We recently returned from Japan where we visited Tokyo and Kyoto (primarily) and took day trips to Kamakura and Hiroshima/Miyajima. It was a very good trip, though if we had it to do again, we would plan it differently. We were there for just nine days (8 nights) and though we thought we had enough time to see what we wanted to see - we didn't. Travel time ate up a big chunk of it. I should have listened to those of you on this site warning against "day trips" to Hiroshima. Yes, we saw the Atomic Dome and O-torii at Miyajima, but it was in a flurry. And those particular sights need time.

We liked Japan in September - even with the steam room-like heat and humidity. We could have packed lighter (sans jeans - skirts and shorts only), but the custom of
using UV umbrellas was really helpful. This isn't scientific by any means, but we thought the tourist count was down a bit from our previous visits. If true, we wondered if the heat was a factor?

Speaking of tourists, and I hope this doesn't sound sanctimonious, it was disconcerting at times to be among them. We saw quite a few instances of loud, arrogant behavior on display in the streets, at shrines, and on the trains. We also saw reports on the news about badly behaved "guests" littering graveyards and swimming nude in public ponds. Given the many posters (on busses. etc.) reminding people to be polite, might this problem be getting worse?

Well, I'm getting off track and have probably buried the lead here. Read and I are thinking of returning to Japan this February. Again, our time will be limited (10 nights) The only days we've penciled in so far are the last 2 in Tokyo. Given the season, we've thought of Okinawa as a possibility. Or Kyushu. We're interested in Japanese history and customs, manufacturing, arts and crafts (woodworking and weaving), gardening and more.

Many of you know Japan well. We would be very grateful for your ideas regarding an itinerary in February. Our only parameters/preferences are time and staying more southern (we'll save Hokkaido for next September!. Thanks in advance for your consideration.

February, just keep Chinese New Year in mind when planning.
If tourism was down it may have been the time of year, but it may have been because of the rumor that Japan was going to fall into the ocean. I think it was supposed to happen in July. The rumor definitely caused a significant drop in tourism in August and July.
About 75% of foreign visitors to Japan come from Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand.
I believe the bad behavior of Chinese tourists in foreign countries has become an issue in China, so that might help.
Japan might be working on laws to limit tourists, like a visa fee on Chinese.
And a two-tiered price system is/has evolved (like in Thailand) to have foreigners pay more so that locals can afford a lower price for them.

Thanks for your response!
Hadn't thought of the impact of Chinese New Year on Japanese tourism, but I guess it stands to reason. I see a bit of dynamic hotel pricing going on now for next February, maybe that's why?
Regarding Japan taming the number of its tourists: It could cut both ways. An entry fee might be okay, but tiered pricing seems unwieldy and punitive.
Can you read much into what might happen now that PM Ishiba resigned?

>> Can you read much into what might happen now that PM Ishiba resigned?\

Saw the USD jump up to 150 today.

It was because Sanae Takaichi got named the leader of the LDP. She is a conservative and very much in favor of loose money policies, like low interest rates which should help the USD vs JPY.

IDK how LDP gets the next PM given they got slammed in the election. Coalition I suppose. Also, IDK how much she can influence the BOJ.

Sanae Takaichi is likely to be Japan's next prime minister because the party remains by far the largest in the lower house, which determines the national leader, and because opposition groups are highly splintered. She will be the first female prime minister in history in Japan's male dominant society. A Margaret Thatcher" type leader she has a chance to bring together the factions but her first big hurdle will be at the end of this months meeting with Trump regarding tariffs and Japan's trade surplus to the US and others...

Hey, HT. Great to see you back!
Happy Travels!

With what all that you have mentioned above, and keeping in mind you only have 10 days, I would suggest going with Okinawa, and you mean Feb 2026 right?