Go to Japan on July

I was having dinner with friends when the idea of a barkada trip came into the conversation. They asked me, when is the best time to go to Japan?

The normal answer would be end of March to second week April.

But I would recommend July. Here's why.

1. Japan has a rich culture and July has one of the most matsuri's or festivals. There's a lot of firework displays and o-mikoshi. There are also a lot of events because it's summer there!

2. Countries with all-around sunny weather don't have to buy a different set of clothes. You can bring your everyday normal clothes with you. That's one less hassle and more money for the trip!

3. Although its the peak of rainy weather in the Philippines, it's perfect timing for beach getaways in Japan. Mid-July celebrates Uminoe or Sea Day which celebrates the day when people can go to the beach!

4. Better adventure options - why not climb Mt. Fuji? Climbing Mt. Fuji is limited to the summer months because it can get very cold and very dangerous. So let's not limit ourselves to just taking a picture at Point #5 but challenge ourselves to climb to the top instead. I've been there, it's so worth it!

5. Japan's annual Sale Seasons are concentrated on January and July. Literally every mall, shop, nook and cranny are etcetera percent off. It's a given that Japan is a melting pot of brands and fashion and it can all be yours at a huge discount. My suggestion would be save up and go to Harajuku and/or Akihabara.

Generally there's no really great month to go to Japan because every day there is so wonderful. I have a preference for Spring weather but summer just makes perfect sense especially for first timers.

For more information on Tokyo events, here' s my favorite magazine: Metropolis. (This deserves its own entry!)