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Travel Advisory January 8, 2024

Japan - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Japan – Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

Reissued after periodic review without changes.

Exercise normal precautions in Japan.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Japan.

If you decide to travel to Japan: 

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow Embassy Tokyo’s American Citizen Services section on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Japan.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Duration of intended period of stay. Please note you cannot travel on a passport you have previously declared as lost or stolen even if you subsequently locate it

One page required for entry stamp

Amounts equivalent to ¥1,000,000 or above subject to declaration

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Tokyo  1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420 Japan Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-3-3224-5856 Our Navigator Assistant will guide you to the information you need.

U.S. Consulate General Osaka-Kobe 2-11-5, Nishitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8543, Japan Telephone: 81-6-6315-5900 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-6-6315-5914 Our  Navigator Assistant  will guide you to the information you need.

U.S. Consulate General Naha 2-1-1 Toyama, Urasoe City, Okinawa, Japan Telephone: 81-98-876-4211 Emergency Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-98-876-4243 Our  Navigator Assistant  will guide you to the information you need.

U.S. Consulate General Sapporo Kita 1-jo Nishi 28-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0821, Japan Telephone: 81-11-641-1115 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-11-641-1115 Fax: 81-11-643-1283 Our Navigator Assistant will guide you to the information you need. All assistance at the Consulate General Sapporo is by appointment only.

U.S. Consulate Fukuoka 5-26 Ohori 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0052, Japan Telephone: 81-92-751-9331 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-92-713-9222 [email protected] Our Navigator Assistant will guide you to the information you need. Routine services are provided by appointment only.

U.S. Consulate Nagoya Nagoya International Center Bldg. 6th floor, 1-47-1 Nagono, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya 450-0001, Japan Telephone: 81-52-581-4501 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-52-581-3190 Our Navigator Assistant will guide you to the information you need. Emergency services are provided by U.S. Consulate General Osaka-Kobe. 

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Japan for information on U.S-Japan relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the  Embassy of Japan  website for the most current visa information.

There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.

Entry & Exit:

• You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan.
• You cannot work on a 90-day "visa free" entry.
• "Visa free" entry status may not be changed to another visa status without departing and then re-entering Japan with the appropriate visa, such as a spouse, work, or study visa.
• Visit the Embassy of Japan website for the most current information on all visa categories.
• Japanese immigration officers may deny you entry if you appear to have no visible means of support. 
• All foreign nationals are required to provide fingerprint scans and to be photographed at the port of entry. Exceptions to this requirement include diplomatic and official visa holders, minors, and individuals covered under SOFA Article IX.2. For further information about landing procedures, please visit the  Immigration Bureau of Japan’s website . 
• Make sure your passport is valid. Note you cannot travel on a passport you have previously declared as lost or stolen even if you subsequently locate it. Japanese authorities will likely deny you entry into Japan if you attempt to do so. If you have reported your passport lost or stolen, you must apply for a new passport before travel.

Transiting Japan: 

• Ensure that your passport and visa are valid and up-to-date before you leave the United States. Passport services are not available at the airport.
• Airlines in Japan may deny you boarding for transit if you do not have the required travel documents for an onward destination in another country or if your passport does not have six months of validity remaining. For the entry requirements of the country you are traveling to, visit the  State Department's Country Specific Information  website.

Military/SOFA Travelers:  While active-duty U.S. military personnel may enter Japan under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with proper Department of Defense (DoD) identification and travel orders, all SOFA family members, civilian employees, and contractors must have valid passports to enter Japan. Please consult the  DOD Foreign Clearance Guide  before leaving the United States.

See  the Immigration Bureau of Japan’s website  for various immigration procedures.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions:  The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Japan. 

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

For police services in Japan, dial 110. For fire or ambulance services, dial 119.

Crime:  Crime against U.S. citizens in Japan is generally low and usually involves personal disputes, theft, or vandalism. In addition:

• Robberies committed after a victim has been drugged from a spiked drink can occur, especially in nightlife districts.
• Sexual assaults are not often reported, but they do occur, and victims may be randomly targeted.  Victim's assistance resources or shelters are difficult for foreigners to access.
• Hate-related violent crimes rarely occur, although some U.S. citizens have reported being the target of discrimination because of their nationality or their race.
• Pick pocketing can occur in crowded shopping areas, on trains, and at airports.
• Police reports must be filed before leaving Japan, as Japanese police will not accept reports filed from overseas. 
• In instances involving credit card theft or fraud, Japanese police often provide a report number rather than a police report.  You can provide this report number to your credit card company to confirm the incident with the police.

Entertainment and Nightlife Districts in Tokyo: 

• Exercise caution in all entertainment and nightlife districts throughout Japan, especially Roppongi, Kabuki-cho, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro. 
• Incidents involving U.S. citizens in these areas include physical and sexual assaults, drug overdoses, theft of purses, wallets, cash and credit cards at bars or clubs, and drugs slipped into drinks. 
• Drink spiking at bars and entertainment venues, especially in areas such as Roppongi and Kabuki-cho, near Shinjuku, has led to robbery, physical and sexual assaults, and credit card fraud.  Some victims regain consciousness in the bar or club; other victims may awaken on the street or other unfamiliar locations.
• U.S. citizens have reported being threatened with gun or knife violence in such venues so that they will pay exorbitant bar tabs or withdraw money.  U.S. citizens have also reported being beaten when they have refused to pay or hand over money.
• There have been reports of U.S. citizens being forcibly taken to ATMs and robbed, or made to withdraw funds after being unable to pay exorbitant bar tabs.
• Please be aware that Roppongi, Kabuki-cho, and other entertainment and nightlife districts have also been the scenes of violence between criminal syndicates. 

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams. 

Police reports must be filed at the nearest police station prior to departure from Japan. The Japanese police cannot accept reports filed from overseas. Report crimes to the local police at 110 and contact the U.S. Embassy at 03-3224-5000 (011-81-3-3224-5000 from overseas).  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care;
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms;
• provide a list of local attorneys;
• provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. ;
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home; and/or
• replace a stolen or lost passport.

Contacting Police, Fire and Ambulance Services:  You can reach the police throughout Japan by dialing 110. Fire and ambulance services can be contacted by dialing 119.  Note that English-speaking dispatchers may not be available. Please review advice on  “Calling for Help” on our  website . If you need assistance, you should be able to describe your address/location in Japanese or find someone who can do so, since few police officers speak English.

Domestic Violence:  Victim's assistance resources or battered women's shelters exist in major urban areas, but are difficult for foreigners to access. These types of resources are also generally unavailable in rural areas. Investigations of sexual assault crimes are often conducted without female police officers present, and police typically ask about the victim's sexual history and previous relationships.

Tourism:  The Victim's assistance resources or battered women's shelters exist in major urban areas, but are difficult for foreigners to access. These types of resources are also generally unavailable in rural areas. Investigations of sexual assault crimes are often conducted without female police officers present, and police typically ask about the victim's sexual history and previous relationships.

See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to Japanese law while you are in Japan. If you violate Japanese laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, imprisoned, or deported. If you are arrested in Japan,  even for a minor offense , you may be held in detention without bail for several months or more during the investigation and legal proceedings.

Some offences are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of Japanese law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

The vast majority of arrests of U.S. citizens in Japan are for drug-related offenses. Japanese authorities aggressively pursue drug smugglers and users, including recreational users with sophisticated detection equipment, "sniffing" dogs, blood tests, “stop and frisk” tactics, and other methods. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking a drug that is illegal in Japan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and fines. Please note that some drugs which may be legal in certain jurisdictions outside of Japan, including marijuana and synthetic drugs, remain illegal in Japan. This also applies to certain prescription drugs that doctors in the United States may prescribe.  Japanese law makes no distinction between medical and recreational marijuana; therefore, having a prescription for medical marijuana will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. Even possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal medical or recreational use can result in a long jail sentence and fine. Japanese customs officials carefully screen incoming packages, and individuals who are mailed drugs can be arrested and prosecuted as drug traffickers.   

Confiscation of Prescription Drugs and Other Medication:  It is important to note that some medications that are routinely prescribed in the United States, including Adderall and marijuana, are strictly prohibited in Japan. The Japanese government decides which medications may be imported legally into Japan. The Embassy and Consulates of Japan in the United States have limited information available and do not have a comprehensive list of specific medications or ingredients. Please see more  information on importing medicines  into Japan.

You must carry your U.S. passport or Japanese Residence Card (Zairyu Kado) with you at all times. In Japan, you may be taken in for questioning if you do not have your passport or Japanese residence card to show your identity and status in Japan (e.g., as a visitor, student, worker, or permanent resident).

It is illegal to work in Japan while in tourist or visa-waiver status. Overstaying your visa or working illegally may lead to fines of several thousands of dollars, and in some cases, re-entry bans as long as 10 years, or indefinitely for drug offenders. For additional information, please see  Japan’s Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act  and contact the  Japanese Embassy  or nearest Japanese Consulate in the United States for more information.

Driving under the influence of alcohol could also land you immediately in jail. The blood-alcohol limit in Japan is 0.03%. Punishments can be up to 10,000 USD in fines and up to five years in prison.

Possession of a gun or ammunition is a crime in Japan. Carrying a knife with a locking blade, or a folding blade that is longer than 5.5 cm (a little more than two inches), is illegal in Japan. U.S. citizens and U.S. military personnel have been arrested and detained for more than 10 days for carrying pocket knives that are legal in the United States but illegal in Japan. The possession of lock-picking tools is illegal in Japan.

Establishing a Business : Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

A  list of English-speaking lawyers  located throughout Japan is available on our  website .

Arrest Notification : If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See the Department of State’s webpage  and the Embassy’s  website  for additional information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice’s website for more information .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI+ events in Japan.

Laws governing rape, sexual commerce, and other activity involving sexual relations do not apply to same-sex sexual activity. This leads to lower penalties for perpetrators of same-sex rape and sexual assault and greater legal ambiguity surrounding same-sex prostitution.

See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Japan prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities. Japanese disability laws require the public sector to provide reasonable accommodations and the private sector to make best efforts in employment, education, access to health care, or the provision of other services; however, there are no penalties for noncompliance. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.

Although Japan’s accessibility laws mandate that new construction projects for public use include provisions for persons with disabilities, older buildings are not likely to have been retrofitted for accessibility. At major train stations, airports, and hotels, travelers with disabilities should encounter few accessibility problems. Note that many smaller stations are inaccessible to those who cannot climb stairs. Information on travel in Japan for travelers with disabilities is available at  Accessible Japan .

Travelers with disabilities can learn more about resources available in country from the Japan National Tourism Organization’s  traveling with a disability page .

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Conditions at Prisons and Detention Facilities:  Japanese prisons and detention facilities maintain internal order through a regime of very strict discipline.  U.S. citizen prisoners often complain of stark, austere living conditions and psychological isolation.  Heating in winter can be inadequate in some facilities, food portions can be significantly smaller than what many may be accustomed to, and access to specialized medical care, particularly mental health care, at detention facilities and prisons is sometimes limited. Additional  information on arrests in Japan  is available on our embassy website.

Customs Regulations:  Please contact the Japanese Embassy or nearest Japanese consulate in the United States, or  visit the Japanese Customs website  for specific information regarding import restrictions and customs requirements.

Japanese customs authorities encourage the use of an Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission (ATA) Carnet in order to temporarily import professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and trade fairs into Japan.  For additional information, please call (212) 354-4480, or  email the U.S. CIB  for details.

Pets:  The Japanese  Animal Quarantine Service  (AQS) sets procedures for importing pets. At a minimum, the process will take seven to eight months, though the process can take up to a year before a pet may enter Japan. Advance planning is critical. You can find more information about  importing a pet into Japan  or information about  exporting a pet from Japan  on our  Embassy website.

Employment Issues:  U.S. citizens should not come to Japan to work without having the proper employment visa arranged ahead of time. Teaching English, even privately, and serving as hosts/hostesses are both considered "work" in Japan and are illegal without the proper visa.

Some U.S.-based employment agencies and Japanese employers do not fully or correctly represent the true nature of employment terms and conditions. A minimum requirement for effectively seeking the protection of Japanese labor law is a written and signed work contract. If there is no signed contract, Japanese authorities are not able to act on behalf of foreign workers. If you are coming to Japan to work, carefully review your contract and the history and reputation of your Japanese employer before traveling to Japan. Complaints against U.S.-based employment agencies or recruiters may be directed to the  Better Business Bureau  or the Office of the Attorney General in the relevant state(s).

Disaster Preparedness : Japan is prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis, and landslides. See the  Embassy’s  webpage for recommendations and steps you can take to prepare for an emergency. The Japan Tourism Organization’s  Safety Tips app  and  NHK World app  provide Japanese government emergency “J-Alerts” to your cell phone in English through push notifications. “J-Alerts” can provide early warning emergency alerts on earthquakes predicted in a specific area, sometimes seconds before an earthquake hits. 

Radiation: Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant : The Government of Japan continues to closely monitor the conditions at and around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. You should comply with all travel restrictions and cautions put into place by the Government of Japan for areas surrounding the plant. For more information, contact the  Japan Nuclear Regulation Authority .

For police service in Japan, dial 110. For fire or ambulance, dial 119.

Ambulance services are widely available but receiving hospitals may decline to accept inbound patients unless they can provide proof of funds to pay for services.

COVID-19 Testing:

• Travelers should contact Japanese local health providers to determine the location of testing facilities within Japan. A non-comprehensive list of some COVID-19 testing facilities can be found here on the Embassy website.

COVID-19 Vaccines:

• The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Japan.
• Review the Government of Japan’s  English language website  on COVID-19 vaccinations in Japan.
• Visit the FDA's website to  learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States. 

The Department of State does not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Some care providers in Japan only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of  Japan’s Ministry of Health website to ensure the medication is legal in Japan; possession, use, or importation of a prescription drug that is illegal in Japan may result in arrest and criminal prosecution. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. U.S. prescriptions are not honored in Japan, so if you need ongoing prescription medicine, you should arrive with a sufficient supply for your stay in Japan or enough until you are able to see a local care provider.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations recommended  by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Japan has a national health insurance system which is available only to those foreigners with long-term visas for Japan. National health insurance does not pay for medical evacuation. Medical caregivers in Japan may require payment in full at the time of treatment or concrete proof of ability to pay before they will treat a foreigner who is not a member of the national health insurance plan.

U.S.-style and standard psychological and psychiatric care can be difficult to locate outside of major urban centers in Japan and generally is not available outside of Japan's major cities. Extended psychiatric care can be very difficult to obtain.

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety : Driving in Japan can be complicated and expensive. Traffic moves on the left side of the road. Those who cannot read the language will have trouble understanding road signs. Highway tolls can be very high, and city traffic is often very congested. A 20-mile trip in the Tokyo area may take two hours. There is virtually no legal roadside or curbside parking; however, traffic is commonly blocked or partially blocked by those illegally parked curbside. In mountainous areas, roads are often closed during the winter, and cars should be equipped with tire chains. Roads in Japan are much narrower than those in the United States.

Traffic Laws : Japanese law provides that all drivers in Japan are held liable in the event of an accident, and assesses fault in an accident on all parties. Japanese compulsory insurance (JCI) is mandatory for all automobile owners and drivers in Japan. Most short-term visitors choose not to drive in Japan. Turning right or left on red lights is not permitted in Japan, and all passengers are required to fasten their seat belts.

Japan has a national 0.03 percent blood-alcohol-level standard for driving, and drivers stopped for driving under the influence of intoxicants will have their licenses confiscated. If you are found guilty of driving under the influence, speeding, or blatantly careless driving resulting in injury, you are subject to up to 15 years in prison. 

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. The National Police Agency (NPA) oversees the administration and enforcement of traffic laws in Japan. You can find further information in English on the  NPA English website . Information about roadside assistance, rules of the road, and obtaining a Japanese driver's license is available in English from the  Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) web site . See  the Japan National Tourism Organization’s website for car rental and driving in Japan.

Emergency Assistance : For roadside assistance, please contact the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) at 03-5730-0111 in Tokyo, 072-645-0111 in Osaka, 011-857-8139 in Sapporo, 092-841-5000 in Fukuoka, or 098-877-9163 in Okinawa.

International Driving Permits (IDPs):  An international driving permit (IDP) issued in the United States by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is required of short-term visitors who drive in Japan. You must obtain an IDP issued in your country of residence prior to arriving in Japan. The U.S. Embassy andU.S. consulates do not issue IDPs. IDPs issued via the Internet and/or by other organizations are not valid in Japan. 

Foreign residents in Japan who use an IDP may be fined or arrested. In practice, the term “resident” involves more than simply visa status or length of stay in Japan and is determined by the police. In short, a driver license from country outside Japan is not a substitute for a valid Japanese license for foreign residents. See the U.S. Embassy’s  website  for more information on driving in Japan.

Aviation Safety Oversight : The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Japan’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Japan’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA's safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel : Mariners planning travel to Japan should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts  in the Alerts section of the Embassy’s messages. Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) broadcast warnings website portal  select “broadcast warnings.”

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  Japan . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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TRAVEL to JAPAN – Tips and Information Guide (2024)

Everything you need to know about travel to Japan in our brand new Japan travel guide.

