| Few countries could be more different to our way of | | | | and November remain warm, but the humidity level |
| life than Japan. The distinctive language, interesting | | | | drops, making it more comfortable for tourists during |
| food and instantly recognizable décor gives | | | | this time. Airfares and hotels remain cheap up until |
| westerners on holiday to Japan an experience which | | | | the middle of December. |
| cannot be rivaled. | | | | There are many different types of holiday |
| It's said that the best time to visit Japan is either | | | | accommodation in Japan. The cheapest are the |
| April or November, as this is when the cherry | | | | hostels and dormitories, averaging between 2000 and |
| blossoms for which Japan is famous are in full bloom. | | | | 4000 Yen (£9 - £20) per person. They |
| Times to be avoided if possible are the Japanese | | | | are very similar to the western equivalent and are |
| holidays at the beginning of January, 29 April - 5 May | | | | popular with backpackers or people on short holidays. |
| (Golden Week), and Obon week; usually celebrated | | | | Capsule hotels, commonly used by businessmen and |
| mid-august, although some regions celebrate it in | | | | comprising of little more than a bed, television and |
| mid-July. Obon week is also in the middle of the | | | | shared bathroom, are very similar to the Formule |
| Japanese summer holidays when the children are off | | | | One hotels in the rest of Europe. These average at |
| school, and, as in this country, cheap holidays are | | | | 3000 - 4000 Yen (£14 - £20) per |
| difficult to come by. | | | | person. |
| For the rest of the year, Japan is a lovely place to | | | | For a real taste of Japan, a stay at a Ryokan or |
| be. After the New Year celebrations are over, the | | | | Minshuku is a must. These are like the western inn or |
| remainder of January and February are generally | | | | bed and breakfast, but with a traditional Japanese |
| quiet, which makes for an ideal time to go | | | | style. You'll sleep on a futon, kneel while eating sushi |
| sight-seeing. Additionally, holidays at this time are | | | | and other Japanese fare, and use a Japanese-style |
| usually cheaper, and the weather is sunny and dry. | | | | bathroom. The prices range from 4000 to 30,000 |
| Northern Japan gets good snowfall around this time, | | | | Yen (£14 - £140). Prices are usually |
| so it's especially good if you like winter sports. | | | | quoted as per person per night instead of per room. |
| The rainy season hits Japan around the beginning of | | | | If you wish to stay for a longer period, such as a |
| May and carries on till mid July, and while it doesn't | | | | month or more, Japan has Gaijin houses (guest |
| always rain every day, it will be gloomy and overcast. | | | | houses) apartments and shared houses which you |
| The exception is Hokkaido, which doesn't tend to be | | | | pay for on a monthly basis. These cost anything |
| affected by the rains, so this is a popular destination | | | | upwards of 40,000 Yen (£200) per month, |
| for summer holidays. September is a warm and humid | | | | and can give the tourist an idea of life in Japan |
| month, but cheap holidays are easier to get during | | | | without having to go to the expense of furnishing a |
| this time as the summer crowds thin out. October | | | | place. |