Before you know it, the year is coming to an end, and many of you are probably starting to plan your 2020 overseas trips. When it comes to long holidays, the top choice is usually Japan, which is close to and convenient from Taiwan. Knowing Japan’s public holiday schedule in advance is very important at this time so you can try to schedule your leave around these dates and avoid traveling when the crowds are at their peak. So, I’ve put together a 2020 Japan Holidays Overview for everyone, hoping you can all travel happily while avoiding the crowds～
There are just too many holidays in Japan next year, so we’ve compiled them into a table for easy reference. Once you have a clear picture of Japan’s holidays, you can compare them with Taiwan’s consecutive holidays and plan the best time to visit Japan in advance. Next, I’ll recommend some smart ways to visit Japan in different seasons and avoid the crowds?!
Winter Skiing
Lunar New Year Holiday (Jan 23–29)
During Taiwan’s Lunar New Year holiday, if you don’t want to waste your break cooped up at home but also don’t want to face packed streets and hours stuck in traffic, why not consider flying to Hokkaido to enjoy the snowy atmosphere? Aside from essential skiing activities, there are also snow festivals to take part in. After a day of fun, you can relax in a hot spring and still have a blast even in the cold winter!
★ Recommended Attractions: Zao Onsen Ice Trees, Shin-Furano Prince Ski Resort, Mineyama Plateau
Spring Cherry Blossom Viewing
Qingming Festival Holiday (April 2–5)
Golden Week (April 29–May 6) is the most popular holiday for Japanese to travel, and aside from dealing with overcrowded sights, airfare and accommodation prices tend to be higher, and traffic is naturally more congested. To avoid Japan’s Golden Week, you can plan to go during Taiwan’s Qingming holiday instead. In early April, cherry blossoms in most parts of Japan will be in full bloom, making this a perfect time to admire their beauty!
★ Recommended Attractions: Lake Kawaguchi, Meguro River, Koganei Park
Summer Fireworks Festivals
Summer Vacation (July & August)
The Tokyo Olympics are taking place during the summer vacation period (July 24–Aug 4). Traveling to Japan during this time not only means much higher costs but also packed tourist spots full of international visitors. So, if you’re planning to visit Japan during summer vacation, it’s recommended to avoid this period. Speaking of summer in Japan, the first thing that comes to mind is definitely the fireworks festivals held across the country in July and August. Wearing a yukata, sipping beer, and enjoying the fireworks with locals during this summer celebration will be an unforgettable experience～
★ Recommended Attractions: Lake Toya Fireworks Cruise, Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival
Autumn Autumn Leaf Viewing
Mid-Autumn Festival Holiday (Oct 1–4), National Day Holiday (Oct 9–11)
Japan has no national holidays in October, while Taiwan’s Mid-Autumn Festival happens in early October, followed by National Day holidays. With so many consecutive days off, you shouldn’t miss this great opportunity to travel abroad. Autumn is the best season for viewing red leaves, and due to Taiwan’s climate, it’s not easy to see vast expanses of crimson foliage, making it the perfect time to fly to Japan for autumn leaf viewing～
★ Recommended Attractions: Arashiyama, Yunishigawa Onsen Pond, Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Now that you’ve seen the compiled Japan holiday overview and compared it with Taiwan’s holidays, have you learned how to travel to Japan in every season and avoid the crowds smartly?! Start planning your holidays now and get your tickets ready!
Text by WeiTing | Tripresso Travel Cafe Editorial Team