I'm thinking of taking a trip to Tokyo, Kyoto and Nara at the end of December / beginning of January. Lonely Planet tells me to expect 0-10 degrees Celcius.

Cold doesn't bother me too much after living in Russia, but I don't really want to be snowbound on holiday.

Is the prognosis for this winter going to be about the same?

Any car or non-car realted events happening around this time?

 

I don't know much about the weather especially during winter time since I usually go there to visit my friends in the summer. But it should be fine as long as you are not going to Hokkaido if you don't want heavy snow

all I know is the beginning of January is their new year, kinda the most important to them.

 

Yeah, I was planning to be there for the new year. But I think that I can work with hotel and transportation at this time.

 

December we usually dont have snow in or near the Tokyo area. Late january there is a chance of snow.

In mid december the Time attack season is finishing up and in the beginning or mid january is Tokyo Auto Salon.

There are lots of car events going on year round but my guess is Tokyo Auto Salon would be of interest to someone coming here for the first time.

 

Tokyo auto salon is january 15th and 16th.
There is a japanese classic car association meeting January 30th in Tokyo if thats not out of the question.
The Osaka Auto Messe is in February, so I guess that's not going to work.
You could always go to Daikoku Futo on the weekends in Tokyo. I'm not sure what the current situation is with people gathering there right now. It's just a big rest stop where people bring their cars.
Here in Osaka it's about the same as Tokyo. There might be snow later in january but I don't think that anything will really hinder movement.
Any big temple on New Years is fun.

 

Thanks for the advice! I'd like to check out the Tokyo Auto Salon, but will be leaving by January 10th, if I can get the trip worked out.

 

i'll be there................take a look http://www.dsporttas.com/the-tour/

 

Wow thats a pretty cool tour!!
I'm studying abroad here for a year and would love to arrange some meetings with some shops.

Johnfoothill, if you want some places to go in the Kyoto Nara area, just pm me and I will be happy to provide!

 

Wish that the Auto Salon had fallen into my target dates, that might have been the clincher. As it is though, I had to cancel my plans due to some family stuff at home.

Ah well, I guess that Japan won't change much if I put the trip off for another year or so.

Thanks anyhow for the information and advice!