A QUIETER JAPAN, A MORE AUTHENTIC JAPAN
Visit Japan in January, February, May, June or November and you’ll be treated to a side of Japan you don’t always get to see in high-season, when tourism is at its busiest.
You’ll see the same great sights and events, but with a more authentic Japan shining through, in both the people and the places you visit.
And when you travel in Low Season you will experience ANA, Japan’s largest 5-Star airline, when our fares are at their cheapest.
MORE FLIGHTS, MORE CHOICE
With ANA’s growing network, you will have more choices about where to fly from across Europe.
January
Weather – January is one of the colder months to visit Japan. So, wrap up warm. With dry, crisp and frequently sunny and clear days, it is a great month to visit Japan. Ideal for heading to the hot springs! Or embrace the weather and go skiing!
Ski Japan
Skiing in Japan is considered among the best in the world. In the north, Hokkaido, Nagano and Niigata are renowned for the quality of the snow powder and the off-piste skiing. If you’re heading out from Tokyo, try the local ski resorts in the Northern Japan Alps and the Myoko mountain range.
Oshogatsu
Oshogatsu is the Japanese New Year and the perfect time to visit the many shrines and temples. A spiritual time in the calendar, the atmosphere, food stalls and many events make for a wonderful winter experience, often set to the magical backdrop of snow-covered ground.
Hot Springs
What better way to relax than to visit a hot spring onsen? Often found close to mountains and forests, it makes for an unforgettable experience. Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata is a hot spring paradise renowned for its enchanting, nostalgic ambience. Especially captivating at night, innovative gas street lamp illuminations turn the area into a mesmerising spectacle.
Winter Wildlife
Embark on a wildlife tour and see iconic Japanese wildlife in their winter habitats. Make sure to visit Hokkaido, renowned for its adorable Japanese macaques, otherwise known as snow monkeys.
Tips:
- Plan for the winter weather, don’t forget your thermals!
- Try seasonal foods. January is a great time for fresh seafood, such as crabs and oysters
- When visiting shrines and temples, remember to research and respect cultural customs
To visit in January, book here.
GO!February
February is a brilliant time to visit Japan for its unique blend of winter wonders and cultural experiences, just before spring begins to bloom. The landscape is covered in snow, and there is the opportunity to see a glimpse of traditional festivities. Wrap up warm and explore, or hide in warm cafes and try seasonal delicacies!
Festive Colours
You may think mid-March is the time for cherry blossoms, but you can actually witness Kawazu-zakura, which is one of the most common winter cherry blossoms, in the southernmost tip of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka prefecture. Enjoy the picturesque scenery without the inconvenience of bustling tourist crowds.
Experience Traditional Arts
Take a break from the colder weather and head over to the Kabukiza Theatre in Ginza, dating back to 1889. Take the chance to learn about one of Japan’s most lively traditional artforms. Don’t miss out on seeing the classic architecture and the unique performances held here!
Temples
Japan’s culture is fascinating. Use the winter season to focus on indoor activities and take a trip to Chuson-ji Temple, a World Heritage Site. Grab the opportunity to study national treasures held within the golden hall of the temple.
Festivals
February holds the key to vibrant festivals celebrating tradition, culture and the beauty of the winter season. Make sure to visit Hokkaido and the Sapporo Snow Festival, where the city gets transformed into a winter wonderland with intricate snow sculptures. The perfect place for a few holiday snaps!
Tips:
- February temperatures are low, especially in the north. Pack warm clothing!
- If you love winter sports, make sure to visit Hokkaido, regardless of your skill level, there are activities for all!
- Try out strawberry picking – you may not know but February is one of the best times of the year for their flavour.
To visit in February, book here.
GO!May
Weather – Japan in May is perhaps the ‘ideal’ weather. Neither too hot nor too cold. However, keep an eye out for ‘The Golden Week’ holiday from the end of April to the beginning of May. Trains and hotels can be busier. Otherwise, May is full of seasonal surprises.
Floral Delights
Though spring blossom is still dazzling in the north of Japan, flowering plants steal the show everywhere else. The wisteria tunnel at Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden is breathtaking. While the Hitsujiyama Park in Saitama with its pink and purple fields of shibazakura flower have to be seen to be believed!
Catch the Sun!
