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