So many of you were asking about when the best time to travel to Japan is so I put this comprehensive guide together! Hopefully it will mean clarity and put many of your worries at ease! Even when you travel in 'peak' times its not the end of the world! .. Here's the sakura mobile Affiliate link too: www.sakuramobile.jp/ninjamonkeyguy-top

@Omni0404

7 ай бұрын

I think the best time to travel would be the Heian period around 850 AD. They really knew how to party back then.

@Eldiran1

7 ай бұрын

@@Omni0404 the 1600 was also a great Time. At sekigahara, they where some really headbanger. Some also can't stop to have their mind blowing, it was really something.

It's all about picking trade-offs. Are you more tolerant of expensive plane tickets, cold / warm temperatures, crowds, etc. Play to your strengths!

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

100% Agree

@Cynim

7 ай бұрын

Couldn’t agree more!

I had already booked my trip from April 21 to May 6 after watching tons of videos. No one mentioned Golden Week, except for you. Yours is the first channel that is actually providing really valuable advice.

@NinjaMonkeyguy

6 ай бұрын

Aww thanks :) I hope to make travellers more confident in Japan.. Golden week is not a deal breaker but its certainly something you need to carefully navigate!

@mikatu

Ай бұрын

mate, everybody talks about the golden week. that is why it is called golden week, because it is very famous and important.

Thanks for the tips! 🗻

Great tips! 🗻

Thank you for the great tips!

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Ni prob

Another awesome video 🗻

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Myself, and my travel group frequents Japan every other year and your channel is a REQUIREMENT when in the planning stages. We appreciate your dedication to this great country and your support to us travelers looking to make the most of our trip. Looking to do our first Month long trip this upcoming November-December. Looking forward to future updates, Thank you!

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for your kind word! .. I aim to help people make the best decisions that suit their needs so this makes me happy to read! A month trip is going to be amazing and I hope I can continue to bring you more useful insights.. You might want to join the discord if you havnt already? It's a great way to brainstorm with other travellers.. www.ninjamonkey.org has the link if you are interested

@Blazey0557

7 ай бұрын

I did not know you had a discord that's awesome count me in!

Great Video Nathan! Now you absolutely destroyed my plans for next year. Thank you so much! 😂 I wanted to June-July. If there is one weather I dislike it’s rain. I thought the rainy season would start later. 😓 I’m so unlucky. 🗻⛩️

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Hehe Dani, Well.. its not the whole of the month! look back at forcast reports from the last few years to get some idea of when to go

Thanks for your great videos and advice! My dream vacation is to go to Japan and wander, playing it by ear and staying in hostels and visiting the countryside and wilderness areas- possibly camping!

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Your dream can come true!

🗻 Good layout of the seasons, and when to book. My favorite off the beaten path is Engyoji (temple) where they filmed the last samurai and close to Himeji castle which to me is the number 1 castle in Japan. Thanks for all the great info.

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Glad you found it accurate :) Himeji Castle might be my second or third favourite castle joint with Matsumoto (but maybe Matsumoto beats it) I love the little castle in Koshi

Great video very helpful will be there in early march going on a cruise for ten days ending in Seoul

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Sounds great! Also on a cruise you dont need to worry about travel!

🗻 Great concise advice, Nathan! ⛩️🇯🇵🙌🏻

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Hopefully it will help people figure out the ins and the outs

i love your vids!!! I plan to visit Japan sometime next year and have watched many of your videos to prepare ^-^

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Im glad my videos are being helpful! thanks for letting me know :)

🗻 great ^^ Will be visiting during sakura season but I planned way ahead for several attractions to get a headstart :). Our main point isn't seeing the sakura since it will be my fiancé's first time visiting Japan. But I think it will definitely elevate the experience

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

That's awesome! Sakura season in Japan is truly magical. I'm sure your fiancé will have an amazing time exploring all the attractions you've planned. Enjoy your trip!

Informative 🗻

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it

Hello! This is my first video I’ve seen of yours! Planning to go in November with some friends! You said it’s busy and I’m a little nervous but ready! If I can plan a solo trip, I’d love to go during rainy season as I love the 🌧️! Cheers!🗻🗻🗻!!

@NinjaMonkeyguy

5 ай бұрын

Hey! Thanks for watching. I wouldn’t worry about it being too busy , it’s popular but generally Japan is always busy :) you’ll have a great trip and have plenty of time to plan! Hope the channel helps

I just came back from Japan and was there in the middle two.weeks of november,it was in the high 20,s everyday ,very sunny

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Lucky! I believe that weather is not normal though! its been a warm year!!

Amazing video mate! A similar video will be amazing for Okinawa😮👏🏻

@NinjaMonkeyguy

3 ай бұрын

thanks maybe one day

Fuji san emoji thanks for the tips !

@NinjaMonkeyguy

6 ай бұрын

No problem!

Thank You! Very, very clear and explained reasoning! I would personally love to be there nex late september to late october 2024....

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the feedback! .. I dont really say when the best time to go is.. but I give you the tools for you to decide :)

@axios101

7 ай бұрын

@@NinjaMonkeyguy the "best" is always very subjective and depends on many factors.. but knowing the main "pros and cons" and the expected average rate of people/congestion "naturally" expected for every period, really helps a lot! I am betting a lot on late september/late october 2024, before Osaka Expo and after sakura and obon season...

Japan's idea of low levels of tourists, is my idea of busy. However, as you always say the time to go to Japan is when you can go. I want to go to an outdoor onsen in winter cause it just so pretty and the contrast between warm water and cold air and snow is great. 🗻

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Onsen in Winter! Cant wait!!

Another consideration on 'when' might be if you want to try a particular local dish that is seasonal. For example, I've had uni, sea urchin, in the US, and I can't say I understood the appeal. However, I realized that the quality and freshness were probably low, and that if I really want to try it properly I should do it here. But it's seasonal, so to get the best experience, I need to try it when it's in season. There are a number of seafood items that are seasonal, and some other foods like miatake mushrooms that are seasonal, and there are just times of year when it's traditional to do certain foods/things. This is probably more relevant for returning visitors who have already 'seen Tokyo', but for those wanting a particular experience, it might be relevant.

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Yes I love the fact that Japan is so seasonal and it can also be an important factor!

Will back again to Japan October next year to explore another area and go hikking.. hopefully it will great time and weather...

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

I think it will be! and especially great to visit other areas

@brvhtxxbxk

4 ай бұрын

October is a great month,many people recommend this month so I went to see for myself. The weather was great,nice tshirt weather but grab a zip-up hoodie with u if u plan to have a good night out. It did get pretty humid during the evening but not too uncomfortable,I went there for 16days and 3 days were rainy,with 2 of them being combination of rain and sun. The temperatures are between 16-25°C but did get a day were it hit the 29°C mark,so it really depends,overal amazing time to go to Japan,hope u enjoy!!

I love going for three months at the end of the year. The sweet spot for me is late October or the start of November and leave in January/Feb. This gives me Halloween, my birthday, Christmas and New Years in Japan. the weather is very good (not as cold as NYC where I'm from). Great for dating cause a lot of people hook up around that time of year, especially xmas. Dating/nightlife is a big part of my trips to Japan. There's always fantastic shows for new years.. for example, the last time I was in Japan I went to Rizin 20 new year's MMA show at Saitama Super Arena, etc. The only negative is if you're a family person and wanna spend those dates with them instead. Between concerts and sporting events there's so many great options to kickstart/inspire you for the new year. I always avoid Japan in the summer time.. I'm bad with heat/humidity and I HATE spiders.

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Its interesting that Dating is a big part of your trips! I'd love to know more about how you find it in Japan! .. I go on the 26th as I like having Christmas with my family but after that Im fine to not have NYE with my family

I was there Oct 17-Nov 16, did the golden route with day trips out of there. Went as far south as Ibusuki and north as Aomori to get to Odate. Even the big city of Kagoshima (which was my transfer city for Ibusuki) it wasn't busy despite having the Volcano people love to see nearby. Odate I could count on one hand how many people there I met that I didn't need google translate to communicate with I LOVED it. while exploring the Golden Route I always tried to arrive at the main places I wanted photos of about 30-45minutes before they opened and I was generally able to get a lot of amazing shots with little to no people in them. I learned so much being there for a whole month I can't wait to return, actually learned some Japanese which was awesome and stopped needing to wait to see what stops where coming in English while on bus's, trains and subways. I even got to see Snow while in Aomori on Nov 11th, and Hail in Kyoto on October 27th with some rain storms sprinkled in throughout my trip but mainly days of sun and partly cloudy. Even got to see Mt. Fuji on a 100% cloudless day.

