Quezal

My DH and I like to travel in the off-season because it's somewhat quieter and less expensive. We're planning our first visit to Japan. We've got 3 weeks and would like to divide our time between the Kyoto area and the Japanese Alps. We originally wanted to travel either this Oct/Nov or in March/April of next year. But as I research the trip, mainly on this wonderful forum, it seems like we'll be caught in either fall foliage season or cherry blossoms and school vacation time. Are these months generally considered high, mediium or low season? Can anyone suggest an optimal 3 week period in the fall or spring? Of course, we're so excited to go that we we'll cope with crowds and expense and love every minute!

offlady

Kyoto and the Japan Alps are wonderful in the fall. Besides the fall foliage, the autumn fruits are to die for--especially the honey apples.

Alec

Octobe/November is really peak season for anywhere asociated with autumn foliage, which is just about anywhere in Japan! Specifically November in Kyoto, and October in Japan Alps, though the exact dates vary with altitude and location. While international air fares aren't affected, accommodation will be heavily booked up - many November weekends are nearly full in Kyoto already. Cherry blossoms in the spring is less of an issue, as it's confined to certain parks and river banks etc - mainly an excuse for locals to have a party! If your dates coincide with school/uni holidays (late March to early April), again book accommodation in good time.
Either season will be a nice time to visit Japan - just book accommodation in good time.

hawaiiantraveler

Try late April into May for nice weather and still a chance of seeing cherry blossoms in the Alps, N Tohoku or Hokkaido. Great time to onsen in the Gunma or Nagano Prefectures......actually anytime is a good time to onsen there

Early October would be very nice in the Alps and also on Hokkaido and throughout Tokoku.

The off season price, if there is any in Japan, would be in September into October

Here is some basic information on what time of the year to travel to Japan:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2273.html

Aloha!

tcreath

We were in Japan in mid-October 07 and I don't recall it being all that crowded in Kyoto, or at least not as crowded as I was anticipating. The folliage was gorgeous and just starting to bloom (we were there from the 18th - 27th). The weather was just about perfect and we had a fabulous time.

Tracy

kja

Hi, Quezal -

A few years ago, I spent 3 weeks in May (after Golden Week) in and around Kyoto, a bit of the Japanese Alps, and a few other places. I encountered a little bit of rain most days, but nothing to dampen my enjoyment. It was very lush and many flowers and flowering shrubs and trees were in full bloom. Absolutely delightful!

Hope that helps!

Quezal

Thank you all for your input.