Japan has opened its border to tourists, and many are eager to come to Japan. You might wonder why? Simply put, Japan is a very fascinating destination. Been living in Japan for the past 6 years, yet Japan still fascinates me in many ways.

The blend of old traditions and modern technology mixed together in a seamless way makes you wonder, is Japan actually a country from the past or from the future? Whatever it is, if Japan is a country that you are longing to visit, you are on the right page. I am here to help you get to know Japan (which has full of surprises) a little bit better before you actually set foot here! (And yes, hopefully helping you saving some money too!!)

1. Season/Weather

Japan has basically four seasons throughout the year– Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Each season varies slightly from place to place in Japan. But generally, the months of the seasons are:

• Spring: March – May
• Summer: June – August
• Autumn: September – November
• Winter: December – February

Depending on the season, the temperature and climate vary significantly. The coldest month of the year is January (average is 5 degrees celsius), while the hottest month of the year is August (average is xx degrees celsius). Nevertheless, each season offers different experiences and sceneries, that is to say, each has its own uniqueness and specialities. Depending on what experiences or sceneries you are looking for, it is a great start to know WHEN to go to Japan!

Nevertheless, each season offers different experiences and sceneries, that is to say, each season has its own uniqueness and specialities.

2. What to wear

One of the biggest and most concerns of traveling to another country is choosing the RIGHT attire. You do not want to shiver during the cold winter days or sweat terribly on the hot summer days, right?!

Not wearing the right clothes might also make you sick, and you end up not being able to enjoy Japan. You might also want to prepare for the unexpected, including sudden rain and temperature swings. These are the general guidelines of the attire in each season.

You do not want to shiver during the cold winter days or sweat terribly on the hot summer days, right?! Not wearing the RIGHT clothes might also make you sick, and you end up not be able to enjoy Japan.

• Spring

Spring is probably the best and the most popular season for tourists to come to Japan. With sakura (cherry blossom) and other flowers blooming beautifully, the spring season typically has a very nice mild climate. The temperature during this season is between 15 to 20-degree celsius on a sunny day. However, the temperature is a little bit lower in the early morning and at nighttime.
Wearing a cardigan or light jacket and thermals can help you stay warm throughout the day.

• Summer

Summer in Japan is hot and humid. The temperature during this summer season ranges from 27-degree up to 35-degree celsius. But the important thing you need to know is because the humidity is high, you sweat a lot once you step your feet outside. 
For this reason, a hat/cap is very convenient, and make sure to drink enough fluid throughout the day too!

• Autumn

Like Spring, the temperature during Autumn is fairly mild (in general). The temperature ranges between 23 to 25-degree celsius during the day, but it can be a bit lower at nighttime. So it is a good idea to wear a thermal, as well as a cardigan or a light jacket. 

• Winter

Winter in Japan is quite harsh, but again, it depends on which location you go to. If you go to Hokkaido, the winter is extreme, with the temperature on average around -4 degrees celsius. But if you are going to Tokyo, the average high temperature is around 10 degrees celsius. So make sure you use the layering technique with thermals, light jackets and so on to keep you warm. 

Waterproof attire is also helpful, especially if you are going to a place with occasional snowfall. Wearing winter boots can help with slipping and sliding because the road will be very slippery during winter months.

3. Insurance & Emergency Contact

Medical expenses in Japan are very, very expensive. No, don’t get me wrong. It’s not that I want something bad happens to you. But then again, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Travel insurance is not only for medical purposes. It also can be used for lost baggage, flight delays and more. So I would really recommend buying travel insurance for peace of mind while travelling to Japan.

Japan also has a lot of natural disasters. We do not know when they will happen, so it is a good idea to save emergency contacts while travelling in Japan, especially your own embassy contact number.

Medical expenses in Japan is very, very expensive. No, don’t get me wrong. It’s not that I want something bad happens to you. But then again, it is better to be safe than sorry.

4. Know Cultural Do’s and Dont’s

Like any other Asian country, Japan takes etiquette very seriously. You must know their basic cultural do’s and don’ts to prepare yourself before coming here!

• Do not make noise when using public transport (e.g. train). Put your mobile phone in silent mode.
• Do not take a photo of school children, people with recognised faces and someone’s property without permission.

• Keep your own rubbish. If you do not find any rubbish bin, bring your rubbish to your accommodation and throw it away there.
• Respect the rules and locals
• Do not pluck any flowers or plants you see outside. If you think they are beautiful, others might think the same too. So let everyone see its beauty.

These are just some examples of Japanese etiquette. There are a lot more but if you are unsure about their cultures, remember this pro tip– when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Meaning?
Just follow what locals are doing, and you will be safe! 😉

Do not pluck any flowers or plants you see outside. If you think they are beautiful, others might think the same too. So let everyone see its beauty.

5. Know Muslim-friendly services

For Muslim tourists, having information on prayer rooms, restaurants that offer Halal menus, Muslim-friendly places and more can be very helpful. You do not have to go far!
This website (Salam Groovy Japan) has all the information you need as Muslims to travel to Japan conveniently. Just scroll through our posts; you will find much interesting information!!

I hope my tips can help you know Japan a little bit better before coming here. If there is anything you would like to ask, put it in the comment section below!

Alas, Japan has a lot to offer. Come to Japan and experience them yourself!
But if you are still unsure which month to go or which season offers the best experience, wait for my next entry soon!!!

Zunita Ramli, Writer & Managing Director, Zaineeta Global PLT.
Graduated from Faculty of Engineering, University of Melbourne. She worked as a network engineer for a few years, then realized her passion in business and the beauty industry. Focusing on beauty lines, Tokyo Organic skincare (Made in Japan) offers halal skincare that only uses natural ingredients. She also likes to write articles, especially about Japan. Her articles has been featured many times in various websites, such as travel, life, and business.

Also See:
What you need to visit Japan for all foreign tourists & residents?

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