Weather

https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/japan/

Map of Japan

   Click on the image to  learn more.

Calendar

  In Japan, there are 16 national holidays per year, and some of them are stacked into longer holiday weeks like "Golden Week" (around May 3rd), "Silver Week" (around September 20th), "New Year" (between December 29th and January 3rd) as well as the "Obon" (around mid-August, Buddhist event for commemorating one's ancestors), which are Japan's four busiest holiday seasons. Flights are pricey and trains, traffic and sightseeing spots become VERY crowded during these periods, and accommodations and tickets can get fully booked up further in advance. Early planning and reservations are highly recommended, if you plan to travel during these periods. In contrast, taking a vacation before and/or after Christmas is not very common in Japan and until late December, Japan remains in a state of relative normality. Please refer to the following Japanese calendar and national holidays.

https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/?year=2024&country=26

  Shops, restaurants and tourist attractions are generally open on weekends and national holidays, except the New Year period, which is generally defined as from 1 to 3 January.

Clothes

Transportation

  To get around efficiently in Japan, the JAPAN RAIL PASS is a good deal. For those interested in traveling with the Pass, there are three ways to purchase one.

*On the internet; Visit the official Japan Railways (JR) website. After purchase, online seat reservations are possible and you can pick up your pass in Japan presenting your passport. However, their prices are about 12% more expensive than those of the pass purchased through a travel agent before departure.

*Through a travel agent outside of Japan; Firstly, you need to purchase the Exchange Order (voucher) at an authorized sales agent or sales office before coming to Japan. Once arrived, bring the voucher and your passport to the designated counters of JR to receive your pass. You can specify the date you want to activate the pass, which can be any date within one month from the date the pass is received. The agent at the location where you purchase your Exchange Order will explain the eligibility requirements for the JAPAN RAIL PASS.  

*At selected major stations inside Japan; The pass can be purchased after arrival but at an increased cost, as is the case in the purchase on the JR website.

  In general, seat reservations are optional on most trains, but if you travel in groups or during busy travel periods (GW, summer and New Year holiday seasons), it is highly advisable to make seat reservations. They are free of charge for pass holders but it is necessary to issue the reserved seat ticket at the ticket vending machine or JR ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi).

https://japanrailpass.net/en/

  This pass is valid for unlimited rides on the JR network except for the fastest bullet trains (Shinkansen NOZOMI and MIZUHO). Pass holders using a NOZOMI or MIZUHO will have to pay the full fare, but there are enough alternative trains not to be inconvenienced. It’s better to use the pass on relatively long journeys, rather than for getting around the city for one day in Tokyo. If you start and end your travel with Tokyo, it would be better for you to tour the urban area either before or after the use of the JAPAN RAIL PASS. In the metropolitan area, one-day open ticket on the subway lines is available and costs 600 yen or 900yen.

  For those who want to travel around specific parts of Japan, the Regional JR Passes are a great deal. These passes can be purchased both outside and inside Japan.

Accommodations

Onsen (hot springs)