Originally Posted by
peaches070
next options would be August (not sure about 2020, but 2021) or Jan 2021 or 2022.
If you're concerned about older parents, I would not consider August 2020.
if "Operation Warp Speed" is a success, a vaccine might be available in the US by January 2021. I don't know if that's realistic or not, but I think that it will take a vaccine for elderly and vulnerable people to feel safe to travel again.
Originally Posted by
peaches070
I’ve been to Japan in July and August so I have an idea of what to expect for a summer trip, but what about a January trip?!
If you're accustomed to New York or mid-western winters, Tokyo and Kyoto are mild. (Kyoto tends to be the chillier of the two because of the surrounding hills). I really like Tokyo in winter - temperatures don't often go below freezing and the skies are clear. Downsides are that things go very quiet for a few days around New Years Day, and you don't have the lively festivals that you would have in the summer. (although you do have chances to see people dressed up in Kimono to visit temples for New Years and for coming of age day).
Originally Posted by
peaches070
and we won’t have to worry about typhoons in August. Greenery around temples won’t be as great in the summer but I don’t think it’ll be that bad.!
August is close to peak typhoon season. Gardens will be dried out and brown in winter. Perhaps that's what you meant.