In Part 1 of Episode 5, Jason is joined by Charlie Orr from Inside Japan to explore one of the most important — and most overlooked — aspects of planning a Japan trip: the seasons. Charlie explains why every season brings a completely different Japan, from the food and festivals to the very philosophy of daily life.

The conversation dives deep into cherry blossom season — what makes it magical, why it's so hard to time, and crucially, how to avoid the crushing crowds at famous hotspots like Kyoto and Tokyo by venturing to smaller cities like Kochi on Shikoku Island. Charlie shares the Hanami tradition of cherry blossom viewing parties, complete with blue tarpaulin mats, nighttime illuminations, and picnics beneath the petals.

The episode then turns to Japan's underrated summer season — festivals, yukata-clad crowds, extraordinary fireworks displays (including Pikachu and Anpanman lighting up the night sky), humidity management tips, and why the rainy season is nothing like the UK's grey drizzle. Practical advice covers everything from Pokari Sweat electrolyte drinks to using Japan's iconic convenience stores as air conditioning pit stops.

Episode Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction & Japan seasons overview
• 01:36 – How seasons shape Japanese culture, food & haiku
• 04:13 – Cherry blossoms: what makes them special & Hanami
• 07:30 – Avoiding the crowds: off the beaten path cherry blossoms
• 10:02 – Why using a travel professional makes the difference
• 11:26 – Summer in Japan: festivals, fireworks & the rainy season
• 15:41 – Personal travel memories & the sounds of summer
• 18:18 – Managing the heat and humidity: practical tips