If you fancy some beach time, May is your last chance before the typhoon season starts. Look towards Okinawa and the island of Ishigaki in the south. Both full of sun, sand and cultural delights.
Sumo
The May Sumo tournament takes place in Tokyo for two weeks from mid-May. A key competition in gaining all-important rankings, it is sure to be full of drama!
Watersports
The arrival of warmer weather in May is great for kayaking opportunities. Visit the deserted island of Iriomote and explore the island’s peaceful waters from the safety and comfort of your own kayak.
Tips:
- Take advantage of the mild weather and explore Japan’s scenic trails.
- Don’t forget sunscreen!
- Make sure to try the seasonal cuisine, such as the umami of bamboo shoots!
To visit in May, book here.
GO!June
Weather – With warming temperatures, June invariably sees more rain than most other months, although Hokkaido in the North is relatively unaffected by the rainy season. However, with a waterproof packed, June is a wonderful month to be in Japan.
Tokyo Festival
The Torigoe Matsuri festival in Tokyo is known for being lively! Look out for the largest omikoshi - portable shrine. Carrying it is considered lucky. As a result, it can be hectic. The streets are filled with stalls selling food, confectionery and beer!
Rice Planting
June 13 sees the Otaue Rice planting Festival in Osaka. This festival celebrates the planting of rice seedlings. Rice being one of Japan’s most important crops, the festival faithfully recreates ancient Shinto rituals for a bountiful harvest.
Snorkelling & Diving in Okinawa
June is definitely a month where you beat the crowds for snorkelling and scuba diving. Okinawa has over 150 tropical islands between Taiwan and Japan’s mainland. Known for it’s white sand beaches, tropical climate and spectacular coral reefs, diving in Okinawa is one of the highlights of visiting this region.
Hiking in Shikoku
Shikoku offers a number of scenic and secluded hikes. Atmospheric temples such as Kakurunji and Tairyuji Temples are worth a visit, forest hikes, pilgrimage trails covering 88 temples and tree top walks will all take your breath away at this time of year.
Tips:
- This is the best time of year for watersports, so bring your goggles and enjoy the beauty of the water, whether it’s surfing, snorkelling, kayaking or diving.
- If you are hiking – Check out TA-Q-BIN services offered by Yamoto Transport – you can send your luggage/heavier bags between any destination for relatively low rates starting at 1000 Yen. You can benefit from this service and pack one smaller bag with two day’s worth of items, and then a bigger one that you can move around with TA-Q-BIN between your main stops.
To visit in June, book here.
GO!November
Weather – In general, November is a pleasant month to visit Japan. Though the skies can be clear and sunny, it is slightly cooler and can be chilly in the mornings and evenings. So, take a sweater!
Autumn Colours
Autumn in Japan is awash with colour. For the most colourful displays, head to the mountains or lakes. Though wherever you go, including the cities, you’re sure to be wowed!
Seasonal Food
Indulge in the delicious flavours of autumn, from tasty sushi to hearty hot pots, savour each bite amid the peaceful ambience of local eateries. Taste the fragrant matsutake mushrooms in traditional dishes such as sukiyaki and nabemono and enjoy Japan’s warming culinary abundance, contrasting the cooling weather.
Illuminations
As the longer nights set in, so do the illuminations. Amazing light displays that are simply stunning. Head for Sagamiko, Kanawaga and Nabana no Sato.
Hiking in Kyushu
Embark on a hiking adventure and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Kyushu, an experience that will leave you breathless. Scale the majestic Mount Aso, an active volcano with awe-inspiring views. Lose yourself in the otherworldly beauty of Yakushima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with ancient cedar forests. Uncover the serene charm of Kirishima Kinkaku-ji Temple, nestled amidst waterfalls and tranquil forests. Discover hidden waterfalls and venture through volcanic marvels.
Track the Autumn Colours
Tips:
- This is the perfect time for seasonal delicacies such as matsutake mushrooms and chestnuts, seafood is also even more delicious from autumn to winter. Be sure not to miss out! Why not try one of Tokyo’s Michelin star restaurants? Tokyo has the most Michelin star eateries on the planet!
- Make sure to experience the Kanuma Autumn Festival – get a glimpse into Japan’s cultural heritage.
To visit in November, book here.
GO!