I get a lot of questions about planning a trip to Japan, and I think the biggest thing to keep in mind is that Japan does not do last-minute well. Planning a trip with plenty of lead time will be less stressful, give you more options, and allow you to spend time closer to your trip dates booking amazing dinners and getting tickets to museums and gardens, rather than scrambling to book any available hotel room.

Below are some of the most frequent questions I receive:

When should I visit Japan?

There are pros and cons to visiting Japan in any season. The most popular times of year are the end of March and beginning of April for cherry blossoms. The second most popular time is in the autumn: October for cooler temperatures and November for autumn leaves. Check out this blog post for a breakdown of weather, major festivals, and other things to keep in mind in 2026.

Personally, I love Japan in May and June for warmer temperatures (but not yet too hot), and absolutely beautiful gardens! In February, temperatures in most of the country are quite mild, and the plum blossoms are in bloom.

How far in advance should I start booking and planning my trip?

Sooner is definitely better for trips to Japan! For a trip during cherry blossom season or October/November, I would recommend planning 9-12 months in advance; for other times of year, planning 6-9 months in advance will give you the best options for booking great hotels and guides.

What do I need to book in advance?

At the very least, I would make sure that you have all hotel nights booked in advance, and I would strongly recommend making shinkansen and other rail reservations 1 month in advance if possible (more on booking trains). Western-style hotels typically open their reservation calendar 1 year in advance, while traditional ryokan and guesthouses typically open up their booking window 6-9 months in advance.

Tea ceremonies during busy season book up months in advance, and definitely book well ahead for the best guides. For other museums, gardens, and temples, check websites in advance to see if you need advance reservations. Most places sell tickets at the door, but some, including the popular Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park, teamLab exhibits, and the moss garden Saihoji, have their own booking windows and entry requirements.

Looking for more guidance on planning your trip to Japan? I can help!