One of the most common questions we get with regard to seasonality is &lsquo;when is cherry blossom season in Japan&rsquo;?&nbsp;

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As winter comes to an end,&nbsp;sakura&nbsp;(cherry blossoms) are eagerly awaited, as they add further colour to the landscape of Japan. They blossom first in southern areas of the country and work their way north, from sea-level to mountain-top. So, you have a very good chance of seeing them whether you are enjoying Japan in late March or even in early May.

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In March and April, cherry blossom mania begins - forecasts as to when and where the blooms will appear first and when they will peak make the morning weather reports.&nbsp;Sakura-flavored items make their way into restaurant menus, coffee shops, and supermarkets. The fleeting pink petals are celebrated in photography, poetry, and art. The cherry blossom season, however, is just one short part of a beautiful parade of spring flowers in Japan.

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The locals typically flock to the best sites to do&nbsp;&#39;hanami&#39;&nbsp;(seeing flowers) in cities, parks, country areas, and even mountain trails. Television weather reports carry daily advice about where and when to go. Office workers organise&nbsp;hanami&nbsp;parties, bringing food and drink and as well portable karaoke machines. Beer is consumed in great quantities, and the karaoke microphone is passed around even as darkness descends. In years past, we&rsquo;ve had our own&nbsp;hanami&nbsp;parties in Kyoto.

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Hanami&nbsp;is a centuries-old tradition, starting perhaps during the early Nara period when Chinese tradition still was having a profound influence on Japan. Aristocrats of Heian-era Kyoto would hold&nbsp;hanami&nbsp;parties and write haiku poems while sipping sake. Karaoke may have replaced haiku, but it&#39;s still a uniquely Japanese event.

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Forecasts anticipate dates for cherry blossoms but it is worth knowing that these dates are not fixed. Mother nature will work to her own schedule, and weather conditions can be a factor in how early or how late the flowers bloom.&nbsp;

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Most forecasts will show two dates. The first is when the blossoms begin to appear, and the second &ndash; usually about a week later &ndash; is the date when the blossoms are expected reach their peak. After reaching their peak the flowers become very fragile, and if the spring is wet, the rain will make fast work of the blossoms.

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There are many different kinds of cherry trees &ndash; some early-blooming and others late-blooming, so even when the blossoms for one type have fallen, those of others may still be about to reach their peak.

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Every year, it seems that the cherry blossom season begins earlier. In Okinawa, with its warm climate, the cherry blossoms have come and gone this year, and they appear as early as January and lasting as late as early February.

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For the four main islands of Japan, the forecasts usually start with predictions for the first blooms in Kyushu in mid to late March, with a peak about a week to 10 days later. In popular low-lying areas of Western Honshu and in Tokyo (Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Matsuyama)&nbsp;sakura&nbsp;make their first appearance in the latter half of March and peak at the beginning of April. In more mountainous inland areas or along the Sea of Japan, the first blossoms tend to appear in early April, peaking soon after. In southern Tohoku, the blossoms begin appearing around mid-April and also have a short window before reaching their peak. In Hokkaido,&nbsp;sakura&nbsp;emerge from late April and peak in early May.

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The blossoms emerge later at higher altitudes, and as most of our tours combine lower-lying and mountain areas, the cherry blossoms are often visible well into April, making the opportunities to view Japan&rsquo;s famed cherry blossoms during the Spring season are plentiful.

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In March and April, cherry blossom mania begins - forecasts as to when and where the blooms will appear first and when they will peak make the morning weather reports. Sakura -flavored items make their way into restaurant menus, coffee shops, and supermarkets.

When is cherry blossom season in Japan?

In Japan it is said that you are born Shintoist but die Buddhist. This is evidenced in practice as many events celebrating life are conducted at shrines, while rites for the afterlife are performed at temples. In Buddhism, a spirit is considered a living being that is still present in the family home even after passing&mdash;where Japanese families with room to spare will have a traditional Buddhist altar in their homes. This alter serves as a residence for those who have passed where they continue to be treated as living beings, receiving morning greetings and food.&nbsp;

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<img alt="" height="375" src="https://static-oku.diqit.io/uploads/oku/koya1-1663836881524.jpg" style="float:left;" width="250" />It is believed that Japan chose Buddhism as the preferred funeral rite due to its more positive image of life after death. However, the truth is that cremation, a uniquely Buddhist ritual, became mandatory during the Showa era to conserve limited space. The last rites performed by a Buddhist monk actually take inspiration from Shinto rituals, as Japan&rsquo;s indigenous religion stresses the importance of an afterlife more than Buddhism does.

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The Shingon (esoteric) sect of Buddhism that resides on Mount Koya has a succinct view of those who have passed, wherein their graveyard Okunoin is not home to the dead, but waiting spirits. Buddhism doesn&rsquo;t consider the body and the spirit to be separate, but as one entity intertwined to form a complex individual. The bridge to Okunoin serves as a boundary between worlds, and the cedar trees lining the path seem to open a barrier that welcomes you into the spirit world.