Japan is an island nation with a tremendous amount of history and culture intertwined with is present fast-paced reputation. 

From the epic wilderness of Hokkaido down to the tropical beaches of Okinawa, travelling to Japan is an experience like no other.

Whether you’re into food, culture, history or the outdoors Japan has it all. Travel to Japan is on the rise and it’s easy to see why.

Of Japan’s four main islands Honshu gets the vast majority of visitors. Travellers are in constant awe of the spectrum of Kyoto’s temples, taken captive with Nara’s deer and consumed by eating everything in sight in Tokyo.

However, the islands of Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku are also home to some of the country’s most stunning scenery and are definitely worth a visit. 

Whatever you want, you can find it in Japan. Let us help you plan your journey to one of the most awe-inspiring destinations on the planet!

The Perfect 3 Days in Tokyo Itinerary

The best day trips from every city in japan [2024], 18 amazing things to do in kyoto at night (2024 guide), travelling in japan: at a glance.

Here are the basics about travel to Japan.

OTHER MAIN CITIES:

Osaka ,  Kyoto , Nagasaki,  Fukuoka ,  Sapporo  and  Nagoya  

Yen (See  current exchange rates ) (1$USD is approximately 108 yen) 1 beer is approximately 500 yen (USD$5)

ENTRY / VISA:

Visa requirements for Japan are very straightforward. Most travellers are visa-free and can stay for 15, 30 or 90 days depending on their nationality. For information about which countries are granted visa-free access click  here.

Japanese is the official language in Japan. And while most of the world speaks a fair amount of English, do not expect Japanese people to speak it. However, in some hostels and hotels, English is spoken. Before travelling to Japan be sure to learn a few key phrases to help you enjoy your travels more and, of course, to show respect for the Japanse way of life. Many signs are in both Japanese and English and announcements at subway and train stations are often in both languages.

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world for both men and women. Petty theft and violent crime are extremely rare. Stories of people leaving wallets, passports and bags on trains and being reunited with them are the norm. However, you should still be sensible and follow the usual travel precautions.

ELECTRICITY:

100 volts / Type A and B electric sockets (Be sure to get your universal travel adapter  before you leave)

TRANSPORTATION:

By far the most common way to get between cities in Japan is by using the JR Pass. Within the larger cities, you can very often make your way around using public transportation.  Traditional taxis are also available in most cities and suburban regions. And rideshares such as Uber are on the rise as well – though don’t count on one of these outside of the main Japanese metropolises.

Don’t Forget to Pack the Most Important Thing: Travel Insurance !

TOP 5 TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN Japan

With so much to see and do in Vietnam, it really is hard to pick the top experiences.

However, we think that to truly appreciate Vietnam you need to plan to do these 5 activities during your visit.

Gorge yourself on sushi.

Japan is known for sushi. You can find it everywhere. For added enjoyment, try your hand at making it!

Book a  sushi cooking class here .

Visit ancient temples in Kyoto

Kyoto is the magical, ancient city of Japan known for being the spiritual centre of the country. Immerse yourself in the beauty and stillness of its many temples.

Check out our  3 days in Kyoto itinerary  here.

Spend the night in a Ryokan

Staying in a ryokan is the most authentic way to experience Japan. Splurge on the experience and find yourself turning Japanese after a refreshing stay!

You can stay in a  great ryokan in Murakami .

Climb/View Mt. Fuji

One of the most picturesque volcanic mountains in the world is accessible to climb, or simply view, throughout much of the year.

This is the best  Mt. Fuji day trip you can find anywhere

Get lost in a giant bamboo forest

Bamboo that stretches to the sky can be found in Kyoto. Be mesmerized by the sound of the swaying forest.

Other Things to do in Japan

Party with robots in Tokyo:  The  90-minute show  is one of the most unique and bizarre must-do activities in Tokyo. It may take you a few minutes to figure out  what you’re watching  (don’t miss that video of it). But you’ll definitely be glad you went!

Watch a sumo wrestling match . Sure, sushi can be found on every street corner. But eating it at every meal won’t give you a chance against world-famous sumo wrestlers. Catch a match and be a part of a long and sacred activity.

Cross the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection . Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo will blow your mind with the number of people moving at any given time when the traffic stops to let pedestrians cross. Head to the QFRONT building to watch 2,500 people cross the streets below.

Hang out with deer in Nara . The normally shy creatures are anything but shy as they  can be found in abundance in Nara Park . Whether you want to interact with them, or simply view them in nature, the experience is worthwhile!

Spend the night in a capsule hotel . Japan is known for tiny packaging. A Capsule hotel is just as it sounds: a tiny box-like structure intended for one person to spend the night. Warning, this is not for the claustrophobic!

Relax in an onsen . Onsens are hot springs that can be found in natural and man-made settings. You haven’t relaxed until you’ve spent a few hours in an Onsen. Just know sometimes the dress code is your birthday suit! Check out  this one in Hokkaido . Just be careful if you have tattoos, because many onsens don’t allow them.

Go diving in Okinawa . While the northern Japanese islands have a tendency to be cold,  Okinawa  is located in a more tropical climate and lends itself to spectacular diving. You’ll love the underwater world of these islands!

Go Kart dressed as your favourite cartoon character . If you’ve ever played Mario Kart and wondered where in the world you could go and  ride around a go-kart  dressed up like Mario, Yoshi, Princess Peach or your other favourite characters, this is it.

Watch the cherry trees blossom . Japan has cornered the market in cherry tree blossoms. This is so much so that every year thousands of people participate in cherry blossom festivals as the trees unload their dazzling colour across the country. If you visit Japan in spring be sure not to miss out! This  particular tour is incredible as a day trip from Tokyo .

Hike with monkeys . If you enjoy hiking AND monkeys then the 30-minute hike outside of Kyoto is for you! But if you just prefer to hike and don’t want anything to do with monkeys, there are plenty of other great trails to hike in Japan!

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE  OTHER AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN   JAPAN

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There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Japan. Depending on your interests, trip duration and time of year you will find plenty of things to do during any length of stay. 

There’s a reason Tokyo is considered one of the most incredible, vibrant, unique and fascinating cities on the planet! Where ancient meets modern, history rubs shoulder with the future and the world’s best cuisine is out in full force.

Japan’s capital and a city full of awesome things to do !

A city where ultra-modern meets ancient and you can  do just about anything  you can imagine.

A magical place to  explore Japan’s rich culture and history .

Get away from the cities and explore the gorgeous island of Hokkaido !

For more information on specific things to do in the top places to visit in Japan, reference our following city travel guides: 

• 3 Day Tokyo Itinerary
• Day Trips from Tokyo
• 3 Day Kyoto Itinerary
• Day Trips From Kyoto
• 3 Day Osaka Itinerary
• Day Trips From Osaka
• 3 Day Yokohama Itinerary
• Day Trips from Yokohama
• Hokkaido itinerary
• Hokkaido activities

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER AWESOME PLACES TO VISIT IN JAPAN . 

BEST JAPAN TRAVEL ITINERARY

Depending on whether you are starting from scratch or have a general idea of what kind of things you would like to see and do, we’ve put together a few itineraries that are sure to leave you wanting for nothing at the end of your visit. 

There are so many amazing things to do in Japan that planning an itinerary for your travel can be a little overwhelming. 

In this section, we’ll not only help you plan a 1-, 2-, or 3-week Japan itinerary but also give you an overview of many of the places you might want to consider visiting and things you may want to do. 

Of course, no one-size-fits-all plan will suffice. But if we were to head back to Japan these are the top places and things that we would want to do! 

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR  AWESOME DAY TRIPS  FROM EVERY MAJOR JAPANESE CITY

3-Week Japan Travel Itinerary Highlights

Even with a country that seems as small as Japan, three weeks is hardly enough time to get started in seeing it all! 

However, with three weeks you can have a really nice time both spending more time in places many people only glance by as well as visiting some places that most people don’t see when they visit Japan.

Here’s an overview of how we’d spend 3 weeks in Japan. 

2-Week Japan Travel Itinerary Highlights

With two weeks to travel to Japan, you are going to have to cut out some of the nicer places you could see with an extra week or two. 

But the good news is you are still going to see and do a lot while you are here! 

This is an idea of how we’d spend 2 weeks in Japan. 

1-Week Japan Travel Itinerary Highlights

If you only have 1 week to visit Japan, don’t worry it is definitely worth your time. Of course, you’re going to have to pick and choose where you go and what you do much differently than if you had more time. 

And you likely won’t want to spend all of your time travelling from one island to the next. 

So if we had just 1 week in Japan, this is how we’d spend it. 

JAPAN TRAVEL PLANNING

You’re well on your way to becoming an expert when it comes to travel to Japan! Now we’ll fill you in on the rest.

Best Time to Visit Japan

There really is no best or worst time to visit Japan. The timing of your trip all depends on what you want to see and do and how willing you are to share your Japan travel experience with other travellers. 

Across the country  sakura  (cherry blossom) season in Spring is one of the most popular times to visit. But it happens at different times across the country due to the differences in climate from north to south along the island chain.

Another less popular, but no less stunning, time to visit is  Autumn  as the leaves begin to change colour.

Whilst this doesn’t quite bring in the crowds like  sakura  season does, the sheer array of colours on display is absolutely stunning, particularly on Japan’s most northerly island, Hokkaido. 

Summer  brings sweltering temperatures and typhoons in the south. However, Japan is extremely well prepared for such events. As such is still possible to travel to Japan during this of year. 

Winter  brings some of the world’s best skiing on Hokkaido as snow makes some roads and hiking trails impassable. However, this is also the best time to see the famous ice flows close to the Shiretoko National Park.

And, of course, it’s a great time to shred some powder if you’re looking for some world-class slopes! 

Japan Travel Budget Guideline

Japan has an unfair reputation for being incredibly expensive. And whilst you could easily empty your bank account in a short time, it is possible to travel in Japan for less money than you think.

Budgeting Tips

To make your money go further here are a few tips: 

1. Purchase the rail pass you need. There are a huge number of different types of rail passes available in Japan. This is your one-stop-shop for a variety of rail passes. 

2. Take advantage of low-cost internal flights. You can fly affordably between most major cities.  

3. Utilise convenience stores for finding cheap and delicious eats. 

4. Japan has an extensive and reliable night bus service. Use it to save on travel and hotel fees. 

5. Limit your alcohol intake, it’s surprisingly expensive. 1 beer = 500-600 yen (USD$5-$6).

6. Check the subway passes available in the city in which you’re staying and purchase the rail pass you need.

CHECK OUT OUR  JAPAN BUDGETING GUIDE  TO HELP MAKE YOUR MONEY GO FURTHER.

But there are a few things you should know about the different budgets at which you can choose to travel.

Note: Budgets shown as Single Traveller / Couples per day. 

Budget Traveller ($50-60 Single / $80-110 Couples)

Hostels are the best options for single budget travellers. However, if travelling as a couple it’s often cheaper to get a private room. 

There are plenty of awesome free things to do all over Japan. You will need to think outside the box and do your research but it is very possible to travel in Japan on a budget like this.

Your meals will likely come from low-cost restaurants and corner stores. And you’re likely going to spend a fair amount of time walking and taking public transportation. 

Mid-Range Traveller ($60-100 Single / $120-180 Couple)

Whilst you may not get much of an upgrade on the accommodation front, travelling in this budget range will put you in the position to possibly rent a car to explore parts of Japan that are more difficult to reach. 

In addition, you may be able to spend more time eating in some funky izakayas and sushi restaurants and participate in a few formal tours. 

Luxury Traveller ($250+ Single / $400+ Couple)

Luxury hotels and fancy restaurants are the order of the day here. If money is no object then travelling in Japan can extremely luxurious! 

For instance, you can stay in beautiful ryokans instead of hostels or hotels. And you can order a variety of different meals to enjoy while dining at some of the finer restaurants. 

Of course, you’ll also be able to do more by way of renting a car and/or joining up on a variety of different tour groups to keep your itinerary completely packed. 

Getting To and Around Japan

Japan is an island nation, thus travelling to Japan is limited to only air or water transportation.

The majority of International Flights will take you to Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda Airport’s or Osaka International Airport. From there you will connect, as necessary, to other Japanese destinations.

Entry Requirements

Visa requirements for Japan are very straightforward.

Most travellers are visa-free and can stay for 15, 30 or 90 days depending on their nationality. For information about which countries are granted visa-free access click  here.

Getting Around Japan

Travelling in Japan is both easy and convenient. 

The public transport network is wide-ranging and extremely reliable. And compared to many places in the world, it can also be quite affordable. 

Additionally, hiring a car is both easy and safe. 

Travelling by Air

Japan has an excellent domestic air travel network. There are two passes run by  JAL  and  ANA  that will allow you to take domestic flights for around $100.

The price can sometimes vary depending on where your origin and destinations. 

If you plan this effectively with other transport options available it has the potential to make your visit to Japan even more convenient and affordable.  

Travelling by Car

Although the country is fairly well connected with both public and private transportation options, hiring a car is an excellent option for travelling in Japan.

The best part is that it is not as difficult as you may imagine. 

Driving in Japan is safe and easy. For Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku, a car is the best way to see most of each island’s most beautiful sights outside of the city centres. 

Travelling by Bus

There are a number of bus companies operating in Japan. The biggest of these is  Willer Bus Service.  

Not only are fares convenient and affordable, but they can also help you consolidate expenses if you travel at night. 

Combining overnight bus travel with a JR pass can save you a fortune as the difference in price between regional, 1 week national and 2-week national passes are huge. 

Travelling by Boat/Ferry

Often the only way to access some of Japans smaller islands, particularly in the Seto Inland Sea, is by boat or ferry. Japan boasts an excellent maritime transport network. 

Generally, ferries are affordable and in some cases, they are covered by a JR pass (the ferry to Miyajima being the most well-known example).

Naturally, the costs increase if you ferry a car or if you are taking a long-distance ferry.

Travelling by Train

Japan’s train network is simply incredible as it can take you from the north of Hokkaido to the south of Kyushu. 

But it can also be confusing as, like with a lot of things in Japan, there is a myriad of different options available to you. 

PURCHASE YOUR JR PASS TODAY

How to Maximise a JR Pass

Because your travel to Japan will very likely involve transportation on a JR line at some point, we’ve put together a few tips to help you plan your JR Pass use accordingly. 

• Download  Hyperdia  – This amazing app allows to research train times and more importantly prices. Currently, it is free to use for 3 months (after that you will need to pay). You can work out which JR pass is the best financial option. Do note that the seat fare (sometimes two-thirds of the cost) is not optional, you will need to pay it.
• You don’t need a rail pass for your entire time. Some people may be visiting Japan for 2 weeks and will buy a 2 week nationwide JR pass. You are likely not going to be using the train every day and it’s likely you will pay more than you need to. 
• Activate your JR pass at the right time. To activate you pass you will need to go to the station and inform them of when you want to activate it. Make sure you activate it when you really need it so you can get the most out of it.
• Check out the regional passes. There are numerous regional passes available that are much cheaper, but they cover a smaller area and don’t last as long. However, they can be a fantastic option. Combining such passes with night bus services can save you plenty of money. 

Apps and Technology

Japan is definitely well connected when it comes to technology.

When you visit Japan you are likely going to want to remain connected to the outside world as well as take advantage of mobile apps that make travelling through Japan a little easier. 

Here are a few we think you should definitely acquaint yourself with prior to your travels:

• Hyperdia  – Hyperdia is the premiere app for helping you to understand the transportation system in Japan. Find the right rail line, station and even schedules to help navigate what could otherwise be a complicated transportation system. 
• XE Currency  – Transfer, monitor and calculate currency as the need arises. This app may not be totally necessary as you are typically tied into rates the banks charge for services. But it is handy to have around. 
• Express VPN – This will protect your sensitive information wherever you travel – not just in Japan. Be sure to have this to keep your online information secure as you travel. 
• GuruNavi  – This app will help you to find food options in whatever prefecture you happen to be at the moment. You can search through different types of cuisine as well as to filter your selections for things like English-speaking staff and WiFi availability. 
• Google Translate – Even if you don’t know more than a handful of Japanese words, iTranslate will help you communicate as you travel in Japan. 

Best Things to Eat in Japan

Japanese cuisine is justifiably one of the worlds popular. It focuses heavily on high-quality ingredients and as a result portion sizes are smaller than you may expect.

Although fried dishes are common in Japanese cuisine, Japan has the lowest rate of childhood and adult obesity amongst the OECD nations.

This is down to a mixture of smaller portions and a culture that promotes restraint and health.

Yakiniku:  Japanese BBQ. These restaurants can be found all over Japan, and it is very rare that they are anything other than delicious. Many offer time based all you can eat/drink deals. Look out for the characters 放题 as they usually don’t advertise this in any language other than Japanese. 

Katsu Curry:  Fried chicken or pork cutlets smothered in Japanese curry. Heaven on a plate. 

Kushikatsu:  All manner of meat and veg skewered and deep-fried. 

Sushi and Sashimi:  This can go from cheap to eye-watering expensive. Conveyor belt sushi restaurants offer the cheapest prices. Be brave and try delicacies like sea urchin, horse or chicken sashimi.

Sukiyaki:  Meat and vegetables cooked in a hot pot with a small amount of water and soy sauce. 

Ramen:  The nations most popular noodle dish, often an excellent budget option. 

