Best Time to Travel for Your Japan Round Trip

Japan is a country that offers its own unique charm in every season. However, the most ideal periods for a round trip are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In spring, you can enjoy the world-famous cherry blossoms that blanket the country in shades of pink. Kyoto and Tokyo become picture-perfect destinations during this time, although you should expect larger crowds and higher prices. Autumn brings spectacular red and golden landscapes, especially in mountainous regions such as the Japanese Alps around Takayama. Temperatures are pleasant and ideal for temple visits and city walks.

Japanese Culture and Traditions During Your Journey

During your round trip through Japan, you immerse yourself in a culture that spans thousands of years. From ancient tea ceremonies to modern manga culture, Japan offers a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation. In Kyoto, you can attend an authentic geisha performance or take part in a traditional calligraphy workshop. Japanese hospitality, known as omotenashi, is experienced everywhere, from luxury hotels to small ryokans (traditional inns). It is important to respect local customs: removing shoes before entering certain spaces, bowing as a greeting, and avoiding eating while walking. These cultural nuances make your journey more authentic and lead to meaningful interactions with local people.

Transportation During Your Japan Round Trip

Japan’s transport network is among the most efficient in the world, making travel throughout the country smooth and stress-free. The famous shinkansen (high-speed train) takes you comfortably and punctually from Tokyo to Kyoto in just 2.5 hours, compared to around 6 hours by car. The Japan Rail Pass, which must be purchased in advance, provides unlimited access to most JR trains and is a cost-effective option for travellers. In major cities, metro systems are easy to navigate and well signposted in English. For more remote areas, such as parts of the Japanese Alps, local buses may be required. Navigation apps like Google Maps or Japan Travel by NAVITIME make route planning simple, including exact platform information and train departure times.

Discovering Japanese Cuisine During Your Trip

A round trip through Japan is a culinary journey that goes far beyond sushi and ramen. Each region boasts its own specialities: sample fresh seafood at Tokyo’s Tsukiji Outer Market, enjoy world-famous Kobe beef in the city of Kobe, or explore Osaka’s street food scene with takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). In Kyoto, try shōjin ryōri, the refined Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. During your stay in Takayama, be sure to taste local Hida beef and sake. For a truly unique experience, stay in a ryokan where you will be served a traditional kaiseki meal — a multi-course dining experience featuring seasonal ingredients and beautifully presented like works of art. Japanese cuisine is not only about flavour, but also about presentation, balance and harmony.