Lonely Planet Japan (Travel Guide)

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The cherry blossoms arrive and depart over a two-week period, dictated by weather patterns and local geography, and the exact timing can be hard to predict in advance. Along Japan's so-called “Golden Route” – a popular tourist trail running along the east coast in the center of the country – the flowers typically emerge between late March and early April, so April is a fairly reliable month to book a trip. Planning tip: Though Japanese temples and shrines do not have established dress codes, visitors are expected to stay relatively quiet in these sacred spaces. 8. Okinawa and the Southwest Islands You can probably get a room at a basic business hotel without a reservation in a pinch, but why risk it? Top accommodations can book up weeks or even months in advance, so plan ahead. Particularly busy travel periods include the first week of January, cherry blossom season (late March through April, depending on the destination), “Golden Week” (April 29 to May 5) and August. Key events: Shichi-Go-San (7-5-3 Festival, nationwide) December is a mishmash of eastern and western celebrations

It's a sprawling, organic thing, stretching as far as the eye can see. Constantly changing and with a diverse collection of neighborhoods, no two experiences of Tokyo are ever the same.

As with just about anything in life, expectation management is key. So put your mind at ease with our top tips for smooth traveling in Japan. 1. Book accommodation in advance (and arrive at the right time) In September, days are still warm – hot even – but less humid. Though the odd typhoon rolls through at this time of year, major cities are well-equipped to deal with bad weather, and this is generally a great time to travel in Japan.

Tokyo is the cool kid of Japan’s club scene. That means a reliable night of house music at Womb and subterranean cool at Circus Tokyo. Leading the way for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, the raucous crowds spilling onto the street around the gay clubs of Shinjuku-Nichome show how progressive Tokyo can be. 15. Eat sashimi at a fish market

Local tip: Matsue has one of Japan’s best sunsets. The giant red orb melts into the water with a silhouette of a torii gate on a distant shimmering island. 17. Surf and chill