Gyoza:  Pan-fried dumplings, often filled with pork. 

There is certainly much more available than this, but hopefully this gives you a quick overview. 

Convenience   Stores:  For budget eating options convenience stores like lawsons, family mart and 7-11 are often an excellent option for a cheap and hearty meal! 

Izakaya : No mention of eating in Japan would be complete without mentioning Japan’s most famous eating places; the Izakaya (居酒屋).

An izakaya is a Japanese pub that is generally a place where friends, colleagues and family members will go to eat, drink and chat. 

The huge menus consist of small plates that are shared amongst the group. Expect to find sashimi, yakitori, cold dishes, salads, fried dishes and desserts.

ACCOMMODATION IN JAPAN

Japan has a huge range of accommodation options. The most obvious difference is whether it’s a Japanese or western style room.

In Japanese style rooms, you will be sleeping on tatami mats on the floor, which are actually incredibly comfortable.

This option is far more common outside of popular tourist destinations. Western-style rooms have regular beds. 

Many single rooms in hostels, guesthouses or hotels will have bunk beds to fit more people. This will usually be stated when booking.

It is not always the most romantic option but it does help you get more bang for your buck. 

Types of Accommodations

Whilst hostels exist in Japan, they are not as cheap South East Asia. There is a reasonably good hostel network throughout Japan. But hostels are not as common or widespread as in other popular travel destinations.

If travelling in Japan as a couple or pair, a hotel room is often cheaper than 2 beds in a dorm. It’s always worth comparing, hostels are not always the cheapest option when there’s more than one of you. 

Western-Style Hotels

These will be the traditional hotels that you would find in most places in the world.

They include major Japanese and international brands and are more common in larger cities.

You can expect amenities and comfort similar to those you’d find in other destinations. 

Capsule Hotels

A unique way to spend a night or two in Japan is in a capsule hotel. As the name suggests, these are small enclosed spaces usually only large enough for a bed.

Sometimes you will have a television and a small storage space. But more often you can expect to have to stash your gear in a locker. You’ll also, obviously, be using shared restrooms. 

Traditional Japanese Ryokans offer luxurious stays in often gorgeous accommodation and locations. However, they can sometimes be very expensive.

It’s not uncommon for Ryokans to have an onsen. But if you want an authentic Japanese overnight experience you won’t find anything that surpasses a stay in a Ryokan.

Another good option in recent years is AirBnB, and there are more and more amazing places popping up to stay for very affordable prices every day.

As is typical in many destinations where Airbnb accommodations are popping up, you’ll likely find great value and a little more personal space with an Airbnb stay. 

Onsen Hotels

Last, but by no means least; Onsen Hotels. In short, these are hotels that have an onsen attached.

They cover a wide variety of budgets but often they are not the cheapest options available.

However, the luxury of being able to have an onsen whenever you want is well worth it. 

Just note that with onsens there are some basic rules to follow. These will often clearly displayed, but here they are:

• You must be completely naked – no bathing suits. Leave awkward at the door, with your clothes. 
• Do not put your towel into the onsen water. Most people wrap it around their head.
• Shower before you enter the onsen, taking care to splash others with your shower water.

Or, if you’d like to check out a few options on your own here are a few resources to get you started!

JAPAN TRAVEL TIPS

Travelling in Japan can definitely be rewarding. But it can also be a bit of a headache – especially if your knowledge of the Japanese language and culture is limited. 

Further, not being prepared for adventure can hamper your optimism as well.

Imagine you’re all set for your day of walking around majestic Kyoto and you failed to pack an umbrella or raincoat. 

Of course, you have your own reasons for travelling to Japan. So likely you know whether you plan to dive in Okinawa or climb Mt. Fuji. 

But for everything else in your journey, let us remind you of a few travel tips for Japan to make your adventure safer, more enjoyable and more affordable. 

General Japan Travel Tips 

While there are  many basic travel tips  we suggest you use when travelling to Japan, there are also plenty of Japanese-specific tips that will make your visit the best it can be. 

Here are a few we recommend you consider as you plan your trip to visit Japan: 

1. Research Cultural Norms and Behaviour

Japan is a country with a very strong national identity and behaviour. Breaking these behavioural norms is most definitely frowned upon. 

Here are a few basic Japanese cultural expectations:

• Do not talk loudly or answer your phone on the subway, bus or train. 
• Do not eat on the above. 
• Walking and eating are sometimes frowned upon. 
• Stand on the left-hand side of an escalator. 
• Follow the rules in an onsen.
• Do not litter – Japan is immaculately clean. 

If you’re not sure if something is ok, just ask.

Many Japanese people know that foreigners are unlikely to be aware of Japanese norms and expectations and will be happy to help you. 

2. Eat, Eat, Eat.

Japanese food tastes so much better in Japan. Take the opportunity to try things that you are very unlikely to find in your home country. 

3. International Drivers Permit

If you plan on renting a car in Japan you MUST have this document.

Without it not only will you be unable to rent a car, but you also will not be given a refund if you have already paid. 

4. Take your own chopsticks

Single-use chopsticks are the norm in Japan. Take your own and do a little bit for the planet. 

5. Do your research

A bit of planning and research does make a real difference, especially for utilising public transport. Getting a handle on this will leave you in the best place to get the most out of your trip. 

6. Show respect and places of worship:

All temples and shrines will have rules and guidelines clearly displayed in English or with pictures, yet some people are still not able to understand them. Don’t be one of those travellers that give everyone else a bad name. 

7. Remove your shoes

This is common everywhere in Japan. In some cases, you may need to remove them before entering the lobby of a hotel.

However, it is more common that you are expected to leave your shoes in the coves next to the door of your hotel room. This is especially common in more traditional Japanese hotels. 

8. Embrace Japanese toilets

The gadgets available in Japanese bathrooms are the stuff of legend. Soft music can be played so no-one can hear you doing your business, seats can be warmed on cold winter mornings and the variety of spray options will leave you feeling as clean as a whistle. 

Japan Packing List

We always travel with a  core packing list  wherever we go. And when it comes to Japan, many factors will affect what else you need to bring along with you. 

Check out our  travel essentials  and be sure to add any of the other additional items listed below. 

TRAVEL INSURANCE. SIMPLE & FLEXIBLE.

Which countries or regions are you traveling to, what’s your country of residence, enter traveler’s age, staying safe in japan.

Japan is a relatively safe country in which to travel.

Clearly you should always practice some basic safety guidelines no matter where in the world you travel. 

• Keep copies of your passport and financial documents in the event they are lost or stolen. 
• Don’t be flashy with expensive items or cash. You’re not very likely to be targeted as a tourist in Japan. But this would surely set you apart. 
• Avoid travelling alone at night. Call a taxi or Uber in advance and wait inside the venue until it arrives. 
• Be aware of your surroundings, particularly if you’ve had a night out drinking. 
• Keep your personal items close. Pickpocketing is about as bad as you can expect in Japan, so make sure your purse, wallet and phone, etc are secure particularly when travelling in crowded public transportation.

We won’t bore you with a more extensive list. Unless this is your first trip out of your home country you’ll be better off when you travel in Japan than many other places in the world. 

If this is your first trip, congratulations!

If you practice many of the same common-sense habits you would at home, then you’ll be quite safe and enjoy your time in Japan. 

Staying Connected in Japan

Japan is an ultra-modern country, particularly when it comes to technology. Thus staying connected when you travel to Japan will be no issue. 

Of course, like any place in the world, the further you go away from metropolitan areas the more you can expect slow to no-service in areas. 

For phone and data service, first check with your local cellular carrier to determine if your current plan will cover you when you travel to Japan.

In many cases, carriers have expanded their international coverage to popular places such as Japan. 

If not, they will likely have a very expensive option for you to purchase on a daily/weekly basis.

We feel like your money will go a lot further if you consider a few other options. 

Purchase a SIM Card

First and foremost is to pick up a local SIM card upon arrival in Japan. You will need to make sure that your device is unlocked before you can switch SIM cards.

However, this will be a reasonably inexpensive and fairly common way to access Japanese cellular networks without paying outrageous international travelling fees through your home carrier. 

Rent a Portable WiFi Device

A second option would be to  rent a portable WiFi device  that will allow you a certain amount of data/service over a set period of time.

These are relatively affordable compared to most cellular plans’ international options.

You’ll typically have to pick these up from central locations such as the airport or train station. But it’s likely you’ll be passing through here anyway. 

Access Free WiFI

And finally, you could always just ensure that your device is on aeroplane mode and then hop from one WiFi hotspot to another.

Plenty of places in the towns and cities you will visit will offer WiFi.

From restaurants, hotels, railway and train stations and even some public spaces, you’ll find many venues that will cater to your need to stay connected. 

Be a Responsible Traveller in Japan

Being a responsible traveller in Japan is important on many levels.

First, you represent yourself wherever you travel.

Nobody likes a jerk – especially people minding their own business in their own country.

Taking the time to learn about Japanese customs and culture will help you understand how you can be more responsible when you travel to the country. 

Second, you represent your home country and other travellers. If you act or say things that reflect poorly on yourself while travelling in Japan then these actions also reflect poorly on other travellers.

While stereotypes suck – the truth is that most people form opinions based on first experiences. So let’s try to make your interactions with others positive while travelling in Japan.

Additionally, the resources of the world are limited.

Even though you might have certain customs or routines back in your home country does not mean you need to extend them when you travel to Japan.

For instance, carrying a reusable water bottle is loads more responsible as a traveller – although you may not think twice about using disposable bottles back home. 

Key Japanese Travel Phrases

You don’t have to be fluent in Japanese to have a great time when you travel to Japan. But it does help to know a few key phrases.

This will not only assist you in your travels but it will also show respect to the local Japanese people that you are doing your best to assimilate into their culture. 

Books To Read About Japan

Maybe you already know everything about Japan. Chances are you don’t!

But even if you are well-read, here are a few suggestions that might be worth your time while you’re on the plane to Japan. 

A Geek in Japan . A fascinating read that takes you into the heart of understanding Japanese culture. This is a top pick among most Japan travellers.

Memoirs of a Geisha . Perhaps the. most well-known book in recent times thanks to its popularity as a movie. The historical fiction follows the story of a young woman thrust into the life of a geisha.

Rice Noodle Fish . A creative way of exploring Japan from a culinary standpoint. Tantalizing pictures of delicious food accompanies the personal story and in-depth information about some of Japan’s best eats.

Hokkaido Highway Blues . Follow a hilarious and entertaining journey by the author to traverse Japan in stride with the cherry blossoms. Meet a cross-section of Japanese culture through the lens of the author.

BOOKING RESOURCES

I know, I know – we’ve already mentioned these resources a bunch in this travel guide.

But here’s the thing… we know you’re going to want and need these resources to help you save money and have a more enjoyable trip

Table of Contents

Read our vietnam posts, budget travel in japan – ultimate backpacking guide [2024], 25 awesome things to do in tokyo, japan, 7 best day trips from osaka, japan (2024 travel guide), 12 awesome things to do in hakone, japan (2024 guide).

Visit Japan Web: The Online Registration Before Arriving in Japan

Japanese customs: mysos replaced from november, 14,  2022.

During the Covid pandemic, entry procedures in Japan have changed a lot, which created some confusion. It is still somewhat the case after the reopening to tourism since October 11, even if a focus has been placed on easing the procedures especially through digitalization , to minimize human interactions and subsequent contamination risks.

Until recently, the Japanese government asked visitors to install specific app on their smartphones:

• MySOS, for advance registration of information regarding vaccine status / PCR test, for faster airport procedures in Japan (the "fast track" system)
• COCOA, an app to track contact-cases and infected persons, but it was discontinued in September 2022.

MySOS was not mandatory but highly recommended . Travelers who could not use the app were directed upon their arrival in Japan to a specific line in order to complete the necessary steps (showing a valid vaccination certificate / PCR test, etc.) which lengthened their time at the airport.

New website available since November 1st, 2022

In mid-October 2022, a new change in the procedure has been announced for all entry in Japan from November 14 included : every traveler (tourist, foreign resident and Japanese citizen alike) can register in advance on the Visit Japan Web site.

Visit Japan Web is a free, single portal to group formalities related to:

• Covid-19   🦠 ( quarantine , vaccination certificate, PCR test); The Pre-registration for Quarantine Procedures section collects the information that were previously filled in the MySOS app ("Fast Track" function);
• Immigration : the Disembarkation Card for Foreigner that was formerly handed in the plane  ✈️ just before landing (does not concern Japanese citizens and foreign permanent residents);
• Customs  🛂 , with the Declaration of Personal effects and Unaccompanied Articles , to fill upon arrival, formerly either on a paper form or on the Japanese government’s Zeikan shinkoku app (税関申告アプリ).

In the facts, registering on the website has been possible since November 1, 2022 , for any arrival in Japan from November 14 in one of its largest airports:

• Tokyo -Narita,
• Tokyo-Haneda,
• Osaka - Kansai (KIX),
• Chubu ( Nagoya ),
• Fukuoka ( Kyushu ),
• New Chitose ( Hokkaido ) and
• Naha ( Okinawa ).

Travelers arriving in Japan before November 14, 2022, can still use the MySoS app to fill their Covid related data and are not the target of the Visit Japan Web.

1 blue screen and 2 QR Codes to show on a smartphone

Like with MySOS previously, each step of the registration process is ended by a change in the page display that includes:

• A blue screen , for a successful quarantine procedure registration,
• and the creation of 2 QR Codes for customs and immigration procedures.

Once all the steps are completed, a visitor’s smartphone  📱 will display first a blue screen, then 2 QR Codes to show at each checkpoint.

Starting April 29, 2023 , according to March 10 and April 26 latest announcements of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, some of the borders restrictions will be lifted and the Covid-19 quarantine procedure (blue screen) will not be required anymore .

It is highly recommended to register before departing for Japan : at the latest 6h prior to the flight’s departure, and ideally within the 10 preceding days , in order to allow time for the review of the submitted documents. Reviews are sorted by date of arrival in Japan . Visit Japan Web is available in English.

Whether you are fully vaccinated or not, consider using Visit Japan Web to make sure to board your flight to Japan, as airlines reserve the right to refuse passengers who may potentially be banned at the Quarantine Procedures step.

The necessary documents are:

• A valid email address (will be used as a user ID to each access to Visit Japan Web);
• Until April 29, 2023 , Covid vaccination certificate or negative PCR test result taken less than 72 hours before departure and translated in English (use the Japanese-English form provided by the Japanese Ministry of Health here );
• An address in Japan (for example, of the first accommodation you will be staying at).

If traveling with underage children , it is possible to register them on the same Visit Japan Web account (up to 10 travelers). Dependent or handicapped adults who cannot go through the procedures alone can also be registered in the Family members traveling with you section. However, each of them has to have their own passport or equivalent immigration document.

Each member of the family registered on the same account will also have their blue screen and 2 QR Codes, to show at checkpoints at the arrival airport in Japan.

Like with MySOS, registering with Visit Japan Web is not mandatory , however it helps going through the entry procedures in Japan faster, and reduces the hurdles of tedious formalities after 12 hours of more spent in a plane.

On April 5, 2023, Kono Taro, the Japanese Minister of Digital Affairs, announced that travelers are no longer required to show any document at arrival airport’s quarantine in Japan . However, filling information forms for immigration and customs is still a requirement.

Additional tips and advice

An Internet  📶 connection is required to use the Visit Japan Web site, especially to create the account, fill in the user’s information, and their family’s when applicable (name, passport number, etc.), the forms regarding vaccination or PCR test and create the first QR Code. The digital Disembarkation Card for Foreigners and custom procedures can be completed offline and the QR codes created upon arrival at the airport.

Creating a Visit Japan Web account is possible on a computer (Chrome browser is recommended) or on a smartphone (Chrome browser recommended on Android). In any case, before departure, make sure to be logged in only on the device you will use to travel (a smartphone ideally), and check that all information is up-to-date.

Questions asked at immigration and customs procedures are the same than on the paper forms. In any event, official Japanese sources (the Embassy of Japan or the Border Control page of the Japanese Ministry of Health for example) are the ultimate references regarding entry procedures in Japan and should be checked frequently.

• Flights and Airports
• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Internet & Phones
• Budget and money
• Japanese Food
• Visit with Kids
• Seasons: spring / summer / autumn / winter
• Weather forecast
• Time in Japan
• Holidays & Festivals
• Natural Disasters
• Customs and Duties
• Works and Closures
• From April 14 to 15 -- Sanno Matsuri (the Spring Takayama Festival)
• From April 29 to 5 May -- Japanese Golden Week
• May 12 -- Mother's Day in Japan
• June 6 -- Beginning of the rainy season (Tsuyu) in Japan
• June 21 -- Summer starts in Japan
• From July 1 to 31 -- Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto with float processions on July 17 and 24
• Tokyo : Shinjuku , Shibuya , Harajuku , Asakusa , Akihabara , Odaiba , Ikebukuro , Ueno , Roppongi , Chiyoda , Ryogoku ...
• Around Tokyo: Kamakura , Nikko , Hakone , Mount Fuji , Mount Takao , Yokohama ...
• Kansai: Kyoto , Nara , Osaka , Mount Koya , Himeji , Kobe , Kinosaki , Kumano Kodo , Ise ...
• Japanese Alps: Kanazawa , Matsumoto , Takayama , Shirakawa-go , Nakasendo ...
• West: Hiroshima , Miyajima , Shikoku , Onomichi , Naoshima , Izumo , Kurashiki , Matsue ...
• South: Kyushu , Okinawa , Yakushima ...
• North: Hokkaido , Tohoku ...