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Traditionally, a Japanese grave consists of only a headstone and a collection of wooden sticks engraved with the posthumous Buddhist names belonging to the family. These headstones have a compartment to store the ashes of the deceased and a dedicated area for flowers, incense and the family seal. As such, a grave is considered a peaceful last resting place with members of the family visiting to routinely clean the headstone and leave drinks or snacks.&nbsp;

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Venture deep into Okunoin and you will encounter many different graves, some that don&rsquo;t even match any of the previous descriptions. This is because there are more than 200,000 different graves gathered around the mausoleum of the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Lord Kukai (known posthumously as Kobo Daishi). Mount Koya&rsquo;s temple complex is another creation of Kukai, to serve as the centre of Shingon Buddhism and as a retreat from worldly affairs.

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The spectacular growth of Okunoin is attributed to his massive spiritual influence, inspiring many from all over Japan to request that their remains be placed as close to the mausoleum as possible. To the Shingon Buddhist sect, Kukai has not passed on but is in a state of eternal meditation. Food is offered to him every day and certain monks will enter the mausoleum once a year to trim his hair and change his clothing.&nbsp;

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While Kukai&rsquo;s mausoleum is considered to be the most important location in the graveyard, there are some other interesting artifacts to be found in Okunoin. The best time to learn about the stories surrounding this mystical final resting place is at night during one of the special tours offered by resident monks, where the lit lanterns at dusk really make it feel as though you have stepped into the home of spirits. There, your guide will teach you about the cemetery&rsquo;s famous superstitions and otherworldly objects, such as the Miroku Stone, a large stone at the centre of Okunoin that judges your sins--heavier for the sinful and light for the righteous, challengers must attempt to lift it with just one hand.

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It is interesting to note that not only monks are buried here. In fact, anyone regardless of background is permitted a final resting place on the mountain. Still, if eternity is too big of a commitment for now, the Shingon Buddhists of Mount Koya run various temple retreats known as Shukubo that give visitors a glimpse into what life is like on Mount Koya. Each temple has its own charm, but what stays the same is the spiritual experience. Entering the mountain and seeing the light shine through the thick forest canopy on the mossy ground really makes you feel like you have been transported to a different world.

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One of the core beliefs of Shingon Buddhism is a love of present life and a search for the truth. Being in the presence of veneered spirits brings inspiration and knowledge to celebrate life and understand its mysteries. Shingon in Japanese means &lsquo;true word&rsquo;, because it challenges its followers to get closer to the unwritten eternal wisdom of Buddha. Thus, a visit to Mount Koya allows you to see the daily efforts of the monks up close and even participate. We invite you to open yourself to the mysticism of the mountain and the spiritual power of the more than 200,000 monks before you.&nbsp;

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&quot;Esoteric Buddhism is a portal that transcends all space in an instant. With it, you can surely attain Buddhahood whilst you are alive.&quot;

Kukai

The bridge to Okunoin serves as a boundary between worlds, and the cedar trees lining the path seem to open a barrier that welcomes you into the spirit world.

Okunoin Cemetery on Mount Koya

As I wash my hands at a basin before a large&nbsp;torii&nbsp;gate, I am reminded of how this small gesture has become so ingrained in my manners when visiting a Japanese shrine. It is very strange, since I don&rsquo;t consider myself a particularly religious person following any specific devout path and surprisingly, such feelings are shared with a lot of Japanese people as well. Still, there is a great deal of spirituality in Japan, much of it displayed through pilgrimage routes dotted across the country.

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Traditional religious pilgrimages are still undertaken today, albeit with the assistance of more modern means such as trains, buses and cars. One of the oldest pilgrimages in the world is the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, first walked by the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Kukai, in 815. Those who walk the trail and pass by all 88 temples are said to be accompanied by the pilgrims who walked before them, in spirit.

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Pilgrims are known as&nbsp;ohenro&nbsp;and have been visiting the 88 temples since Kukai, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, first walked the trail in 815. Anyone can walk the trail and become an&nbsp;ohenro&nbsp;regardless of gender, age or nationality, and the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail still attracts thousands every year thanks to the popularity of Kukai, who is considered something of a legendary spiritual leader and is sometimes portrayed as a Buddhist superhero in children&rsquo;s books. His impressive intellect and charismatic personality was what drew many to follow in his footsteps as well as visit &nbsp;various key locations of his life, such as the place of his birth and the temples he founded, hoping to gain some of Kukai&rsquo;s spiritual understanding.

