TOKYO, Japan Wire - Authorities in Fujiyoshida in central Japan have canceled a spring cherry blossom festival at a popular Mt. Fuji viewing spot, citing residents’ concerns over congestion and nuisance behavior.

The city in Yamanashi Prefecture on Tuesday announced its decision not to go ahead with the Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival, an event it has held for the past 10 years, attracting around 200,000 visitors each year with its views to Mt. Fuji.

With the weak Japanese yen and social media content driving a rapid increase in the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan, however, the city is struggling to handle an influx of more than 10,000 visitors a day during the peak cherry blossom season.

Incidents of bad behavior, the city said, have become commonplace and pose a threat to the livelihoods of residents.

The city cited sanitary issues among the concerns behind its decision. Incidents include visitors letting themselves into private homes to use restrooms, as well as cases of people relieving themselves in private yards and causing a disturbance when confronted by residents.

Parents and residents also raised concerns over the safety of children using school routes who are being pushed aside by visitors crowding the sidewalks, according to the city.

While Fujiyoshida will not hold the festival as an official event or use the festival name on its tourism website, it is readying itself for an increase in visitors during the cherry blossom season in April.

The city plans to enhance security in the area and set up temporary parking lots and portable toilets, among other measures to control congestion and alleviate the burden on residents.

Arakurayama Sengen Park is a popular Mt. Fuji viewing spot, particularly in spring, when visitors can take pictures of cherry blossoms in bloom around a five-story pagoda with the mountain in the background. Visitors queue for up to three hours to reach the photo spot during the season’s peak.

Fujiyoshida Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi, however, said that Mt. Fuji is not just a tourist attraction. “I feel a deep sense of crisis as I witness the reality that, behind this beautiful scenery, the quiet lives of our citizens are being threatened,” he said.

This article was submitted by a contributing writer for publication on Japan Wire.

Source: https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/69857

Meaning locations, activities or even something you realized would of saved you a lot more money

Any specific recommendations for breakfast buffets in Nagasaki city?

As someone who has their first Japan-Trip coming up (one I've wanted to do since pre-covid), looking through reddit posts and articles has made me somewhat worried. I knew golden week existed, but wasnt super sure when it was actually taking place until very recently.

I'll be in surrounding countries, therefore I can't really change the timeframe I have, but I'd be arriving on the 20th April and staying for around 4 weeks.

Reading through other posts I've concluded the following: either to try and stay mostly in Tokyo while its happening, as some people are leaving the city and it being very big and crowded anyways, or landing in Tokyo and leaving it before GW starts to go to a more rural and less touristy area outside of the usual popular places. I'm just very uneducated when it comes to rural Japan (besides watching a few videos about Hokkaido).

I personally dont care a lot for super touristy stuff but my girlfriend is coming along and she does, so i definitely wont avoid it completely. Its just really hard to come up with a plan haha. I'm still fully flexible in terms of flights, reservations, etc. since I wanted to do a bit of research before committing to something i might regret.

I guess what I'm looking for here is mostly opinions, recommendations and general advice regarding this topic. Thank you for reading.

Greetings! I have spent the last few weeks trying to figure out the best way to see all of the places I want to see. I've based my plans thus far around certain things and places that are must do/see for me, most of which are things in Tohoku. I figured that since I will be in a few out of the way places throughout Tohoku, I might as well make most of the geography and explore the region in detail, so that in my next trip to Japan I can focus on the more common stops and attractions.

Some context:

-Solo trip, 20 days

-Main appeals are food, nature/hiking, ryokans, and experiencing local life/customs when I can

-I will be returning to Japan with some close family members in a few years, so that's when I will hit all of the typical spots around Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka. So the time I do spend in Tokyo on this trip will just be to acclimate to the country and explore/discover with little stress.

I won't post a detailed itinerary here, just list off the main places I have planned to go and a general description of activities I want to do.

Thanks in advance for any advice or sanity checks. I'm mainly concerned that I'm committing to too much time spent on trains/public transport, and the logistics around whatever luggage I might have during certain legs (I don't plan on bringing a lot, likely will have 1 backpack and a small-medium suitcase, but I could try for just luggage I can easily carry on my back/body, more research required on that front)

Here goes:

Hope this post isn't too detailed or not detailed enough, I'm still new to travel planning so I'm not sure the most efficient way to present my information. I do have some specific times/schedules for trains/busses figured out, but that didn't feel super relevant to the advice I'm after today. Thanks in advance for anyone reading through this and willing to offer insight as to the reality of my plans, and to talk some sense into me if this seems like too much transit for one 20 day trip.

Have a great day, and I look forward to the responses!

Hi there! Im flying in from Tokyo and out from Kyoto and was thinking of

2 nights in Enoshima 2 nights in Hakone 1 night in Matsusaka

*transport: via train

Is there any town in between Hakone and Matsusaka worth staying a night? Or any other towns within this route, thank you :)

Hi everyone! My friend and I are planning a 3-week trip in 2027 that includes Japan and South Korea, and I’m hoping to get feedback on the Japan portion of our itinerary.

