How Far in Advance Should You Book Your Japan Trip?
Japan's allure as a travel destination is undeniable – it’s getting more and more popular as a travel destination these days. That’s why timing is crucial when planning your visit to Japan.
Japan’s pronounced and distinct seasons and popular events can significantly impact availability and price.
Looking to witness the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms or fall colors? Coming during a major Japanese or international holiday period,? The question of when to book your trip is paramount.
This guide will help you figure our when to plan and book your trip to Japan, so that you can secure the experiences that you desire without unnecessary stress or disappointment.
Personalizing Your Travel Timeline
Travel planning is deeply personal, and your approach to planning, booking & enjoying a trip to Japan can significantly impact your experience here.
Some travelers thrive on spontaneity, relishing the excitement of last-minute decisions and unexpected discoveries.
Others find peace of mind in having every detail meticulously planned, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.
For Japan, your planning style matters more than you might think.
If you're eyeing peak travel seasons like cherry blossom time or autumn foliage, early planning is highly recommended, maybe even downright essential. Accommodations, transportation and even reservations in popular areas of Japan like Kyoto or Tokyo can sell out months ahead.
The demand for ryokans with views of sakura-lined rivers or traditional machiya houses during the spring sakura and fall color seasons is incredibly high, often requiring bookings up to a year in advance.
Even some places that used to be hidden gems in Japan, like Kanazawa or Takayama, are getting more and more popular — advance booking is strongly suggested.
On the other hand, if you're planning to visit during quieter times, like late winter or early summer, you might enjoy more flexibility. However, it's still smart to book the essentials in advance. Even during off-peak seasons, popular attractions and unique accommodations can fill up quickly, especially if there are local events or festivals happening.
For those juggling limited vacation days, locking in plans early ensures everything fits together smoothly. This approach allows you to optimize your itinerary, making the most of your precious time in Japan.
If you're more flexible with dates, you can afford to finalize some details closer to your departure. Nevertheless, it's wise to secure key bookings ahead of time to avoid disappointment, particularly for must-see attractions or special experiences.
How Far Ahead Can You Book Accommodations, Flights & Tours for Japan
Hotels & ryokan (inns) in Japan can often be booked 6, 9 or even 12 months in advance. When you are booking that far ahead, we reocmmend making bookings that are either not prepaid and have no cancellation penalties (up until, say, a day or two before arrival); or prepaid but fully refundable until shortly before the hotel stay.
As hotel pricing and availability are major factors, we suggest getting the bulk of these in place before purchasing your air ticket(s).
Speaking of airfare, tickets can typically be purchased on most airlines up to nearly one year in advance his can vary a bit from one airline to another. Japan Airlines (JAL), for example, is 360 days, while ANA (All Nippon Airways) is 355. Check with the carrier’s website to confirm (and check the rules as far as cancellations and changes go, as well).
Trains in Japan can generally be reserved starting one month before the travel date, typically going on sale at 10am on the same day of the previous month. So, for example, if you want to take the shinkanse bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto on the morning of April 1 (no fools here!), you can book it from 10am (Japan time) on March 1.
Seasons That Shape Your Experience
Japan's four distinct seasons each offer unique experiences, from natural beauty to cultural festivals. Understanding the nuances of each season is crucial for planning your trip effectively.
Spring in Japan: Sakura Magic
Spring in Japan is synonymous with cherry blossoms, drawing visitors from across the globe between late March and early April.
The ephemeral beauty of the sakura creates a magical atmosphere across much of the country. But when and where (and how) it all plays out? That’s up to mother nature, and hardly guaranteed. Every year the sakura calendar is different, and it’s somewhat impossible to predict (though the government tries) when the cherry blossoms will first appear.
For accommodations during cherry blossom season, especially if you're dreaming of a nice hotel or ryokan in Kyoto, Tokyo or other popular Japanese areas, you'll need to book well ahead of time. How far in advance? Let’s say at least six months out, and preferably 10-12 months lead time to get started and identify the properties you want to stay at plus the areas you want to visit.