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Heading out of the golden week really was worth it right?!

@corgolyin

7 ай бұрын

@NinjaMonkeyguy getting out of the golden route and exploring more of Japan was 100% worth it. I honestly wish I could have just up and moved my life to Odate, it so peaceful and just (to me) perfect.

We have Formula 1 & Formula drift in Long Beach, CA during April/may typically. Excited that it'll be in Japan in April! Can't wait to experience the car culture there 🔥 🤘 went in Oct 2023, look forward to experiencing the sakura bloom & navigating that peak szn in April 👏🏼 will definitely copp one of those Pocket Wi-Fi, ty #ninjamonkey for your tips always!

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

It sounds like you are going to have an amazing trip! WOW!!

Super!

I usually not travelling di cold month as i dont like bring thick clothing. But i might want to go in October after watched your video in Hallowen

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Actually the weather around that time was amazing!

The best time for me will be during Cherry Blossoms season.

@NinjaMonkeyguy

5 ай бұрын

It is a magical but crowded time :)

Getting around Tokyo for two days will be fun before our cruise will be fun we have booked a day tour and want to go to Disneyland .Staying at Park Hotel.

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Sounds like you are well prepared! :)

I suggest to make short videos about each month of visiting japan

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Good idea!

Planning to travel to Japan in summer to see Fuji Rock Festival. And plane tickets are cheaper during summer.

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

I just figure out what people need

🗻 thanks for this - I'm thinking FEB. for my next trip - I can see sakura in Okinawa and visiting Fuji-san would be best chance at good views (and off season rates at an Onsen?)

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

When it comes to Onsen rates, its not about the season. its mainly about booking well in advance and ahead of others!

In order, my timeframes for each travel to Japan: 2015: November (3 weeks) 2016: March - April (3 weeks) 2017-2018: December - january (2 weeks in each month) 2019: April (3 weeks) 2022: October - November (4 weeks) 2023: January

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

And what was your verdict?

@axios101

7 ай бұрын

@@NinjaMonkeyguy exactly! What are the conclusions?

🗻

Thank you for the vid, i will be visiting japan on feb 24 but i am wondering is it going to be crowded at this time in Kanto and Kinki regions.

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Hopefully the video will at least give you a little idea

Hi! Do you think that a trip to the Kanto and Kansai from the 20th of November to the 12th of December would be too late for the Kojo? What do you recommend? Thanks for your videos👋🏻

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

When it comes to fall colours, similar to the sakura you'd best check on the forcast, for example this year colours came later than last year! So its difficult to predict so far in advance

I'm traveling to Japan for the second time April 25th to May 28th(First time was December 2022-January 2023 31 wrestling shows in 33 days haha). This year less wrestling(10-20 haha) and more sightseeing. I'm going to get the Green Car JR Pass again. I'm a little worried about getting a large luggage seat on April 28th when I go from Tokyo to Fukuyama. Going to spend golden week following wrestling around Fukuyama, Kochi, Kumamoto, Yamaguchi, & Fukuoka. 3 days in Hiroshima without wrestling. Fly from Fukuoka to Tokyo May 6th to see wrestling. Then head to Osaka for the week, then Nagano for the week then back to Tokyo for 2 weeks. Should I worry about getting a luggage seat in the green car for the Tokyo to Fukuyama train ride?

@NinjaMonkeyguy

4 ай бұрын

Personally, I would recommend considering using luggage forwarding sending what you need a day in advance to your next hotel from your previous hotel.

Thanks for the video ! I do have a question though: I will be visiting Japan between August 5 and August 23, 2024. Is it enough if I reserve my Shinkansen tickets one week before the actual departure ? Or should I reserve the train tickets even earlier ? I will be going from Tokyo to Hiroshima, then Hiroshima -> Osaka and finally Osaka -> Tokyo. 🗻

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

A week in advance should be fine, it depends if you are travelling solo or in a group, the more people the more likely you will need to reserve

@MAVERICKSD1988

7 ай бұрын

@@NinjaMonkeyguy Thank you for the quick response. I'll be travelling solo.

