Essence of Japan in Autumn
Hello All,
I am thinking about taking the Essence of Japan tour in October/November. I was wondering, for those who have been in Japan at that time, if you encountered the beautiful fall colors that you see in photos of Japan?
Also, how was the weather in October/November?
Thank you!
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Comments
I recently was on a tour of Japan from Oct 6 for two weeks. The fall colors had not yet begun. Weather was good with little to no rain.
October is still typhoon season.
Yes, but it is hit or miss. We were there fro three weeks Sept;October with maybe one day of rain
True, but if you go outside the well-documented typhoon season, it's always miss. Personally, I wouldn't risk it, given other good options.
I consider a number of factors and probabilities when I book travel. maybe that's why I never buy insurance and have already paid for an extra trip with premiums saved. .
BKMD. I hope you continue to be lucky. I guess you still get health cover because you are under 65. That will change when you are on Medicare. If you drop dead abroad, will your daughter arrange for transport home or leave you there? It’s very expensive and our family encountered that, so we know it happens.
We did not have the choice for our Japanese trip but were aware of the typhoon risk. My husband has been there numerals times during that season and only got caught out once for one day. Earthquakes are more of a risk, we have both been there during earthquakes.
It's kind of you to say, but next month is my second anniversary of Medicare coverage. But I have this picture on the wall that's getting older...
My secondary coverage (AARP United healthcare plan N) covers up to $50K of international medical care, and I also have coverage through my Chase Sapphire Reserve for both medical and evacuation. Fortunately, I've never needed to use it and as we both travel to a fair number of third world countries, it's something I wouldn't look forward to.
We are in Japan on the essense trip now. It has been really cold and windy. Bring scarf, hat, long John bottoms, sweater, warm jacket. I have worn two bottom layers and three top layers. Finally warmed up today, but only have 2 more days. Watch the forecasts! Good trip!
We are having similar weather here Debi. I’ve never had to wear that many clothes except in Patagonia.
Debi....we are on the April 8th tour and looking at the long range forecast, there seems to be a lot of rain predicted and temps no higher. than the low 60s....I thought early April was prime touring season with mild, great weather!
Planning to layer up....hopefully the forecast will change.
Enjoy your last few days.
Sue M - I think early April is prime touring season, but more for the cherry blossoms than the mild, great weather.
April showers bring forth the flowers. Yes,just for the blossom season which can vary.
Forecast for 2024
Tokyo
Flowering: March 22 / Full bloom: March 29
Sapporo
Flowering: April 29 / Full bloom: May 2
Sendai
Flowering: April 3 / Full bloom: April 7
Kanazawa
Flowering: March 30 / Full bloom: April 5
Nagoya
Flowering: March 21 / Full bloom: March 30
Kyoto
Flowering: March 24 / Full bloom: March 31
Osaka
Flowering: March 25 / Full bloom: April 1
Hiroshima
Flowering: March 23 / Full bloom: March 31
Fukuoka
Flowering: March 22 / Full bloom: March 30
We went to Japan before Covid, with Adventures by Disney in mid-October. The weather was very warm (short sleeves) and we did have a Typhoon (level 5). Trees were just starting to turn color, but not much.
Just returned. The Blossoms are just starting. All the festivals early in the season had no blooms.Drove by posters advertising them for dates before I got there. They say this was the coldest on record for this time of year. Great trip . Mt. Fuji was the shining star this trip. Clear both days, but the wind was fierce on the boat cruise.
Hoping to do Essense of Japan October/November 2025. I'd love for someone to give a good review of this trip before I spend all this $$$ ... We've done several Tauck trips before (all land) which were amazing! So hoping this stacks up. Anything we should add? Thank you.
Doing Essence of Japan in May 2025. Like A2couple, I would also welcome hearing from travelers who have recently completed this tour. Please be specific about the activities, food, etc. Thank you.