Canadian Snowbirds: Make Your Retirement Bloom in Japan This Spring

Travelling to Japan, this fascinating country of a thousand contrasts, might just be your best idea yet to escape Canada’s cold and rainy spring. While the snow slowly melts back home, cherry blossoms are already in bloom in Japan, the days are getting milder, and the zen gardens invite you to slow down and take it all in. Between ancient traditions and dazzling modernity, this country offers total escape and is surprisingly accessible, even for a long stay.

Lucie and Alain swapped their raincoats and shovels for comfy shoes and a Suica card, heading for Tokyo, Kyoto, and beyond. Today, they’re sharing their experience of a long stay in Japan.

As Snowbirds, Why Did You Choose Japan for a Long Stay?

“We stayed a little over a month, all on the main island, visiting several cities. We had wanted to visit Japan for a long time, mostly because the culture is so different from Europe and Southeast Asia. We were drawn by the appeal of a totally different culture.”

How Did You First Discover Japan?

“Through the TV series Shōgun, which shows Japan during the time of unification and the samurai. It really made me want to go.”

Before Travelling to Japan, How Did You Do Your Research and Prepare?

“I’m kind of old-fashioned. I bought the Lonely Planet guide for Japan and read it from cover to cover, not just the tourist spots but also the history, culture, food, and how society works.

For apps, we used Booking.com, Uber for taxis, and Google Maps to plan our car and train trips. Google Translate and DeepL for translation are super important to have on your phone, as not many people speak English, even in touristy places.

A friend who went to Japan and his cousin also gave me tips, especially for the trains.”

Where Did You Stay in Japan?

“Mostly in regular hotels, like the ones we know in the West, including Japanese chains.

We also tried ryokan, the traditional inns. It’s interesting because it gives you a different perspective: sliding doors, thin walls, you’re basically living in a house with locals.

We also went to a few onsen, natural hot springs, especially near Fuji-Yama. You can book a private bath to go as a couple because you have to be completely naked! We also rented an apartment with a small kitchen.”

What’s the Weather Like in Japan During Spring?

“Japan is a very large archipelago, and the weather varies a lot depending on the region. For example, Okinawa is as far south as Hanoi or Hong Kong, almost like Southeast Asia, a great destination for a Snowbird looking to escape winter.

We arrived at the very beginning of spring, during Sakura season, the cherry blossoms. It was beautiful. We went up north to Kanazawa for the peak of the blossoms, then into the Japanese Alps in early April, and to Nagano, where it was still cold.

It’s not the best season for skiing or even hiking, since the trails don’t reopen until the end of May.”

How Is the Vibe in Japan?

“The atmosphere was so different. Tokyo, for example, has 37 million people. It’s packed, but everyone is extremely respectful and it’s so clean. No graffiti, no garbage on the ground. The respect they have for nature and each other really stood out to me.

Even in Shinjuku, known for its escort bars and red-light district, it's surprisingly safe.

Japan is unbelievably clean. The water is drinkable everywhere, and we never had to worry about food. Surprisingly, even in fish markets, it doesn’t smell like fish.

Driving on the left takes a little getting used to, but there’s not much traffic. Public transportation is extremely developed, and you usually don’t need to book in advance, except during Golden Week, which is a very busy holiday period in Japan.”

Did You Feel Safe in Japan?

“Yes, completely. It’s a very safe country, we have never felt any threat or insecurity.”

What Is Important to Know About Staying Healthy in Japan?

“The healthcare system is very advanced. There aren’t many health concerns to worry about. The water’s safe to drink and the food is clean.”

How’s the Food in Japan? Any Local Dishes or Flavours That Stood Out to You?

“The sushi, of course, but the fish is even better than here, especially the tuna, which literally melts in your mouth.

There are a lot of surprising grilled foods, like chicken cartilage or beef heart cut into small cubes, which you find in street food stalls.

I especially loved okonomiyaki, a kind of savoury pancake with cabbage, eggs, soba noodles, sometimes bacon or cheese, topped with sauce and mayo. It’s delicious, inexpensive, and every city has its own version.

Wagyu beef is extremely expensive, about $200 for 60 g, but it’s something you have to try, like in a $35 burger for example.

There aren’t many breakfast restaurants, so breakfast at the hotel costs about $20 per person. Cafés around Japan seem to only open around 10 a.m.”

If You Don’t Speak Japanese, Is It Possible to Travel There?

“Japanese people are very proud and afraid of making mistakes, so they often avoid speaking English. It makes travelling a bit harder, especially since there are few immigrants, a strong social cohesion, and no real need for them to speak other languages at home.

But the country is very organized, with lots of illustrated signs to make things easier.

In the subway, stations are coded (like K3), which helps a lot with Google Maps.

Hotel staff speak English, so check-in is fine, but asking for restaurant recommendations is harder. We used translators like Google Translate a lot on our phones.

In train stations, there’s also a tourist kiosk for buying tickets.”

What Did You Enjoy Most About Japan?

“The respect and politeness of the people. The Japanese gardens, unlike temples, are each unique. You should visit them very early in the morning or late in the day to avoid the crowds coming off the tour buses.

I found Japanese gardens to be deeply moving. For a contemplative person like me, it’s almost a meditative experience. The rock gardens with moss, the little paths, and the beautiful trees really touched me.

Tourists often stick to the Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto-Nara triangle, but I especially loved the Japanese countryside. We rented a car for six days to get off the beaten path and explore small villages.”

What Are Some Things That Shook Up Your Routine During the Trip?

“There are no storefronts at street level. In Tokyo, for example, restaurants and bars aren’t on the ground floor. Everything is upstairs, which explains all the neon signs. And often the best restaurants are hidden in a mall or on the 8th floor of a building!

I found it strange not seeing any outdoor seating areas, and the buildings are narrow and tall. Everything happens inside.

The number of luxury stores is also surprising. It feels like Times Square when you come out of the subway.

The contrast between the constant crowds and the extreme cleanliness is striking. You really feel the social cohesion everywhere.”

Is the Cost of Living More Expensive in Japan or Less Than in Canada?

Accommodation:

“Lodging is more expensive than in Quebec. We often had to settle for smaller rooms than we are normally used to, sometimes only 9 m², but at a higher price per square metre.

On average, hotels cost between $150 and $225 per night, depending on the city. Also, it’s not necessarily more expensive in downtown areas.”

Groceries and Restaurants:

“Groceries are about the same price as in Canada, but there are very few dairy products. Restaurants are slightly cheaper than here.

For example, an okonomiyaki meal costs around $10 to $12, and we spent about $60 per person per day eating out.”

Transportation:

“The subway is very developed. You use cards like Ikoka or Suica, which work in all cities for the subway, buses, and regional trains. It’s about $1.50 to $2.50 per trip, so cheaper than Montreal, and it works perfectly.

Car rentals are around $60 a day. Gas is about the same price as here, but you need to budget for slightly higher tolls.”

Did You Find Any Tricks to Save Money During Your Snowbird Stay in Japan?

“Breakfast at 7-Eleven, like yogurts, small buns, and coffee you can heat up in the microwave. It’s cheap and convenient.”

What Day Trips Do You Recommend in Japan?

“I’d recommend a few cultural activities that are really worth it and easy to do in a day.

Go see a sumo match by booking tickets on GetYourGuide.

Attend a Kabuki theatre performance in Tokyo, especially during the high tourist season, where there are two shows per day. You can even buy a ticket for just one act out of four, which lets you enjoy the costumes and traditional dancing without spending the whole day.

And in Kyoto, I booked a tea ceremony with geishas. It was magical, but you need to book early because it’s super popular. Tickets go fast!

I suggest avoiding bus tours where you see 3–4 temples in a day. It’s too rushed and takes away from the experience.”

How Did You Stay in Touch With Family and Friends During Your Extended Stay in Japan?

“Messenger to stay in touch. Before this, when it didn’t exist, you were cut off from family and friends.

It makes it easier to travel for longer because talking with my kids and friends is what I miss the most. That’s why I signed up for Facebook.”

Did You Have Travel Insurance for This Long Trip to Japan? Did You Ever Need to Use It?

“Yes, we had full travel insurance. It’s essential, especially as you get older. Luckily, we didn’t need it.”

Finally, What Would You Say to Someone Who’s Thinking About Becoming a Snowbird but Still Hesitating?

“Winter in Canada is long. Even if you enjoy it, getting away for a couple of months can really lift your spirits. Some countries are better to visit in winter than in summer, like Vietnam or Thailand, so why not take advantage of it?

And if you do love winter, you can even head to Japan for a ski season instead. Sometimes, just changing the scenery is enough to brighten your mood and make the season feel lighter.”

Dare to Try the Japanese Experience!

You too can escape Canada’s cold, rainy spring and live an extraordinary experience in the heart of Japan. All it takes is saying yes!

For Lucie and Alain, they discovered a gentle spring, where cherry blossoms turn zen gardens into true havens of peace. Between ancient traditions, vibrant modernity, and a culture steeped in respect and politeness, they experienced a unique personal renewal.

Back in the Laurentians, they’re already planning their next adventure, maybe dreaming of hitting the road across North America in an RV to keep exploring differently.

Want to follow in Lucie and Alain’s footsteps but somewhere else? Stay tuned for more articles on Snowbird destinations that go beyond the usual southern US spots.

And don’t forget to get your travel insurance with a quick quote from soNomad well before you leave, so you can cross that off your list!