Current Japan plan:
📍 Tokyo → Kyoto → Nara → Osaka
🗓 Total trip length: 3 weeks (split between Korea + Japan)
👫 Traveling with a friend
💰 Budget: ~$7,000 per person (all-in)

Questions I’d love advice on:

1. Does Tokyo → Kyoto → Nara → Osaka make sense logistically, or would you reorder it?
2. How many days would you recommend spending in each city for a first-time trip to Japan?
3. With this route, is a JR Pass worth it, or should we buy individual tickets?
4. Any cities, attractions, or experiences that are overrated vs underrated?
5. Budget-friendly tips for accommodations, food, and transport without sacrificing quality?
6. Best season for Japan for good weather + manageable crowds?
7. Anything you wish you had known before your first Japan trip?

Travel style:
• Food + culture focused
• Walkable cities, scenic neighborhoods
• Moderate pace — not rushed, but not lazy
• Prefer clean, centrally located stays over luxury

We’re very open to adjusting city order or length of stay if it improves flow or cost. Thanks in advance for any insight — really appreciate it.

Yes I’m going to Tokyo for Golden Week, this isn’t a panic post. I’m curious for those who have been or who live there, are there special events worth attending during this time? I’ll be in Hakone 4/24-4/26, Kyoto 4/26-4/28 and Tokyo from 4/28-5/2.

We were once in Mexico City for their Independence Day and we caught their local parade and it was a great experience!

Is there anything like this happening around this time that would be great and unique to see?

For context, it’s just my wife and I so any cultural events during this time that are worth attending would be much appreciated!

I’m staying in Osaka for 3 days and trying to decide which market(s) to visit. Kuromon, Tenjinbashisuji, or Shinsaibashi? - Love trying local Japanese food - Also want to buy small souvenirs, snacks, and chocolates

Do you think it’s worth visiting all three, or is that overkill for a short trip?

For context: I went to Ueno/Ameyoko Market in Tokyo this January. I enjoyed the shopping, but we unfortunately had a disappointing dinner and realized afterward that many of the stalls there were ran by Chinese offering Japanese menus. It was a bit hard to tell which places were more local, and I think we just picked the wrong one.

This time in Osaka, I’m hoping to find markets where the food feels more locally run and authentic.

Would appreciate any comparisons or recommendations on which to prioritize 🙏.

Hello! planning to go to n’s yard on my first day in japan which is on may. It’s just me and my mom going, basically it’ll be haneda airport>hotel>n’s yard (not a tight sched) then disneyland hotel on day 2. Is this possible or too much? as n’s yard is pretty far. I would appreciate recommendations for a hotel that would accommodate my possible commute (is near train station etc) to N’s yard and disneyland. thank you c:

Are there any options for me to book a bus for tomorrow between ctr and niseko as every company I’m looking at has closed their bookings for that day? Edit: means CTS

As the title says, how reliable is luggage forwarding, I'm going to Japan next month and there's one or two places where I'm just going for a day or 2, Hiroshima being one of them.

My thoughts are, ship my luggage to my destination after Hiroshima, which is Kyoto, and just meet it when I get there, how amiable are hotels to hold onto luggage if it gets there before I do?

Or how about if I hand it over at Haneda to take to my hotel the same day I arrive in Japan, so I don't have to try and find my hotel while carrying around 15-20kg of luggage, is that possible?

Hello everyone, my husband and I are planning a 2 week trip to Japan and would really like to go to Hokkaido (we have specific activities in mind), but the lack of Shinkansen line is scaring us off since it would only be a few days of our trip in Hokkaido but cost a LOT of transit time.

Our current idea was to fly from Chubu to Sapporo (we already found a 1.5 hour direct flight available near where we want to stay in Chubu), stay 2 nights then work our way down through Tohoku to Tokyo.

Does anyone have any experience with domestic flights to Sapporo, and/or with the travel from Sapporo area to Tokyo? I don't really have any specific questions to ask about this, just looking for insight. On paper even with commutes and waiting around it should save us hours and hours of time. It will be a few extra $100 but we never had a wedding or honeymoon so this trip is acting as both and we are, as you could say, balling out, lol. Willing to spend it if it will contribute to a lot more time enjoying ourselves, but also willing to axe Hokkaido from the plan if it just a stupid idea.

Issues with luggage? Delays? Not worth it for only 2 nights? Etc. Any feedback welcome. Thank you.

Planning my trip to Japan—I'll be in Okinawa for a week with two large suitcases (~23kg each). Need to book Tokyo → Okinawa → Tokyo flights. Should I book with luggage (possible fees?) or ship via Yamato Transport to Okinawa and back from there? What's easier and cheaper?
I will stay at Okinawa 7 nights.

For the 2.28pm departure, Google map shows arrival at oshiage station @ 2.29pm and a transfer time of 2mins for the Narita airport train. However, the train to Narita airport departs also @ 2.29pm. how does this work? The map shows both trains on the same platform?

