028 - 3:18:26, 14.14

[00:00:00] I am John and my goal is simple to visit all 47 Prefectures of Japan. The only reason that goal is even possible is because of points and miles turning everyday spending into flights, hotels, and experiences across Japan and the rest of Asia. This is rewarding routes, a podcast about making travel like that realistic and repeatable.

Each episode I'll share what I'm learning so you can plan smarter, travel more often, and feel confident using points and mouths without feeling overwhelmed from booking, award travel and choosing the right credit cards to build a meaningful itinerary. And exploring regions, traditions, and moments that just make Japan so special.

We'll figure it out together. If Japan is on your bucket list or you want to keep going back and explore Asia along the way, you're in the right place. Let's build your rewarding route. One trip at a time. Hello. And we are going to be talking about spring in [00:01:00] Japan, and it is one of the most popular times, if not the most popular time to visit Japan.

And a big reason of that is the cherry blossom season, the uras. So we're gonna be talking about what to expect in spring and just, go over different topics of what to prepare for if you do plan on visiting in spring and you don't. Have to come for the cherry blossoms because it's kind of a short period in spring.

But spring is a beautiful time and I've been able to go in spring, both of my trips, uh, more towards the tail end of spring, but it's still a beautiful time to go. Weather's beautiful. So we're gonna dive in, uh, into what spring is like in Japan and what to expect. So spring in Japan runs roughly from March through mid-May and.

The vibes can feel very, very nice. Your days are gonna be feeling a bit longer because the sunsets move from around [00:02:00] 5:00 PM ish up to about six to 7:00 PM So sunset times are a little bit later in the day giving you a little bit more sunlight to do more activities. Uh, I know some temples. And some areas extend their hours during spring.

So that's something to, definitely consider. Your days are a little bit longer, so you're able to do a little bit more things, but you're always going to have to check, uh, double check the hours because it's not every single place that does this. But there are places that do extend hours during spring.

Um. Especially when the cherry blossoms are around, a lot of people are there to see the cherry blossom, so a lot of places will extend their hours. So it's something to verify. Make sure that, places do extend their hours if you know you are planning these activities and visiting temples and just, enjoying the springtime In Japan, when we first visited Japan back in 2023, uh, our dates were.

More towards the end of [00:03:00] May and a little bit into June. So the very end of spring going into summer. And yeah, there, I think Sunset was close to 7:00 PM at that time. Um, for our second trip, we went that at the end of April, early May. So I, I believe the sunset was closer to 6:30 PM or so. Um, but yeah, we were able to do a lot of activities.

It was a very pleasant time to visit Japan. I know you hear about these scorching hot summers. Um, but during those times, I mean, it was very, very pleasant to visit Japan, to be able to walk everywhere. Um, but like I said, we're gonna be talking more about the weather, how it's gonna feel, uh, in a different segment here, but.

Yeah, we really enjoyed Spring both times for our next visit. We're gonna be visiting in the winter because we would like to experience different seasons. But so far, the first two times, spring has just treated us so well, uh, with a little bit [00:04:00] of a occasional rain here and there. But yeah, spring was a fantastic time to visit.

I can see why it's so popular, and especially when you add the cherry blossoms into the mix. So that's gonna be our next se segment here. Uh, just talking about the cherry blossoms and the saura season. The hanami season. So everyone, just, everyone is going to be, if they're coming in the spring, so many people are going to be seeing the cherry blossom.

So you should expect very, very heavy crowds, um, during this time of the season. And I just want you to set, , expectations. Just know things are going to be a lot more crowded, but for good reason because cherry blossoms are so beautiful. Blooming times shift every year depending on the weather.

So, major cities, Tokyo, Osaka, they generally peak, , towards the end of March, early April. But of course, always research. Uh, you can go on Google, type in the, uh. Cherry blossom forecast. So up forecast [00:05:00] and you'll get an estimate of when the trees are starting to bloom. And then, from there, it's about a week or so before they hit full bloom.

Normally, once cherry blossoms hit full bloom, it's only a matter of days that they stay like that, really depending on the weather. Um, I've watched many videos of like walking tours when it's cherry blossom season. 'cause we haven't seen it for ourselves yet. But there are times where, it does rain here and there throughout the spring, and if it rains during the bloom time, the cherry blossoms don't last that long.

So situations like that can be unfortunate, but. Don't worry, because if you're there to really see cherry blossoms, there are still ways to see them. If you know you miss the bloom, or maybe you're too early, if you are too early, you can head south, go down towards qsu, where maybe the. Sakoda trees are starting to bloom a little bit earlier.

