planning a trip to japan 2023

Planning a Trip to Japan: DOs & DON’Ts (2024)

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This post is based on an amazing guide our friend Amy Dunn-Cham compiled us full of her Japan tips on how to plan a trip to Japan years ago. We have since visited Japan five times and update this post regularly with what we’ve learnt.

Ah Japan, irasshaimase! Welcome to the land where everything just works. The land of convenience, the land of delicious food, paradox, naked strangers, and where respect permeates through every part of society and culture.

In Japan the food can be described as clean and minimalist, but never simple, which probably sums up Japan as a whole. It’s a place that both lives up to, and out does, any expectation you have upon arrival.

Uh-huh, they have the fastest, sleekest, most efficient trains (ever!), but they still have paper posters pegged up on their Tokyo subway. Yeah, they have amazing futuristic architecture, but they also have countless traditional wooden buildings in amongst it all. 

Yes, they have the busiest people crossing in the world (Shibuya), but at no point is it ever chaotic, no need for anyone to bang on a cab screaming, “Hey, I’m walking here!”. 

Yes, they have scores of scarily trendy, funkily clad young people who like to cosplay on weekends, but they also have evening family outings to sentos (public bathhouses).

In this Japan travel guide, we’ll help you make sense of it all and share our best tips for planning a trip to Japan.

2024 Update: No Japan Travel Restrictions

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Japan reopened to independent international tourists on 11 October 2022.

Remaining restrictions were dropped on 29 April 2023, so visitors no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test.

The government also dropped the indoor masking recommendation. Many Japanese people still wear masks (on our late 2023 trip, I’d say about 30-40% of people wore them), but you are unlikely to be required to.

With the yen at the lowest it has been for decades, now is a great time to travel to Japan.

Health care is expensive in Japan, so I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers Covid-19 medical expenses.  SafetyWing Insurance  is an excellent budget option, especially for travellers on longer trips and families (as children under 10 are free). It’s available worldwide.

If you want a more comprehensive policy with cancellation cover, check out Heymondo travel insurance , which we used on our last Japan trip (it came in handy when Simon broke his foot!). It’s also available worldwide and offers 5% off for our readers.

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We’ve visited Japan in all four seasons and don’t think there’s a bad time to go. 

In winter , it’s chilly and gardens are a bit bare, but crowds are lower, you’ll find great deals on accommodation, and you’ll really appreciate those onsens (hot springs). You can also go skiing or snowboarding and have the best chance of seeing snow-capped Mount Fuji.  

In summer , it is steaming hot and humid (and June is the rainiest month), but there are fewer foreign tourists around and lots of local festivals to enjoy. It’s also the best time to visit the many beaches and the only time you can climb Mount Fuji. 

The most popular and best overall times to visit Japan are spring (March-April) and autumn (October – early December). This is when you can enjoy the gorgeous cherry blossoms (sakura) or autumn leaves (koyo). It’s more crowded and expensive, but the weather can be ideal and it is just stunning. 

See our guide to visiting the Kyoto cherry blossoms for more information on the popular sakura season. 

On our recent autumn trip, we had warm weather (up to 77ºF/25ºC) with very little rain from October until mid-November, when the temperature in Kyoto suddenly plummeted ahead of the leaves turning colour.

Shoulder seasons May and late-September/early October  are also good times to visit with warm weather and lower crowds.

Two times of year I would avoid for a vacation to Japan are:

Golden Week in early May – In 2024, Golden Week is from 27 April – 6 May. This is a series of national holidays so many Japanese travel domestically, trains and hotels book up, and popular spots will be extra crowded.

New Year – Late December to early January. This is also a busy time with local travellers and most businesses close for up to four days.

How long do you need in Japan? As long as possible!

There is so much to see—we have spent months in the country and still have a long bucket list.

For first time visitors, I recommend visiting Japan for two weeks. This is enough time to see some highlights—Tokyo, Kyoto, and one or two smaller destinations. See our Japan two week itinerary for suggestions.

A week is the minimum time I recommend for a Japan trip. For a more relaxed Japan vacation, spend the whole week in Tokyo or Kyoto and take day trips. Or if you don’t mind rushing about, visit both major cities with an overnight stop on the way (such as Hakone).

Read our guide on the best places to visit in Japan to decide where interests you most and come up with an itinerary. You’ll find some suggestions at the end of this guide.

Watch this video for Japan trip ideas.

• Check if you need a visa . Visa-free travel is possible for citizens of 68 countries for stays of up to 90 days (including US, UK, Canada, Australia and the EU). Do have a return or onward flight out of the country as they may grill you upon arrival. It was the nicest immigration interrogation we’ve ever had, though.
• Purchase your Japanese Rail Pass exchange order before you travel to Japan (if needed, more on that later).
• Learn some Japanese —numbers are especially useful! While you can get by with Google Translate, it’s much more fun to learn some Japanese (which isn’t as hard as you might think) and locals really appreciate it. We are currently learning with the comprehensive Rocket Japanese online course , which includes audio lessons with natural dialogue, grammar and culture tips, and voice recognition to test your pronunciation. It’s a little pricey but unlike most subscription-based courses, you get lifetime access and discounts are often available.
• Get an International Driving Permit . You’ll need this for go-karting on the real Tokyo roads dressed as your favourite character. Insanity but one of the most fun things we’ve done in Japan.
• Arrange travel insurance. Healthcare is expensive in Japan, so make sure you are covered in case the worst happens. We’ve used and recommend Heymondo and  SafetyWing (both available worldwide). 

• Apply for a Mastercard credit or debit card – If you don’t already have one. Some Japanese websites don’t work with Visa so it’s good to have a backup. We used a Starling Bank debit card (UK only), which has free international transactions and cash withdrawals.
• Walk as much as possible – You will walk a lot in Japan cities so it helps to get some training in beforehand (and wear in some comfy shoes).
• Practice using chopsticks – You’ll need them to eat in almost every restaurant (curry is the exception as it’s eaten with a spoon). Getting used to sitting on the floor is a good idea for some restaurants and experiences too.

• Buy a pre-paid transport IC card  for local trains, metro and buses. You just tap on and off and don’t have to worry about buying a ticket. In Kyoto and Osaka, it’ll be an ICOCA card, and in Tokyo, it’s a Suica or Pasmo, but you can use any of the cards all over the country. Physical cards are currently in short supply (due to a chip shortage), so I recommend adding Suica to Apple Wallet on your phone or watch. Visa doesn’t work as a payment method so use Apple Pay, Mastercard, or American Express to top up. We just tapped on transport with our Apple watch and didn’t even need to open the app. Unfortunately, this doesn’t work for Android phones bought outside Japan.
• Set up an Airalo eSIM – You’ll want affordable data on your phone as having access to maps and Google Translate makes life so much easier. A digital eSIM is simple to set up before you arrive and prices at Airalo start at just US$4.50. We used it on our last Japan trip and it worked great. If your phone doesn’t support eSIMs, you can buy a physical Umobile SIM from a vending machine at Tokyo Narita Airport (make sure your phone is unlocked).
• Sign up to the Timeout Tokyo newsletter – To learn about special events during your stay.

• Buy tickets for Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park – If you are a Studio Ghibli fan, you might want to visit the museum in Tokyo or new park in Nagoya. It’s essential to book ahead. See below for details.
• Research what else to book in advance – Many attractions and restaurants in Japan require advance booking so decide what’s important to you (ideally at least three months ahead) and set reminders for when bookings are available. At the end of this post you can see the timescale for what we booked for our latest trip.

• Consider a Japan Rail Pass . The luxury of shinkansen (bullet train) hopping is exhilarating. No need to book seats in advance, just choose a train, wave your pass and hop on. These passes are only available to foreigners and you can order online from  JRailPass.com . Read our guide to whether a Japan Rail Pass is worth it for everything you need to know after the price increase in October 2023 (it’s still worth it for some trips if you are travelling a lot).

• Bow if you are being bowed to . If you can manage it too, don’t turn your back upon exit. Don’t overdo it though or you’ll be a total gaijin , no need to bow to the supermarket checkout person!
• Pre-book accommodation. Wise anyway as the more affordable accommodation fills up fast, but also in line with the whole respect thing, Japanese people like to be prepared for your arrival.  So don’t just randomly rock up at a ryokan for the night! Booking.com is our favourite site for finding hotels and guesthouses, and we also use AirBnb and Vrbo  to find apartments in the big cities (which are often cheaper than hotels). See our Japan accommodation guide for recommendations.

• Go onsening! You might want to skip this in summer as hot doesn’t even come close to describing the water temperatures! But soaking in a hot spring is one of the most typical things to do in Japan and is ultra relaxing once you get over your fears of public nudity (yep, no clothes allowed!). Best of all, visit an onsen town where you can onsen-hop dressed in a kimono. See our Kinosaki Onsen travel guide for details on this lovely onsen town as well as hot spring etiquette. 

• Stay in a ryokan (traditional inn). Pricey but worth it for at least a night or two for the unique experience and the amazing meals that are often included in the room rates (and many can cater for vegetarians/vegans). Our favourite ryokan is Tsukihitei in Nara, so traditional and with a magical forest setting. We also loved our private bath overlooking the scarlet maple trees at Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo in Kyoto (book a suite not a standard room). More budget-friendly options are Hotel Musashiya in Hakone, where our room and onsen had a view of Lake Ashi, and Morizuya Ryokan in Kinosaki Onsen, which is perfect for onsen-hopping.
• Stay in a traditional tatami mat room.  If you can’t stay in a ryokan, a much cheaper way to stay in one is a traditional room in K’s House hostels—they have branches in Hakone  (with onsen), Kyoto , Izu Peninsula (in a 100-year-old building with onsen), and all over the country. We never had a bad experience with this hostel chain in our budget travel days.

• Appreciate the zen-like calm on all modes of transport – no need for quiet only carriages here! Just remember that it’s rude to speak on your phone on trains in Japan.
• Use Google Translate . Many people don’t speak English, so the Google Translate app is helpful for communicating. Write what you want to say in English then show the Japanese translation to the person. Even more impressive is the feature to translate images—point your camera at a sign, menu, or food label and it translates the text instantly. It’s not perfect but when it works, it’s brilliant.
• Translate websites too – Many Japanese websites (especially restaurants) are only in Japanese so using Chrome or Safari, refresh the page and select the English option at the top. On Safari on my iPhone, I tend to select a block of text and tap translate from the popup.
• See some sumo . If you’re lucky enough to be in the country when one of the sumo tournaments is on, go! The pre/ post game rituals are fascinating to watch. If you aren’t there during a tournament, you can see a practice session at a sumo stable in Tokyo . It was one of our favourite experiences in Japan—it felt like such an honour to see these huge, impressive sumotori training so close.
• Expect bursts of freakery!

• Get your paper fortune at a Japanese Buddhist temple. Okay, we cheated and got an English one at the Golden Pavilion (see our guide on the best things do to in Kyoto ), but what the hell! You can also get one at the gorgeous Sensoji Temple in Tokyo . 
• Love the Japanese for their never-ending capacity to help you out , and they won’t stop until they do!
• Read these Japan books before you visit for a greater understanding of this weird and wonderful culture. 
• Have some sushi – Sushi is the essence of Japan, plus sushi-train/ sushi stand up bars are so much fun watching the chefs take your order, and all shout in unison, “samon!” or “tamago!” etc. Vegetarian sushi isn’t very common, but we did find some—see our vegetarian Japanese food guide .

• Appreciate the plastic food models as works of art!
• Pack slip-on shoes. You’ll be taking your shoes on and off a lot in temples and restaurants. I wear the comfy ballet flats Allbirds Tree Breezers in warmer weather and Allbirds Wool Runner sneakers (for men and women) in cooler weather—they keep your feet cosy but can be worn without socks and easily slipped off without untying the laces. See my detailed Allbirds review .
• Shop at the 100 Yen shops.  Like pound shops BUT BETTER! Daiso is a great one.
• Play in the arcades dotted around cities, the taiko drum game rocks! 
• Make use of the many vending machines EVERYWHERE . You will never go thirsty in Japan that’s for sure.  You can even get hot coffee…in a can! (Simon’s saviour when we had early morning trains to catch.) In fact, you can get friggin’ anything from vending machines from cheap 100 yen sake (yuk!) to hot chips (not surprisingly we did not try!) and SIM cards. In Tokyo you can use your Suica transport card to pay. 
• Press random buttons on the panel next to you on the loo . It will make you giggle ;o)!  Also, if it’s cold then appreciate the absolute miracle of heated toilet seats.
• Fall in love with seeing toriis (shrine gates) everywhere , especially small red ones in rows behind each other. Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto is our favourite (but go early as it’s popular). 
• Love and appreciate the beautiful presentation of absolutely everything from the amazing architecture to the way bento boxes are wrapped in a napkin tied in a knot just so, to amazing manhole covers!
• Pack light.  It will be much easier to hop on and off trains while travelling around Japan if you pack light, and hotels have limited storage space for luggage. Best of all, travel with just carry-on luggage . The Away Bigger Carry-On was perfect for our trip and fit overhead in trains.

• Consider luggage shipping – We haven’t used this yet, but if you have large luggage, it’s common to send it between hotels (it takes a day, so pack essentials in an overnight bag).
• Withdraw cash from 7-11 ATMs.  They are the most reliable no-fee option for international cards and can be found everywhere. Make sure you always have cash on hand as many places don’t accept credit cards (although this is improving). Note that some 7-11 ATMs in popular spots (the airport, Gion), do now charge, so try to withdraw in less touristy areas.
• Use Navitime to check train times and prices (and to work out if a Japan Rail Pass is worth it for your itinerary ).
• Visit BIC Camera if you need any kind of electronics. These massive stores have everything you could imagine. Take your passport if you are making a large purchase (over 5000 yen) and get it tax free. I bought a camera here and ended up getting lots of extra discounts and free accessories. It’s also a good place to buy a SIM card if you didn’t pick one up at the airport.

DON’T:

• Rent a car – For most visitors the best way to travel Japan is by train. Elsewhere we love road trips, but renting a car in Japan is just not worth the hassle unless you are travelling far off the beaten track.
• Open the door if taking a taxi. They are either automated or the driver will open it for you. It’s also a good idea to have your destination’s address written down in Japanese to show the driver as most don’t speak English.
• Feel bad if you need to take a break from Japanese food – Japan isn’t always an easy destination and indulging in a comfort meal can be restorative (we’ve had some excellent pizza in Japan).

• Forget to check opening hours – Japanese restaurants aren’t usually open all day and both restaurants and attractions usually have a last order/entry 30 to 60 minutes before closing.
• Go whizzing around the country too much. It can save energy to base yourself in one place and take day trips as we did in Kyoto and Okayama .
• Wear holey socks. You’ll only be embarrassing yourself when you take your shoes on/ off constantly!
• Go into an onsen without washing first , that’s just dirty dude!  Also, don’t go into the bathing area with a towel wrapped around you, you’ll just look stupid. Embrace the nudity! Everyone’s naked so no-one cares. My Kinosaki Onsen guide has more etiquette tips for newbies.

Japan is a popular destination and many hotels, restaurants, and attractions book up in advance. While you can still have a wonderful last-minute trip, it’s worth researching what you’d like to do months in advance to see what needs reservations.

On our most recent trip to Japan (in the busy autumn October/November season), this is what we booked ahead:

5 Months Before

• Flights – This is personal preference and earlier or later could also work. Tokyo Narita (NRT), Tokyo Haneda (HND), or Kansai International Airport in Osaka (KIX) are all good options to fly in to.
• Accommodation – Ryokans and hotels in smaller towns are most important to book ahead. Some hotels don’t take bookings more than 3 or 6 months in advance, though. We used Booking.com and almost all had free cancellation.

4 Months Before

• Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta – Our favourite place to stay in Japan is right inside the best Disney park in the world. Rooms go on sale 4 months in advance at 11am JST and sell out in minutes, so it’s essential to do some practice runs.

3 Months Before

• Harry Potter Studio Tour, Tokyo – We booked 7 weeks in advance and only got an afternoon slot, so earlier is a good idea. Check Klook and the Warner Bros Studio Tour website as they have different availability.

2 Months Before

• Ghibli Park , Nagoya – Tickets go on sale on the 10th of the month at 2pm JST for 2 months later (it changed recently from 3 months). So May tickets will be on sale on 10 March. These sell out quickly, so be prepared.
• Teamlab Planets , Tokyo – Book early if you want a specific time for this interactive digital art exhibition (we wanted the first slot). We booked on Get Your Guide . The new TeamLab Borderless is also selling out fast (tickets available on Klook or direct ).
• Some Restaurants – We booked Monk in Kyoto exactly 2 months in advance at 12pm JST (after five attempts) and Shigetsu in Kyoto (as we were visiting during peak autumn colour). Creating a Tablecheck account is a good idea as quite a few restaurants use it for bookings.
• Saihoji (Moss Temple) , Kyoto – It’s expensive and might not be a priority with limited time in Kyoto, but it’s our favourite temple. Reservations open 2 months in advance.
• Universal Studios Japan Express Passes – These are essential to skip the lines at this very busy park in Osaka, and they do sell out. We bought the Express Pass 7 – Backdrop and Spiderman on Klook (much easier than the official site which is in Japanese only). We bought our USJ entrance tickets on Klook at the same time. See our Universal Studios Japan guide for more tips.

1 Month Before

• Ghibli Museum , Tokyo – Available at 10am JST on the 10th of each month for the following month.
• Shibuya Sky , Tokyo – Bookings open 4 weeks in advance at midnight Japan time. Book fairly soon after that to get the peak slot (one hour before sunset).
• Tours – I booked a sumo stable visit (highly recommended) and Shinjuku bar hopping tour in Tokyo. Go-karting is another fun option we’ve done before. I used Get Your Guide for most tours. Klook is a good option for tickets and attractions too.
• Tea Ceremony Ju-an , Kyoto – Learn the traditions of tea in a temple. One of the highlights of our trip.
• Sakurai Tea Experience , Tokyo – If you love green tea, don’t miss the tea tasting at this modern tea room.
• More Restaurants – I booked Saido in Tokyo, Uzu Vegan Ramen in Kyoto (reservations essential), and Ristorante di Canaletto at DisneySea (one month in advance at 10am JST exactly).
• Tokyo DisneySea and Disneyland tickets – I booked on Klook. The parks probably won’t sell out, but we didn’t want to take the chance.
• Japan Rail Pass – If you decide to get one, allow plenty of time for your exchange order to arrive by post, just in case (you activate it on arrival).

2 Weeks Before

• Shinkansen Train Seat Reservations – We used the SmartEx website , which can be difficult to set up (use a Mastercard and keep trying to authenticate the payment method) but very handy. When booking a train from Tokyo to Kyoto, choose a seat on the right side of the train for Mt Fuji views (if clear). If you have large suitcases, you’ll also need to make an oversized baggage reservation .
• Airport Taxi Pickup – From Narita Airport we get the Narita Express train, but from Haneda Airport (which is closer to central Tokyo), we prefer a taxi for ease. We booked this Haneda airport pickup on Klook .
• More Tours and Restaurants – Book any more priorities as you finalise your itinerary.

Japan has so much to offer but here are a few places to get you started.

• Tokyo – The best of modern Japan. This huge city has incredible food, diverse neighbourhoods, and some unique experiences. Try these cool things to do in Tokyo and enjoy the best vegetarian restaurants in Tokyo . 
• Kyoto – The best of traditional Japan with many stunning temples to explore . Read the best things to do in Kyoto .
• Takayama – A smaller, quieter alternative for traditional Japan with a beautiful historic centre of preserved wooden houses. 
• Hakone – For the chance to see Mount Fuji, mountain scenery, lakes, onsens, and fun transport options (cable cars and pirate ships!). 
• Kawaguchiko – Even better views of Mount Fuji at Lake Kawaguchiko . 
• Nikko – Stunning temples in the forest. Could be visited as a day trip from Tokyo. 
• Hiroshima – Visit the moving peace memorial that commemorates the atomic bombing and don’t miss nearby Miyajima Island. 

See our Japan 2 Week Itinerary for a detailed guide to visiting many of these places including things to do, transport, and where to stay and eat.

Or our guide to the best places to go in Japan has more ideas.

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166 Comments

Thank you for the lovely Japan Blogs – it is making our travel planning fun! It would be really helpful to understand the areas to stay in within the cities, especially first time travelers to Japan.

Reply ↓

Thanks JK! Our Kyoto guide has tips on the best area to stay (Gion or downtown) and in Tokyo, we recommend Shinjuku for first time visitors. Enjoy Japan!

Wow, an amazing blog, Erin. This is helping us so much plan our trip. It is great to see you updating it regularly too. It’s becoming a daily read.

Kind regards,

Thanks so much for this post! As is often the case I am following you around the world and now I’m going to Japan. Look forward to reading everything you’ve written on it!

Good to hear you are going to Japan, Ruth! I hope you enjoy it as much as we always do!

We are a very active retired couple and love exploring different cultures, sights, and exploring nature. We are planning on going to Japan for the first time for 3 -4 weeks, around the third week or so in Sept to mid October or later. We will travel with just carry on luggage and backpacks. We love touring on our own, or booking individual tours at the different places. We are open to basing in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima(?) plus other places and doing day trips from these places. What would be a good itinerary for our 21+ day trip? Thanks so much! We love your website! Bunny

Hi, I lost my comment somewhere on your blog 😅 So, me and my partner are going to Japan for 4-6 weeks in sept/october. We want to travel in a slow pace and want to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, hiking around Kiso Valley (and Kumano Kodo?), Nagano, Kanazawa? We also want to explore some nice nature, visit onsen, sleep at a roykan etc. Hokkaido would be cool but i don’t know if we will have time with that. Do you have any tips where we must go? I think our plan is to be at least 7 days each in Kyoto and Tokyo, we want to stay for minimum 2 nights at each place. Would you recommend to start in Tokyo? Is it worth to start a week in a busy town with jetlag? Should we go somewhere else (where?) for a nice start on the vacation?

Thank you! /Johanna

Hi Johanna!

I’m planning a solo trip from ~May 21-June 21, but i’m worried i’ll hit the rainy season and humidity. What to you advise? I’m limited to May 21st as my earliest trip start date due to school!

I think it makes sense to start with Tokyo if that’s where you are flying in to. That way you don’t have to worry about travelling elsewhere and you have enough time there that you can plan for the first few days to be pretty relaxed – wander some neighbourhoods, eat etc.

Sounds like you have plenty of time to do everything you want. You could easily use that time in central Japan, but you could add in Hokkaido if you really wanted (we still haven’t made it there). Enjoy!

Hi Erin, is it advisable to visit Lake Kawaguchiko in November? And, do you think it is possible to do a day trip to Lake Kawaguchiko having Tokyo as the base?

We haven’t been in November but we definitely would. You will likely see the autumn colours too (generally peak around mid-Nov), which would be beautiful.

It will likely be colder than Tokyo, but as long as you are prepared with warm clothes it should be enjoyable.

And yes, it is possible as a day trip from Tokyo – many people go by train or on bus tours. Just be aware that Mt Fuji is often hidden in cloud, so if you stay overnight you increase your chances to see it. But you could also try to choose a clear day for your day trip. Enjoy!

Our Lake Kawaguchiko travel guide has more details.

Thank you for creating this! I’m making my way through reading all of your posts. I will be visiting Japan for 14 days for the first weeks in April with my husband, a 7 year old, 10 year old and my two of my adult siblings. We’ll be a big group but I’m very excited as this is my first time and have always dreamed of going. Wondering if you have any advice for the younger kids or any kid entertainment? Thanks again!

Travelling with kids isn’t our area of expertise so I don’t have any specific recommendations except for Tokyo Disney, which we love. Tokyo DisneySea is our favourite park—it’s the only one in the world and has plenty to offer for kids and adults. Enjoy!

Absolutely love this perspective on travel! It beautifully captures the essence of what it means to explore the world. Travel isn’t just about ticking off destinations; it’s about slowing down, immersing yourself in new cultures, savoring moments, and absorbing the rich tapestry of life that the world has to offer. 🌍✈️🌏

Thank you so much for this! I have started notes and saved the page so that I can come back and check out all the links. :) I am wanting to take my 14 (would be 15 then) daughter alone (we do girl’s trips every year without dad) to Japan. She loves all things Cherry Blossoms! We try and do her spring break time (next year will be the first week of April), but I am concerned about that being too short of time period. Could we do it? If that is all the time you had, would you have a ‘base in Tokyo and then do some excursions from there (which is how we like to travel)? I am also worried about the language barrier and us being able to navigate since sometimes Google translate will not work. Thanks again!

Hi Jennifer, With one week I would focus on Kyoto, which is a better location for cherry blossoms and also has so many beautiful temples and gardens. It’s more traditional Japan (although there is a modern part too). Ideally, you’d fly into Kansai Airport which is closest.

If you have to fly into Tokyo, you could spend a few nights there before taking the shinkansen train to Kyoto (the quickest one is just over 2 hours).

If you really want to see the more modern side of Japan or don’t want to take the train, then Tokyo would be a great base. You can still see plenty of cherry blossoms there.

We don’t speak Japanese (although we are trying to learn this year) and have always managed. The Japanese are very helpful and will always try to help you out, even with a language barrier. And there are an increasing number of signs in English. Just make sure you have data on your phone as Google Translate and Maps are super helpful (you can download Japanese offline in Translate too).

Be sure to book accommodation far in advance for the cherry blossom season (ideally 6 months+).

Enjoy Japan! Erin

Hi Erin, My husband & I are travelling to Japan in August as he is competing in the world masters swimming competition. We have to be in Fukuoka for the competition and then he have 9 days to explore the country ending up in Tokyo for our flight home. Could you advise what we should do at this time of year. Do you think it is sensible to base ourselves in Kyoto and then take daily trips from there using the JR Pass, (do you recommend we get the Green pass). Your advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanking you in advance.Pia

Hi Pia, that’s exciting!

If you don’t want to move around too much then I do think Kyoto is a great base. There’s so much to do (including festivals in August) and lots of possible day trips. You could finish up with a couple of nights in Tokyo.

If you want to add some extra places you could stop in Hiroshima on the way to Kyoto for the peace memorial and nearby Miyajima Island. It’s a quick journey on the bullet train from Fukuoka.

You’ll need to work out your route first to see whether a rail pass is worth it. It probably won’t be worth it for day trips but could work out worthwhile including the shinkansen up from Fukuoka and on to Tokyo.

We’ve never used a green pass but if you want a bit more space you could consider it.

Also bear in mind that around the Obon holiday (13-16 August) the trains will be busier than usual so book your seat in advance.

Enjoy Japan!

Hi Erin – great post, thanks for your comprehensive insight! My partner and I are heading to Tokyo for NYE and planning on heading from there to Kyoto around the 2nd for a couple of nights. I understand that Japan can be very quiet during the first week of January. Do you have any experience travelling at this time? If so, do you have any suggestions about how to make the most of the trip while the country is a bit quieter? Thanks in advance :)

Hi Sarah, We haven’t been to Japan at New Year. The important thing to bear in mind is that many businesses will be closed on some or all days between 29 Dec and 4 Jan. So make sure you look at the hours of any restaurants and attractions you want to visit and work around them.

I think Kyoto will be lovely at a quieter time of year especially as it does get so busy. There are so many temples and shrines to explore and they stay open over NY. Enjoy!

Wonderful website and tips. I know one of your dont´s is rent a car, but we are hoping to visit Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Takayama, and have found no easy way to get there from Tokyo or Kyoto on train. Do you have any recommendation on how to do that?

Many many thanks¡

Hi Natalia. You can get to Takayama from Kyoto or Tokyo easily by changing trains in Nagoya. The journey from Nagoya to Takayama is beautiful.

The other villages can be reached by bus from Takayama (Shirakawa-go is easiest), but yes, a car would give you more flexibility to explore the countryside around here.

Maybe look into renting a car for a few days in Takayama? Just remember you’ll need an international driving licence, which you’ll need to get in your home country.

While a car could be useful in the countryside, I wouldn’t want to drive in the cities and the train between cities is probably quicker.

I’ve written a bit about Takayama in our 2 week itinerary: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-2-week-itinerary/

Have a wonderful trip to Japan! Erin

Hello Enrin, your tips makes me very enthousiatic to plan a 4week trip to Japan. Is that a good way to tour? (Will be half september-half oktober).

forgot to say ;-) we plan to travel with a campervan: is that a good way to tour?

That’s a great time to visit and a nice amount of time to explore. I don’t think a campervan or any rental car is the best way to travel though. Driving (and finding parking) in the cities is a challenge and it’s much easier to travel by train.

A campervan would only be advisable if you want to focus on rural areas like Hokkaido.

Remember you’ll need an international driving licence, which you’ll need to get in your home country.

Hello Great Blog. full of advices How do you suggest to travel the “alps” from Kanazawa that one can reach by train to takayama and around ? would that be the place where you rent a car?

You can visit places like Kamikochi by bus from Takayama so a car isn’t essential.

Hi Erin, would like to ask is hiring tour guide better or do it yourself to see all nice place in Japan?

It depends how you prefer to travel. I definitely think it’s possible to travel by yourself. A compromise might be to hire a guide for a day (or join a tour) in Kyoto and/or Tokyo.

Good Day Erin. Just doing beginning research for our yearly trip this year, and we are considering Japan. Your excellent article is the first I started with. We like to spend minimum of 2 weeks, usually longer at our destination. You suggest that using public transportation throughout the country and not to rent a car. My husand and I are seniors. My husband has difficulty (pain) after walking a short distance (100 yards). Would this destination be a wise choice for us? Before going further in my research an answer to this question is most appreciated. Regards

Hi Diane, yes, trains are definitely the best way to visit Japan’s cities. You could hire a private driver for day tours within places like Kyoto, though, which could minimise the need to walk as much when sightseeing.

It would probably be best to minimise the places you visit (such as Tokyo and Kyoto or even just Kyoto) as train stations are quite large and do involve walking. If you fly into Kansai airport you could take a taxi to Kyoto and see a lot based there.

Perhaps renting a wheelchair is worth considering. There is also an overnight luggage delivery service where you can send your bags between hotels to make train travel easier.

As we don’t have any experience of travelling Japan with mobility issues, I would look for advice from those who have. Here’s one post that might be useful: https://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+132386

Diane: As someone who recently travelled to Japan having had double knee replacement surgery less than 12 months previously, I can offer a little insight! While I agree that travelling by train is a fantastic way to get around Japan (I covered a LOT of miles!) you should be aware that not all train stations have lifts or escalators. Many stations in Tokyo have quite long flights of stairs which can be a challenge to anyone less able or in pain, especially when you have luggage. Even when there is a lift, it’s typically right at the end of the platform (often the “wrong” end for where you want to be), so I would do some research before deciding how much urban train travel you will do; it’s less of an issue when taking the shinkansen to cover a reasonable distance. I much prefer trains to coaches, but I did use buses in places and that was fine. On the topic of car hire, I probably wouldn’t bother myself but I know someone who travels widely across Japan with a couple of kids and she swears by it, not least because they can easily reach locations that would otherwise be a hassle to get to. She doesn’t use one in the cities though. Lastly, I don’t think you should be put off going to Japan – it’s an amazing country and I found everyone to be unfailingly helpful. No problem is insurmountable!

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Sue.

Hello Erin,

Would you recommend visiting Jaoan with a 1.5 year old? Do the onsens have babysitters?

We don’t have any experience travelling with kids but our friends took their toddler and loved it. The onsens don’t have babysitters as far as I know.

Thank so much for all the amazing info! Heading to Japan in June for two weeks with my daughter. It’s especially wonderful to know there are some great vegan/vegetarian options.

Hi Erin… I stumbled onto your website as I’ve started looking into planning for a trip in 2024 for my daughter’s High school Senior trip. Is Mid June a good time weather wise? Super hot? Also, are there food/restaurants that are gluten free for Celiacs? You mentioned beaches are those places more expensive than the cities? I will check out all your links too. TY for all the info, this will truly help.

It will be hot but if that’s the only time you can go, I wouldn’t let it stop you and it’s cooler than July and August.

I don’t have any experience being gluten free in Japan but our friend has written this guide: https://www.legalnomads.com/gluten-free/japan/

Beaches shouldn’t be more expensive than the cities but it depends where you go. We haven’t spent much time at the beaches.

Have a wonderful trip!

hi Erin, lovely website with a lot of good information. Do you list of places to visit / see – for a 4 week trip. We wanted to do the North part of the country as well. thanks for any tips and help. We are vegetarians as well but saw that you all managed to get delicious looking vegetarian food : ).

We haven’t actually made it very far north as there’s always so much to do in the central part. See our guide to the best places to visit in Japan for our favourite places: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/best-places-to-visit-in-japan/

And yes, vegetarian food in Japan is great if you plan in advance (use the Happy Cow app).

Thanks for the info Erin. Cultural.differences are amusing at least.

Thank you so much for this guide Erin! It’s really helpful. I’m planning a 2-3 week trip to Japan around September. However, I’ve read and seen a lot of people saying to avoid this time of year due to typhoon season. Would you recommend visiting Japan around this time despite the typhoons that might hit?

We’ve been in September and enjoyed it. We did get some rain but nothing that disrupted our trip. I wouldn’t let it stop you visiting.

Hello Erin! Great information. Thank you! What percentage of small businesses (resturants, clubs, rooms, etc) are open this month (March)? What percentage may be open in May? Should I wait until September to experience Japan? Take care,

Everything should be open now so any month this year is good to visit!

How easy is it to navigate in Tokyo and Kyoto with a group of 8? We’re concerned about everything from attractions to train travel to being able to eat together. This is a trip to celebrate our friends’ 40th birthday and logistics just seem to be overwhelming!

Hi Laurie We’ve only visited Japan as a couple, but I’d say it might be a bit challenging in a big group. Many restaurants are quite small and trains can be crowded (although you can book seats together for the longer trip between Kyoto and Tokyo).

I’m sure it would be possible if you plan in advance (book some restaurants etc) and maybe break into smaller groups for some of the time. Perhaps discuss what everyone definitely wants to do and do those things together, but then have some time doing your own thing.

Good luck with it and enjoy Japan!

I’ll be visiting Japan for 10 days in March! Could you give me a little insight on the paying methods there? How much cash should I bring/have on hand? Do they mostly accept cash or do most places accept credit cards?

Thanks in advance!

Hi Susan When we visited Japan previously we needed cash for most places. We just withdrew from an ATM (the ones at 7-11 were most reliable for foreign cards) when needed so we didn’t exchange any cash in advance. Just make sure you use a card that doesn’t charge international transaction fees (this will depend which country you are from).

But I have heard that since Covid more places accept credit cards and contactless payment methods, so I’m really hoping there’s less of a need for cash now. I would still recommend always having some with you just in case.

Hello . I want to visit Japan with my 13 year old granddaughter in June. I have never been in Japan, but have traveled widely. We plan to visit Kyoto and its environs mostly but want to spend couple days in Tokyo. We do not speak Japanese but will find a way to learn some. We are coming from the US, but my home country is Finland (very Japan friendly :)). We definitely want to get bullet train passes and need to learn about cell phone communication. And we are both into adventure and are looking forward to seeing Japan. Thank you for any advice you can give us.

I plan to visit Japan soon, spiritualy a home I have never been to yet. This is due to my work and my partners need for beach and sun. I’m hoping I can convince her soon to travel with me there. Or it’s over… the Japanese have a way of life with nature that we miss here in the UK….. I have so much respect for the people of Japan. We could learn a thing or two….. I plan to beg konami tsukamoto to mentor me in order I can preserve British trees as she does her native species…… much respect.

Excellent post Erin. You’ve included some great examples of things specific to Japan that it would be great to know in advance for new travellers.

I especially liked your recommendation not to try and cram too much in and whiz around the country. This is a common mistake people make when visiting Japan. Also, not wearing socks with holes in! Once you’ve done this in Japan, you’ll never do it again LOL!

Also, an upvote for your suggestion to visit Takayama – a wonderful place that has a charming historical district that’s like stepping back in time.

Good information given u

I’m doing a project on Japan for school, your posts on Japan were all SUPER helpful- thank you so much!

Glad it helped!

Hello We are looking to travel to Tokyo with out 2 year old in October. We were told that we would need to book travel guides for us to have a visa to enter in Japan. As great as that all sounds, it’s also more then we intend to spend for our trip. How true is needing the visa to enter Japan? Should we do a tour guide for a couple days? If that is allowed.

Hi Vee, As things currently stand, Japan’s borders are still closed to independent travellers. You can only enter the country as part of a package tour that is very restrictive (you can’t do any exploring alone), and, yes, it would be expensive. You would need a guide for the whole trip.

There is a chance borders will reopen by October but really there’s no way of knowing right now. If you decide to go ahead and book in the hope they do reopen, I would make sure everything has free cancellation.

So I’m trying to plan a trip to Japan with my family next year July (4kids) but I keep hearing super expensive, anyways nanny suggestions on where or how to plan n book.? Also my chance do you have any info on Tokyo Disneyland?

yes, japan can be quite expensive but if you plan your stay well and get a rail pass if you’re hopping between cities then you should be able to manage it :)

Should we rent a car or is public transportation the preferred mode of transportation for tourists?

Public transport is easier to deal with. I wouldn’t rent a car unless you are going somewhere remote.

Is it better to custom plan everything? Like book 2-3 week stay and go whichever places we want to visit ourselves or get a package that offer planned trips?

I think it’s best to book everything yourself, but it really depends on how much experience you have travelling and how much time you have to plan it all.

I’m going to Shinjuku. Next year in June this has really helped thank you

This helped so much, im going to Japan in 2 years with my dad (to film a documentary) and this helped so much

Thanks Lillee and have a great trip!

I’d love all the great tips, but should add make sure that you keep eyed out on your train timetable…I’d went to the Takayama Festival and didn’t watch my time. I’d miss my train and got stuck in Nagoya for six half hours trying to get back to Asakusa. (Never again?)…watch your JR Rail or Metro timetable. Japan trains are on point.

Oh no, what a nightmare!

Bravo, your article full of good advice with beautiful pictures. A small precision for foreigners who wish to drive in Japan, they have to translate their driving license at a JAF center.

Now this I call a detailed guide! We are hoping to visit Japan next year so I am gathering all the info I can before I start any serious planning. This post was really helpful!

Thanks Julia! Good luck with your planning!

Hi thanks for sharing this Me & my nephew are planning to visit japan for the 1st time this September can you pls recommend any place to stay or eat and should we do tour or should we go on our own ? We kinda nervous abt the trip .

You should be fine without a tour. The train system is very comfortable and efficient and if you buy a rail pass, you don’t even have to worry about buying tickets for each trip. If you ever get confused, the Japanese are very friendly and will help you out.

Here are a few posts that should give you some ideas on where to go with accommodation and restaurant recommendations: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-2-week-itinerary/ https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/best-places-to-visit-in-japan/

Good luck and enjoy!

Wonderful and very Insightful Information.

I am a solo traveler from India, planning to travel to Japan for this first time, this summer for about 7-8 nights (June’2020), do you recommend going through some tour company or going on my own. How difficult is managing through Japan, without any knowing any Japaneses. Would you have a recommendation for a tour company.

I think Japan is fairly easy to manage without a tour company. The trains are a great way to travel and with a rail pass you don’t even need to worry about buying a ticket each time.

It helps to buy a local SIM card so you can use Google Translate on your phone. The Japanese are also usually very helpful even if they only speak a little English. We only speak a few words of Japanese are always manage fine.

Hello Erin, this is very useful. Thank you for sharing. Can you suggest us an 8 days itinerary for Japan. We’re visiting Japan for the first time and wish to enjoy the natural beauty and culture.

I would probably just focus on Kyoto and Tokyo in that time, perhaps with some day trips. Enjoy!

Hi! I’ve already been to Japan 2 times in the summer. The first time I visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and the Island of Shôdoshima. The second time I browsed a bit more around Tokyo and in the countryside (mainly in the Gunma prefecture – gorgeous landscapes!). I am going back in February. Two places I will visit for sure are Yokohama (first stop) and Sendai (2nd stop). And I and am wondering if there are “musts” I should not miss at that time of year (are snow festivals worth it? Or anything else?) and if it would be worth it to go as far south as Hiroshima? I should have about 12 days for Sendai onwards. I haven’t decided yet if I am going to fly back to Canada out of Tokyo (I could fly out from elsewhere too). Many thanks for your help and for sharing all of this! You’re doing a tremendous job!

Honestly this guide is incredible. I’ve booked marked this as I’m currently planning my things to do for March/April 2020! Any website booking recommendations?

Thanks Alyssa! Spring is such a lovely time in Japan.

