Japan Travel in 2025: Your New Year's Resolution
As December winds down and you're mapping out plans for the coming year, could planning a trip to Japan be your best decision yet?
I might be a little biased – okay, with the job title “Co-Founder at Japan Travel Pros” I’m most certainly a little biased – but it’s a resounding “yes” from me, Japan is a definite go!
Still, there’s more than one way to see Japan. And while there’s no one ‘right’ way or ‘wrong’ way (though we’ve seen some ways that are a little cringe), arming yourself with the best information and making the best plan will help elevate your 2025 Japan trip from ‘how?’ to “WOW!”
What’s the latest on the Japan travel scene? Why should you double down on those Japan travel plans for 2025? And what’s the magic sauce that’s going to make this all happen? Read on to find out (“and be sure to like & subscribe” – nah you’re good, we’ll give you the goods right here).
Why 2025 Is the Right Time to Visit Japan
Japan's travel & tourism sector has hit its stride.
2024 has been a record year for Japan travel, with previous records smashed at over 30 million visitors (and that’s just through October, so expect the year’s total to be around 35M).
Flight frequency is increasing (with most flights full), hotel rates reflect increased demand, but international visitors can enjoy a smoother experience than ever before.
2025 also brings the World Expo to Osaka: a six-month event running from April 13 to October 13. While Expo 2025 adds an exciting element to the calendar, it also means careful planning is essential, particularly for accommodations in the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara & Kobe).
In many ways, the timing couldn't be better for international travelers.
Japan's tourism infrastructure has matured significantly, with improved English support across the country.
Local businesses are continuing to adapt their service offering. Transportation systems have enhanced their accessibility and are adding frequency and features. As travel trends push beyond the “Golden Route” of Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka, many regional destinations are developing more sophisticated visitor facilities and infrastructure.
The Reality of Planning Your Trip
With the improved travel offering in Japan comes higher demand than ever before. That makes good planning and preparation of paramount importance.
Premium hotels and ryokan fill up months ahead, especially during popular seasons. If you're eyeing cherry blossom season in spring or the fall colors, you'll want to lock in your accommodations ASAP.
And if your trip to Osaka or Kyoto falls during Expo 2025 (mid-April through mid-October), that’s all the more reason to get out ahead of things.
This isn't just about securing a place to stay. The most memorable experiences in Japan often require advance planning. Many high-end restaurants take reservations months ahead. Popular cultural experiences like tea ceremonies, cooking classes & artisan workshops also book quickly.
Planning ahead helps ensure that you don't miss out on these essential aspects of Japanese culture.
Japan Travel 2025 Calendar
Japan’s a great destination all year round.
There’s a time and place for everyone and everything here.
Spring Season (March-May)
Cherry blossoms (“sakura”) typically start in Tokyo and Kyoto in late March or early April. While the timing varies by region, the crowds in Japan are guaranteed.
Pro tip: head to places like Tohoku or Kanazawa where you'll find relatively manageable crowd levels but equally enticing views.
The spring season brings mild temperatures and clear skies, ideal for outdoor activities. Parks and gardens come alive with seasonal flowers. However, crowd levels, train ridership and accommodation prices peak during the sakura travel period, particularly in major cities.
Golden Week: When Japanese Are Also Traveling
In 2025, Golden Week runs from April 29 through May 5. During this period, domestic travel peaks, pushing up prices and limiting availability on trains and hotels.
If you can avoid this particular period, that might be ideal; if not, no worries, just book ahead and have a good plan (and backup plan).
Summer in Japan: Festival Season & Obon
Summer brings local festivals across Japan. The Gion Matsuri fills Kyoto's streets throughout July, while August lights up with the Nebuta Festival in Aomori. Yes, it's hot and humid, but the cultural payoff is worth it.
These festivals show Japanese communities at their most outwardly brilliant. You'll find street food stalls, dance & art performances as well as local Japanese dressed in yukata (summer kimono).
Many hotels and ryokan offer special packages during festival periods, including choice viewing spots for the main events.
