit the ultra-modern Odaiba City of the Future area, built in a landfill. All this futuristic splendor coexists with ancient temples and palaces: in Tokyo there is a whole medieval district of Asakura, where Senso-ji, the world’s oldest Buddhist temple, is located.
You can see all these contrasts with your own eyes and at the same time take part in a traditional tea ceremony as part of the Tokyo: Yesterday and Today tour from Intourist. This orientation tour is best for those who are in Tokyo for the first time. Two days are devoted to sightseeing tours, and the remaining five are to choose from free time or optional excursions on interests. If you want – go to Tokyo Disneyland, if you want – conquer Mount Fuji on foot.
Samurai castles
You can’t come to Japan and not touch the ancient samurai traditions. Osaka has the country’s largest five-story samurai castle, built on two rocky platforms with sheer walls. In the XV century, he played an important role in the unification of the country, and today you can visit it with a guided tour: to see the powerful main gate, ditches and the image of the summer battle in Osaka on an 8-meter wall.
Another famous castle is located in Kyoto. Nijo Castle was built at the beginning of the XVII century by order of the founder of the Shogun dynasty Tokugawa and is known for its “nightingale floors”. The floors in the castle are designed in such a way that it is impossible to step on them without creating a creak. This is done so that the enemy could not go unnoticed, and the sound made by the floors really resembles the nightingale’s singing.
You can see all these castles, as well as visit numerous Buddhist temples, a kimono factory, the ancient geisha district, onsen hot springs and other attractions as part of the 11-day tour “Japan: from east to west.”
Beaches
In summer, you can combine excursions with relaxation in Japanese beach resorts. The island of Okinawa is considered the best: there are white sandy beaches, coral reefs, the cleanest water in the entire oceans and excellent infrastructure: from sunbeds and umbrellas to beach restaurants and water parks. By the way, the Japanese themselves consider Okinawan cuisine medicinal, especially in combination with the local climate, and try to come here to rest at least once a year. However, it is they who mainly rest here, crowds of foreign tourists do not exist here even in the high season.
Another noteworthy resort is Ibusuki, located on the Satsuma Peninsula of Kyushu Island. The city is located on volcanic thermal springs, and the local sand is considered healing, therefore, “sand baths” are popular there: you are buried in the sand along the neck and left for some time.
Nature
Most tourists come to Japan in spring to see sakura blossoms. This spectacle is undoubtedly worth attention, but in the autumn there comes a no less picturesque time – the season of maples “momiji”. Maples begin to turn red in October, first in the north, and the last to be seen by momiji is the inhabitants of the south. This beauty continues until the first frosts. There is no excitement, like during the sakura blossom season, in autumn, however, the Japanese themselves appreciate the beauty of maples no less and even publish calendars every year: where and when you can definitely see red maples. Locals go to picnics in parks, take weekends to take a walk and enjoy the vivid scenery, attend exhibitions and festivals, which are also numerous at this time of year, and tourists are doubly lucky.