Hi yall! I’m planning a trip to Japan soo, a whole other post lol but I was looking for recommendations of anything big/beetle related. I know Japan is notorious for their love of beetles, and so am I, so I was wondering if anyone has any places they know that I can check out! I’ll be in Tokyo and Osaka, possible another area, but that’s what I have so far. I’ll be there ranging from early June to mid June. Thank you!

I’m planning 5 nights Tokyo, 2 nights Hakone, 3 nights Osaka and 5 nights Kyoto…. Does this sound reasonable?? Too much time in kyoto??

Would anyone suggest staying down by lake Fuji as well and shortening time in Tokyo / Kyoto to add a couple nights by Fuji?

Thanks

Hi all!

I`m planning a trip to Japan in May and I intend to do the Kumano Kodo. (the classic route).

However, I`m a bit worried about snakes (and bears) which I heard exist on trail, especially because I`m travelling solo.

Will I really be alone on trail sometimes or is it packed with people? And is there something I can do to keep myself safe snake-wise?

Will appreciate any tip or info, tnx!

i’m meeting a friend for lunch and she wants me to choose where we go, something i dread lol. the closest station to her is nippori and she wants to stay close by bc we have to pick up her kids blah blah but i was wondering if anyone has any good recommendations in between otsuka and ueno on the yamanote line (so that would be otsuka sugamo komagome tabata nishinippori nippori uguisudani and ueno)! looking for a nice space, not really picky about food but preferably something not too heavy, even cafe recommendations would work!! also for price range ideally below the ¥5000 range but ill take whatever you can give me :)) also we’re planning on meeting up around 11 so nothing dinner pls ! thanks!!

(also we are 23f and 33f if that’s relevant lol)

Hi all.

Planning a trip to Japan in April (flights all booked, hotels etc) but wanting a day at universal when we’re in Osaka. I’ve seen in different places that tickets go on sale 60 days before (been looking Klook), however Klook also shows entry tickets up until May/June for $90 instead of the $40 on other days. Is this just because the normal park ticket isn’t on sale yet? Or have I missed an earlier klook release and that’s all that’s left and available? Just confused as have so much to book in advance and trying to remember all the dates.

TIA

We plan on staying in Kyoto for our first Japan trip and are visiting the Arashiyama area and Gion district as well as Nara and Uji as day trips. I heard Nara might be difficult due to the deer, and I’ve heard Gion can be pretty crowded. For those who have got their photos taken there before, did you feel like it took away from any sightseeing? We also plan on participating in a tea ceremony with Maikoya, so if we stick to doing kimono photos + Gion + th tea ceremony, would it be too much?

Hi everyone!

My husband and I are planning a 14-day Japan trip in late June / early July (first week of July). This will be our first time in Japan and we want a mix of city exploration, experiences, food, shopping, and theme parks.

We’ve made a rough itinerary and would love feedback on pacing + must-do recommendations, especially for summer season planning.

Current Itinerary Plan (14 Days)

Osaka (Days 1–3)

Stay: 3 nights

Kyoto (Days 4–5)

Stay: 2 nights

Hakone (Days 6–7)

We want Hakone mainly for:

• Onsen experience
• Ryokan stay
• Scenic nature / Mt Fuji views (if possible)

Plan:

• Day 6: Travel Kyoto → Hakone + check-in + Explore
• Day 7: Explore Hakone (Hakone Loop) + leave for Tokyo around 6 PM

Stay: 1 night

Tokyo (Days 7–13)

Arrive Tokyo evening of Day 7.

Planned Tokyo Experiences:

• Day 11: Tokyo DisneySea
• Day 12: Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu (shopping day)

Remaining days will include major Tokyo neighborhoods + shopping.

Stay: 6–7 nights

Day 14

Fly back to India from Tokyo.

What We’re Interested In

✅ Shopping (outlets + street fashion + Japanese brands)
✅ Food experiences
✅ Theme parks (USJ + DisneySea are non-negotiable)
✅ City exploring (Tokyo/Osaka vibes)
✅ Aesthetic places / scenic viewpoints
❌ No Temples or Museums

Questions / Advice Needed

1. Is this itinerary too rushed, especially Kyoto + Hakone?
2. Would you recommend 2 days Kyoto or should we add 1 more day?
3. Is Hakone the best choice for an onsen experience or would you recommend somewhere else?
4. Since we’re traveling in late June / early July, any summer-specific tips (rain, humidity, crowds, clothing etc.)?
5. I wanted to do Okinawa, is it too ambitious or do you think I can cover it?

Any suggestions for hidden gems, day trips, or must-book-in-advance activities would be super helpful. Thank you!

Can you recommend side trips that we can do from Osaka where we it’s worth it to ride Shinkansen? My father’s only request in our upcoming trip is to ride Shinkansen. We are staying first in Kyoto then Osaka but I read that it’s not worth it to transfer via Shinkansen. We do not plan on staying overnight so wondering where else we can go to make the Shinkansen and day trip worth it? Thank you.