Japan comes to life again in the second week of January, after the lull of the New Year holidays. Snow blankets the mountains of Hokkaidō and the country’s northern reaches, ushering in the ski season. In central and southern parts of Japan, ume (plum trees) start to blossom. Seek them out in gardens such as the legendary Kairaku-en in Mito. Helmets are mandatory for children 12 years and under. Unless road touring, adults rarely wear them, so rental shops don't provide them (unless they offer children's bicycles; then helmets for children will be included in the rental). Want some help? Let Elsewhere plan your next trip. August to November is the time for hiking through fall foliage December brings blue skies and cold temperatures across most of Japan. Bonenkai (year-end parties) fill city bars and restaurants, commercial strips are decorated with seasonal illuminations, and small Christmas markets sell mulled wine and festive trinkets.

Key events: Shōgatsu (New Year, nationwide), Coming-of-Age Day (nationwide) February is for winter warmers and snow sculptures Kabira-wan on Ishigaki-jima is a stunning sheltered bay with white-sand shores and a couple of interesting clumplike islets offshore. Swimming is not allowed here, as pearls are cultivated, but there's no shortage of glass-bottomed boats offering a look at the vibrant reef life below. For casual eating for couples and groups, a cavernous izakaya is part bar, part restaurant, and great for a good-value meal of nabemono (hotpot dishes), sashimi and grilled fish. Narukiyo in Tokyo is a favorite.Planning tip: Though Japanese temples and shrines do not have established dress codes, visitors are expected to stay relatively quiet in these sacred spaces. 8. Okinawa and the Southwest Islands

The Shimanami Kaido is a place spun from the stuff of cyclists’ dreams. A 70km (43-mile) blue-painted cycle route unfurls across six islands taking in jade mountains, orange groves and sea air. From Onomichi on Honshū to Imabari on Shikoku, you can make stops to swim at secluded beaches, visit a museum dedicated to local painters, and visit shrines with sea views all to yourself. Taking a yakatabune (riverboat) tour during the 300-year-old Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in Tokyo is strongly recommended; it's well worth the high price tag to avoid the gargantuan crowds (which can reach up to one million people). It gets very hot and humid as July draws to a close; savvy travelers head to cooler Hokkaidō or the Japanese Alps, or hit the slopes of Mt Fuji, which opens to hikers in the middle of the month. And temples are only the beginning. There's the culture of tea, which you can appreciate at one of the city's many elegant teahouses; the art of the geisha, those iconic performers of traditional music and dance; and also a rich food culture, including kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine). 3. Naoshima Many Japanese return to their hometowns or go on domestic vacations, so transport is hectic, and hotel prices soar. For a slightly calmer experience, head to the Okinawa islands in the far southwest, where it's peak scuba diving season. Many of Japan's most lauded architects have contributed structures, including museums, a boutique hotel and even a bathhouse – all designed to enhance the island's natural beauty and complement its existing settlements.Akihabara in Tokyo is the promised land for anime otaku (fanatics). Even if you aren’t a fan, Akihabara is worth experiencing for the height of artistic geekiness done the Japanese way. In Japan, anime is more than something you watch – it is toys, video games, fashion... and a way of life. Even big banks sometimes print anime characters onto their credit cards. Step into this neighborhood and see fans bringing characters to life in costume. It's Japan's top spot for contemporary art and architecture, pop culture, shopping, drinking and entertainment (and a tie with Kyoto for dining). But more than any other sight, it's the city itself that enchants visitors. Late summer and fall bring another surge in visitor numbers and big crowds of domestic tourists. Mid-August is the start of the busy O-Bon (Festival of the Dead) season – the summer counterpart to Golden Week. National holidays, colorful festivals and blistering temperatures keep sights crowded and accommodations expensive (and often fully booked). Rarer but more dangerous tsunami can follow a significant quake. Should this occur, listen for tsunami warnings and get to higher ground fast if you are near the coast. 8. Make sure to carry cash... Japanese roads are generally in excellent condition. You're far more likely to encounter roadworks in progress than a road in need of repair. Bear in mind that mountain roads tend to be narrow, as are many in the cities (where you'll also have to contend with one-way streets).

Japan is the largest fish-eating nation in the world. Preparing fish and seafood is an art, and its fish markets are the life force of that tradition. They are impeccably clean places with barely any fishy smells. Early risers can catch the wholesale auctions at their new home in Toyosu Market from behind glass, but the real action is still in the laneways of Tsukiji Market. Stalls sell excellent fish cakes, sashimi bowls, fish floss and every tool to prepare seafood, including some only a pro would need (gumboots, anyone?).Japan offers up a real feast for travelers, with mountainside onsen (hot spring) villages, sleepy beach-lined islands, and buzzing megacities all on the menu. For travel to rural areas, a car is the best way to get around, especially for two or more people. Areas that are great for exploration by car include Hokkaidō; Tōhoku; Hida, Shirakawa-gō, the Japan Alps and the Noto Peninsula ( Central Honshū); the San-in Coast (Western Honshū); Shikoku; Kyūshū; and Okinawa. Coastal towns such as Kamakura and Shimoda on the Izu Peninsula provide the perfect combo of sunny afternoons, beachfront Airbnbs and temperate waters, making this a great time to hit the beach. It is difficult to rent touring bicycles in Japan; Cycle Osaka is one operator that offers them. To take a bicycle on a train, it needs to be broken down and stored in a bike bag. Boat and ferry rides can be slow but memorable Warmer weather and blooming cherry trees make April a fantastic month to be in Japan, though cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto can get very crowded. Hotel prices also go through the roof, especially for rooms overlooking sakura groves in public parks and gardens.