• Temples and Shrines
• Gardens and Parks
• Hiking and Trekking
• Observation Decks
• Public Baths (Onsen and Sento)
• Festivals (Matsuri)
• Amusement Parks
• Visit on a Budget / Luxury

Keikaku is a travel agency specialist of Japan and providing different kind of services:

• Japan Rail Pass
• English speaking Guides
• Pocket Wi-fi
• Japan Nightlife
• Working in Japan
• Religion and Spirituality
• Arts and History
• Movies / Animated Movies
• Japanese Music
• Studio Ghibli
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• Weird Japan
• Translations
• Kana & Kanji
• Japanese Swear Words
• Honorific Suffixes (san, kun, chan...)
• Introducing yourself
• Thank you / Apologize
• Count / Say Your Age
• Say the Date / Tell the Time
• Happy birthday
• Enjoy Your Meal
• Writing your name

Kanas are the much-needed basic characters of written Japanese language. Memorize them at a fast pace with our method.

Ask any kind of question and share your knowledge about Japan in Kanpai’s community space, our Q&A section Kotaete.

Isshoni means "together" in Japanese: share your trip details (dates, places you would like to visit) and find companions to travel in Japan.

Create your Kanpai account to manage your profile and view your participation history (questions, answers).

Travel to Japan

A record 24.04 million people visited Japan in 2016, welcomed by Japan's spirit of omotenashi . A nation where tradition and modernity share the same space, Japan offers an exciting, unique experience for everyone. From Tokyo’s urban sprawl to the peacefulness of Kyoto, from boisterous Osaka nightlife to Hiroshima's contemplative spirit, Japan’s attractions never fail to dazzle visitors. The amazing food, unique culture, and warm hospitality will keep you coming back!

To get you started, here are some useful tools for your trip: Convert US Dollars to Japanese Yen ・ Japan Weather Forecast ・ Japan train route finder (trip planner) ・ Another train route finder Download DC-based Japan Travel Agencies & JR Pass Distributors

Do I need to bring anything special?

Not usually - just a valid passport. If you are a US citizen, you do not need a visa to travel to Japan for up to 90 days with a roundtrip ticket. The purpose of your visit must be tourism, visiting relatives/acquaintances, attending a conference, etc.

Japan has made agreements to waive visa requirements for tourism with 61 countries and regions. You can find more information about this on the Embassy's visa section page . If you need to obtain a visa for your travels, please contact your nearest Consulate General of Japan or call the Visa Section of the Embassy at 202-238-6800.

Where should I visit in Japan?

What can i bring through customs, can i use a credit card, is japan a safe country, do japanese people speak english, what do i do if i need help or get lost, how can people call me while i'm in japan.

To call Japan from the U.S., dial 011 81 , followed by the area code and phone number. For Japanese cell phones, the area code is 80 or 90. Other common codes are 3 for Tokyo, 78 for Kobe, 75 for Kyoto, 6 for Osaka, and 82 for Hiroshima. If you're given a number that starts with 0, remove it and dial the rest. So, if the number is 080, just dial 80. You can also look up numbers via the Japan Phone Book.

Other options for calling abroad include VoIP services such as Skype .

How is Japan's public transportation system/How can I get a "JR Rail Pass"?

Excellent! Japan has an extremely modern subway and rail system, as well as the famous shinkansen bullet trains, and a large network of buses. Japan-Guide has an excellent guide to transportation in Japan, including information on the numerous tickets and passes available. You can also use the Japan train route finders at the top of this page.

The Japan Rail Pass is one of the most popular option if you'll be traveling long distances by train, or if you're looking for an economical solution for sightseeing. Japan-Guide has more information about the rail pass, but we also have a list of distributors in the DMV area available on our DMV Resources page . You must purchase an Exchange Order before you travel to Japan. You cannot buy a Japan Rail Pass in Japan.

For information about traveling on public transport system with a wheelchair or other disabilities, please check our special circumstances section below.

Can I use a drone/UAV in Japan for tourism?

UAVs are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism. Their website has a guide in English for those who would like to use UAVs in Japan.

For laws in specific cities and prefectures, you can try and contact local film offices, who might be able to provide you with information on filming with UAV.

What about prescription medications?

Medications are restricted by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. Certain medications require a Yakkan Shoumei import/export certificate which can take over two weeks to process. For information and/or restrictions on specific medications, please check with Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare .

For more information, please check the main Embassy's guide to bringing Medications into Japan . The Embassy of the United States in Japan also has good information on bringing medication for personal use, although we are not affiliated with them.

What if I'm in a wheelchair or have another disability?

What if i have a medical device (cpap machines, etc.), what if i have dietary restrictions.

Although Japanese food is considered some of the healthiest in the world, it can be difficult to find appropriate foods if you have dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and more. Many major restaurants now include pictorgrams on their menus to help, but smaller restaurants may not have them.

If you are gluten-free , Legal Nomads has provide a gluten-free card in Japanese on her website , and Celiac Travel has a different version on their website .

For vegans and vegetarians , HappyCow , Japan Vegan and Vege-Navi all have resources to help you find good restaurants. Additionally, Is it Vegan? Japan offers help with reading packaging.

For those with halal food restrictions, the JNTO provides a guide to Muslim friendly food stores as well as a travel guide. Additionally, Veg-Travel Tokyo is a vegetarian, halal, and kosher restaurant search. The Jewish Community of Japan also has helpful kosher guides.

If you have food allergies , be aware that any products containing eggs, milk, wheat, buckwheat, peanuts, shrimp and crab will be labeled by law. The JNTO's English Tourist's Language Handbook includes information on how to indicate what you are allergic to.

35+ Helpful Japan Travel Tips To Know BEFORE You Go

J apan is a remarkable country filled with so much history, natural beauty and modern touches. I’ve just returned from my second trip to Japan and was reminded of so many things I had forgotten about the country! Traveling in Japan is an amazing and enriching experience, however it is also a country filled with traditions and unique ways of operating that visitors may not be used to. Below I share the best Japan travel tips to help you make the most of your trip.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Top Japan Travel Tips to Know BEFORE You Go

Before you head off to Japan, there are a few things you will need to know in advance and to plan for. While most things on this list can be figured out while in country, a few MUST be done before you leave your home. Whether you opt for the classic tourist circuit Japan itinerary or get off the beaten path , these tips will go a long way to help you enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Get A Japan Rail Pass in ADVANCE

If you want a Japan Rail Pass , it is only available to purchase for overseas tourists BEFORE they enter the country. Once you are in country, you can no longer purchase a JR Pass, so if you plan to use the bullet train between destinations quite a bit, this is a must do before you leave. You must also give yourself plenty of advance notice as well as the pass is still mailed to a physical address. 

However, I will say that sometimes it’s not actually cheaper to get a JR Pass. Research the Shinkansen trains here and which trains you plan to take to budget accordingly. Often you can take a train that is just a bit slower, for a lot cheaper.

Regardless, the most important piece of advice for the JR Pass is once it is activated you CANNOT lose it. If you lose it, it is gone. You will not be able to print a new pass. You will not be given a refund. You cannot buy another pass until it is expired as it is connected to your passport. A fellow traveler on my recent trip had this experience, and it was not pleasant to lose a $600 pass on day 1 of his trip!

Keep Your Train Tickets With You

Along with the JR Pass information above, another thing to know when traveling on the trains in Japan is to keep your train ticket with you at all times. One, you will often be asked to show it on many longer distance train journeys and you will need it to exit the stations. Even better is to get a transportation card mentioned below for city travel as it is a little less easy to lose. Trust me, these tiny slips of paper are easy to misplace!

Get an IC Transport Card

There is nothing worse than arriving to Japan, transferring through the airports and needing a drink but unable to get one! Japan’s vending machines and many shops do not take US or foreign credit cards. What do you do when you only have a vending machine as an option in the airport? The best way to deal with this is to download and preload an IC card BEFORE your arrival.  Not only does a Suica card or Pasmo card provide easy access to public transportation, it can also be used at vending machines and for small purchases at convenience stores.

Insider Japan Travel Tips You MUST know: If you have an iPhone, you can go to your wallet, click the plus sign, then click Transit Card. Now you can search “Japan” to see the Suica option. Now you can select the amount to add to your card and go through the payment portal. BAM. You are ready to roll upon hitting the ground in Japan.

If you cannot load it on your phone, you can purchase Suica Cards at most train stations. You can also order Suica Cards online and have them mailed to your house abroad prior to your trip to be sure you will have access when in the country.

Learn Basic Japanese Words

While you might find some level of English in the big cities or top tourist spots, much of Japan still exists without much English. I always find this interesting, but again, how cool that they have managed to keep their language and Japanese culture so true to themselves! That said, if you plan to get off the beaten path at all, make sure you know a few phrases and have your Google Translate handy! 

The top phrases I found useful while in country include:

Hello – Konichiwa

Thank you – Arigato

Thank you very much – Arigato Gozai mas

Delicious – Oishi

Cute – Kawaii

Cheers – Kanpai

Sorry, Excuse me, Pardon me – Sumi masen

Download Google Translate 

One of the most important travel tips I can provide is to download the Google Translate app and Japanese packet as you will often need it. As mentioned above, there is often still quite a bit of a language barrier in Japan, especially in smaller towns or off the beaten path at all. Having Google translate will help you when you want to say something to someone but can’t communicate. The translate will provide it in text for the other person to read which is super helpful. Additionally, you can actually just turn on your microphone and let a person speak into your app and get the translation quickly. This is a great help throughout Japan!

Cash is King

Tipping is not customary.

Contrary to the West, tipping is not customary here and in some cases can be considered rude. To be honest as an American who is asked for a tip at every turn, this was a welcome change. I was so happy to not have to worry about tipping at restaurants, bus drivers or our guides. If you are unsure you can ask, but in general it is not done!

Don’t Expect a Western Breakfast

One of the things I most remembered from my first trip to Japan was the very different, for me, breakfast options. While I am all for trying things and diving into the local culture, sometimes you want a little something that is reminiscent of home. For me that is often breakfast. At most restaurants and hotels, you can expect to see very little western offerings for breakfast. If you want something you are used to (coffee even) you will need to seek out western establishments. I don’t often go to McDonalds at home or abroad, but I sure do like that sausage egg mcmuffin after a week in Japan!

Walk on the Left Side of the Street

Without even noticing it, I found myself crossing over a path of people in the underground to get on the “right” side of the walking path. You will see that people traffic flows very smoothing in Japan and most of that is because of how the Japanese walk on the correct side. Watch the flow of food traffic and you will quickly see where you need to be! When I was in Sapporo, there was an entire city of underground walkways. I quickly realized that everyone was sectioned off in the direction of their travel. It made it very easy to get through even with large end of day crowds. But beware of those very useful, but pesky bumps for sight impaired. They are everywhere and are not really an indicator of which side of the street you should be on!

Get Ready to Take Off Your Shoes

While it isn’t as common to remove your shoes in Japan as it is for say India, you will need to remove your shoes for more traditional establishments including restaurants. We had to remove our shoes at the front door to one of our hotels even and couldn’t put them back on until we were leaving! I love not wearing shoes indoors, but it was not always easy especially when I was wearing my Blundstones that are so difficult to get on/off!

Take Your Passport Shopping

If you would like to take advantage of tax-free shopping, make sure to take your passport with you when you go shopping. Some shops like UNIQLO will automatically give you the tax free savings right away once they see your passport,  helping you to avoid doing it at the airport. Other shops will require you get a refund at the airport. If you plan to do any shopping, just take it with you!

Respect the Japanese Traditions

One of the most amazing parts of traveling to Japan is how it is SO different than what many of us are used to. Historically, Japan has been a closed off society. Most of the country is Japanese origin with little Western influence. It is one of the many things that makes it so unique. That said, the most important thing is that you recognize and respect their traditions even if it’s very foreign to you. Take time to learn and ask about the traditions and practice them during your visit. It’s a great way to show respect and fully immerse yourself in the country. 

Prepare Yourself for A Japanese Onsen

One of the most beautiful parts of Japanese society is the public bathing system of the onsen. These hot springs are located throughout the country in stunning locations. It is definitely a big part of life here and something tourists should try at least once. I will warn you though, that unless you are having a private onsen, they are completely nude and can be mixed gender as well. I could write an entire article on how to visit an onsen as there are customs and rules to know, but in general you will need to fully shower and bathe with soap before entering the pools, they are totally nude and many do not allow people to enter with visible tattoos. If you are staying in a ryokan with no private shower facility in your room, make sure the staff are aware of any tattoos in advance so they can make arrangements for you. 

Transportation Etiquette

Don’t be afraid of shopping at convenience stores.

In Japan, convenience stores are everything. And EVERYWHERE! There are so many varieties from 7-11 to Lawson’s to Family Mart or more local shops like SeicoMart in Hokkaido that you can never be very far from one. Here you can literally get anything you want including breakfast or dinner! You can find ready made meals like fried chicken in Hokkaido to udon noodles, tempura, sandwiches and more. They also have chargers if you happen to have soaked your phone and need a cordless charger. They have candy and sweets, beer, iced coffee and so more more.

Get Ready to Carry Your Trash Around

One thing that is always a surprise to me when I’m in Japan is the lack of trash cans in public spaces. They are not on the roadsides or even that frequently found in shops. You will carry a lot of trash in your pockets all day long! Carry a small plastic bag for your trash to make life easier, but do remember to say no to plastic bags at most places as they are given very freely still or a minimal extra cost.

Separate Your Trash

Japan is not super up on the “use less plastic” concept, but they are very strict about separating their garbage. Hopefully this means they have a much better track record of recycling than we do in the US! If you are not used to separating your trash, educate yourself a bit on what is compostable, what is recyclable and what is landfill trash. At big festivals or events you will find very trash cans (as mentioned above), but when you do, they will expect you to seperate it all into the correct containers.

Eating, Drinking & Smoking in Public

While I am not 100% if there are rules on this, but in general you will notice that the Japanese people do NOT eat, drink or smoke while walking. There are of course designated areas for smoking, which is not allowed all over the place. But for drinking your morning coffee on the way to the train station? Nope, you won’t see Japanese people do this. Is it an unspoken rule or just a custom I am not certain, but I tried to follow suit as much as I could. 

Throughout history, Japan has been a closed off society. Would you believe that almost 99% of the country is Japanese? The result is a unique culture with little Western influence and little English. So don’t be surprised if you ask questions or try to converse with people, but don’t receive much of a response. It’s not because they are rude, they simply know they can’t speak your language, and you likely can’t speak Japanese

Japanese Toilets Will Spoil You

Ok, one of the BEST things about Japan has to be their toilets. From the airport to public restrooms, you will find some really great toilets to literally write home about! My absolute favorite that I didn’t realize until I got back home was the heated seats. It really does feel so nice to sit down on a toasty toilet in the middle of the night. There are also several bidet options, drying options and of course also “privacy” sounds/music for many public toilets. Make sure to have your phone handy though as you may need to translate some of the buttons if they aren’t obvious. I have found myself stuff with the water on, not knowing how to turn it off! All of that said, you will also still find squat toilet options in most public bathrooms. They typically have a sign on the door indicating what type of toilet you can expect. 

Get an e-SIM For Your Phone

If you haven’t tried an e-SIM yet, you need to get on the wagon. They are SO easy to use, super affordable and available all over the world. For my recently 2 week trip, I used a 10 GB e-SIM card which allowed me to have data access wherever I went. While there is often free Wi-Fi around major cities, often the log-in screen is only in Japanese which makes it challenging to login quickly. Get $3 off your first purchase at AIRLO using my code: KARILY0402

Stay at Ryokan At Least Once

One of the coolest Japanese cultural experiences I can recommend is to stay in a ryokan. A ryokan is basically traditional Japanese inns. While they come in many forms these days including a super traditional ryokan where you sleep on the tatami mats, you can also opt for ones that do have more “western” beds. I have stayed in all various forms and personally I love being able to plop down in an actual bed, but for a one night experience I would recommend trying the super traditional way as well. 

As part of the experience, you might find that you have a traditional kaiseki meal for dinner or breakfast, you might also have no private shower in your room or  have to take your shoes off at the hotel entrance. It is so fun and cool to see Japanese locals having their dinner or breakfast in the provided yukata (robe in the room) and wearing the slippers. I find this to be one of the most immersive cultural experiences you can have in Japan and well worth the price tag. (Shockingly they are usually quite a bit more expensive than western style hotels).

Japan is Not THAT Expensive

Japan has a reputation of being an excessively expensive country. While it is definitely more expensive than it’s other Asian counterparts, it is also not as pricey as some places in Europe! There are ways to reduce your expenses quite easily. One recommendation to mix up accomodation options – stay in a traditional ryokan, but also stay in chain hotels like Tokyu Stay. We had a great room at Tokyu Stay with a washer/dryer in our room for less than $80 a night. There are plenty of small shops for meals that will run you $5-10 a meal, while more traditional kaiseki meals will cost more. The biggest expense tends to be transport between cities, so that is why it is important to price it out in advance and check for internal flights and getting the JR Pass.