This is particularly true for hotspots like Kyoto's or Tokyo, as well as Golden Route trio partner Osaka – and other destinations gaining in popularity these days such as Kanazawa, Takayama, Hiroshima, Fukuoka and Hokkaido. Many travelers start planning their spring Japan trip a full year in advance to secure their ideal accommodations.
Transportation during sakura season also requires advance planning. Japan's trains, legendary for their efficiency and comfort, fill up fast during this period.
Activities and experiences during cherry blossom season benefit from early booking as well. Popular parks and gardens as well as temples & shrines in Japan get incredibly crowded, often requiring timed entry tickets that sell out quickly.
Private tours or pre-booked experiences can elevate your trip, offering exclusive access to less crowded viewing spots or unique hanami (flower viewing) experiences. Look into booking these special activities 3-4 months in advance to secure your spot.
For those who love hanami, planning your trip to align with peak bloom in specific regions is a delightful challenge.
Tools like sakura forecasts might be of help, but they're not foolproof, so build some flexibility into your itinerary. For example, if Tokyo's blooms arrive earlier than expected, you might shift plans to explore northern regions like Tohoku or Hokkaido, where blossoms bloom later. This adaptability can extend your cherry blossom viewing opportunities and allow you to experience different parts of Japan.
Summer: Festivals & Fireworks
Summer in Japan bursts with energy thanks to colorful festivals, but it also comes with high heat & humidity. This season offers a range of cultural experiences, from traditional matsuri (festivals) to spectacular fireworks displays.
For major events like Kyoto's Gion Matsuri or Tokushima's Awa Odori, booking accommodations 4-6 months in advance is crucial. These and other festivals around Japan draw massive crowds, not just of international tourists but also domestic travelers. Accommodations in festival cities can sell out quickly, and prices often surge due to high demand. By securing your lodgings early, you not only guarantee a place to stay but might also find better rates.
To escape the heat, many travelers look to cooler regions like Hokkaido or the Japanese Alps. These areas offer a relatively refreshing retreat from the sweltering temperatures of major cities. Hokkaido, in particular, is famous for its milder (sort of) summers and lovely lavender fields in July.
Booking accommodations in these popular summer destinations should be done 3-4 months in advance (or more) to ensure availability and potentially better prices.
Summer also brings Japan's famous fireworks festivals, like the Sumida River Fireworks in Tokyo. These events draw massive crowds, so planning where to watch (and even securing a ticketed spot) can make or break your experience. Some travelers opt for rooftop venues or river cruises for a unique vantage point. These special viewing experiences often require bookings 2-3 months in advance and can sell out quickly, especially for the most popular festivals.
Fall Colors: Autumn in Japan is Not to be Missed
Japan’s beautiful autumn colors rival spring's cherry blossoms in ambiance and popularity.
November and December are peak season for fiery reds and golds, but dates vary by region, creating a moving canvas of color across the country from October through mid-late December.
For iconic leaf-viewing spots like Kyoto or Nikko, it's wise to reserve accommodations 4-6 months ahead. These areas become incredibly busy during peak foliage season, with both international and domestic tourists flocking to witness the spectacular autumn colors.
Early booking not only secures your stay but often provides better choices in terms of location and room types.
Special events during autumn, such as evening illuminations at temples, offer a magical experience but mayrequire advance tickets. These illuminations, which showcase the autumn foliage in a cool play of light and shadow, are incredibly popular. Look into booking these experiences 2-3 months ahead to avoid disappointment.
Leaf peeping in Japan is an outstanding experience, but it's worth noting that peak foliage dates can shift from year to year. Stay updated with regional forecasts to maximize your chances of seeing autumn in all its glory.
Winter in Japan: Skiing, New Year’s & More
Winter in Japan offers some great contrasts, from popular ski resorts to peaceful snow-dusted temples. This season also brings unique cultural experiences, particularly around New Year's celebrations, adding a special flavor to winter travel.
For those looking to hit the slopes, popular ski resorts in Hokkaido or the Japanese Alps book up solid 3-5 months ahead, especially for peak periods like Christmas and New Year. Niseko, renowned for its powder snow, is particularly popular among international visitors and can see accommodations fill up even earlier.
If you're planning a ski trip to Japan, start looking at options 6+ months in advance for the best selection and rates.
