Tokyo

Tokyo may appear to be a city that is fixated on the future, but dig beneath the neon façade and masses of people and you will find tranquil backstreets, where dinky wooden houses are fronted by neatly clipped bonsai trees. Holidays in Tokyo promise energetic neighbourhood festivals almost every day of the year. The onsens which are public baths cherished by locals as an escape from the frantic energy of the city are still is popular as ever and most locals still frequently visit the many local shrine and temples.

If you like sushi then nothing beats the authentic experience of sampling the best sushi you have every eaten whilst on holiday in Tokyo. The city also boasts more Michelin starred restaurants than any other destination and Tokyo’s artisan culture makes the dining experience here truly unique. The recipes and techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation mean that even the most common dishes on Japanese restaurant menus across the world taste better in Tokyo. Whether this is because of the quality of ingredients, the fresh produce that is used or the attention to detail that is seen even in the preparation of a bowl of noodles, your taste buds will not be disappointed during your Tokyo holiday..

The strength of the pound against the yen means that shopping is true highlight of any holiday in Tokyo. Tokyo is of course famous for its electronics and gadgets and that means you will need to budget for paying the airline for your overweight luggage on the way home. Just make sure you bring a spare suitcase! And its not just the futuristic toys that will lighten your wallet during your holiday in Tokyo. The trend setting garments and local crafts are all extremely desirable.

Although Tokyo's busiest foreign-tourist season is summer, the city lends itself to visiting year-round. In fact, when the rest of Japan is besieged with vacationing Japanese during Golden Week (Apr 29-May 5) and summer vacation (mid-July through Aug), Tokyo can be blissfully empty, as Tokyoites pour out of the city to the countryside. Keep in mind, however, that in mid-February, hotel rooms may be in short supply as high-school students from around the nation converge on Tokyo to compete in entrance exams for the city's prestigious universities. In addition, popular tourist destinations outside Tokyo, such as Nikko, Kamakura, and Hakone, will be jam-packed on major holidays. And from December 31 through the first 2 to 4 days of January, it seems as though the entire nation shuts down, including most restaurants and museums.  

In fact, when the rest of Japan is besieged with vacationing Japanese during Golden Week (Apr 29-May 5) and summer vacation (mid-July through Aug), Tokyo can be blissfully empty, as Tokyoites pour out of the city to the countryside. Keep in mind, however, that in mid-February, hotel rooms may be in short supply as high-school students from around the nation converge on Tokyo to compete in entrance exams for the city's prestigious universities. In addition, popular tourist destinations outside Tokyo, such as Nikko, Kamakura, and Hakone, will be jam-packed on major holidays. And from December 31 through the first 2 to 4 days of January, it seems as though the entire nation shuts down, including most restaurants and museums.

Tokyo Climate

The Japanese are very proud of the fact that Japan has four distinct seasons; they place much more emphasis on the seasons than people do in the West. Kimono, dishes and bowls used for kaiseki (elaborate feasts utilizing seasonal food), and Noh plays all change with the seasons, and most festivals are tied to seasonal rites. Even Tokyoites note the seasons: Almost as though on cue, businesspeople will change virtually overnight from their winter to summer business attire. And when the cherry blossoms burst forth, it seems like the entire metropolis comes out to greet them.

Summer in Tokyo

Summer, which begins in June, is heralded by the rainy season, which lasts from about mid-June to mid-July in Tokyo. July, on the average, has 10 to 12 rainy days, but even though it doesn't rain every day, umbrellas are imperative. When the rain stops, it gets unbearably hot and humid through August -- you might want to head for Hakone for a bit of fresh air. Otherwise, you'll be most comfortable in light cottons, and you'd be wise to pack sunscreen and a hat (Japanese women are also fond of sun parasols), but be sure to pack a lightweight jacket for unexpected cool evenings and overly air-conditioned rooms. The period from the end of August through September is typhoon season, though most storms stay out at sea and vent their fury on land as thunderstorms.

Tokyo Autumn

Autumn, which lasts September through November, is one of the best times to visit Tokyo. The days are pleasant and slightly cool, the skies are a brilliant blue, and the maple trees turn scarlet. Bring a warm jacket.

Finding the chill in Tokyo

Winter lasts from about December to March in Tokyo, with days that are generally clear and cold with extremely low humidity. Tokyo doesn't get much snow, but it can, so be prepared. I remember one winter when snow fell in a slushy mush through March and into the cherry-blossom season. In any case, the temperature is usually above freezing.

Tokyo spring time

Spring is ushered in by a magnificent fanfare of plum and cherry blossoms in March and April, an exquisite time of year when all of Japan is set ablaze in whites and pinks. The blossoms last only a few days, symbolizing to the Japanese the fragile nature of beauty and of life itself. Tokyo may still have cool, rainy weather until May, so be sure to bring a light raincoat or jacket.