Do NOT Lose (or Keep) Your Hotel Key Card

Traditional hotels still use actual keys, so those are much easier to keep track of and not loose. If you are worried about losing one, you can drop it off with reception before you go out for the day. 

Japan Trains Run VERY Timely

While I can’t say that Japanese trains run on time always because I have experienced delays with them, overwhelmingly they do run on a very tight schedule with very little disturbances. This is great as long as you are early, but it’s tough when you are running late! Always plan for delays in the train station and arrive with plenty of time.

Check for Seasonal Festivals

Regardless of when you visit Japan, there is sure to be some type of festival happening. These are often the best places to fully immerse yourself into the culture. For example, the cherry blossoms in the spring often have many festivals that accompany it, which can be quite fun. In Sapporo, there is an Autumn Festival in September that brings in tons of amazing food options every day for visitors to sample. 

Bring Snacks With You

Whether it is a bus or train journey, do not plan on food being available. There are no dining cars on trains regardless how many hours they are. We found out the hard way that we needed to always have water and snacks with us because options were not always available. Shockingly though, you can eat and drink on the long distance trains, just make sure to take all of your trash with you.

Tap Water is Safe to Drink

One of the best things about travelling in Japan is that the tap water is safe to drink. I loved not having to purchase water bottles all the time or worry about water being bad quality. I even drank from a mountain spring in Rishiri Island that was crisp and cold and so delicious. Bring you recyclable water bottle and fill up in the hotels every day instead of buying more plastic. 

Public Space & Japanese Etiquette

Japan has a concept called “ma” or personal space. Respect it, especially in crowded places with lots of people. Many of these etiquette rules are unspoken, but if you take time to look around you, you will notice that the Japanese people strictly adhere to them. Again, one of the best Japan travel tips I can provide is to look around you and follow what the locals are doing! 

Wear Your Bag In Front on Crowded Trains

In places like Paris or New York, you might see people wearing their backpacks on their front on busy trains, but in Japan this is not for safety as much as it is a respect for fellow passengers. When you wear your bag on the front you are making sure that you are not accidentally hitting other people. This culture is one that is very fond of respect for others and I just love this example!

Safety in Japan

Overall I feel VERY safe in Japan at all hours of the day and night. Trains can get super crowded and you will see people wearing their bags in front like I mentioned above, however that is not necessarily for safety as it might be in other cities. All of that said, I would still be aware of your belongings when in crowded public places and wear your mobile on a strap like this one to make sure it isn’t snatched!

Use Google Maps for Train Travel

If you don’t already use Google Maps, one of my top Japan travel tips is to download it now! One of the coolest features of Google maps is that it will tell you how to walk to a train station, which train to get on and even which exit to look for when you arrive to the destination train stations! However it is important to note that oftentimes your internet may not work in the subway stations, so it is a good idea to have it all loaded before you get underground. 

Expect Lines at Restaurants

Dietary restrictions are challenging.

In Tokyo you can often manage with dietary restrictions more easily, but once you leave the big city, it can often be quite challenging to deal with dietary restrictions. I personally am allergic to MSG, which meant asking everywhere if I could eat the food prepared. For the most part, most chef’s knew instantly whether they used it or not. In the more rural parts of Japan in the far north of Hokkaido, I ran into a few more challenges. If you are a strict vegetarian, it is also a bit cumbersome to find food that does not include any fish sauce as it seems to be included in a ton. Just take your time and ask around as there are often places that can cater to your needs. 

An International Drivers License is Required in Japan

If you plan to hire a car and self drive during your visit to Japan, make sure you acquire an International Driver’s license before you leave home. If you are in the US, this is easily obtained at AAA for around $20 in one day. This is just an additional piece of paper that says that yes, your license is for driving and you are able to drive outside of your home country. 

Japanese Wait for the Walking Sign

Just like in Germany, for the most part Japanese people do not jaywalk or cross until the walking sign is illuminated. I have seen a few people here and there cut across the road or go before the walk sign is lit up, but by far the general rule is that you wait patiently on the sidewalk!

Try All the Drinks, But Don’t Expect Much More than Coke

In Japan you will quickly notice that the only western drink you can purchase by and large is Coca Cola and not even diet, just regular coke. I was so surprised when our Japanese exchange student had never had a Sprite, but after my recent visit I was reminded why – it’s tough to come by! Only occasionally did I see a Sprite in a convenience store and almost never in a vending machine. Overall, you will be presented with a ton of drinks that are only Japanese!

Also, I found out after much sampling and discussion with our Japanese hosts – you will never find sweetened tea in the vending machines unless it is Chinese or American. They do not put sugar in their green tea at all. I purchased MANY tea varieties looking for a sweet option, with absolutely no luck!

Buy From ALL the Vending Machines

One of my top Japan travel tips includes buying stuff from the vending machines. I just love the vending machines in Japan. And I love that you can purchase almost anything in the world from them. At one of my onsen visits, they had a vending machine with underwear (new!), razors, earbuds and more. We saw a vending machine selling frozen ramen which would be the perfect take out food if you lived there. You will of course find drinks machines everywhere you go as well. My favorite one of the entire country has to be the “cake in a can” vending machine in Sapporo. The cake was amazing as is the concept. It was pricey, but worth it at least once. 

Another great one to look out for and try is a coffee vending machine. You can usually adjust how strong you want the coffee, how much sugar and how much milk. It is so fun to just pay 100 yen and have a hot coffee. Additionally, on most regular machines you can look for the signs that say hot/cold as some machines dispense BOTH hot and cold drinks. You want a hot tea, but your friend wants a cold drink. You got it. Seriously, these machines are the best and one of my favorite things to check out while wandering around towns!

Japan is a country with a rich culture and history, so embracing its traditions and customs can really enhance your travel experience.

There really is no “best time” to visit. There are distinct seasons, each offering unique experiences, so you do not have to only go during the high season of summer (or during the cherry blossom season in spring!). The colorful foliage in fall is worth a trip as is seeing the country blanketed in snow! Wherever you go, have fun and enjoy all the differences that you are sure to find!

MORE TRAVEL AROUND JAPAN

We hope you enjoyed these Japan travel tips! For more travel around Japan, see the links below:

• 3 week Classic Japan Itinerary in Photos: Tokyo, Kyoto, Snow Monkeys & More
• Get off the Beaten Path in Hokkaido: Rishiri & Rebun Islands
• The Best Food in Japan That You MUST Try!

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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!

The Ultimate Japan Winter Itinerary (2 Weeks, 4 Cities)

02/27/2023 by Kristin Addis 2 Comments

When I think of the Japanese winter, I picture that feeling of being in a snow globe, or sitting in a steaming onsen (hot springs), or beautiful views of Mt. Fuji. It’s a tall order, to be sure, but like always, Japan delivered.

We recently spent two delicious weeks there, getting a taste of big cities, tiny villages, some of the most famous sights, and of course, delicious food. Honestly? I think we did a great job.

This is the ultimate two-week Japanese winter itinerary:

Table of Contents

Our journey began in Kyoto and finished in Tokyo. If you can book one-way flights, this eliminates a transit day. You can also consider taking the two-hour bullet train from Tokyo over to Kyoto for the start of your trip.

Though it’s never a guarantee that you will get snow in Kyoto — in fact, it’s a rarity — seeing some of the most famous sites with the white stuff was magical.

Day 1: Bamboo grove

Head to Arashiyama as early as you can to walk through the bamboo forest and check out some of the shrines. The earlier you go, the smaller the crowds should be — however, the bamboo is thick and it can be dark super early in the morning. Though the shrines often have entrance fees that are usually around ¥500, the bamboo is free to walk through and enjoy.

You’ll see busy stands selling snacks close to the entrance, but honestly, they were a bit on the pricey side, and we found better ones elsewhere.

Jet lag took up more of the early part of our journey than intended, but if you are able, try to see the Kinkaku-ji temple, a golden pagoda surrounded by tranquil gardens and a pond. Finish the day with sunset on the famous street leading up to Hokan-ji temple.

Day 2: Kaiseki and torii

Our second day began with an early journey to Fushimi Inari Taisha, a Shinto shrine dating from 711 CE, with its famous walkways straddled by thousands of torii gates, and is free to enjoy. This and the bamboo forest were the sites I most hoped to see in Kyoto, and it was just as magical in person as I’d dreamed it would be.

It’s open 24 hours, as is the bamboo forest, so heading there early is a great idea. We happened to get there around 8am on one of the coldest, snowiest days of the year in the lowest season, and therefore had it almost to ourselves for a few minutes, but by 9am, busloads of people were showing up.

From there, check out the Kojingamine outlook for an overview of the city, followed by a visit to the Tō-ji temple, the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan dating back to the year 796.

Finish the evening with a stroll through the historic Gion district, or better yet, take a food tour. Ours involved a few hours of walking around, learning about the local culinary history, tasting traditional snacks and spices unique to Kyoto, and finishing with a kaiseki dinner, a ritual meal consisting of several courses created by a team of chefs. Each one features a different cooking style, though you can usually count on a rice dish, miso, sushi, and some kind of dessert. This is the highest level of dining in Japan and should not be missed! (The exact tour we took is no longer available, but you can book something similar .)

Day 3: Tea ceremony and shrines

Have you ever wanted to don a kimono? Participating in a tea ceremony is one of the best ways to get your chance. You’ll have the opportunity to learn the ritual around drinking green tea while wearing this traditional garment, plus get a photo doing so.

Finish the evening with sunset at Kiyomizu-dera, a Buddhist temple that is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site.

Where to stay : Since we have a little one and arrived late at night into Kyoto, I booked a nice, affordable Airbnb near Kyoto Station. We loved our little spot!

(Due to our desire to catch an event that I’ll discuss later on in the post, we could only spend three nights in Kyoto, but it deserved so much more! I’d recommend staying at least three, if not more.)

This adorable town full of friendly people is the gateway to the Japanese Northern Alps, as they’re called. We picked this town for its historic feel and famous food, and the likelihood of it being a winter wonderland (it was!).

Day 4: Journey to Takayama, known for delicious Hida beef

You’ll spend a good chunk of the day getting to Takayama, which is best accessed on Japan Rail (JR) via Nagoya. The ride there is beautiful, most of it alongside a deeply blue river. (Sometimes there’s also a direct bus, though, so be sure to check! We tended to use Google Maps for our planning, which I suggest doing when weighing your options.)

Spend the afternoon and evening sampling some local Hida beef, which is incredibly flavorful and tender, at Kyoya restaurant, where you cook your meal over a charcoal grill at your table! It was a delicious experience at a place we didn’t even realize was famous — we just stopped by, since it was near our Airbnb. Apparently a reservation is normally essential, so be sure to call ahead.

Day 5: Sanmachi and Hida no Sato folk village

Check out the historical houses (pictured below the subheading above) in Sanmachi, a neighborhood with traditional Edo-era architecture dating back to the 1600s through the 1800s. You’ll find small eateries, shops, and houses all along the way.

There’s a morning market along the river as well, where you can find food vendors. It’s perfect for an early stroll.

Spend the afternoon checking out the Hida no Sato folk village, an open-air museum featuring more Edo-era farmhouses. In the summer months, you’ll see grass growing on the thatched roofs, and in the winter, the village is famous for having feet of snow packed to the tops of the houses. It was magical to see them that way! Entrance is ¥700.

(The village also a great primer for the next stop, Shirakawa-go, a larger UNESCO World Heritage village from the same era.)

– Read More –

Traveling in Japan with a Baby

Day 6: Shinotaka ropeway or Gero onsen

Head out of town to the Shinotaka Ropeway (¥3,300 per adult), about a 1.5-hour bus ride each way, or consider heading to the town of Gero, south of Takayama, for a night. It’s one of the most famous onsen towns in Japan, known for its particularly smooth water.

(Due to my tattoos I can’t use most onsen , which I’ll discuss later, but for this reason, we opted to skip Gero.)

Where to eat: In Takayama, we loved the Tori Coffee and Sabou Usagi cafés, as well as Uemura for dinner. The latter is a truly tiny restaurant serving organic food the chef grows himself. I cannot recommend it enough! I messaged him via Instagram to book. Sakurajaya is also a fun experience, sitting at the bar and watching the chef make the food in izakaya fashion (informal, small dishes).

Where to stay : I loved our Airbnb here! It was the cheapest of the trip, at around $90/night, and had its own outdoor bathtub, which was magical with the snow!

Shirakawa-go

Day 7: UNESCO site Shirakawa-go

Light Up Shirakawa-go was the event I mentioned that caused us to leave Kyoto a bit earlier than I normally would have. Each winter, for six Sundays over January and February, Shirakawa-go lights up all of its buildings in the evening. If you are planning way ahead and can snag a reservation to stay overnight, do it, but if not, you can take a bus tour to the event from Takayama.

Tickets for this may sell out, as the number of visitors is capped. I logged on right when they went on sale in November and had to refresh the page for a couple of hours before finally getting through, but I’m happy to say that it was worth it. It truly felt like we were in a snow globe.

If you can’t get tickets for the light-up event, be sure to head there during the day. It is easy to access from Takayama via a bus that runs hourly (the bus costs ¥700, village admission is free). The village and buildings are quaint, there are a few museums you can enter for a couple hundred yen, and there’s an observation deck as well. The village would be delightful in every season, though I loved seeing it so snowy!

Stay: it’s possible to overnight in Shrakawa-go in the traditional houses . They book up well in advance for the light up event, though other times of year or other evenings would be easier. You’re only allowed to stay for one night in each house and they ask that you don’t bring large suitcases as there isn’t room for storage.

Day 8: Journey to Mt. Fuji

This was our longest travel day, making our way down to Yamanashi prefecture. It was so worth the journey, though, as staying on a lake with a view of Mt. Fuji was a highlight for us.

There were dozens of ways we could have chosen to get there, though we opted for the JR back through Nagoya, followed by a bus. (In 2023, the bus that runs between Takayama and Kawaguchiko was not running, but it would be by far the best and cheapest way in the future.)

Kawaguchiko

Wintertime is generally the clearest time of year and offers the best chance to see Mt. Fuji, one of the most famous sights in Japan.

When we were deciding between Kawaguchiko and Hakone, another popular spot an hour south, one of my Instagram followers suggested Kawaguchiko (and Takayama!), and I’m so glad we took her advice. We had gorgeous mountain views over the lake day after day.

Day 9: Chureito Pagoda

You can’t visit Kawaguchiko without seeing the Chureito Pagoda, which as one of the most iconic views in Japan.

That said, it was also my biggest heartbreak of the trip, having wanted to see this view of Mt. Fuji for years. The clouds rolled in just as we were getting off the train. C’est la vie!

The pagoda is free to visit. You’ll have to climb quite a few stairs to get there, though, but it’s worth it.

Consider also stopping by Oishi Park, which is easy to access from the sightseeing-loop bus, for another iconic Fuji view.

Day 10: Soak and stare at Fuji

We spent a good chunk of our tenth day hanging out at our hotel, to be honest. I recommend booking a place to stay on the opposite side of the lake from Mt. Fuji (the northern side), so that you can take a day or so to just relax and enjoy the view.

We booked Ubuya , a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn that typically features tatami-matted rooms) that had private hot springs on the balconies. Since I have tattoos, this was the only way that I was going to get to enjoy onsen that are so iconic in Japan in the winter.

Due to tattoos’ association with gang culture, almost all onsen and even hotel spas in Japan ban those with tattoos, unless it’s very small and can easily be covered with a Band-Aid. You can’t cover them up with a swimsuit, either, as one is fully nude in onsen .

This ryokan was definitely a splurge for our trip, but it was worth it! We also ate breakfast and dinner in the hotel, the latter a kaiseki meal in a private room set up for us and the baby.

Day 11: Fuji ropeway and Asama shrine

Are you down for an Insta-famous photo opportunity? There are two big ones in the area, including the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. It’s a short journey, so I normally would not feel the ¥1,800 per person round-trip is worth it, since you can get a great view of the mountain from the lakeside. But you can get some pretty cool pictures swinging with Mt. Fuji at a swingset at the top. You’ll have to queue up and pay an additional ¥500 for the photo op, which we didn’t do, but part of me wishes we had.

Next, take the bus bound for the Asama shrine and either walk from there, which is a 30-ish-minute uphill climb, or take a taxi to Tenku no torii. They’ll ask for ¥100 per person at the entrance and there will be another queue, but I loved the photos we got! (pictured at the beginning of the Kawaguchiko section).

Note: The “suicide forest” is also in the Kawaguchiko area, but it’s generally regarded as disrespectful to visit. Please pick other activities instead. There are many other beautiful forests in Japan!

Stay : As mentioned above, we booked Ubuya and loved the experience. If it’s out of your price range, I re commend staying on the same side of the lake and booking another hotel nearby so that you can still get the Fuji view from your room.

Welcome to the largest city in the world! I am usually not a big-city person, but Tokyo is a different animal. It’s one of the most unique places I’ve ever been, and there’s almost a limitless supply of things to do. Though you can only ever scratch the surface, these are some of my favorites:

Day 12: TeamLab and Harajuku

Harajuku is one of the most famous areas of Tokyo — and for good reason. There’s awesome shopping, creative cafés, and some famous local culture to check out. If you’re looking for something more traditional, in the same area, you can walk around the Meiji Jingu Shinto shrine.