Also worth noting that the “Obon” period in Japan is another busy week for domestic travel among Japanese people, right up there with Golden Week and the New Year’s period. Obon (when people traditionally go back to their hometowns to pay respect to their ancestors’ graves) falls in 2025 between August 13-17.
Again, if traveling in Japan during this time, be sure to book well ahead of time to secure accommodations and train or flight tickets.
Weather Considerations from June-September in Japan
Having said this, weather is also a reality in Japan, most notably from June through September.
Japan’s rainy season starts in early or mid June, and runs for 4-6 weeks into July. The amount and intensity of rainfall varies by year and by location.
You’re unlikely to encounter rain all day, every day; but rather it’s a statistical probability that it will rain more during this time, and always best to carry a small umbrella when you leave your hotel or accommodations.
While a heavy rain shower can put a damper on some sightseeing activities, waiting it out usually sees the rain abate, at least somewhat, and so long as you’re not trying to pack too much into the itinerary by planning too many sights & activities into each day’s schedule, you should be in pretty good shape. You can always duck into a restaurant, cafe, museum or shopping area to escape the rain for a while.
As the rainy season approaches its closing time, the weather across Japan becomes hotter and quite humid. This heat and humidity tends to last all the way though September (don’t let anyone tell you “it cools down after September 1st” or anything like that; expect it to remain hot & sticky until October.
Typhoon season also starts in mid-May and runs through October, with the statistical peaks coming in August and September. We’ve had our own trips canceled and rerouted during typhoons, and have been in position to help many clients get through typhoons wreaking havoc on their travel plans as well. The storms here bring a lot of wind and rain, which can shut down domestic flights as well as trains (including the shinkansen bullet train) in affected areas. So having a Plan B – and a local support team backing you up – is the best way to go.
Autumn Colors: Japan’s Natural Spectacle
Dunno about you, but I love fall!
And Japan’s autumn season is not to be missed. While it’s not covered in seas of red and orange like Canada, the US northeast or northern Europe, Japan has plenty of beauty to offer in the fall, especially on the grounds of temples and shrines, and patches in the cities and countryside alike.
The color change moves south across Japan from November through mid-December. This season now rivals spring in popularity, particularly in areas like Nikko and Hakone – and, of course, in the ever-popular historic capital of Kyoto.
Autumn brings comfortable temperatures and relatively calm weather, ideal for hiking and outdoor photography. The mountains and shrines & temples take on lovely colors, creating unforgettable photo opportunities.
Many gardens and temples offer special evening illuminations during this season. This is known in Japanese as a “raito appu” – a “light up” – and it’s a pretty cool and uniquely Japanese way to experience autumn here.
World Expo 2025: What You Need to Know
The Osaka World Expo runs from April 13 to October 13, 2025. This massive event will significantly impact travel throughout the Kansai region. Here's a rundown to keep in mind:
Accommodation Strategy
Hotels in Osaka and Kyoto will be in extremely high demand during peak Expo times, and when Expo converges with annually popular seasons such as sakura & autumn.
Staying in nearby cities like Kobe or Nara, which offer excellent train connections to the Expo 2025 site, can be an option.
Of course, you’ll want to book well in advance, regardless of your chosen location.
Ticket Planning
Expo 2025 tickets will be available through various channels.
Watch for early-bird specials and package deals that might include accommodation. The busiest periods will likely be Golden Week and summer vacation in August.
Transportation Tips
The Expo 2025 site in Osaka is expected to have dedicated shuttle services from major stations.
A regional rail pass that covers the Kansai area could help with maximum flexibility during your visit. That’s the kind of thing that we help clients assess and plan here at Japan Travel Pros.
Japan Is As Accessible & Affordable As Ever
The Japanese yen's current position makes travel costs reasonable for many international visitors. Here's what you should know about expenses:
Hotels & Ryokan
Rates had been forecast to level off after the reopening spike. But since demand has continued to rise for Japan travel, so have hotel prices.
While luxury properties command premium prices, mid-range options still provide solid value – especially when factoring in the exchange rate, which (at the time of this article’s posting) are at very favorable levels for visitors from many countries.
