Japan winter travel
 

Hi everyone,
I would like to visit Japan, my problem is that I'm a college student and I'm always taking classes even during the summer. I only have about 5 days between each semester. The only time that I have more than five day is Dec. 12-24. From what I read on the forums, the holidays is not the best time to visit Japan. But since I have no other time available, I was wondering if I would still have a good trip. I'm from Florida so I'm also wondering about the weather. Thanks in advance.

That time of year should be fine for travel (though prices might be high). I wouldn't recommend after Christmas, but before Christmas is fine.

The weather will depend on where you are. Tokyo might have snow that time of year. West Japan doesn't see as much snow. You'll be outside and walking a lot so warm clothes are recommended.

Would Dec. 26-Jan 5 be better? I assumed new years eve would be a worse time. Wondered if anything would even be open.

That would be the worst time period to visit Japan. Many stores are closed around Dec. 30 thru Jan. 3. I recommend that you go before Christmas.

Ok, before Christmas sounds good, but I will i still get to see the normal Japan or will there be a lot of places closed. Also I was wondering about IACE, their prices are top notch but I just couldn't find my exact dates (Dec.13-24), is there maybe another site like it?

I am not sure what the "normal Japan" is. You will get to see Japan in winter mode. Christmas is a sort of romantic holiday, so be prepared to hear George Michael's "Last Christmas" ad nauseum.

Yeah that was a funny way of saying it. But its like New York City during the holidays, its like a totally different place. I just assumed that most major cities are like that.

wow... i booked my trip to japan a few months back and damn, looking for tickets was a bitch. i'm going back to japan in december time also, and if you are planning on going to japan this year, good luck on finding a plane ride.

raverboy

Yes. It's a little like that. But I like it.

Wow, IACE has tickets for about 800-900 buck from Florida during Dec.
Too bad the dates are off for me, maybe I should adjust for those dates.

I traveled in western Japan in winter and it was great. I had Christmas dinner at a Ramen stand in Hakata (a city on Kyushu famous for its pork ramen). Many places may be closed for New Years, but Christmas isn't as big over there as it is here. They generally hand some decorations, maybe give a few gifts, and eat a Christmas Cake.

One observation I had is this: In the US, Christmas is generally seen as a day to spend with family, and New Years is a time to celebrate with friends. In general, it's the opposite in Japan. Not a hard and fast rule, of course. New Years is typically seen as the more important and solemn holiday in Japan, instead of Christmas.

i think i personaly would rather take time off during the year to visit, all my family would be dissapointed if i left the country during christmas.

I am going to japan for the fist time:) from Dec 21- Jan 2 my plane ticket was $1456:eek: It will be the first time not having Christmas with my family of 30+ people:vsign: