| Few countries could be more different to our | | | | time as the summer crowds thin out. October |
| way of life than Japan. The distinctive | | | | and November remain warm, but the humidity |
| language, interesting food and instantly | | | | level drops, making it more comfortable for |
| recognizable décor gives westerners on | | | | tourists during this time. Airfares and |
| holiday to Japan an experience which cannot | | | | hotels remain cheap up until the middle of |
| be rivalled. | | | | December. |
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| It's said that the best time to visit Japan | | | | There are many different types of holiday |
| is either April or November, as this is when | | | | accommodation in Japan. The cheapest are the |
| the cherry blossoms for which Japan is famous | | | | hostels and dormitories, averaging between |
| are in full bloom. Times to be avoided if | | | | 2000 and 4000 Yen (£9 - £20) per |
| possible are the Japanese holidays at the | | | | person. They are very similar to the western |
| beginning of January, 29 April - 5 May | | | | equivalent and are popular with backpackers |
| (Golden Week), and Obon week; usually | | | | or people on short holidays. Capsule hotels, |
| celebrated mid-august, although some regions | | | | commonly used by businessmen and comprising |
| celebrate it in mid-July. Obon week is also | | | | of little more than a bed, television and |
| in the middle of the Japanese summer holidays | | | | shared bathroom, are very similar to the |
| when the children are off school, and, as in | | | | Formule One hotels in the rest of Europe. |
| this country, cheap holidays are difficult to | | | | These average at 3000 - 4000 Yen (£14 - |
| come by. | | | | £20) per person. |
| | | | |
| For the rest of the year, Japan is a lovely | | | | For a real taste of Japan, a stay at a Ryokan |
| place to be. After the New Year celebrations | | | | or Minshuku is a must. These are like the |
| are over, the remainder of January and | | | | western inn or bed and breakfast, but with a |
| February are generally quiet, which makes for | | | | traditional Japanese style. You'll sleep on a |
| an ideal time to go sight-seeing. | | | | futon, kneel while eating sushi and other |
| Additionally, holidays at this time are | | | | Japanese fare, and use a Japanese-style |
| usually cheaper, and the weather is sunny and | | | | bathroom. The prices range from 4000 to |
| dry. Northern Japan gets good snowfall around | | | | 30,000 Yen (£14 - £140). Prices are |
| this time, so it's especially good if you | | | | usually quoted as per person per night |
| like winter sports. | | | | instead of per room. |
| | | | |
| The rainy season hits Japan around the | | | | If you wish to stay for a longer period, such |
| beginning of May and carries on till mid | | | | as a month or more, Japan has Gaijin houses |
| July, and while it doesn't always rain every | | | | (guest houses) apartments and shared houses |
| day, it will be gloomy and overcast. The | | | | which you pay for on a monthly basis. These |
| exception is Hokkaido, which doesn't tend to | | | | cost anything upwards of 40,000 Yen (£200) |
| be affected by the rains, so this is a | | | | per month, and can give the tourist an idea |
| popular destination for summer holidays. | | | | of life in Japan without having to go to the |
| September is a warm and humid month, but | | | | expense of furnishing a place. |
| cheap holidays are easier to get during this | | | | |