Or if you're too late and they've already bloomed, well then you can head up north up to, [00:06:00] places like Miyagi, um, ate. You can go to a Maori. So, there are ways to still see the cherry blossoms 'cause they're all throughout Japan and there's just so many beautiful. Areas to see the cherry blossoms just out.

You don't have to go to the major cities like Tokyo, Osaka to see the cherry blossoms and it might be a big part of your itinerary to visit those cities. But if you're there for the cherry blossom season. It might be a good idea to get out from, um, those major cities and go into the countrysides and go into those other prefectures to see cherry blossoms where you can avoid those massive crowds from the cities and really embrace the beautiful, uh, season of spring in Japan and enjoy the soccer season.

Uh, I know. When we plan to see the cherry blossoms whenever in the future that is, I would love to rent a car and just drive around and, [00:07:00] and go to different prefectures. I know there's a spot over in Miyagi that I was just reading about, and I, I've already forgotten the name, but along this river there are thousands of cherry blossoms and it just looks so amazing.

There's also this almost 2000 year old saura tree. I believe it's in Yai Prefecture. And I would love to be able to see this tree 'cause it just looks really majestic. And I know at night they kind of illuminate it and such, but. If you, if you can look up the, just look up the oldest saade tree in Yahi Prefecture and you'll see pictures.

I mean, it's so old that they have like these posts supporting the branches because they're like so spread out. And the tree just to preserve it, to help, it needs some kind of support. But yeah, it looks amazing when it's in bloom and it's something I would love to, experience and visit another prefecture, kinda get outta the major cities and experience cherry blossoms.

'cause [00:08:00] they're all throughout Japan. So what we touched on before was something to expect are the crowds. The crowds will be there especially for, for, uh, season. Um, you're gonna, all the popular spots are gonna be. Pretty shoulder to shoulder from what I've seen in videos and from what I've researched. But you know, that's why I recommended maybe going to the countryside where.

Things aren't as crowded, but they're still going to be very popular spots. Um, 'cause cherry blossoms are just celebrated. So, uh, much in Japan, and you'll see so many things, um, like in convenience and such, which we'll talk about foods in a little bit. But Japan does such a good job of celebrating a cherry blossom season, and it's a, it's a very beautiful season.

Um, just the springtime in general, and it gets celebrated. So, yes. Cherry blossoms definitely worth visiting, but just know to expect the crowds when you're, when you're visiting during this time of the year for cherry blossoms. Of course, go on. [00:09:00] Cool. Look at the sakoda forecast just so you have a better idea.

'cause it changes year to year. It's not always on the same time. Um, maybe look at the weather too, see if it's rainy. 'cause if it is, then maybe you should move a little bit further south. Or you can go up north depending on when you're going. So yeah, just, you have those options, especially if you really wanna see the cherry blossoms.

Now, one thing to definitely. Be aware of in spring is Golden Week, which is Japan's number one holiday, and this is going to be late April going into early May. So make sure you just Google it and see the exact dates. Um, but yeah, it runs for, for this year at least, April 29th to May 6th. So many places are closed, trains are gonna be booked, hotels are gonna be booked.

Very popular tourist spots are gonna be just filled up. Prices are gonna be higher. So just know Golden Week is a [00:10:00] very popular holiday in Japan. Uh, so definitely would maybe recommend trying to avoid it. And if you're there and those are the only dates that you can go to Japan, then maybe during that time look into like alternative options of.

Going into the countryside because those things in the city, it's gonna be very packed. It's gonna be inconvenient. And maybe finding some kind of outdoor activities to do, uh, outside of those popular cities and areas, it might be an option for you. So yeah, definitely just be aware of Golden Week because.

It's just a very popular holiday. It's the number one holiday in Japan. So things are just gonna be booked up. Prices are gonna be higher accommodations. She con send sheet seats need to be booked in advance, like reserved. Um, we have an episode all about the sheen concent, uh, so most times I recommend, you don't need [00:11:00] to reserve during golden week.

You need to have a seat reserved because. The Shein content will be full. So just a heads up, golden week, very popular. Um, just if you're going during that time, just prepare yourself and, uh, just know what you're getting into. Now let's get into the weather and what it's like for our Tuesdays. One being very late spring summer, one being like mid spring.

It was very comfortable. Um, I could wear pants. I could wear like a long sleeve shirt or a short sleeve shirt. Um. But during the spring in general, especially in March, it's still gonna be pretty chilly, especially in the early mornings and late evenings. Um, you, you're still gonna get those cold temperatures, I believe in March.

The highs are gonna be, 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Um, in the early mornings nights, it's gonna be around 37 41, so definitely chilly. So make sure you layer up, bring, um, bring layers so that you know you're, you're gonna be comfortable [00:12:00] in those cooler temperatures. Uh, especially me from Florida.