Do you mean websites for booking accommodation or tours? We use Booking.com for hotels, Airbnb for apartments (in the big cities like Tokyo), and Voyagin for tours. You might find this post helpful: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/things-to-do-in-japan/

Good afternoon! I’m planning a 1-month trip to japan in two years and would like to know how much money you think I should save up. I already have the places I wanna visit in mind and would just like some bit of info.

Thank you. :)

That’s a difficult question to answer as it depends so much on your travel style. Do you want to stay in hostels or fancy ryokan or a mix of both? Do you want to do expensive tours and activities or are you happy just wandering? Are you happy with cheap ramen or do you want to try a pricey kaiseki meal?

As a rough idea, on this two week itinerary ( https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-2-week-itinerary/ ) we spent about US$120 per person a day which I’d say is a mid-range budget. There is more info in the itinerary post.

“Well there it is” I shouted as I scrolled through this fantastic information resource. An superb honest, unbiased view and answer to all, yes all, my questions. Except one…. Did you get to visit Okinawa? I desperate to get there… I will have 3-4 weeks….

Thank you so much Brian!

Unfortunately, we haven’t visited Okinawa yet. You’ll have plenty of time to add on a flight down there though. Enjoy Japan!

Awesome post! Thanks for sharing the knowledge and keep up the good work.

Thanks Brian!

Those photos of the dog pulling the mans underpants!?! My child was looking at this with me and now he is scarred for life!

Oh dear! You do find some very strange things in Japan.

I really enjoyed the detail you gave on your trip to Japan! This is 100% helpful as someone planning a trip there for the first time.

Thanks and enjoy Japan!

Hi Erin, thank you for taking the time to put all this great info together. One question I have is in regards to Takayama. Did you like it more than Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go, if you went? We originally planned to stop for a night in each place, however, because of availability in Shirakawa-go, we had to switch up our itinerary a little bit. To adjust, we have considered skipping Takayama and just doing Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go, but this makes me think twice. We also have the option of leaving Tokyo a day early (currently booked for 4 full days there) to keep all 3 places in the line-up. Would love to hear your input! Thank you!

I did like Takayama more than Kanazawa. It’s smaller and cuter and is surrounded by countryside. But then I do prefer small towns to big cities so it depends on your preferences. If you can fit it in I would.

We didn’t visit Shirakawa-go in the end. We were thinking of visiting as a day trip on the way between Takayama and Kanazawa but it would have meant having to use buses rather than take the train which we prefer (and we had a rail pass). If we had had time for a night’s stay there it would have been better I think.

Whatever you choose you’ll have an amazing time though!

Thank you so much for your post! It’s incredibly informative :)

I have one question, I am a woman traveling alone is there anything I need to consider? I have heard that Japan is a safe country, as you have the real-life experience, I’d love to hear what you think!

Thank you for your time, and excellent blog post!

I don’t think you need to worry – Japan is a very safe country. Have a great trip!

Nice list, and pretty accurate- thanks for sharing all the info!

I have to say though- DO try non-Japanese food. Things off the top of my head: bread from the local bakeries, 600¥ cake from fancy department stores, Starbucks (the seasonal things!). Pork buns in Yokohama, Pirozhki in Kamakura… The list is endless. Of course eat all the Japanese food too, because it’s amazing too.

But, I’m also so sorry you had such a bad experience (I’ve been there too)! The size of the nan though? Oh-my-god, right? :)

I do think non-Japanese food has improved a lot in recent years. We had some fantastic Italian food on our last trip (as vegetarians it’s a good backup option for us!).

Which places do you wish you would have stayed longer?

Kyoto (even though we had three weeks there!) and Tokyo.

Great list! It’s made me even more excited to get to Japan now!

I love saying ‘moshi moshi’ – i used to hear it when I worked in an international call centre – it’s so much better than plain old ‘hello’!

Excellent post – interesting, funny and very informative! Currently planning my Japan trip, this was a lot of help :)

Have an amazing trip to Japan!

I am visiting my daughter in Singapore and on the way back to the US my wife and I are visiting Japan (3Jun-8Jun). It is only for 5 days so unfortunately our time there will be very short. Originally I wanted to climb Fuji but the guided trip company I emailed claimed they only had a 1 day guided trips and crampons were required. Although we love to hike this may be too much for such a short trip. If anyone has hiked Fuji in crampons in 1 day I would love to hear about the experience. I still want to see Fuji up close, Kyoto, old family member used to live in Nagoya so would like to stop by there and perhaps Hakone. I just started looking for any special events that take place in the first week of June. Looking forward to this trip and a longer one next time.

Hi there :) Loved your post. I’m from Portugal but I’m a Japan fan. Went to Tokyo las year on March but this time I’m planning on 3 weeks travel around Japan. Can you help me? I already have the places to visti but I need help spliting the time… Oh and if yo see any of the plaes below that arenot woth to visit or less mportant please I’d aprreciate if you tell me: – Chiba – Nikko – Nagano and Matsumoto – Kawagoe – Kanagawa – Mt. Fuji (just planning on going near to have a view – Lake Kawaguchiko) – Magome – Takayama – Nagoya – Kyoto – Nara – Osak – Himeji – Hiroshima – Miyajima – Tokyo (and surroundings)

Thank you so much if you can help me.

Kind regards

Hi guys! I’m planning a trip to Japan in January with mum (I know it’s cold over there, but that’s the only break we’ve got!). We’re planning for a stay for around 8 days, any tips on where to go? I heard that an ideal short trip will consist of arriving at Tokyo and departing at Osaka, is that true? I really don’t know much about Japan so any advice is appreciated!

I would focus on Kyoto and Tokyo and take the train between them. Maybe include a day in Osaka if you can get a flight out from there.

We’ve written lots more about Japan: http://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-round-up/

Good advice. I hope to use this on my up come trip.

This is a great post! It is very helpful. I am planning to go to Tokyo this June. I will be staying in Shibuya/Shinjuku area. I don’t know which hotel to stay in and where to go first. Do you have any advice for the first time traveler? Thank you very much! :)

I am planning a trip in March 2015. Reading your website has got me extra excited already

Hi Matthew, I’m planning to travel to Japan at the beginning of March 2015 as well. If you got any great idea, we can discuss. Thanks

I am planning a trip to Kyoto to see where Reiki was started, your insights are great. Thank you

Are you house sitting for a friend or do you use a website to find/sign up for sitting jobs?

We used mindmyhouse.com

Hi guys, great blogs-thank you for sharing it. We’re planning to do a trip in December 2013 14-27/12.

Could you advise which cities we should visit using the shinkansen. We have 14 days to spend with the first 3 days in Tokyo, so it’ll leave us with 11 days in other cities.

I am confused with the the shinkansen map and which one we should take and which cities we can visit that is on the way. We are targetting to return to Tokyo on the last 3 days to do some shopping.

It is basically that 8 days, we need to use to the cities that can be visited using the shinkansen line.

Thank you in advance for your help

Hi Hemmy. I wrote up an itinerary I followed with a one-week JR Pass that might be of some help. It includes other useful tips for planning as well. Find it at:

http://www.lengthytravel.com/saving-on-travel-in-japan-with-a-jr-rail-pass-my-itinerary-tips-and-cost-savings/

Hi Jeff, thank you for your prompt reply. I really appreciate it. You’re really helpful

This site is really helpful about Japan and shows a route map: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2018.html

I would definitely recommend Kyoto and probably Hiroshima as well. These are the details of where we visited: http://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-round-up/ .

Have a great trip!

Hi I was wondering if you could help. Basically I want to pay my mum and dad back for being such brilliant parents and helping me bring up my little boy. My dad went to Japan about 40 yrs ago he has always wanted to go back. I want to plan a surprise trip next year to Japan. I’m planning about 10 or 14 days away but not too much travelling maybe a few days in 3 places and ending up in Tokyo for 4 days to finish . Can you recommend anywhere that would be a must. I am completely lost as am not familiar with hotels or places etc. Any help would be brilliant Thanks nadya :)

It really depends what you are interested in but I’d definitely recommend Kyoto as well as Tokyo. Have a read through our Japan posts and see what you like the sound of. Good luck with it.

Thanks had a look and they’re into history so definitely Kyoto . Cheers for ur help Nadya

I going to Japan next year and through out my researches I always came across those dos an don’ts and I have to say this is really nice and short one but has a lot of information in it, which is something I really like! Keep up the good work ;D

Thanks and have a great trip.

Hello, i am starting a trip around the world in february. I start in Tokio and end in Canada in december. How many days do i need to see Tokyo and are there some real good hidden secrets? Gr. Bert

That’s a difficult question. There is so much to do in Tokyo you could spend a few days or months. We didn’t spend that much time there so can’t really advise.

Hello, with one of your Dos its not mushy mushy its moshi moshi aka (もしもし). I’ve been leaning japanese for about 9 years now i was wondering id you could correct it please

ありがとうございます　（＾＿＾）

Done. Thanks for letting us know.

Your topic is amazing, I learned a lot but can you tell me what money should i required for 1 month to travel in Japan.

It’s hard to say but you can see our budget post for an idea of what we spent: http://www.neverendingvoyage.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-japan/

Very nice and interesting article plus points. Japan is a place I really have wanted to go forever!

I am planning a 10 day trip with my two teenage girls. We really want to see Tokyo well. I keep hearing about Kyoto is it worth seeing, it seems far from Tokyo (8hrs) and expensive to get to?

I don’t think it’s that far if you get the bullet train. You can look up train times and prices on this website: http://www.hyperdia.com/ . You might also want to consider a rail pass if you are planning to visit other places. Compare the prices on that site with the rail pass.

Great Post. I lived in Japan for a few years and loved it. I would suggest going to any matsuri (festival) that are going on during your stay. There is lots of culture to be seen at those events. Plus there is good food. Depending on the location you’re at in Japan, during August or September, there are festivals for Obon.

In the planning stages for 9 days in Japan during June 2012 (flights booked). Can anyone help me with how long to see Hiroshima/Miyajima and whether we should base in Osaka or Kyoto to do the Osaka / Kyoto / Nara and possibly Takayama?

Hi Leonie, Two days would be enough for Hiroshima/Miyajima. I would chose Kyoto as a base as we much preferred it to Osaka and there’s more to see there. You can easily visit Osaka and Nara as day trips. We didn’t go to Takayama but it is quite a bit further away so it’s up to you how much you want to rush around. You could definitely find enough to do in Kyoto with a week.

Very useful! I wish I could go soon!!! Do you recommend any specific time in the year?

We were there in summer which suited us as we like hot weather. It is more scenic in the spring or autumn as you have the cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. The spring is peak season though. My friend went in the winter and loved it as the snow is beautiful, you can ski, and you can warm up in onsens (it was too hot for those when we were there). It really depends what you are looking for but anytime has something to offer.

I think Japan is going to be my next trip abroad, and this list is extremely helpful. I love that it addresses those smaller opportunities and moments and not just the big sites to see. Bookmarking right now!

Glad you found it helpful. Yes, for us travel is always more than just about the big sites. So far we are really enjoying Japan and soaking up the cultural differences.

Oh I forgot one of the highlights of Kyoto (besides the monkey park) is a trip on a little train that takes you outside of Kyoto and up into the mountains to Kurama and Kibune. You can then do a walk up over the hills from one village through to one of the big shrines at the other village. There are onsens at the end to rest in. A really lovely walk out in the countryside and the train trip is so much fun.

Sounds wonderful!

We stayed in Kyoto in 2008 for a week and went back there last year for a quick day during a week long trip to Osaka. The best thing about Kyoto is it’s location to other places for day trips – Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himiji (although the castle is covered in scaffolding). You can get a cheaper Kansai Japan rail pass for four days (about $80?) to get to all these places.

Make sure you get to the Nishiki Market for fresh food – our post at is a big band width one with loads of pictures and we have more posts on our trip last year. Also, the rice burger at MOS burger is vegetarian and yum.

We will be in Tokyo from Sep 23 for a week of exploring Tokyo and surrounds. Thanks for the onsen tips nearby, will be looking for some there.

Thanks for all your tips Alison. Your post on the Nishiki market is fantastic – we will definitely visit although I’m not sure I’ll know what most of the things are! Looks like we’ll be in Tokyo around the same time as you!

Oh yeah, JTB (Japan Travel Bureau) has an excellent series of booklets on different topics. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to have Kindle versions, but probably worth the price to pick up one or two. For example: http://www.amazon.com/Look-into-Japan-Your-Pocket/dp/4533013813/ref=pd_sim_b_1

I love Kyoto though it has been years since I was in Japan and longer since I was specifically in Kyoto. My recollection is that it was easier to find English speakers there, though I tend to agree the not speaking the local language is harder in Japan than many places. To make up for that though, the people are probably more willing to be helpful than anywhere else I have ever traveled. Anyway, the number of incredible temples in Kyoto is impressive. Also, if you will be there for the fall foliage (Kouyou in Japanese) you will indeed be fortunate as it is incredible in Kyoto.

I would also point out that Japan is definitely one of the safest places in the world to visit.

Also worth mentioning is that Japan is a country where many towns and cities are famous for something very specific (knives, a certain type of food, pottery, etc.) so always try to find out what a place you are visiting is famous for.

I can’t recall how far away it is from Kyoto, but I think not too far is a place called Takayama which is one of my favorites. Especially if you can make it to the Fall festival which is one of the most impressive festivals in all of Japan, though there are many all around the country and throughout the year. Good festival street food is always available too, though I can’t recall if any of it is vegetarian friendly.

Many famous things in Japan come in 3s – 3 famous gardens, 3 famous shrines, etc. One of the 3 famous shrines is Ise Jingu which is a bit south of Nagoya and one of my favorites if you get a chance to see it. Nara is also quite special and not too far from Kyoto.

Speaking of food, you’ll have no trouble satisfying a sweet tooth as there are many good bakeries to be found, especially in the train stations. And, a popular chain of restaurants called Mister Donut is good and ubiquitous. You may also be surprised by how many people get a quick meal at the local convenience store.

If I think of anything else I’ll add it later. Ganbatte ne! (“good luck”)

Thanks so much for the advice Jeff! Unfortunately we are only in Japan until the end of September so I think we’ll miss the foliage. I had been considering Takayama though so glad to hear you like it.

Great post and very informative. The Japan Rail pass is a must if you plan to to a lot of traveling and the 100 yen shops are great for souvenirs.

Japan Australia

Am really hoping to make it to Japan sometime in the next 12 months – bookmarking this!

Hopefully we’ll have lots more posts about Japan when we get there next month.

Hi, it’s Mariko, came to check out your blog. Interesting article but I can’t keep my mouth shut on a few things. Please DO try non-Japanese food in Kyoto… we have such a great selection of Brazilian, Nepalese, Indian, Thai, Chinese, Italian restaurants it would be a shame if you stuck to only Japanese food. Also, Kyoto is probably the vegetarian capital of Japan if there ever was one. There are a lot of veggie and vegan places as well as a special kind of buddhist vegan meal that you have to pre-book, but is very nice.

A lot of people speak English here (not necessarily GOOD English, but…) . Almost everywhere in Japan there are English translations of Japanese signs (subway, trains, buses etc. ).

….I swear I’m not a jerk! I just want your information (and the info for anyone else who reads this) to be up to date. Don’t hate me, Amy!

It sounds like Kyoto is a lot more cosmopolitan than other parts of Japan. We are really looking forward to trying the vegetarian food, especially the Buddhist meals.

Thanks for your comment and of course you’re not being a jerk, :o)! The post is based on our 3 week experiences in Japan so obviously would never be definitive in anyway. I’m sure that other non-japanese food is great (apart from the Indian curry we had in Fukuoka!) but I guess my point for fellow travellers is that Japanese food is so delicious why waste your stomach and yen on other food during your stay!

I’m sure too that many people do speak english, in our encounters this was rare even in Tokyo, but again Japanese is such a beautiful language why not go ahead and dive in and try to speak it!

Lastly too, in our 3 weeks there were indeed occasional english transport signage to be found, but we also had many experiences standing at a bus/ subway terminals not having any clue as to where to go or what to pay. Again though, this isn’t a bad thing, sometimes the best thing about being intrepid travellers is being able to figure things out!

I certainly don’t hate you (!), in fact I apologise if you found anything in the article to be of offence. I certainly did not mean to, and again after only 3 weeks in your amazing country, the list was only ever meant to be a broad guide to anyone else going to visit.

All the best,

Totally agree about the non-Japanese food!! I loved Japanese pizza so much I would go back just for that :D

Awesome Amy my husband and I who have never been overseas before have chosen Japan as our first overseas destination for our honeymoon and soaking up any information we can get ?

Glad everyone likes the post! Love your story too Erin! I remember our friend Noriko said that, after living in Manchester for awhile, she was glad to return to her homeland of convenience!

Oh, how I want to see Kyoto! Bamboo grove, old temples, aaaah…

I know about this website: http://www.vegietokyo.com/info4vegie/articles/article2.html Though it’s for Tokyo mostly. Hope it’s helpful :) Have fun on your trip!

Thanks for that – the article is really useful.

100 Yen shops are soooooo brilliant. Get some tabbi socks too. Shinkansen, though expensive, are so worth it – you can travel vast distances so quickly and it is a breath of fresh air to use any Japanese public transportation after the British version! Gavin and I were due at Tokyo airport one cold wintery day. Woke up at 4.30am to catch our bus to Tokyo (4 hours away) to find snow knee deep. Freaked out, how would we get to Tokyo now? Needn’t have worried – Japanese workers were all out clearing the roads and our bus rolled in right on time.

Really good post, Amy you sure squeezed a lot into your 3 weeks! Erin x

I love that story! I can’t wait to try the bullet trains and enjoy everything being super-efficient and on time.

Really great posts, I have been to Japan several times and you are spot on!

Oh I love Japan so much and I haven’t even been there yet! This is a great list – it solidified everything I was thinking about our upcoming trip to Japan. My 3 years of Japan in college might finally pay off…haha.

I’m excited to hear about your 3 weeks in Kyoto too!

When will you be in Japan Ashley? We can’t wait for our trip too. Kyoto seems like the perfect place to base ourselves.

Won’t be there until January! But super excited cause I’ve wanted to visit fooooorever.

Great tips! Thanks for sharing!

GREAT post – you’ve got a little bit of everything here =) Let me know if you need any ideas on Tokyo – I spent about 10 days in and around that area last year =)

Any highlights of your trip in Japan that you can share would be much appreciated!

Toni, I am going to Japan for 10 days at the end of June. Can you give me the scoop of MUST SEE sites that you really liked?

I DO :) would love some recommendations if still relevant

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How to Plan Your Trip to Japan 2024/2025 — 7 Easy Steps

Japan, being a bucketlist trip destination for many travelers, especially attracts families with teenagers and couples. Besides nature, history, and modernity, Japan's unique and lively culture of sumo , samurai , anime, and sushi continues to draw curious visitors from all over the world.

In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know for planning a trip to Japan, including how to budget, when you should visit, top places to go, how to get around, and more.

• 1. Do I Need a Visa to Visit Japan?
• 2. Top 7 Places to Visit in Japan
• 3. Best Time to Visit Japan
• 4. How Much Does a Japanese Vacation Cost?
• 5. How Many Days to Stay in Japan?
• 6. Accommodation in Japan - Ryokans
• 7. How to Get to and Around Japan?

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Japan?

Nationals of many countries are exempt from needing a visa to enter Japan, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Most travelers can stay in Japan without a visa for 90 days.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

7 Top Places to Visit in Japan

With our experience traveling in Japan, we know it can be difficult to narrow down where you want to visit, in a place that has so many incredible destinations. Below are some of our favorite destinations according to our experience of traveling and planning holidays in Japan.

1) Tokyo: Modernity & Japanese Anime

As the booming and modern capital city, Tokyo has a lot to offer by way of foods, shopping malls, temples, museums, and skybars, as well as the iconic Mount Fuji.

Beyond the representative attractions, we can arrange a variety hand-picked activities for you to enrich your experiences. For example, you can make sushi at a local home and enjoy it as your lunch and learn about the legendary samurai warriors by wearing a samurai costume.

Many people come to Japan because their children, especially teenagers, love it. Tokyo is a great place to meet your children's interests in anime with a variety of theme parks such as J World, the Pokemon Center, and Tokyo Disneyland , sure to captivate their attention.

Check more details about  Plan Your First Trip to Tokyo >>>

2) Kyoto: Ancient Temples & Geisha

Kyoto has a lot of prominent ancient and historical sites to explore. This city has some special and authentic experiences you should not miss.

Kyoto is home to the striking Fushimi Inari Shrine , which featured in the film Memoirs of a Geisha and is famous for its countless vermilion torii gates. Stay at a cozy ryokan with old-style tatami bedrooms to experience tradition Japanese accommodation.

Walking around the Gion District with kimonos, along lantern-lined cobblestone streets, will make you feel like you are on a trip back in time.

In Kyoto, you are never too far from the natural side of Japan. Meander through the lush bamboo groves in Arashiyama or admire cherry blossoms in lots of famous places.

Get more ideas about  Plan a Trip to Kyoto >>>

3) Hakone: Ryokans & Hot Springs

Known all over the country for its picturesque beauty and natural hot springs , Hakone is one of the most popular destinations in Japan.

The Hakone region has more than a dozen springs that provide natural hot water. These springs are surrounded by ryokans where you can stay, eat delicious kaiseki meals, and bathe in the healing waters .

When not luxuriating in the relaxing hot springs, you can explore this sleepy undeveloped town located on the shores of Lake Ashinoko, with Mount Fuji in the background .

4) Nara: Deer Park

Nara is an ancient Japanese city less than an hour from Kyoto and Osaka . Most travelers come to Nara because of the Nara Park (often referred to by locals as Deer Park ). It is home to over a thousand free-roaming deer which can be seen throughout the park and even fed in some areas.

5) Hiroshima: Learn the value of peace

Hiroshima, a thriving cosmopolitan city in Japan, captivates families with its blend of fascinating history, innovative technology, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for teens.

Families can engage in enriching experiences at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum , where impactful stories from World War II are shared. Further, the combination of history and technology engages teens at astonishing places like Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium or the Mazda Museum.

6) Takayama and Shirakawa-go: Rural Countryside

Takayama is a city in the mountainous Hida region of the country, a great place for escaping from the country's larger cities and relaxing for a few days in the rural countryside . You can enjoy exploring the well-preserved townhouses, savoring delicious Hida beef, and visiting local sake brewery for a mellow sake.

After exploring Takayama, many visitors like to go to Shirakawa-go to see its near-perfectly preserved Old Town. It is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses , some of which are more than 250 years old. In the winter months from January to February, the farmhouses are illuminated at night, creating a charming and attractive wintry lighting scene that draws in lots of travelers.

7) Kanazawa: Ancient City During the Edo Period

Kanazawa is an ancient Japanese city that during the Edo period used to be home to one of the most powerful clans in the country. Today, Kanazawa is a great place to visit for anyone interested in the ancient culture of the country .

Because Kanazawa wasn't destroyed by air raids during WWII, it's one of the few areas left with so many surviving ancient districts .

Kanazawa is also a good place for a close look into the life of samurais and geishas.

Best Time to Visit Japan

Japan can be visited year-round, though there are benefits and drawbacks of every season.

• For the most comfortable weather , March to May are the best months to travel . Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Japan because of the beautiful, comfortable weather and the arrival of the cherry blossoms .
• For the lowest prices and less crowds, visit Japan from June to August . Many people choose not to visit Japan during these months due to the high heat (average 32℃ (90℉) and humidity, which means that standard prices for accommodation and flights are often lower. Summer is the festival season in Japan , offering you an opportunity to experience multiple holidays and firework-shows in another country. Get more ideas about planning a summer trip to Japan .
• For cool and dry weather and less crowds, September to November is a wise travel season . Visit Japan during this period to enjoy the changing colors of the leaves, turning brilliant orange and red, in the countryside near Kyoto and Tokyo. Autumn is also the best time to visit some of Japan's best national parks, such as Mount Fuji and the Five Lakes.
• For snow scenery and skiing , come to Japan from December to February . Winter in Japan is the best time to stay in a ryokan , with a natural hot spring. Nothing beats bathing in the hot pools surrounded by snow and quiet forests. Christmas/New Year holiday is one of the busiest times. Hotels and flights are easily booked up. Be sure to plan ahead and make reservations in advance. Let us know your interests and requirements , and we'll take care of everything.

How Much Does a Japanese Vacation Cost?

Japan keeps up with Europe both in livelihood and service standards, which means travel in Japan costs more than in China or in southeast Asia countries. US$350-500 per person per day is the typical cost for a private tour with 4 star hotels based on a family of 3-5 people . This includes a private guide, private car, full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, and a local 4-star hotel. 

March to May are the busiest travel months in Japan, which means higher cost for travel and more crowds than the rest of the whole year . Booking flights and hotels in advance are necessary. To reserve a professional tour guide for your dream trip in Japan, you're suggested booking a Japan tour at least 6 months ahead of your departure date.

Some Japan tour packages come with public transport (mainly subway) to save some cost. This is an option for travelers willing to walk 20,000+ steps per day . For a family group or a retired couple, a private tour with a private vehicle is highly recommended for a more hassle-free experience to maximize the enjoyment.

Our Japan expert will customize your trip based on your requirements, and make the most of your money.

How Many Days to Stay in Japan?

We suggest you take at least a week for your first trip to see a spectrum of the highlights in the top two cities.

• 3 days in Tokyo
• 3 days in Kyoto
• 1 day in Osaka

To discover more of Japan and popular destinations, like picturesque Hakone and Takayama , you will need two or three more days.

Suggested itinerary ideas for you:

• 8 Days in Japan
• 10 Days in Japan
• 12 Days in Japan
• One Week in Japan
• 2 Weeks in Japan
• 3 Weeks in Japan

Here are three well-organized Japan itineraries ideal for holidays of three popular lengths (9, 14, and 17 days) , each offering plenty of fun hands-on activities. We could customize the itinerary based on your requests, and we could also reserve some free days for you to rest and relax or do some exploring on your own.

1) 9-Day Classic Route: Major Highlights of Japan and a Ryokan Experience

• Tokyo - Hakone - Kyoto - Osaka

This itinerary covers the main highlights of Japan: experience its old-vibe in Asakusa, visit the samurai museum in Tokyo, try on kimonos for a memorable photo and participate in a classical tea ceremony in Kyoto, relax in a ryokan with onsen in Hakone, and sample street food in Osaka.

• Days 1–3: Tokyo (sushi-making, discover samurai, Meiji Shrine, anime, and Disneyland)
• Days 4–5: Hakone (stay at a ryokan with an onsen)
• Days 6–8: Kyoto (geishas, Fushimi Inari Shrine, sample sake and Kaiseki, and feed deer in Nara)
• Day 9: Osaka (Dotonbori district and Osaka Castle)

2) 14-Day Private Family Route: Learning Through Fun

• Tokyo – Takayama – Hiroshima – Kyoto

With this itinerary, you could visit the major attractions of Japan's cities and breathe in the fresh mountain air . Experience anime elements and have a full view of the city at Tokyo Tower in Tokyo, enter a traditional folk village in Takayama, cherish peace at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, stay at a cozy ryokan, stroll through the bamboo groves in Kyoto, and have fun at Universal Studios in Osaka.

• Days 1–3: Tokyo (Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Market, Pokemon Center, and Akihabara)
• Days 4–5: Takayama (Hida Folk Village, sample sake and Hida beef)
• Days 6–7: Hiroshima and Miyajima (Peace Memorial Park and the 'Floating Torii Gate')
• Days 8–11: Kyoto (geisha, ryokan, Nijo Castle, and feed deer in Nara)
• Days 12–14: Osaka (Cup Noodle Museum, Super Nintendo World, and Universal Studios)

3) 17-Day Japan Itinerary: Hands-on Experiences and Outdoor Activities

• Tokyo – Kawaguchiko – Karuizawa – Nagoya – Kyoto – Osaka

To have an unforgettable Japan journey, you and your family or partner can take a wonderful trip with the following experiences: immerse yourself in a samurai experience in Tokyo, take a light hike close to nature in Karuizawa, and have fun in lovely Ghibli Park or full-of-technology Nagoya City Science Museum in Nagoya, have a geisha dinner andspend a cozy night at a ryokan in Kyoto, and visit outstanding Osaka Castle and have fun in Universal Studios in Osaka.

Here is the itinerary for your inspiration:

• Days 1–4: Tokyo (Meiji Shrine, sushi-making, ninja experience, samurai and Tokyo Tower)
• Days 5–6: Lake Kawaguchi ( Mount Fuji and biking)
• Days 7–8 Karuizawa (national park and light hiking)
• Days 9–11: Nagoya (Ghibli Park and Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology)
• Days 12–14: Kyoto (geisha, ryokan, Kinkakuji Temple, Arashiyama, and feed deer in Nara)
• Days 15–17: Osaka (Cup Noodle Museum, Osaka Castle, Universal Studios and Super Nintendo World theme park)

Accommodation in Japan - Ryokan

While there is plenty of accommodation available in Japan, with different standards, our favorite is the ryokan . A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that will make you feel simultaneously comfortable and relaxed. Its floors are usually made of rice- or bamboo-straw. You sleep on traditional mattresses on the floor, and eat fresh kaiseki -style dinners.

Ryokans are the essence of comfort. Members of staff are often dressed in kimonos, they provide excellent service, the food is top-tier, and many ryokans are located on natural hot springs that have waters with healing properties.

The ryokans with hot springs in Hakone are particularly famous , with their Japanese western-style rooms and atmosphere of total peace and harmony.

Cannot decide which ryokan to choose? Submit an inquiry for a best suitable choice for your family. You could also get more ideas about How to Plan a First-Time Family Trip to Japan >>>

How to Get to and Around Japan?

Getting to japan.

Most flights from international starting points such as Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, land at Narita International Airport in Tokyo or Kansai International Airport in Osaka . These airports are conveniently close to their corresponding cities and are international hubs for some of Japan's leading airlines.

For the best prices, we advise buying tickets at least 6 weeks in advance. You can contact us for the best suitable travel route recommendation.

Getting Around Japan

The famous Japanese bullet train, or Shinkansen , provides an easy and quick way to travel across the whole country, without the risk of delays or the hassle of getting to an airport. Most cities are conveniently connected by Shinkansen bullet trains , such as the two and a half-hour journey from Tokyo to Kyoto. Each shinkansen line has different types of train, which customers can choose from.

The one downside of traveling by train is that there is often little space for luggage larger than a carry-on suitcase. Many hotels do, however, provide the service of sending your luggage on to your next hotel.

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.

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Here's What's New in Japan for Travelers Planning a Trip in 2023

An expert deep-dives into how the Land of the Rising Sun has changed over the last three years.

Brandon Presser

After living in Tokyo as a student and young professional, I’ve made visiting Japan a priority at least once a year since, deep-diving new and interesting themes and destinations as the country continues to evolve both with and against the rising tide of globalization. I’ve written about everything from the secret world of “rotten girl” fan fiction manga to the far-flung village in Shikoku that’s become a cult attraction among Kengo Kuma architecture devotees; I’ve also authored three travel books about the country. This time, I’ve been on a quest to discover everything that’s new and different now that Japan’s officially open for tourism once more. Here’s what I’ve found after a month of on-the-ground research: 

Hotels want to be more than just a place to stay.

They want to be your tour guide. Born from the ashes of the pandemic, hotels are leaning harder into diversifying their offerings. In Japan, hotels are upping the ante to become not just the place you hang your hat, but the lens through which you capture the destination. 

Leading that trend in the luxury section is Aman , which has established a reputation for embedding itself so deep within its locales that it feels endemic. Aman Tokyo was the first Aman to take the recipe for sprawling resorts into the heart of a city ; a sanctuary incorporating natural materials, a floor plan pastiche of the traditional Japanese house, and incredible views of the imperial gardens with — on a clear day — Mount Fuji just behind. During the quiet of the pandemic, the brand dug even deeper, creating a circuit of bespoke tours for guests to the nearby Nihonbashi district, where they connect with artisans who have been perpetuating precise, generations-old traditions like kimono making and chopstick whittling. At the in-house restaurant, Musashi by Aman, the eponymous chef Musashi takes diners on the most comprehensive culinary experience possible. Never mind the flight of sushi shopped from the market earlier in the day; on Sundays and Mondays, Musashi retreats to his mountain hideaway to grow rice, farm wasabi root, and spin his potters wheel into compelling ceramics — all of which then find their place on his dinner table. 

The theme of intentionality continues at Aman Kyoto, which opened just as COVID-19 was ripping across Asia; a sanctuary on the outskirts of the city with a tucked-away garden in Mount Hidari's forest, inspired by the ruins of Machu Picchu, but with distinct local flair. The perfect antidote to the touristic hustle of the country’s favorite temple town, the resort’s modus operandi is to encourage guests to completely slow down, whether that means soothing soaks in the geothermal onsen , riding bikes around the nearby temples (wondrous places of worship but with a fraction of the tourist traffic), or strolling through the property’s forest and sitting down in a quiet nook with a resident artist to paint the vivid sakura buds of spring or the deep red maples of koyo in the autumn. 

Across the midrange and budget categories, it’s Hoshino Resorts , the legendary Japanese hospitality company, that’s making a concerted effort to be the custodian of local culture. Their KAI properties put playful twists on Japanese wellness, granting visitors entry into an arcane realm of traditions that extend far beyond soaking one’s body in hot water. Each KAI ryokan , or traditional Japanese inn, is grounded within its native destination, where dinners and breakfasts prioritize seafood, meat, vegetables, and even dishware from the local prefecture; and activities go as in depth as creating one’s own line of beauty products using geothermal water and local essential oils. 

Hoshino’s OMO hotel brand focuses on urban destinations. At their property in the Sanjo district of Kyoto, for example, there’s a map of the neighborhood painted as a massive mural in the lobby, with restaurants and shops hand-picked by the staff painted in (each one has a QR code, too, so you can save them to explore). Their hour-long “Ranger Tours” match guests to employees for brief walkabouts around the hotel; mine highlighted unique souvenirs from shops dating back 300 to 400 years.

The Olympics spawned new accommodations across the entirety of Japan, not just in Tokyo.

Tokyo’s 2020 Olympics ambitions extended far beyond supercharging the city’s infrastructure; the strategy was nationwide. Of course, the Games ended up being a pale shadow of its intended self due to COVID-19, but plans to build new hotels all across the country had long been in motion already. 

While the capital certainly had its fair share of openings — most notably the dazzling new Four Season Tokyo at Otemachi , and the party-prone Tokyo Edition, Toranomon (with its sister property, the Tokyo Edition, Ginza, opening up the street next year), Kyoto saw a huge number of hospitality heavy-hitters plant roots, too. Beyond the Aman Kyoto, the heart of the city now has a dozen new and notable addresses including the Ace Hotel , Hotel Ethnography , Marufukuro in the former Nintendo headquarters, and the standout Park Hyatt Kyoto , just steps away from Kiyomizu-dera. Do yourself a favor: even if you’re not calling the Park Hyatt home, it’s imperative that you stop by at sunset for cocktails at the small bar on the fourth floor — the views of Yasaka pagoda are as iconic as any Fuji photo. 

Of all the hospitality stalwarts, it’s IHG — with over 50 years' presence in Japan — that’s making the biggest bet on the country's reopening tourism boom. First out the gate in 2020 was the Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora , a hybrid retreat that blends European comfort with Japanese wellness. Then the Kimpton Tokyo Shinjuku opened next to the Park Hyatt Tokyo with more approachable nightly rates; and without an initial influx of international travelers, the pet-friendly property became a haven for well-heeled Tokyoites and their pooches during the border closures. Two more Hotel Indigos opened in 2022 — one in the forested Karuizawa area, and one on the outskirts of Nagoya , and seven more properties are slated to open in the portfolio over the next couple of years, including another Hotel Indigo in Tokyo’s vital Shibuya neighborhood.   

“Now, more than ever before, there’s a lot of support to get tourism out into the rural areas of Japan,” explains Rob O'Leary, Black Tomato ’s Japan travel expert. “The Kura project north of Tokyo is worth noting as a big sustainability effort to bring young Japanese back to the countryside and help renovate traditional properties for accommodation and internationally inclined tourism services.” Despite the downturn of the pandemic, the Japanese government continued a pipeline of fiscal aid to areas experiencing population drain. “We recently signed a pledge with the town of  Ine  on the Tango Peninsula (near Kyoto),” adds Tyler Palma, the head of operations for Inside Japan Tours . “The agreement ensures that the travelers [we bring to the region] will stay for a minimum of two nights, which will allow them to not only experience the culture and atmosphere, but give back to the local economy, thereby preserving a unique way of life.”

Kyushu is becoming the must-visit destination outside Tokyo and Kyoto. 

With a spate of international travelers poised to plan their second (or third, or fourth) trip to Japan, Kyushu is eagerly positioning itself as the go-to destination for those wanting to venture a little deeper, beyond the well-trodden Tokyo-to-Kyoto circuit. The country’s third-largest island is the heartland of many of Japan’s most coveted touchstones: tonkotsu ramen ( Ippudo et al.) was born in Hakata; some of the finest beef is raised on the ranches of Miyazaki; shochu is distilled from barley and potato here; and it’s where Buddhism first arrived in the Japanese archipelago. Further, Yakushima Island is said to have inspired Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke, and there are more hot springs per capita here than anywhere else in the country, coaxed up from the below the Earth by some of the most active volcanoes on the planet.   

A long-time favorite for Korean travelers, Kyushu is closer to Seoul than Tokyo as the crow flies, and it’s now catching the eye of major hospitality players. The InterContinental ANA Beppu Resort and Spa in Beppu is the island’s first legitimate international endeavor; Hoshino has recently opened an outpost of their KAI brand here as well; and there’s a Kengo Kuma-designed KAI up the mountain in the onsen town of Yufuin nearby. Both destinations are a part of Oita Prefecture, the perfect place in Kyushu to dip one’s toe, so to speak, if you only have three extra days to venture beyond Japan 101. 

Next year, The Ritz-Carlton will open in Fukuoka, Kyushu’s largest city, and the Shinkansen bullet train will continue to expand here as well, proffering speedier service to locales that have been traditionally more burdensome to reach. Check out Inside Japan Tours’ two-week self-guided Kyushu tour if you can devote more time to this worthy area.  

Tokyo is finally getting more green space and pedestrian-friendly routes.

Perhaps another function of the outdoors-oriented pandemic narrative, Tokyo finally seems to have more walking arteries away from busy roads. With tiny, packed-together apartments, Tokyoites have always used shopping areas as proxy hangout spaces due to the dearth of parks relative to the sprawling size of their city. Recently, however, a handful of greener pastures (literally!) have cropped up, lined with cafes, shops, and public seating. Check out the buried metro track line in Shimokitazawa, stretching from Higashi Kitazawa station through the heart of the hip neighborhood and down to Setagaya Daita station. In Shibuya, Miyashita Park is breathing new life into a rather forlorn section of the neon-clad area. And now it’s incredibly easy to link Sensō-ji temple to the Tokyo Skytree along the newly redeveloped Mizumachi canal. 

An interesting aberration of Tokyo’s shop-to-socialize culture is the creation of luxury brand cafes. Take home a piece of Fendi or Louis Vuitton at their branded eateries; a latte at the new glass snake of a building in Ginza will set you back 1,500 yen (around $12), a bargain for the brag and the Vuitton logo-ed paper napkin holder you can take home. (The coffee itself was so-so, but the geometric design on the foam was definitely worthy of the ‘gram.) 

The crowds are already back.

If you’re rushing to make Japan travel plans (Japlans?) before the crowds descend on the country anew, I’m sorry to say: that ship has sailed. Kyoto’s temples are jam-packed, and reservations at must-try restaurants are already backlogged. Although mainland Chinese visitors — who made almost half of Japan’s tourism intake before the pandemic — have not yet returned, travelers from neighborhood nations like Korea and Taiwan are arriving in droves. Americans are back in full force, too, and domestic guests are moving around their country like never before thanks to a generous travel subsidy by the government putting up to 11,000 yen (around $80) a day in the pockets of roving Japanese nationals.

There’s a currency Catch-22. 

In the 20 years that I’ve been visiting — or living —in Japan, I’ve never seen such a strong U.S. dollar relative to the Japanese yen. It’s made mealtime an absolute pleasure; dining in Japan has always been lower-priced and higher-quality than in Western countries, but now I find myself planning all-day eating excursions to hit up establishments that are no longer aspirationally priced, plus gorging on all of the incredible cheap eats in between. The catch, however, is that accommodation prices are soaring as hotels falsely inflate their rates for the inbound international travelers booking up their rooms. A luxury hotel room in Tokyo this month (Dec. 2022) might set you back $1,200 a night, or more, and staff at these hotels are still getting used to the onslaught of diverse demands again. Breakfast’s been a sore spot at many of the properties, with unmitigated lines, and long wait times for a cup of coffee. Kudos are owed to the Grand Hyatt Tokyo for crushing their buffet service — it's speedy, tasty, and has the best croissants in town.

Masking is still prevalent.

Endemic to Japanese society since SARS in the early 2000s, wearing a mask in public has long been a courtesy performed by those who are feeling unwell to protect people around them. Officially, mask-wearing mandates have completely relaxed, yet everyone is still wearing them all the time — even outside, even dozens of feet from the nearest person. Recently, I had to eat a meal wearing plastic gloves provided to me by the restaurant. The influx of foreign tourists will likely help normalize a more relaxed approach to masking (traveler-laden Kyoto already had noticeably less masks than some of the rural destinations I’ve visited).

FAQ About Travelling in Japan in 2023: We answered your questions!

After over two years of restrictions were imposed on international tourists traveling into Japan, officials finally announced the country’s reopening on October 11, 2022. Having been crowned the best tourist destination in the world in the Travel and Tourism Development Index 2021 , Japan is potentially one of the most popular post-Covid travel destinations. To better understand these global dynamics, LIVE JAPAN conducted an online survey regarding our readers’ future travel plans and what questions they currently have about traveling in Japan post-pandemic. Based on the answers from our respondents, while there are 26% who are planning a visit after May 2023 or have not decided on a date yet, around 74% are planning to visit Japan before May 2023. With a huge influx of international tourists expected to visit Japan by May 2023, here is the latest information on Japan travel with your questions answered, essential to plan your dream trip amidst the new era of travel. Main image: PIXTA

Preparing for your trip

Entry to japan, when in japan.

Q. When is the busy season?

A. Each season in Japan has different charms and attracts many tourists all year round. However, based on past data figures reported by JNTO for international visitors arriving in Japan, April and July are some of the most popular months. Meanwhile, September is the least busy period for international visitors. If you want to avoid crowds, this time of the year may be a good option for you to consider. Below is a simple breakdown of what crowds are like in each season and what factors contribute to it. Spring : The number of tourists reaches its peak, predominantly due to the world-famous cherry blossoms in bloom . Many popular tourist sites tend to be packed with people, especially when the sakura is Mankai—in full bloom. Japan’s major holiday, known as Golden Week , starts from late April to early May. This is the most popular time for locals to travel, so almost everything gets crowded this time of the year nationwide. Summer : The rainy period in early summer keeps tourists away in many areas; after this period, it tends to become very hot and humid. However, once you reach the latter half of summer , people flock to the beach and enjoy the numerous summer festivals, like the Gion Matsuri (July) , Tanabata (August) , and Nebuta Matsuri (August) . Also, a few national holidays and others, such as Obon and school summer holidays, occur in summer , contributing to large crowds across the country. Autumn : In autumn , weather conditions are volatile, occasionally developing typhoons or hefty rain, making it somewhat less favorable for travel. However, as the beautiful colors of the autumn foliage prevail, the number of travelers rises. During Silver Week (a week with consecutive national holidays in September), places get relatively crowded with locals. Winter : In regions such as Tohoku and Hokkaido, the number of tourists reaches its peak, as skiers and snowboarders head for the beautiful snow up north. Also, in the latter half of December, year-end holidays gradually kick off nationwide, so you will expect some local crowds until the holiday ends in early January. Local holidays are a significant contributor to crowds as well. Thus it would be helpful for you to take note of these dates when planning your itinerary. For more information, check the following articles:

During peak season , hotels and ryokans, airlines, and all other modes of transportation get booked out extremely quickly, especially in and around popular tourist sites. To avoid disappointments, plan ahead and lodge an early bird booking for your accommodation and transportation before they are all gone. For some ideas on where to stay, here are some hotels located around some of Japan’s popular tourist destinations: ・ Tokyo ・ Kyoto ・ Osaka ・ Sapporo

Q. If you want to avoid these crowded areas, what alternative options do we have?

A. While many tourists from overseas beeline to major cities and stay near famous tourist destinations, some of the country’s remote regions may appeal to you more if you want to hide away from the hustle and bustle. In the adjacent prefectures of Tokyo, such as Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, or other nearby prefectures like Gunma and Shizuoka, you’ll find many hidden gems that are often less crowded. Here are some ideas near Tokyo which make great alternative destinations; Hayama (Kanagawa): Great destination for gorgeous beach scenery amidst the backdrop of Mt. Fuji. Chichibu (Saitama): Great destination for spending some tranquil time amongst nature . Shimoda (Shizuoka): Great destination for an onsen stay by the southern coast of the Izu Peninsula. Minakami (Gunma): Great destination for enjoying the vibe of an authentic Japanese onsen tucked away deep in the mountains .

Q. What are the best things to see each season?

A. From the cherry blossoms in spring to Matsuri festivals in summer , fiery red foliage in autumn to powder snow in winter , each and every season in Japan resembles a whole new different facet, potentially attracting many travelers to visit all year round. For some of the best things to see and do in each season , check out the following articles for events to add to your bucket list. Spring In spring , the vast area of Japan is greeted by landscapes bedazzled with beautiful colors of spring blooms, the most famous of all certainly being the cherry blossoms. While the flowering period of cherry blossoms is very short, many people gather at sakura festivals every year to admire the ethereal beauties.

Summer In summer , you’ll find many traditional festivals known as Matsuri take over the local neighborhood. Matsuri has been considered an important part of Japanese culture, many of them associated with rituals of Obon.

Autumn : After a sizzling summer , Japan is soon greeted to cooler weather in autumn , which brings in the gorgeous landscape of its autumn foliage. In Japan, many people enjoy ‘momijigari’, a peaceful stroll appreciating the colors of fall.

Winter : As we approach the end of the year, winter in Japan starts to put on its festivities. Prior to Christmas, you’ll find glittering illuminations decorating the vast country, but once you pass Christmas and head for Oshogatsu (New Year), the authentic decorations take over the neighborhood.

Q. What is the weather like each season? What should I pack?

A. In Japan, each season sees different weather conditions, requiring you to prepare a little differently. To help you get an idea of what the weather is like in each season , here is a simple description of what you would expect, along with some tips on what you should have handy during your stay. Spring (March-May): Weather is relatively warm and calm throughout the day with a pleasant high temperature of 19℃ (66℉) and low of 10℃ (51℉). However, as the cold of winter still lingers at night, it’s safe to pack some warm clothes. Summer (June-August): June and July are rainy periods in most of Japan (excluding Hokkaido), and thus experience lots of rain and humidity. As the rain passes around August, you’ll find many days with blue skies and sizzling sun. Whether it’s rainy or sunny, the summer in Japan gets really hot, either with the humidity or sun. You will perspire a lot, so pack many light and breezy clothes to get changed in. Autumn (September-November): Weather in autumn is volatile, mixed with hot and cold days. As the heat of summer lingers, especially in the early half of autumn , you should have both light and warm clothes handy. Sometimes typhoons develop during autumn , so some precautions are required. We have a handy guide here about preparing for typhoon season . Winter (December-February): The chills of winter differ significantly across the region. During January, the average low for the south is 5℃ and Tokyo at 1℃ (around freezing). In northern areas like Tohoku and Hokkaido, the average lows reach -8℃ in January, producing heavy snow. As such, for those visiting the snowy region, pack decent winter boots, warm clothes, and other necessary protections. For those visiting major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, pack simple jackets and scarves to keep you away from the cold. For more information on what the weather is like in Japan, refer to below:

Q. What is the easiest way to get around Japan?

A. While there are various ways of getting around in Japan, with the country having a globally renowned railway system, it is fair to say that trains offer the most efficient way of transit. With special passes and tickets that offer unlimited rides for tourists, trains provide both convenience and value for users. Here are some passes and tickets you should take note of for efficient transit around Japan. For getting around all over Japan: Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) Offered exclusively to overseas tourists, this pass grants unlimited travel on Japan Rail (JR) trains across a vast area of Japan (with few exceptions) for around one, two, or three weeks. The pass also provides unlimited access to the Tokyo Monorail, local JR buses, and the Miyajima ferry. If you plan on traveling long distances, this pass is a dream deal you don’t want to miss out on. For travels around major cities (Tokyo and Osaka): Tokyo Subway Ticket This pass grants unlimited access to 13 varieties of routes with over 250 metro stops in Tokyo. Tokyo Subway Ticket 24, 48, or 72 offers 1-3 days of convenient travel around Tokyo. Ticket holders will be eligible for discounts and free gifts at some of Tokyo’s popular tourist attractions. Osaka Amazing Pass This pass provides you 1 or 2 days of unlimited access to the Osaka Metro, tramway, and bus. Ticket holders are also granted free entry to many of Osaka’s famous attractions, including the Umeda Sky Building and Osaka Aqua Bus. For day trips from Tokyo: JR TOKYO Wide Pass Offered exclusively to non-Japanese passport holders, this pass is suited for those who wish to base in Tokyo and do some day trips around its surroundings. The pass grants 3 days of unlimited travel on JR East Trains in designated areas of the Kanto region, along with some parts of Nagano, Niigata , Yamanashi , and Shizuoka prefectures. It also gives access to some non-JR trains, providing better accessibility to popular tourist destinations such as Mt. Fuji and Nikko . For travels around the countryside: JR EAST PASS Nagano, Niigata area or Tohoku area Offered exclusively to non-Japanese passport holders, these passes are perfect for those who wish to travel to the Tohoku region or areas around Nagano and Niigata . It grants 5 days of unlimited access to JR East trains and JR buses operating in designated areas. Unlimited access for some non-JR lines also offers access to popular tourist destinations in the countryside, including Nikko and the Izu Peninsula. For those who wish to explore Shinshu (Nagano, Matsumoto, and Hakuba), the JR EAST PASS (Nagano) is recommended for you. Meanwhile, if you wish to visit further north, such as Yamagata, Akita, or Aomori prefectures, the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) is a good choice. JR EAST-SOUTH HOKKAIDO RAIL PASS If you are looking to travel both the Tohoku and Hokkaido region, this pass offers overseas tourists (temporary visitor status) unlimited access to JR East trains in Kanto, Tohoku and JR Hokkaido trains in southern Hokkaido for 6 consecutive days. The pass also provides access to the Tokyo Monorail, some non-JR trains, and local buses. For other modes of transportation to consider: ・Rent a car and drive around the country. You can learn more about renting a car in Japan here or even book one here . ・Travel by air via a domestic flight. See this page for more on tickets . ・Travel on highway buses and night buses for cheaper travel options (like the $20 bus from Tokyo to Osaka ). For more information about transportation in Japan:

Q. What are the required airport procedures to enter the country and what can I do to make it go smoothly?

A. Although some steps may vary depending on the airport , the general procedure you’ll take after you get off the plane is as follows: ・Medical inspection at the quarantine station ・Immigration ・Claiming your bag ・Inspection at the plant and animal quarantine station ・Customs ・Head to the arrival lobby For your entry procedure to go smoothly, make sure to pre-register for Visit Japan Web ; a digital service that enables you to complete your immigration procedure and customs declarations online. The new Fast Track feature also allows users to complete certain quarantine procedures in advance (e.g. registering required documents, including a valid vaccination certificate, Covid-19 Negative Test Result Certificate issued 72 hours prior to departure, and questionnaires). While there are new services to help you achieve some shortcuts, the most important thing of all is for you to be aware of the latest travel requirements for your country and regularly check for updates from official information.

Q. Do I need to be vaccinated?

A.Vaccination is not a prerequisite for all entrants to Japan. Those who do not hold a valid vaccination certificate must submit to the quarantine center a negative Covid-19 test result certificate issued 72 hours before departure from a medical institution. On the other hand, those with a valid vaccination certificate showing they’ve received three doses of a vaccine listed on the Emergency Use List released by the WHO can enter Japan without a pre-departure inspection certificate, inspection upon arrival, or waiting after entry.

Q. What if you are vaccinated but the person traveling with me is not?

A.As stated above, vaccination is not a prerequisite for entrants to Japan. However, as with any other travelers who do not hold a valid vaccination certificate, they must respectively follow the set quarantine procedures upon entry.

Q. Do kids / babies need to be vaccinated?

A. People under the age of 18 do not necessarily need to hold a valid vaccination certificate, as long as their parents or their accompanying parental guardian submit their valid vaccination certificate on their behalf. If in case the parents or guardians do not hold a valid vaccination certificate and are planning on entering Japan with a valid Negative Test Result Certificate, children under the age of 6 will be exempted from quarantine (although it is recommended that all children hold a valid Negative Certificate). Those over the age of 6 are required to undergo the same quarantine procedure as adults and thus are requested to present their own valid Negative Test Result Certificate respectively at the quarantine center. A child’s exemption on submitting a valid vaccination certificate or Negative Test Result Certificate is only applied to those traveling with their parents or a guardian in charge. Thus, if the child is traveling solo, they’ll need to follow the quarantine requirements regardless of their age. For any further information on vaccination, see the Visit Japan Web service and our article below.

Q. What countries need a visa to enter Japan?

A.As of October 11, 2022, the Visa (Short-Term Stay) exemption is arranged for 68 countries and regions. (*Conditions apply for some countries, refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website for more details). For entrants who are entering from countries (or people who do not meet the required conditions) outside the list, they will need to apply for a visa prior to entry. Major countries that require a visa: The Philippines, Vietnam, countries within the CIS, and more.

Q. Are there many flights to Japan right now?

A.While it depends on the country, since Japan reopened to international tourists in October, many airline companies are increasing their flights to accommodate an increasing number of tourists. Since the reopening in October, the number of inbound tourists has increased by 2154.8% since October 2021. This figure is expected to continue to grow steadily. To see if there’s a flight from your city, we recommend checking Skyscanner . When you have confirmed a flight from your city, you can start searching for the best deal on flights to Japan. Using a search engine like Skyscanner, you can compare every online flight deal and find the cheapest airfares. If you already have specific dates in mind, Skyscanner’s Price Alert function notifies you whenever fares go up or down, so you will not miss out on your best deal. For details, check out the Price Alerts page on Skyscanner.com .

Q. What should I do if I get COVID during my stay?

A. If you think you’ve contracted COVID-19 while traveling in Japan, the first thing to do is contact the health center or the COVID-19 Consultation Center, which will advise on the treatment method and period. If you test positive at a medical institution, they will contact the health center for you. Depending on your condition, they will either advise you to stay at your current accommodation and recuperate or transfer to another location. On the other hand, if you test positive utilizing a store-bought kit, you’ll need to contact the local government health center or COVID-19 Consultation Center yourself and wait for their updates on the treatment method and period. For more information about what to do and where to contact if you contract COVID-19 in Japan, see our article below.

Q. Do I have to wear a mask in Japan?

A. There are no strict mask mandates imposed in Japan. However, the government still recommends that people wear masks when indoors (unless there is enough social distance, limited or no conversation) or where they cannot keep a sufficient social distance (such as in a crowd or on public transit). Also, in many restaurants, shopping centers, and other indoor facilities, you’ll find that they request a mask to be worn. The facilities mask policy is usually posted at the entrance, typically indicated with a picture of a mask. For children under two years old, mask-wearing is not required in any circumstance. Those aged between two to six do not need to wear a mask regardless of social distance, but is recommended in some cases. On a side note, it is worth noting that Japanese have worn masks naturally before the COVID-19 outbreak; thus, you may be surprised to see so many people continuing to wear masks in their daily lives, even if it’s not required.

Q. What is new or has changed since 2020?

Until recent years, Japan’s tourism industry experienced a long quiet moment without international travelers. Despite things, the industry sustained its momentum and continued to evolve, introducing many new attractions for us to look forward to in 2023 and beyond. Below are some recent openings for you to have on your radar: ・NAKED FLOWERS FOR YOU (Yurakucho, Tokyo): An experimental art exhibition comprising a series of digital floral gardens , opened in March 2022. ・Ghibli Park ( Aichi Prefecture): A theme park based on the world of Japan’s famous animation studio Ghibli, opened in November 2022. For upcoming attractions to open in 2023 and beyond: ・Tokyo Midtown Yaesu (Yaesu, Tokyo): A new shopping complex facing Tokyo station , set for its grand opening in March 2023. In September 2022, the 1st basement floor shops and bus terminal have opened ahead of the complex’s grand opening. ・Senkayaku Banrai (Toyosu, Tokyo): A new off-site facility in Toyosu with a reproduction of an Edo cityscape, aimed at promoting Japanese food culture. Set to open in September 2023. ・Tokyu Kabukicho Tower ( Shinjuku , Tokyo): A new grand entertainment facility in Tokyo’s downtown , Kabukicho, set to open in April 2023. Information in this article is accurate as of December 2022. Please check official sites for the latest information.

• How To: Sightseeing

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6 questions travelers need to ask before visiting Japan this year

Oct 5, 2022 • 5 min read

Unrestricted international tourism is returning to Japan on October 11 © Getty Images

On October 11,  Japan will finally open its doors to independent travel following more than two years of some of the world’s toughest border restrictions. The country is also bringing back visa-free entry for visitors from more than 60 countries.

Does that mean it will be as easy to visit now as it was pre-pandemic? Sort of. There are still some pandemic-era rules in place, and you might find that locals are still taking many precautions against the virus compared to other nations. Yet at the same time, there’s much excitement on the ground about the return of international tourism, with Japan gearing up to welcome visitors back with exciting new attractions and events.

Eating on trains, embracing bidets and more tips for your Japan trip

1. Do I need to pack a mask?

Yes. Face masks have been a norm in Japan since before the pandemic. People often wear them year-round to protect their lungs from air pollution and to protect themselves and others from viruses, infections and allergens. While Japan has no official mask mandate in place, you’ll find that many businesses still require people to wear one indoors; you’ll also see people with a mask while on a bus, train or taxi, or in any sort of crowded indoor environment. They’re an everyday item for many, and it wouldn’t hurt to have one in your bag or pocket at all times. If you forget to pack one, it’s easy enough to find a surgical-style disposable face mask in airports and pharmacies all over Japan.

2. Have I checked which entry rules apply to me?

Japan has a color-coded classification entry scheme for all countries, which will continue even after travel rules ease on October 11. The system sets out distinct rules depending on what country you’re entering Japan from. Travelers coming from a “blue” country – a list that currently includes the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, Mexico, Thailand and many EU nations – no longer have to quarantine and have the option to show proof of vaccination or negative test results before traveling. Travelers from “yellow” and “red” countries are subject to additional entry requirements, such as testing upon arrival and quarantine. You can view the complete list of countries and categories  here .

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3. Have I downloaded the MySOS app?

MySOS is a smartphone app (available for Android and iOS ) that’s used to record your vaccine and health information for entry into Japan. It should help you get through airport security checks more quickly by being a one-stop shop for all of your essential documents. If you’re traveling with kids, their relevant information can be stored in your MySOS app, too.

4. Do I need to apply for a visa?

Japan will reinstate visa-free travel on October 11 for travelers from more than 68 countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, Mexico, Argentina, Singapore, Thailand and more . If a passport holder a country on the visa-waiver list, you won’t need a visa to travel to Japan if you’re staying for less than 90 days.

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5. Should I reserve restaurants and museums in advance?

Japan has some of the most sophisticated, creative and celebrated restaurants on the planet. And for many travelers, its cuisine is one of Japan's biggest draws. Getting a table at the top spots has always been a challenge in the capital  Tokyo  (whether it's  Kozue for seafood, Tamawarai for soba, or the two-star Michelin Den , you generally need to express your interest well before showing up), and in cities like  Kyoto  and Osaka  – but since the pandemic, most restaurants across the country require advance reservation, a rule that hasn’t gone away even as the government relaxes its response to the pandemic.

Museums also have new entry systems in place as well, and you’ll likely need to book your spot before showing up. Check the website of the museum you wish to visit ahead of your trip to secure your preferred date and time.

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6. What new attractions can I add to my Japan itinerary?

Theme Parks

It feels like there’s always something exciting brewing in Japan. While the pandemic may have paused momentum, it’s now full speed ahead for the opening of some much-anticipated new attractions. After the world's first Super Nintendo World opened in Osaka during the pandemic, the next big thing is  Ghibli Park , a theme park based on the works of animation legend Hayao Miyazaki set to open in Aichi Prefecture on November 1. Unlike traditional theme parks, you won’t find rides here: instead, you’ll walk through the dreamy, watercolor-style landscapes and architecture from Ghibli movies like My Neighbor Totoro and Howl's Moving Castle .

Earlier this year, Ishikawa’s New Prefectural Library opened, featuring 300,000 open stacks of books (and the capacity for two million). It’s quickly become a magnet for anyone who loves books, crafts, art and history, and anyone with even a passing interest in cutting-edge architecture. The building’s exterior resembles the pages of a book being turned, while inside you’ll find craftworks by Ishikawa’s master artisans.

Trying the traditional crafts of Ishikawa prefecture

Now that borders are open you can visit a new UNESCO site in northern Japan, open since May 2021. The Jomon Prehistoric Sites  collectively form a Cultural Heritage Site, at which you’ll learn about the culture of the indigenous Jōmon people across 17 archaeological areas. 

Bullet Trains

Japan’s public transport system is among the best in the world, its jewel the high-tech, high-speed bullet-train network, which is continuously expanding. If you want to test a new route on your travels, the Nishi- Kyūshū line opened in September, taking passengers on a 41-mile journey between the famous hot spring town of Takeo Onsen in the northwest and the city of Nagasaki (gateway to the Gotō Islands) in just 23 minutes.

Japan's best food and drink experiences

If you’re in Tokyo, check out Okushibu,   the Japanese nickname for “Deep Shibuya.” This once well-kept secret within the shopping district of Shibuya  has now become a go-to zone for late-night cafe culture, as well as some really unique and creative restaurants. Okushibu runs parallel to the new rooftop Miyashita Park , and you can stay in the heart of the action when the new Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park opens in 2023. Expect a rooftop infinity pool with views across the park – and the city.

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » Planning a trip to Japan: Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Japan: Travel Guide

August 1, 2023

If you’re planning a trip to Japan , you may at first feel overwhelmed by the vast amount of exciting cities, stunning natural landscapes, and unique historical attractions to visit.

Fortunately, we’ve compiled this handy Japan guide to help you make informed decisions about what you want to get out of your trip, how to prepare, and the services and facilities that may be useful to you during your stay.

You can use the following travel guide to help you plan your itinerary in the country, compile your packing list, and learn more about Japanese customs and lifestyle in general.

When you should travel to Japan

The best time to visit Japan is subjective and depends on what you want to get out of your trip. See the following advice for traveling to Japan depending on the season :

• Spring – The stunning colors of the sakura cherry blossom season draw many foreign visitors to Japan in spring. However, this is can result in large crowds at the parks and shines where the cherry trees can be found. Furthermore, Golden Week , one of the main Japanese holidays , takes place from late April to early May, and is considered one of the worst times to visit Japan because public transportation can be incredibly crowded and prices tend to be at their highest.
• Summer – A great time to take part in outdoor activities in Japan and enjoy a number of matsuri festivals . Although summer is the rainy season across much of the country, the rain rarely affects travel plans, and most of Japan experiences hot and humid weather.
• Autumn – One of the least crowded times to visit Japan, although the popular tradition of koyo autumn leaf viewing can also draw large crowds in November. However, early December still allows plenty of opportunities to take part in this pastime.
• Winter – Those who visit Japan in January, February, or March will find it one of the cheapest and less crowded times to travel to the country. Winter sports enthusiasts will want to take advantage of the excellent powder snow for skiing and Snowboarding in Hokkaido.

Things to know before you travel

Some basic facts that travelers should know before traveling to Japan include:

• The phone number for a medical emergency is 119
• Public restrooms in Japan are readily available and easy to find in prominent tourist attractions, train stations, and department stores
• Trash cans in public spaces are not common , and many Japanese people carry their trash with them during the day to later dispose of at home
• It is normally necessary to remove shoes before entering a Japanese home , as well as in some public establishments
• Japanese streets are not named with the exception of major roads, and the address system in Japan is based on areas
• Travelers with tattoos are advised is necessary to cover up if planning to visit a public onsen hot spring .

Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?

Travelers from a number of countries, including The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Mexico, and all European Union countries, do not need a Japan tourist visa to enter the country for short stays.

Citizens of these countries receive a temporary visitor stamp in their passport upon arrival in Japan, which guarantees their entry to the country for purposes of tourism. Travelers are required to have this stamp in their passport to be eligible to apply for the JR Pass.

Planning your trip to Japan

When planning a trip to Japan , it’s a good idea to settle on your itinerary and investigate accomodation and travel options for each destination in advance.

Below you’ll find an extensive list of travel tips for the country, including how to access WiFi in Japan, basic Japanese etiquette and common phrases you should learn, and how to travel with a JR Pass.

Accommodation

If you’re traveling to Japan on a budget , an excellent accomodation option is to stay in a sleep pod in a Japanese capsule hotel .

Although the sleeping capsules in the unique ‘ pod hotels ’ are smaller than a regular-sized hotel room, these establishments are usually ultra-modern and very comfortable, and may also offer luxury facilities such as a sauna and a spa.

Travelers willing to spend a little more to experience traditional Japanese accommodation should consider staying in a Ryokan (Japanese guest house).

Although a Ryokan may cost a little more than a regular hotel (typically between ¥15,000 and ¥25,000 per person, per night), many visitors feel that it is worth it for the traditional Japanese experience.

The Japan Rail Pass is a must-have for all visitors planning to travel around Japan.

The JR Pass is multi-use, discounted ticket that allows unlimited access to trains operated by Japan Rail National, as well as JR bus services, ferry services, and airport transfers .

The Japan rail pass is worth obtaining even if you don’t plan on traveling extensively within the country, as this cost-effective travel option for the whole country is around the same price as a single ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto on a Shinkansen bullet train .

Book your Japan Rail Pass now

If you don’t plan on leaving Tokyo during your stay, you may want to consider applying for a Japanese IC card , a prepaid rechargeable travel card which can be used on trains, metros, buses, ferries, and cable cars within the city.

An IC card may also be used at certain restaurants, vending machines, and convenience stores throughout Japan. IC Cards can be purchased from an automated kiosk or ticket counter or at any major train station

Whether you are planning to visit Japan for a week or up to a month , there are a number of comprehensive Japanese routes and itineraries available to help you see everything you want to take in during your trip.

Apart from the itineraries for attractions in individual cities such as Tokyo , Kyoto , and Osaka , the following routes can help you get around come of the most appealing areas of the country in the time you have available:

• 7 days – Tokyo highlights, Kamakura , Kyoto, and the Todaiji Buddha statue in Nara
• 10 days – Tokyo, Takayama , Japanese Alps, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka
• 14 days – Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima , Miyajima, Fukuoka , and the best attractions to visit in Tokyo
• 21 days – An in-depth itinerary including Tokyo, Kyoto, Takayama, Osaka, Nara, Okayama , and Hiroshima.

Phone and internet access

Travelers to Japan can gain internet access in a variety of ways. Upon arrival in the country, it’s a good idea to download the Japan Connected phone app, which indicates where you can find free WiFi at over 1,500 hotspots in Japan.

If you need to constantly access high-speed internet while on your travels, it is advisable to rent a pocket WiFi router, to which up to 5 devices can be connected. A pocket WiFi can be rented for between 5-30 days and can be picked up on arrival at a Japanese airport or from your hotel.

You also have the option to rent a Data SIM card to access the internet while in Japan, which permits you to use up to 500 MB of high-speed internet per day.

Dos and don’ts

Before visiting the country, you should learn the basic rules of Japanese etiquette to show respect to local customs and traditions .

Some common ‘Do’s include:

• Bowing as a greeting
• Taking shoes off when entering a Japanese home
• Showing appreciation for a home-cooked meal.

While in Japan, visitors should not :

• Point using chopsticks
• Blow their nose in a public place
• Wear inappropriate clothing when visiting temples and shrines.

Learn some Japanese phrases

While you may meet Japanese people who speak English while traveling in the country, it’s still a good idea to learn some basic Japanese phrases to help you get by. Locals will also appreciate the effort .

Some common phrases that are good to know include:

• Konnichiwa – “Hello”
• Ogenki desuka? – “How are you?”
• Sumimasen – “Excuse me”
• Kudasai – “Please”
• Arigato – “Thank you”

Bring some cash and look for 7-11

As not all of ATMs in Japan accept credit or debit cards issued overseas, it’s a good idea to bring some cash currency with you when traveling to the country.

Nevertheless, there are over 30,000 ATM locations across Japan that do cater to international travelers. This includes over 10,000 ATMs at Seven-Eleven convenience stores across Japan, where foreign cards such as Visa, Plus, American Express, Cirrus, and others are accepted.

Familiarize yourself with Hyperdia

Hyperdia is a useful transport planning mobile and web app which allows you to plan your itinerary to travel around Japan by train with precision.

Travelers who download Hyperdia have direct access to up-to-date schedules, journey times, and train information and prices. The app also allows you to access links to useful services in the selected locations, such as car rental companies, hotels, and restaurants.

Useful travel apps

Besides Hyperdia, there are a number of other travel apps for Japan which visitors may find useful during their visit to the country. These include a variety of apps to translate Japanese into English, to navigate the metro systems in the major cities, and restaurant and hotel-finder apps.

Don’t miss while in Japan

If you’re only planning a short stay in Japan, you should make sure you fill your itinerary with the top attractions and most typical traditional experiences. Find below some suggestions.

These small traditional inns are usually run by the same family for generations, and are typically located close to onsen hot springs or public baths in appealing natural surroundings. Most Ryokans in Japanese cities also have dedicated indoor bathing facilities.

The Gora Kadan in the Hakone region, Tamahan Ryokan in Kyoto, and Sadachiyo Ryokan in Tokyo are considered some of the best Ryokan in Japan .

These natural hot springs , fueled by volcanic activity, are perfect for taking a soothing, warming dip in the winter months, and are usually located close to Ryokan guest houses.

Onsen in Japan you should consider visiting during your stay include Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, any of the luxury onsen in Hakone , and the Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido.

Cherry blossom

The Japanese cherry blossom , known as sakura , is one of the main attractions for travelers to Japan during the spring months, and sees Japanese parks and shrines come to life with the spectacular blooming of pink and white cherry flowers.

If having a picnic under the blooming cherry trees or taking part in a cherry blossom festival appeals to you, you should check the yearly Cherry blossom forecast before planning your trip to get the timings right.

In Japan, the phenomenon of the autumn leaves changing into vibrant shades of red, yellow, orange, and brown is called momiji , which means ‘ red leaf’, and can be just as stunning as the spring cherry blossom.

The act of Momijigari (red leaf hunting) reaches its peak in November , but in some regions the leaves can start turning as early as September or much later in the season, in December. Check the yearly Autumn leaves forecast to make sure you don’t miss out on the phenomenon.

Ride the Shinkansen

Using the Shinkansen network is the fastest and most convenient way to get around Japan, with the high-speed trains capable of reaching up to 320 km/h (199mp/h).

The Shinkansen lines are extensive and cover the majority of Japan , from Tokyo to Osaka and the south, to the northern parts of Honshu and the entirety of the island of Hokkaido.

Holders of the JR Pass are granted unlimited access to all of the Shinkansen bullet trains during its validity. From October 2023, you can also ride the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen if you pay a supplement. These run on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines.

Top destinations in Japan

You may feel as though there are an overwhelming number of places to visit during your stay in Japan. While this may be true, there are certain cities and natural landscapes you really can’t msis during your trip, including:

Japanese top attractions

While there a vast number of enticing historical and cultural attractions in Japan to discover during a visit, if you are only planning a short trip you might want to consider prioritizing some of the following:

• Tokyo Imperial Palace
• The Chureito Pagoda overlooking Mt. Fuji
• The Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto
• Osaka Castle
• Arashiyama bamboo forest near Kyoto

Of course, this is just a small sample of the many unique attractions in Japan, and if you’re planning a long trip the country, you’ll be able to discover much, much more.

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Planning Your Best Trip To Japan: An Insightful Guide

Welcome, fellow adventurers! Are you dreaming of your next journey? The land of the rising sun, Japan, with its splendid fusion of rich history and cutting-edge modernity, is awaiting you. As you dream of lush green landscapes, vibrant city streets, mouth-watering sushi, tranquil temples, and fascinating culture, we're here to help you turn that dream into a reality. Whether you're embarking on a solo trip, planning a whimsical honeymoon, looking forward to a family adventure, or getting ready for an epic group journey, we've got you covered. In this insightful guide, we’ll share our top tips to ensure that your trip to Japan in 2023 is unforgettable. Let's dive into the delightful world of Japanese travel and start planning your best trip to Japan!

Why Plan Your Best Trip to Japan in 2023?

If you're already dreaming about where your passport will take you in 2023, we suggest you make Japan your top destination. Whether it's the ethereal bloom of cherry blossoms in spring or the centuries-old temples that take you back in time, every corner of this vibrant country has something special to offer. The bustling streets of Tokyo with its towering skyscrapers, the serene temples of Kyoto , the delectable food scenes of Osaka , and the untamed natural beauty of Hokkaido —each destination paints a unique portrait of Japanese culture. So, are you ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Japan in 2023? Let's get started with our insightful guide, shall we?

Crafting Your Solo Trip to Japan: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Embarking on a solo trip to Japan represents an exciting opportunity for personal exploration and growth. As a destination that combines safety, accessibility, and a vast array of unique attractions, Japan is ideal for the individual traveler. From the well-preserved historical temples of Kyoto to Tokyo's bustling electronic stores, and the peaceful hiking trails of Mount Fuji , the country offers a diversity of experiences that can be tailored to suit personal preferences.

The key to a successful solo trip lies in thoughtful planning and preparation. With a rich cultural heritage and a dynamic modern lifestyle, Japan presents numerous avenues for enrichment and enjoyment. As a solo traveler, the liberty to select and pace your experiences becomes an asset in immersing yourself in the distinctive charm that Japan offers. Whether you are an adventurer, a history buff, or a lover of urban life, Japan holds the promise of a fulfilling solo journey. Depending on when you are planning to visit Japan, we have a comprehensive list of blogs that can help you plan your travel itinerary for Japan for the specific month of the year.

Adventure seeking solo travelers

For solo travelers with an adventurous spirit, Japan offers a thrilling array of activities that will ignite your adrenaline and give you the chance to experience its diverse natural beauty. You can soar through the treetops on a zipline in forests of Okutama , or test your driving skills on an ATV through the rugged terrains of Hokkaido. Winter enthusiasts might relish the opportunity to snowboard down the powdered slopes of Niseko or Hakuba. And if exploring awe-inspiring landscapes is your preference, the national parks such as Nikko or the natural wonders like the iconic Mount Fuji offer magnificent hiking trails and breathtaking views. No matter your preference, Japan's wealth of adventure activities are sure to add excitement and depth to your solo journey.

Solo travelers with cultural or foodie interests

For solo travelers seeking a cultural immersion or gastronomic delights, Japan presents a plethora of enriching experiences. Sendai , renowned for its local cuisine, offers foodie tours that showcase specialties like beef tongue and zunda mochi. If you're fascinated by Japan's ancient martial arts , do consider joining a local dojo for a lesson in disciplines such as karate, aikido, or kendo.

Embracing the festive spirit is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. The summer festivals in Aomori, particularly the vibrant Nebuta Matsuri, are a fantastic spectacle of color, music, and dance. Japan's Zen experiences , like meditation in Kyoto's temples or forest bathing in the countryside, offer a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle. For a hands-on cultural experience, try blacksmithing lessons, where you can learn about Japan's centuries-old sword-making tradition. These experiences provide a deep insight into Japanese culture and heritage, making your solo trip truly unforgettable.

Safety Tips for Solo Travelers

When embarking on a solo trip to Japan, it's essential to remember that safety forms the bedrock of a gratifying travel experience. Fortunately, Japan is globally renowned for its safety, offering solo travelers peace of mind as they navigate through its streets, whether in bustling urban centers or tranquil rural areas.

However, as with any international travel, staying alert and informed is paramount. Always keep your personal belongings secure, especially in crowded areas. Familiarize yourself with local customs and laws to ensure you respect them and avoid misunderstandings. In Japan, politeness and respect are ingrained in the culture, so understanding basic etiquettes can go a long way.

Using reputable transport and booking services is also essential. With Activity Japan, you can rest assured knowing you're using a trustworthy platform that prioritizes your safety and satisfaction. Additionally, it is advisable to have a functional mobile phone with internet access to navigate, translate, and contact help if necessary. Always have the address of your accommodation handy and know the location of the nearest embassy or consulate.

Celebrate Love with a Honeymoon Trip to Japan

Stepping into a new chapter of life, a honeymoon is an exquisite time to deepen your bond. Japan offers a range of experiences that caters to the diverse tastes of couples, making it a splendid destination for your honeymoon. With its unique blend of tradition and modernity, it ensures every couple has a unique and personal experience.

For those couples who relish the adrenaline rush, Japan offers adventurous activities like bungee jumping off the Ryujin large suspension bridge or other breathtaking locations. If you're looking for a cultural immersion, consider a kimono rental and photography plan. Dressed in traditional attire against the backdrop of stunning scenery, you'll have a keepsake to remember your honeymoon forever. And for a leisurely exploration of Japan's beauty, try rickshaw tours, an eco-friendly way to take in the sights and sounds of cities like Kyoto and Tokyo, or picturesque towns such as Arashiyama and Kamakura.

From the exhilarating to the serene, Japan ensures that your honeymoon is a truly unforgettable experience.

Top Romantic Honeymoon Destinations in Japan

In Japan, the mesmerizing locales and unique activities set the stage for an unforgettable honeymoon. One of the country's hidden treasures is firefly watching tours, an enchanting experience that illuminates the natural beauty of Japan during the warmer months.

Stargazing , another magical activity, is best experienced in places like Achi village in Nagano , known for its clear, dark skies. Witnessing the universe's vast expanse with your partner by your side is an experience that epitomizes the romantic serenity of a honeymoon. For a breathtaking bird's-eye view of Japan's landscapes, consider a hot air balloon ride. Locations like Saga and Hokkaido offer these rides, providing unparalleled panoramic views that are sure to create lasting memories. Lastly, if your honeymoon falls in the winter months, Japan's ski resorts provide a perfect mix of adventure and romance. With world-class facilities and stunning snow-covered landscapes, resorts in areas like Niseko, Hakuba, and Furano are sure to impress. In each of these top honeymoon destinations, you'll find a unique way to celebrate your love and start your journey together in an unforgettable way.

Organizing Group Trips to Japan: From Booking to Exploring

Group trips are a wonderful way to experience Japan. Sharing discoveries, laughter, and the occasional misadventure can foster closer bonds and create memories that last a lifetime. However, orchestrating a group trip requires thorough planning to accommodate different interests, manage logistics efficiently, and ensure everyone has a great time.

Japan's extensive range of attractions caters to diverse interests, making it an excellent destination for group travel. Whether your group is drawn to the cultural richness of Kyoto , the modern buzz of Tokyo , or the natural beauty of Hokkaido, there's something for everyone. Planning is key to a successful group trip. It involves making decisions on travel dates, accommodations, activities, and transportation, among other things. Utilizing a reputable platform like Activity Japan can greatly streamline this process, offering a one-stop solution for booking various activities, and experiences across the country. Explore some of the best things to do as a group in the off-beat locations below.

How to Make the Most Out of Your Group Trips

Making the most of your group trip to Japan goes beyond the itinerary. It's about creating a shared experience that is enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved.  Balancing the itinerary to cater to diverse interests within the group is crucial. Consider including a mix of cultural, recreational, and leisure activities. For instance, a visit to a historic castle could be paired with a relaxing afternoon in an onsen or a fun evening at a karaoke bar. Secondly, always plan some downtime. It's important to give everyone some personal time or leisurely group activities where the pace is relaxed.

Finally, take advantage of group discounts that many attractions and activities offer. Booking through Activity Japan, you can find many experiences and activities that offer special rates for groups, which can help you get the most value out of your trip. With thoughtful planning and a collaborative spirit, your group trip to Japan can be a grand adventure.

Family Trip to Japan: An Adventure for All Ages

Japan's vast array of attractions makes it an excellent destination for family trips. Its culture, deeply rooted in respect for others and the environment, is both inspiring and educational for people of all ages. From visiting ancient castles, exploring interactive museums, to spending a day in one of Japan's many theme parks, there's something to fascinate everyone.

The country's robust transportation network also facilitates easy family travel, and the wide array of available accommodations, including family-friendly hotels and traditional Ryokan inns, can provide a comfortable base for your family's adventure. Moreover, Japanese cuisine, with its emphasis on fresh ingredients and balanced nutrition, offers an exciting culinary journey for the entire family, often with kid-friendly options readily available. With the right approach to planning, a family trip to Japan can turn into an enriching experience, brimming with shared adventures, learned traditions, and cherished memories. Below, you can explore some of the top destinations you and your family could enjoy together.

Child-Friendly Attractions in Japan

When it comes to child-friendly attractions, Japan truly stands out. The country boasts a host of venues and experiences designed to both entertain and educate young minds. Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan, located in Osaka , are iconic theme parks that promise a day filled with joy and thrill. Equally engaging are the country's numerous science and art museums such as the Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) in Tokyo and the Interactive Art Museum in Saga, which provide a fun and educational environment for children.

Nature also plays a vital role in Japan's offerings for children. For instance, the Nara Park, where kids can feed and interact with free-roaming deer, or the Fuji Safari Park, which offers close encounters with a wide variety of wildlife. If your family enjoys the underwater world, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums globally, provides a spectacular marine life experience. For a taste of culture, don't miss the interactive Edo Wonderland in Nikko, where families can experience life in the Edo period of Japan. By incorporating some of these attractions into your itinerary, your family trip to Japan is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.

A Special Focus: Planning a Trip to Tokyo, Japan

Experience Tokyo, a city where traditional charm meets futuristic allure. Beyond the buzzing streets, cultural landmarks, and high-tech fascinations, take a detour to idyllic spots like Yamanashi or Chichibu on day trips. Savour Tokyo's culinary scene, from vibrant food markets to cooking classes, and don't miss the unique themed restaurants. Whether a solo adventurer, a love-struck couple, or a group, Tokyo creates unforgettable moments for all.

Tokyo’s Top Attractions

Tokyo's top attractions reflect the city's diverse charm and offer something for every type of traveler. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Imperial Palace, the residence of the Emperor of Japan, and the ancient Senso-ji temple in Asakusa. For those captivated by the city's modern side, the Tokyo Skytree offers an unmissable panoramic view of the city. Meanwhile, Akihabara, with its vibrant array of electronics and anime shops, is a paradise for tech enthusiasts and fans of Japanese pop culture. Nature lovers won't miss out either, with tranquil spaces like Ueno Park and the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden providing respite from the city buzz. And for a truly unique experience, visit the famous Tsukiji Fish Market , where you can witness the bustling activity of the world's largest seafood market and taste some of the freshest sushi.

Whether you choose to immerse yourself in the city's history, embrace its cutting-edge technology, or simply lose yourself in its beautiful parks and gardens, Tokyo is a city that never ceases to amaze. Plan carefully, but leave room for spontaneous exploration – you never know what hidden gems you might discover.

Recommended For You

And there you have it, explorers! With a mix of careful planning and open-hearted spontaneity, your trip to Japan can be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, whether you're solo venturing, honeymooning, on a group expedition, or taking the family on an overseas journey. Remember, every journey starts with a single step – or in this case, a well-planned itinerary. As you prepare for your 2023 trip, keep this guide handy. We've walked you through the intricate gardens, shimmering skyscrapers, ancient shrines, delectable cuisine, and warm-hearted people of Japan. Now, all that's left is for you to pack your bags, board your flight, and experience it all firsthand. Here's to your best trip to Japan – we can't wait to hear about the fantastic memories you're about to make!

Frequently asked questions

Q what is the best time to visit japan.

A Japan can be visited year-round, but the best time depends on your activities. Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn foliage (November) are especially beautiful. Skiing is best in winter (December to February).

Q Is Japan safe for solo travelers?

A Yes, Japan is often ranked as one of the safest countries for solo travelers, with low crime rates and a respectful culture.

Q What unique activities can honeymooners enjoy in Japan?

A Honeymooners can enjoy unique activities like firefly watching tours, stargazing, hot air balloon rides, and visiting ski resorts in winter months.

Q Are group discounts available for activities in Japan?

A Yes, many attractions and activities offer group discounts. Check out Activity Japan for special rates and offers for groups.

Q What are some family-friendly attractions in Japan?

A Japan boasts numerous family-friendly attractions like Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, Nara Park, and interactive museums such as Miraikan and the Interactive Art Museum in Saga.

Q What are the must-see attractions in Tokyo?

A Must-see attractions in Tokyo include the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji temple, Tokyo Skytree, Akihabara, Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and Tsukiji Fish Market.

Q What adventure activities can solo travelers indulge in Japan?

A Solo travelers can engage in adventure activities like ziplining, ATV rides, snowboarding in winter, and exploring national parks and natural wonders.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your continued patronage.

At our company, in order for many customers to enjoy various activities all over Japan safely and with peace of mind, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's " Basic Policy for Countermeasures against Coronavirus Infectious Diseases " and " Let's Avoid the Three Cs "・ Based on the " new lifestyle ", we recommend the following infectious disease countermeasures to the operator.

• Instructors and participants keep a sufficient distance
• Use masks as much as possible while participating
• Ventilate frequently, avoiding closed spaces
• Thorough hand washing and disinfection
• Thorough disinfection of equipment
• Health management of customers and employees, etc.

For infection prevention measures of the operating company, please refer to [Appeal points for safety] or [Notes on participating in the course ] of each operating company information at the bottom of the plan reservation page, and for details, please contact each operating company directly. Please contact us.

You can also check the following page for information on the efforts of activity companies in each region!

How to enjoy new activities in the after / with corona era

Even if you are a customer, when you continue to go out, in addition to avoiding so-called [three secrets], cough etiquette, thorough hand washing and alcohol disinfection, etc., on June 19, 2020 (Friday), Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, sightseeing Please be aware of the [new travel etiquette ] announced by the Japan Tourism Agency, take actions to avoid the risk of infectious diseases, and enjoy activities and leisure activities safely.

Even now, there are tourist facilities and activity operators whose business hours and dates have changed. Please check the calendar status at the time of application and check the latest information with each operator even after the reservation is completed. Please check with each operator regarding whether or not there is a cancellation fee due to sudden closure of the facility, cancellation of the activity experience, etc.

In addition, Activity Japan also offers an "online experience" service where you can enjoy various activities!

[Online experience] New experience online anywhere

The "online experience" service is digital content that can be expected to create a new community by connecting customers with local and tourism businesses on a daily basis. Those who have difficulty going out due to circumstances, those who want to try but are uneasy about having a real experience suddenly, those who want to collect local information to plan future trips and stay plans, etc. Feel free to meet local instructors and guides online and enjoy a conversation while experiencing a simulated experience!

Please use it together.

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The Ultimate Itinerary for a Trip to Japan: Unforgettable 7, 10 and 14 Day Journeys (Updated 2024)

Some destinations reward spontaneity – in Europe, cheap flights and rail passes give  you the freedom to wake up in the morning and choose your next destination on a whim. Japan, on the other hand, rewards forward planning.

The country’s abundance of both natural and manmade attractions, combined with its high standard of living and general efficiency, make it a fairly pricey destination. The more you plan, the better you can mitigate the damage to your wallet, and get the most out your trip – no matter how long you plan to stay.

These itineraries are designed to inspire you to build your own trip. Based around a few key highlights that represent both modern and ancient, they’re crafted to give you a rich and satisfying experience of Japan in 7, 10 or 14 days. Let’s jump right in!

Psst: want more tips for planning a trip to Japan? Check our rail pass guide  and cheap eating tips .

• 1 Getting Around
• 2 7 Day Itinerary: Tokyo and Mt Fuji (Fuji Five Lakes)
• 3 7 Day Itinerary: Osaka, Kyoto and Nara
• 4 10 Day Itinerary: Tokyo, Mt Fuji and Kyoto
• 5 10 Day Itinerary: Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Hiroshima
• 6 14 Day Itinerary: Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima

Getting Around

Before we get to the itineraries, there's one important piece of planning to keep in mind – whether or not to get a JR pass . A Japan Rail (JR) pass is exclusively available to tourists, and grants you unlimited travel on JR trains within Japan, including the world-famous bullet trains. Depending on your itinerary, this will save you time and money vs buying individual train tickets within Japan. But importantly,  you must purchase the pass before you arrive in Japan . We recommend ordering from Klook for their low prices and 10-day global delivery.

We've marked the itineraries that we recommend the JR pass for below, but for a more in-depth guide, be sure to read our full guide The Japan Rail Pass: Is It Worth The Cost?

7 Day Itinerary: Tokyo and Mt Fuji (Fuji Five Lakes)

Get the essentials of urban and rural Japan with four days in the unforgettable capital, followed by three days of reflection and recovery under the shadow of Mt Fuji.

Tokyo: 4 Days

• Highlights: Go crazy in Japan’s frenetic, eclectic and incomparable capital. Live out a manga fantasy in Akihabara , drink shoulder to shoulder with locals in Roppongi , and see the world’s largest metropolis in 360 degrees from the top of the Tokyo Tower . And for an immersive digital art experience, check out the popular teamLab Planets TOKYO Museum .
• Where to stay: Public transport is comprehensive, so search far afield. Roppongi neighborhood if you like nightlife, Shinjuku to be close to the beating heart. Use TripAdvisor to compare hotel and hostel deals across all booking sites along with thousands of reviews.
• What to eat : Chains like Sushiro ($1 / plate train sushi) and the ubiquitous Gyudon houses like Yoshinoya can get you a delicious local meal for a budget price. Check out a Maid Cafe for an authentic (if risque) local experience!

Mt Fuji: 3 Days

Tip: If you don't have 3 days to spend in Fuji, you can book a  full day tour from Tokyo .

• Highlights: See why this 3776 meter high mountain has inspired artists, writers and pilgrims for countless centuries. Soak up the volcanic waters in the Five Lakes District , a major tourist destination since the 1920s, it’s still possible to get away from the crowds and immerse yourself in nature.
• Where to stay:  The Five Lakes Region contains a wealth of hotels and resorts. If you’re striking out, try a bit further away from (but still in plain view of) the mountain in Hakone district. Compare across booking sites with TripAdvisor's hotel search.
• What to eat: Try the regional speciality: udon noodles, often served cold in a delicate, flavorful sauce.

7 Day Itinerary: Osaka, Kyoto and Nara

Osaka: 3 Days

• Highlights: Japan’s second biggest city is a microcosm of everything that magnetizes visitors to the country. Gaze in awe at giant plastic sea creatures and effusive street vendors in Dōtonbori , wander among the tuna merchants at the fish market, and connect with history at the 16th century Osaka Castle . Get to know Osaka like a local with a highly-rated walking tour .
• Where to stay: Try AirBNB and trust the train network if you find a good option a little outside of town. For hotels and hostels, compare across booking sites using TripAdvisor .
• What to eat : The same budget chains in Tokyo will serve you well here (I practically moved in to my nearest Sushiro!), but you really must try the street food on Dōtonbori .

Kyoto: 2 days

• Highlights: After the urban grunge of Osaka, it’s time to embrace the Japan’s spiritual side at the ancient seat of empire. It’s still possible to see Geisha in the historic Higashiyama District, which you can even explore by rickshaw , and the subtle beauty of temples like Kinkaku-ji is simply too much to put into words. Make sure you catch everything there is to see with a custom-made walking tour with a local . Go!
• Where to stay: Downtown Kyoto is the most convenient spot for sightseeing and will allow you to cover much of the historic town on foot. Try Airbnb or compare hotels and hostels across booking sites with TripAdvisor .
• What to eat : Restaurant prices can be steep so take a trick from the locals and stock up on tasty (and filling) instant meals at chain stores like the ubiquitous 7/11

Nara: 2 days

• Highlights: Stick with the theme of history but swap the Geisha for sacred deer in Nara , Japan’s capital from AD 710 to 794. In Nara park you can sip green tea in a traditional “Chaya” tea house and watch the deer frolic over 700 year old ground. Hire a local guide to make sure you catch it all!
• Where to stay. While it’s possible to day trip from Osaka, the town is well worth staying overnight – guest houses are abundant and there are even hotels in the historical park! You can compare all your options and find the best price using TripAdvisor .
• What to eat . Vegetarian food and pickled delicacies are the local specialities, due to the surrounding mountains and buddhist communities.

10 Day Itinerary: Tokyo, Mt Fuji and Kyoto

Got 10 days? Let’s do it right. Take a deep dive into the capital, cleanse yourself with nature in Mt Fuji and the surrounding 5 Lake District, and transport yourself back in time in Kyoto – a rich overview that will leave you feeling refreshed, satisfied and exhilarated.

For this itinerary, we recommend a JR pass . It will save you precious travel time on the bullet train, and save you money on train fares between, and within, Tokyo and Kyoto. Remember to order your pass BEFORE you enter Japan (we recommend Klook ). If you're still unsure, be sure to check out our in-depth guide on whether the JR pass is worth it .

• Highlights: Lose yourself among the neon lights of Shibuya and have a drink at the Monster Cafe . Watch locals transform themselves into Manga characters on an anime/gaming tour in Akihabara , drink hot sake with locals in Roppongi, and let digital art completely immerse your senses in  Japan’s unforgettable capital.
• Where to stay: Public transport is comprehensive so search far afield. Roppongi neighborhood if you like nightlife, Shinjuku to be close to the beating heart.
• What to eat : Tokyo has unlimited dining options – if you’re on a budget, try Gyudon and brave the budget chains where it’s still possible to order with ancient vending machine located by the kitchen!

• Highlights: Make all your instagram followers jealous as you soak up the steamy volcanic waters under the shadow of Japan’s largest and most famous mountain.
• Where to stay:  The Five Lakes Region near the mountain contains a wealth of hotels and resorts. If you’re striking out, try a bit further away from (but still in plain view of) the mountain in Hakone district.

Kyoto: 3 days

• Highlights: The twin temples Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji  (gold pavilion and silver pavilion) have been carrying out an architectural and spiritual debate for centuries. It’s still possible to see Geisha in the historic Higashiyama District, which you can even explore by rickshaw . Make sure you catch everything there is to see with a custom-made walking tour with a local .
• Where to stay: Downtown Kyoto is the most convenient spot for sightseeing and will allow you to cover much of the historic town on foot.
• What to eat : Live out a warrior fantasy at the Samurai Restaurant . It’s a bit kitsch and definitely designed for the tourists, but so what – you’re on holiday!

10 Day Itinerary: Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Hiroshima

Get the best of Japan today and yesterday in racey Osaka, tranquil Kyoto and serene Nara, before coming face to face with perhaps the darkest period of Japan’s history at Hiroshima.

For this itinerary, we recommend a JR pass . It will save you tons of travel time on the bullet train to Hiroshima, and save money on train fares within the Osaka/Kyoto/Nara area. You need to order your pass BEFORE you enter Japan (we recommend Klook ). If you're still unsure, be sure to check out our in-depth guide on whether the JR pass is worth it .

• Highlights: “Forget Tokyo,” I was told when I planned my first trip to Japan, “Go to Osaka!” While the capital is awesome, Japan’s second city more than holds its own. Here you can gaze in awe at giant plastic sea creatures and effusive street vendors in Dōtonbori, wander among the tuna merchants at the fish market, and connect with history at the 16th century Osaka Castle. Get to know Osaka like a local with a highly-rated walking tour .
• Where to stay: Try AirBNB and trust the train network if you find a good option a little outside of town.
• What to eat : Try the street food on Dōtonbori! A nightfood tour will help you find the best spots and eat where the locals eat!
• Highlights: Say goodbye to the furious pace of modern Japanese city life, and embrace the tranquil, spiritual and ancient in Kyoto. Believe it or not, but it's still possible to see Geisha in the historic Higashiyama District, even from a rickshaw . The gentle beauty of temples like Kinkaku-ji is simply too much to put into words. Make sure you catch everything there is to see with a custom-made walking tour with a local . Go!

• Highlights: In Nara park you can sip green tea in a traditional “Chaya” tea house and watch the deer frolic over 700 year old ground. Hire a local guide to make sure you catch it all!
• Where to stay. While it’s possible to day trip from Osaka, the town is well worth staying overnight – guest houses are abundant and there are even hotels in the historical park!
• What to eat . Thank the Buddhist communities in the surrounding mountains for the abundance of local vegetarian food.

Hiroshima: 2 days

• Highlights : Infamous for its more recent history (which you can learn from a local on a cycling tour ), the rebirth of Hiroshima from ashes into a vibrant modern city is reason to visit in itself. In addition to haunting museums and poignant relics to the nuclear attacks, Hiroshima is the gateway to rural Chūgoku , a chance to tip your toes into Japan’s unspoiled wilderness.
• Where to stay : Hiroshima is drenched in hotels. Stay near the train station for convenient access to the city center and surrounding attractions.
• What to eat : Try the local okonomiyaki, a delicious, savory grilled pancake smothered in sauces and toppings.

14 Day Itinerary: Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima

This is an itinerary for people who want it all! You’ve got two weeks, you’ve got your rail pass , and you’re going to jolly-well make the most out of your time. Well, if you’ve got the energy, then here’s how it could be done. It’s everything you see above, rolled into one epic itinerary for the bold and brave.

For this itinerary, we definitely recommend a JR pass . With the distance being covered from the east to the west of country, the amount of time and money this will save is a no-brainer. You must order your pass BEFORE you enter Japan (we recommend Klook ). But if you're still unsure, be sure to check out our in-depth guide on whether the JR pass is worth it .

• Highlights: Start with the blast of energy, neon, weirdness and glamour that is Japan’s capital. Opportunities for entertainment are virtually unlimited – feel the awe of the emperor at the imperial palace, indulge in a retail fantasy in Ginza, and finish the day with a well needed pint of Asahi in Roppongi.
• Where to stay: Public transport is comprehensive so search far afield. Roppongi neighborhood if you like nightlife, Shinjuku to be close to the beating heart. Use TripAdvisor to compare hotel and hostel deals across all booking sites along with thousands of reviews.
• What to eat : The real question is what NOT to eat. You could go to a different restaurant in Tokyo everyday for 20 years and still not run out of options. If you’re on a budget, look to the local fast food chains – if you’re on a tight budget, trust to the 7/11!

Mt Fuji: 2 Days

• Highlights: Hear a rumble? Fuji-san isn’t just a stunning, snow capped mountain, it’s still an active volcano! Soak up the volcanic waters and watch Fuji’s towering form from the Five Lakes District , a popular spot for locals and and travelers.
• Where to stay:  The Five Lakes Region contains a wealth of hotels and resorts. If you’re striking out, try a bit further away from (but still in plain view of) the mountain in Hakone district. Compare across booking sites with TripAdvisor's hotel search.
• What to eat: Try the regional speciality: udon noodles, often served cold in a delicate, flavorful sauce. 

Osaka: 2 Days

• Highlights: Japan’s second biggest city is a microcosm of everything that magnetizes visitors to the country. Gaze in awe at giant plastic sea creatures and effusive street vendors in Dōtonbori , wander among the tuna merchants at the fish market, and connect with history at the 16th century Osaka Castle .Get to know Osaka like a local with a highly-rated walking tour .
• Where to stay: Try AirBNB  or TripAdvisor and trust the train network if you find a good option a little outside of town.
• What to eat : The same budget chains in Tokyo will serve you well here (I practically moved in to my nearest Sushiro!) but you really must try the street food on Dōtonbori .
• Where to stay: Downtown Kyoto is the most convenient spot for sightseeing and will allow you to cover much of the historic town on foot. Try  Airbnb  or compare hotels and hostels across booking sites with  TripAdvisor .

• Where to stay. While it’s possible to day trip from Osaka, the town is well worth staying overnight – guest houses are abundant and there are even hotels in the historical park! You can compare all your options and find the best price using  TripAdvisor .
• Where to stay : Hiroshima is drenched in hotels. Stay near the train station for convenient access to the city center and surrounding attractions. Check both Airbnb and TripAdvisor for the best prices.

With the abundance of incredible places to visit in Japan, the only trouble you'll have with planning a trip here is which itinerary to follow. Tell us, what are your must-visit's on a trip to Japan?

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10 Days in Japan: A First-Timer’s Complete Japan Itinerary

last Updated: March 7, 2024 hiroshima japan kyoto miyajima nara osaka tokyo

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Looking for the best way to spend 10 days in Japan?  You’re in the right place! 

Continue reading for tons of first-hand tips, recommendations, and a complete 10 day Japan itinerary, which can easily be turned into two weeks in Japan if you’ve got a few more days.  I absolutely LOVED my time in the country, and with some proper planning, I can guarantee you will too.   

Japan is over-stimulating and over-whelming in the best way possible. An absolute thrill to the senses. 

From the shiny bright lights of Tokyo’s Akihabara District to the serene temples and zen gardens in Kyoto , Japan is a country where the past and the future collide more than you initially realize.

I can promise you that every bite of food will be better than the last, and you’ll be saying oishi (“delicious” in Japanese) during every meal.

If you can visit during cherry blossom season, you’re in for a real treat – the streets will be lined with the most beautiful bunches of white and pale pink flowers you’ve ever imagined, which in turn makes the country smell absolutely phenomenal.

Japan is quite literally the most fascinating country I’ve explored to date. (And I just hit my goal of 30 countries by my 30th birthday a few months ago!) #killingit

I’d love to spend more time in Japan, and am highly encouraging everyone I know to discover this little piece of Asia sooner than later. So today, I am sharing with you my 10 day Japan itinerary, all heavily researched (for hours!) before my trip and followed pretty much to a T.

Overview of this 10 Day Japan Itinerary

When I initially started planning my trip, I was worried that 10 days in Japan wouldn’t be enough. Thankfully, I proved myself wrong and was able to see and do  oh so   much , as well as stuff myself silly with all those Japanese snacks I had heard so much about. [Spoiler alert: bring stretchy pants.] 

The country is filled with so many fascinating areas, but 10 days in Japan will give you enough time to see the highlights. To be completely honest, this Japan itinerary is rather jam packed, yet highly efficient (I promise!), although I suggest slightly modifying it if you’d like a more relaxed trip or are traveling with kids.

While we’re at it, check out all my travel planning tips right over here!

This Japan itinerary starts in Tokyo , makes a day trip to either Kamakura, Nikko, or Hakone, then ventures south to Kyoto , with day trips to Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Miyajima Island. Distances really depend on the mode of transport you use, with bullet trains being the fastest.

• Days 1-3 : Tokyo
• Day 4: day trip from Tokyo
• Days 5-6: Kyoto
• Day 7 : Nara and Osaka
• Day 8 : Miyajima and Hiroshima
• Day 9 : morning in Kyoto  → Tokyo
• Day 10: Tokyo in morning/afternoon  → airport

Japan is a decently large-sized island country located in Eastern Asia, being slightly smaller than California .  Rest assured, the entire country is connected via trains. In my experience, Japan may have the most efficient and well-connected public transportation system in the world (and that’s coming from someone who spent their childhood riding the extensive New York City subway).

Despite holding the title for the 10th most populated country in the world (aka: it’s crowded), you can still find some peace and solitude in the many gardens and temples located just about everywhere.

Pre-Travel Guide to Japan

Where to get the best flight deals to japan:.

I swear by Skyscanner and Google Flights , and always always always use these two sites when looking for airfare.  The option to watch prices and get email notifications are top notch and one of my favorite features of the two. 

Always check budget airlines that may not be listed, especially if you are coming from other areas in Asia with shorter flight times.  A great list of budget airlines can be found here .

For reference, we flew premium economy on China Airlines with a short layover in Taipei for about $1200 round trip from San Francisco – during Easter and cherry blossom season – but I saw deals for under $800 in coach. [I’m not complaining about the upgrade that my husband insisted on buying, but know that cheaper flights are out there.]

If you’re coming from the East Coast USA, flights will be a bit more expensive but shouldn’t be more than $500 more or so.

Where to stay:

In an effort to keep things simple (and avoid changing accommodation every night or two – what a pain!), this itinerary will have you staying in 2 main areas (Tokyo and Kyoto).

I highly advise booking accommodations near centrally located train stations in each as it’ll be easiest for the day trips mentioned in the 10 day Japan Itinerary below.

I opted to stay near Shibuya Station in Tokyo, as it’s centrally located and easy to reach other districts. In Kyoto we stayed near Kyoto Station as we were taking a bunch of day trips and wanted to be able to walk to our accommodation easily after a long, busy day on the road bullet train.

• Luxury:  Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
• Mid-Range:  Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyo
• Budget:  Shibuya Tokyu Rei Hotel
• Check out other hotels in Tokyo here.
• Luxury:  Hotel Granvia Kyoto
• Mid-Range:  Kyoto Century Hotel
• Budget:  Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto
• Check out other hotels in Kyoto here.
• Yado Kiramachi
• Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei
• Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado

Airbnb is also a great option and a good way to save some money if you’re spending a few nights in one spot (always check the cleaning and booking fees, as these can greatly increase the price should you only need a 1-night stay).

New rules regarding Airbnb rentals were implemented in June 2018, and now listings must be registered and display a license number on their booking page. Thankfully all current listings on Airbnb are compliant (the company removed any which failed to register in 2018), so you can be sure your booking is absolutely legit.

While I’d love to recommend the Airbnbs we stayed in during our trip to Japan, they are no longer available. However, there’s tons more to choose from – just check out the Airbnb website .

First time using AirBnB?  Sign up with THIS LINK to get $30 off your first stay!

When to visit:

There’s never a horrible time to spend 10 days in Japan, but each season has their pros and cons.

Spring : If you’re hoping to see the ever-so-beautiful cherry blossoms, April is your best bet. That being said, it’s also the month most people visit Japan for that very reason. I visited in early to mid-April, and while yes it was crowded, the beauty of the cherry blossoms found throughout the country was well worth it.

Fall : Autumn is another wonderful time to visit Japan, as you’ll get to experience the vibrant fall colors (bright red leaves) from September to November.

Summer (June to August) is hot, humid, and rainy (although the rain tends to dissipate in early July), while winter (Dec-Feb) is generally cool, sunny, dry and great for snow-sports in the mountains.

Note that weather varies dramatically throughout the country, so be sure to plan accordingly especially if you visit higher altitudes.

Read Next: When to Visit Japan (Weather, Seasons, Festivals, and Crowds)

How to get Japanese Yen:

I highly advise you to NOT exchange your money at a currency exchange kiosk before or after you land as you won’t get the best rates. Instead, take out local currency (Japanese Yen) at the airport via ATM machine.

If you travel quite frequently, consider applying for a Charles Schwab bank account. The company refunds any and all fees associated with foreign transaction ATM withdrawals. You’ll pay no ATM fees anywhere in the world, including your home country. It’s what I’ve been using for years and it’s saved me 100’s in unwanted pesky fees.

Surprisingly, considering it’s crazy-advanced technology and all, Japan is mostly a cash society; yes, we were exceptionally wowed by that! Expect your credit card to get rejected at most places (especially small eateries and of course street-food stands) and be sure to carry enough Yen with you.

If you’re coming from the US, an easy way to figure out USD to JY is to move the decimal point two spots to the right >> 100Y = approximately $1USD. Just for quick reference, 10,000Y = approximately 100USD.

How to Get Around Japan:

If you’re visiting Japan from elsewhere in the world (i.e. you are not a resident of Japan), you are able to purchase a JR train pass for varying amounts of time.  The JR pass gives you access to all of the trains, most Shinkansen lines (bullet trains), the ferry to Miyajima, and a few other transportation lines.  Options include 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day.

I used a 7-day JR pass during my trip, and I highly advise you to do the same if you’ll be following this 10 day Japan itinerary. The Green Car option, while a bit more expensive, is JR’s version of “first-class” and most definitely worth it in my opinion.  Note that it does not cover all bus routes/lines and some local trains, but these only cost about 100-300Y ($1-3USD), so no biggie.

If you plan on using a JR pass, you NEED to purchase it before you enter the country . Once you arrive in Japan, there is no option to buy it. And when I say no option, absolutely NO option at all.  

Once you purchase the pass (which must be done outside of Japan) you will receive a voucher in the mail (within a few days) which you will then exchange upon your arrival in Japan at a designated JR ticket booth in major train stations. 

Buy your Japan Rail Pass here (it’s the company I used and our voucher arrived promptly in the mail). There was free delivery straight to our home which I greatly appreciated, and once in Japan we saved a ton of money on the Shinkansen (high-speed bullet train), and breezed through the JR rail stations like a boss.

I can’t imagine doing Japan any other way than with a JR Pass. Check out the options (standard and green pass) here.

UPDATE — Buying a JR Pass in Japan : The Japan Rail Pass be will sold at a higher price point and on a trial basis in Japan through October 1, 2023 at major stations and airports. However, if you know you’ll be using one, miiiight as well save a bit of money and purchase it beforehand from a trusted company . There’s really no reason not to.

The public transportation system in Japan is top-notch, and although extremely overwhelming (at first, trust me), it’s by far the best (and most cost effective) option for getting around throughout the country.

Electricity and Power in Japan:

Japan uses the same 2-pronged electrical outlets as found in the USA. If you’re coming from America, note that some electrical devices use a three-pronged plug.

It’s also important to understand that the amount of voltage is different and you’ll need a converter (different than an electrical adapter) to change the amount of electricity pushed to each device if you plan on bringing anything which uses an excessive amount of power (including hair dryers, curling irons, and/or straightening irons). 

If you don’t want to worry about this, I suggest you invest in dual-voltage devices made especially for travel like this  dual-voltage blow dryer , dual-voltage mini straightener , and this dual-voltage curling iron .

Using a Pocket Wifi Router in Japan :

If you’ve done any research on Japan, you probably came across something called Pocket Wifi . What is it exactly and why should you consider getting it for your trip to Japan?

Pocket Wifi is exactly as it sounds — a small portable device that you can keep in your pocket (or purse/backpack/day bag) that provides wifi to all your devices (cell phone, iPad, computers, etc). And the best part? One Pocket Wifi will power up to 10 devices, so you can share the same Pocket Wifi with your family and friends.

Since wifi is less common in Japan than in other countries (surprising, right?!), this handy little device does wonders! You will be able to find free wifi in your hotel/ryoken, Starbuck locations around the city, and some other restaurants, but I always recommend having your own, especially if you’re visiting any smaller cities. Do note that some ryokans and older hotels might only have LAN cable internet access, instead of wifi, so you’ll definitely want a Pocket Wifi there!

You’ll use wifi on your phone for just about everything in Japan — train schedules, getting around, translating important phrases, making FaceTime calls to family, etc. You don’t wanna be without it when you need it!

And they make it so super easy — the Pocket Wifi will be delivered straight to your hotel in Japan! Once you’re done with your trip, use the convenient prepaid envelop to return your router from any address in Japan. Couldn’t be simpler than that!

Check out the benefits and purchase your Pocket Wifi here. Honestly, a life saver!

Useful Japanese Phrases:

• Hello/Good Afternoon: konnichiwa
• Good bye: sayonara
• Delicious: oishi
• Thank you: arigatō
• Please: kudasai
• Where’s the toilet: benjo wa doko desu ka?
• Does anyone speak English? Eigo no hanaseru hito wa imasen ka

Packing tips for Japan:

Clothing : Seaso ns are kind of temperamental in Japan, and you may be wishing you brought different clothing. Therefore, I highly suggest you pack layers for your trip to Japan. An umbrella (cute ones here , here , and here ) and light raincoat (like this or this one ) are recommended as well.

We encountered much more rain during our 10 days in Japan than we had originally planned for, and I’m glad I brought along a raincoat. If you don’t want to stuff a coat in your luggage, consider bringing along a poncho  just in case.

Electricity and Power : As noted above, most of Japan’s electrical outlets are the 2-pronged “Type A” type (100 Volt, 50-60 Hz).

If you have a device with a 3-pronged or European/UK-style plug, you may need a travel adapter (for all devices) and power converter (for high powered devices like a hair straightener or blow dryer).

Pack comfy shoes that are easy to take off. You’ll need to slip off your shoes at various temples, at the airport, at ryokans, and some restaurants. My favorite ones here (on sale), here , and here .

I also suggest bringing along socks if you don’t want to go barefoot… These sushi socks are quite cute and perfect for the occasion…  🙂 

Small throwaway bags for garbage. You won’t find many garbage cans around Japan in general, and it’s expected that you keep your trash on you until you can throw them away. Keep a small bag in your purse/backpack for this purpose. A small foldable tote is perfect for this, and can be used for spontaneous shopping trips.

Pack light. Navigating Japan is much easier when you have a small suitcase, especially since Japanese trains (and train stations) do not cater to travelers with a lot of luggage. In addition, there’s not as many elevators or escalators as you might wish, so remember, you may be carrying your luggage up and down a few flights of stairs.

I recommend traveling with a small rolling suitcase (one that fits in the overhead bin on an airplane like this one or this one ) and a backpack (I have this one and love it).

Stay organized with packing cubes , which also help you fit more into smaller suitcases (I’m able to fit about a months worth of summer clothing using packing cubes and packing strategically).

Language : If you’re up for it, you can also consider taking along a small Japanese Phrase Book . The language is quite difficult, and Google Translate (which won’t work without wifi or a cell plan) saved our butts far too many times.

Japanese written language uses characters, which you’ll see all over the place.  Thankfully, most signs are written in phonetics using the alphabet we use.

We were also surprised by the low number of people who speak any English. Save yourself some frustration and pack a lightweight phrase book in your bag. Interested in learning some Japanese before your trip?

This book looks like loads of fun, and I’m actually thinking of buying it before my next trip back to the country. (The Japanese language is difficult you guys, just trust me.)

Travel Insurance for Japan

Yes, you need this. I always recommend purchasing travel insurance before your trip. You never know what might happen (flight delays, lost baggage, illness), and travel insurance definitely helps with all of those unfortunate unexpectancies.

I highly recommend the companies World Nomads and SafetyWing . I’ve recently been buying coverage with SafetyWing since they cover pandemic-related costs (which most travel insurance companies do not do).

Whenever we travel, we always buy a short term plan (depending on how many days/weeks we’ll be away) before leaving for any trip! Even if you don’t end up using it, peace of mind is 100% worth it in my opinion.

Find plan options and pricing here (and at only a few bucks a day, there’s no excuse not to!) I always say, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford your trip. It’s that easy.

Buy your travel insurance now — don’t wait until it’s too late!

10 Days in Japan:  A Complete Japan Itinerary

And now, the fun part! The 10 day itinerary in Japan!

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo!

You’ll most likely be flying into Narita Airport  and will need a little over an hour to get into the city center via the Narita Express.  After such a long flight (with lots of time difference), it’s best not to plan much on this first day – hello, jetlag! 

I suggest exploring the area you’re staying in (my suggestions: Shibuya or Akihabara) and devouring your first Japanese dinner of either ramen or pork Katsu.

During my stay, I opted for an AirBnB in Shibuya , which has an epic nightlife with tons of stuff going on, restaurants included (even if “partying” isn’t your thing- it sure ain’t mine!).  Use this first afternoon/night to relax and rest up, as the rest of this itinerary will be go-go-go!

Day 2: FULL DAY IN TOKYO (West Side)

Today’s all about modern Tokyo !  You’ll be exploring the western districts of the city, including Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku – just saying these names are fun!  You can either walk from district to district as they are fairly close together, or buy single use train tickets to hop between each. 

DO NOT USE YOUR JR PASS YET as it will expire before you finish needing it later on during the trip. Train tickets within Tokyo are not very expensive, and you won’t be needing many today anyways!

Stop 1: Shibuya

If you opted to stay in Shibuya, you won’t need to take a train here!  Shibuya is Tokyo’s version of Times Square , and with all the bright lights and massive amounts of people, it’s easy to see why.  Be sure to check out the world-famous Shibuya Crossing , where 100’s of people scramble across the street at once. 

For the best view above, head to Starbucks (you’ll need to order something before going upstairs), or find the Keio Inokashira Line at Shibuya Station for another perfect view.

Also say “Hello” – or Konichiwa — to Hachiko (the most loyal dog in the world statue) at Shibuya Crossing and do some shopping at Tokyu Hands .

Meiji Shrine shouldn’t be missed as well, which is the Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken.  You’ll be seeing lots of shrines and temples during your time in Japan, and Meiji is a great one to start with! 

If you’re lucky, you may even witness a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony!  I, however, was not so lucky.

Stop 2: Harajuku

If you want to get a taste for Japanese street style, visit Harajuku.  On Sundays, you can see traditional Harajuku Girls dressed in elaborate costumes and anime – so fun! Try and spot the girl in the photo below all decked out in costume. If you can’t make it on a Sunday, you can get a feel for Japanese street style any day of the week. 

You can reach Harajuku by taking the Yamanote line to Harajuku Station, although it’s not a far walk from Meiji Shrine.

Walk down the famous shopping street of Takeshita Dori , where you’ll find a whole mess of fun stores and fun cafes.  Note that most shops don’t open until 11am, but if you’re following this itinerary, you’ll probably arrive here around 1pmish or so. 

Be sure to try a crepe – the unofficial street food of Harajuku, which you’ll find all over Takeshita Dori!  We also visited a hedgehog café and played with them for about 45 minutes or so.  A super quirky and super weird area, definitely not meant to be missed!

Read Next: Top Things to do in Harajuku

Stop 3: Shinjuku

Shinjuku is the largest neighborhood in Tokyo (dubbed the crazy entertainment district), and you’ll find thousands of restaurants, shops, entertainment, and other attractions that you could easily spend all day here. 

With limited time, we spent a decent portion of the afternoon and night here and felt that was sufficient enough to see the highlights.

Many people opt to see the ever-so-popular Robot Restaurant , which I’ve heard is an other-worldly experience, but after reading reviews, we decided against it.  Do your own research and decide for yourself whether this show is worthy of your time and money. 

Whether you decide to spend part of the evening at the Robot Restaurant, I highly encourage you to make a visit to Omoide Yokocho , commonly known as Piss Alley. 

Piss Alley is a small network of alleyways along the tracks northwest of Shinjuku Station filled with dozens of tiny eateries serving ramen, soba, sushi and yakitori.  Just pick one with open seats and go in – they’re all worthy of some stomach real-estate.

Consider the free observation deck on the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building , visit Shinjuku Gyoen (a large public park near Shinjuku Station being a perfect cherry blossom spot – check on hours, we missed the entrance by about 20 minutes 🙁 ), and find an epic view of the area from the pedestrian overpass near the northwest corner of the Shinjuku station.

Day 3: FULL DAY IN TOKYO (East Side)

Now it’s time to experience the more traditional side of Tokyo , including Sensoji Temple and Ueno Gardens.  Another bird’s eye view can be seen today, at nearby Tokyo Skytree.

If you’re staying in Shibuya like I did, you’ll need to take the train from Shibuya Station to Asakusa Station (35-45 min on train) via the JR Yamanote Line to Ginza or Asakusa Line. Make sure to purchase single tickets – do NOT activate your JR pass yet!

Asakusa and Sensoji Temple

Asakusa is the spiritual heart of Tokyo and a good place to start your day!  Sensoji Temple is the main attraction here, and you’ll start your morning journey at the Kaminarimon Gate . 

As you walk toward the temple buildings, check out the historic  Nakamise Dori shopping street, pick out some souvenirs and grab a Japanese snack (or two!) before exploring Sensoji Temple. 

Consider drawing Omikuji (written fortunes) while here.  If you’re up for it and are interested, check out the surrounding old-fashioned neighborhoods around Asakusa.

Sumida Park and Tokyo SkyTree

If you’re visiting during cherry blossom season, I highly advise you to visit Sumida Park , which is an absolutely wonderful spot to see the flowers in bloom!  It was one of the least crowded public parks we went to and FULL of cherry blossoms! 

I cannot recommend this spot enough!  Bring a snack or two and sit on a blanket for the ultimate experience. We got sakura donuts from Mister Donut (located all around), and ate our flower-themed treats amongst the cherry blossoms.

Next up – Tokyo SkyTree , the tallest tower in not only Japan, but the entire world!  At 634m (2,080 feet),  the complex has two observation decks with great views over the city.  There’s even a glass floor for any of you brave souls!  Expect a cue, so plan on spending a bit of time here.  The Tokyo Skytree is about a 20 minute walk or a 5 minute train ride from Asakusa.

If you don’t wanna wait in line, I highly encourage you to book your skip-the-line Tokyo SkyTree ticket in advance. You can even upgrade to include the Tembo Galleria.

End the afternoon at Ueno Park , another large public space located in central Tokyo and another lively cherry blossom spot.  There are more than 1000 cherry trees of multiple varieties lining its central pathway and lots of temples and shrines here to check out, as well as museums and a zoo if those are of interest to you.

You’ll most likely want to take the JR train from Tokyo SkyTree to Ueno Park.  

Akihabara District

Wake up because we’re off to Tokyo’s crazy Akihabara District! Spend the evening perusing the many electronic shops, including Yodobashi Akiba – the world’s largest with nine stories stuffed with hi tech equipment – for geeks with money.

You’ll also find Japan’s diehard fan anime culture here, with stores devoted to anime and manga; just be sure to keep kids away from the adult-only sections (I wondered at first why all the anime was butt naked)! 

You could easily fill up a whole afternoon and night in Akihabara, from its maid and Gundam cafes, gaming centers (check out Super Potato Retro Shop if you want to be transported into the 90’s), and just gazing at the bright lights.

Day 4: DAY TRIP from Tokyo — 3 Options

Today you’ll activate your JR pass and start putting it to use!  Now that you’ve explored Tokyo, get out of the busy city center and explore another nearby area.  There are numerous day trips you can take from Tokyo , and depending on your interests, you may want to visit more than one! 

Unfortunately this ten day Japan itinerary only allows for one, but if you have another day or two to spare, you could easily do all three. 

I opted for Kamakura because of the rainy and cold weather, but I would have loved Nikko or Hakone had the weather been more cooperative that day. With two weeks in Japan, you can most definitely do all three if you’d like.

Here are my three recommended day trips from Tokyo:

1) Kamakura

Don’t miss the Great Buddha of Kamakura (at Kotokuin Temple), easily the most popular attraction in the area, and literally hard to miss at 44 feet.  Here you’ll find the second largest Buddha in all of Japan. 

Another site not to miss, and only a few minute walk from the Great Buddha – the Hase Dera Temple , which is a beautiful temple located on a hillside overlooking the ocean.

There’s also a bamboo forest at Hokokuji Temple , similar to that in Kyoto, and it’s possible to see Mt. Fuji on a clear day from Kenchoji Temple. 

Once you’ve had your fair share of temples, or are just hungry for some lunch, head on over to Komachi-dori , the busiest commercial street in Kamakura. Try the local specialty of Shirasu-don , (a Whitebait rice bowl), which you’ll easily find in numerous restaurants on the busy street.

Not interested in venturing to Kamakura alone and prefer a group tour?  Looking back, I wished I booked a tour.  Although it wasn’t too far away, we got a bit confused on the train and wasted a bunch of time trying to navigate our way to Kamakura, and then even more time once we arrived.

Many of the tours include other highlights like a tea ceremony and a view of the Bay, which we missed by going alone. I recommend these (from Tokyo) which cover all the top attractions:

• Full Day Trip to Kamakura, Yokohama, and Tokyo Bay (from Tokyo) : Not only does this day tour from Tokyo take you to all the highlights of Kamakura, but you’ll also get to have lunch in Yokohama’s bustling Chinatown, visit the traditional Japanese-style sunken garden of Sankei-en (including tea rooms!), and admire the modern cable-stay Yokohama Bay Bridge.
• 5 Hour Nature and History Walking Tour:  This walking tour follows a hiking route from Kita-Kamakura to Hase-dera Temple, passing many historic temples and shrines.  You’ll be able to enjoy some wonderful panoramas from a hiking trail that offers views in all directions. Note that transportation is not included.

Literally sick of the city and need to get some nature into your life?  Nikko may just be your answer.  Full of ancient moss, stone lanterns, vermillion gates, and towering cedars, there’s a reason why this area is one of Japan’s most visited areas.

Located about two hours north of Tokyo, Nikko is the site of the famous Toshogu Shrine , the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu (VIP in Japan), and numerous other temples and shrines. Don’t miss the famous Shinkyo bridge , the beautiful Nikko National Park (on a sunny day), Kanman-ga-Fuchi Abyss, and Kegon Falls . 

I’m quite bummed we didn’t make it here as all the photos look absolutely spectacular, but now I’ve got another reason to return to Japan!

Trying to fit in a lot during your one day in Nikko?  Consider a group tour which gets you around easily to all of the highlights.

Day Trip Options here: 

• From Tokyo: Nikko World Heritage Full-Day Tour :  Explore the beautiful mountain landscape of Nikko, Japan, experience the majesty of the Tamozawa Imperial Villa, bow to the three golden Buddah’s at the Rinnoji Temple, explore the surrounding landscape with a trip to Kirifuri Falls, and have a relaxed Japanese lunch at a local restaurant.
• Nikko: Autumn Leaves and World Heritage Full–Day Tour :  Discover the beautiful autumn leaves and world heritage of Nikko. During your full-day tour by air-conditioned coach, visit Nikko’s natural sights, Senjo-gahara and Kegon waterfalls, and Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Perfect during those autumn months!

If you have more than 10 days in Japan, check out these additional day trips from Tokyo .

If seeing Mt. Fuji is on your bucket list, then I definitely recommend making the day trip to Hakone. 

Once arriving, you have a whole slew of options to fill your day, including the Hakone Tozan Cable Car for stunning views, the Hakone Ropeway for even more epic views, Owakudani with views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day, and a small Buddhist alter. 

You can also take a Hakone Sightseeing Cruise and spend time at the Hakone Open Air Museum (art gallery). Brave? Try a black egg!

If you’re not up for heading to Hakone alone , there are numerous day trips from Tokyo that leave the transportation and planning up to someone else.  You’re on holiday – treat yourself and save yourself the hassle! I recommend the followings tours:

• From Tokyo: Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Trip by Shinkansen : Spend a day trip traveling to Mt. Fuji, Japan’s most famous symbol and highest mountain. Enjoy the view from the 5th Station before visiting the nearby resort town of Hakone, known for its onsen hot springs. Return to Tokyo by bullet train!
• From Tokyo: Mt. Fuji and Hakone Tour with Bullet Train :  Get spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and its surrounding mountains on a day trip from Tokyo. Cruise across Lake Ashi by boat and take the ropeway up Mt. Komagatake. Relax in the hot springs resort of Hakone, and then catch the bullet train back to Tokyo.

However, note that seeing the mountain is never guaranteed and it’s possible you may make the trip only to be disappointed.  Some months out of the year have higher chances of visibility, including the winter months.  If it looks like a questionable morning with lots of clouds, I highly suggest you alter your plans and opt for either Nikko or Kamakura instead.

Day 5: MORNING BULLET TRAIN TO KYOTO then EXPLORING

First Bullet Train Ride!

*Note that you’ll be required to make a seat reservation if you have opted for the Green JR Pass.  Make this reservation when you first exchange your JR voucher for a ticket, or the night before leaving for Kyoto.  Don’t wait until the morning of because it’s possible the reservation desk will not be open yet.

Get up nice and early, grab some breakfast in the station/on the way to the station, and take a 7:00/7:30am bullet train from Tokyo Station (you may need to transfer at Shinagawa Station) in route for Kyoto! 

If you take this early morning train ride, you’ll arrive in Kyoto around 10:30am or so, which is necessary if you want to see a bunch of Kyoto sites today.  Once you arrive in Kyoto, put your luggage/bags into a coin locker (roughly 500-900 Yen for two suitcases for the entire day) and get exploring!

A note about Kyoto’s public transportation: Unlike Tokyo, Kyoto relies on large public buses. We were unaware of this and unfortunately caught off guard when we couldn’t take fast trains to get around. Give yourself some extra time as it’ll take longer to get around. Embrace it – look outside the window on the bus and take in some local Kyoto life.

Arashiyama Area

Catch the bus to the  Saga-Arashiyama Station , where you’ll be hanging out for a few hours.  First up, Tenyru-Ji Shrine and its accompanying zen garden.  So many beautiful plants and flowers (nicely labeled in both English and Japanese) here, such as the Japanese wisteria, which you’ll never see outside of Japan.

Once you exit the garden, you’ll come across the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove/Forest .  Walking through the Bamboo Grove is definitely one of the essential experiences to have in Kyoto so don’t pass it up! 

The grove is much smaller than I thought, taking roughly 15 minutes to walk through, but is absolutely excellent for photography.

Walk through slowly to take it all in, and don’t forget to look up at the towering bamboo!  Bring a wide-angle lens and if possible, a go pro, in order to include as much of the bamboo in your photos!

Before you head to the Monkey Park (coming up next!), you’ll most likely come across a lovely area with small eateries and a beautiful, green emerald lake. A good spot for some photos in my opinion!  🙂  We enjoyed a few vending machine coffees and teas here (you’ll be doing that everywhere in Japan too, you’ll see!).

Read Next: Top Things to do in Kyoto and Attractions

Next up, walk to the Iwatayama Monkey Park !  Yes, it’s about a 15-20 minute walk completely uphill to reach the park, but definitely worth it!  Just be aware, the Google Maps directions to this attraction are wrong.

The entrance to the park is simply near the orange shrine gate at the south side of the Togetsu-kyo bridge. Look for a cartoon picture of a monkey and you’re golden!

The park is a nice change from the temples and shrines you’ll be seeing a lot of in Kyoto, and it’s so much fun to feed the monkeys for only 100Y.  There’s also a wonderful view of Kyoto from up here.  

Before anyone gets mad at those pictures of the monkeys “behind bars”, please know they are free to roam wherever they’d like throughout the park, and us humans are actually put in an enclosed area when feeding them. This is to protect both the animals and us.

We could have easily spent hours watching the monkeys and admiring the view, but off to the Golden Pavilion it was!

Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)

If you’ve got more time today, take the bus to the Golden Pavilion , which is super impressive and made entirely of gold!  Reflected in the lake, it’s no wonder this is one of the top things to do in Kyoto. 

Make sure to try some Japanese flavored ice cream here, such as green matcha and/or black sesame, my new favorite!  It’s guaranteed to be crowded, but very, very worth it in my opinion.

*Don’t forget to head back to Kyoto Station to collect your bags before heading to your hotel or AirBnb for the night!

Day 6: FULL DAY IN KYOTO

Nishiki Market

Start the day at the Nishiki Market – known for its different food stalls where you can try all kinds of Japanese cuisine and treats. 

Stroll for an hour or so up and down the streets of the market, stopping whenever something tickles your fancy. The market is a great place to dive into some of the more unusual dishes – don’t be a chicken, try them!

However, absolutely don’t leave the market without trying tako tamago – the infamous candied baby octopus stuffed with a quail egg.  It tastes way better than it sounds – I could have eaten three!

Want a taste of those cutesy animal donuts you’ve possibly seen all over the internet? You can try them here – at Floresta Donuts .  I had a hard time eating mine as it was just too cute to bite into! Quite possibly my favorite thing I ate during our 10 days in Japan! SO cute!

After your fix of Japanese delicacies and donuts, walk on over to Gion, Kyotos famous geisha district.  If you’re lucky you may spot a real true-life geisha , although they tend to walk fast to their destination and don’t like to show their face. 

However, if you do spot one, but courteous and don’t obviously follow them or point your camera directly to their face.  Show respect for their culture. I wasn’t so lucky and didn’t spot any on my trip.

Higashiyama District

End the day at the Higashiyama District, the world famous hub of Kyoto’s best-known shrines and temples.  And let me tell me, this place is worth checking out. It’s one of my favorite areas in all of Kyoto .

Make sure to walk down Sannenzaka and Ninensaka – the two most beautiful streets in the district, with numerous souvenir shops and eateries.  It can get rather crowded during the day (for good reason!), so we chose to come a bit before dusk had encountered a less cramped experience. 

Still cramped, but less cramped than I imagine mid-day would be. You’ll find some eats on the walk – make sure to try a sakura cream puff !

Kyomizu-dera Temple , a listed UNESCO site, should be next on your list.  Again, it’s quite busy, but the view out over a sea of trees is hard to beat – just imagine this during cherry blossom season (absolutely to die for!) And yea, try an onigiri maki – an emoji in the wild!

Finish off this (long and tiring) day by walking part of the Philosopher’s Path (found on Google Maps as  Tetsugaku-no-michi) , a path that runs along a narrow river and is lined with more cherry blossom trees than you can ever imagine! 

You’ll end at the Silver Pavilion, although not as fancy and intricate as the Golden Pavilion, and not even lined in silver, but still impressive nonetheless.

Day 7: DAY TRIP TO NARA AND OSAKA

It’s time for some day trips today, and we’ll be crossing off two in one day’s time!  Head to Nara from Kyoto Station (via JR Nara Line – roughly 1 hour on the express train), then after seeing some of the top temples, head on over to Osaka and eat everything!

Get ready to interact with some deer in Nara Park , which can be found all throughout the area and are literally impossible to miss!  And oh yea, those crackers you see being sold on the street?  Those are for the deer, not us hungry humans!

A few temples to see: Todaiji (must visit Unesco World Heritage Site with super tall Buddha), Kasaguga Taisha Shrine (the most important shrine in Nara), Kofukuiji Temple, and Gangou-ji Temple.  If you’ve had enough of temples by this time, head over to Osaka and skip a temple or two.

Tip : Get the Nara Kotsu one day pass (it’s more of a wooden plague you can wear around your neck if you please) for 500 Yen.  This sightseeing bus brings you around to the top attractions in Central Nara, and is good for most of the buses you see throughout the city.

Off to Osaka for the rest of the day!  Many people skip Osaka as they think it’s just another large city like that of Tokyo, but we absolutely loved our few hours here!  Don’t skip it!

First up, the ever-so-beautiful Osaka Castle , one of Japan’s most famous landmarks!  Get off at Osakajokoen Station. 

Note that the castle may very well be closed by the time you reach it depending on how long you spend in Nara (last admission is 4:30pm in April, a bit later in the summer months), but the outside alone is worth the train and short 20 minute walk!

Next up, Dotonbori Street !  It’s an absolute madhouse full of people, shops, and eateries, and an absolute must-do while in Osaka.  Be sure to look up and admire the moving animal billboards found on the buildings.

Osaka is the food capitol not just of Japan, but of the entire world.  Hence, you’ll want to eat everything in sight (just leave some room for a Kobe beef dinner).  Try beloved regional dishes like okonomiyaki, takoyaki (fried octopus balls – tastes way better than it sounds), udon, and hiyashi ame ginger drink.

Rule of thumb: if there’s a long line, the food is out of this world.  Wait and you’ll be rewarded.

If you want to get some shopping on, head on over to nearby Shinsaibashi, the city’s premier shopping district.  We chose to skip the shopping and focused on stuffing our faces 😉

Great dinner suggestion: Tsurugyu.  This place is all about Kobe beef , and is super fresh and decently priced.  Expect to pay around 5,000Y per person, drink included.  Reservations are highly recommended, although we somehow got extremely lucky and were able to sit at the bar – but don’t count on this!

Day 8: DAY TRIP TO MIYAJIMA AND HIROSHIMA

Get ready for another jam-packed day.  Yes, it’ll take a while to get here, but trust me, on a clear, sunny day, it’s 100% worth it and absolutely beautiful. 

Take an early morning bullet train to Hiroshima, which takes roughly 2 hours from Kyoto Station, then a local JR train to Miyajimaguchi Station, then finally the JR ferry to Miyajima.  All included in your JR Pass .

You can choose to visit either Miyajima or Hiroshima first, but I highly recommend visiting Miyajima during high tide to see the gate “floating” in the water.  Check tide schedules online.

If you opt for Miyajima first (again, tide dependent), and take an 8am bullet train out of Kyoto Station, you’ll reach Miyajima by approximately 11am.

Head straight to the tori gate (after some deer interaction of course, yes there’s deer here and they’re SUPER friendly, just watch your food). 

You’ll want to snap a million photos because this place is just so damn beautiful it’s hard not to!  You can also check out the floating shrine as well, which we loved and was unlike any other shrine/temple we saw in Japan!

Spectacular views your thing? Take the Miyajima Ropeway (~15 minutes, $17 roundtrip) for better-then-great views of the whole area from the top of Mt. Misen . There’s a bus at the base of Miyajima Island which will take you to the ropeway station fo’ free as well if you’re already feeling super tired from your journey.

Before heading back to the ferry, pick up some ice cream (green tea or black sesame, you are in Japan!) – perfect on a hot, sunny day.

Take the ferry back to Miyajimaguchi Station, then the JR train to Hiroshima.  Note that you’ll need to either take a tram or buy a Hiroshima Sightseeing Hop-On, Hop-Off Loop Bus “Meipuru-pu” to get around in Hiroshima super easily – which is free of cost for JR pass users . 

We took the sightseeing bus to Hiroshima Castle , and then to the area with the A-Bomb Dome , Children’s Peace Monument , and Peace Memorial Museum and Park .  The museum was closed by the time we arrived, but we were still able to wander around at the memorials and pay our respects.

End this super long day eating okonomiyaki at Okonomimura , a humungous multi-level eatery with tiny stalls of different shops making varieties of the famous pancake.  Just for reference, we made it back on a bullet train around 8:30/9pm, getting back to Kyoto around 11pm.  Told you it was a long day.  😉

Day 9: KYOTO THEN BULLET TRAIN BACK TO TOKYO

Today’s your last day in Kyoto, so it’s time to do those last-minute things you missed, including the Fushimi Inari Shrine.   Put your bags in coin lockers at Kyoto Station before heading out for the day (just don’t forget to pick up before the bullet train heading back to Tokyo!)

Morning/Afternoon in Kyoto

1. Fushimi Inari Shrine (Taisha): COME EARLY BEFORE THE MASSES ! No matter how tired you are, do not skip Fushimi Inari Shrine!  To get here, you’ll need to take the JR Line (Nara or Keihan Main) from Kyoto to Inari Station. 

The shrine is comprised of over 10,000 beautiful orange-y red tori gates arching over a scenic, possible 2-hour-long walking trail. You don’t need to do the entire circuit, but definitely make it past the initial arch as this is the most populated one due to its close proximity to the start. 

Make sure to notice the numerous fox statues along the shrine grounds, as they are thought to be Inari’s messengers and hold much importance to this area. And get some inari sushi if you’re a bit hungry – look how cute they are! Definitely one of my favorite things we did during our 10 days in Japan.

Read Next: Alllll the best things to do in Kyoto

2. Nijo Castle: One of Kyoto’s most popular and impressive sights, and a wonderful place to walk around on your last official morning in the city. The grounds are large with numerous fortifications, a lovely castle, beautiful moat, and gardens.

Inari Shrine to Nijo Castle: Head back to Kyoto Station, then take the JR Sagano train to Nijo stop

3. To-Ji Garden and Temple: Depending on your groups level of tired-ness, you may choose to skip these gardens (which are a 15 minute walk from Kyoto station).  We were too pooped from the week’s festivities to even think about wandering around here, and let’s face it – I saved myself an hour or so of complaints from my husband. 

We both get a little grumpy when the tiredness kicks in.  If you do decide to go, you’ll find the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan, a lovely garden with a koi fish pond, and some beautiful cherry blossoms. Next time for me!

Bullet Train to Tokyo

Once you’re done with your activities in Kyoto, back on the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Tokyo it is!

The bullet train from Kyoto to Tokyo takes around 3 hours or so, and with our stomachs grumbling already, we opted for a dinner of bento boxes to take on the train with us.  You’ll find a handful of stalls in the train station selling a wide variety of food options, with bento boxes being absolutely perfect for the long train ride!

Since you’ll only be in Tokyo for one additional night and will need to take the train from Tokyo station to Narita International Airport the next day, I suggest staying in the Ginza area, 1 or 2 stops on the train depending on which line you take.

It also lets you explore a new area the next morning before heading off to the airport.

Recommended hotels in Ginza:

• Luxury : Millenium Mitsui Garden Hotel  (where we stayed and we absolutely loved it! – and less than $150 a night!)
• Mid-Line : Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Ginza  (super chic upscale hotel at affordable rates in a great location)
• Budget : Tokyo Ginza Bay Capsule Hotel  (if you don’t know what a capsule hotel is… go check that out!)

Day 10: SUSHI BREAKFAST AND OFF TO THE AIRPORT

Before heading out for the day, it’s a good idea to check out of your hotel to avoid rushing back for the mid-morning check-out time, and be sure to ask your hotel to store your bags (which you’ll pick up later before heading off to the airport).

Sushi Breakfast at Tsukiji Market

On your last official morning after 10 days in Japan (cue the sad face), there’s nothing better than an authentic sushi breakfast!  And no better place to get fresh sushi than at the Tsukiji Fish Market – the world’s largest, busiest fish market! 

Note that the Tsukiji Fish Market is comprised of two parts – the inner market (the Uogashi wholesaler market) and the outer market.  The inner market is where you’ll find the early-morning wholesale tuna auction (think 4am, yes, really that early), while the outer market is for all of us foodies hoping to satisfy our taste buds with some seafood goodness.

While Daiwa Sushi and Sushi Dai are two of the most common sushi shops in Tsukiji Market, the lines are astronomically long.  We picked a place at random and had a wonderful experience – the fish was fresh, service was adequate, and prices were competitive.

You won’t find mediocre sushi anywhere in this area, so decide for yourself (and your hungry belly) if waiting in those long lines is worth it.

If you have a little extra time and wanna learn about Japanese food culture and the market in general, consider signing up for a Tsukiji Outer Market Food and Drink Walking Tour . You’ll sample bonito, katsuobushi, dashi stock, sushi, sake, fresh tuna, local omelets (my all-time fave) and so much more. I so wish we did this as we didn’t learn much about the market and honestly didn’t even know where to begin on our own — there’s so many stalls and we didn’t know half of the foods!

Next time we’re in Japan I REALLY wanna take this combined tour of the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market and sushi-making class! I love taking cooking classes when I travel (I’ve made macarons in Paris, egg tarts in Lisbon, and tamales in Mexico so far), so I think sushi in Japan is next for me!

Shopping in Ginza

After filling up on some sushi (and ice cream, because, why not?!), head back to Ginza for some upscale window shopping.  This district is home to the most expensive shopping and real estate in Tokyo – kind of like New York’s Fifth Avenue, but with more lights!

Off to the Airport

Depending on your flight time, you may have a bit more time, but it’s always wise to get to the airport extra early for international flights. 

Head back to your hotel, collect your bags, head to Tokyo Station, then to Narita Airport (takes approximately 1 hour via Narita Express), have one more Japanese meal at the airport, and say goodbye to this eclectic yet charming country.

If you have any questions on this 10 day Japan itinerary, please ask below in the comments! If you follow this itinerary (exactly what we did), I can promise you not only will you see so much in such a short period of time, but you won’t be stressed out planning either!  🙂

TRAVELING TO JAPAN SOON? Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a big fan of  World Nomads  and SafetyWing when traveling abroad.

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Photos via Day 1a | Day 2 and Steam Fire at Asakusa  | cherry blossoms | Akihabara | Hakone 1 and 3 | Hakone 2 |

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September 23, 2020 at 10:18 pm

Great post! We are planning to visit Japan around cherry blossoms season next year. Your 10-day itinerary seems perfect. We might add 3 to 4 days to it as we love to follow the slow pace when we travel 🙂

September 23, 2020 at 10:47 pm

You’re gonna have the best time ever – I wish I could go back and do my entire itinerary again! An extra few sounds would be perfect; we had to rush around a lot!

April 13, 2021 at 11:26 pm

Very elaborate Japan guide! Hope to visit this wonderful place in the near future!

March 27, 2022 at 5:54 am

Thanks so much, this was very helpful, and fun to read. I’ve been once by myself and hope to return with my wife. If it’s not too personal, what was the total cost of the trip for two?

April 4, 2022 at 6:16 pm

Hi Bill! So glad the post was helpful! Unfortunately it’s really hard to say the total cost, as it greatly varies depending on what hotels you choose, activities you do, and restaurants you eat at! With that being said, the street food is absolutely phenomenal and a great way to save a bit of money! We loved it all!

April 7, 2022 at 1:22 am

such an amazing post and trip, wish i can go there very soon. thankyou for sharing 🙂

July 18, 2022 at 8:44 am

I am so very grateful for your post. I have been researching for months and this is the most helpful post I have found! We will be traveling to Japan April 2023 for my sons graduation present. We will only have 7-8 days there. If you were to take off 1-2 days which would they be. Right now I am thinking one less day in Tokyo but not sure what else to eliminate.

July 20, 2022 at 6:58 pm

So glad you found it helpful! I would cut off the day trip from Tokyo, and eliminate a day in Tokyo like you suggested. You can see the main highlights of Tokyo in 2 long, jam packed days. It’ll be a very hectic and tiring trip, but you’ll see a lot in just a week! I cannot wait to go back to Japan! Enjoy your trip — sounds like it’ll be a special one!

August 29, 2022 at 1:19 pm

I’m planning a trip to Japan and this has been super helpful! One question though, did you mainly find lodging in just Tokyo and Kyoto? And you did day trips out of those cities but would return back?

August 29, 2022 at 8:42 pm

Hi Francesca — yup, did exactly that! I stayed in Tokyo and Kyoto and did day trips! SO much to see! Have such a great trip! I cannot wait to go back to Japan!!!

October 1, 2022 at 10:40 pm

Hey! your post is SUPER helpful for my 10 day trip I want to take in April 2023! But I was curious if you visited any hot springs or passed by any while on your trip? I want to go to one with my boyfriend and have a relaxing dip 🙂 I look forward to the trip and your trip sounds like something we would follow to enjoy our time! thnk you 🙂

October 2, 2022 at 4:33 pm

Hey there! We didn’t have time for any on our first trip, but spent a few days at an onsen in Mt. Muji on our second trip! Highly recommend adding that in if you’re looking for some peace and quiet! It was incredible!

August 9, 2023 at 9:19 am

Hi! Which onsen do you recommend?

November 1, 2022 at 11:18 am

Can u suggest a place to do one day of kintsugi lesson. I love your itinerary and plan to follow it to the T. And will definitely share my experience once I am back… I have about 13 days…one last thing..anything that a vegetarian can eat

November 6, 2022 at 2:26 am

Excellent guide! May I know is the 7-day JR pass one-way only (Tokyo -> Kyoto)? Do we need to buy another ticket/pass for the bullet train from Kyoto back to Tokyo?

November 6, 2022 at 4:32 pm

The JR pass works for all directions! As long as it’s still within the 7 days if you buy the 7 day pass! You can use the pass as many times as you want within the time frame you buy it for. It’s great!

November 27, 2022 at 10:18 pm

love your itinerary! i’m planning to visit japan in december and wondered if the disneyland in tokyo was worth it?

November 28, 2022 at 7:47 pm

Hi Rama! How exciting! I’ve never been to Tokyo Disney so unfortunately cannot comment! Have a great trip! Japan is easily one of my favorite countries!

January 19, 2023 at 12:04 pm

This post is amazing! We are planning a trip to Japan and this has everything. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences!

January 20, 2023 at 5:15 pm

Of course, so glad it’s helpful! Let me know if you have any questions! We loved our trips to Japan and can’t wait to go back!

February 9, 2023 at 2:03 pm

Thank you so much for sharing, this is super helpful! I was wondering, if you were to have stayed at a ryokan during this trip, when / in which city would you recommend staying? I’m currently planning a 10 day try and would like to follow your itinerary but also want to squeeze in a stay in a ryokan!

March 22, 2023 at 6:38 am

I just wanted to thank you. My wife and I returned last night from our first trip to Japan, 11 nights in total. We followed your itinerary almost to the letter, including all three day trips from Tokyo – Kamakura, Nikko and Hakone.

It was an extra special trip for us, celebrating my 50th birthday, and your itinerary made the incredibly intimidating task of knowing how to structure a short trip to Japan, manageable and endlessly rewarding.

I commend you for your excellent research and wanted you to know how valuable of a service you are providing!

March 28, 2023 at 7:06 pm

Just to be clear, you’re recommending just two home bases during the ten days in Japan: Tokyo and Kyoto? We’re going in October and are booking hotels. So – one hotel in Tokyo and one hotel in Kyoto from which we see those cities and take day trips. It’s that simple?

April 5, 2023 at 11:07 am

Yup — makes it so much easier than booking a different hotel for every night! 🙂 The train system is amazing in Japan and you can easily get to so many day trips from both major cities.

April 26, 2023 at 3:42 pm

We are planning a trip to Japan in April 2024 and I came across you blog post. Amazing post and your detailed itinerary is very helpful. I’m wondering if there is any advantage of choosing Narita vs Haneda airport. We will be flying from SFO and have options to both.

April 27, 2023 at 2:05 pm

If you can find a flight to Haneda for a decent price, I’d actually choose that! It’s much closer to Tokyo itself. However, more airlines fly into Narita. I’ll be looking into Haneda for my next trip! 🙂

May 9, 2023 at 4:22 pm

Thank you so much for this very helpful itinerary. My husband and I are planning to visit in early December to celebrate my 60th birthday. Your suggestions and recommendations were very helpful and I will definitely be using them. Thank you again.

May 9, 2023 at 5:54 pm

Glad it was helpful! That’s so exciting — what a special spot for a birthday! Have the best time, and let me know if you have any questions!

May 21, 2023 at 2:06 am

We are booked on a cruise around Japan for 10 days but coming in earlier to do some land tours and hopefully see things we will not be able to do on the cruise. All your information was so informative and will be looking more into it all. We will be leaving Sydney Australia on 23rd March 2024 specifically for Cherry Blossom time.

August 9, 2023 at 9:17 am

Hi! We are flying to HND arriving June 8th at 21:05. We depart from NRT June 20th. I haven’t booked any accommodations yet. I’m trying to follow your itinerary. How many nights would you recommend in Tokyo and Kyoto? Should we stay in another city for a few nights to reduce traveling time? Regarding the JR Pass, we fall in between the 7 day and 14 day pass. I’m thinking the 7 day pass should be enough if we start using it day 4 or 5. Thank you!

November 5, 2023 at 2:56 pm

Hi Jess. Your itinerary was the inspiration for my first visit to Japan last month with my niece. We followed the majority of the 10 days outlined including all of the daytrips except for Hakone. Your suggestions were excellent because each day trip was unique and memorable. Your tips on where to purchase the local currency, the JR train pass as well as the packing tips were incredibly helpful. We also made it a point to try every single one of your foodie recommendations. Black sesame and Sakura were definitely our favorite Japanese flavors for ice cream. Nishiki Market, Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, the floating shrine in Miyajima, the Great Buddha statues at Kotokuin in Kamakura and at Todaji in Nara, Okonomimura in Hiroshima, Fushimi Inari Shrine were absolute highlights. Thank you so much for sharing this well-researched and well-organized itinerary that helped us make the most of our truly breath-taking adventure in Japan.

November 8, 2023 at 12:16 am

So glad it was helpful and that you had an amazing trip to Japan! Every time I go back I’m already planning my next trip! Such a wonderful, diverse country!

December 18, 2023 at 4:02 pm

Hello, I want to make sure I understand your itinerary. At the beginning, does it call for 4 or 5 nights in Tokyo?

January 16, 2024 at 12:46 pm

What would you add to this itinerary if you travel with 12 and 13 year old children?

January 20, 2024 at 10:56 pm

Hi there! I don’t have kids so not sure I’m the best person to ask! There’s tons of things to do in Tokyo for people with all different interests though.

February 20, 2024 at 5:16 am

Fantastic info for a possible first time visitor. Thanks so much! Just querying the following part of your page though:

“If you’re coming from the US, an easy way to figure out USD to JY is to move the decimal point two spots to the right >> 100Y = approximately $1USD. Just for quick reference, 10,000Y = approximately 100USD.”

If I move the decimal place to the right for 100.00Y that equal 10000 USD based on the above. Should that have said “move the decimal place two spots to the left (which would = 1.00)

February 20, 2024 at 5:19 am

Ignore all that.. I now see it from the US point of view – i.e. move the US decimal point two spots to the right to get JPY. Sorry! Great site, really appreciate ethe information.

March 7, 2024 at 3:50 pm

what is the latest the bullet trains operate for example taking a day trip from Kyoto to Osaka at what time do you have to head back? Is there a website were we can see this?

April 20, 2024 at 2:29 pm

Hi. My name is Jack, I live in Japan for more than 10 years and run a personal blog jackinjapan.com I would be glad if you can read my work)

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How to Plan a Trip to Japan: a Step By Step Guide

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: December 6, 2023

Wonder how to plan a trip to Japan? If you don’t know where to start, or how to plan a trip to Japan, you have come to the right place.

Planning a trip to Japan, a country with a completely different culture, an unintelligible language, and several stretched-out megacities, can be a little overwhelming.

But let me reassure you immediately, it is very easy to travel independently in this country.

Japanese are welcoming, helpful, and well-organized. You will find yourself at home in this country in no time.

In this Japan travel blog post,  we will explain step by step how to get started with your Japan trip planning.

We share a lot of travel tips for Japan, how to get to the country of the rising sun, where to stay, all of the best things to do for first-timers, and everything else you need to know to craft a perfect holiday. 

We have some example itineraries to get you started, we will cover what to pack and the best travel time. 

We also mapped some things against a timeline so you know how far in advance you should take care of some of the more important things.

This step-by-step guide is also handy if you are only planning a trip to Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka.

Ready? Let’s start working on this amazing Japan trip!

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

When to Visit Japan

A good item to start your planning with is to record your travel period.  Once you’ve decided on a certain period you can start looking for flights.

Below is an overview of the different seasons in Japan with the pros and cons of each season.

Best Time to Travel to Japan

Japan is a long and narrow, stretched-out country.   It has a mountainous region in the North that attracts skiers in winter.  The Southern island of Okinawa is a popular beach location and scuba divers are raving about its untouched colorful underwater world.

The most popular tourist hotspots of Tokyo and Kyoto are located between those two regions. 

The best time to travel to Japan obviously depends on your interests and the region you want to visit.

The best time to travel to Japan for first-time visitors who want to see the highlights of the country is Spring and Autumn.

We would advise against traveling in summer because the cities are very hot and humid in this season.

The Sakura is a bonus of traveling in Spring, the cherry blossoms are an attraction in and by themselves.

Here are some more details about the different seasons.

Spring is an excellent season to visit Japan.  Certainly, if you can arrange your plans to coincide with the so-called Sakura, the famous cherry blossoms.

The cherry trees start blooming in the South of Japan and gradually transform the entire country into a colorful floral display.

The northern peninsula of Hokkaido is the last to showcase its beautiful colors.

It’s difficult to predict exactly when the flowers will bloom. 

You can check the predictions and forecasts on the site of the Japanese tourist board and the Japanese Meteorological Corporation.  The predictions become more accurate as the date approaches and they’re not really useful at this stage of your travel planning.

The period can vary a few weeks every year. It’s best to plan your trip across the country in a southerly direction.  It guarantees that you will see the blossoms at their best in at least one location.

We witnessed this glorious natural phenomenon in Tokyo , Kyoto, and Osaka. The cherry blossoms attract huge numbers of people all over the country, the Japanese even organize Hanami in the parks. (A Hanami is a flower-viewing party)

You can see cherry blossoms all over the world, but the atmosphere in Japan during this time of year is one you won’t find anywhere else.

The Sakura blossoms draw in large crowds, so this is a busy and somewhat more expensive time to travel to Japan.

Right after the Sakura Season is another busy travel week, the “Golden Week”.  It is formed by 4 national holidays, the first of which is Emperor day on April 29.  The other days are Constitution day on May 3, Greenery day on May 4, and Children’s day on May 5.

Many Japanese take advantage of this period to explore their own country, which makes the popular tourist attractions much busier than usual. This, in turn, causes the hotel rates to increase as well.

Temperatures will range from 15 degrees Celcius to 25 degrees Celcius.  In March and April, you may experience an occasional shower, during May it starts raining more often and more heavily.

Insider tip: Did you know that we also have a travel planner that you can download and use for your trip planning? Check out our  Japan travel planner ! This document will help you plan your trip smoothly. 

Summers in Japan are warm with temperatures that often exceed 30 degrees Celsius.  The humidity makes the wind chill even higher and unenjoyable if you’re not used to tropical climates.

The cities are always crowded and the combination of this bustling activity and such a high temperature can make exploring these concrete jungles unpleasant during this season.

June and July statistically know the most rainfall. This applies to most of the country, only the northern peninsula of Hokkaido is mainly spared from the downpours. 

The rainy season starts and ends a month earlier in Okinawa where most rainfall is measured in the months of May and June.

It doesn’t rain every day in the rainy season.  Some days are dry, while some days have light rain and other days come with massive downpours.

It’s difficult to predict, but as a rule of thumb, one can say that it will rain roughly every other day.

The benefit of traveling through Japan during this time of year is that the popular tourist sites, where otherwise you’d be part of a huge crowd, are much less busy.

Even after the rainy season has come to an end the weather remains hot and humid. 

The official typhoon season starts in May, but the typhoons that can disrupt everyday life are most common in the months of August and September.

Only a few severe storms reach the Japanese mainland and the storms are also very predictable.  This means that it is not necessary to avoid this period. It’s sufficient to watch the weather forecast to know when you shouldn’t go outside.

That being said, heavy rainfall does have the potential to cripple public transportation, while temples and amusement parks are sometimes closed during strong winds or sudden floods.

Many Natsumatsuri are organized in Summer. 

A Natsumatsuri is a summer festival.  It’s a cause for Japanese women to get their colorful Yukata out of the closet.  Huge crowds gather around the food and drink stalls and watch the fireworks together.  

If you’re in Japan during Summer you must definitely join these celebrations.

If you’re not a fan of warm and humid summer weather, you could still always go to Hokkaido. This is the only region with summer temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit).

Fall is another great time to travel to Japan.

Japan is home to many expansive parks and forests, and the fall colors transform them into a gorgeous and colorful palette.

The fall foliage craze is no match for the popularity of the Sakura but that couldn’t stop the Japanese from giving it a special word: Koyo.

The best period to admire the amazing Koyo colors depends on the weather conditions and the location.  Japan is fairly big and the peak period differs significantly between the different regions.

Japan’s official tourism website has an Autumn leaves guide. You can track the Koyo predictions just like you can track the cherry blossoms.

Autumn temperatures start around 26 degrees Celcius.  When you visit Japan in October, you’ll normally still be able to enjoy pleasant temperatures that exceed 20 degrees Celsius. During the month of November, the temperature drops below 20 degrees Celcius to 15 degrees Celcius.

Although November is a bit cooler, it still counts plenty of sunny days to enjoy.

This makes both October and November pleasant and comfortable months to travel to Japan.

Winter announces the low season in most parts of Japan.  Only Hokkaido, with its many ski resorts, experiences a peak in tourism during this season.

Temperatures in Hokkaido range around 0 degrees Celcius.  In central and South Japan it is around 10 degrees Celcius. 

Some melting snow may fall in Tokyo during January and February, but the snow typically doesn’t stick around very long.

This is an atypical time to visit Japan, but the country does have some fun things to offer in winter. Great examples are the snow monkeys that you can see bathing in the onsen. You can also visit idyllic villages such as Shirakawa-go that are very enchanting when they’re covered by a layer of fresh snow.

The Japanese brighten up these cold months with various winter festivals featuring ice sculptures and fairytale-like lights. The most famous of those is the Sapporo Snow Festival.

General Do’s and Don’ts in Japan

It is clear that etiquette is still an important element of everyday life to the Japanese. They are some of the most courteous, helpful, and respectful people we’ve come across.

That was one of the aspects that made our trip so unforgettable.

You are certainly not supposed to comply with all their etiquette rules as a tourist, but the least you can do is try to return the favor.

Soaking in an onsen is one thing you absolutely must do while in Japan, but please read a little about basic onsen etiquette before you do.

Also, try your best at learning a little Japanese so you can say thank you and please when the locals help you out when you ever get lost in one of the huge train stations. (it happened to us a few times)

If you’re staying in a Ryokan, something we also recommend, it’s also good to read a little in preparation so that you know what to expect.

A Ryokan stay is an excellent way to experience Japanese tradition but you will enjoy it so much more if you understand the typical customs that come with such a stay.

They will provide you with slippers and a Yukata to wear around the property and Ryokans usually also have an onsen.

Are you afraid to cut a silly figure? Don’t let this stop you from staying a Ryokan and remember that you can always ask the owners about their house rules.

Intrigued by what we write above? Here you can find all our ryokans posts:

• Best Ryokan with private onsen in Kyoto
• Best Ryokans in Osaka
• 20 best Ryokans with private onsen in Hakone
• Best Ryokans in Kanazawa

Different cultures have different eating etiquette and it won’t come as a surprise that Japan also has a number of rules about eating with chopsticks. If there’s one thing you absolutely must remember, it’s that you shouldn’t place your sticks vertically in food, which is associated with death.

Did you come here expecting a list of things absolutely not to miss in Japan? We’ve got that too. Here is our Japan bucket list and famous landmarks you shouldn’t miss !

How Many Days in Japan

There’s no easy answer to this question. As Japan lovers, we recommend that you go as long as possible. 🙂

Japan is a country of contrasts. From the bustling city of Tokyo to the stillness of a Zen garden, from the neon-lit nightlife to the serene beauty of Kyoto. There is enough variation in the various sights so that traveling around Japan isn’t boring or repetitive.

To truly appreciate Japan, and its people, we recommend taking at least two weeks to explore this fascinating country.

We have carefully mapped out 5-day, 7-day, 2-week , and 3-week itineraries specifically aimed at first-time visitors.

If you want to make a city trip, check out Tokyo is the perfect destination for a 4 or 5-day city trip .

And if you have a week you can visit Tokyo and make some side trips to nearby places such as Hakone and Nikko or even Kyoto and Osaka.

Check out this list of example itineraries for various destinations in Japan

Japan Trip Cost

Japan is not the cheapest country to explore but some good planning can save you a lot of money.  Hotels will take the largest chunk out of your travel budget.  You can save a lot of money by booking these several months in advance.

Transportation is the second-largest cost item.  Oftentimes you can save on this by using local discount passes or special tourist passes.  The most well-known is the Japan Rail Pass but we also cover other passes on our site such as the Tokyo Metro Pass (Tokyo Subway Ticket) and the Hakone Free Pass .

Food is relatively cheap in Japan.  We spent an average of €12 per day per person on food.  (That is excluding breakfast which was usually included in our hotel rate)

We go into much more detail about the cost of these  3 items in our Japan Travel Guide .

Your Japan Trip Planning

Once you know when you will be traveling you can start working on your Japan itinerary.

Here we share a complete timeline.

The Timeline for Your Japan Trip Planning

6 months in advance

Book international flights

Get travel insurance Plan your itinerary Check if you need a Visa

About 3 months in advance

Book your Japan Rail Pass Book domestic flights

1 month in advance

Internet in Japan Book Tours and other Fun Experiences

1 week in advance

What to pack

6 Months in Advance

Join our japan facebook group.

Be sure to become a member of our  Japan Travel Planning and Tips Facebook group. 

The purpose of this group is to help you plan an amazing vacation to Japan. 

You can ask questions and exchange tips with fellow travelers.

Cheap Flights to Japan

We recommend that you start looking for flights as soon as your travel dates are fixed.  Prices for flights fluctuate continuously and it’s hard to predict when is the best time to buy. 

Tickets can be booked one year out until the very last day and over the course of this period, the price follows a stretched-out U curve.

Prices start high to drop gradually to a low point, and from there on they start rising again.

Everybody knows it’s expensive to wait until the very last minute but nobody knows the exact low point.

Usually, this is 4 to 6 months out for intercontinental flights.  We recommend tracking the price of your flights before you book. 

These days such tracking functionalities are available on all major booking sites (some sites call them price alerts). 

You can also use the insights provided by websites such as Momondo to get a clue about what the price will do.

Here are some tips to find cheap flights to Japan

• Use travel comparison sites such as Momondo , Skyscanner , and Kayak to instantly compare the prices on hundreds of sites.  Direct flights are almost always more expensive.  
• Japan has 2 excellent airlines. Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA).  Both are recognized by Skytrax as 5-star airlines for their outstanding service.  You will notice that, because of this award, their flights are often more expensive.
• Chinese carriers often offer rock-bottom prices to Japan with a stop in Shanghai or another Chinese hub.  We flew with China Eastern and thought the service was equally good as what we have experienced on many other European carriers.
• Japan counts several airports.  Make sure to compare prices to all these airports when you’re looking for flights: Narita and Haneda in Tokyo, Kansai and Itami Airport in Osaka, and Chubu Airport in Nagoya.
• Twice yearly we compare several travel booking sites to see which one offers the best flights.  You can check the results here .

Travel Insurance

Flights to Japan are no longer as expensive as a few years ago but they still take a big chunk out of your budget. 

That’s why we recommend taking out  travel insurance as soon as these are booked.

Insurances only cover accidents that occur after taking out and you don’t want to lose this money in case things suddenly turn awry. 

Such accidents happen when you least expect them.

We once couldn’t leave on vacation because one of us slipped on an icy terrace and severely bruised an ankle.

Our travel insurance saved us a lot of money back then because it was a complete family trip that needed to be canceled.

Travel Insurance is something that can be overlooked when you prepare for your vacation.

We were glad we had it back then because, in all honesty, we didn’t always think about it before then. 

Since then we always make sure that our travel expenses are covered.

Travel Insurance for Japan

Japan is a safe and civilized country. The country has an excellent healthcare system that is free for most residents but the costs of medical treatments can be extremely high for foreigners. 

Drawing up a travel insurance policy may seem expensive at first but it can potentially save you a significant sum, significantly more than the small insurance fee. 

We explain what to look for in your travel insurance policy here .  Don’t just go with the cheapest option, make sure to look at what’s covered and to what amount.  Cheaper policies usually come with low limits which can result in high out-of-the-pocket expenses for you.

Most travel insurance policies are usually aimed at residents of a specific country.

Have a look at what’s available in your country and compare this with what’s offered by SafetyWing and HeyMondo travel insurance.

Both are good and trusted insurance companies and offer really good protection for a very affordable rate!

Passports and Visas

Most people won’t need a visa when traveling to Japan, at the time of writing residents of 68 countries were exempt from a visa for short-term stays .   

If you’re a resident of another country, such as China, the Philippines, or Vietnam amongst others, you will need to apply for a Visa before traveling to Japan.

Your passport needs to be valid for the duration of your stay and not longer.  It needs to contain one empty page for the entry stamp.

Health Declaration

Currently, everybody who enters Japan needs to have a health declaration. This declaration can be completed online on the Visit Japan Web site. You need to create an account, enter your passport and flight details, and add proof of vaccination (or a recent test certificate).

At the time of writing Japan requires visitors to have at least 3 vaccinations or a test certificate from a test taken a maximum of 72 hours before boarding the flight. (Check the links for the full official guidelines. We always recommend checking the official website as this information can change anytime.)

In the next step, you can add the customs declaration.

This will result in 2 QR codes, one for the health officer and another one to show at customs. the codes will appear at the latest 6 hours after entering the data.

The Japanese government highly recommends using the online application but it is not mandatory. Just having proof of your vaccination or test results is also OK to be allowed in the country.

We recommend using the application as there have been reports of airlines denying boarding passengers without the QR codes. This is overzealous and incorrect on the part of these airlines, but it can give you serious problems.

Plan your travel itinerary

This may be the hardest part of your Japan trip planning but it’s also the most fun and rewarding part.  

A good place to start your travel planning is our Japan Guide .  This guide contains a mix of inspirational posts about the country complemented by very practical travel information to help you explore the land of the rising sun.

Our articles will keep you busy for several hours. if you still think you miss something have a look at the wide range of books that Lonely Planet has about Japan .  

Below is our advice on the things you shouldn’t miss if this is your first trip to Japan.

We have wrapped them up in short here. More on these highlights can be found here .

Japan Highlights – Top Japan Destinations

Tokyo : Japan’s bustling capital is an amazingly fascinating city of which you will never grow tired. You will need 4 to 5 days to get an impression of the various districts. Each district has its own appearance and charm. 

9 Best Ryokans in Tokyo With Private Onsen (2024 edition)

Samurai Restaurant, the new Robot Restaurant

Mt. Fuji tour from Tokyo: 9 best tours and tips (2024 guide)

How to use Tokyo’s public transport

10 Best Ryokans in Tokyo You Need To Stay At

10 Best Airbnbs in Tokyo: 2024 Guide

17 Best Onsen Hotels in Tokyo You Need To Stay At

A thrilling Tokyo itinerary for 4 days

Where to stay in Tokyo for the first time?

The Hakone day trip guide that covers everything (2024 edition)

Best Private Mt Fuji Tour: 7 Flexible and Customizable Tours

Planning a Tokyo to Mount Fuji day trip: All you need to know

BEST Tokyo itinerary 7 days suggestions for Tokyo + surroundings

12 best Airbnbs in Tokyo for families in 2024

EPIC Tokyo Itinerary: 5 Days of Unforgettable Adventures

Where to find cheap Robot Restaurant Tickets

The best places to visit in Tokyo

Best sakura spots in Tokyo you don’t want to miss

Kyoto :  Kyoto is most tourists’ favorite.  Prepare for temples galore, the city counts no less than 1600 temples.  2 days won’t be enough to visit them all but it should be sufficient to see the highlights of Japan’s cultural capital. 

You may want to add a third day if you don’t want to feel rushed.

19 Amazing Ryokans in Kyoto in The Best Areas (2024 Guide)

How to find the best Airbnb in Kyoto

15 Best Kyoto Onsen Hotels You Need To Stay At

16 BEST Ryokan with Private Onsen in Kyoto (2024 Edition)

Where to stay in Kyoto: Best areas and hotels for 2024

The BEST Kyoto 2-day itinerary for first-timers (2024 edition)

25 Amazing Things to Do in Kyoto at Night

15 of the coolest hotels in Kyoto

Things to do in Gion at night

Osaka :  Osaka is Kyoto’s neighbor.  Both cities are just 30 minutes away by train.  Despite it being so close many tourists skip Osaka and only visit Kyoto. 

We absolutely loved Osaka, it’s also called Japan’s Kitchen, so we strongly recommend reserving 2 days to explore this city.

10 Best Osaka Capsule Hotels You Should Stay At

18 Osaka Hotels With Onsen For A Perfect Stay

Best Osaka Ryokans with Private Onsen (2024 Guide)

How To Find the Best Airbnb in Osaka (2024 Guide)

10 Best Osaka Food Tours For 2024

16 Best Ryokans In Osaka You Need to Stay At (2024 guide)

EPIC Osaka 2-day itinerary: Perfect for first-timers (2024 edition)

Where to stay in Osaka: our best recommendations (2024 guide)

EPIC 1-day Osaka itinerary: Lots of highlights in 1 day

16 BEST things to do in Osaka at night

12 of the coolest hotels in Osaka you have to see

Hiroshima : A city with a dramatic past.  We were touched by the stories in the peace museum and also loved nearby Miyajima with its picturesque floating Torii gate and the free-roaming deer.

You can find more info on what to see and what to do in Hiroshima here.

Mt. Fuji :  Japan’s iconic volcano is a sight for sore eyes.  On clear days the mountain can be seen from the capital but you better not count on that to happen. 

In the following articles we explain the best ways to see the mountain with a tour or independently .

Is The Hakone Freepass Worth It in 2024? The Ultimate Guide

14 Amazing Mt Fuji Hotels with Private Onsen

Best Ryokans in Mount Fuji You Need To Stay At

16 Best Hakone Ryokans You Need To Stay At

Hakone 2-Day Itinerary: Epic Hakone Itinerary+ Tips (2024 Guide)

12 Wonderful Airbnbs in Hakone (2024 Guide)

20 Best Ryokan in Hakone with Private Onsen (2024 edition)

The snow monkeys : Being animal lovers this was a true highlight of our trip.  The best time to see these cute monkeys is in Winter or early Spring when they’re bathing in the onsen.  but it’s also fun to see them in Summer or Autumn. You can visit on your own or join a guided tour from Nagano Station.

Check prices and availability:

Snow monkeys tour GetYourGuide

Snow monkeys tour Viator

Visit an onsen :  Living in Japan can be stressful.  They have long working hours, a high work ethic, and also something known as Tatemae which means you must be an upstanding, ideal citizen to everyone except maybe your close family.  Japanese like to visit an Onsen to find relief after a stressful day.  We also enjoyed the warm water after a full day of walking around in the immense cities.

Samurai restaurant : The Samurai restaurant is the new name of the robot restaurant. The robot restaurant was infamous because it was the epitome of Japanese kitsch, you either hated it or you loved it.  That is still the case today. Attending this crazy neo-Japanese cabaret show might be one of the highlights of your trip.

Check prices and availability: Samurai Restaurant tickets

Or read our full post about the restaurant here. 

Kaiseki dinner : The Japanese kitchen is well-balanced and widely known to provide numerous health benefits. A Kaiseki dinner is Japan’s gastronomy at its best.  It’s a multi-course meal made of local fresh ingredients presented in a beautiful pleasing way.  It’s a real culinary treat.

Kyoto is a great place to enjoy a Kaiseki dinner. The below-mentioned tour combines a guided walk through Gion with a Kaiseiki diner.

Check prices and availability: Kyoto Evening Gion food tour

A traditional tea ceremony : This is another enjoyable Japanese tradition.  It originated in Zen Buddhism and it is bound to strict rules.  A lot of places offer tea ceremonies, we suggest doing some homework and not entering the first tea house you pass.  Not all ceremonies are equally good. 

This is a well-appreciated tea ceremony in Kyoto .

Check prices and availability: Kyoto tea ceremony

Stay in a Ryokan :  A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese family hotel.  Staying in one can be a real treat as the hosts are usually very accommodating and breakfast and dinner are mouth-watering. 

Opt for a small ryokan for the best experience.

The success of Ryokans has attracted larger properties with dozens of rooms but these are nowhere as charming as the small traditional Ryokans where it feels like you’re really a guest staying with the family.

Rent a Kimono :  Ideal if you want some great pictures of your trip. Don’t worry that you will stick out, the Japanese put on these traditional clothes for all kinds of festive occasions.  We counted loads of Japanese that were taking pictures of the cherry blossoms in their colorful Kimonos. 

Here is one address in Kyoto where you can rent a kimono for a day .

Check prices and availability: Kimono rental

Example Japan itineraries

Here are some example itineraries.  You can copy them exactly or you can use them as a basis to start with.

Sapporo Winter Itinerary: Enjoy Sapporo in Winter in 2 or 3 Days

What to Do in Hiroshima? Best Activities in 2024

The Perfect 14-Day Japan Travel Itinerary for First Timers

4 Best Japan 7-Day Itinerary Suggestions For First Timers (2024 Guide)

A wonderful Kanazawa itinerary for 2 days

EPIC 3-week itinerary for Japan (perfect for first-timers)

The best Japan 5-day itinerary suggestions for first-timers

Hotels in Japan

Accommodation in the larger cities of Japan can be expensive. 

Kyoto takes the cake with prices that can reach $800/night and higher for a standard room in a 4-star hotel in the high season. 

Prices in Tokyo and Osaka skyrocket as well in peak season, albeit slightly less.

It’s good practice to be prepared and book your rooms as soon as you’ve got your Japan itinerary fixed.

Don’t be put off by the above prices. If you plan in time and compare different hotels, you can also book very good hotels for quite a bit less. We traveled through Japan during the cherry blossom season, an expensive period to be in Japan, and paid on average €105/night for our hotels. 

We stayed in a combination of Ryokans and 3 or 4-star hotels. All were well-maintained and very clean.

Best Booking Sites for Japan

It’s easy to book the hotels for your trip online.  These are the sites we used:

Booking.com

Who doesn’t know Booking.com ? What else do I need to say?   

Less popular but equally trustworthy is Agoda. It is also part of the Booking.com group.  Agoda originated in Asia and it will sometimes show better rates for Asian hotels.  We also found some Ryokans on Agoda that couldn’t be booked on Booking.com

Apartments and Houses

Hotel rooms in Japan can be on the small side.  Certainly in the megacities of Tokyo and Osaka. 

If you’re traveling with children or friends it might be better to look for an apartment instead.  We recommend renting through VRBO, Booking, and Airbnb.

And don’t worry, Airbnb is completely legal in Japan.

Here is an overview of the best Airbnb’s in Tokyo. If you are traveling to Tokyo with your family, check out this post. 

If you are looking for apartments and houses in Kyoto, click here. 

Those that are traveling to Osaka can find a selection of apartments and houses here. 

Special Accommodations

We already shortly talked about ryokans in this article, here are some other options for an original overnight stay in Japan.

As written above a stay in a Ryokan, a traditional Japanese family hotel can be a real treat.  In a Ryokan, you sleep on a futon on the floor, believe me when I say that it is much more comfortable than it sounds. 

Ryokans can be booked on both Booking.com and Agoda.

A Minshuku is very similar to a Ryokan. The term Minshuku is not as widely known as many people probably just refer to these hotels as Ryokans. Opinions differ as to what a Minshuku is. Sometimes you will see it described as a low-budget Ryokan. According to us, it is better seen as a small-scale Ryokan.

All Ryokans used to be small family-run properties but these days you can find some large Ryokans with dozens of rooms. These offer luxurious accommodations with top-notch service but don’t have the homely feeling of what a Ryokan used to be about.

To experience this you have to opt for a smallish Ryokan or a Minshuku.

Very few hotels call themselves Minshuku as not many tourists know this term. Usually, they are also listed on booking platforms as Ryokans.

Temple Stay

Here you will stay at a temple. 

The room is comparable to that found in a ryokan.   

A healthy vegetarian dinner is usually included in your stay and we suggest you retire early as you’re also invited to participate in the morning prayers that start at 6 am sharp. 

You can also enrich your stay with meditation classes offered by Buddhist monks.

Temples that offer temple stays can be found in Kanazawa and Kyoto but the most popular place by far for this experience is Koyasan.  We left our temple a little disappointed, it all felt too touristy and not authentic but your mileage may vary.

There are special sites that specialize in temple stays but you will also find these temples on Booking.com and Agoda.

Check prices and availabilty: Booking.com

Check prices and availability: Agoda

Capsule Hotels

Capsule hotels, also known as pod hotels, originated in Japan. 

They were originally only aiming at busy businessmen that were looking for a place to crash for a few hours.

Many still only cater to men but some now welcome both genders, still strictly separated in separate parts of the hotel.

The capsules in the hotel are usually the size of a bed with just enough space to sit upright.  The capsules are stacked side-by-side and are usually two units high.  In the capsule is a small TV and power sockets, all other amenities like toilets and showers are communal.

Over the years capsule hotels have become more popular among tourists, on the one hand for the unique experience but backpackers also love them because they’re cheap. 

The tourists were the driver for them to start with Woman sections and Kiba hotel in Tokyo now even has pods with a double beds for couples.

Capsule hotels can be booked on Booking.com and Agoda.

Check prices and availability: Booking.com

Staying in a Machiya can be a unique experience. Machiya are vacation rentals and ideal in case you’re traveling with friends or family. The properties almost always have a full kitchen to prepare your own meals.

What distinguishes a Machiya from a regular holiday home is that they are located inside a traditional townhouse. The townhouses have been restored, respecting all elements of Japanese traditions. Some come with some Western comforts but all have a traditional Japanese interior.

Several Machiya can be found in Kyoto .

What you Should Know When Booking Accommodation

• Rooms in Japan tend to be small.  Certainly in the major cities.  The less you pay the smaller your room will be.  In our experience, the price is a good indicator of the size of the room.
• Regardless of whether we stayed in cheap Ibis or Comfort Inn hotels or more expensive Hilton and Marriott properties, our rooms were always spotlessly clean.
• Capsule hotels will require you to check in and check out every day irrespective of the length of your stay.  Your bags will also need to be stored in lockers.  Make sure you arrive prepared with all you need for the night in a separate small bag.  It’s not really practical if you need to start digging in your suitcase right there.

21 Amazing Hokkaido Ryokans with Private Onsen

Ryokan in Kanazawa: 9 BEST Traditional Japanese Inns To Stay At

15 of the coolest hotels in Tokyo you must stay in (2024 edition)

Getting Around Japan

Now that you know what you will be visiting in Japan it’s time to glue all this together.  There are 3 means to get around Japan.

Below is a short summary of the 3 options.  Click here for more information on getting around Japan .

The train is by far the most convenient way to get around Japan.  It’s also the most popular among tourists.  Japan’s train network consists of several companies. 

The formerly state-run JR is the largest company and also the one to offer the Japan Rail Pass. 

This pass is exclusively available to tourists and is often a good way to save on your transportation. 

See further in this article for more about the Japan Rail Pass.

Highway buses offer a cheap alternative to the more expensive trains.  Buses are a slower and less comfortable means of transportation but can save a few bucks in your travel budget.

There is a dense network of bus routes operated by several different companies. 

Not all companies have an English website, to book buses, it’s best to use the website of Japan Bus Online .

Rental Car or Campers

It’s also possible to rent a car or a van. 

While this probably won’t be more affordable than getting around by train it may offer you more flexibility.

Avoid large cities though where your car will be more like a liability than an asset.

Organized tours

These tours are great alternatives if you just won’t succeed to plan your trip or if you rather just enjoy your holiday without needing to worry about all the details.

There is a range of group tours, but there are also tours where you still travel independently according to a pre-organized itinerary.

TourRadar is the place to go for an all-encompassing overview of the available tours.

It is an online marketplace for tour operators. 

It shows an overview of all available tours and it avoids having to separately search the website of each tour operator. 

You will find tours from popular international household names as well as a broad selection of Japanese niche operators.

They have a very user-friendly website. Several filters allow you to limit the selection to your liking and the reviews can give you a good impression of what to expect from the tour.

Below is an overview of some excellent 5 and 7-day tours that can be found on TourRadar.

How to Choose the Best 7 days Japan Tour Package (2024 Edition)

How to choose the best Japan tour package

Best Self-Guided Tours in Japan: 10 Amazing Tours For 2024

How to choose the best 5 days Japan tour package? (+tips and tours)

3 Months in Advance

Japan rail pass.

The train is a super-convenient way to get around Japan. 

I’m a big fan of car rentals as these give you a lot of freedom during your trip and even I made an exception in Japan.

When planning our Japan trip I carefully checked the train schedules and prices and compared this with what it would cost to rent a car. 

Renting a car is not cheap, Japan counts many toll roads and fuel prices are on the high side.  What won me over is how easy it was to get everywhere with the trains.

Trains aren’t particularly cheap in Japan either but they run on time and even the most secluded stations seem to be serviced several times a day.

That brings us to the Japan Rail Pass , is it worth buying one or not?  The answer is, it depends.

Those rail passes are not cheap.  It would be a shame if you draw conclusions too quickly and buy one if you don’t need it. The rail pass makes it easier to travel by train but it’s too expensive to buy it only for comfort. 

It’s only really worth buying one if you will save on your tickets or if the difference is marginal.

We explain how you can calculate if, and how much, you will save on your tickets in this article .  I really encourage you to do the math before you buy your Japan Rail Pass.

Is the Japan Rail Pass still worth it in 2024: Tips and Tricks

Domestic Flights

The efficient Shinkansen that traverse the country in all directions make flights almost unnecessary. 

Still, there remain a few locations that are more quickly reached by plane than by train. 

Most notable is, of course, Okinawa, an island south of Japan’s main island that can only be reached by boat or plane.  Another journey, which is also faster by plane, goes to Hokkaido.  The island is north of Japan’s main island.  It’s possible to ride the Shinkansen to Sapporo but the aircraft on average cuts the travel time in half.

Japan counts a wide range of low-cost carriers.  You have Jetstar, Peach Aviation, Vanilla Air, and Fuji Dream Airlines to name just a few.  The prices for the flights are usually very good thanks to this fierce competition.

There’s also no need to book these flights long in advance. 

Somewhere between 3 months and 3 weeks in advance should be OK unless you are looking for flights in peak travel periods like Golden Week.

Use travel comparison sites such as Momondo , Skyscanner and Kayak to instantly compare the prices of all the low-cost carriers.

Check what’s included with your ticket.  Some low-cost carriers have carry-on only fares, others use 15kg as the standard baggage allowance.  (For comparison: Regular carriers usually allow 20-23kg for each piece of baggage).

1 Month in Advance

Staying online in japan.

A local SIM card or a Pocket Wifi device is an invaluable asset if you would like to discover Japan independently. 

We did use our phones intensively to avoid getting lost, to find local restaurants, and to check the train or subway schedule.

There is a whole range of other Japan apps that can help you to travel deeper.

We cover the advantages of staying online in more detail in the below articles. 

You can choose between a pocket WiFi device and a local tourist SIM card.   Both have their pros and cons which we also discuss.

The BEST pocket WiFi rental for Japan (2024 guide)

What’s the best tourist SIM card for Japan (2024 guide)

Tours and other Fun Experiences

Tourism has boomed in Japan and popular attractions can fill up several days in advance. Most notable is Teamlab Borderless where tickets are sometimes sold out several weeks in advance.  

To avoid missing out on fun experiences like these it is best to book your tickets well in advance.

In many cases, it will not only give you peace of mind but will also save you a few bucks.  Often online tickets are cheaper than the price at the door.

Most activities and tours can be booked with either GetYourGuide or Klook. 

Booking Sites for Japan Activities

Here is some information about the booking sites we use most for bookings in Japan.

GetYourGuide

Millions have already booked their tours with GetYourGuide. 

What we love about GetYourGuide is its outstanding customer service. 

They’re just a call or an e-mail away and will respond quickly and professionally. 

Most activities booked on GetYourGuide can be canceled for free until 24 hours in advance which leaves you with enough flexibility in case your plans might change.

Check prices and availability: GetYourGuide

Viator is just like GetYourGuide a middleman that brings tourists in contact with local tour companies. Viator was independent until 2014 when it was acquired by TripAdvisor. It is a reputable company with a wide range of tours, even bigger than GetYourGuide.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for on GetYourGuide, maybe you should check out Viator.

Most activities can be canceled for free until 24 hours in advance. This way you can book your activity knowing that your schedule is still flexible in case your plans need a change.

Check prices and availability: Viator

Klook is a major Asian ticket-booking site aimed at independent travelers.

They offer more activities in Japan than any other booking site.  In many cases, tickets on Klook are cheaper than the official prices at the door.

This might have you wonder if Klook is legit.  It is! 

The site is completely trustworthy, it has already been featured in several reputable business magazines (such as Forbes ) and we have used it, as well as thousands of other users , without any problems. 

Not all activities offered by Klook can be canceled 24 hours in advance.

Pay attention to this when booking if your plans are not 100% fixed.

Check prices and availability: Klook

Fun Activities

Here’s a list of things you might consider booking in advance:

Robot Restaurant ( renamed the Samurai restaurant): Tickets online are usually cheaper than at the door.  Read our review to see what this show is about.

teamLab Borderless : A very popular experience in Tokyo unlike anything else you have seen before.

Tokyo Skytree : Amazing 360-degree views of Japan’s capital.  This ticket allows you to skip the line.

Traditional Tea Ceremony in Kyoto : An introduction to the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Ghibli Museum : The Ghibli Museum contains a world-famous collection of art pieces

Sumo Tournament or Sumo Practice : Sumo tournaments are only held 3 times per year.  If you can attend one we certainly recommend it.  If you are not in Japan during the tournaments it is still worthwhile to attend a practice session.

Amusement Parks

Tokyo Disney and DisneySea : Tokyo Disney is very much like Disneyland anywhere else in the world.  DisneySea, on the other hand, is a unique and very well-designed theme park with some amazing rides.

Universal Studios : Another amazing theme park in Osaka.  Your ticket includes access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Minion park.  To spend your time efficiently you can upgrade your pass to skip the line at 4 attractions or 7 attractions .

Fuji-Q : This theme park is located at the base of Mount Fuji, one of Japan’s famous landmarks.   It has some record-holding rollercoasters and several anime-themed attractions.

Airport Transportation

Do you already know how you will get from the airport to your hotel?  We definitely recommend that you plan this in advance so that you arrive in the country stress-free. 

Here’s more info on how to get to Oska from the airport or on how to get to Tokyo from the airport .

Tokyo Tokyo Narita – Skyliner Express Ticket The N’ex train is covered by the JR Pass.  If you have no JR pass this train is a good alternative.

You can also book a private or shared transfer .

Osaka Kansai – Nankai Line rapi:t The JR Haruka is covered by the JR Pass.  If you have no JR pass this rapit train from the Nankai line is a good alternative.

You can also use the Osaka Limousine bus or a private or shared transfer .

Discount Passes

Hakone Free Pass A good discount pass to explore Hakone and see Mt. Fuji

Tokyo Subway Ticket (Tokyo Metro Pass) The cheapest option to get around Tokyo (unless you plan on using your JR Pass in the capital).  If you pre-order your metro pass it will be ready at the airport and you can use it to get to your hotel.

1 Week in Advance

What to pack for your japan trip.

We’re almost there.  It’s time to start packing.

The most important things are of course your passport and an open mind. 

Once those are taken care of you can have a look at our Japan Packing List , a handy list that covers everything from the official stuff, to travel gear to make your trip more comfortable as well as what to wear in the various seasons.

Great, you reached the end of this post!  I hope this means you’re all done and can start counting down to this amazing adventure.

Don’t forget to join our Japan Facebook group if you haven’t already done so.  In this group, you can exchange tips with fellow Japan Travelers to fine-tune those last details of your trip.

Let’s wrap it up by wishing you a Japan vacation of a lifetime!

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

The Ultimate Japan Itinerary for First-Timers: From 1 to 3 Weeks

I’ve yet to meet a traveler who didn’t love their time in Japan . It’s just one of those countries that everyone loves. How can you not? The food is carefully crafted and delicious; the history and culture are both rich and long; the landscape breathtaking; and the people super friendly and polite.

Japan remains one of my favorite countries. No matter how long I visit, it’s never enough. I always leave wanting more.

But the country always seems forbidding to many travelers. It definitely still has that “exotic” stereotype that makes people think it’s hard to travel around.

Where should you go? What should you include in your Japan itinerary? Should you buy a JR Pass to help you get around?

To help you out, here are a few suggested itineraries based on my years of visiting that will ensure you see the best sites on your Japan trip — as well as get off the beaten path and get a real sense of Japanese culture!

Table of Contents

Japan Itinerary: Know Before You Go

Japan itinerary: one week, japan itinerary: two weeks, japan itinerary: three weeks.

Just be sure to get one BEFORE you go as you cannot purchase them on arrival. For more information on the pass, including how much they cost and how you can get one, read this blog post . It has everything you need to know!

Mobile Data in Japan In Japan, English isn’t widely spoken (especially outside of the major cities) so having access to the internet is vital for checking addresses, using translation apps, and looking up things to see and do. The easiest way to get data is through an international eSIM for Japan .

An eSIM allows you to access mobile data via a QR code so you can have internet wherever you are, without worrying about physical SIM cards or roaming charges. This will save you a lot of time and hassle when using apps like Google Maps, Google Translate, Instagram, and YouTube. It will also come in handy for checking menus at restaurants (since they are rarely in english).  

Day 1 & 2: Tokyo Chances are you’ll be starting your trip in Tokyo , since it’s home to the country’s biggest international airport. If your trip is seven days long, activate your JR Pass right away, so that you can take advantage of the free JR trains that run through the city.

While you could easily spend your entire week in Tokyo and not get bored, here are some of the highlights:

Visit the fish market – Toyosu is the world’s largest fish market. The daily auction here powers much of the world’s sushi supply, and it is truly an absolute must-see! You can go for free, but food and drink tours of the Tsukiji Outer Market are available for around 14,500 JPY.

See Sensoji Temple – Sensoji is beautifully painted and sits in a scenic spot near a five-story pagoda and the famous Kaminari Gate. There’s a huge statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, inside the main hall. It’s always busy but is worth seeing with your own eyes. The temple is free to visit.

Drink in Golden Gai – This alleyway of back-street bars is a lively place to drink at night and has a bit of a red-light-district feel to it. It is not to be missed. Even if you don’t drink, be sure to wander about. Arigato Tours offers tours of the area where you’ll learn about the neighborhood while stopping to sample Japanese classics like sushi, yakitori, and ramen. Tours are 23,900 JPY and include a drink and dishes at four food stops.

Visit the Imperial Palace – The home of the emperor of Japan was built in the 15th century, and while you can’t go inside, the palace and its grounds are a peaceful place for a stroll.

Watch a sumo match – If you’re in town at the right time, this is a must-do . Tickets sell out quickly, so book early. Expect to pay around 11,000-13,000 JPY.

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Kamakura to see the giant Buddha statue (Daibutsu). It is over 13 meters (42 feet) tall and dates back to the 13th century. The journey is around 90 minutes each way — and free with the JR Pass !

For delicious food, some of my favorite bars and restaurants include: Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (Standing Sushi Bar), Nemuro Hanamaru KITTE Marunouchi, Motodane, Tokyo Whisky Library, Ichiran Shibuya, and Uohama.

WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO : Hostel Chapter Two – A small, family-run hostel not far from Skytree Station in Asakusa. I really like the shared kitchen and common room, as there’s a real social feel to them.

With its beauty come lots of crowds though, so try to visit outside of the busy summer months. Even with lots of tourists, though, the city is still magnificent and has a lot to offer. Some things to see and do that you shouldn’t miss are the following:

Visit the Golden Pavilion – This famous (and picturesque) temple dates to the 1950s, when a monk burned down the previous temple (from the 14th century) while trying to commit suicide. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most-visited destinations in the country!

Explore Gion – Gion is the historic geisha district. Stroll along the main street and see ochaya s (teahouses where geishas entertain), the small shops, and the many restaurants that line the district’s streets. You can take a walking tour of Gion for 1,800 JPY.

Wander in the Bamboo Forest – For a relaxing break, head to Arashiyama and let the calm swaying of the forest envelop you. Located near the famous Tenryu-ji temple, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. Arrive early if you want to enjoy it without the crowds. Kyoto Bike Tours offers an early-bird bike tour for a guided way to do just that.

Admire Ryoan-ji temple – This is my favorite temple in Kyoto. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a mausoleum that houses the remains of seven emperors. The traditional rock and sand garden is considered one of the best in the country.

For a half-day trip, you can also visit Nara. It’s a small city just one hour from Kyoto. Nara was the capital of Japan in the eighth century, so there are lots of buildings and temples here that are upwards of a thousand years old (which is rare in Japan, due to fires, as well as World War II). But the real draw in Nara are the deer.

Since the 17th century, those in and around the city have been considered sacred. You can buy crackers to feed them or just watch them stroll around carefree. A guided half-day walking tour that includes all of Nara’s highlights as well as a traditional lunch is 11,500 JPY.

While you’re here, don’t miss a visit to Todai-ji. It’s the world’s largest wooden building and is home to a 16-meter (52-foot) Buddha statue. It was built in 738 CE and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission is 600 JPY.

WHERE TO STAY IN KYOTO : Backpacker Hostel K’s House – A fun, social backpacker hostel in a great central location. The rooftop terrace is a cool spot to hangout and meet other travelers after a day of exploring.

Don’t miss Osaka Castle though. While it’s not the original (this version dates to 1931), it’s nevertheless an impressive sight. It’s home to a small but insightful museum and an observation deck that offers some picturesque city views.

And be sure to stroll down Dotonbori (ideally at night), the main street, which is lined with restaurants, stores, and tons of neon lights and signs. A guided walking tour that includes Dotonbori as well adjacent neighborhoods is 6,500 JPY.

Today, Hiroshima is thriving . Don’t miss the Atomic Bomb Museum, which depicts the history of the city before and after that fateful day. It has photos, artifacts, videos, and information about the effect of radiation on the population. It’s a sobering experience but one that should not be missed.

If you feel like getting out of town afterward, head to Miyajima , an island that offers a place to hike and enjoy nature. You can also take a cable car to the peak of the mountain to take in the view. A one-way ferry ride to the island takes 10 minutes and is free to JR Pass holders.

WHERE TO STAY IN HIROSHIMA : Roku Hostel – A cozy, small hostel with a rustic atmosphere and design. It feels like you’re staying with a friend here, and the beds are super comfy too.

If you like history, don’t miss the Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village, home to a collection of traditional thatch-roof houses that you can enter to further immerse yourself in the country’s past.

This city (and region, really) is famous for its Hida beef, a high-fat variety that’s even better than any A5 Wagyu you might have. It just melts in your mouth. Be sure to have some while you are here!

The Japanese Alps are not far from here as well, so if you love hiking and want to extend your time in the region, head to Kamikochi for a day hike or overnight trip. It’s just an hour away and has both easy and moderate trails, which are open from April to November. Hiking trails can also be found in Hakusan National Park (also just one hour away by car).

One of the more unique temples in Japan is here too: Ninja (Myoryuji) Temple. While the temple wasn’t home to actual ninjas, Myoryuji was built as a defensive structure (strict laws forbade local lords from building defenses, so they were hidden in the temple to circumvent the rules). These include hidden rooms, secret tunnels, and a maze of staircases and halls to confuse enemies.

If you need a break from exploring cities, Hakusan National Park, home to Mount Haku, one of the three holy mountains, is just an hour south of town.

If you’re here in April, there are incredible cherry blossom displays that are famous in the region. And, just like Takayama, Matsumoto is close to the Japanese Alps, so you’re just a stone’s throw from some of the best hiking in the country.

There are tons of hotels (both modern and traditional) that have their own hot springs (often both indoors and outdoors). It’s the perfect place to wrap up a trip, relax, and take in the views.

In addition to getting a copious amount of R&R, be sure to ride the cable car up the mountain for even more amazing views. The area is surrounded by craters from an inactive volcano that erupted 80,000 years ago (not to be confused with nearby Mount Fuji, which is an active volcano), and you’ll find lots of vendors at the top selling eggs cooked in the sulfurous waters. It’s said the eggs prolong one’s life by seven years, so feel free to give them a try!

If you prefer to hike up instead, the trail is open between July and September, with the trek taking anywhere from 5 to 12 hours, depending on your level of fitness. Typically, hikers leave at night in order to arrive at the summit by dawn. There are little shops along the way that sell food and even beds you can rent in advance if you want to split your journey up. Just make sure you do your research and prepare in advance as it’s a tough hike!

If you really want to play tourist, you can also ride a mock pirate ship around the lake for more views of the mountains, and Mount Fuji in particular.

Full-day tours around Hakone that include all the main sights cost 14,800 JPY.

WHERE TO STAY IN HAKONE : Hotel Green Plaza – With gorgeous views of Mount Fuji, a huge buffet dinner (with both Western and Japanese options), and a private onsen where you can relax and enjoy the view, this is one of the best places to stay in Hakone if you want value but don’t want to break the bank.  

Using the suggestions above, here’s how I would organize your itinerary:

• Days 1-3 : Tokyo
• Day 4 : Mount Fuji or Hakone
• Day 5 : Takayama
• Days 6 & 7 : Kanazawa
• Days 8 & 9 : Matsumoto
• Days 10-12 : Kyoto
• Days 13 & 14 : Osaka
• Days 15 & 16 : Hiroshima

If you do want to spend a few hours in Hakodate, don’t miss the Morning Market, where you can find lots of fresh seafood. You can also visit Fort Goryokaku, the first “Western”-style fort in the country.

Be sure to stop in at the local Beer Museum too, owned by Sapporo Breweries (the oldest beer company in the country). It showcases the history of beer in Japan and how the business got its start. If you’re a whiskey fan, stop by The Bow Bar, home to some rare (and expensive) whiskeys and considered one of the best such bars in the world.

What I love about the city is its location. This region has some of the best hiking in the country. There are plenty of hills and mountains, offering options for both day hikes as well as overnight trips. Some highlights include Mount Me-akan, Mount Asahim, Mount Mashu, and Nishibetsu-dake. For the best views of the city, head to Mount Moiwayama. It’s just a 30-60-minute hike to the top, though there is a cable car you can take as well.

And if you’re visiting in the winter, hit the slopes! There are over a hundred ski resorts in Hokkaido. You can rent skis (or a snowboard) for around 10,000-18,000 JPY. Lift prices are usually 4,000-6,000 JPY per day. In the winter, don’t miss the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. It’s held every February and draws over two million visitors. There are ice sculptures, igloos, live music, and delicious local foods on offer.

Additionally, be sure to take a day trip to Otaru, where you’ll find some of the freshest uni in the whole country (this is the main area where the famed Hokkaido uni is caught). Go hungry and visit the markets, stalls, and shops around there.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAPPORO : Waya Hostel – This is a laid-back, colorful hostel with a social atmosphere that makes meeting people a breeze. It has a homey, DIY feel and is perfect for budget travelers looking for a no-frills place to crash.

There is a ton to see and do in Japan , and you could easily spend another month here and still just scratch the surface (we didn’t even get to Okinawa and the islands!). And while these itineraries are a bit fast-paced, Japan isn’t cheap, so budget travelers need to move around the country quickly to avoid breaking the bank.

But no matter how long you visit, you won’t be disappointed. Japan is an amazing, beautiful, and unique destination that I never get tired of visiting. While it’s not as affordable as its neighbors, there are still plenty of ways to save money , and it’s definitely worth spending the time (and money) visiting. You won’t be disappointed!

Just make sure to get your Japan Rail Pass before you go!  

Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hostel. If you want to stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Japan, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think they will help you too!

Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!

Looking for More Travel Tips for Japan? Check out my in-depth Japan travel guide for more ways to save money; information on costs; tips on what to see and do; suggested itineraries, reading, and packing lists; and much, much more!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Planning a Trip to Japan | Top Tips for a First Visit in 2024

Japan’s a bucket list location for many people, myself included! Planning a trip to Japan for the first time can be a bit daunting because there are so many incredible places to see. By the end of this post you’ll know exactly how to plan a trip to Japan so that you don’t miss out!

Planning a trip to Japan is definitely exciting, but probably sparks a little bit of worry and a whole lot of anticipation. I’ve always thought of Japan as somewhere different . You know, with a capital D.

The language is difficult. There’s an entire culture that’s almost impossible for an outsider to decipher. In Japan, they call it tatemae . A word almost without English translation, it’s a way of describing the Japanese path of trying not to ruffle any feathers.

It means that I would be terrible at being Japanese.

That being said, I adore visiting Japan. I’ve spent about 2 months in the country and barely scratched the surface.

There always seem to be more places I want to visit and more crazy things to do in Japan !

The juxtaposition of ancient and modern in Japan is fascinating, and your first visit is only going to be enough to get a taste of this complex country.

Even though I spent ages planning my trip to Japan the first time I went, the country felt very foreign to me, as I think it may well do to you. I feel as though every trip here is a chance to learn a little bit more about what makes Japanese culture so interesting.

Whether you’re just dreaming about your first visit or you’re about to book your flights, here’s everything I’ve learned about how to plan a trip to Japan. From where to go, where to stay and what to do, it’s all here!

JAPAN ESSENTIALS

How to travel : Public transport is amazing, particularly the trains, but you may want to hire a car to explore the countryside

When to go : visit in spring, autumn and winter (for skiing)

Money : Cash is king, with credit cards less widely accepted, especially outside cities

Best for : Foodies, winter sports enthusiasts, hikers and anyone with a nerdy side!

Should you take an organised tour in Japan?

How to plan a trip to japan.

The features in this post were hand-selected by a picky diva (that’s me) and some of them are affiliate links. If you buy via these, I may earn a commission on some of these awesome recommendations at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your wonderful support – Cat.

PLANNING A TRIP TO JAPAN

Where is japan.

You’ll find Japan in Northeast Asia, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.

Japan is actually a string of volcanic islands. The four main islands that form most of the country are Hokkaido in the north, Honshu – the biggest and the location of the capital, Tokyo – Shikoku and Kyushu in the south.

Further south still are the Ryukyu islands, one of which is Okinawa. This is very much the tropical part of Japan.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan and you’re of a nervous disposition, bear in mind that Japan is one of the most geologically unstable places on the planet. It lies right above the boundaries of several of Earth’s major tectonic plates.

There are nearly 126 million people in Japan, and 14 million of those live in the city of Tokyo.

It’s important to plan your first trip to Japan in advance

The statistics say that most tourists visit the traditional Golden Route of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. It’s what I did on my first visit, and I recommend that it’s what you do too.

You’ll get a great first taste of Japan, from the high-tech, high-rise, high-energy streets of Tokyo to the gentler pace of historic Kyoto and foodie Osaka. It’s a great 2-week itinerary for first-time visitors to the country.

Of course, the fact that it’s one of the most popular routes means it gets busy. Accommodations and activities do get booked out, especially at the most popular times of the year, like cherry blossom season.

The earlier you plan your trip to Japan, the earlier you can start booking accommodation, transport options and activities. This means you won’t miss out on something awesome, and you’ll probably save money too.

Especially on flights which, quite frankly, are eye-watering right now if you’re looking last minute. 

When is the best time to visit Japan? 

I love Japan in the winter. The skiing is amazing, the historic towns look like something out of a fairytale, and you’ll have the streets almost to yourself for much of the time. Even in Tokyo, there are noticeably fewer tourists.

Having said that, I’m aware that below-zero temperatures and winter sports aren’t for everyone, so you’ll probably want to know the best time to go to Japan month by month .

Spring in Japan | Cherry Blossom Season

This is hands down, the most popular time for tourists to visit Japan . Plum and cherry trees burst into flower as spring arrives, covering many cities in Japan with a cloak of pale pink and white.

You need to plan well in advance for travel to Japan during cherry blossom season , especially for accommodation, but it’s well worth it.

In the south, the cherry blossoms may start to appear as early as late February, and in the north, the season can last until early May. For the main tourist destinations of Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo, you’re best planning your trip for the end of March and the beginning of April.

TIP | Peak cherry blossom view in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo is usually during the last 2 weeks of March and the first two weeks of April. You can check the latest update here .

This is, unfortunately, the most expensive and busiest time to visit Japan, but then again, it’s a beautiful experience even with the crowds!

If you’re planning a slightly later visit, you need to be aware of Golden Week . This is a series of festivals within the space of a week that essentially lead to a week of public holidays. Golden Week is from 29 April to 5 May every year and should be avoided.

Summer in Japan | Typhoon Season

The summer months in Japan are hot, humid and wet. The good news is that you’ll see a very different side of the country, with far fewer tourists and lush green fields, but the humidity can be hard to handle. Typhoons and flash flooding are also a risk at this time of year.

June heralds the start of the rains and humidity, and this weather sticks around until September. If you’re a dedicated off-season traveller, you can find great deals, but you might be best off focusing on beachside, higher altitude or northern destinations where it’ll be significantly cooler.

Having said all that, July and August are the best time to climb Mount Fuji , hang out on Japan’s beaches and experience some beautiful festivals in Japan.

Autumn in Japan | Fall Foliage

This is probably the second most popular time to visit Japan as the beautiful fall foliage begins to blanket the country. Japanese maples are everywhere, and they turn brilliant shades of red and orange. 

There are Autumn festivals held throughout the country, and you should definitely try to experience one if you’re planning a trip at this time of year. Festivals are popular with the Japanese too, so book your accommodation as soon as you’ve found a festival you’d like to attend.

Winter in Japan | Ski Season

I think winter is a great time to visit Japan.

The skiing is fabulous, with some of the best powder in the world. I’ve skied in both Hakuba and Niseko and absolutely loved them. One of the best things about the ski areas is that most of them are located near hot springs, so you can ski and onsen all on the same day.

The snow starts in late November and usually sticks around until March, with peak ski season in late January and February. A later trip in mid-March can still provide excellent snow conditions with the added bonus of a possible appearance of cherry blossom at the end of your visit.

Between Christmas and New Year, most of Japan is on holiday, so it can be hard to organise activities or eat out at this time. Transportation will also be packed with locals heading off on their own holidays.

For the best chance of seeing the peak of Mount Fuji, this is the time to visit, with a 77% chance of clear skies in the winter months. I, of course, showed up on one of the days when she was shrouded in fog, but it’s a good excuse for yet another trip!

Do you need a visa to visit Japan?

If you’re a citizen of these 68 countries (the UK, USA, Canada, NZ, Australia and most of Europe included), then you won’t need to obtain a visa prior to arrival in Japan. You’ll be issued a visa on arrival at passport control. This will be valid for tourism purposes for up to 90 days.

If your nationality isn’t on the above list, you’ll need to look here to see what’s required prior to travelling to Japan.

Regardless of whether you need to get a visa in advance, you need at least 6 months of validity remaining on your passport from the time of your arrival in Japan.

By law, foreigners in Japan are required to carry their passports with them at all times. It’s a super safe country, so you shouldn’t worry. Make a hard copy and take a photo of the ID page of your passport and relevant visas to have on your phone and in your hotel room.

How to Plan your Japan Itinerary

I know that creating your own itinerary for Japan can seem totally overwhelming. You can totally use one of my Japan itineraries , but if you want to create your own, here are some pointers.

Why do you want to visit Japan?

I’m sure you’ve got a reason why you want to go to Japan. For me, it was skiing and the promise of authentic Japanese food. For you, it’s probably something completely different.

First of all, decide if there’s something or somewhere that you’ve been dreaming of seeing. If you’re desperate to see the cherry blossom, you won’t be happy unless you plan your trip for late March to mid-April. 

If you hate crowds and love history, you’ll probably want to create a trip outside peak season that focuses more on the ancient cities of Japan.

Whether the draw is anime and cosplay or temples and shrines, you really can create an itinerary that’s perfect for you if you take a little bit of time to research.

What’s your budget for a trip to Japan?

Not to be a dick, but can you actually afford the trip you want to have in Japan? 

It’s possible to visit Japan on a strict budget , but you’ll almost certainly have to make some compromises with your accommodation and activities.

I truly don’t think it’s worth going to Japan if you have to miss out on things you’re desperate to do. It’ll mean you get home slightly unsatisfied and wondering why.

Work out what your “must-see” and “must-do” experiences are and find out how much they cost. Then factor in accommodation and transport costs and ask yourself if you’d be better off saving a little longer to have the trip you really want rather than the one you can have right now.

It’s almost always better to wait.

As a rough idea, here’s what you need depending on your style of travel:

• Budget: under ¥8000 daily (approx US$60)
• Mid-range: ¥8000 to ¥18000 per day (US$60-$125)
• High-end: over ¥18000 daily (US$125)

One of the most common things I see when people are planning a trip to Japan is that they fill their itinerary with activities. 

Rushing from one place to another without allowing time for any flexibility means you’re going to come home from your holiday feeling like you need another holiday to recover!

How many days should you spend in Japan?

I’ve seen Japan visits that are a mere 6 days . That’s really not much time, and my honest opinion is that it’s impossible to truly get under the skin of a country in such a short visit. I think most people would find that’s not enough time to see everything they want anyway.

You could get a tiny taste of Japan in 10 days , but I think that a 14 day Japan itinerary is really the minimum for a decent first-time visit.

For me, anything less than 3 nights in one place is pushing it in terms of my enjoyment since I don’t like having to pack and unpack constantly. 

I enjoy wandering the streets of a place to get a feel for it, usually have a list of cultural experiences and foodie spots to last me several weeks, and I simply significantly prefer slow travel.

If you can spare more time, then 3 or more weeks will mean that you can explore from north to south and also have time to get off the beaten path to some lesser-explored areas of Japan!

Where to go in Japan

While I thoroughly recommend getting off the beaten track, Japan can be daunting for the first-time visitor. The culture is very different to what many of us are used to, and the language barrier is real.

The major cities in Japan are more adapted for foreign tourism, and you’ll find them easier to navigate, especially if it’s your first visit and you’re exploring independently.

Equally, some of the smaller cities and towns offer a totally different experience. 

Sleepy morning streets that come alive with music in the evenings to serenade workers returning home. Amazing onsen (hot springs) to relax in while the snow tumbles down around you. Sake festivals and some of the world’s best beer.

History lessons that should never be forgotten.

Here are some of my recommendations for a first-time trip to Japan:

Obviously, I’m not going to leave the capital off the list, and neither should you!

Tokyo is vast, vibrant and fun. There are so many things to do in Japan’s biggest city. Home to 40 million people, it’s the biggest metropolis on Earth!

You’ll find Senso-ji (Japan’s oldest temple in the historic Asakusa district), Harajuku (the cosplay capital), Yoyogi park (amazing cherry blossoms) and the best sushi restaurant I’ve ever been to in my life. And that’s just the beginning.

There are several great day trips that you can take from Tokyo, including Hakone and Mount Fuji (no explanation needed), Kawagoe and Kamakura (great for history lovers) and Nagano (where you’ll find the snow monkeys ).

The undisputed foodie capital of Japan is a fabulous place to sample all things Japanese food with a side of culture. Head to the Dotonburi district to try takoyaki octopus balls, okonomiyaki savoury pancakes or the famous fugu puffer fish.

Once you’ve eaten yourself to a standstill, you can visit temples and shrines or take a couple of day trips outside the city. It’s easy to get to both Nara, the ancient capital more famous for its deer park, Hiroshima and Miyajima from Osaka.

The ancient capital of Japan is possibly the closest you’ll come to the country’s spiritual heartland. Almost a third of Japan’s population visits Kyoto every year . 

It’s here you’ll find the famous Fushimi Inari shrine, the Gion geisha district, beautiful Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and enough temples to keep you busy for days. Kyoto is an amazing city to experience Japan’s cultural heritage .

From Kyoto, it’s easy to take day trips to Nara, the ancient Himeji castle or Arashiyama, where you’ll find that Insta-famous bamboo grove and the Iwatayama monkey park.

Hiroshima & Miyajima

One of the most moving places in Japan, if not the world, I really think that Hiroshima deserves a spot on every first-time Japan itinerary . The Peace Memorial Park and Museum aren’t easy places to visit, but I truly believe that the more people that experience them, the less likely we are to repeat the mistakes of the past.

Miyajima makes a lighter counterpoint to the intensity of Hiroshima, with cute map-eating deer and the beautiful floating Torii gate.

TIP | Make sure to visit Miyajima at high tide around sunset for the best experience.

Hands down one of my favourite places in Japan; there’s a whole host of things to do in Takayama . The historic Sanmachi Suji district is glorious, there are cool museums, a great morning market and an annual sake festival.

Just on the outskirts of the city, you’ll find the fascinating Hida folk village, a collection of historic houses that have been relocated here from all over the region.

It’s a particularly special place to visit if you’re planning a Japan trip over the winter months.

Boasting 3 beautifully preserved Edo-period districts, Kanazawa definitely deserves serious consideration on your Japan itinerary. You’ll find amazing seafood, incredible history and fabulous modern art museums in the city.

There’s the stunning Kenrokuen garden, considered one of the finest in Japan. You can wander the samurai district, visiting historic residences before exploring the fascinating Ninja Temple, where you’ll see ingenious defences and secret passages.

This city in Hokkaido doesn’t often make it onto the itinerary of first-time visitors to Japan, but if you’re a skier and planning a winter visit to Niseko, spending some time in Sapporo is a must. 

There’s a beer factory, a chocolate factory, a Ferris wheel on the roof of a department store and one of the most incredible ice sculpture exhibitions in the world. You’ll also find Sapporo’s very own Fushimi Inari shrine in the city.

Take a day trip to Noboribetsu , aka Hell Valley, and see what fun the devils have soaking in some of the best onsens in Japan.

First day in Japan

I like to use my first day to orient myself to a new place, and my favourite way to do this is by taking either a food tour or a walking tour of the city. 

Obviously, this only works if your first day involves a morning or lunchtime arrival.

Bear in mind that most accommodation in Japan only guarantees a 3 pm check-in, but almost all hotels will hold your luggage until then. That allows you to have almost a full day of exploring luggage-free before your official first day!

If you’re arriving in Japan in the afternoon or evening, then it’s likely to be relatively late by the time you get to your accommodation. I advise finding a restaurant near your hotel that takes reservations so you don’t need to wander around. Then get a good night’s sleep before making an early start the following day.

Getting to Japan

Once you’ve decided which areas and cities you want to visit, you can work out how to get to Japan.

Options will vary – the United States and Europe tend to have limited options for direct flights, with Oceania and Asia giving more choices. 

Although it can be tempting to look for the best deal, I really recommend flying direct to Japan if at all possible. This isn’t always possible, depending on your point of origin, but the most direct flight is always best.

You’re looking at around a 10-hour direct flight to Toyko from LA, Sydney and Auckland.

From NYC and London, it’s closer to 14 hours.

Which airport should you choose?

There are several international airports in Japan, and you may have more than one choice of direct flight.

It’s also worth considering flying into one city and out of another so that you can maximise your time in Japan.

Tokyo airports

As the capital, Tokyo does tend to receive the highest number of international flights. You’ve got a choice of 2 airports for your arrival – Narita and Haneda.

Haneda airport is considerably closer to downtown Tokyo so, in my opinion, the better option if available.

If you’re transiting through Tokyo on your way to another location in Japan, then be aware that

• The 2 different airports in Tokyo are FAR away from each other. It’s 80km between Narita and Haneda airports, and it’ll take a minimum of an hour to transfer.
• You’ll need to collect your luggage and clear customs prior to boarding your domestic flight in Japan

Budget your transit time accordingly. Even at the same airport, you may find that it’s a considerable distance between terminals.

I’d allow at least 3 hours with the current state of air travel for a domestic transfer at the same airport. Add 90 minutes for a connecting flight across the city.

Osaka & Kyoto airports

If you’re planning a trip starting or ending in Osaka or Kyoto, then you want to see what’s available at Kansai airport on the outskirts of Osaka.

Chubu International Airport outside Nagoya is also a good option for a Golden Route (Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto) loop trip. Virtually all the cities mentioned above have a rail link through Nagoya, making it an easy hub to start and return to.

On the northernmost island of Hokkaido is Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport. It’s your best bet if you’re planning a winter visit for skiing in Niseko.

Southern Japan

If you’re really wanting to do something different, then it’s worth considering a trip to Japan’s south. There’s Kyushu, the southernmost of the main islands of Japan and Okinawa, a cluster of islands sitting between Japan and Taiwan in the East China Sea.

Fukuoka airport on Kyushu primarily connects the island with other Asian hubs such as Singapore, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai. Naha International on Okinawa also connects the islands with mainland Asia.

How to get around Japan

The best way to travel in Japan, hands down, is by using public transport. It’s punctual and easy to use. The bullet train ( shinkansen ) is an incredible machine that covers long distances at up to 320km/h. They’re a great way to travel.

The Japan Rail Pass

If you’re planning a first visit to Japan, then you’ve almost certainly read about the JR pass . It’s essentially a pre-paid train voucher that you can use for travel on the vast majority of Japan Rail trains.

I’ve found that it works out to be more cost-effective than purchasing individual tickets for all the itineraries in Japan that I’ve taken. However, there are some things to consider before deciding if the JR pass is worth it for you.

The pass comes in 7, 14, and 21-day validities, with a fixed price for each duration. Once it’s activated and used for the first train trip, that validity starts and is for consecutive days.

Try to group your travel into a 7-day or 14-day window once you activate the pass, or you’ll have to purchase individual tickets anyway.

You need to buy the pass in advance, and a voucher gets delivered to your home. You then activate it once in Japan by visiting the JR counter at the train station. 

TIP | Don’t forget your voucher or lose your JR pass once it’s activated. You’ll have to purchase new tickets regardless of whether you have receipts and proof of purchase. And yes, this is the voice of experience.

This isn’t everything you need to know about purchasing a JR pass , but a quick step-by-step summary to help you if you’re planning your own itinerary:

• Establish what Japanese cities you want to visit
• Check what train routes are available to you – some will take longer than others and may require more changes, so pick the best option for you.
• Write down the cost
• Add the cost up and then compare to the JR pass options, which are as follows: 7, 14 and 21-day passes. Check the current prices here .
• Make sure that travel includes only routes that are included in the JR pass – as a first-time visitor, the only lines that might catch you out are the Nozomi or Mizuho superfast trains, which are not included.
• Most importantly, if you do decide that you want to use one, order it well in advance, as it will get delivered to your home.
• If your suitcase has combined dimensions of >160cm, then you need to reserve a seat in advance in the oversized baggage area of the train. This is included in the price of your pass.

It’s also worth familiarising yourself with some of the private rail lines where your JR pass won’t be valid. You can easily purchase single fares for these local trains for an extra cost at the station.

Transport within Japanese cities

There’s fantastic public transport in all the major cities in Japan. You usually have a choice of metro (subway), tram and bus. You can purchase individual tickets, but my advice is to buy an IC card when you arrive if you’re planning to use public transport.

TIP | The tap-and-go system you’re used to with your credit cards in the UK, USA, Australia, NZ and many other parts of the world uses an EMV-compatible chip. In Japan, they primarily use FeliCa, which is Japan-only and means your card chip won’t register.

The IC cards have different names in different cities, but they all do basically the same thing. You put down a deposit (usually ¥500) and preload the card with a certain amount which gets gradually deducted as you use it.

There are tourist versions of the cards available in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto that don’t usually require a deposit. You can read all about IC cards here . Buy them at all subway and train stations in the city and reload them as needed.

Car hire in Japan

Japan is a country where I don’t automatically start looking for a rental car at the time of planning my trip. Unless you want to head out into rural areas, there’s really no need to drive. 

Most of the country is very well connected with public transportation links, and a little bit of advance planning is all you need to ensure that you don’t need a car.

My general advice for every country is not to drive in major cities unless you live there or it’s absolutely unavoidable. Cities are usually the most stressful places for tourists to drive, and you significantly increase your risks of receiving a fine or getting into an accident.

If you do decide to drive in Japan, you’ll need to have an International Driving Permit issued before you travel. If your driving licence is from Belgium, France, Germany, Monaco, Switzerland or Taiwan, you must get your license translated into Japanese at a Japanese Auto (JAF) centre.

Navigating in Japan

Google maps is honestly all you’re going to need. Not only will you get all the transport options with route breakdowns, but also the price range for your trip. This can be really helpful in deciding whether the JR pass is an investment you should make.

Types of Accommodation in Japan

There are some quirks when it comes to accommodation in Japan that it’s a good idea to know about. 

The major one is regarding non-smoking rooms. Particularly in smaller business hotels, it’s not uncommon for your non-smoking room to have been a smoking room for the previous guest.

Unless you really enjoy the smell of stale cigarettes permeating everything you own, make sure that the entire hotel is non-smoking.

I recommend booking your accommodation in Japan as soon as you’ve mapped out your itinerary. This will ensure you get the best deals and the widest choice. 

Other things to bear in mind:

• Rooms are likely to be significantly smaller than you might be used to, especially in cities and even with brands you know well. 
• Some accommodation charges a per-guest fee rather than a per-room fee, so make sure you know which you’re getting. 
• Expect to be charged an onsen tax in accommodation that provides use of onsen facilities
• Traditional accommodations may not have private bathrooms, and you’ll be using shared facilities. In my experience, these are single-sex.
• Many smaller establishments will only take cash payments on-site. Check in advance and withdraw cash in bigger centres prior to your arrival
• It’s fairly common for hotels to be able to make arrangements to forward your luggage to your next destination. Great for ski season!

Japan is a place where it pays to know what your options are, and you should always, always read the reviews.

My absolute favourite of all the accommodation options in Japan. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, often family-run, and a great place to get a taste of the more historical side of Japan. 

TIP | Ryokans usually charge per person and are less likely than chain hotels to have English-speaking staff. I’ve never found this to be an issue since you can always use a translation app to communicate.

There will often be a Japanese-style kaiseki multi-course breakfast and dinner provided, full of interesting flavours. You’ll usually get to experience futon-style sleeping, shared bathing Japanese style or onsen hot pools, and they’re full of locals.

Ryokans are, for me, the best place to stay in Japan, and I’d base my entire visit around staying in them if my budget allowed!

TIP | If you have back or mobility problems, then this is not a good option for you since the sleeping mats are on the floor and dining is often done in your room at a low table with seats or cushions on the floor.

You may also come across minshuku , which are sort of like a budget hotel version of a ryokan’s high-end. You’ll get similar accommodation and breakfast, but there’s usually no onsen, and you’ll share bathing and dining facilities.

These are lodgings in temples and shrines around the country. You’ll sleep Japanese-style, and usually, vegetarian food is included with your room. You can usually join prayer time and meditations, regardless of your faith.

Although not always situated in the most convenient places, shukubo are one of the really unique experiences to have in Japan .

Capsule hotels

These can be great if you’re on a budget but are less good if you’ve got a lot of luggage. They’re exactly what they sound like, little capsule bedroom areas that are separated by curtains or screens. The degree of soundproofing can vary, but I’ve always found the sleeping areas to be extremely quiet in the evenings.

Capsule hotels are great for solo travelers and a lot of them offer really great value for money when you consider the location.

Business hotels

These are intended to cater for Japanese business travelers, usually men. My experience in them hasn’t been great. Although they tend to be a good option for price, their non-smoking policy is often non-existent, and many of those I’ve stayed in have reeked of stale smoke.

I’m not saying avoid them entirely; they’re often in great locations right beside major train stations, but do your research before you book. Rooms are usually small but offer Western-style bedding, private bathrooms and often have a restaurant attached. 

These are great for budget travelers, particularly if you’re traveling Japan as a solo female , as there are many women-only hostels in Japan. Others are segregated by floors. Some are more similar in theme to capsule hotels, with little cubicles you separate off with a curtain.

The amount of privacy you get varies, as with any hostel, but they’re usually very clean, more consideration is given to privacy, and they’re extremely affordable.

Large hotels

Every city in Japan, regardless of size, will usually have some sort of chain hotel, be it local or international. All the major brands have a presence here. These are where you can be certain of Western-style beds, private bathrooms and breakfasts catering for the tastes you’re used to.

Some of these hotels do retain a little more Japanese flavour with the possibility of using shared bathhouse facilities, onsen and traditional Japanese breakfast foods.

Things to do on your First Visit to Japan

Let your imagination run wild – if you can think of it, Japan can probably deliver it. Whether it’s a pilgrimage to ancient Buddhist monasteries or a visit to a robot hotel, there’s a multitude of things to do in Japan .

Here’s a quick sample of just some of the popular experiences you can have in Japan:

Traditional Japanese Experiences

• Stay in a traditional ryokan
• Bathe in an onsen
• Watch a sumo match
• Participate in a tea ceremony
• Make your own gold leaf chopsticks
• Do a sake tasting
• Embark on a traditional pilgrimage route

Modern Japanese Experiences

• Stay in a robot hotel
• Visit teamLab PLANETS
• Watch the mesmerising dance of the Shibuya crossing
• Travel through Japan using the high-speed, high-tech bullet train
• Go up the Tokyo Skytree

Nature Experiences in Japan

• Visit the snow monkeys
• Watch the migrating cranes in snow-covered Hokkaido
• Visit Mt. Fuji

NOTE | If you decide that you’d like to visit an animal cafe in Japan, I highly recommend making sure that there is a neutering and adoption policy in place at your chosen venue. Remember that wild animals aren’t meant to be kept for our entertainment when you’re reading about owl or hedgehog cafes. I strongly recommend avoiding these.

Tickets you should buy in advance

Apart from the JR pass, there are a few other activities that you should purchase your tickets for in advance. Some because they allow you to skip the line, some because you get a better deal and some because you can only purchase them before you arrive in Japan.

I recommend buying tickets to the following as soon as possible:

Universal Studios | Just outside Osaka, this is a great stop if you’re a fan of theme parks and/or Harry Potter! It’s usually busy with long queues, so I recommend purchasing an Express Pass so that you can skip all those lines.

Sumo Wrestling Tournaments | Nationwide

These happen every other month, starting in January, and they’re one of the most popular things to do in Japan, both for tourists and locals. You can check the schedule here to see if there’s one taking place during your visit and when the tickets go on sale.

If you can’t make it to a tournament (they’re insanely popular and sell out almost immediately), then you can buy tickets to see training sessions . These happen daily in Tokyo and are a unique experience enabling you to see these athletes up close.

Food Tour | Osaka

Osaka is the undisputed food capital of Japan, so there’s really no better place to go on a food tour. This option includes 10 local food samples, local craft beer, and a visit to the neighbourhoods and hidden gems of Osaka that you’d simply never get to see otherwise. Highly recommended.

Tea Ceremony | Kyoto

If you want to experience a full Japanese tea ceremony, then this activity in Kyoto is what you should book. There’s also an option for you to wear the traditional kimono, which makes for an even more authentic experience. 

Japanese cooking class | Tokyo

Sato’s cooking class is hosted in his own apartment, and you’ll be cooking food that’s what he makes and eats day to day. This is an incredible opportunity to learn about Japanese cuisine with a local and one of the best activities in Tokyo for foodies!

teamLab Planets | Tokyo

From the same digital design team as teamLab Borderless, this immersive art experience will take you through waterfalls of fire, lakes of colour and gardens full of 3D flowers. It’s an incredible place to visit and will be open through the end of 2023. Note that the original Borderless exhibition has now closed.

Shibuya Sky | Tokyo

If you’ve heard of it, then you might be wondering where the best place to see the Shibuya Crossing is. This is definitely one of them. Built over several floors with observation galleries and incredible views over the Tokyo skyline, the Shibuya Sky sells out in advance, so it’s worth booking once you know your dates.

Japanese food

I think that trying local food specialities is one of the best ways to learn things about a culture. The Japanese kaiseki method of serving a meal with multiple small courses is one of my favourite ways to eat. 

You’ll probably be familiar with sushi and ramen, but there’s a huge variety of other food and drink you should try while you’re there. One of the best ways to sample lots of different foods in a short space of time is by taking a food tour, and I try to do one early in my visit to a new country.

Japanese Food on the Go

One of the most important things you need to know before you start grabbing a to-go meal is that, in Japan, you don’t eat and walk.

Food is something to be savoured, chopsticks are the main utensil, and even if you’re having street food, there’s always somewhere to sit. Embrace the slow life and snack like the Japanese – at a little stool watching the world go by.

Convenience Stores

If you’re in a hurry or just want to grab something small, then you might be surprised to learn that convenience stores are one of the best places in Japan to grab a quick bite. They’re all over the place, and you’ll find really good sushi and other snack food.

They’re reasonably priced, great if you’re on a budget, and you can always find a coffee. Although I don’t vouch for the quality. In my opinion, 7-Eleven has the best (worst) coffee, with Family Mart and Lawson being on a (sub)par.

Vending Machines

Again, they’re everywhere, and they stock everything. Hamburgers, eggs, ramen, bread, fish or bananas – find them in a vending machine.

I wouldn’t plan your entire meal around them, but it’s a fun novelty to be able to get your mid-morning snack from a machine on the street. Obviously, there are loads that just dispense drinks too.

You’ll usually find a bench next to any that supplies food because, see above, we don’t walk and eat.

Bento Boxes

If you’re taking the train, then you simply must try ekiben bento boxes. They’re a special train bento box that’s specifically created to showcase regional specialities. You can only purchase them at train stations across the country, and they’re something really unique to each area of Japan.

If you’re worried that you might miss out because you’re not visiting that many regions, don’t panic. Just head to Ekiben-ya Matsuri at Tokyo station, where you’ll find ekiben from all over the country.

They’ve even got self-heating bento boxes!

Food to try in Japan

Many of these will be familiar, but you’ll probably find that the Japanese version is radically different to what you’ve tried previously. Unless you’re lucky enough to live somewhere with Japanese ex-pats who’ve opened a restaurant. 

In which case, please drop me a line!

Things you should definitely eat in Japan are:

• Sushi in all its forms
• Ramen, especially in the winter months where a bowl of ramen is like a hug in a bowl
• Okonomiyaki savoury pancakes will be cooked on a hotplate as you watch and served steaming
• Tempura anything. Until you’ve tried tempura in Japan, you don’t know how light something deep-fried can truly be.

There are other specialities that require a slightly more adventurous palate, such as the takoyaki octopus balls and beef sushi. Basically, google regional specialities and then seek them out!

PLANING TRIP TO JAPAN

Staying connected in japan.

In my experience, it’s far better to get a local SIM card in Japan than rely on your home plan. On my most recent trip, I bought a SIM at the airport and was connected for my entire visit, whereas the friend I was travelling with never got reception on her home plan.

The best place to get a SIM is on arrival at the airport. You’ll easily find kiosks selling tourist SIM cards, and they’ll help you to get everything set up before you even leave the building.

If you’ve got a compatible phone, then it’s well worth taking a look at eSIM options . I’ve recently started using these instead, and they’re a game changer. I’ve used Holafly , which was great, and have also heard really good things about Airalo .

You can also pre-purchase a pocket wifi which is what I did on my first trip to Japan. It’s great if you’re travelling with other people (or even if you’re wanting to work on the trains) since you can connect multiple devices to a single hotspot.

Electricity in Japan

Japan works on 100V electricity which is similar to the United States and about half of what most of the rest of the world uses. 

In real terms, this means that almost every appliance from the US will work fine in Japan, but you may need to be more careful with electronics from elsewhere.

The vast majority of what you’ll take as a tourist (camera/phone/laptop) will be multi-voltage compatible and, therefore, fine. If you want to take hair straighteners or a hairdryer, check the plug – if it doesn’t say 100-240V and instead is only 220-240V, it won’t work, and you’re better off buying when you arrive if you really can’t do without!

As an aside, Akihabara is the best district in Tokyo for electronics stores.

Money in Japan

I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but for a technologically forward-thinking country, Japan has been pretty resistant to getting rid of its cash culture!

Carry Cash in Japan

Cash is absolutely king in many places in Japan, especially outside the big cities. Whilst it’s possible that this will change post-pandemic, I wouldn’t count on it.

You should either bring Yen (¥) with you or withdraw it as soon as possible from an ATM when you arrive. I have a multi-currency card , but you may wish to use a fee-free debit card from your own bank.

Avoid the exchange booths at the airport, as the rates are usually fairly terrible, and wait until you get into the city. You shouldn’t need cash for anything prior to your arrival at your initial hotel.

When paying with cash, you’ll see a small tray next to the till. Place your payment on the tray, and the attendant will pick it up. Take your change with both hands and usually a little head nod of thanks too.

Credit Cards in Japan

Most larger stores and hotels in cities will accept credit cards, as will many tourist-oriented activities. Importantly, American Express is often not accepted in Japan, so make sure you have a MasterCard or Visa as a backup if this is your main credit card.

TIP | Don’t choose to pay in your home currency if given the option, as you’ll usually get hit with a massive fee.

It’s worth knowing that even in stores that do take cards, there’s often a minimum spend which may be a lot more than you expect.

Tipping in Japan

There’s no tipping culture in Japan, and it’s not recommended. People are more likely to think you forgot to take your change than anything else. 

There are very few exceptions to this tipping rule. 

The first is if you’re going to stay in a ryokan with personal attendants. These are similar to a personal butler, and it’s customary to tip on arrival (not departure) with an envelope containing ¥1000 per guest.

A private dinner with a geisha begins from the moment the first drink is poured and the toast given. At this point, it’s customary to give your envelope containing the tip (both hands!), which is usually ¥3000 per guest.

In all other situations, a token of appreciation, such as a thoughtful gift from your home or purchasing and sharing a drink or meal with your guide, might be more appreciated.

Culture & Etiquette in Japan

Most things are just common sense, but there are a few things you might encounter in Japan that are unfamiliar. They were to me on my first trip anyway!

By and large, being calm and polite is a way of life in Japan. Yelling will get you absolutely nowhere. Honestly, I can’t think of a situation I’ve ever encountered where it’s been necessary anyway.

Even when I was on a train that crashed into a car that had parked on the tracks, the several hundred people who turned up to sort it out never spoke in anything other than hushed tones. Possibly this is worse than shouting, but I’ve not yet found a Japanese local to confirm!

Be prepared to have people bow to you. A lot. You’ll probably start doing it back. It’s just a fact of life in Japan that takes a little getting used to.

Taking your shoes off is very much expected when you enter a house. Traditional tatami mats are delicate, so you wear slippers inside to protect them. You’ll get used to it, but wear decent socks!

Japanese Toilets

I know, I know, you’re wondering if I’ve lost my mind. Why on earth would I be telling you about toilets?! Well, my friends, because the Japanese have Western-style toilets, but not as you know them.

They’re so much better.

I don’t know if you’ve ever been somewhere that’s reliably below zero and needed to sit on a toilet seat. It’s a bum-numbingly unpleasant experience. Not in Japan. In Japan, the toilet seats are heated.

And they clean your bum for you.

The latter can be a bit of a shock if you’re not expecting it, and many toilets come with a remote control that’s frankly terrifying. If you don’t know what’s going on, then there’s usually toilet paper for the uninitiated.

For everyone else, though, there are little water sprouts for the front and back and even a dryer so that you don’t have to get your hands dirty at all.

It’ll revolutionise the way you think about going to the bathroom. I’m a total weirdo, but honestly, Japanese toilets are one of my favourite things about visiting. So now you know my dark secret.

Speaking Japanese

Obviously, you’re in Japan. They speak Japanese here. In some places, mostly in large tourist centres or where the staff are younger, you’ll be able to get by with English, although the standard is very variable.

TIP | Take a card from your hotel to show any drivers if you think you might need to get a taxi back since they’ll be able to read Japanese but not necessarily the English that will appear on your maps app!

The onus is, therefore, on you, the visitor, to work out how to make yourself understood beyond the language barrier!

Useful Japanese phrases:

• Hello – Konichiwa
• Excuse me – Sumimasen
• Thank you – Arigatou gozaimasu
• Do you speak English – Eigo ga hanasemasu ka

The best piece of advice I can give is to get yourself a translation app like Google Translate and use it whenever you need to. Japanese is pretty tricky, and even a little effort is better than nothing!

I’ve been to hotels where every piece of communication was done via the app, and it was absolutely fine.

What to pack for Japan

Packing for Japan is dependent on the season you’re travelling in. It gets very cold in winter and very hot in summer, so I’m sure you’ll work out the bulk of your wardrobe!

The streets are well maintained, with most being asphalt, so a suitcase with wheels will be fine.

As always, wear comfortable shoes because you’ll likely be walking a lot. I recommend layers no matter what season you’re travelling in.

Bring plug adaptors and leave your 22-240V only appliances at home.

Don’t forget your JR Pass!

Travel Insurance for Japan

Even if you’ve never been sick a day in your life, travel insurance is a must. Purchase it as soon as you book your tickets, and you’ll be covered if any part of your trip gets cancelled.

I’ve used it for lost luggage, heatstroke, that time someone drove their car onto the train tracks and got stuck, and we got delayed for hours and missed our flights… You really can’t predict what the world is going to throw at you!

This really is a personal preference. 

I’m very much an “independent travel with a few small group tours” kind of girl.

If, however, the thought of calculating a budget, working out your itinerary and dealing with the language barrier totally freaks you out, then an organised tour may well be for you.

I always advise small group tours focusing on hiring local operators and working on sustainable travel practices. Check out G Adventures and Intrepid Travel .

Hopefully, this has answered any and all questions that you might have about planning your trip to Japan, but feel free to reach out in the comments, on social media or by email if you’d like any further advice or clarification.

Planning A Trip To Japan?

With stunning colour country-wide in spring and autumn, incredible skiing in winter, and a perfect blend of traditional and modern culture, Japan is one of my favourite destinations.

Check out these essential guides, travel tips, and more to help you plan your trip:

THINGS TO DO | Great Things To Do in Takayama

TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t go anywhere without it! I use and recommend Safety Wing .

THOUGHTFUL TRAVEL | No matter where you go, always be aware of the fact that travel impacts the place and people that live there. Being a thoughtful traveller is more critical than ever. Here are my top tips to make your trip a mindful one.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Love my photos and want to know how to take better shots on your own trips? Then my photography guide is for you. Here’s all the photography gear I use too. Want to buy one of my images? Head to the Print Store .

ESSENTIAL GEAR | You’ll find my travel essentials here, and a complete guide to all my hiking gear here .

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How to Plan a Trip to Japan [2024]: Traveler's Full Guide!

Traveling to Japan can be a daunting task because of the amount of things you can do there. I've been there, so let me help through all of the questions you'll have so you can get started planning that trip to Japan you've been dreaming of!

So you're planning a trip to the land of the rising sun?

Thanks to Japanese music, entertainment, and food's rising popularity in the West, it's perhaps no wonder that traveling to Japan has found its way onto many people's bucket lists over the years.

And for a good reason!

No matter who you are or your interests, you're almost guaranteed to find something to pique your interest in Japan.

Planning a trip can get tricky, whether you're planning your first trip to Japan or have visited a few times already.

Sure, you can show up with your bag on your shoulder and go where the wind takes you. But unless you have plenty of time to spare, chances are that you'll miss out on many worthwhile experiences if you come unprepared.

Lucky for you, I've fallen in love with Japan over the past few visits, and I want to share my knowledge!

This comprehensive planning guide will help you make the most of your visit to Japan with some of my best tips on planning a trip to Japan.

Here's a quick rundown of what we'll cover in this guide:

• Where to Visit in Japan
• Best Time to Visit Japan

Types of Travel in Japan

• How to Get Around Japan
• How Expensive Will Japan Be
• How Early Should You Book Your Flight to Japan
• Additional Tips and Tricks Around Japan

Feel free to pick and choose the topic relevant to your trip-planning journey with the table of contents above!

But First, A Note on Travel Restrictions

Unlike other countries in Asia, Japan was sluggish in opening the country back up and allowing tourists to visit after COVID-19.

While it's possible to enter Japan, there are still some restrictions at the time of publishing this article. These restrictions can change at a moment's notice, so check the current regulations and entry rules with your local Japanese embassy and your airline before you travel.

Now that I've touched on that crucial part of traveling to Japan let's dive into important questions you must consider when planning your dream Japan trip!

Where to Visit in Japan - 10 Top Destinations

If you're not sure where to start, we've got you covered. Make sure to check out our 10 days in Japan itinerary! It's filled with cool places and activities that will make the most out of your Japan trip in 10 days.

If you feel inspired and want to start planning your own trip, give Pilot , our free social trip planner, a try! Start planning from scratch, or use our AI-powered Quick Start Feature to map out your trip to Japan.

Want to know all of the cool places to visit in Japan ?

Here are the top 10 places and destinations people visit in Japan and why they're unique

Tokyo is Japan's capital city, offering a mixture of modern skyscrapers, historic temples, beautiful natural parks, and unique shopping districts like Shibuya and Akihabara, as well as a hub for entertainment and culture. While transportation is highly accessible and convenient in Tokyo, there are best places to stay in Tokyo to save on train tickets and time on commutes!

Tokyo turns up during the night as well. If you're looking for nightlife in Tokyo , read our guide in further detail.

There are so many things to do in Tokyo ; my colleague wrote a separate blog about it. Check it out!

Being Japan's ex-capital city, Kyoto offers a more charming side of rural Japan. From its world-famous temples, wooden traditional ryokans, tea houses, and streets, Kyoto is truly Japan's cultural hub.

Osaka is a unique city featuring a beautiful blend of historical and cultural roots with modernity.

From the historic Osaka Castle to the bustling Dotonbori area, visiting Osaka is a must if you want to experience Japan fully. There are tons of things to do in Osaka ; you'll never get bored of the city!

Some people argue that because of the blend of history with modernity, Osaka nightlife has vibes unique to Tokyos. My highlight is Osaka's street foods , which includes my favorite Japanese pizza called okonomiyaki.

4. Hokkaido

Located in Northern Japan, Hokkaido is known to be a winter destination filled with ski resorts, beautiful parks, and unique wildlife.

Definitely check out the Hokkaido Snow Festival and the city of Sapporo while you're there. It's truly a winter wonderland!

Okinawa is an island located between Japan's mainland and Taiwan, offering Japanese and indigenous culture, beaches, and marine wildlife. It's also a great place to surf in Japan . Can't visit the island without visiting some of the beautiful beaches in Okinawa !

Having been there myself, it's really unique from the rest of Japan.

6. Hiroshima

Hiroshima is often known in the United States and Canada as the city that was bombed during World War II.

While that may be true, the city has wholly transitioned after the war, turning into a beautiful modern city filled with museums like the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, providing education and commemorating the victims of the atomic bomb.

The Prefecture of Nara is most known for the large Shinto shrines and the abundance of wild deer populations that roam around the region.

Fukuoka is renowned for ancient temples, beaches, modern shopping centers, and local cuisine, including the world-famous Hakata ramen, also known as the Tonkotsu ramen.

9. Kanazawa

Kanazawa is well known for its preserved Edo-period history and culture, boasting museums, parks, and gardens that showcase its history with modern attractions.

Nikko, in my opinion, is an underrated gem and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that hosts historical shrines, lush forests, and breathtaking waterfalls.

If you're into Japanese architecture, you should definitely visit Nikko!

When Should I Visit Japan?

Did you know that Japan actually has 72 seasons? No, that is not a typo.

The four seasons the rest of us are more familiar with are separated into 24 sekki, characterized 節気 in Japanese, according to the traditional lunisolar calendar.

Each of these sekki are, in turn, separated into three, leaving a total of 72 shijijūni ko, 七十二侯 in the Japanese language, that last for roughly five days each.

But for the sake of this article, let's stick to the original 4 that we are all more familiar with.

So, what's the best time to visit Japan?

When you should visit, Japan depends largely on what you want to see and do while you are there.

Another aspect to consider is that some of Japan's seasons are far more pleasant than others, which may or may not affect your trip to some extent.

In general, if you're trying to find the best times to visit Japan without a specific agenda or event, I'd recommend going during the shoulder seasons. Any time between May and late September to early October are great time for mild weather and fewer crowds.

That said, no matter what time of the year you decide to show up, you're guaranteed to find plenty of things to experience and explore while you're there. There are also plenty of festivals and activities that are unique to each season.

Japan in Spring - Best for Cherry Blossoms

I'm normally an autumn girl, but nothing beats Japan in spring!

Perhaps unsurprisingly, this is also one of the most popular seasons to travel to Japan for tourists from abroad and the Japanese themselves.

The reason for this? Cherry blossoms, or "sakura" as they are called in Japanese.

Sure, it's possible to see beautiful cherry blossoms in many other parts of the world. However, there's something extra special about watching the whole country suddenly turn pink seemingly overnight.

Let's just say that there's a reason why I have been scheduling the majority of my yearly trips to Japan to coincide with the cherry blossom season.

Whether traveling alone or with friends, don't miss the opportunity to join a "hanami," which literally translates to flower viewing, in one of Japan's many famous spots.

The best time to visit Japan for cherry blossoms is often during late March into early April when the cherry blossoms bloom. Japan in the spring is also an enjoyable season with mild days and slightly colder nights and evenings.

Prepare to book your flight 8-12 months in advance, because it's the peak travel season during those times of the year for Japan!

Japan in Summer - High Temperatures & Humid

Despite the best attempts of my Japanese friends to warn me, my very first trip to Japan was in July 2011. As I stepped out of the air-conditioned Tokyo airport and into the giant sauna that is Tokyo during the summer, I thought that perhaps I should've waited a few weeks.

While you can find milder temperatures up north in Hokkaido, the rest of Japan experiences high temperatures and very high humidity during the summer months.

Japan's summers can be a less than pleasant experience for those of us who aren't used to a tropical climate. There is also the added risk of suffering heat stroke if you're out and about during the day.

Summer Festivals

Summer is also the high season for "matsuri," or Japanese festivals. This is reason alone to brave the heat and stop by for a visit.

My absolute favorite festival to visit is Awa Odori , which occurs in August every year. The original festival is in Tokushima on Japan's Shikoku island. Suppose you're planning a trip to Osaka, Kobe, or Kyoto. In that case, you can easily make a day trip over to Tokushima for the festival. You won't regret it.

Smaller versions of Awa Odori can be found in other cities like Tokyo. However, nothing beats the original, where the whole humble city of Tokushima comes alive with people laughing and dancing together in the streets. It's an unforgettable experience for sure.

Aside from Awa Odori, there are, of course, many other festivals and events taking place all over the country.

The Summer Rainy Season

Worth noting is that Japan's rainy season also occurs during the summer. During this time, typhoons will sweep the country and leave a massacre of umbrellas in their wake.

The rainy season, or tsuyu as it's called in Japanese, starts in early summer, around May and July, depending on the region. While this usually means several weeks of rain, how much it does rain varies dramatically from year to year. Some years, we barely see any rain, whereas others are exceptionally wet.

If you decide to visit during the summer months, please take care not to get sunstroke while you are there. Avoid going out when the sun is at its highest, and drink plenty of water.

Japan in Autumn - Incredible Sceneries

Just like spring, autumn in Japan is a beautiful season with the leaves changing colors into bright reds and yellow. Like spring, it's also a season with very mild temperatures, often lasting well into November.

For better or worse, this is also a trendy season for tourism, which unfortunately means that prices often go up during this time of the year.

It's an incredibly beautiful time of the year to visit Japan, so I'd definitely highly recommend it!

Japan in Winter - Perfect for Winter Sports

Winter is an often overlooked season for travel to Japan, which is a shame because there is still a lot to see and do. My favorite thing about Japan in winter is the illuminations you can find all over the country, particularly in the bigger cities.

While places like Tokyo or Osaka generally don't see much snowfall, the gorgeous illuminations turn the country into a sparkling winter wonderland once the sun goes down.

One of the most famous illuminations can be found in Tokyo's Roppongi district, Ginza and Tokyo Dome. But you can also find many other places, such as temples and shrines, decked out in beautiful lights as well.

Winter Destinations and Attractions in Japan

Head further up north, and you can experience Hokkaido's snow festival featuring impressive sculptures made entirely from snow.

Shirakawa-go is a famous village with traditional "gassho-zukuri"—those are the houses with steep thatched roofs. It's worth a visit at any time of the year.

However, the magic of this village is taken to an entirely new level during winter when the snow turns the entire village into a dreamy fairytale-like town.

There is no wonder that Shirakawa-go is a popular winter destination for the Japanese as well. Shirakawa-go is most easily reached from Nagoya or Kanazawa, but there are plenty of companies, such as Willer Express , who regularly arrange package trips to the village every winter. While many make it a day trip, it's also possible to stay overnight in one of the houses.

If you're visiting Nagano during late winter or early spring, check out the snow monkeys bathing onsen-style in natural hot springs!

Times of the Year to Avoid

As I said, Japan is worth a trip at any time of the year, but I avoid two particular holidays.

One of these holidays is Golden Week, which occurs in late April/early May. This holiday is made up of a series of Japanese national holidays and is a very popular time for the Japanese to travel domestically.

The result is that trains, buses, and accommodation tend to not only become more expensive but also quickly sell out. Popular tourist spots such as Kyoto also tend to become extra crowded.

The second holiday I would avoid is New Year. While New Year's in Japan on its own is a fun and exciting experience, like Golden Week, it tends to get a lot busier with Japanese people traveling home to see their families.

Many businesses also tend to close for several days during this time.

For the sake of your sanity, I recommend against visiting any shrines or temples during this time, or you may have to wait in line for hours before you can even get in.

The first visit of the year to a temple or shrine is something the Japanese take very seriously, which means enormous crowds daily well into January.

How Long Should You Stay in Japan?

That depends, how much time have you got?

The first time I visited Japan, I stayed for a little more than a year to study Japanese at a language school. Fast-forward 11 years, and I have spent roughly 7 years in Japan during this time. It still doesn't feel like enough!

I have a Japanese friend from Kobe who told me that you could spend a decade in a city like Kyoto, and it still wouldn't be enough time to see and experience everything it has to offer.

Obviously, taking a decade-long vacation isn't in the cards for most of us.

For a first-time visitor, I recommend spending at least 2 weeks in Japan if you can, or at least a week. This gives you enough time to travel around the country to see different parts of Japan, but it's also a great option even if you decide to stay in just one city.

For first-time travelers, I recommend doing the classic Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka trip to get the highlights of Japan that'll make sure you leave the country wanting to come back.

While there are a lot of people traveling to Japan year-round, many repeat travelers often come back to Japan often for different purposes.

For example, my first trip to Japan was the classic Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka trip, where I got to see what makes Japan so special. My second trip to Japan involved actually checking out Mount Fuji in Hakone. There really are tons of different things you can do while you're in Japan.

Let's quickly run you through a few reasons why people travel to Japan.

Romantic Getaways and Honeymoons

I don't think it comes as a surprise that Japan, with its cherry blossoms, breathtaking waterfalls, winter wonderlands, and traditional Ryukans, would be the perfect honeymoon destination for travelers.

If you're planning a romantic getaway or a honeymoon in Japan , definitely check out what the highlights are so you don't miss out!

Theme Parks

Ever watched films by Studio Ghibli like Totoro or Spirited Away?

From Hello Kitty in Sanrio to Super Mario in Universal Studios, many people around the world visit Japan's amusement parks each year. It's not just the typical Disneyland, DisneySea, or Universals either.

From historical to cultural themes, Japan is definitely a place to visit for its amusement parks.

Hiking & Camping

Travelers around the world visit Japan for the country's diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, coastal beaches, and islands. Because of that, hiking in Japan has so much to offer, from traditional temples and shrines to natural breathtaking landscapes, it's really a sight to see!

Because of the country's beautiful and unique landscape, camping in Japan has risen in popularity. From historical trails like Nakasendo and Kumano Kodo to beautiful sceneries across the entire Japan, hiking allows travelers to immerse themselves in Japan's rich nature, history, and culture.

After a long day of hiking or a few days of camping, the availability of natural hot springs (onsen) and traditional inn (ryokan) offers relaxation and a glimpse into Japan's world-class hospitality and service.

Food & Shopping

Shopping is huge in Japan, mostly because of its unique offerings that aren't found anywhere else.

I have friends who go to Japan exclusively to buy Japanese tea, candy, and Sake (Japanese wine). If you're interested in finding all sorts of gadgets and electronics, visit Akihabara. For cool apparel and trendy fashion, visit Harajuku.

There are so many things to buy in Japan I often run out of luggage space and resort to shipping things back. While I know this might not be everyone's experience, the shopping scene in Japan is definitely something to experience.

As for food, do I need to explain how good Japanese food is in Japan?

Not only are traditional dishes in Japan made at a higher standard, the service in Japan is also world-class. From fresh sushi and barbecues in cozy izakayas to vending machine food (yes, you read that right), Japan will never cease to amaze you.

If you're in the capital, definitely check out all of the mouthwatering street food in Tokyo !

Skiing & Snowboarding

Travelers who have Snowboarded and Skied in Japan can attest to the fact that the snow in Japan is just different. How, I can't explain, but it's definitely the consensus.

The best times for skiing in Japan , in my opinion, is around early spring, right before the Cherry Blossom Season, as there's less accumulation of travelers.

While some resorts are Skiing only, Snowboarding in Japan is also very popular! The rentals in larger resorts are also very high in quality, so don't worry about bringing all your gear to Japan and save some space for souvenirs to bring home.

While there are slopes all across Japan, the largest accumulation of ski resorts is found in Hokkaido, Nagano, and Niigata. If you're in Hokkaido during the winter for Skiing, definitely also check out the Sapporo Snow Festival !

Getting Around in Japan

Japan's public transportation is one of the best in the world, both in terms of the variety of travel and the efficiency with which they operate.

You can get just about anywhere with public transportation. It really doesn't make sense to get a car rental unless you're camping or exploring the outskirts of Japan.

The most popular ones are the Japanese subway, local trains, and bullet trains, which run often throughout the day but can get busy and crowded during rush hours, especially in big cities like Tokyo.

On rare occasions you need to take a Taxi, just remember to always hail them in the right direction as they might refuse service just because it's not in the direction they're going. Also, tipping is not a thing in Japan and is generally frowned upon, so do not tip your taxi driver!

Speaking of Japanese public transportation, let's talk about the JR Pass.

Should You Get a Japanese Rail Pass?

Read any article or blog about Japan, and you're almost guaranteed to find a recommendation for the Japanese Rail Pass , or JR Pass for short.

What many of these same articles and blogs fail to mention is that while the pass is great for many, it can also be a complete waste of money for many others.

Whether you should or should not get one depends mainly on your itinerary and how much you intend on traveling through the country while you are there. Contrary to popular belief, it's not always the cheapest option.

Let's say you're planning a trip to Japan, where you're planning on visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. Would I recommend you get the pass? Absolutely not.

Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara are all right next to each other, which means that you can easily travel between each other without spending a lot of money on a ticket!

Even the trip back and forth to Tokyo on the Shinkansen (bullet train) wouldn't make the pass worth the price. On the contrary, you would spend more money on the Japan Rail Pass than you would if you bought each ticket directly.

Many cities in Japan, particularly the bigger cities like Osaka and Tokyo, have their own bus and train passes that you can buy. These last for everything from one day up to several days and can be used all throughout the region where they are issued.

Sites like Klook offer these passes at a discount. These are a great way to save money.

Another way to save money would be to book a highway bus to and from Tokyo. These highway buses cost at least half of a Shinkansen ticket, often even less, and unlike in other countries, they are very comfortable and convenient.

JR pass only comes in handy when you're traveling long distances, especially for consecutive days. I'd highly recommend checking out other options to save money.

If you book a night bus, you can save money on accommodation for the night as well. Willer Express and Kosoku Bus are great options for finding and buying tickets for highway buses all over Japan.

When Should You Get a Japan Rail Pass?

If you intend to travel all over the country with many stops along the way, get yourself the pass. This is the only situation where it would save you money.

If you're unsure, I recommend sitting down with Google Maps and looking up the directions between each city you plan to visit during your trip. Here, you can see how much each individual trip would cost you, and you can calculate if the pass is worth it or not.

Do note, though, that if you want to get the pass, you'll have to book it in advance BEFORE arriving in Japan. These are only available for purchase outside the country.

What is the Cost of Traveling in Japan?

Many, unfortunately, put off traveling to Japan because it is infamously expensive. However, it doesn't have to be if you do your homework.

My jaw drops whenever I see or hear a fellow traveler describe how they've spent thousands of dollars in Japan on a short vacation.

Contrary to popular posts on Instagram, you don't have to rob a bank or sell your kidney to afford a visit to Japan. There are plenty of ways to save money without feeling deprived!

Just make sure you always keep Japanese Yen cash with you at all times, as credit cards are seldom accepted around the country.

If you plan on sticking around for a month or longer, I'd recommend getting a room in a shared house. Occasionally, you can book them for as little as a week or two, but you save more money if you stick around for a month or longer.

Even in big cities like Tokyo or Osaka, it's possible to find shared houses for as little as $500/month or even less if you're okay with staying in a suburb. This isn't precisely luxury accommodations, but you don't plan on spending all your time in your room anyway, do you?

If you only need a place to sleep and store your luggage, shared houses are a great option. As a bonus, it's also a great place to meet new people, whether travelers like yourself or locals happy to give tips or show you around.

You can save even more money if you cook most of your food yourself instead of eating out every day.

Not a fan of cooking? Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores offer a wide selection of bento boxes that are both cheap and delicious. Depending on the contents, you can often find bentos for as little as $2-3.

Another great option is street food. You often find street food stalls at popular tourist spots or at festivals, but there are also hidden gems known only to the locals. Why not ask your new Japanese housemate for recommendations?

How Early Should You Book Your Trip to Japan?

It depends. When buying tickets or booking accommodation to most destinations worldwide, the general rule is "the earlier, the better" if you are looking to save money. And, of course, Japan is no different in this regard.

Aside from saving money, how early you should book also largely depends on what you want to do during your trip. Some activities need to be booked at least several weeks in advance, and others more.

If, for example, you want to visit the Awa Odori festival in Tokushima, I recommend getting your booking done as early as possible if you intend to stay the whole week.

Suppose you only intend on staying a day. In that case, it's totally fine if you just show up in the morning and leave in the evening after the festivities are done for the day. However, if you plan on spending the whole week or more than a day, being last minute with your plans to see the Awa Odori festival won't work!

This festival is one of the most popular ones domestically, and practically all forms of accommodations actually start getting booked up as early as a year in advance. In other words… if you snooze, you lose.

I was planning on spending the whole festival in Tokushima in August 2020 and went online at the start of November 2019 to look for hotels, but they were already all sold out. The closest I could find that still had beds available for the week was a hostel in Takamatsu. I checked again two weeks later, and it was all sold out.

To be fair, this is an extreme example, and most of the time, you don't have to book that far in advance. Personally, I start looking at accommodation and tickets somewhere around 1-2 months in advance at the very latest.

Should You Learn Some Basic Japanese?

While you can often get by in English alone, particularly in the big cities, learning a few simple phrases before you go will benefit you in several ways.

While Japanese people do learn some basic English in school, most are very hesitant to use the little English that they do know. That is unless you take them out drinking because as soon as they get a couple of beers in them, they'll be fluent in any language you can think of.

While you don't have to become fluent in Japanese before your trip, knowing how to say simple things can help! The two simplest being:

• Thank you = Arigatou gozaimasu
• Excuse me = Sumimasen

Learning the basics will make a big difference in your experience with Japanese people. Even if your pronunciation is off, they'll appreciate that you are making an effort.

What Do I Need to Know About Japanese Etiquette?

Anyone visiting Japan will quickly notice that there is a correct way of doing things, whether it is how you hold your chopsticks or how deep you bow to someone.

Let's get one thing out of the way right away: despite your very best efforts, you're guaranteed to break a rule and offend someone unknowingly in Japan. We've all been there so don't let that fact scare you away from going.

Japanese society is made up of so many rules that you're only really aware of if you grow up there. With this in mind, a foreigner is likely to get a "free pass" for not knowing these unspoken rules.

This, however, doesn't mean that you shouldn't make an effort.

Just like with speaking some basic Japanese, making an effort to be polite will show respect to the locals and will win you favors in the long run. You'll also avoid the risk of watching other foreigners shuffle away and distance themselves from you in public. It sounds harsh, but neither of us wants to be associated with "that guy."

A quick google search will give you plenty of hits on what to do and what not to do in Japan, but some basic ones to keep in mind include:

• Don't eat or be loud on public transport, including talking loudly.
• When eating, don't put your chopsticks pointing straight up in your rice (this is associated with burial rituals and is simply just bad taste).
• Don't use your chopsticks to pass food from person to person.
• Always take your shoes off when entering a temple, shrine, or someone's home.

If you decide to visit an onsen or public bathhouse, which I highly recommend, there's a whole set of etiquette rules you should follow as well! The two most basics rules are:

• Wash yourself off properly BEFORE entering the bath
• Don't wear a swimsuit or trunks

Another thing to note is that there's still a stigma surrounding tattoos in Japan, unlike in the west. While it is getting better, there are still situations where having visible tattoos might inconvenience you.

Onsens and public bathhouses are notorious for turning you away if you have any visible tattoos. If the tattoo in question is small and can be easily covered, then that can be an easy fix to the problem in most situations.

However, if your tattoo is on the larger side or you have many of them, your best bet would be to look up either private options or to ask beforehand if the place in question accepts tattoos or not.

Websites like tattoo-friendly allow you to search for tattoo-friendly establishments all over Japan.

Tips for Japan on a Budget

I still remember the first time I visited Japan over a decade ago. While it's still amazing all these years later, I can't think of anything that beats that very first time you step out of the airport and get to explore and experience this wonderful country for the first time.

Japan is perhaps infamous for being expensive, and compared to other Asian countries, it definitely is. But there are many ways that you can cut down on costs and still have a great trip, even if you are on a budget.

One of the biggest regrets people have when visiting Japan isn't what they did but what they didn't do while there. So here are my best tips to enjoy your time and ensure you don't break the bank!

Track Your Flights Early

I've already mentioned that intelligent planning for your trip to Japan includes starting to organize early. This is true of flights. If you don't have set dates yet, that's even better!

I recommend looking 8 - 10 months before your estimated travel dates. Then find the cheapest days to fly—maybe that's a Tuesday instead of a Friday night. Then start monitoring their price until you buy it a bit closer to the trip date.

If you're still looking at flights for your trip to Japan, make sure you're booking the cheapest flights available on the market with SkyScanner !

By using comparison sites like SkyScanner, you find the cheapest flights available so that you wouldn't have to pay more for flight tickets and save that money for more things to do or food to eat!

Search for Non-Touristy Spots

Don't just look at the tourist spots in the city/cities you plan to visit, but also look up what local events or festivals that are taking place while you are there.

Japan Cheapo is a great guide for finding information about what is going on right now all over Japan!

Take Detours

Take the scenic route!

What I mean by this is you should be bold, take detours outside of the bigger cities, and explore lesser-known locations in Japan. While Tokyo and Kyoto are both beautiful cities, many more are just waiting to be explored.

Save Money on Accommodations

Don't waste your money on unnecessary fluff like luxury accommodation. You won't be spending all your time in your room anyway, right?

Even if you don't like the idea of share houses, there are many other affordable options. Think of stays like hostels, capsule hotels, or even working for your room! And, if you're traveling as a group, Airbnb is still a great option to split costs between your travel mates. Backpacking in Japan is also becoming more and more frequent, with many travelers each year choosing to backpack through Japan to mitigate the costs of expensive hotels.

Spend your money on exploring delicious foods and fun activities instead. These are the things that will take your trip from average to awesome.

Talk to Locals

As long as you take my advice on learning basic language skills and etiquette in Japan, most locals are very friendly to tourists. Feel free to ask for help or recommendations from the locals.

While Japanese people tend to struggle with English, they're some of the sweetest and most helpful people you'll come across. And most of them, particularly if you meet them in a shared house or hostel, are more than happy to give you tips or show you around.

Learn Japanese Basics

I've mentioned this before, but it's so crucial that I want to repeat it again. Try to learn a few phrases of Japanese before you go! You don't have to become fluent, but being able to say at least simple words and terms will make a great impression on the locals.

Pack the Right Essentials

Curating the perfect packing list for Japan is hard without knowing what you'll be doing there. With that being said, we've curated a guide anyway to walk you through it.

Do you need a sim card? If your phone is compatible, try out Airalo's e-sims ! If you've decided to purchase, use code " PILOT10 " for 10% off your purchase, or use referral code " PILOT2992 " when you first sign up to receive $3 off your first purchase!

Due to its stretched longitudinal geography, temperature can change pretty fast if you're traveling across the country. Make sure to pack for the right occasion using Pilot!

Plan Your Trip to Japan With the Help of Pilot

Traveling to Japan is unlike many other places you can visit. And it will be an experience that you will remember fondly for a very long time.

Perhaps you'll, like me, "catch the bug" and find yourself coming back repeatedly.

If you're still wondering how you should start planning your trip to Japan, check out Pilot! From figuring out your visa problems to helping you plan trips with friends effortlessly, it'll help you make the most out of your trip to Japan!

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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Destination Japan: here’s what to look forward to in 2023

Travel to Japan is open again for Australians – resuming just in time for the autumn and winter seasons. Japan remains a firm favourite amongst Australian travellers with the country one of the fastest-growing overseas destinations for Australians before the pandemic.

If you haven’t got your Japan adventure planned just yet, there’s a lot to look forward to in 2023. Even if you’ve been a frequent visitor in the past, there are still plenty of new things to do and see. Here’s an overview of some of the must-do experiences and events on offer across the country in 2023.

World-class arts and events in 2023

Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo Yuki Matsuri) is one of the most popular winter festivals in Japan and 2023 will see the return of the in-person Snow Festival for the first time in three years. With ice sculptures illuminated at night, delicious hot drinks served in ice bars, and adrenaline-boosting snowmobile rides, this festival is a winter must-do and takes place from February 4-11.

New places to stay and things to see since you’ve been gone

The JR Tadami Line has come back into full operation for the first time since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. The Tadami Line stretches between Aizu-Wakamatsu Station in Fukushima Prefecture and Koide Station in Niigata Prefecture. A two-carriage train, the route is often referred to as one of Japan’s most beautiful rural railways.

Trending travel experiences and destinations

Shimokitazawa has a well-earned reputation as Tokyo’s coolest neighbourhood with its independent coffee shops and one-of-a-kind vintage clothing stores. Time Out even named it one of the top 10 coolest neighbourhoods in the world. The area has welcomed three new shopping and dining complexes over the past two years: Bonus Track, Reload, and Mikan Shimokita. All three boast multiple restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops, helping cement the district’s place as a youth culture hub.

More tourists are open to getting off the tourist path. The initial return of tourists to Japan has seen mostly FIT (free independent tourists) searching for authentic experiences including adventure, luxury, and sustainable travel. By slowing down and engaging with nature and local culture, travellers to Japan are showing interest in small, locally owned businesses including accommodation, restaurants, and guides, and local experiences.

For more information, please contact: James Cooley |  [email protected]  | +61 401 316 701

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Japan Trip Ideas

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, 2024 is your year—it’s the first year since 2019 without any covid-related restrictions.

Putting it together requires equal parts information and inspiration, which is the approach I’ve taken with the Japan trip ideas I’m about to share with you. Whether you have a specific amount of time you want to spend in Japan or prefer to organize your trip based upon Japan destinations or experiences, you’re in the right place.

For instance, if you have just one week in Japan, your top Japan vacation ideas might include a marathon trip through destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima , taking advantage of lightning-fast Shinkansen bullet trains and sleeping relatively little. Alternatively, you might use this relatively short span of time to hone in on a specific region or travel interest, be it islands like Shikoku and Kyushu or, skiing in Nagano or Hokkaido’s Niseko area.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, however. For now, I want you to open yourself up to the knowledge and beauty I’ve acquired over more than two dozen trips to Japan, which I’m happy to share with you below.

The Two Main Ways to Plan Your Japan Trip

The first way to organize your Japan travel ideas into a trip is to work backwards, starting with the number of days or weeks you can travel and filling those up with the destinations you want to visit. To this end, I’m going to share my recommendations for one, two and three weeks in Japan, as well as my one month in Japan itinerary, if you happen to have that long to travel.

I’ll also make sure to share city itineraries for specific places in Japan, but then I’ll change course a little bit. Specifically, I’ll provide recommendations for trips that spotlight a particular aspect of traveling in Japan, be it a season (such as cherry blossoms or fall colors) or an experience like hiking or having animal encounters.

Comprehensive Japan Trip Ideas

One week in japan.

Although this is the shortest of the Japan holiday ideas I’m going to share, it’s also the most ambitious. This is because having only a few days in Japan (which is much, much larger than it looks on the map) presents you with a choice: To pack your trip full of destinations and make excessive use of your Japan Rail Pass ; or to focus on a specific part of the country or experience: The island of Shikoku , for example, is a great place to spend a week in Japan.

READ MORE: One Week in Japan

Two Weeks in Japan

If your priority is seeing the main Japanese attractions and you don’t mind traveling at a fast pace, a two-week trip through Japan is just what the doctor ordered. Starting and ending in Tokyo , trips to Japan that follow this general shape include time in Kyoto and Osaka , day-trip destinations like ancient Nikko and deer-filled Nara (a top destination for Osaka day trips ), and one night at what many consider to be the best onsen in Japan. Don’t have quite two weeks? Spend 10 days in Japan instead.

READ MORE: Two Weeks in Japan

Three Weeks in Japan

Have a little longer for Japan itineraries than two weeks? Supplement your sightseeing in Japan with some deeper cuts into the country, from emotional Hiroshima , to the ecotourism paradise of Nagano prefecture (where you’ll find the internet-famous Japan Snow Monkeys ), to the Fuji Five Lakes region near Japan’s iconic mountain of the same name.

READ MORE: Three Weeks in Japan

One Month in Japan

For travelers who can devote a month to their Japan tour ideas, it’s possible to knock off a large number of must see in Japan items. In addition to the ideas for a Japan trip I’ve mentioned before, you can add in quirky destinations like the stunning San’in region , active experiences like the Nakasendo Way and trips to secondary Japanese islands like Hokkaido , Kyushu and Shikoku , the latter of which you could separate out on its own if one week in Japan is all you have to spend.

READ MORE: One Month in Japan

Japan City Itineraries

There are so many places to visit in Tokyo that you could easily spend a month here. On the other hand, time is an issue on all but the most flexible Japan trips, so you’ll need to narrow down your Tokyo bucket list—you can visit both Shinjuku and Ueno parks, probably, but you might need to choose between day trips to Kamakura and Nikko . You should also make sure to visit the capital in many different seasons, including underrated winter in Tokyo .

READ MORE: How Many Days Do You Need in Tokyo?

Like Tokyo but for completely different reasons, Kyoto is a city where you could spend a long, long time. If you’re keen to dive deep into districts like like temple-filled Higashiyama , lush Arashiyama and the Geisha quarter of Gion district, however, you can see most of Kyoto’s essentials in just 48-72 hours, give or take, depending on which other Japan travel ideas your itinerary entertains.

READ MORE: Kyoto Starts Here

Cities of the Kansai Region

One of my favorite things about Kyoto is that it sits in the Kansai region, the most dynamic part of western Honshu island. After you finish temple-hopping in Kyoto, you can pet deer in Nara , eat yourself sick in Osaka , marvel at Japan’s best castle in Himeji or explore underrated cities like Uji , Kobe and Wakayama —all these Japanese trips are so easy to take.

READ MORE:   How Long Should You Spend in Kansai?

Underrated Japanese Cities

Speaking of underrated Japanese cities, many of the best cities in Japan are ones you’ve likely never heard. From Hakodate on the southern tip of Hokkaido, to Matsuyama in Shikoku, and from Shimonoseki at the western tip of Honshu to Matsumoto in the heart of the Japanese Alps , there are plenty of reasons to venture of Japan’s not-so-beaten path on your own Japan trips.

READ MORE: Japan’s Underrated Cities

Special Japan Trip Ideas

Cherry blossoms.

The ultimate Japan trip is coming when the sakura  cherry blossoms are at full bloom. The downside to having this dream? It’s extraordinarily difficult to time a trip just right—my first trip to Japan just so happened to hit the right spots at the right times, while many subsequent spring jaunts were daunting experiences, ones I hope you can learn from.

READ MORE:  Planning a Cherry Blossom Trip

Japan’s Best Hikes

It should come as no surprise that Japan is one of the world’s top hiking destinations, what with it being a mountainous archipelago that boasts four distinct seasons. Whether you walk the ancient Nakasendo trading route, climb Mt. Daisen or hike pilgrimage trails like Wakayama’s Kumano Kodo and Shikoku ‘s 88 Temple Trek , or simply take day hikes from major cities ( Mt. Aso from Kumamoto , for example), Japan is an ecotourism paradise.

READ MORE: Japan’s Best Hikes

Autumn Colors

I’ve gone on a lot about Takayama fall colors on this website, but the truth is that most everywhere in Japan (with the exception of maybe tropical Okinawa ) is beautiful during the fall season. However, this season is temperamental (though not as much so as cherry blossom season) and occurs later in the year than you’d probably imagine, so you’ll want to read my guide before taking Japan trip ideas related to fall colors too seriously.

READ MORE:  Fall Colors in Japan

Winter in Japan

As far as I’m concerned, seeing Japan in winter is the most underrated seasonal experience—even if you’re not a skier. Whether you rub shoulders with the so-called “Snow Monsters” of Zao Onsen in Tohoku , walk along the icicle-lined Otaru Canal in Hokkaido or simply explore major Japanese destinations without the crowds, winter in Japan will warm your soul.

READ MORE:  Japan in Winter

Japan Animal Experiences

If you’re like most of the internet, a trip to Japan’s aptly-named “Fox Village” probably sits high on your Japan bucket list. Absent that (what is wrong with you?) you likely want to visit the country’s cat- and rabbit-filled islands, or one of the many animal-themed cafés in Tokyo and Osaka . Even if your interest in Japan’s animals only extends to Hello Kitty , I’ve got you covered.

READ MORE:   Weird and Wild Japan

Custom Japan Itineraries

Set on places to go in Japan or experiences to have there, but don’t know how to put them together? The good news is that this website is a sprawling (and growing) resource that can help you find all the information you need, whether you see a two weeks in Japan itinerary or something more comprehensive.

FAQ About Planning a Trip to Japan

What does the average trip to japan cost.

You can expect to spend between 100-300 USD per person, per day in Japan, regardless of which of these Japan vacation ideas appeals most to you. Travelers who seek out luxury ryokan and Michelin-star dining experiences will be on the high side of this range, while those content to sleep simply and focus on experiences can potentially get by on even less.

What is the best itinerary for Japan?

I won’t go so far as to say the Japan travel ideas I’ve presented here are all created equal, but there isn’t one right way to travel in Japan. With this being said, if it’s your first trip to Japan, the best itinerary usually combines the “tourist” trail—from Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka then Hiroshima and back—plus additional day trips (Nikko from Tokyo or Nara from Kyoto) and maybe a secondary destination like Shikoku island or the San’in region, depending on how long you spend.

How do I plan a trip to Japan?

You can plan your Japan trips in one of two ways. The first option is to do it yourself, mapping out your day-by-day itinerary first with lodging, then with transportation and finally with activities and meals. The second option is to hire a professional (namely, me) to plan your trip to Japan for you.

The Bottom Line

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: Child seriously hurt as number of dead rises after airstrike in Odesa seaside park

The Ukrainian authorities say the number of victims from a Russian airstrike in Odesa has risen, with many more injured. Listen to a Daily podcast on whether the UK should send troops to Ukraine as you scroll.

Tuesday 30 April 2024 11:19, UK

• Number of victims from Odesa attack rises to five, with child badly hurt
• Watch: Massive building in flames after attack
• Explained : Why is Chasiv Yar the next target for Russia?
• Your questions answered: Will Ukraine launch another spring offensive?
• Listen to the Sky News Daily above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts

Live events elsewhere mean we are leaving our coverage of the Ukraine war there for the day. 

The main development this morning was the rise in the number of people killed in a Russian strike on Odesa yesterday to five.

Read more details in our posts below - and we'll be back with rolling updates and analysis of the war soon.

At least two people have been killed in another Russian strike, this time targeting the northeastern city of Kharkiv, local officials say.

Six more have been wounded in the attack, which Governor Oleh Synehubov says was carried out using guided bombs, according to preliminary information.

The attack damaged a residential building in one of the city districts, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said. 

Emergency services are on the scene, local officials say.

Yesterday, a woman was reportedly injured after a "series of explosions" hit the city, according to the mayor.

Russia denies targeting civilians in the war that is now in its third year.

As we reported yesterday, a Russian missile attack targeted an educational institution in a popular seafront park in the Black Sea port of Odesa.

The number of victims from that airstrike has risen, with five people now reported to have died. 

Local officials had initially said four were killed.

Regional governor Oleh Kiper said in addition to those killed in the attack, one man died after suffering a stroke attributed to the strike.

Another 32 are said to be injured, eight of whom seriously - including a four-year-old child.

A pregnant woman and another child are also among the injured.

"Monsters, beasts, savages, scum, I don't know what else to say," Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov said.

"People are going for a walk by the sea and they are shooting and killing."

Video footage, which could not be immediately verified, showed people receiving treatment on the street alongside pools of blood. 

One photo showed officials examining part of a missile.

Ukrainian navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk said the strike was conducted by an Iskander-M ballistic missile with a cluster warhead.

Odesa has been a frequent target of Russian missile and drone attacks, particular port infrastructure.

Hello and welcome back to our coverage of the war in Ukraine. 

Yesterday a Russian attack on the port city of Odesa killed at least four people, while dramatic footage showed a massive education facility ablaze in the aftermath. 

Here are the other key events to get you up to speed on from the past 24 hours:

• More than 30 Ukrainian conscripts have died while trying to cross the border illegally to avoid mobilisation, a Ukrainian official said;
• The Duchess of Edinburgh met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine, in what marks the first visit to the country by a member of the Royal Family since the war begin;
• Debris recovered from a missile that landed in the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv on 2 January was North Korean, according to the United Nations;
• NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg visited Kyiv for a meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy;
• In a joint news conference, Mr Stoltenberg said NATO allies had "not delivered" on their military aid pledges to Ukraine in recent months, saying that "serious delays" had led to negative consequences on the battlefield;
• Mr Zelenskyy also called for the delivery of Western weapons to Kyiv's troops to be sped up;
• Russia's defence ministry claimed its forces have taken control of the village of Semenivka in the eastern Donetsk region;
• European Council president Charles Michel said the Russian invasion of Ukraine has given "new impetus" to calls for the EU to be enlarged beyond the 27 members;
• Germany's public prosecutor's office said it was assessing whether a political motive was behind the killing of two Ukrainian soldiers in Murnau.

As we reported a short time ago, the Duchess of Edinburgh has met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine, in what marks the first visit to the country by a member of the Royal Family since the war begin.

Sophie met the Ukrainian president and first lady Olena Zelenska and delivered a message to them on behalf of the King, Buckingham Palace said.

You can watch footage from her trip here...

Throughout the day, we've been reporting on a Russian attack on the city of Odesa in Ukraine, which has killed at least four people. 

These images show a burning educational institution building, which was struck. 

Airline Finnair has said it is pausing flights to Tartu in eastern Estonia for the next month, due to GPS disturbances in the area.

"Finnair will suspend its daily flights to Tartu, Estonia, from 29 April to 31 May, so that an alternative approach solution that does not require a GPS signal can be put in place at Tartu Airport," the Finnish airline said in a statement.

Finnair last week had to divert two flights back to Helsinki after GPS interference prevented the approach to Tartu airport, although a spokesperson said the company did not now where the interference came from.

However, Tallinn seems certain as where the issues are originating. 

"It is a fact that Russia affects GPS devices in our region’s airspace," Estonia's foreign minister said via a spokesperson.

Margus Tsahkna added that Estonia will raise the issue of GPS interference with its neighbours, and intends to discuss it with the EU and NATO. 

GPS jamming and spoofing have grown worse in eastern Europe, the Black Sea and the Middle East, all areas close to conflict zones, according to industry group OpsGroup. 

More than 30 Ukrainian conscripts have died while trying to cross the border illegally to avoid mobilisation, a Ukrainian official has said.

Andriy Demchenko, spokesman for the State Border Guard Service,  told Ukrinform that some men are prepared to pay "large sums" of money to groups promising to smuggle them across the border safely.

"Then they are faced with the fact that the route runs along a mountain river," he said.

Many conscripts have lost their lives after realising they didn't have the strength to swim the river, Mr Demchenko added.

"In total, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, about 30 people have died trying to cross the border illegally," he said.

Such attempts occur "every day", he said.

For context: Ukraine has been under martial law since the Russian invasion in February 2022.

It lets draft officers call up men of a certain age to fight on the front line.

In April, Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed off a new law lowering the age of draft-eligible men from 27 to 25, in a bid to boost troop numbers in his depleted ranks.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine, in what marks the first visit to the country by a member of the Royal Family since the war begin.

Her visit is aimed at demonstrating "solidarity with the women, men and children impacted by the war and in a continuation of her work to champion survivors of conflict-related sexual violence", the palace said.

Three women and a man have died after a Russian attack on Odesa.

A further 28 people have been injured, including two children aged five and 16. A pregnant woman has also been hurt.

This video shows the aftermath of the attack. 

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