And even though prices (in real yen terms) have gone up, hotel occupancy has been very strong. That means that – yup, we have to repeat the same line here – booking ahead is very important.
Transportation
Rail pass prices adjusted in 2023. They're still worthwhile for some visitors doing lots of long-distance rail travel in short periods of time, but in most cases either point-to-point tickets or regional passes can serve you better.
Local transportation options have expanded, with improved bus services and bike-sharing systems in many cities. These alternatives can significantly reduce your travel costs while providing a more intimate view of your destination.
Food Costs & Options
Japan remains surprisingly affordable for dining. A high-end omakase or kaiseki meal could set you back a bit (but not nearly as expensive as comparable means in NY, Sydney, London etc), and daily meals often cost less than comparable options in major destinations outside Japan.
Food halls in department store basements (depachika) offer excellent value for both meals and souvenirs. Local shopping streets (shotengai) provide authentic dining experiences at reasonable prices.
Getting Around Japan in 2025
Japan's rail system maintains its reputation for precision.
More stations now feature English signage, and navigation apps have significantly improved their coverage.
That said, some practicalities haven't changed: have a pocket WiFi or SIM card for reliable connectivity, and always carry cash alongside your credit cards.
Major stations have enhanced their English-language support with better signage and more bilingual staff. Station layouts can still be complex, so allow extra time for transfers, particularly in major hubs like Shinjuku or Osaka Station.
Essential apps for 2025 travel include:
Transit planning apps with real-time updates
Translation apps with offline capabilities
Digital payment platforms accepted in Japan
These are always getting updated and expanded, so don’t hesitate to ask us specifics when you schedule your complimentary travel consultation or after you’ve started working with us.
Beyond Tokyo & Kyoto
Tokyo and Kyoto are among the best places to go in Japan.
Now, while these cities deserve their reputation, you’re usually best off adding some hidden gems of Japan to your itinerary. Let’s take a look at a few.
Northern Japan
Tohoku offers remarkable natural beauty, historical sites & onsen (hot spring) culture. The Shinkansen network makes it easily accessible from Tokyo.
Central Japan
The Japan Alps provide outstanding hiking opportunities and preserved historical towns like Takayama and Matsumoto. Kanazawa offers historical districts and top-tier gardens with manageable crowds
Western Japan
Fukuoka brings incredible food culture and easy access to Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu
Hiroshima & Miyajima are world-class destinations with intense historical significance and spiritual importance
The Seto Inland Sea region provides art islands and coastal charm
Setting Real Expectations
Japan is wonderful – but rarely empty, at least not in the popular areas among international visitors.
Those perfectly timed photos you see online? They usually involve showing up at dawn or waiting patiently for crowds to clear.
The magic lies in finding your own path through this fascinating country.
The Reality of Popular Sites
Major attractions will have other visitors: that's just a fact.
However, timing your visits strategically (early morning or late afternoon) can significantly improve your experience.
When we create your itinerary here at Japan Travel Pros, we work with you to identify great destinations that offer manageable crowd levels, and we also build in strategic times and ways to see the most popular sights and attractions.
Making it Happen: Follow Through on That Japan Travel Resolution in 2025
Start your planning now.
Research thoroughly, book strategically & leave room in your schedule for unexpected discoveries.
Essential Bookings
International flights
Key accommodations
Special experiences and restaurants
Airport transfers
Train tickets (regional passes optional)
Optional but Recommended
Travel insurance
Pocket WiFi or eSIM
Luggage delivery services
Guide services for specific locations
2025 offers an exceptional opportunity to experience Japan. It’s an extremely clean and safe country, unrivalled in these respects.
The tourism infrastructure is solid, the country is fully open for business and with proper planning, you can create an incredible trip. Just don't wait too long to get started.
Many of our clients like the idea of balancing structure with spontaneity. Plan the essential elements well in advance, but leave room for your own discoveries.
When you’re ready, your expert support team at Japan Travel Pros are here to help. Why not book a FREE Japan travel consultation, using the scheduling tool below:
Until next time, happy travels!