Visiting Japan

Why Go?

For the people, the culture, the history, the food and just about “everything Japanese” - the more we go, the more we are left wanting to go back again. It’s also a land of contrast - Tokyo is modern Japan writ large, a whirring, flashing neon kaleidoscope of a modern city; Kyoto is the historical and cultural heart of Japan with a thousand years of history. For a comparison, see here

Personally, we prefer Kyoto to Tokyo. There are plenty of temples and shrines in Tokyo but Kyoto has the history and (supposedly) 1,700+ shrines and temples [shrine = Shinto; temple = Buddhist]. What attracts us is not so much the temples, but the fact that they almost all have a garden of some sort .... and even though we’re not gardeners, there is something sublime and satisfying about Japanese gardens .... and then there’s the food ... and the people .... and the culture and just the Japanese aesthetic in general.

Where To Go?

For the first time visitor, with a limited time span (say two weeks), the obvious answer is Tokyo and Kyoto. How much time you spend in each depends on where you are personally on the ‘modern city’ versus ‘history and culture’ spectrum. In addition to Tokyo and Kyoto, there are obviously a thousand other places you could go ... but in a limited time, there is only so much you can do. It also depends on your preferred style of travel - slow and steady versus rushing about trying to cover as much ground as possible. One thing to remember is that it’s possible to do day trips from both Tokyo and Kyoto, so not changing (hotel) location does not necessarily preclude visiting other cities or places.

When To Go

Mid-March to May and mid-September to November are usually the best times to visit in terms of weather (unless you’re going skiing...). Summer, particularly July and August is hot and humid and most visitors avoid it. Sakura (cherry blossom) season is usually late March to mid-April (though it varies by location and from year to year) and koya (autumn colours) season is usually late October to November.

Geography

[Map] population, geographic size, 70% mountainous/wooded therefore compact…

Useful Links

For all things Japan - Japan Guide

Kyoto - https://www.insidekyoto.com

Tokyo - https://trulytokyo.com