Japan is an extraordinary and enchanting destination offering outstanding scenery and a culture as far removed from our own as is possible to imagine. Japan’s society is built around centuries-old traditions, yet it has established itself as a world-leader in the fields of industry and technology.

Cherry blossom season is one of the most popular times for people to travel to Japan, which means the major tourist destinations can be very busy. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, a good time of year to travel is mid to late May, when the weather is usually warm and sunny, or October, when the autumn leaves are just beginning to arrive, colouring Japan’s mountain-scapes in scenes of red, orange and yellow.

June in Japan is rainy season, and July and August can be very hot and humid in certain areas of Japan. During the winter months, many parts of Japan (particularly in the north) are covered in a heavy blanket of snow, making it a fantastic destination for winter sports, or hot spring fans! However, Japan is an incredibly long, diverse set of islands, so there will always be a location to suit your tastes, regardless of the time of year you choose to travel.