❤ 🗻

Is there a month where you can see fall colors and travel to another prefecture for snow?

@NinjaMonkeyguy

3 ай бұрын

nope unfortunately I dont believe this is possible

Hi where going there 18th March. Is this a good time to go.chris & kitty Liverpool England.

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Hopefully the video gave you a better Idea if it works for you :) There isnt right time to go!

🗻🗻🗻🗻🗻

🗻 I’m planning a group trip in April 2025. My plan is to land at Tokyo and travel by train to Hiroshima, then go up to other cities and ending the trip back to Tokyo. Is there a train that can take us from Tokyo to Hiroshima?

@NinjaMonkeyguy

5 ай бұрын

Yes the Shinkansen can get you from Tokyo to Hiroshima in around 4 hours.

My dates are June 24-July 4th. Am I going to deal with rain all the time for choosing these dates? 😢 That is the only time we can go.

@NinjaMonkeyguy

2 ай бұрын

its better to go when you can than when you cant, and hopefully rain shouldnt be to consent or everyday enjoy the trip

Im arriving on 4 august and flying back on the 21 ..i saw on someone post everything is closed from the 13th-17th is this true?

@NinjaMonkeyguy

5 ай бұрын

Not quite.. it’s Obon this is true maybe some stores

❤❤❤❤❤❤

How or where do you find a personal guide?

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

You can check out tourist information centers in cities, where they provide info on local guides and tours. Travel agencies, both within and outside Japan, can also arrange guided tours ahead of time. Online platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide are great for finding guides with good reviews. Don't forget about cultural exchange centers and local government websites for more authentic experiences. If you're active on social media or travel forums, they can be a goldmine for recommendations. Also, hotel concierge services can often recommend or book guides for you.

we are travelling first time to japan and dates decided were from 10th may to 20th may 5 nights tokyo and 5 nights osaka with our 9 year old child - seeing your video and getting aware of golden week do you suggest we postpone the trip and start our trip from 15th may 2024 to 25th may 2024 ?? your response will surely help. also during above dates can we get to see anywhere sakura white flowers or they will be completely gone..

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

Hey! .. So, Goldenweek ends the 5th of May I believe, so that wont affect you at all.. In terms of Sakura maybe you might just get the tail end if you were to travel to the North of Japan Hokkaido, but it might be alittle late

@pj6017

7 ай бұрын

@@NinjaMonkeyguythank you for your reply. i will head there with no expectation of sakura now and plan to keep my dates same 10th to 20th may 2024

@NinjaMonkeyguy

7 ай бұрын

@@pj6017 I suggest that as from the feb/march onwards you keep an eye on the cherry blossom forecasts they are done my the japan metrological agency

@pj6017

7 ай бұрын

@@NinjaMonkeyguy ok will do so.. thanks

@towada1066

7 ай бұрын

These dates seem ok to me, at least the weather will not be miserable Summer. For you child of course Tokyo DisneySea and Osaka Universal Studio will be be nice but I think Odaiba Miraikan can show them the hope for Japan ....

hi, is it still rainy after mid July?

@NinjaMonkeyguy

2 ай бұрын

Rain can occur randomly during summer due to typhoon season

@caroltanting3226

2 ай бұрын

@@NinjaMonkeyguy Thank you

@caroltanting3226

2 ай бұрын

@@NinjaMonkeyguy Thank you

Well I hope it's not Feb because I am there Feb 8-23. It was a 1200 round trip ticket just for that window.

@NinjaMonkeyguy

5 ай бұрын

you're going to have a great time and some new attractions open around that time too!

@nobodynothing00000

5 ай бұрын

is the Godzilla/Ultra Man ride at that amusement park worth it? I will be going alone if I can't find some Japanese person to join me through "langmate"@@NinjaMonkeyguy

is june really that risky

@NinjaMonkeyguy

4 ай бұрын

I always say. Go when suits you! its better to go to Japan than not to go at all every season has something good

🏔

hmmm,... if only people would stay away from Japan,... it has really gotten out of hand and the central government does not do anything about this ...

Japanese deodorant doesn't work in general! 😭

@NinjaMonkeyguy

6 ай бұрын

Yes haha

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