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