Japan travel awakens all of your senses. The overwhelming natural beauty of cherry blossoms in bloom; the buzzing sounds of Shibuya crossing; your first taste of masterfully prepared sushi. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, Tokyo, Kyoto and Sapporo are the best places to visit. Tokyo is a dizzying wonderland – an eclectic mix of ancient temples, fun fashion (Harajuku-style, of course!), incredible eats, cool nightlife (karaoke, anyone?) and futuristic technology. While Tokyo travel gets your pulse racing, Kyoto slows it down. This beautiful city wraps you in a cocoon of natural beauty (the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a must-see), traditional culture and art. Then there’s Sapporo, one of the most epic ski destinations in Asia for those in the know.

With so much to see and do, where do you begin to plan a Japan vacation? So glad you asked! You can definitely concentrate your Japan travel on Tokyo, especially if it’s your first time in the country. Trust us, you won’t run out of things to do! If you’re wanting to see more than one city on your Japan tour (which we highly recommend), split your time between Kyoto and Tokyo. Once you decide on your length of stay and budget, your Fora advisor can step in as your personal Japan travel guide. They can make recommendations for accommodations and activities based on your travel style, preferences and culinary tastes.

When should you travel to Japan? Great question! The best months to visit are in the spring, mid-March, April and May. If you time it right, you can experience the cherry blossoms in full bloom (as well as Japan tourism). It’s absolutely magical! September, October, and November are also great months to take a trip to Japan. The fall foliage, cooler temps, and fewer crowds make this an ideal time to visit. If you’re traveling to Sapporo for ski season, December, January and February are the best times to catch fresh powder. Wondering about summer? Japan travel in the summer months of June, July and August are less than ideal – it’s the rainy season and can get quite hot and humid.

We won’t sugarcoat it for you – Japan travel is known for being expensive, especially when compared to budget-friendly destinations like Thailand. If you keep this in mind and plan accordingly, your Fora advisor can design a memorable Japan vacation based on your budget, length of stay and travel preferences.

Currently, Japan travel is not open to independent travelers (we hope that changes soon!). Your Fora advisor can alert you to Japan’s specific entry and exit requirements once the country reopens to independent travelers again. You can also check out official government websites for more information.