Me and my partner will be coming to Japan later this year on a massive trip from the very end of May until the end of September, a mix of holiday touristy sections and work placements.
We’ve obviously planned a lot of essential things we want to see for the beginning and end of the trip to avoid the worst of the rain and heat, but we will likely have a section in the middle in between homestays where we are in central Honshu and want to travel down toward Shikoku visiting various cities on the way, definitely via Kyoto.
We know it would be really hot and potentially rainy but don’t mind a bit of discomfort as we are in the country for so long and will see so much, so its not like the entire trip will be ruined if the weather is intense for that time.
My main question is as we are passing through these areas we had two potential outdoor activities in mind, hiking a section of the Nakasendo before Kyoto and cycling the Shimanami Kaido(over 2 days). Are either of these just a really bad idea in late July/August?
We wouldn’t be able to do them any other time as we have other things planned for the start and end of the trip, but I just wanted to check if especially the cycling could just be a terrible idea at this time, or have I seen to many summer heat scare posts and its very feasible if you take your time and don’t mind getting sweaty?
6 comments
Shimanami Kaido at a leisurely pace over 2 days with majority of travel in the morning should be OK.
If you want to hike Magome to Tsumago (typical part of Nakasendo hike), I would suggest stay in one of the towns before pre-noon hike. The path is largely shaded at least.
Otherwise, possibly look for hiking activity in Japanese Alps.
Even during the hot and humid rainy season in Honshu, Hokkaido has a refreshing climate with no rain and no heat. Lavender flowers also begin to bloom, making it the perfect time to visit.
I biked shimanami kaido in June and it was already really hot. Same with any hiking, even in the alps.
It’s doable of course but is it enjoyable? Maybe not. Agree with the other poster, Hokkaido is the only place in Japan that’s bearable in August.
It will be extremely humid and hot from April till the end of October. Most residences are poorly insulated too.
As for hiking the Kansai region is not as great for hiking as Kanto, and both don’t compare to Joetsu region.
Ideally my favourite hiking is in Chino – Yatsugatake range has some great peaks for all levels. The Chichibu range is pretty desolate – Okuchichibu heading towards Yamanashi gets better.
Hope this helps
Just to check, you know that you get 90 days visa when you get to Japan? What visa do you intend to have to stay 4 months?
Are you getting a visa? Non visa (tourist) can only stay here up to 90 days