How is Tokyo (and Osaka) in August? Is it good to visit Japan at this time? Will it be really hot? Please advise me. Thanks.

Tokyo is very hot and humid in August, so is all Japan, unless you go to the mountains or Hokkaido. If you can stand the heat however, there are a lot of celebrations for O-bon (return of the spirits of departed family members) and festivals everywhere, but beware because all of Japan will be travelling from Tokyo to their hometown and back at this time. <BR> <BR>Check with Japanese National Tourist Organisation (www.jnto.go.jp) who has a calendar of events and advice on when to avoid travelling.

Florence, thanks for your reply. <BR> <BR>Anyway, since I hate hot and humid weather, I won't be going to Japan in August. I might go there in late October, maybe. Will it just be fine?

Late October should be just fine: still warm but dry, and just in time for the start of autumn folliage. <BR> <BR>The time around Christmas and New Year is fine too - cold but not freezing and plenty to do and see. <BR> <BR>

Hello Erwin, <BR> <BR>Noooooooo! Visit Japan in August!! <BR>This is one of the best season to visit there! <BR>During the 2 first weeks of August, Japan celebrates Tanabata (the stars lovers) and the ancestors (O-Bon). Many towns are lovely and the people very kind and accessible. <BR>It is not so hot; july is terrible... <BR> <BR>So, you can visit Japan at that time! Lucky you!! <BR> <BR>Please, check this site out: <BR>A Look into Japan: http://perso.worldonline.fr/ol1jb/Index.htm <BR> <BR>Tôkyô and Osaka are pretty calm because many people leave the big towns for vacations and go to their hometowns... <BR> <BR>Check the JNTO's calendar! There are many festivals to enjoy!! <BR> <BR>Bye, bye! <BR>Olivier, Paris... <BR> <BR>

Olivier, you're right except about the heat in August . It is true that some years are less terrible than others, but generally August is fierce. If Erwin has trouble adapting to heat, this is not the best season for him, despite missing all the great O-bon festival, the special food, the fireworks, ... sniff, I too wish I could go again this year. <BR> <BR>Florence, Geneva

Hi Florence and Olivier, <BR> <BR>Thanks for your tips but you know what, I almost planned to go to Japan next month to catch the cherry blossoms!!! <BR> <BR>It could have been perfect but I have to finish a project at the end of April so I cannot go! What a pity! <BR> <BR>Anyway, I might go there in October. I bet October is not warm anymore as opposed to what Florence was telling me! Late October is fall already, right? <BR> <BR>Ciao, guys. <BR> <BR>Erwin

I visited Japan last October and the weather was great everywhere we went (Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Kurashiki, Hiroshima & Osaka), except for a bit of off and on again fog when we were at Hakone and visiting Mt. Fuji (then again, I think Mt. Fuji is in fog more often than not). We also took day trips to Kamakura, Yokohama, Miyajima Island, Nara and Kobe. If you have any questions, you think I could answer, I'd be glad to be offer assistance.

I am planning a trip to tokyo leaving on 15 april. Trying to find my way to Kyoto. Not sure whether to takr JR pass or join a tour from tokyo. <BR> <BR>

CNG, finding your way to Kyoto is easy: there's a bullet train every 20 minutes or so from Tokyo main station. Once in Kyoto, go to the TIC, just under the Kyoto Tower in front of the station, they will give you all the information you need to visit Kyoto without trouble. <BR> <BR>The rail pass is OK only if you plan to use it on more than just a round trip between Tokyo and Kyoto.

Hello,I am a student in Japan. I want to give an advise .It is very hot in August in Japan . Do you like crowd of people? In August,many students have summer holidays over one month.So,many students travel Kyoto,Osaka,Tokyo and so on .Osaka,Tokyo,Kyoto are very famous places and there are also many Japanese tourists and many tourists from abroad there. So,If you travel Japan in August ,you can not travel calmly.I think you had better go to Japan in september or October. It is cooler than august in japan .But it is a little bit hot .

tanabata is july 7. even though it's celebrated on the july 7 on old calender which is in august in some part of japan like famous one in sendai. <BR>it's good time to travel tohoku region i guess.