Hello. We were booking a trip to Japan for 12 days in January 2021. Will it be safe? We wanted to go when it is slow and less crowded.

"Will it be safe?"

No way to tell at this point. My gut feeling is yes (definitely wishful thinking). But you have months before you need to decide anything so I'd wait until at least this Fall to see what's what, and how travel is being forecast at that time.

moved from Tech Support to Asia and tagged for Japan

We were there in January this year and it was a nice time of year to visit but I wouldn’t describe it as "slow and less crowded" although I am sure it was less crowded than the spring in a "normal" year. Will it be safe? - compared to what and where? No one can possibly predict the development of this pandemic at this stage. Even if they could, much depends upon how countries relax their border entry and exit policies and when airlines start flying again and, of course, how many will still be in business in 2021.

Thank you for your response. I will look at booking it again in the fall after some of this has hopefully passed.

That is a great point about the airlines. Only time will tell if it will be normal or close to normal. I thought January was slower that other times. I know cherry blossom season is busy. Do you know where I can access information on the best time to go with less travelers?

I would guess the least crowded times are late june- through August. It is really hot, humid and rainy then. January can be very cold, but of course you can dress to mitigate that.