Japan is one of those countries that is gaining immense popularity among tourists from all over the world. Although it has a large number of visitors every year, the public holidays make these destinations even busier. This is the same time when the prices of flights and hotels hike to higher levels. If you are planning to book Cheap Japan holidays, make sure to pick those dates that have famous festivals. This is because choosing the right month of travel can extensively improve your vacation experience. This blog will shed light on certain time periods that you can consider to make your holidays truly magical. Therefore, stick with us till the bottom line to get the most out of it!
Japan’s Most Important Travel Periods
Let us have a look at the most important travel periods in Japan that hold the power of elevating your Japan holidays to a significant extent. You can choose your favourite one depending on your travel interests and those travelling with you.
Cherry Blossom Season (Late March – Early April)
One of the most famous and beautiful periods in Japan is the cherry blossom season. This is the time of the popular sakura blooms all across the country. You can come across some exquisite parks that are filled with people relishing picnics. Moreover, a variety of colourful flowers literally takes your breath away with beauty.
Summer Festival Season (July – August)
Another important travel season is the summer festival season which is hosted by the country between July and August. Different parts of Japan host traditional celebrations. You can witness amazing fireworks and head to one of the many street food stalls. Tourists love to partake in a wide range of cultural celebrations as well. It will not be wrong to say that this is a perfect time to come across the real local traditions of the region.
Autumn Foliage Season (October – November)
The autumn foliage season is enjoyed between October and November. What many people love about this period is that they can see red, yellow and orange leaves spread all over different parks and even mountains. The weather is also super comfortable for sightseeing. It means that you can head towards your favourite spots without worrying about sudden rain or scorching heat. If you are someone who loves to capture nature and incredible views in your camera, this might be the right time to head to Japan with your near and dear ones.
Festivals Worth Planning Around
Japan hosts many festivals throughout the year. The following are some of them that you can consider to plan your trip around. It is highly advised to go through each of them to select the right one for your escape.
Sapporo Snow Festival (February)
The first festival on our list of the best ones is the Sapporo Snow Festival. You need to book your Japan holiday packages at least 3 months before February so that you can fully enjoy participating in this one. Families pick this festival to witness giant snow and ice sculptures. Moreover, light displays in the evening are another motivation to choose this season for your Japan holidays. We recommend not to miss this event, especially if you are willing to come in the winter season.
Gion Matsuri, Kyoto (July)
Head towards Kyoto in July to come across highly decorated floats parading all over the city. Gion Matsuri is one of the oldest events in Japan. It will not be wrong to say that there is a unique magic in the air. This is because people are seen wearing traditional clothing. You can also immerse yourself entirely in the cultural performances with your family or friends.
Nebuta Matsuri, Aomori (August)
Those planning to land in the city of Aomori should not miss the Nebuta Matsuri festival. One of the biggest reasons why we are pointing this out is that you can literally come across the massive illuminated floats that are shaped like warriors and historic legends of Japan. On top of that, there is music, dancing, celebrations on the street and whatnot. If you are searching for the most colourful events in Japan, your search ends here.
Best Long Weekends in Japan
Japan also has some colourful long weekends that are marked with some lively events. Let us take you through each of them one by one, so you can spot your favourite one.
Golden Week
Golden Week falls at the end of April and the start of May. Different regions of Japan host lively events. You can feel a certain level of enjoyment in the air, as everyone is in a fun mood. However, keep in mind that this is also the peak season of travel, when the famous attractions are more crowded than ever. Make sure that you have enough budget for lodging and meals.
Obon Holidays (Mid-August)
Obon Holidays are usually seen in the middle of the month of August. This is a traditional period aimed at honouring ancestors. Besides many cultural events, families in Japan also host meals to gather with their loved ones. This is a great way of knowing about the local customs of Japan and diving into the ancient traditions of the country. However, remember that not only is the transport super busy but it is also difficult to book an accommodation at the eleventh hour.
Silver Week (September)
An interesting thing about Silver Week is that it does not occur every year. You can be the lucky one to enjoy this because it only happens during the alignment of two national holidays. A plus point is that the weather during this time is also pleasant for sightseeing. You can thus take advantage of this popular domestic travel period by coming here with your loved ones.
Tips for Booking Around Major Dates
It is important to note that major festivals often fall within the peak travel season. This is exactly the time when the maximum number of people from all over the world visit Japan. That is why you should make sure to book your hotels and flights 6 – 12 months ahead of your intended date of departure. Reserving hotels early for cherry blossom season makes it feasible to secure connecting rooms or suites that match your comfort demands and budget needs.
Another golden tip is to check festival calendars before booking. This way, you can choose the right event for your travel. However, those having a narrow budget should opt for the off-peak months to enjoy without draining their bank account.
Bottom Line
One of the most prominent reasons why a bunch of tourists visit Japan is because of its lively festivals and the opportunity to immerse into the local culture. Whether it is about the Cherry blossom season, Golden Week or summer festival, Japan has tremendous events to make your holiday worth every single penny spent in booking your favourite Japan holiday packages.
Make sure that you plan your holiday well in advance, which greatly helps in accessing quality amenities at a comparatively lower price. This is especially true for those planning an escape during the peak travel months. Hence, wait no more and book your holidays with Virikson Holidays to commence a well-organised, hassle-free and memorable journey.
