Japan in shoulder season — best decision I made

Visited Japan in shoulder season deliberately and the decision paid off completely. Mt. Fuji without peak crowds is a totally different experience. Hiroshima felt lived-in rather than touristy. Found a small place doing the best matcha everything I've ever tasted — something that would have been invisible in high season when everything fills with visitors.

extraordinary cleanliness and order was particularly magical with fewer people around. The weather was fine. The prices were better. If you have flexibility, avoid peak season.