Introduction

Japan is a country of contradictions. Made up of the four islands of Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, it combines massive urban sprawl with areas of outstanding natural beauty. Tightly packed, vibrant skyscraper cities are crowded onto flat coastal plains, while steep, densely forested mountains and volcanoes rise inland.

Tokyo is the must-see capital city, a frenzied metropolis of neon, concrete and constant activity, with an abundance of shopping and sightseeing opportunities. Kyoto is the ancient capital and home to more temples and shrines per square mile than any other Japanese city, while Osaka is a fascinating city replete with bustle and excitement.

The picturesque towns of Nikko and Kamakura, both easily reachable from Tokyo are host to temples, quaint shops and the keys to understanding something more of Japan’s complicated history and elaborate culture.

North of Tokyo, the mountainous landscapes of rural Tohoku attract nature-lovers, skiers and climbers and the cosmopolitan city of Sapporo serves as the gateway to beautiful Hokkaido, its Russian-influenced cities and the wild North.

Further afield, Nagasaki is a fascinating and thought-provoking historical experience both ancient and modern and an ideal base from which to set off into the spectacular volcanic scenery of Kyushu. This includes the Aso crater in central Kyushu – the largest volcanic crater in the world with walls rising up to 700 metres in places.

Wherever you go the people and culture will fascinate. While millions of Japanese workers commute on a super-efficient public transport to work in the heart of Asia’s financial world, others tend their own rice paddies in tiny rural communities. Whatever they do though, every Japanese person stays true to their society’s complex and cultural values – impenetrable and endlessly fascinating.

Weather

The seasons have an important role to play in Japanese culture and you’ll find that fashions and festivals are very much oriented around the four seasons of spring, summer, winter and autumn. You’ll also notice distinct changes in weather; although Japan is an island nation its proximity to the continental landmass of Asia and the enormous variation in latitude that occurs within its boundaries mean that weather can be volatile as you move through the year, and around the country.

Generally summer begins in June, heralded by what is called the rainy season. Although it doesn’t rain every day through June and July you can expect one day in three to be very wet, in Tokyo at least. When it isn’t raining you can expect hot and humid weather. Around Tokyo, you can expect cool temperatures but it isn’t often uncomfortably cold.

Winter can be very cold and you can expect snow. Tokyo itself will probably escape snowfall, although it isn’t unheard of.

Spring can occur late in the year but is always a time of great celebration across Japan. The country as a whole is at its most beautiful at this time of year. Rural areas, formal gardens and temples in particular are picturesquely adorned with the blossoms of flowering trees. Cool temperatures can be augmented with light rainfall but March and April are undoubtedly rewarding times for tourists to visit.

Average Weather Guide:

Temperature in Degrees Centigrade

Rainfall in Millimetres

The tables above are intended as guidelines only.