From there, pop by the Hie shrine for another opportunity to walk through a smaller version of the Kyoto torii gates, as well as view one of the lovelier shrines in Tokyo, featuring white walls and a green roof.

Finally, do not miss a TeamLab exhibit! This art collective’s immersive art experiences get me every time. They tend to only remain open for a few years; TeamLab Planets should be open for another year or so, and it’s a must-see. I highly recommend going in the hours before closing so as to have fewer people in your photos. Book your ticket ahead of time too: this one somehow let us skip the whole line! Entrance is ¥3200.

Day 13: Nakano, Shibuya crossing, and ramen

On our second-to-last day, I knew I wanted to do another food experience. There are a couple that I was looking at, including a walking tour in the famous Tsukiji fish market and a six-bowl ramen tasting . The latter just happened to fit better with our schedule, and it was delicious! We visited three ramen shops, all of which featured several unique flavors and styles. Garrett and I also shared each of our bowls, so that we could sample all of the flavors, so we ended up having 12 ramen samplings. Our favorite was the inventive pesto ramen, though I always love the curry version and was surprised by how much I enjoyed the squid ink as well.

Give yourself some extra time to check out Shibuya crossing, where the tour begins, which is the famous all-direction crosswalk that as many as 3,000 people use at a time! It’s quite a sight. If you want to see it from above, the Starbucks is a popular place to check it out.

We followed our ramen tour with a giant ice cream at Daily Chico at the Nakano broadway, pausing to take the photo featured above on one of the adjacent streets, which you can find by glancing to your right as you walk up the broadway.

Day 14: Imperial Palace, Disney, and unique kaiseki in Ginza

On your last day, you’ll have to make a difficult choice about what to see. I have a complete Tokyo itinerary here with a bunch of options. If our son were a bit older, we would have loved to go to Tokyo Disney or Disney Sea. Better believe it’s on the docket for the future!

Since our hotel was near the Imperial Palace, we opted to take a walk around the grounds. Keep in mind that you actually have to take a tour in order to get closer. The gardens are lovely, though, and the trees lining the streets near Tokyo Station are a great winter photo op.

I’d finish your trip with one of the most unique kaiseki experiences, in the high-end Ginza district of Tokyo: Tsurutokame , the only all-female kaiseki restaurant in Japan, featuring not only delicious food but incredible presentation. I was vegan when I visited a few years ago, and they even created a completely vegan menu for me! It was a highlight of all of my trips to Japan. It’s also popular, so book well in advance!

Where to stay : I splurged a bit on this part of the trip as well, booking us at the Prince Gallery Kioicho Hotel . The view from the room made it so worth it! The breakfast was delicious, and the location was central, but the best part about it was definitely the service, which was top-notch.

Although many of you won’t need to worry about this, it was also the only place we stayed in Japan that had a crib!

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost major island, is important to mention. Many people choose to ski its famous powder (known in the ski world as Ja-pow), during all or at least part of their winter trip.

From Tokyo, you can take the bullet train and be in Hokkaido in about four hours. Although it was under consideration for us, since we are not really ski people (who live in a ski town — it’s weird, I know) and had a baby with us, we passed.

But there’s good reason to visit. Sapporo, the largest city, has a snow festival each year that features massive ice and snow sculptures. It usually only lasts for a week, so plan your trip accordingly if you’d like to see it.

Getting Around

Getting around Japan was pretty straightforward using Google Maps. I would sometimes cross-reference with blog posts that specifically discussed the journey between certain destinations, just to be sure, but Google Maps was almost always correct. I also appreciated that it would usually give me the exact platform and even car to use in order to make a quick exit.

That said, both Kyoto Station and Tokyo’s larger metros can be confusing, although there were information desks scattered throughout, and they were super helpful — I would just show them where I was trying to go, and the staff person would point in the right direction.

To Rail Pass or not to Rail Pass?

Should you get the Japan Rail Pass ? Only foreigners are allowed to get this pass, which for a one-time fee gives you unlimited rides on the Shinkansen (bullet train) and Japan Rail lines. If you are going to be taking long-distance trains between Kyoto and Tokyo or Hokkaido, for example, it could make a lot of sense.

We opted not to do it, however, since two of the towns we visited — Takayama and Kawaguchiko — involved bus travel. It didn’t work out to be financially advantageous for us, just barely. We did, however, get the Tokyo metro pass , and I recommend the Hakone pass if you opt to go there.

If you do plan to take trains during the high season, it will probably make sense to get the JR pass and book your seats ahead of time. There are only a few cars on each train that are unreserved, which only worked out for us because we were there during low season. Book highway buses ahead of time as well, either in person at the station or online. I hadn’t realized this was important — we were lucky to grab the last seats on our bus to Kawaguchiko, which would’ve been such a pain to have missed!

Also, be sure to have cash on hand. There are ATMs in most convenience stores and train stations. We found that the ticket machine did not take our foreign credit cards, but if we waited in line for in-person service, we could buy a train or bus ticket with a card. Many restaurants also prefer cash.

Language and other notes

Although I can read a bit of Japanese, thanks to my years studying Mandarin and the similarities between the two, I don’t speak it beyond hello ( konnichiwa ) and thank you ( arigato ). Thanks to Felix, I learned that the word for “cute” is kawaii .

I found that people were always willing to try to communicate, though, since Japanese people are friendly and wonderful hosts. So I highly recommend downloading Japanese on Google Translate before you go. That way you can access it offline if you need to show somebody something or ask a question.

Also keep in mind that people bow as a sign of respect, a greeting, or thank you. Be sure to bow back, fully facing the person.

Japan is easily one of my favorite countries to explore because it’s just so different from anywhere else on earth. You get the opportunity to travel back in time, to feel blasted to the future in the big cities, and the friendliness is incredible.

Note: Some links in this post are affiliate links to the hotels and activities that we participated in. Purchasing through these links supports us at no extra cost to you

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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06/21/2023 at 11:50 am

Hello! I enjoyed reading about your trip, the photos are amazing. I am starting to come around to the idea of going to Japan during winter. What dates/month did you travel?

Kristin says

07/01/2023 at 10:40 am

This was end of January into February 🙂

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Finding guides for the day, cultural activities or proposing unusual nights in a temple or on a farm is difficult without someone willing to look for you.

My Japan Travels provides the solution 

Authenticity

MJT goes beyond the obvious and introduces Japan as a Japanese agency would to its clients. We are constantly looking for new destinations in Japan. Our activities are carried out by specialized partners offering a real added value for your trips.

Adaptability

We offer a totally customized service and we adapt to the wishes of your customers, we hope to offer the most comfortable experience to your travelers. Our advice will allow you to go directly to the wishes of your customers and take advantage of the tips and tricks of the moment.

Originality

We explore Japan ourselves in search of new things to offer you exclusively. A wide variety of services: guides, drivers, original cultural activities, we offer a wide range of services with local partners with whom we maintain a relationship of trust. Our list of services is constantly expanding.

People to contact on site

Your agency will have French/English-speaking people to contact directly on site who will be able to give you quick answers and intervene with your clients on site if necessary. Our Franco-Japanese agency will allow you to avoid the difficulties inherent to traveling in Japan (high seasonality, language and cultural barriers, lack of authentic products).

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All you have to do is contact us to ask for information, request a telephone appointment or ask for a quote.

We will answer you as soon as possible (at least 48 hours depending on the period) with a proposal corresponding to your request.

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We also guide and plan the trips. My Japan Travels is particularly keen on offering tailor-made trips to suit your clients’ desires. We seek to offer new destinations and experiences that will bring you closer to an authentic Japan and a truly customized trip.

Manager, pre-sales

We make sure that your trip to Japan is balanced and comfortable. We are also very active on our website and social networking sites to give more information about Japan.

Customer support

If you encounter any problems during your trip to Japan, please contact us. You will always have a French speaking contact person. Our professional staff will be happy to help you.

What customers are saying

Japon en mars 2019.

– Ressenti général :   Superbe voyage, réussi au delà de nos attentes. Itinéraire équilibré ayant permis de visiter pas mal de sites incontournables entre Tokyo, les Alpes Japonaises, Kyoto et Osaka.  – Les temps forts :  Les contrastes et les particularités du Japon ont fait que chaque journée était un temps fort. – Qualité des prestations :  Hébergements très agréables, bien situés, avec un bon accueil et des chambres confortables. Les ryokans ont été la bonne surprise, avec un coup de coeur pour celui d’Odawarai (Ichii) pour son authenticité. Le séjour au temple Ichijoin à Koyasan restera pour nous inoubliable. Transports ponctuels, facilités par les précisions données. Guides à Tokyo et Kyoto compétents et attentionnés. Suggestions de visites du carnet de route intéressantes.

Chantal et Alain B

– Ressenti général :   Le voyage s’est très bien passé, les destinations  étaient bien choisies. – Les temps forts :   la beauté des cerisiers en fleurs et celle des jardins japonais. – Qualité des prestations :   globalement (mis à part 1 ou 2 exceptions hébergements) tout était bien

Japon en Avril 2019

Trés beau voyage. Trés riche et dépaysant notamment par l’accueil et l’hébergement en ryokan. La qualité des visites avec les guides Romain et Elise à Tokyo et Kyoto.     Coup de coeur: les échanges avec les guides. La visite des temples. L’hébergement en ryokan. Les balades sur le chemin de Nakasendo.    Excellente organisation. Bonne qualité du carnet de voyage. Bon accueil à l’arrivée. Bon niveau culturel des guides.   Lors des balades dans les Alpes Japonaises, en avril sur le chemin Nakasendo, nous avons eu de la neige. Même si le carnet de route ne le précisait pas nous étions partis avec les équipements adéquats. Il faut identifier ce risque pour les randonneurs non prévoyants.

Maryse & Bernard C

Un merveilleux séjour au japon.

Une super équipe vraiment à l’écoute de nos envies et qui a su nous proposer un parcours adapté et vraiment personnalisé; de belles astuces ont été données et de super hébergements (toujours très bien placés) ont été proposés. il y a une vraie écoute dans les attentes que nous nous avions et une vraie personnalisation du parcours en fonction de nos souhaits. Le voyage proposé est vraiment super dans le choix des hébergements, dans le rythme des visites et des déplacements organisés.   vraiment un super confort de pouvoir expédier ses bagages sur 2 grandes étapes. Super contact avec Romain le correspondant à Tokyo, vraiment une journée hyper intéressante avec lui, pas mal avec Miyuki à Kyoto. Tout s’est super bien passé, nous avons passé de merveilleuses vacances. Indispensable d’avoir la Pocket Wi-Fi, je pense que impossible de faire sans. Ce serait bien également d’être encore plus complet dans les propositions de choses à faire à chacune des étapes; par exemple proposer des parcours jour par jour dans les villes de Tokyo et Kyoto.

Voyage sur mesure au Japon

Notre voyage s’est super bien déroulé et a parfaitement répondu à nos attentes. J’ai trouvé l’équipe très professionnelle et à l’écoute de nos besoins pendant toute la planification.

Très beau voyage

Avons passé de très jolis moments dans des lieux magnifiques

Japon en Mars 2020

La qualité des prestations était très bien même dans les moments difficiles comme un rapatriement sanitaire (Covid-19).

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A Solo Traveller's Guide to the World

What I Wish I Knew Before Taking a Solo Trip to Japan

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Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Most people dream of going to Japan, but there are a few important things you need to know before planning a solo trip to Japan.

Compared to lots of other Asian countries, Japan is super easy to travel in and great for people who are new to travelling alone .

Don’t get too confident yet though because there are tons and tons and tons of mistakes I made when I was in Japan solo, and I’ve been travelling alone since 2015.

Japan is unique. Things that typically hold true for travel in other parts of the world don’t always hold true in Japan. Even things that work in Japan’s neighbour South Korea don’t necessarily work in Japan.

So, I’m going to share everything I learned on my solo trip to Japan with you to hopefully save you some mistakes.

Actually, at this point, I’ve been to Japan three times and feel like I definitely know what mistakes not to make. I’ve made nearly every mistake you can.

Let’s get into the nitty gritty of solo travel in Japan! Hopefully by the end of this article you’ll feel confident and prepared and be able to travel in Japan solo like a pro.

Table of Contents

Stay Near the Main Train Station

The biggest mistake I made on my first solo trip to Japan was not staying near a major train station.

I know when you travel to most countries around the world, you don’t really have to stay near a major train station. As long as you’re near some sort of public transportation, you’re good to go.

That isn’t the case in Japan.

If there is only one thing you take away from this post, it is that you need to stay near a major train station. Ideally, about a ten minute walk away. That way you’ll be super close to the train station but far enough away that it’s quiet.

Most Japanese cities have one major train station. It’ll typically be the name of the city followed by the word station. Like Osaka Station or Kyoto Station of Fukushima Station. You get the point.

Tokyo is a huge city. Huge doesn’t even describe it. Since it’s so large, there are many major train stations.

The two I recommend staying near are either Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station . They’re pretty central and have access to lots of different metro and JR lines.

Why is it Important to Stay Near a Major Train Station?

There are two main reasons it’s important to stay near a major train station:

• Access to lots of different metro and JR lines so getting around is quick and easy
• Lugging luggage around on Japanese metros is a hassle. Even if you only have a carryon bag, the trains are often crowded and have lots of stairs. Staying near a major train station means you can just leave the train station and easily walk to your hotel or Aibnb and avoid having to transfer to the metro, JR, or bus to get to your hotel.

Trust me. It’s 100% worth it to stay near a major train station even if it means you have to pay a little bit more for your accommodation.

It is the one tip I give everybody when they’re planning a trip to Japan. Whether it’s a solo trip to Japan or a group trip to Japan.

My Favourite Hotels Near Train Stations

• Tokyo Station: Via Inn Prime Nihonbashi Ningyocho
• Shinjuku Station : Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
• Kyoto Station : Hotel Kanra Kyoto (definitely a splurge but worth it!)
• Osaka Station : Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka
• Kanazawa Station : Hotel Resol Trinity Kanazawa

Get Outside Tokyo and Kyoto

On my first solo trip to Japan, I only went to Tokyo , and that was a big mistake. Tokyo is nothing like anywhere else in Japan. It’s extremely busy, hectic, and overwhelming.

Kyoto is the next most popular city in Japan for tourists, and I honestly found it a big overrated. Please don’t crucify me for that!

I think that one of the best things you can do when in Japan solo is get outside these two major tourists hubs and see a little bit more of what Japan has to offer.

Osaka is super close to Kyoto, and it has a totally different vibe to Tokyo and Kyoto. It is way more relaxed and laid back and has a lot of interesting tourist attractions. Including Universal Studios Japan !

The food in Osaka is also top notch, and it’s known as the foodie capital of Japan.

If you visiting Kyoto is your dream because it looks beautiful and full of ancient temples and things to do, I recommend visiting Kanazawa.

It’s everything I thought Kyoto would be and more. Kanazawa is my favourite city in Japan and one I wish more tourists visited. Plus it’s way more affordable than Kyoto, which is a huge plus for solo travellers on a budget.

I don’t really care where you go, but I do highly encourage you to get outside of Tokyo and Kyoto and see a little bit more of Japan.

You won’t regret it. There are so many interesting things to do in Japan that most tourists don’t know about because most people only go to Tokyo.

And trust me when I say that I don’t know a single traveller who says Tokyo is their favourite city in Japan.

Install an Esim on Your Phone

Having access to the internet with data on your phone is an essential part of your solo trip to Japan. It’ll make your life so much easier.

To easily travel around Japan, you need access to the internet. To get around, to figure out what train to take, find tourist attractions, and make sure you pick the perfect place to eat.

Luckily, there is an easy solution on how you can have data on your phone everywhere in Japan.

That’s by installing an esim on your phone. An esim allows you to purchase local data for whatever country you’re visiting. In this case, Japan. You buy an esim, and you can use your phone’s data just like you do at home but without any high roaming fees.

All you have to do is purchase an esim either online or through the app , install it on your phone, and make your esim your main source of data. The entire process takes less than five minutes and is very intuitive and easy. You can even install an esim on your phone before you arrive in Japan, and it’ll automatically activate when you turn on your data in Japan, and you phone connects to a Japanese network.

I like to purchase my esim online because it gives you a QR code. You just scan the QR code on your phone, and your esim is set up in a few easy clicks.

Esims allow you easy access to phone data without having to rent a wifi egg , purchase a local sim card, or incur high roaming fees with your local carrier.

I recommend esims to all my friends and family when they travel, and they all love it as much as I do.

Install an esim on your phone to make getting around Japan easier and stress free.

My Favourite Esim

Since esims are a relatively new technology, there aren’t a lot of reliable companies offering them yet. And you do not want to purchase an esim from an unreliable company and be stuck stranded without phone data.

I love Airalo . It’s my go-to esim provider, and I purchase all my esims through them.

They have the most esims available for the most countries compared to competitors. They also offer incredibly good prices and always have reliable data. You purchase a certain amount of data up front. If you’re close to running out of data, you can purchase more data to be added to your esim with one quick click in the app.

Another option you can look into is Drimsim . Unlike Airalo, Drimsim charges you per MB used rather than charging you for a certain amount of data up front.

