janisj

I have total flexibility - so, if one is taking a short first trip to Japan, when would it be? I've never been except for plane changes at Narita.

This is just a 'taste test' trip, maybe something like 6 days plus travel time. Mostly Kyoto w/ maybe just a couple of days in Tokyo.

Thanks

kja

Here's the climate info from the best single source on Japan with which I am familiar:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2273.html

mjs

I would go in late October or early November for the best weather. Early April for Cherry blossom time is another option although there are more tourists and the weather is somewhat less predictable

Kathie

We were there in the first half of November and had beautiful weather and beautiful koyo. If it were me, I'd try to time it for the koyo.

Our photos: http://www.marlandc.com/Japan-2013

You might consider with just 6 days, to spend all of your time in the Kyoto/Nara/Osaka area, flying in and out of KIX. We spent 6 days in Kyoto alone and didn't have time for Nara.

mrwunrfl

November for great weather.
Plan it around a visit to Meiji Jingu on Nov 15 for shichi-go-san. Also around that time for fall colors, peak in Kyoto around the 18th.

May and April for good weather.

Mid-May, spring blooms, pro baseball, grand sumo tournament in Tokyo. Sanja Matsuri in Tokyo (tho I chose not to attend when there at that time)

First half of April for cherry blossoms, the Miyako Odori in Kyoto is a <u>must-attend</u>, imo. Also pro baseball.

There is a national holiday on November 23rd which is a Monday this year. Maybe some competition for lodging on the weekend before, but sites that might normally be closed on Mondays could be open.

cmstraf

I agree with November and Kyoto for a first short trip. We included Tokyo on a longer first trip and retrospectively regretted it. You can click on my name to find multipart trip report, last of which is autumn photos.

Smeagol

We went Nov 13 ( last two weeks) weather was glorious, blue sky's and virtually no rain. The autumn colours of the trees are stunning.
If I only had 6 days I would do them all in Kyoto and the surrounds....

janisj

Thanks everyone.

I was thinking spring and assumed November would be too late weather-wise. But those foliage photos are gorgeous. Sometime end of Oct to Mid-Nov would work great.

Kathie

The later you are in that time window the better. Friends went second half of October and didn't get much fall color.

lcuy

Another vote for November. We often go for my husband's end of October birthday, and always have had great weather. Spring can be beautiful, but can be unpredictable. Actually, I like anytime except summer, but November is best!

kja

I'm sure that both the fall colors and the spring cherries must be magnificent. I was delighted with the flowers in May, and the various festivals that I was able to attend during that month.

crellston

We have only visited in the spring ( April ) and loved it. The cherry blossom was amazing and we didn't find it too crowded. The weather was mixed some great days and some grey days but generally ok. Like smeagol, if I only had 6 days I would spend them all in Kyoto. Some photos and detail of our 2008 trip on our blog http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...ai/1/tpod.html entries 25-30

leslieq

Also second the recommendations of spending most days in Kyoto with such a short time.

We went in early April and got wonderful cherry blossoms but also lots of rain. You just never know...

PalenQ

Tip from my Japanese tutorees - bring Trader Joe canvas bags - they are a rage in Japan - a real rage - my students always back dozens for gifts - weird but true - and also marijuana leaf medalions to hang from car mirrors - my students say they are very popular even though most Japanese do not know what they are. Weird too!

Kyoto was a highlight of my six weeks in Japan - and Hiroshima to me was a must - you can ascen My Fuji - another hit.

Pardon the constant loud slurping in noodle stands and restaurants - really LOUD and quick - too me some time to get used to.

Cheers - have a nice trip!

janisj

PQ: I ain't taking trinkets. And <i>especially</i> not pot trinkets.

(Did you get lost and accidentally find yourself on the Asia board? Must be a first.)

Thanks everyone. The cherry blossoms are tempting but November will work out much better w/ my other travel plans. Now I just have to wait for the NBA schedule to be released later this month (can't miss the home opener which is usually sometime between Oct 29 and Nov 5) then I'll decide if I can manage it this Nov or wait til next year.

kja

"I ain't taking trinkets"

Just an FYI -- some sources recommend that travelers SHOULD bring some token gifts with them, just in case you find yourself in need of one, for example, if a volunteer guide offers you a gift or if someone goes so far above and beyond the call of duty that you want to do something to acknowledge the service in this do-NOT-tip culture. I'm not sufficiently knowledgable about the current cultural norms to make a recommendation here, but if you do take them, my understanding is that they should be beautifully wrapped (the wrapping may even be more important than the gift itself) and they should be offered in a specific two-handed gesture that I'm sure you can find illustrated on the web. And my understanding is that a Japanese recipient of ANY gift will make it seem like the thing s/he has sought his/her entire life.

If you haven't already done so, do check the section of japan-guide on etiquette, as some of the norms are QUITE different than those that prevail in the west.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e622.html

janisj

I do know -- I dated a Japanese man for several years and his parents clued me on just about everything (I think they were scared spitless that I might end up their DIL and embarrass the heck out of them )

But I sure am not taking TJ bags and pot souvenirs . . . .

kja

No argument from me on that question!

Much as I loved Kyoto / Nara -- and I did, truly, love those places -- if you are seeking a "tasting" experience, I think it makes sense to visit both Kyoto AND Tokyo on this trip. They are incredibly different and would, I think, give you a good sense of the range of options you have for future visits to Japan. JMO.

susiesan

If you do decide to visit Kyoto in the fall be aware it is leaf viewing time. Thousands of Japanese flock to Kyoto on the weekend to look at the leaves changing color, late October and early November. Many hotels are booked up a year in advance for this time. Even though the Japanese can see the leaves on the trees at their house change color they all go to Kyoto at the same time. It's a Japanese herd mentality thing. I was in Kyoto in Nov. 2014 and had a hard time finding a hotel to book 9 months in advance.

Next time I go back to japan for a visit I will try to avoid leaf viewing weeks. it was too crowded everywhere.

PalenQ

(Did you get lost and accidentally find yourself on the Asia board? Must be a first.)>

Not at all - see my post not long ago about how cherished Trader Joe's bags are in Japan - I've spend months and months in Asia in the rather distant past so like to read about places I've been but not recent enough info to really contribute. Of course saw you name and wanted to help to the best of my ability.

Cheers,

Pal