Those are cold temperatures. If you're from an area that, experiences really cold temperatures, it might not be a big deal, but. Just prepare yourselves. It's gonna be chilly in the mornings and in the evening still. Uh, it does warm up in April a bit, and in, in May, it goes up, the highs are around 71 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the mornings.

Evenings gonna be around the, low fifties, 50 threes, 57, so. Bringing layers is a good option. In the mornings and evenings you could put it, your jacket on your light jacket, and then during the day you could take it off, put it in your backpack. 'cause it's gonna be, it's gonna feel very comfortable to walk in, uh, especially during our stays.

It was more in the seventies and it felt fantastic and even in the evenings it, it was maybe high 50. So it was, it was really comfortable to just walk around everywhere and. Yeah, it's very [00:13:00] enjoyable to be in those, uh, temperatures and be in Japan, so I highly recommend May as being a great time to visit, especially after golden week.

Um. I enjoyed both of our trips there during that time, and yeah, I could highly recommend visiting in May. The crowds are a little bit less, it's not soccer to season anymore, but you still get the great weather to be able to walk around and you're gonna do a lot of walking when you're in Japan.

So yeah, just why might as well be in temperatures that are really comfortable for you to be walking in and enjoying your time in Japan. Now if you're visiting a north like Edo or Tohoku, it's gonna be about 10 degrees cooler. So just prepare. If you are visiting during the spring time, it is gonna be chilly , in, in the northern parts still.

Um, sometimes it snows up until April. So just be aware if you're, you're visiting those Northern regions. Um, just. Probably a heavier jack jacket at that point. [00:14:00] 'cause snow is still a possibility and still gonna be, it's gonna be cooler up there. So to go over like a packing list, layers are really essential for this, because you could wear light sweaters, long sleeve shirts, light coats, mostly through March and April, uh, in May.

Probably don't need those things, but you can bring them just in case 'cause it's very comfortable weather in May. Um, bring an umbrella if you are coming in May or even in April. Um, there is rain occasionally here and there. We experienced rain in May for both trips. Uh, it wasn't the whole time, but it was sprinkle throughout our trip.

So especially if you're going towards the end of May going into June, which June is the rainy season in Japan? Uh, just expect. Some rain, bring some comfortable shoes. Uh, have an umbrella or you can buy em. I would recommend just buying an umbrella over there, uh, at one of the koinis and just know this happened to us quite a few times when we [00:15:00] bought umbrellas.

A lot of stores and restaurants will have like umbrella racks on the outside. Don't be surprised if that umbrella is not there anymore. When you're on the way out, there are so many umbrellas on those racks on days that it rains that your umbrella will most likely be mistaken because all the umbrellas look the same.

So just feel free to just, I guess, grab the one that looks like yours, but you know, that's not the spot you left it in, but it's just, it's just how it is. Um. I think umbrella theft or just mistakenly taking somebody's umbrella is so common in Japan. Um, but yeah, they're, they're really cheap to buy at the kini and you're never really far from a kini to buy one If it does rain and you're not prepared, yeah, just know you can pop in there and grab one.

Now, another thing you should probably pack is allergy medication. If you do have allergies, because during the spring you're gonna get a lot of pollen in Japan. From what I've researched, from what I've heard [00:16:00] from people to pollen in Japan is like on another level. So if you do take allergy medication. I would recommend bringing it from wherever your home is over to Japan, because I know the medication in Japan just isn't as strong or as potent as the one probably where you're from.

So just probably bring your allergy medication. 'cause pollen is a big thing in Japan, especially from February to April, you're gonna see people wearing mask. It's pretty common. It's just common in Japan in general, wearing mask. Especially if you don't feel that, well, you'll. You'll see people wearing masks throughout the year, but definitely during pollen season you're gonna see people wearing mask.

It's something that you could do if it really bothers you during that time. But yeah, I would recommend if you know you take allergy medication at your home, just put it in your packing list so that you have it, because the pollen season, Japan is no joke from what I've hear. So, like I mentioned before, just spring feels so [00:17:00] good in Japan and Japan really embraces the springtime, especially the hanami, the flower viewing.

You're gonna see so many parks filled with, friends, families, probably coworkers, just laid out with a blanket picnicking under the trees. And this is, spring food. It's. It's a part to enjoy when you're in Japan, especially during, Hanami and you're gonna see so many seasonal things to eat and I can't wait to try them all.

And I would recommend you just trying as much. Seasonal foods as you can, even if it's something that might not be something that you know, you would normally eat. I would give things a go. There's so many different seasonal things. Uh, you have the hanami dongle, which are like mochis on a stick.

