Spring is the Best Time to Travel to Japan. Here’s Where to Go

Japan has just about something for everyone: from the anime-obsessed youngsters to older travellers seeking a bit of peace. On the one hand, it is an ultra-modern country; on the other, it is still grounded in centuries of tradition. This guide will offer you a few tips and suggestions for planning your Japanese excursion.

Tokyo: High-tech Metropolis

The Japanese capital is absolutely enormous and if you’re not in a hurry, it’s recommended to set aside at least a week. The iconic Shibuya crossing, located just outside the station of the same name, is probably the most famous pedestrian crossing in the world. As soon as the lights go green, the crowd starts moving from all sides, in all directions. A tourist attraction in itself, the traffic lights leave just enough time to catch a quick breakdance routine or street performance. Right next to the crossing is a statue of Hachiko, where the world’s most loyal dog waited nine years for his owner.

If you’d like to witness a sumo wrestling match, check online first if there’s a tournament happening. Tickets sell out quickly and are best booked far in advance of your trip. However, if this doesn’t work, you can head to the Arashio-beya stable early in the morning (try to arrive by 7.30 AM) to watch the wrestlers practice through the window. But before setting your alarm, dial the number on their official website one day in advance to confirm since practice doesn’t take place every day.

For a panoramic view of the metropolis, you can visit the Tokyo Skytree (tickets can be booked ahead to avoid disappointment). On a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji. It’s possible to visit Fuji itself on a day trip if you leave early enough, but if you’d like to take your time you can book a room at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) on the surrounding Five Lakes.

Finally, for all you nerds, the Akihabara district is the place to go, packed with gadgets, gaming, electronics, and comic book stores.

Kyoto: Blast from the Past

Kyoto, Japan’s former seat of power, is like Barcelona to Tokyo’s Madrid — the cultural capital. If it’s a look at bygone Japan you’re after, this is the place to go. Walking through the Gion district, you can feel as though you’ve stepped into the past with its streets of old-fashioned wooden teahouses where you can glimpse a geisha performance.

The Fushimi Inara shrine is where you can find that postcard image of thousands of red torii gates leading up a mountain. The trail winds through a serene forest, but keep in mind that while it’s not a particularly strenuous hike, it takes an hour or two to reach the very top.

For a truly memorable experience, you can book a session at the ninja dojo. Dressed in the appropriate uniform (all-black, of course), you’ll be given an hour-long crash course in the techniques and weapons used by the feared feudal assassins, including taking aim with a throwing star.

Hiroshima: A Place for Reflection

For a more somber experience, Hiroshima still bears the scars of the Second World War when the city was struck by an atomic bomb. The bomb exploded almost directly above the Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall, and as such, the building’s structure remained largely intact. It now stands as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A short walk away is Hiroshima Castle, almost entirely destroyed in the blast, but has since been restored.

If you’d like to cheer yourself up after reflecting on humanity’s penchant for destruction, you can catch a ferry to Itsukushima (also known as Miyajima), a small island in the bay which is famous for two things. The first is the Itsukushima Shrine, the bright red gates of which appear to float in the water when the tide rises. The second is the deer that roam around the village. There are nearly as many deer as there are humans on the island, and the two species have gotten used to each other… perhaps a little too much. Although the deer are not particularly aggressive, make sure you keep any snacks out of reach.

Spring is a great time to visit the Land of the Rising Sun. From late March until early May you’ll be met by the spectacular sight of sakura, or the cherry blossom blooming. When exactly the trees flower varies where you are, so you’ll want to time your trip accordingly: in the south, the cherry blossoms will have reached full bloom by early April, while on the northern island of Hokkaidô, you’ll be able to catch them all the way into May.

Springtime is also the season of matsuri — Japan’s lively folk festivals, where you’ll witness locals in traditional dress parading to the beat of drums and carrying mikoshi (mini portable shrines) on their shoulders. One of the largest such festivals is the Sanja Matsuri in Tokyo, at the Asakusa shrine.

Traveling in winter also presents opportunities. In Nagano Prefecture, you can watch the famous snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park while snow blankets the forest around them. And from December until March, it’s possible to see the «snow monsters,» bizarre formations on top of Mount Zaō in Yamagata Prefecture. After you’re done skiing on one of the nearby slopes, you can relax at one of the onsens (hot springs) for public bathing.

As an ultra-developed, high-tech nation, you’d be forgiven for fearing Japan is out of your budget. Fear not! While certainly not cheap, the Land of the Rising Sun is somewhat more affordable than most of Western Europe. 

In fact, in certain ways, Japan is actually cheaper for visitors than for locals. Tourists and non-residents are entitled to tax-free purchases at certain outlets—for example, the discount chain Don Quijote—which saves you around 10% on a wide range of items, including clothes and makeup. Just don’t forget to bring your passport when you go out shopping!

You can also buy a JR pass, which grants you free, unlimited travel on the Japan Rail network for 7, 14, or 21 days, including within cities and on the famous bullet trains. While it seems pricey at first (a 7-day adult pass costs around 1,700 QAR), you’ll definitely save money if you’re planning on seeing as much of Japan as possible! Keep in mind that not every train line belongs to the JR system so check the map while planning your route. While Japan does have subsidized healthcare, both for citizens and for foreigners, this isn’t completely free and you may want to get travel insurance yourself.