Welcome to Orlando Holiday planning podcast.  This week, we’re leaving Florida & heading over to Japan.  My name’s Martin, I’m a former Disney Cast member & now a Disney travel professional. Today we're diving into one of the most amazing Disney parks on the planet—Tokyo Disney Sea & Tokyo Disneyland. 

Tokyo DisneySea is often hailed as the most amazing theme park in the world. But before you pack your bags & set sail for this incredible place, there's one crucial element you need to get right — timing. Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea are the 3rd & 4th most visited theme parks in the world.

As a Disney travel agent, I’m often asked when the best time to visit Japan is. But, let’s start with when are the busiest & worst times to visit.

First up, New Year's Celebrations. Starting right after December 25th, when the Christmas event ends, Tokyo Disneyl& sees a surge in visitors during the first week of January. The festive atmosphere & special celebrations attract hordes of people eager to ring in the new year. If you’re planning a visit around this time, be prepared for large crowds & long wait times.

Next, Spring Break, which typically is the end of February to March. It’s a popular time for families & students on school breaks. The exact timing can vary depending on the schools in Japan, but expect increased crowds during this period. If you can, try to avoid these weeks.

Now, let’s talk about Golden Week. This is considered the busiest time at Tokyo Disneyl&, from the end of April to the first week of May. Golden Week has several national holidays, & many locals take advantage of the long break to visit the park. The result? Large crowds & longer wait times. If possible, steer clear of Golden Week to avoid the heaviest traffic.

July & August bring summer holidays, along with hot & humid weather, to Tokyo Disneyl&. Tourists flock to the park to escape the heat & enjoy various indoor & outdoor activities. Expect significant crowds during these months. If you must visit during the summer, try to go on weekdays to minimise wait times.

Regardless of the season, weekends & public holidays are consistently busy. It’s always a good idea to plan your trip for weekdays if you want to avoid the worst of the crowds. Trust me, your feet will thank you!

In Japan, schoolchildren have Mondays off due to Sports Days, where they participate in various athletic activities. As a result, Mondays can be just as busy as weekends at Tokyo Disneyl&, with families taking advantage of the long weekend. Keep this in mind when scheduling your visit.

Finally, the first & last days of seasonal events at Tokyo Disneyl& tend to draw larger crowds. These events often feature unique experiences or limited-time attractions, & many want to be among the first or last to enjoy the festivities. If you’re not keen on battling the crowds, try to visit in the middle of these events.

So, when's the best time to visit?

First up, let's talk about mid-January. If you’re looking for a less crowded time to visit Tokyo Disneyl&, this is your best bet. Right after the New Year’s break, the park is much quieter. 

So shorter wait times & less hustle & bustle. Imagine having more room to explore & getting on your favourite rides without the long queues. Sounds perfect, right?

The weather during April is also warm & inviting, allowing you to explore the attractions comfortably. Be sure to check the specific dates for cherry blossom festivals & events within the park. Witnessing the beauty of the cherry blossoms in full bloom adds an enchanting touch to your Tokyo Disneyl& experience.

Moving on to after May 7th. Post-Golden Week, which ends on May 6th, the crowds go down, making it an ideal time to visit. 

For those who love festive celebrations, visiting from the end of October to November is a must. The park hosts both Halloween & Christmas events, providing a unique experience for visitors of all ages.

Now, if you don’t mind a little rain, consider visiting Tokyo Disneyl& during the typhoon season or the rainy season. Typhoon days occur between July & October, & rainy days are more common in June, which is the rainy season in Tokyo.

These weather conditions often discourage visitors, resulting in significantly lower crowds, shorter lines, & a unique experience at the park. Don’t let a little rain dampen your Disney spirit; it might just be the perfect opportunity for a quieter adventure.

Finally, a pro tip for all you early birds out there—arrive at the park 1-2 hours before it opens. This strategy gives you the opportunity to be one of the first visitors inside. You’ll get to experience popular attractions with shorter wait times & explore the park before it gets too crowded.

I’m going to break it down month by month, giving you an idea of what to expect throughout the year. Let's start with January.

The year kicks off with high crowds, especially during the first week. But don't worry, from the second week onwards, the low season begins. This means fewer tourists & shorter queues. Perfect for those who prefer a quieter experience.

While February brings cold temperatures to Japan, it also brings student discounts. This can make the crowds a bit unpredictable. Be prepared for some queue times, but overall visitor numbers remain relatively lower this month.

Ah, spring break! March sees students flocking to the parks, resulting in higher crowds. Many attractions offer student discounts during this time, so expect popular spots to be busy.

Warmer weather & cherry blossoms in April —what's not to love? To avoid the start of Golden Week, one of Japan’s busiest holiday periods, it's best to visit before April 29. April is also popular with international tourists eager to witness the stunning Sakura.

The rainy season begins in May, but don't let that dampen your spirits. Rainfall can be hit or miss, so keep an eye on the weather forecast & pack an umbrella just in case.

June is Typhoon season! High winds & heavy rains are common, but surprisingly, this leads to lower crowds. Most outdoor attractions remain open during storms, & indoor ones continue to operate, offering alternative options for visitors.

In July, the heat & humidity can be unbearable, but crowds are typically lower at the beginning of the month. However, summer vacation kicks in towards the end, leading to increased visitor numbers.

Into August, Expect scorching heat, humidity, & large crowds. Summer holidays & Obon Week attract maximum capacity, resulting in longer waiting times.

With summer holidays over, the crowds start to diminish in September. The weather remains warm, making it a more peaceful time to explore popular attractions without the overwhelming crowds of earlier months.

Halloween brings higher crowds due to its growing popularity in Japan. Typhoons can still occur, so be prepared for potential disruptions.

Cold weather begins in November, making it an excellent time to visit before the New Year holidays. Avoid the period between December 25 & early January, as it is one of the busiest times in Japan.

December is Cold & festive! Experience a winter wonderl&, but like November, avoid the crowds between December 25 & early January due to the New Year holidays.

Our team is ready & waiting to help with your trip to Japan.