Buzz
Greetings, I'm MM, and today I want to share a bit about the experiences of traveling to Japan with all of you!
What to pack for your trip to Japan?
Firstly, let's talk about documentation. When traveling to Japan, every Vietnamese citizen must obtain a visa. You can prepare the necessary paperwork and visit the Japanese embassy in Hanoi or the consulate in Saigon. If that seems like too much effort, you can entrust everything to travel agencies, hehe, to lighten the load and focus on planning where to eat. A small note is that when entering, keep visa-related documents like tour bookings, hotel reservations, return tickets, etc., in your carry-on baggage, just in case immigration authorities inquire.
A little suggestion for you is to consider joining a tour if you're not confident in your ability to travel independently. Japan tours are quite popular among tourists, and most opt for them over solo travel because it eliminates the need to worry about paperwork and procedures. Additionally, tour prices range from 19-30 million dong per passenger.
Next on the list is currency exchange. If possible, exchange currency in Vietnam, as Japan doesn't accept Vietnamese currency. Converting from dollars to yen in Japan incurs a double exchange rate loss. The amount to exchange depends on your length of stay and shopping needs. If you have a credit card, use it to avoid the risk of losing cash. Japan uses both paper money and coins, so make sure your wallet accommodates both. Coins come in handy for buying tickets, vending machine drinks, bus fares, etc., so keep them easily accessible. With money and documents sorted, focus on packing minimal clothing and essential items.
What's the weather like in Japan?
In Japan, the climate is distinctly divided into four seasons, so prepare your clothing based on the weather. If you're visiting from January to March, it's quite cold, so remember to dress warmly. If three or four layers aren't enough and you still feel cold, you can buy warming pouches called Cairo, widely available in winter. Just open the packet, shake it a bit, and you have a winter warming pouch, with usage ranging from 8 to 24 hours depending on the type.
If you're there in April, the weather is still a bit chilly, so bring a light jacket. May has unpredictable weather - it could be hot during the day but still chilly at night. Wear clothes that you can easily put on or take off to adjust warmth. If you visit in June or July, it's Japan's rainy season, so bring an umbrella and waterproof shoes. From August to September, Japan experiences a hot and humid summer, so bring sunscreen and a sun hat. October offers beautiful cool weather, ideal for sightseeing, but it can get quite cold by the end of the month, so check the forecast before you go. In November, Japan enters autumn, showcasing beautiful red and yellow leaves. It's a popular time for tourists, but be prepared for the chilly weather. December is very cold. The winter months of December, January, and February are dry and cold, so remember to bring moisturizer and hydrating lip balm to avoid dry and cracked skin.
As for footwear, in Japan, people mainly use public transportation, so if you're traveling independently, be prepared to do a lot of walking. Therefore, choose comfortable shoes and pack your belongings for convenient movement.
What's interesting about Japan?
To help you decide when to travel to Japan, let me briefly mention the seasons of flowers and festivals in Japan. January and February mark winter, with a high chance of snow, making it ideal for snow enthusiasts. However, keep in mind that the Japanese celebrate the New Year during this time, so avoid the first few days to save on high airfare and hotel costs.
Early March sees the blooming of plum blossoms (ume), while late March showcases cherry blossoms (sakura). Cherry blossoms bloom from the south to the north, so the timing depends on the region you visit. March, April, and May are Japan's spring, with various flowers like tulips, azaleas, roses, and rapeseed blossoming. I particularly love rapeseed blossoms, renowned in the Fuji Kawauchi Park in Kyushu, featuring beautiful tunnels of purple flowers.
Plum Blossoms (Ume)
June brings rain and the blooming of hydrangea flowers. Japanese gardens beautifully arrange various flowers in clusters, creating stunning visual spaces. Hydrangea flowers in a row are especially heartwarming. June also features a unique spectacle - fireflies. However, to witness this luminous display, you must venture to remote areas. It's easier if you travel by private car rather than train. In July, lavender fields in Hokkaido come alive, resembling the picturesque landscapes of the Western sky. Summer is the best time to explore Hokkaido, as winter blankets everything in snow, creating a monochrome landscape.
Hydrangea Flowers
Wisteria Flowers
Tulip Garden
August is Japan's festival season, with weekend fireworks displays and Japanese women donning yukatas, creating a charming scene. You can rent a yukata to experience the festive atmosphere depicted in TV dramas. August also features sunflowers, with fields of vibrant yellow blooms heralding the summer. In September, the lotus flowers blossom, with delicate clusters of red lotuses. October brings cool weather and autumn, with cosmos flowers, also known as autumn cherry blossoms, in full bloom. Cosmos flowers are as enchanting as sakura in autumn, hihi.
November brings the season of red and yellow leaves. The foliage changes color from north to south, and depending on the early cold, leaves may turn red early, but by the end of November, many red leaves have fallen. Yellow leaves are most stunning towards the end of November when the trees still have a considerable amount, and the ground is covered with fallen leaves, creating a radiant golden space. In December, Japan enters the season of illuminated lights and vibrant Christmas decorations. In major cities, Christmas markets liven up the atmosphere. Large parks adorn bright lights in a corner of the sky. If you're traveling in December, aim for the second week to visit Kobe, as it hosts the beautiful Kobe Luminarie festival during this time.
Kobe Luminarie Festival
In summary, visiting Japan in any season offers breathtaking sights, awe-inspiring moments, and plenty of photo opportunities. If budget allows, multiple trips are definitely worthwhile, hihi. Wishing you luck in finding affordable tickets to fulfill your travel dreams. Additionally, explore more about travel tips in Japan for a truly enjoyable journey!
TravelWithMM
Self-captured snapshots