You'll see 'em in three different colors. You'll have the pink, the white, and the green. Um. They have bamboo shoots, they have ichigo, which are strawberries. [00:18:00] Ichigo daifuku is basically a strawberry within a mochi. And I, I don't think I've tried this yet, so it's on, it's on my list. I have a very long list of foods still to eat and that's exciting.

But strawberries are in season during the spring, so you'll see a lot of strawberry, um, snacks and, and things to try while you're over there. And, fruit in Japan is very special. In Japan, the quality of the fruit is on another level. And if you look at articles and maybe you watch some videos, you'll see like, and even when you visit Japan, you'll see the prices of fruit as so expensive, but it's because the quality is so high.

So whenever a, a fruit is in season, I would definitely recommend trying the fruit that is in season, because you'll see that the flavors are just on another level. They're just juicier. And it, it's hard to describe. You just have to try it for yourself. But fruit is like a delicacy. [00:19:00] Um, and it's a great gift, if you're giving a gift to somebody in Japan, I know it's a thing where you'll buy fruit for somebody like melons.

Melons can be so expensive, but they're just so good. And I remember trying a few slices of melon, which we call cantaloupe here. And it was just so juicy and soft and it, it was the best melon I've ever had, so. Definitely try the fruit when they're in season. Uh, so strawberries are in season or one of the fruit.

I know there's a few other fruit that are, are in season during the spring, but you know, during sakoda season there are so many limited time items and things to eat that are sakoda flavored. So yeah, just, whatever peaks your interest, definitely try it just because it's only there for a certain amount of time and.

You might as well just embrace the season and enjoy all the different foods and just have fun with it. That's what it's about. And just enjoying the moment and being there in spring and, and, and being outside and having a [00:20:00] picnic. So that just sounds so fantastic. And. I can't wait to experience things for ourselves.

And yeah, it's, I think it's a very special thing. And, um, Japan does a fantastic job of celebrating Spring in Japan. Now, I did wanna point out, um, a section here about getting to Japan on points during the spring season. Um, a lot, a lot of people aren't as flexible, so spring break might be the best time that they fly to Japan.

Just know that. Springtime because of the cherry blossoms, the prices are going to be a lot more expensive and the availability will be a lot less than just, during probably all the other seasons in Japan. So just be aware of when you're booking, you're going to, if you know you're going during the spring, especially during the cherry blossoms, if you looked at the forecast.

Definitely book in advance as far in advance as possible. Um, [00:21:00] this is going to be the best way to save on points and to book on points, especially for your flights and accommodation. Because it's just so popular and prices are marked up anyways, so you're paying that premium pri price of being there during the, cherry blossom season if you book a little bit later in the spring.

Then you'll see that prices do go down a bit. But just know, like in March and April when you're booking, you're gonna see those higher prices for points of miles. I have episodes all about flights to Japan. That's episode seven. Uh, I talk about, um, places to say like neighborhoods, uh, in some essential spots that I recommend, um, staying in when you're in, especially when you're in Tokyo.

So that's episode 15, and I talk about Hyatts. Which was episode 16, and I talk about Hyatts in Tokyo, but I also talk about Hyatts throughout Japan. And I know Hyatt's losing, uh, its tremendous [00:22:00] value in May, but it's still an episode worth listening to. And if you are booking, for next, next spring, you still can do that before May, before the prices go up.

So it's something to consider. But there are so many other hotels and, and budget hotels. You don't have to use points. I just want to give you the expectation. If you are, planning to visit in spring especially, april or March, April, um, you're just gonna see those higher prices. So just book in advance and, uh, try to secure everything as soon as possible during spring.

'cause it's just a beautiful season to go and, and to experience Japan when things are starting to bloom. It just, it looks incredible. So overall, that was just about everything to know about. Spring to expect from spring in Japan. Uh, it's a beautiful time of the year. There are very busy moments in spring with the cherry blossoms and golden week, so be aware of those.

But if you [00:23:00] do plan on visiting, just book in advance, you gonna have a great time. The weather's fantastic if you have trips booked in the spring. If you're going to spring or, or maybe you're planning to go next spring, let me know. Reach out to me. I'd love to hear these things. I'd love to learn from your experiences as well.

If you have any questions, reach out to me as well, uh, at Rewarding Routes podcast@gmail.com. My Instagram is, it's John di as you can, follow me there. Send me a message there. I'd love to, uh, just. Just get in touch with you. If you have any questions, definitely reach out. And yeah, that's, that's about it for Spring.

Um, next episode, we're actually gonna be diving into things to book in advance. There are a lot of places that you need to book in advance. I'm giving you a little tease for the next episode, but it's gonna be a very exciting episode, and I can't wait to see you there. Until then, see [00:24:00] you.