Winter in Nara Prefecture. Image by JNTO
From skiing the snowy mountains of Hokkaido in winter to witnessing the cherry blossoms bloom in spring, there are plenty of renowned seasonal activities in Japan that attract visitors from around the world. But while peak season will depend on which part of the country you are visiting and what for, travelling outside the busy period can give you a chance to see an alternative and often more authentic side to Japan’s vast and varied regions.
Avoiding the crowds and often with the added benefit of cheaper accommodation rates, here are a few off-season highlights around Japan to consider for your next trip.
Kansai
A popular place to visit in the sakura (cherry blossom) season; see this region’s wintry side, including Hyogo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Shiga, and Wakayama Prefectures. Sometimes dusted with a light layer of snow, winter is a great time to visit Kansai to admire another side of its natural beauty and cultural offerings.
There are multiple festivals taking place throughout winter in Kansai to celebrate the season including the spectacular Wakakusa Yamayaki festival in Nara Prefecture which typically features fireworks and carefully planned fires on the side of the mountain and is held in late January, and the Toka Ebisu Festival in Osaka Prefecture – a lively event where people give offerings to Ebisu, the god of wealth, and watch the processions.
For an alternative to cherry blossoms, February can be an ideal time to see the flowering of ume (Japanese plum trees). During this time, their intense pink flowers become a prominent feature of parks and temples around Kansai. If you’re in Kansai during the colder months, visit Yunohana Onsen – a quiet onsen (hot spring) retreat in Kameoka with easy access from central Kyoto. With more than a dozen temples and shrines in a small area, the village is surrounded by sightseeing spots including Myoshoji Temple, Mt Asahi, Jinzoji Temple, Anaoji Temple and Hiedano Shrine.
Ishigaki Island, Okinawa
Okinawa
Located in the tropics approximately 640 kilometres south of mainland Japan and easily accessible from Tokyo and Osaka, Okinawa in spring has all the trappings of the perfect escape just as the beaches open and before the summer holidaymakers arrive. Made up of more than 160 islands surrounded by clear turquoise waters, Okinawa at this time of year offers warm days and less balmy nights making spring a more comfortable and less busy time to visit, while summer activities are in full swing.
Futamigaura Beach on Izena Island is a highlight being only a 55-minute ferry from Okinawa Main Island promising blue sea scapes, and views of nearby Yanaha Island.
Okinawa in spring is also known for its events such as the hari boat races, lily blooms on Ie Island, and nighttime firefly spectaculars on Kume Island.
Nakasendo Trail. Image by JNTO
Hokkaido
Being the most sparsely populated island in Japan, Hokkaido’s spring and summer months open the door to incredible nature experiences and outdoor adventure activities. Usually covered with snow during the winter, Hokkaido springs to life with native wildlife and colourful vegetation, while its milder temperatures and less humid conditions make the destination a great place to explore on foot, by bike, or even as part of a road trip.
There are six national parks in Hokkaido where you’ll find spectacular scenes including the lakes and “underwater Grand Canyon” at Shikotsu-Toya National Park, the jagged cliffs and waterfalls in the Shiretoko National Park, and the mud pools and volcanoes at Akan-Mashu National Park.
The Daisetsuzan National Park is regarded as one of the country’s best locations for hikers who’ll discover volcanic trails, views over stunning gorges and public hot springs to relax in at Sounkyo Onsen. You might also visit Shiretoko National Park which sits on a peninsula on the island’s easternmost portion Shiretoko Peninsula was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 for its flora and fauna.
Agriculture is one of Hokkaido’s main economic pillars, making fresh produce one of Hokkaido’s star attractions. Sea urchins, or uni, are a Hokkaido favourite. Those harvested from June to August, especially from Rishiri, Rebun, and Shakotan, are a seasonal must.
