Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Problem is, we are stuck with the school calendar, so it will be Christmas, Easter or august to choose from. I was thinking Easter would be good but worried about timing with golden week.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros I don't know how school calendars run in the UK, but that trip was after school ended for me in the US. Schools in my region did tend to get out a little earlier than most in the country (but we started a lot earlier in the fall). Graduation was on June 10, and we left the following morning for Hong Kong, spending about a week there (and in transit to get there); it was probably around June 17-20 when I was at TDR, and it couldn't have been nicer. I don't know if you'd be able to make it then (or if my visit was just a fluke and it's usually crowded that time of year), but it might be worth looking into
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo June is out, the kids don't get out until the last week of July :-(
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Davewasbaloo.. I highly advised against visiting in August. This is the japanese's prime summer time off. The parks are full and the weather is hot and sticky. Avoid avoid. Christmas time.. Hmmmm. usually a very very crowded time as well.. especially with the new year holidays around the corner. The plus here is seeing some of the seasonal decor and entertainment which for the most part, is excellent family fare to enjoy at TDR. That leaves easter time.. What time does the kids get off school in the UK exactly? There is a spring break vacation in Japan but for the most part, this would probably be the best time to enjoy TDR if this is more convenient for you. Weather is decent and cool evenings are the norm. Parks may be moderately busy but mangeable. Chances are the parks will be in full Easter decor and show schedule mode and that is a good time to visit.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Cool. We have the week before and the week after Easter (which of course falls at slightly different times). I thought that might be the case. It may have to wait til 2013 then as we are all booked for next Easter (perils of timeshare, booking vacations a year in advance with limited options with rug rats in school). thanks for the heads up. I might at a pinch be able to do a week in June, as they have a half term, but I would be loathing to go for such a short period between the expense and jet lag. especially as we want to see Kyoto, Nara and Tokyo as well as the theme parks.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Due keep in mind also that June is "rainy season" so chances are you will see rainy days on and off during a visit to Japan.
Originally Posted By SuperDry The end of the annual school term in Japan is early March. April 1 is "back to school" and the start of the new school year (what is normally in the fall in most Western countries). So, anytime from April 1 through but not including Golden Week is an excellent time to visit Japan and TDR. Expect TDR to be very crowded through March 31, then very quiet the first two weeks of April. Of the three times you mentioned, Easter definitely has the best weather. <<< It may have to wait til 2013 then as we are all booked for next Easter >>> I see Easter Sunday 2013 is March 31. That could be perfect if you put TDR toward the end of your trip. The cherry blossoms are typically in full bloom the last week of March in the Tokyo/Kyoto area, plus or minus a week, which is a wonderful time to visit parks, temples, and shrines.