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Not too far away, fusing Shintoism with Buddhism, is the Kumano Kodo Trail in Wakayama prefecture &ndash; not tied to the memory of a single person like the Shikoku Pilgrimage. The Kii Mountains through which it winds are said to be the birthplace of this religious harmony due to their spiritual energy, and the more nature-focused Shinto religion was first to settle in the region. They built shrines that gathered energy from the beautiful mountainous landscape, before Buddhist monks arrived soon after, building temples along the roads they shared with Shinto priests.&nbsp;

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Not only Buddhism, but also Christianity found its place on the sacred trail, with the Kumano Kodo being the official partner of the Santiago De Compostela in Spain, granting people who walk both trails the status of Dual Pilgrim. It is this spirit of hospitality that lives on in the people of the Kii Peninsula and a belief that spiritual energy is created not only by the divine, but also by the people.

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Japan is unique in that its two principal religions have shared locations of spiritual significance for hundreds of years through which pilgrims commune. Legends can turn a simple tree into a vessel for a Shinto deity and statues into protectors of the village, and these legends pass down ancient teachings and wisdom. One of the best things to do on a pilgrimage is observe and listen &ndash; not just to the people, but to the tales told by the rustling of the leaves and in the way the sunlight dances through the canopy. When walking the Kumano Kodo or the Shikoku 88, you are not only following the footsteps of someone great who came before you, but building a foundation for your own greatness.

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I don’t consider myself a particularly religious person following any specific devout path and surprisingly, such feelings are shared with a lot of Japanese people as well.

Spirituality on pilgrimages in Japan

&lsquo;Solo travel&rsquo;.

Some may be apprehensive of the idea of travelling alone, more accustomed to group travel as a part of a celebration, get-together with friends, or a family vacation to bond and grow closer to the people you are familiar with. However others may feel extremely liberated by the prospect of travelling alone, seeing it as an opportunity to get familiar with someone who you are in contact with every day but perhaps never take the time to check in with; yourself.

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Buddhism, one of Japan&rsquo;s main religions, emphasizes self-reflection. When we are confronted with ourselves, it is important to understand the difference between loneliness and solitude. Loneliness is a feeling of abandonment, a negative state of isolation, whereas solitude is a positive and constructive feeling that helps you get to know yourself. For Buddhist monks, solitude is a way of connecting with the other world. By removing all other elements from your space, you are allowing Buddha to travel with you.&nbsp;

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Meanwhile, Japan&rsquo;s indigenous Shinto religion uses the polytheistic concept of&nbsp;kami&nbsp;(or god) to describe the holiness and spiritual aspects of every object and living thing around you. A tree, rock or place can contain a&nbsp;kami, and so can you &ndash; this principle is seen in Shinto shrines where the main object of worship is a mirror, the reflection of all that is you.

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By choosing your destination you are effectively taking control of your journey. Not being tied to another person&rsquo;s choice will open up many of your own. After all, you are free to go where you want and most importantly, create connections. People are social and we will always seek out company. You are never the only solo traveller and this longing to connect will push you to utilise your communication skills; tricky when you don&rsquo;t know the country&rsquo;s language. Locals are always interested to know why someone is travelling alone. See your trip not as a journey by yourself, but as a chance to connect with new people and make new friendships that may last a lifetime.

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Japan is a country that is very friendly towards solo travellers. Historically, people walked trails by themselves as wandering merchants,&nbsp;ronin&nbsp;(&lsquo;masterless samurai&rsquo;) or religious pilgrims. These wanderers were welcomed at small roadside inns and given food and boarding in exchange for coin, or work if times were tough. Today, an inn will not request labour in return for a bed, but the openness to welcome strangers remains.

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If you are wondering whether Japan is safe for solo travel, you will be delighted to know that the country has a trustworthy network of public transportation and there is a great amount of English signage, facilitating your journey. The locals have an amazing sixth sense for noticing people who are lost and will immediately try to help if you look even the slightest bit perplexed. And don&rsquo;t forget, the&nbsp;kami&nbsp;that inhabit every roadside shrine will be protecting you on your travels. Walking one of Japan&#39;s ancient trails with Oku Japan provides an additional layer of security as well - we have local branch offices on both the Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo Trails, maintaining local connections and serving as bridge for you during your visit.

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A family trip creates precious memories but a journey of self-discovery is equally priceless. Neither is better than the other, but their purposes do differ. If you ever feel like there is a roadblock in front of you, a solo-trip might just be what you need to move past it. Japan is such a unique and diverse country to discover and experiences are absorbed differently when there is no one there to immediately share them with.

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The many intricate secrets and historical facts about a location will be etched better into your memory when you prepare to share your story down the line. As for the moment, the experience is there only for you, and you will remember the whole journey so much better because it was you, and just you, who had the courage to seek new places and explore the world.&nbsp;

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So, now that you have perhaps bolstered your confidence to undertake solo travel, be sure to carry it with you as your own precious&nbsp;kami.

Japan is a country that is very friendly towards solo travellers. Historically, people walked trails by themselves as wandering merchants, ronin (‘masterless samurai’) or religious pilgrims.

What is solo travel in Japan like?

