When we talk about the best time to visit Japan, we might be confused. This is because Japan is home to four different seasons that offer various activities and vibes that you may or may not prefer. Most people find the duration between March and May the best to visit Japan, while a few find the duration between September and November to visit the lovely country.
The truth is that people find these durations attractive due to the nature and scenic views, along with the very suitable weather in Japan. So, how do we decide when to explore the cultural heritage of Japan and its beauty? We have compiled a structured format to let you know the attractions of these durations. In addition, we will provide you with details about 10 places you must visit in Japan later in this article.
Japan During March-May
During March-May, Japan blossoms with the Spring season, which is very comfortable and cheery to travel in. The average temperature you may experience in Japan is quite acceptable, with highs going to 20 degrees while the lows fall to 5 degrees at night. In such manageable temperatures, the tourists find it great to explore the land of beauty. During spring, you may also find several festivals based on Cherry blossoms, such as the Takayama Festival and the Sanja Matsuri, which will surely fascinate you. One last thing is that if you want to visit and admire the beauty of Cherry Blossoms in a smaller crowd and with better affordability, then visit Japan in early April and May.
Japan During September-November
During September-November, Japan experiences chill air with warmth in the atmosphere, making it a pretty comfortable time to travel. As the months pass, the temperature continues to fall until it ranges from 14 degrees to 18 degrees in November. The beginning of autumn (September) is from temperatures ranging from 20 degrees to 25 degrees. Unlike Cherry Blossoms, you will see the leaves turn red and orange while you see dew in the morning during Autumn. It sounds so wholesome! Autumn is also a good time to experience heartwarming festivals such as the Tokyo International Film Festival, the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival, and the Fujiwara Matsuri to welcome autumn.
10 Places to Visit in Japan
1. Mount Fuji
When you list down the most famous places you must visit in Japan, Mount Fuji always comes to the top. It is because of the never-ending landscapes and the eternal beauty of nature that mesmerizes you as soon as you see it. Let me tell you, Mount Fuji is the highest mountain range in Japan, which is covered with snow throughout all the seasons, making it a beautiful miracle of nature.
2. Tokyo Tower
When we talk about Tokyo Tower, you may find the resemblance to the Eiffel Tower situated in France. This is because this steel TV tower is an inspiration for one of the wonders of the world. Moreover, it has much more significance than just being a tower with the tallest self-supporting steel structure in the world. This holds an important historical significance as it is regarded as a symbol of the rebirth of Japan after the war.
3. Kyoto Monument Cluster
The word Cluster in Kyoto Monument depicts various architectural monuments in Japan namely Kyoto, Uji, and Otsu. These places are also a preservation boundary of several cultural relics for material as well as spiritual beliefs. They hold the same importance for over 1000 years in the hearts of the Japanese people. There are 17 prominent locations that you must explore if you visit Japan including 14 Buddhist temples and 3 Shinto Shrines.
4. Himeji Castle
This place is an ancient Japanese castle famous for its exquisite architecture and beautiful blossom garden. This castle is built on the top of Himeyama Hills with a main tower in the center accompanied by 83 small sturdy buildings making it a beautiful cultural preservation in Japan. The castle is waterproof as the 36 tons of wood are covered with a white plaster making it a strong structure.
5. Itsukushima Shrine
This shrine holds the topmost historical significance in Japanese culture. This place is located on Miyajima islands with a main temple covered by several smaller ones over the bridges and sea expansion. The thing which makes it different from other cultural places is its red O-torii gate.
6. Shirakawa-Go and Gokayama Historical Village
These are two popular villages situated in the Northern Japan Tokai area. These two places are famous for their ancient structured houses which are built in gassho-zukuni architectural style. It is a perfect place to get lost in the peaceful countryside regions just like the fairytales we grow up listening.
7. Nikko Temple Complex
The Nikko Temple Complex is situated on the hills of Tochigi and is further divided into 3 places- Nikko Toshogu Temple, Nikko Futarasan Temple, and a pagoda, Rinno Temple. All around them are numerous architectural buildings in the middle of the beautiful scenic nature.
8. Nara Ancient Castle Relic Cluster
Again a cluster location that consists of 8 tourist destinations- Todai Temple, Kofuko Temple, Gango Temple, Yakushi Temple, Toshodai Temple, Kasuga Shinto Shrine, Heijo Palace, and Kasugayama Primeval Forest. However, the most famous of them is Todai Temple where the world’s largest Buddha bronze statue is found.
9. Horyuji Buddhist Architectural Complex
It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations consisting of 48 architectural monuments, each with its significance. Moreover, the most famous one of them is the Horyuji Temple which is made in the most ancient style by now and consists of an 11-faced Buddha statue called Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara statue.
10. Flower fields in Shibazakura
Cherry Blossoms are surely the main attraction for tourists when they visit Japan. However, we have found a truly underrated flower field that you may have imagined in your fairy world. In May, thousands of flowers bloom at the foot of Mount Fuji, reflecting a bright-coloured flower bed. This place holds a Fuji Shibazakura flower festival every year to celebrate the eternal beauty of this landscape.
Conclusion
We have explored the best time to visit Japan along with the 10 places you must not leave if you ever visit the country. Japan is a center of culture and heritage which is preserved and maintained so beautifully. Thus, we can surely agree when someone says that Japan is emerging as the most prominent tourist destination in the world.