If you don’t plan on using much data, Drimsim may be the better option. I highly recommend if you choose Drimsim to turn off your data whenever you’re not using it. This will prevent data accidentally being used in the background and running up your bill.

I tend to use a fair amount of data when I travel between Google Maps, texting, and scrolling social media while eating alone, so Airalo is my esim of choice.

I’m normally in a country for three to four weeks at a time and purchase the 5GB plan. I’ve never gone over before, but there have been a few times when I’ve been close. If you’re only in Japan for a week or two, you should be fine purchasing a 1GB or 3GB plan.

The 3GB plan is probably your best choice. It’s only a dollar or two more than the 1GB plan and gives you the peace of mind that you won’t accidentally run out of data while out and about exploring one day.

Plus it’s likely more expensive to purchase a 1GB top up if you run out of your pre-purchased 1GB data than it is to purchase a 3GB plan.

Anyways, whatever amount of data you choose to purchase is up to you. The important thing is that you install an esim on your phone, so you can easily access the internet when out exploring. This is especially important as a solo traveller !

Google Maps is Your Best Friend

You’re probably already acquainted with Google Maps, but it’s going to become your best friend when you’re travelling Japan solo.

Google Maps in Japan has some of the most comprehensive information of any country I’ve visited.

Especially when it comes to public transportation, which some people find overwhelming and confusing the first time they come to Japan.

Here is some of the information Google Maps tells you when riding the metro in Japan:

• What entrance to take to get to the metro
• What exit to take when leaving the metro. This is very important information. Please don’t ignore it!
• The exact train car number you should get on for the quickest transfer or exit
• What platform your train is departing from. This is very helpful in major train stations where there can be over 20 platforms
• How busy the train is, is the train has AC or not, and whether or not there are delays on the route

Google Maps can also navigate indoors in Japan. This is super useful when trying to find a store in a massive shopping mall. It’ll guide you to the nearest escalator to the store you’re looking for and take you right to the entrance.

It’s fabulous. Google Maps may be your most used app while on your solo trip to Japan!

Major Train Stations are Difficult to Manage

Major train stations are extremely difficult to manage. You 100% need to use Google Maps if you’re trying to find what exit to use or something inside a train station.

Before you start thinking I’m dramatic and how hard could a train station possibly be, Shinjuku Station has 200 different exits.

So, yeah, complicated. You can easily get lost and spend an hour or two wandering around trying to find what you’re looking for.

Trust me. I once spent half an hour looking for a tempura restaurant in Tokyo Station and ended up giving up and leaving.

Whenever you have to exit a major train station, be sure you know what exit you want and watch the signs carefully.

Some major train stations like Kyoto Station and Kanazawa Station are easier to manage. Some like Tokyo Station and Osaka Station are more complicated.

Be prepared. Be patient. And if all else fails, find your way to an information booth, and someone will be happy to help you find what you’re looking for.

Be Prepared to Queue

I hate waiting in lines and avoid waiting in them at all costs. The Japanese don’t seem to have the same aversion to lines that I do. There are lines everywhere, and people don’t mind waiting for them.

There are lines for food (these are often the longest lines at popular restaurants). Lines for tourist attractions. Lines for no apparent reason.

It’s just something that comes with a solo trip to Japan.

Hopefully you don’t have to wait in too many lines but bring your patience just in case. If you know you’ll be waiting in a line on a particular day, consider bringing a book (or audiobook) or something to entertain yourself with.

Avoid Golden Week at All Costs

Golden Week is a national holiday in Japan where people get an entire week off of work. Japanese people use this as an opportunity to travel, and a lot of people travel within Japan rather than going abroad.

This means three things:

• The most popular cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are very, very, very busy
• If you’re visiting a less popular tourist destination, things like restaurants may be closed
• It will be difficult to find an affordable hotel even if you’re booking months in advance. I wanted to go be in Sendai durning Golden Week and couldn’t find an affordable hotel even though I was looking 5 months in advance.

I was in Japan during Golden Week in 2023 and experienced both those things. I spent the majority of Golden Week in Fukushima. Not the most popular tourist destination. A lot and I mean a lot of the restaurants were closed. Some were open until 2pm, but many were closed all day. Not great.

Then I was in Tokyo for the last two days of Golden Week. It was madness. I’ve never seen a city so busy in my entire life. I cannot imagine how busy it was during the height of Golden Week because I assume some people already went home to get ready for work in a couple of days.

Moral of the story is to avoid Japan during Golden Week at all costs. Don’t think to yourself that it won’t be too bad because it will be. Trust me.

On the flip side, going to Japan right after Golden Week is probably the best time of the entire year to be in Japan. I was at Tokyo Disney Resort the four days following the end of Golden Week, and I’ve never seen it so quiet before. It was magical.

Golden Week changes dates every year and is sometime in either April or May. Just do a quick Google search before planning your solo trip to Japan and make sure you aren’t planning it during Golden Week.

Avoid Golden Week at all costs. Ideally visit Japan right after Golden Week for the lowest crowds.

The JR Pass Probably Isn’t Worth it

You’ve probably heard a lot about the JR Pass and how it is essential when travelling in Japan. How you’ll save so much money with the JR Pass.

But, honestly, that isn’t the case for most people.

If you’re only travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto, you likely won’t get your money’s worth out of the JR Pass.

If you’re in Japan for two or three weeks and spending more than a day or two in each city, you probably won’t get much value out of the JR Pass.

You need to be using the JR a lot in a short period of time to get value out of the JR Pass. Especially now that the price is increasing by about double!

I spent 3 weeks in Japan in 2023 and took the JR or Shinkansen between each city I visited. I used JR trains to travel within each city. Even though I would have used the JR Pass a lot, it still didn’t make financial sense for me to get one.

That’s because I wasn’t using the JR enough or on expensive enough lines that purchasing a JR Pass made sense.

Be sure to do the math and use a JR fare calculator before purchasing a JR Pass to make sure you’re getting enough bang for your buck by buying the pass.

The benefit of the JR Pass is that you can pre-reserve seats on the train, which is a huge plus if you have luggage and have to reserve luggage space.

Although, when I was in Japan, I never had to reserve luggage because you only have to reserve it on the most popular and busiest routes like Tokyo to Kyoto or Tokyo to Osaka.

You don’t have to reserve luggage space on most Shinkansen trains.

And if you’re going from Osaka to Kyoto without a JR Pass, just get on the slower JR train rather than the Shinkansen. It’s a third of the price and only takes 10 or so minutes longer if you get on a super rapid train.

JR Fare Calculator (see if the JR Pass saves you money)

Be Internet Safe

Even if you get an esim for your phone, you’ll still be relying on public wifi during your solo trip to Japan. Even if it’s only while at your hotel.

Please don’t waste your esim data and use it at the hotel rather than the complimentary hotel wifi!

And since you’re going to be using public wifi at least part of your trip, I’m going to lecture you about the importance of using public wifi safely.

Public wifi networks are just that. Public. That means anybody with the code can access the wifi. From my experience, a lot of hotels in Japan don’t have a password on their wifi. Anybody can access the wifi even if they aren’t staying at the hotel.

This means that there are countless people using the same unprotected wifi network as you. That puts you personal online information (like you’re banking information) at risk of being stolen.

All it takes is one person with bad intentions, and you’re dealing with the headache of cancelling bank cards while abroad. Trust me when I say that’s no fun.

The only way to protect yourself when using public wifi networks is by installing a VPN on your devices. A VPN essentially puts an invisible forcefield around your devices that makes it impossible for prying eyes to access your personal online information.

A VPN makes using public wifi networks just as safe as using your home wifi where you’re the only person who knows the password.

One of the most important things you should so when preparing for your Japan solo trip is install a VPN. It’s the simplest safety precaution you can take.

The cost per month for a VPN subscription on a two-year plan costs less than a latte and cake pop at Starbucks. You have no excuse not to protect your online information.

I always say that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect your online information with a VPN.

My Favourite VPN

I’ve used a lot of VPNs over my many years of travel. Most of them, frankly, suck. VPNs are notorious for slowing your devices down, and you really feel the different in internet speed when using a VPN.

That’s not the case for NordVPN . It’s consistently ranked the fasted VPN on the market and the only VPN I’ve ever consistently used. You don’t feel like your internet speed is slowed down at all when using NordVPN.

You can install a single NordVPN subscription on up to six devices. That makes it super easy to protect all your devices for one low price.

One of my favourite feature of VPNs is being able to cloak my location. That allows me to watch Netflix from different countries and watch Canadian sporting events while abroad.

There are really no downsides to installing a VPN on your devices. It’s an extremely small price to pay for the peace of mind you get by knowing your private information is safe and sound while you’re abroad.

Get the fastest and most reliable VPN on the market for an extremely low price.

One of the first things you’ll notice on your solo trip to Japan is how quiet it is. In terms of volume. Not in terms of people. There are always tons of people in Japan.

It’s a widely known rule that people are quiet and respectful while out in public. This means no talking on the metro and no loud conversations at restaurants.

And please, please never answer a phone call while on public transit. It’s considered quite rude to speak on the phone in nearly every indoor public setting in Japan. But if you talk on the phone on the metro, you will definitely be getting dirty looks.

Just be sure to be quiet, reserved, and respectful while in public in Japan. I know you’re on a solo trip to Japan, but I also know a lot of you like to make friends while travelling alone. So, if you go out with a group (or while you’re alone), please be quiet.

There is a time and place for loud conversations, and in public is not it.

Oh, and small talk isn’t really a thing in Japan. I know my American friends love starting small talk with strangers, but you’ll be getting weird looks if you try that in Japan.

Taxis are Extremely Expensive

Taxis are never the most affordable way to get around, but in a lot of places they’ve not super expensive. They’re affordable enough that you can justify taking a taxi if it’s going to be super convenient or save you a lot of time.

Japan is not one of those places.

Japan has the most expensive taxis I’ve ever seen in my life.

There is no circumstance I could ever see justifying me using a taxi instead of the metro other than being physically injured and needing to get to a hostpial.

And even in that circumstance, I may still take the metro because the taxi fees are so high.

If you normally take taxis when you travel, you’ll need to get used to the idea of using public transportation or walking.

See point one about staying near a train station if you need a refresher. 😉

The good news is that Japan has one of the best public transportation systems in the world. It’s so easy to get around. You won’t even miss taking a taxi.

Most major cities have large metro systems. Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto all have metros where you can easily get around. Smaller cities in Kanazawa rely on buses. But they’re smaller cities, so it’s easy to walk everywhere if you’re staying in a central location.

Just be prepared to use public transportation and walk a lot while in Japan. Taxis are a luxury not a normal thing to use.

Purchase Popular Tickets Online in Advance

As we’ve talked about in this article, Japan is busy, and there are often queues. To cut down on your time waiting in line, there are two things you can/should do:

• Get to attractions earlier in the day to avoid crowds
• Purchase tickets online in advance if you can

These two things will save you heaps of time on your solo trip to Japan. You’ve got a lot to see and do while in Japan alone, and you don’t want to be stuck waiting in a line if you don’t have to.

There are also some things you need to pre-purchase tickets for. As in you can’t get them at the door or they’re likely to be sold out. Those two main things are Universal Studios Japan in Osaka and Tokyo Disney Resort .

This is especially true for Tokyo Disney. You have to purchase your tickets in advance. You can’t buy them at the gate. Universal recently reintroduced buying tickets at the gate, but it’s a super small park and sold out in advance more days than not.

Other Tickets You Should Consider Buying in Advance

• Tokyo Skytree

Shibuya Sky

• Tokyo Tower Observation Deck
• TeamLab Planets (hugely popular and likely to sell out)
• Sanrio Puroland 
• HARUKAS 300 Observatory
• T eamLab Botanical Garden (Osaka’s version of TeamLab Planets)
• Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

Narita is Very Far Away from Central Tokyo

Narita is very, very far away from central Tokyo. Haneda is closer to central Tokyo, but the majority of international flights fly in and out of Narita.

This means you need to have a solid plan on how you’re getting from the airport to your hotel. Sometimes it can take up to two hours depending on where you’re staying.

You can either take the metro or a limousine bus. I prefer the bus. You’re guaranteed to get a seat, probably drops you off closer to your hotel, there is no need to transfer, and you don’t have to deal with your luggage. It just sits nicely under the bus.

Taxis aren’t an option unless you’re rich because they’re so expensive. A taxi from Narita to central Tokyo will cost you a few hundred dollars!

And the last thing you want to do on a solo trip to Japan is break the bank taking a taxi just because you didn’t plan properly!

The fact that Narita is so far away from central Tokyo also means that you need to be strategic about when you book your flight.

If you land late in the evening or depart early in the morning, you might have an issue. Maybe the buses aren’t running early or late enough or maybe you don’t want to drag your butt out of bed super early or be trying to find your hotel in the dark.

If you’re arriving late or departing early, I highly recommend staying at a hotel near the airport for a night. It’s so much more convenient. I’ve done it before for a flight departing at 11am and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Plus the hotels near Narita are surprisingly affordable. I loved my stay at the Hilton Narita . It was super nice and seemed like it should have costed more than it did.

Most airport hotels offer a bus to and from the hotel, which is super convenient. The hotels say it takes about half an hour to get to the airport. From my experience, it takes about 15, but it’s better to be early than late!

Go to Tokyo Disney on a Tuesday or Wednesday

Tokyo Disney is a must do for any theme park or Disney fan. Heck the theme parks are so well done that even people who hate Disney enjoy them.

Tokyo Disney Resort has two theme parks: Disneyland and DisneySea. DisneySea is the more unique one of the two, but they both have rides you don’t want to miss.

TDR is hugely popular. Not only with tourists but also with Japanese people. This means that it’s always busy. The most popular rides often have wait times between 90 and 180 minutes.

That’s just on a normal day. Not even during the busiest times of year.

So, you definitely need a strategy when going to Tokyo Disney. It may be your only trip, and you want to get the most out of it.

There are way too many tips and tricks about Tokyo Disney to put into this short(ish) blog post. You’ll have to do a deep dive on that on your own. TDR Explorer is a great place to start!

One important tip I will give you is to visit Tokyo Disney on either a Tuesday or Wednesday.

This is when the parks will be the least busy. You’ll be able to get a lot more done on a Tuesday or Wednesday than on the weekend.

Mondays and Thursdays are normally medium busy. I’ve noticed that a lot of the times school groups are filling up the parks on Thursdays leading up to the weekend, and they’re a lot busier than Wednesdays.

Mondays have carryover from people visiting over the weekend. They’re not as busy as a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday but are still quite busy.

So, if you have flexibility in your schedule, try to arrange your trip to Tokyo Disney for the middle of the week. This will give you the best chance at having lower crowds.

Make Sure You Have Health Insurance

Health insurance is an essential part of travel, and you need to make sure you have health insurance that covers your solo trip to Japan.

You may have travel coverage through your work plan. If you do, you just need to make sure it covers the entire duration of your trip. Most policies only cover the first 21 or 30 days of your trip.

If you’re like me and don’t have insurance through your employer, you have two options.

First Option

The first option is perfect for people who are only going abroad for a shorter period of time. This is buying travel insurance from a major company in your home country.

You can normally get insurance through a bank, company that sells house or life insurance, your local healthcare insurer (like Blue Cross), or through a company like AAA or AMA or CAA.

All these places will let you purchase a travel health insurance policy to cover the duration of your trip.

These are normally reasonably affordable. Especially if you’re only gone for a week or two. They offer decent coverage, but they often make it a headache to make a claim.

You can also get a multi-trip policy that covers you for every trip you take abroad in a year as long as the trip is under a certain amount of days. You get to choose the amount of days when you purchase the policy, and they range anywhere from 7 to 60 days.

This is what my retired parents use, what I used when I was a student, and what most casual travellers use.

Second Option

The second option is for long-term travellers and digital nomads. That’s purchasing health insurance through a specialized company that solely provides insurance to travellers.

There are a couple of companies you can get this type of insurance through. I personally use Safety Wing and think they’re the best option you there.

They’re very affordable, have a low deductible, make it easy to make a claim, and even provide you coverage in your home country for 30 days as long as you’ve been abroad for 90 days.

I love the flexibility of Safety Wing and being able to cancel anytime I want. If I’m going to be in Canada for a few months, I can cancel my policy and then reinstate it when I start travelling again. They even let you purchase your insurance while you’re abroad and already on your trip, which is quite rare.

Again, this option is best for people travelling for a long period of time. It’s much cheaper in the long run than the first option and provides better coverage.

Bonus: Try the Melon Fanta (Trust Me)

This may sound like a weird thing to throw into this article but hear me out. The Melon Fanta in Japan is the best soda I’ve ever had. And I’m a soda girlie.

I know. I know. It isn’t healthy, but it just tastes so good!

Melon Fanta is incredible . It’s a bit hard to find in convenience stores, so you may have to order it at a restaurant, but it’s so worth it.

I tell all my friends who go to Japan to try it, and they all love it.

I know it sounds like an odd flavour of soda, but please trust me and try it!

My Favourite Things to do in Japan Alone

Tokyo Disney Resort

Shinjuku Gyoen

Todaiji Temple

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Kiyomizu Temple

Museum of Housing and Living

Universal Studios Japan

Osaka Castle

This article ended up being way longer than I thought it would! I guess I just have a lot to say about taking a solo trip to Japan and being in Japan solo.