The historic Nakasendo Trail runs through the Japan Alps and is one of a network of five roads, used to travel to and from Tokyo, known collectively as the Gokaido. The Nakasendo, which translates to &lsquo;central mountain route&rsquo;, is a 534km trail connecting Kyoto and Tokyo, and many parts of this legendary route have remained largely unchanged thanks to local conservation efforts. Warlords and porters alike travelled this long road for centuries and&nbsp;juku&nbsp;post towns sprung up along the route to provide accommodation for weary travellers. Much of the preservation of the area&rsquo;s history and culture takes place in these historic towns, where inns are run by generations of the same family and local delicacies such as&nbsp;gohei mochi&nbsp;(skewered rice cakes with miso sauce) are still enjoyed by visitors just as they were hundreds of years ago.

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The Kisoji is a very important section of the Nakasendo Trail as it served an integral role in the region&rsquo;s commerce, with eleven of the sixty-nine post towns being on this portion of the trail. Being located in the remote Kiso Valley, many of these towns avoided modernisation and are subsequently a wonderful way for the modern traveller to experience old Japan.

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One of the most popular sections of this trail is the path from Magome to Tsumago. Starting in Magome serves as a wonderful introduction to the atmospheric towns visited along the Nakasendo, filled with rustic storefronts, inns and tea houses. And the hike itself isn&rsquo;t difficult, with well-maintained stone paths complemented by the beautiful natural scenery of the forests and surrounding mountains. Once you leave Magome, the trail eventually leads to Tsumago after about two or three hours of leisurely hiking.

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Tsumago, the 42nd of 69 post towns along the Nakasendo, is one of the best-preserved in all of Japan due to the local people going to great lengths to sustain an edo period atmosphere. Cars are prohibited from driving through the town and modern aspects of urban life and infrastructure such as vending machines and telephone poles are not permitted. Stepping into Tsumago feels like slipping back into old Japan and offers a starkly contrasted experience to the bright lights and busy life of Tokyo or Osaka.&nbsp;

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Further along the Nakasendo is Kiso-Fukushima &ndash; located roughly halfway between Kyoto and Tokyo, this post town was once an important checkpoint. Travellers in the past would go through an inspection process here as the Tokugawa shogunate were on the lookout for illegal goods and women in disguise trying to sneak through. The building where these inspections occurred has been reconstructed and displays some of the confiscated weapons, instruments of torture and the passes that were required to continue traveling along the trail.

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With a short train journey to Yabuhara and an approximate three hour hike, travellers will arrive at Narai, which was one of the most prosperous post towns. Located at the foot of the Torii Pass (one of the more strenuous parts of the Nakasendo), Narai was also referred to as &lsquo;Narai of a thousand inns&rsquo;. Its long main street is lined with ryokan and minshuku, along with shops selling local souvenirs selling wood carvings and dried fruits. Similar to Magome and Tsumago, the local community has preserved the history and culture of this post town with the help of the government, and this is most evident in the restored buildings in which these businesses operate.

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While there are other notable towns along this legendary route, one of the most memorable aspects of a visit to this area is the human connection made with the local residents. Whether they are innkeepers of a minshuku or a friendly shopkeeper, guests of Oku Japan consistently comment on the positive experiences shared with the locals encountered along the way. The post towns along the Kiso road are so passionately well preserved because the community holds such a deep affection for the culture and heritage passed down for generations.

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With the immense cultural and social impact this trail has had on the country, a visit to this area would make an unforgettable experience for any traveller wishing to learn more about Japan&rsquo;s heritage and history. Following in the ancient footsteps of samurai, travellers can immerse themselves in the evocative atmosphere of the post towns and experience the stunning natural beauty that has inspired art and literature for centuries. Most visitors to Japan will visit major cities such as Tokyo or Kyoto but a well-rounded itinerary would surely include walking along a portion of this legendary route, getting away from the busy streets and neon lights to walk along the historic Nakasendo trail.

While there are other notable towns along this legendary route, one of the most memorable aspects of a visit to this area is the human connection made with the local residents.

History on the Nakasendo

With the goal of bringing travellers and locals closer together, in 2015, Oku Japan became the first tour operator with a physical presence on the Kumano Kodo by opening a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.okujapan.com/about-us/kumano-kodo-branch">branch office in the small mountain settlement of Chikatsuyu</a>. Since then, we have been continuously humbled by the community and how we have been welcomed after many years of working together at a distance. We remain involved in the everyday lives of those who live and work there, with our very own branch office team members being locals of the region itself.&nbsp;

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A far cry from typical office life, Oku Japan team members Mayumi Bamyo and Satoe Shoji typically spend time with various people in the community each day. While Satoe and Mayumi are both from Wakayama, becoming involved in the community of Chikatsuyu has allowed them to learn more about traditional life, such as rice planting, digging up and cooking bamboo shoots, and picking tea. Neighbours commonly stop by for a morning chat, and the more relaxed, slow pace of rural life means that these special moments have become a staple of their everyday.