New Years is a significant holiday in Japan, and domestic travel spikes during this period. If you're planning to experience traditional New Year celebrations, such as the ringing of temple bells at midnight or the first shrine visit of the year (hatsumode), plan 3-6 months in advance.
Winter also brings opportunities for unique experiences like bathing in onsen hot springs surrounded by snow or witnessing the enchanting light displays at events like the Sapporo Snow Festival. These experiences offer a magical way to enjoy Japan's winter landscape. Booking accommodations near these attractions well in advance, typically 4-5 months ahead, is better to secure your spot and often to get better rates.
Planning a trip to Japan requires careful timing, especially when it comes to the country's major holidays. Let's explore how to navigate these busy periods and ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience.
Year-Round Advanced Booking for Certain Cities, Regions, Sights & Restaurants
Japan is getting so popular nowadays the concepts of “high” and “low” seasons are becoming blurred. That means there are some things that you are better off planning earlier, and others that will simply fill up or sell out in advance.
Want to book a Michelin star restaurant or popular fine dining experience in Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka? Don’t leave it until the last minute. Some book up several weeks or many months ahead of time.
Traveling to Kyoto? It’s pretty much busy year-round nowadays. Again, the further out you book your Kyoto hotel, ryokan or other accommodation, the better.
Popular attractions such as teamLab also fill up early. And places like Tokyo Skytree and Osaka’s Umeda Sky Building, among others, can fill up fast for sunset times and busy seasons as well.
What About Japanese Holidays?
Japan's national holidays can significantly impact travel plans, affecting accommodation availability, transportation, and overall costs. Here's what you need to know about the three major holiday periods:
Golden Week (Late April–Early May)
Golden Week is one of the busiest travel times in Japan, consisting of several consecutive holidays.
Booking Timeline: 8+ months in advance
What to Expect: Domestic travel peaks, leading to crowded attractions and higher prices
Tips:
Secure accommodations, train tickets and flights as early as possible
Look into visiting less popular destinations to avoid the worst of the crowds
If possible, plan your trip just before or after Golden Week for a more relaxed experience
You don’t necessarily have to avoid Golden Week in Japan, but just know that it can present some challenges and potential obstacles.
Obon (Mid-August)
Obon is a Buddhist custom where Japanese people return to their ancestral hometowns to honor their ancestors.
Booking Timeline: 6+ months in advance
What to Expect: Increased domestic travel, especially to rural areas
Tips:
Book lodgings well in advance, particularly in smaller towns and cities
Take advantage of the many cultural events and festivals happening during this time
Here it’s counterintuitive, but major cities like Tokyo may be less crowded as residents leave for their hometowns
Japanese travel a lot at the Obon time, so if you’re planning to be in Japan in August, know when Obon is (it changes slightly in any given calendar year) and play around it or through it but well in advance.
New Year's (Late December–Early January)
New Year's is a festive yet busy time in Japan, with many businesses closing for the holiday.
Booking Timeline: 6-8 months in advance
What to Expect: Busy temples and shrines, limited restaurant options, and potential transportation challenges
Tips:
Book accommodations early, especially if you want to stay in traditional ryokans
Plan for unique cultural experiences like watching the first sunrise of the year or participating in hatsumode (first shrine visit)
Be prepared for colder weather and pack accordingly
Japanese often travel during the New Year period as well. It used to be more international travel, but these days it’s more domestic, putting pressure on train and flight availability. You know the drill: plan and book early!
Balancing Holiday Travel with Your Itinerary
When planning your trip around these holidays, factor in the following:
Flexibility: If possible, adjust your travel dates to avoid the peak of these holiday periods
Budget: Expect higher prices for accommodations and some activities during these times
Cultural Experiences: Despite the crowds, these holidays offer unique insights into Japanese culture and traditions
Remember, while traveling during these periods can be challenging, it also offers unparalleled opportunities to experience Japan. With proper planning and the right mindset, you can turn these busy times into the highlight of your Japanese adventure.
Want to make the most of planning, booking and enjoying your Japan trip? Why not schedule a free consultation with Japan Travel Pros using the calendar tool below: