May: Gardens, Kyoto
After early May’s frenetic Golden Week holiday, crowded Kyoto experiences a short reprieve. At this time it’s possible to meander the fascinating city’s many idyllic gardens in peace, as it should be. There’s no better way to soak up Kyoto’s warm, sublimely long, late spring days than to experience the tag-team flowering of elegant irises and hydrangeas, and even water lilies as May slides into summer.
TIP: Book a guided exploration of Kyoto’s best gardens with Kyoto Garden Experience.
SUMMER
Rain announces the start of summer in June, the perfect month for making the most of Japan’s abundance of brilliant (and air-conditioned) indoor arts and cultural facilities. By July, cities are hot and sticky, with humidity peaking in August, prompting a shift towards beaches, lakes and forest-deep rivers to cool off. Others choose to camp or hike in more temperate northern and alpine zones. Socialising ramps up the evenings, aided by the seasonal influx of concerts, festivals, fireworks and beer garden pop-ups.