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This also makes for abundant opportunities to learn more about the details of life in the countryside, from individual worries to livelihood highlights. Being located in the charming village of Chikatsuyu has given us at Oku Japan the opportunity to learn even more, and we aim to use our position to serve as a lens for sharing the culture and lifestyles of this incredible community with the world.&nbsp;

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One of the most rewarding parts of being based in Chikatsuyu is the privilege of being invited to join in local festivals. Festivals are an important part of Japanese culture, holding great value culturally and spiritually. This is particularly the case in small communities, where festivals are also a way to boost morale, bring friends and families together, and celebrate the local way of life.&nbsp;

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In particular, yearly harvest festivals are a regular feature of rural Japan and our local office allows some of the Kyoto based team members to visit Chikatsuyu to actively take part in the festivities, such as making&nbsp;mochi&nbsp;using freshly harvested rice and setting up tents for local vendors. Patrons at these festivals can enjoy delicious local food, watch the&nbsp;Shishi-mai&nbsp;lion dance, and even venture out onto the Kumano Kodo Trail to take advantage of the refreshing weather and festive atmosphere.

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It&rsquo;s deeply important to us that we give back to the community that has welcomed us so kindly, with local farmer and blueberry aficionado Onaka-san expressing to us that interactions with our guests have helped local businesses in the area flourish, especially those based in tourism such as the inns and luggage transfer businesses.

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Chikatsuyu is a village that has felt the benefits of a sustainable form of tourism first hand, with limited accommodations to prevent overcrowding, and the nature of the trail that attracts people looking to experience deeper Japanese culture rather than to visit fleetingly. And it is always a pleasure to learn from members of the local community that our presence is able to bring such a brightness to Chikatsuyu.&nbsp;

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One of the many reasons we have found it important to maintain a presence on the Kumano Kodo is to create a more personalised experience for our guests - it&rsquo;s one thing to visit a small, rural community, but it&rsquo;s another one entirely to meet someone who can welcome you in and introduce you to their way of life.

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So, what does this mean for you?&nbsp;

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You are most likely to visit Chikatsuyu on your second night walking the Kumano Kodo, a wonderful continuation after your introduction to the Kumano Kodo with much to still look forward to. During your stay, you may meet some inquisitive local people, particularly while spending time with Mayumi and Satoe at our branch office. You will be surprised by how easy it is to communicate despite not having a working knowledge of each other&rsquo;s language, however Mayumi and Satoe will also be at hand to help, just in case. Chikatsuyu is a welcoming village, with people who are excited to share their culture and history with our guests.

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And as if that wasn&rsquo;t enough, did you know that our branch office also doubles as a traditional inn? Renovated from an old, unused wooden building,&nbsp;Oku no Yado Chikatsuyu&nbsp;not only serves as a space for our Chikatsuyu team to work out of, but as a space welcoming to both travellers and locals for a chat, some coffee, and even as overnight accommodation if required.&nbsp;

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Even if you don&rsquo;t stay overnight at our inn, you can arrive in Chikatsuyu knowing that you&rsquo;ve already got some friends excited to welcome you.

A far cry from typical office life, Oku Japan team members Mayumi Bamyo and Satoe Shoji typically spend time with various people in the community each day.

Oku Japan's Presence in Chikatsuyu

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Travelling to a country with such unfamiliar customs, surroundings and even language, may seem like a tough call, especially with children. But luckily, Japan has made leaps and bounds in their endeavours to make it easier to get around, easing the worries of parents&rsquo; all over the world. The country has an eclectic mix of nature and urbanisation, providing a wonderful balance between exciting stimuli and relaxing downtime for the whole family. And it&rsquo;s our belief that travelling away from the cities is where children will learn and experience the most, and create memories that will stay with them well into adulthood.

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Japan is well-known for its abundance of shrines and temples; the mere utterance of either of these words may already have your childrens&rsquo; eyes rolling back into their heads in boredom. And while Buddhist temples are certainly not playgrounds, by framing the location properly there is a lot to make it interesting for younger minds. Many temples have beautifully vivid wall and ceiling murals to capture imaginations, an almost innumerable number of Buddha effigies to discover, and the opportunity to select your own talisman for good luck, good grades, or just because it looks cuter than the other ones (we&rsquo;re all a bit guilty of that last one).

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Some temples in Japan also have a more hands-on approach to Buddhism with most temples having votive images and statues that you are encouraged to interact with for good luck or health. Todaiji, for example, has a square hole carved into one of the building&rsquo;s pillars named &lsquo;Buddha&rsquo;s Nostril&rsquo;, said to grant a degree of enlightenment in the next life of whoever can fit through it. And you will often see a queue of people waiting to give it a try, eager for that chance at enlightenment.

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Shrines, on the other hand, are tied to Japan&rsquo;s Shinto religion and usually consist of a large area with many separate sub-shrines. Visitors are expected to behave in a decent manner and playing or running around is generally frowned upon. However, shrines host a multitude of festivals throughout the year with a great informal atmosphere, fair games and food stalls. These places of worship are usually located in greener, less urban areas, making them a great spot for a lunchtime playbreak.

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One of the worries travellers often have before departing on one of our trails is with food options as it&rsquo;s easy to get the impression that Japanese cuisine is only made up of sushi, sashimi and rice (and for some of us it is, but can you blame us?). However, meats such as pork and beef are actually more popular than seafood today, and many restaurants have special menus for children with smaller portions, tastes and colours that suit a younger appetite. The ever-present &lsquo;family restaurant&rsquo; are informal establishments, usually part of a chain, that serve a mixture of Japanese and Western cuisine. Meanwhile, more traditional establishments such as ryokan may not have a children&rsquo;s menu, but all meals are served in a variety of smaller dishes making it easy for parents to share with children, letting them decide what to eat. Should you or your children have any allergies, you can ask your hotel front desk or host to write a message in Japanese that you can take with you to restaurants. And then for the very young, some Japanese restaurants are happy to provide an extra plate so you can share some of your meal with the tiny stomach next to you.

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If you&rsquo;re looking to hit the trails with your children, then we definitely recommend the shorter versions of most of our hikes. Our shorter tours are designed to focus on the highlights of the trail without being overly tiring, meaning parents and children can have a relaxing holiday with a good amount of exercise. When it&rsquo;s time to turn in for the night, most traditional Japanese ryokan and minshuku provide fluffy futon mattresses on tatami floors. The advantage of these accommodations is that you do not need a cot for younger children, however many western hotels are able to provide a cot upon request as well.

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Some children have limitless stamina and can traverse the trails in no time, while others dread the thought of walking more than thirty minutes and of course pushchairs aren&rsquo;t recommended for hiking routes. However getting around the city is becoming increasingly more convenient, with more and more train stations building elevators or ramps for ease of movement. Buses and trains can be crowded at times however, so you may have to fold these down to board and make room for others. Alternatively, you may spot a good number of parents utilising baby carriers or papooses, and doing away with the idea of wielding pushchair altogether. Still, should you wish to bring a buggy then Japan has a very trustworthy delivery service with nationwide coverage called &lsquo;takuhaibin&rsquo;. You can use this service to send ahead luggage to your next destination and travel hands-free for the interim.&nbsp;

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Japan has an abundance of entertainment options for all ages. Children will instantly be attracted to the busy and colourful cities of Tokyo or Osaka, but it&rsquo;s in the countryside where the true nature of the land is to be discovered. While a pilgrimage might not be on everyone&rsquo;s bucket list, why not transform it into an adventure in a foreign country where the heroes must visit every shrine and temple to complete their quest? Or a village-to-village trek where the objective is to try discover something new every day? Children love games, and in fact...so do adults. Travel is about expanding your horizons and learning something new. Oku Japan has a dedicated family tour where children can try their hands at Taiko drums and a variety of traditional crafts. There really is no better way to experience a culture than to get hands-on with it, and our well-thought out itinerary was made with this in mind. Your destination is what you make of it.&nbsp;

It's our belief that travelling away from the cities is where children will learn and experience the most, and create memories that will stay with them well into adulthood.

Travelling to Japan with Children

You likely will have heard the old adage &lsquo;Japan has four distinct seasons&rsquo;, a phrase that&rsquo;s used regularly and earnestly, and one that Japan takes a great deal of pride in. And they are right to. While every season has its own charm, the temperatures, events and scenery of one may be better suited to your interests than another. This change has a rippling effect that seeps into Japan&rsquo;s daily life, with many traditional Shinto or Buddhist rituals and festivals being tied to the seasons, intertwining culture with nature. Below we make a valiant attempt to summarise the highs, and the perhaps less desirable lows, to help you decide which season may be best for you!

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<h2 style="text-align:justify">Summer</h2>

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Summer in Japan comes with a busy calendar packed with a variety of events to choose from. The matsuri (祭り/festival) season is in full swing at this time with people enjoying the outdoors in yukata, watching fireworks and soaking in the revelry. We recommend not missing out on the chance to experience major Japanese festivals such as Gion Matsuri in Kyoto or Yosakoi in Kochi. And that&rsquo;s not forgetting the nationwide seasonal events, such as Bon Odori and fireworks festivals lighting up the sky across the country.&nbsp;

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Now, while you may already be packing your bags to join in the celebrations, one thing to prepare for is the impressive subtropical climate - more specifically, the humidity - particularly as you travel around western and southern Japan. But there are ways to keep yourself cool while enjoying the festive mood. Sampling festival foods is a highlight of the Japanese summer, with some iconic foods being specifically designed to help keep you cool. Shaved ice, cold noodles and an amazing variety of soft serve ice cream flavours are a staple. Likewise wrapping up in a breezy cotton yukata and kitting yourself out with the seasonal summer gadgets is part of fun.

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With their paved roads, you&rsquo;ll notice that the cities in particular can be the most humid, but the early mornings and late afternoons are the perfect time to explore shrines and temples while avoiding the sun and the crowds. Traveling outside of the major cities to the Japanese Alps, the mountains of Shikoku, or the rolling plains of Hokkaido, will also reward you with a more temperate climate. As summer is a low-travel season, this is the time to take advantage of favourable prices for hotels and flights, but we do recommend caution for travelling from August into September and early October as the typhoon season can cause disruptions to flight and train schedules.

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<h2 style="text-align:justify">Autumn</h2>

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Autumn is the season of harvest, supplying markets with fresh produce of the highest quality. The temperature lowers and the rice paddies turn a golden yellow before being harvested in late September. The rice harvest is connected to Tsukimi (月見/Moon Festival) where people eat pounded rice cakes while admiring the full moon. Meanwhile meals begin to grow warmer as we move towards winter, with freshly steamed rice accompanying plates of grilled fish and vegetables.

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Most temples and shrines have special events and are open until late at night, and you will see many people on the street enjoying the pleasant weather with the smell of baked sweet potatoes filling the air. Much of the country&rsquo;s cuisine at this time will also make heavy use of the many mountain vegetables and mushrooms that are now in abundance, such as matsutake mushrooms, sanma pike, chestnuts, persimmons and asian pears.&nbsp;

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The main event of the season though is the changing of the leaves. This beautiful display of vibrant colors is subject to the changes in temperature, with news outlets vigorously tracking the foliage across the country. Hiking trails in particular are at their most popular at this time, as intrepid travellers make the most of the autumn breeze to walk among the reddening mountain foliage. If you happen to visit Japan during this season, your eyes will forever remember the beautiful scenery.

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<h2 style="text-align:justify">Winter</h2>

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Winter is the time to huddle around nabe (鍋/hot pot) while looking on as the snow falls outside. By this time, the autumn leaves have fallen and the trees prepare to bear new snowy decorations with cities all across Japan organising romantic illumination events. And for the more adventurous spirits, there are snowshoe hiking trails, winter sports or the chance to tread out on frozen lakes.&nbsp;

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As comfortable as it is to stay inside, it is much more fun to go out and see the beautiful sights with their new wintery backdrop. Locations such as Kibune in Kyoto, Shirakawa-go in Gifu and Mount Fuji in Yamanashi are considered at their most beautiful during the winter. This season is also the perfect opportunity to see Japan in full celebration, with decorations and festivities for Christmas in December, leading into New Years events in January.

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Winter is the time for togetherness in Japan, be it in front of the aforementioned nabe - a versatile dish with many variations from meat and seafood, to fully vegetarian options in a soymilk base - some grilled beef, or a curry stew, there&rsquo;s a meal for every palate to warm you up. The changing of the years brings with it the country&rsquo;s biggest celebration, with families reuniting for the first three days of the new year to reminisce and dine together on auspicious meals that have been delicately prepared weeks before the event.&nbsp;

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Then, once the Christmas illuminations and New Years shrine visits have passed, the plum blossoms begin to bloom, welcoming in the first signs of the spring season, making the winter season in Japan one of change.

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<h2 style="text-align:justify">Spring</h2>

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Spring is undoubtedly the most popular season for travel in Japan thanks to the world-famous flurry of cherry blossoms. These flowers are tricky to predict and their peak blooming moments vary for the different regions of Japan, so local news outlets keep track daily from the first moment a blossoming bud is spotted. Then once they have been declared to be at full bloom, people gather under the trees to celebrate the coming of spring.&nbsp;

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In the weeks leading up to cherry blossom season, companies release edible and inedible goods to match: cosmetics, clothing, accessories, drinks, burger buns, noodles, you name it and it will be pink. It&rsquo;s also a popular time to indulge in traditional sweets, with hanami dango and sakura mochi treats made of pounded rice and red bean paste becoming widely available everywhere you go.&nbsp;

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During spring, the temperatures are perfect for outdoor activities with little chance of rain and a healthy dose of sunshine. As a result, you can expect crowds during this season as everyone flocks to make the most of the weather and the views. There is a brief respite following the cherry blossoms before another busy period, Golden Week, a week-long stretch of national holidays from the end of April into May where in-country travel can get quite congested.&nbsp;

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Despite this, the period right after the cherry blossoms and Golden Week is a sweet spot for many travelers looking to make the most of the temperate weather whilst avoiding the crowds. Some mountainous areas will even have a later cherry blossom season happening at this time, as the colder regions make the buds bloom later than in the warmer, more populated cities. Then from mid-May, you&rsquo;ll see nature come into its own, with luscious landscapes of green grass and flowers in full bloom as we head back into summer, and Japan&rsquo;s festival season.

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This is just a brief glimpse into each of the country&rsquo;s distinct seasons that we hope will give you some food for thought when planning your next big Japan adventure. There&rsquo;s something for everyone throughout the year, but if you&rsquo;re still unsure then don&rsquo;t hesitate to get in touch with our team in Kyoto for a deeper insight into our favourite times to be in Japan!

While every season has its own charm, the temperatures, events and scenery of one may be better suited to your interests than another. This change has a rippling effect that seeps into Japan’s daily life

When is the best time to travel to Japan?

This post was written by Oku Japan client Yasmine Beydoun, who joined a guided Nakasendo Trail departure with us in spring of 2017.

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<h2 style="text-align:justify">Seeking adventure in Japan</h2>

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I wanted to climb a mountain, be in nature, be alone, but most of all I wanted to feel the new me. I combined all of that with my desire to visit Japan, revel in its beauty, culture and aesthetics, and trek with a group of people I didn&rsquo;t know.&nbsp;

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If you believe in past lives like I do, you will understand when I say that, for me, being in Japan was like home &ndash; in the sense that I understood the people, I appreciated everything about them, loved what I learned about them, didn&rsquo;t feel the need to question the reasons for this and that, and bowed down to the beauty in everything they created.

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Looking back, perhaps the mountain was a metaphor for traveling alone, being in a very unfamiliar place, trekking through forests, meeting new people, and being away from home for two weeks. I came across the trip by &ldquo;accident&rdquo; and felt it was right; especially that Japan was high on my travel list. Forget the mountain, I thought to myself, I will train for trekking instead. Pretty soon I was in Tokyo, on my first night in Japan having dinner with old friends who were on their last night in Japan. It was all pretty surreal from then on. I experienced this magical, thrilling, exhilarating, butterflies-in-my-stomach feeling for the first 24 hours.

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<h2 style="text-align:justify">The people and the tour</h2>

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I was apprehensive about the group I was going to spend 12 days with. What age group? Will they be nice? Fun? Where will they be from? I had decided to surrender my worry, and let the universe take over. I decided that it would be super to get along with everyone; and if not, then there would be lessons to learn. However, what I totally didn&rsquo;t expect was a completely different age group where I was by far the youngest (not the fittest though I might add!). At first, and this is hard for me to admit, I couldn&rsquo;t help but feel a little sorry for myself. But I had 12 days ahead of me and this thinking would do me no good. I quickly intervened: Yasmine, remember the universe? Well you are together for a reason, and this will be part of your adventure and growth on this trip.

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In the end the universe brought together a group of wonderful, adventurous, funny, wholesome, genuine and interesting people. Only few of them knew each other, and enough didn&rsquo;t. Our trip was through a part of the Nakasendo trail; one of the main ancient routes linking Edo (old name for Tokyo) and Kyoto. There were two days in Tokyo, four trekking days, two days in Nara, then two days in the most breathtaking mountain villages Yoshino and Okunoin, and finally Kyoto for three days*.&nbsp;

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The days spent trekking were out of this world. Walking through dense forests and feeling the energy of nature overpower me, I understood the Japanese term &ldquo;forest therapy&rdquo;. These luxurious 300 year-old trees are therapy for the soul. I hugged a tree and cried tears of joy and connection with nature. Some of the most special days were those we spent trekking, stopping in historic post-towns and staying in old family run inns (ryokan). These post towns were like going into a time machine, another realm; some were over 400 years old, and oh so enchanting with their old architecture, little shops, and houses.

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We slept on tatami mats, relaxed our sore muscles in hot baths, wore traditional yukata at dinnertime, feasted on authentic food, and felt more connected with the real Japan and each other. Some of us even introduced happy hour before dinnertime. The crowning glory was the cherry blossom season all around the Nakasendo trail. There was one particular day when we couldn&rsquo;t say the word &ldquo;stunning&rdquo; enough. We would whip our phones out again and again trying to capture the astounding beauty of every scene, to be met a little while later with yet another even more dazzling one. This went on and on.

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It was wonderful to experience how the people connection unravels. As familiarity grew and became deeper, we started sharing life stories and events that shaped us. We asked and listened and digested, and at some point, a week or so into the trip, we felt ready to go home. But then, more magic happened, more connection and more laughter. Maybe it was just my experience and if so, I was blessed and lucky.&nbsp;

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<h2 style="text-align:justify">It is all about connections</h2>

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I could feel the pixie dust all over my aura for at least the first week back home. My friends and family wanted to hear the &ldquo;best part&rdquo; or &ldquo;in one word&rdquo; or &ldquo;the highlight&rdquo;. Truth is, that wasn&rsquo;t possible because this experience was profound on so many levels. Traveling alone was about meeting myself, and being the real me. Not the wife, mother, daughter, sister or friend in my everyday life.

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Ultimately it came down to connections: with people, with Japan and with myself. I connected with the authentic me, the courageous, adventurous, culturally flexible, and open minded me. And as I sit here on the peak of the &ldquo;mountain&rdquo; in my traditional yukata, I am missing Japan and my new friends terribly.

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And by the way, I did eat a grasshopper.

The days spent trekking were out of this world. Walking through dense forests and feeling the energy of nature overpower me, I understood the Japanese term “forest therapy”.

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