Travel Tips

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit Tokyo. Since the weather for Tokyo in autumn is generally pleasant and cooler, it's also an excellent season for walking around and exploring to your heart's content. Still, it can get a bit chilly at times just before winter sets in!
The best time to see autumn leaves in Tokyo is from November to early December when the trees are painted with reds and gold. Every fall, it seems like streets everywhere are painted with the oranges, reds, yellows, and greens of autumn foliage.
Here we'll introduce the weather and temperature in Tokyo in September, October, and November, and share some of the best places to visit. With the right preparation, you'll enjoy all that the season has to offer!
Tokyo Weather in September, October, and November
What's Tokyo like in September? Weather and wear
Due to its comparatively higher latitude, Tokyo experiences four distinct seasons. Although September can be a somewhat cooler mon..

If you’re a powder hound, you might think winter is the best season in Japan. After all, the north island is renowned for some of the best powder snow in the world! And we can totally vouch for that.. However, Autumn is a close contender..

Here are 6 reasons why:

1.Experience the colourful leaves紅葉,kōyōof fall

As the temperature dips after a scorching summer, the green season fades into a pallet of vivid autumn hues. Momijigari (red leaf hunting) is just as popular as cherry blossom season in spring, drawing crowds throughout the country. Each year, the kōyō front (leaf changing colours) begins in northern Hokkaido in mid-September, and moves southward as the season progresses. Watching the scenery transform is a truly spectacular experience, and not to be missed!

Here’s our favourite spots in Hokkaido:

1. Mt Yotei
2. Lake Toya
3. Panorama Road
4. Noboribetsu Jigokudeani
5. Mount Asahidake

Lake Hangetsu- View through the trees. Photographer: Liam Larnach

­2. The best temperatur..

Toyosu Market opened in 2018 as the successor to Tokyo’s incredibly famous Tsukiji Fish Market. While everyone knew the massive tuna auction of the old venue, what’s there to see and discover at Toyosu?
When is the best time to go? Still very new, many people don’t really know how to start their Tokyo fish market adventure, but not to worry! We’re here to take a thorough look at Toyosu Market and cover all there is to know for your very first visit!
What is the Toyosu Market? Which Areas are Open to the Public?
The Toyosu Market can easily be called the kitchen of Tokyo. Wholesalers, vendors, restaurant owners—this market is a colorful amalgamation of Tokyo’s gourmet industry, a bustling space ruled by professional buyers and sellers. That is precisely why the market is generally not open to regular sightseers.
However, each distinctive area of Toyosu Market boasts its own sightseeing route, allowing curious visitors to take a peek behind the scenes.
And just like at Tsukiji Market, ..

Shinkansen luggage rules have changed! The Shinkansen bullet train connects major cities in Japan and is an indispensable means of travel, with accurate operating times and comfortable rides.
However, travelers with large suitcases may face some challenges! Some luggage is too heavy to lift to the overhead rack, and cannot be left in the aisle. The rear of the carriage may be full, and you may have concerns about leaving your baggage unattended.
Starting from May 20, 2020, JR Tokai, JR West, and JR Kyushu have implemented a pre-reservation service for seats that include space for oversized luggage. Here’s a detailed explanation of the system for first-time users.
What is the Shinkansen luggage pre-reservation system for seats with oversized baggage?
PassionPhotography / Shutterstock.com
The new “seat with an oversized baggage area” service is now available on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines (Tokyo – Shin-Osaka – Hakata – Kagoshima Chuo). When riding the Shinkansen wit..

Osaka is one of Japan's premier tourist destinations. As Osaka weather is temperate, you can visit at any time of year. But when is the rainy season, and how to pack?
This article will introduce things you should know before visiting the Kansai area such as the monthly climate changes, appropriate clothing, and useful items to bring with you.
Osaka Weather in Spring: March, April, May
March: average temperature ~9°C
The average temperature in March in the Kansai region is around 9℃. Some days it may reach nearly 20° during the daytime, but most days are still chilly. You can feel the beginning of Spring from mid-to-late March, but there will always be daily variations in temperature. The period from mid-March to mid-April is also known as the “spring long rain” and may bring several consecutive rainy days.
April: average temperature ~15°C
In April, daytime temperatures often reach 20-25°, making it ideal weather for cherry blossom viewing. The amount of precipitation is relatively..

The hills in Hokkaido's Furano and Biei areas are colored purple with lavender fields where a variety of flower gardens can be seen. This exquisite scenery is a source of local pride.
Get out and enjoy the great views of Biei and Furano lavender fields by visiting during their blooming season, which is from mid to late July.
While these fields are positioned closer to the city of Asahikawa, there are many ways to get there, making a day trip from Sapporo possible. Here we share the perfect itinerary to make the most of the region!
Plan your Sapporo to Furano Day Trip: Furano Lavender Fields and Biei Hill Drive
■ Morning 1 (From Sapporo → Furano (Car: 116 km, Bus: 2 hours and 28 minutes))
・Sample route (by car): Take the Sapporo IC → Mikasa IC → Route 116 → Bibo Furano Line → National Highway No. 38
If you take a rental car from Sapporo and leave early in the morning, a sightseeing trip to Furano/Biei can be made in one day.
Alternatively, you can take a train or bus to Furano a..

Ski Touring . . . what’s the big deal anyway!? It looks tiring . . . the snow might not be that good . . . the gear can seem expensive . . . .and there are so many pieces of equipment needed that I don’t know where to start! Today we’ll help you pack your bag so you can be on the front foot next time you head into the backcountry.

The climb isn’t as bad as you think

The reality is that ascending (climbing uphill) isn’t as hard as you’d expect, thanks to advances in ski touring and splitboarding equipment over the past 15 or so years. For one, you no longer have to carry your skis/snowboard on your back, which comes as a huge relief for first time backcountry tourists. Setups are now lighter and easier to use, making the ascents easier for beginners and experts alike. For skiers who are concerned about energy expenditure (or if you’re friends are way fitter than you and you need an advantage) we suggest going for a lightweight techpoint boot/binding set up, while for snowboarders we s..

In Japan, the birthplace of manga and anime pop culture, many people enjoy cosplay. Among the many fun cosplay events held in Japan each year, where people dress up as characters from their favorite series, perhaps one of the most fun ones is the “Daikura de Cosplay,” held at Aizukōgen Daikura Ski Resort.
Wait – Cosplaying at one of northeastern Japan's celebrated ski resorts? Let's take a look at how things are like on the ground!
What kind of place is Aizukogen Daikura Ski Resort?
Aizukogen Daikura Ski Resort is in the Minamiaizu area of Fukushima Prefecture, which is at the southern side of the Tohoku region. It is well-known even in the Tohoku area for its deep snow.
With excellent snow conditions and high-quality powder snow, skiers from throughout Japan and all over the world gather here. Peak season typically starts around mid- to late-December. As you can enjoy yourself here until the end of March, February is the best time to visit.
Aizukogen Daikura Ski Resort has..