Planning a trip to Japan? It’s a fantastic destination, but you might want to avoid certain times of year to escape the crowds. This post focuses on Japanese school holidays and how they impact tourist seasonality.
School’s Out: When to Expect Busy Times
Like any country, Japan has school breaks, and these can significantly influence visitor numbers. While exact dates can vary slightly for private or international schools, this guide covers the general schedules of most Japanese schools.
Summer: A Time for Domestic Travel
Summer vacation typically starts around July 20th and ends between August 21st and 30th. This coincides with Obon, a national holiday period in mid-August, which adds to the crowds. It’s a popular time for Japanese families to travel. Summer in Japan can be incredibly hot and humid, so factor that in when planning.
Between Seasons: National Holidays
There are a few national holidays between summer and winter break. While not school holidays themselves, they can attract large crowds, especially if they fall near a weekend. Check the specific year you are traveling to see when these holidays occur.
Winter: A Time for Family Reunions
Winter break runs from around December 26th to January 6th. While Christmas Day is not a public holiday in Japan, the period leading up to and following New Year’s is a special time for family reunions. Many people return to their hometowns, making it a time of increased domestic travel. This means you might find fewer tourists at popular attractions like Tokyo Disneyland during this period.
Pro Tip: Hokkaido, with its longer winter, has a different school year, with breaks extending from December 22nd to January 18th.
Spring: A Popular Time for Everyone
Spring break in Japan typically runs from around March 25th to 26th, with school resuming around April 5th to 7th. This is a popular time for both international and domestic tourists, especially as it coincides with the famous cherry blossom season.
However, Golden Week follows shortly after the school year resumes. This is a major holiday period for working Japanese people, causing a huge surge in travel. Be prepared for packed bullet trains, airports, and tourist attractions.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling during Golden Week, be sure to check out some tips for making the most of it.
Timing Your Cherry Blossom Trip
Cherry blossom season is highly sought after, but predicting the exact bloom dates is difficult. To increase your chances of seeing them, stay in Japan for as long as possible during springtime and keep an eye on cherry blossom forecasting websites, usually published in February each year.
Planning Your Japan Trip
Navigating the busy periods in Japan can be a challenge, but planning in advance can make a big difference. Consider the school holidays, national holidays, and seasonal factors when choosing your travel dates. Don’t be afraid to explore less popular times or areas to enjoy a more peaceful experience.