Japan is a super unique country and requires a bit more planning and understanding than a lot of other countries. It’s so easy to accidentally offend someone because you don’t know the social norms.

But I hope this article helps you better understand what a solo trip to Japan will be like and how to best prepare for being in Japan solo.

It’s an amazing country, and I have no doubt you’ll love it. Basically everybody does. That’s why it’s so popular!

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Taking the train in Japan - all you need to know

Mar 28, 2024 • 11 min read

Find your way in Japan with our ultimate guide to rail travel © Chay_Tee / Shutterstock

You will fall passionately in love with trains in Japan .

Japanese people didn’t invent rail travel, but they arguably perfected it. Whether you’re on the newest shinkansen (bullet train) zooming across the country at 320km/h (199mph) or an elderly regional railcar, you can count on your train being scrupulously clean, safely operated, highly reliable, famously punctual and generally a joy to ride.

You can see almost the entire country by train, and with a wide variety of rail passes — including the iconic Japan Rail Pass — you can travel across Japan for less than US$50 per day, including the shinkansen.

Signs are in English even at the smallest stations, translation apps and devices are widely used for complicated questions, and staff are genuinely happy to help travelers.

Japan has an enormous number of train lines and kinds of train, but don’t be put off by the sheer volume: it’s surprisingly easy to navigate , even on your first trip, with your phone’s maps app and a sense of adventure.

There are different services on the Japanese train network

Trains run almost everywhere in Japan. The main backbone of the network, and the fastest, is the shinkansen. These bullet trains run from Hokkaidō  in the far north all the way to Tokyo Station , where you have to change for the shinkansen going to Nagoya , Kyoto , Osaka , Hiroshima and on to Kyushu. For travelers visiting Japan’s main sights , this will be the kind of train you take the most.

The next fastest are Limited Expess trains — “limited” as in “limited stops” — that run between cities and to rural areas on pre-shinkansen conventional lines (the non-high-speed ones). Many run through beautiful parts of Japan, so don’t count them out.

Local trains are the slowest and may even be as small as one single car. “Rapid” trains are fairly rare, and are essentially local trains that skip a few of the smaller stops.

Urban rail, commuter trains and subway lines are widespread in cities. These usually work very similarly to what you might be used to in your home country, although do watch out for limited-stop semi-expresses. The big picture transit maps can look a little intimidating, but most major cities now have a system of colors and station codes in place to help you navigate, and your phone's maps app is great for a quick idea of how to get from A to B.

Confident visitors outside major cities will love Joyful Trains, which are special tourist trains operated largely on weekends and holidays in rural areas. These might be renovated steam trains, or specially themed — JR East’s Koshino Shu’Kura is all about sake, including tastings, while the  JR Kyushu A Train is jazz-themed.

Japan’s train stations are destinations by themselves, with larger and newer stations offering a huge range of restaurants for every appetite and budget, and shops ranging from high-quality handmade artisanal local goods to Japanese malls to 100-yen stores. Convenience stores and pharmacies are also often on hand.

Do look out for special local snacks in the omiyage souvenir shops (these are intended for Japanese travelers to take back to friends and colleagues as presents) and for ekiben,  local specialty boxed bentō  lunches.

Travel short distances with a prepaid travel card

Coming from overseas, traveling short distances on Japanese railways often feels very inexpensive, while traveling longer distances without a rail pass can feel more costly. Let’s start with shorter distances.

Taking subways and urban rail is simple if you get an IC card – one of the many prepaid stored-value contactless cards – that works in a similar way to Oyster in London or Clipper in San Francisco: just tap on and tap off. Most rail operators across Japan will sell you their version, which are almost all interchangeable when it comes to loading and spending them — you can use an ICOCA card from the Osaka region in Tokyo , or a Pasmo from Tokyo in Sapporo . You can also use iPhones to get a virtual Suica card (JR East's version of a prepaid card) via the Wallet app and load it with money using Apple Pay. If you're using an international Visa card, be aware that JR East has had issues processing those payments in the past, so you may need to use a different credit card.

Travel long distances with the JR Pass

Over longer distances, the Japan Rail Pass (¥50,000 or about US$335 for seven days – less than US$50 a day!) is generally a good deal if you are planning anything more than simply Tokyo–Kyoto–Hiroshima–Tokyo, and the flexibility it gives you to take an earlier or later train is an added bonus.

You can either buy the ticket online or from an overseas travel agent. Note that you don’t actually buy the pass itself from overseas — you buy a voucher called an Exchange Order, which you then  exchange at a major station (including all international airports) for the pass itself. 

If you don’t have a pass, tickets cost the same no matter what time of day you travel, where you book, or how busy it will be — it’s not like airline tickets where that can change wildly. Most overseas travelers still use paper tickets for everything outside urban travel.

Long-distance travel fares are based on two elements:

• Ticket price, essentially the distance you travel
• Whether you want to reserve a seat or not, and in which class, if that’s available: Limited Express and Shinkansen trains will offer non-reserved seat tickets, a reserved seat in standard class, a reserved seat in the Green Car business class, or in some regions a reserved seat in Gran Class (first class).

Tickets can be bought at stations or at JR Travel Service Centers

Use Google Maps or the  Japan Transit Planner from Jorudan to find fares, or for JR trains visit your local JR station (look for the “green window” ticket booking office or a JR Travel Service Center), where you can also reserve a seat. At major airports and in Tokyo, you can expect some basic train-related English to be spoken by "green window" ticket agents. JR Travel Service Center staff tend to be more multilingual. Elsewhere, if you speak no Japanese you may well get lucky with someone who speaks English, and you can always lean on your phone's translation apps. Write down (on a printout or even just on your phone's notes app) the dates, times, destinations and details of the train you want, for example: "12 April, Tokyo–Osaka, 12:00, window seat, Mt Fuji side please."

Unless you’re visiting during a major Japanese holiday or want to take a specific Joyful Train, there’s little need to book before arriving in Japan. You can in some cases book online, but it’s pretty complicated and I wouldn’t recommend it to first-time visitors. If you’re confused and want English-speaking advice, head to  one of the stations that specializes in Japan Rail Passes . Only a few trains outside the JR network allow prebooking.

There are many rail passes to choose from

Japan has a wide variety of rail passes available to overseas visitors, from the JR Pass valid across the JR network (with a few exceptions like the very fastest trains west of Tokyo) to regional and commuter passes.

The most useful is the  Japan Rail Pass in its six variants: 7/14/21 days and standard car or Green Car business-class versions. This is probably what you should get your first time in Japan if traveling outside Tokyo.

Adventurous travelers and long-term visitors, or anyone wanting to go deep in a particular region, could also consider:

• The  various regional passes from JR East , including the very useful  Hokuriku Arch Pass for traveling the slower way between Tokyo and Osaka via Kyoto and Kanazawa
• The many  JR West Passes , including the  All Area Pass for most of western Honshu
• The  four JR Kyushu passes
• The  three JR Hokkaido passes  
• The  JR Shikoku ALL SHIKOKU pass

You’ll usually need to be visiting with the “temporary visitor” stamp in your passport, and there may be a small discount (a couple of thousand yen or US$5–10) for buying it online or outside Japan. Otherwise, check out the details online or visit a large station, including those at airports: the bigger, the better, and the more likely to have English-speaking assistance.

Train etiquette means not disturbing fellow travelers

Japanese urban trains can be famously crowded during rush-hour, but by and large even Tokyo is no worse than any major global city.

Even if crowded, the etiquette on a Japanese train is to be as quiet as possible and disturb others as little as possible: headphones on quiet, very little chatting, backpack on your front, give up your seat to anyone who needs it more than you.

There is something of a stereotype of loutish tourists yapping away to their traveling companions on long-distance trains. Try not to contribute to it. Separate your trash according to the recycling bins, and always leave the seat as clean and tidy as you found it.

Eating and drinking is fine (even encouraged!) on longer distance trains. General rule: if the seats are subway-style along the sides of the car facing inwards then don’t, but feel free if the seats are airline-style facing forwards. If in doubt, follow the lead of the nearest senior Japanese person.

On-board facilities vary depending on the service

With the exception of the Joyful Train tourist excursion services, Japanese trains don’t have buffet cars any more, although you can see what they used to look like at several of Japan’s excellent railway museums. A shrinking number of trains still have a trolley service offering snacks, sometimes bentō  and a variety of drinks.

Good news, though: any station smaller than the tiniest rural halt will have a convenience store inside or nearby, which will offer bentō , hot meals, snacks, drinks and essentials. Many larger stations have restaurant complexes, while some smaller ones will have delightful smaller options like a soba or ramen shop.

Long-distance trains will usually have toilet facilities, with newer ones (including all shinkansen and some Limited Expresses) having excellent facilities for disabled passengers, people with reduced mobility and often ostomy facilities too.

Shinkansen and newer Limited Expresses offer two-pin US-style 110V charging ports, while wi-fi is also increasingly available and easy to use.

Most Japanese trains are not set up for luggage bigger than a small carry-on — and “small” here does not include a US-sized rollaboard or anything like a bicycle. On some trains you have to pre-reserve anything bigger. Take advantage of the nationwide luggage shipping services like Yamato  – known as Kuroneko Yamato for its black (kuro) cat (neko) logo – that ships larger bags for US$10–20.

These are the best seats for great views

Always take a window seat, whether you’re gazing out on Japan’s sprawling megalopolises from an urban train, watching the country fly by at 320km/h (199mph) from a shinkansen, or enjoying picturesque views from a slow rural train.

On the shinkansen, if you want the best mountain views — including the iconic Mt Fuji between Tokyo and Shizuoka — select a window E seat in standard class and a D seat in the Green Car.

Limited Expresses are wonderful for countryside views, with the  Hida from Nagoya to Toyama through the Japanese Alps and the Inaho from Niigata to Akita just two great examples.

Ask for help when navigating busy city networks

Urban trains, commuter rail and subways may have a set of complicated and confusing names with different stopping patterns, especially during rush hour, but this is no worse than figuring out what a “Watford Semi-Fast” is on London’s Tube or how skip-stop works on the subway in New York. As a visitor, just ask station staff or, in a pinch, a fellow passenger — and be prepared to get on the wrong train with a confident smile and a sense of affable adventure.

The majority of trains are wheelchair accessible

A significant majority of intercity, urban rail and subway stations in most major cities (80–90% in Tokyo  according to official numbers ) are accessible for wheelchair users, with elevators, stair-climber lifts, and ramps widespread. 

Older stations, such as the main Tokyo Station, may be complex and accessible only from certain entrances. Tactile strips to assist blind people or those with reduced visual acuity are almost everywhere. 

Accessible Japan is an excellent resource for information, while the very detailed  For Safe and Convenient Accessibility website offers route and station search as well as  contact details for further assistance. Station staff are keen to help wherever they can.

Many trains offer wheelchair positions, level boarding, with ramps available if you need them. Urban rail and subways have priority seating, and Japan developed the  Help Mark badge system for people with invisible disabilities to easily signal their needs. The badge is  free from a number of locations in Tokyo , under US$10 from Amazon Japan (consider having it delivered to your first night hotel), or you can DIY your own before leaving home.

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Japan introduces e-Visa for Indian tourists: From eligibility criteria to application process, here's a complete guide

Japan has streamlined its visa process for indian travellers with the introduction of evisas. here's your quick guide to the hassle-free application process..

Indian passport holders no longer need to carry a physical visa sticker to travel to Japan. From April 1, Japan began issuing eVisas to Indian travellers. The much-awaited Japan e-Visa programme allows anyone to apply for a visa electronically through Japan Visa Application Centres operated by VFS Global. This programme allows visitors to enter Japan for up to 90 days for tourism purposes.

Under the revised system, applicants must still submit their applications to the Visa Application Centres overseen by VFS Global, which is the same process as before. However, one notable change is in the way visas are issued. Instead of receiving traditional visa stickers affixed to their passports, successful applicants will now receive electronic visas. (Also read: Travelling to the USA for baseball game? Check these 5 best hotels near major league stadiums that can save your money )

The e-Visa process requires travellers to present a 'visa issuance notice' on their mobile device upon arrival at the airport. It's important to note that internet access is required for this process. Any format other than a digital visa issuance notice, including PDFs, photos, screenshots or printed copies, will not be considered valid.

What are the eligibility criteria

Citizens and residents of the following countries and regions are eligible: Brazil, Taiwan, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, USA. Additionally, Indian citizens and foreign nationals residing in India are also included in the eligibility criteria. Residents of these countries or regions, with exceptions for those exempt from short-term visas, can apply for an eVisa through the Japan e-Visa website.

How to apply

Here's a step-by-step guide to the application process:

Step 1: To initiate the application process, individuals should access the official website of the Japan Visa Application Centre, managed by VFS Global, by visiting https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/jpn/.

Step 2: Choose the "Temporary Visitor Visa" option and review all visa requirements carefully. Download the application form, fill it out accurately, and print it. Ensure all fields are completed. Additionally, prepare photocopies of the required documents for the single-entry short-term tourism visa.

Step 3: Schedule an appointment to submit your application at the Visa Application Centre. Once booked, you'll receive a confirmation email for your appointment, which will include the letter of appointment.

Step 4: Submit your completed visa application form at the center during your appointment. Then, wait for an email notification informing you when your decision is ready for collection. You can track the progress of your visa application online using the reference number provided on your invoice or receipt. Approved applicants for the eVisa will receive an electronic visa instead of a physical visa sticker. However, travelers are required to show a "visa issuance notice" on their mobile devices upon arrival at the airport.

Step 5: At the airport check-in, display the "visa issuance notice" on your device. The travel agency will furnish a "Visa Issuance Notice" inclusive of a two-dimensional barcode. Scan the barcode using your device and input the required details to access the notice. Tap "Display" to view the electronic "visa issuance notice."

During the application process, individuals may be required to appear in person at the Japanese overseas establishment with jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence for an interview.

• Tourist Visa

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Japan Travel Guide: Where To Go & What To Do

Last updated on April 5th, 2024

If you’re planning to visit Japan, this Japan travel guide has the answers to all your questions by summarizing all my Japan travel tips and useful information here.

Japan is one of the most fascinating countries in the world. It is one of the popular travel destinations where you can spend a lifetime traveling and still not discover all. Being an island that was closed to visitors for many years, Japan is unique in culture with a lovely contrast between traditional and modern Japan. A holiday to Japan will include delicious Japanese food, scenic temples and shrines, Zen gardens, rich culture, and crazy experiences you could only imagine in your dreams.

We have been to Japan multiple times and we still can’t get enough of it. It is one of the countries that I will never get tired of revisiting multiple times. Besides the famous modern Tokyo and Osaka cities and ancient traditional cultural Kyoto, there are still many hidden gems in Japan awaiting you to discover. Not to mention the lush nature and exquisite cuisine that Japan has. We love the historic cultural villages in the Chubu region, the hot spring paradise Kyushu, and the food paradise in Hokkaido, all offer something very different than what most may think of when they visualize Japan.

As a repeat visitor to this wonderful country, I will impart some of my knowledge of Japan in this Japan Travel Guide blog post.

Table of Contents

Things To do in Japan

Japan has 4 main islands: Honshu (the largest where Tokyo is found), Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. These areas are divided into 47 prefectures and are commonly grouped into 9 regions , which are Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto/Tokyo, and the surrounding area, Chubu, Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa.

The capital of Tokyo is within the Tokyo prefecture and under the Kanto region. Whereas the popular cities of Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara are all under the Kansai region.

Sound complicated? Rest assured. Below, you can find an overview of our Japan travel blog about some of our Japan travel experiences and favorite places in Japan. Although it’s still a long way for a complete Japan travel guide to travel in Japan. But it should give you plenty of incredible places to see and things to do in the various regions of Japan. Check it out!

Here is the complete guide on Japan Travel Guide, separate by prefectures or regions.

• Kanto Japan – Tokyo, Hakone, Kawaguchiko.
• Kansai Japan – Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Uji, Kobe.
• Kansai Wide Japan – Wakayama, Shirahama, Kumano, Nachi Falls, Amanohashidate, Ine, and more.
• Chubu Region – Nagoya, Takayama, Shiragawa-go, Toyama, Kanazawa, Matsumoto, and more.
• Chugoku Region – Hiroshima, Miyajima island, Okayama, Kurashiki.
• Kyushu Region – Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Beppu, Kurokawa Onsen, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, and more.
• Hokkaido Region – Sapporo, Hakodate, Lake Toya, Asahikawa, Noboribetsu, Otaru, Furano, and more.

For hassle-free, check out our Japan Travel Golden Route to Kanto, Kansai, and Chubu Region:

Japan Itinerary Blog: Perfect Travel Route for 7, 10, 15 Days

Popular japan travel destinations.

Getting To Japan and Traveling Around

Japan is considered to be a relatively expensive country, but you can save a lot of money on transportation and make your Japan travel cheaper by following our transportation guide.

Getting To Japan By Flights

There are so many flight search engines available, so use them to find the best flight deals for your trip. I recommend browsing through Skyscanner to find the best flight deals from your point of origin.

Use Skyscanner to find the Best Flight Deal

International visitors typically arrive at Tokyo’s Narita Airport (NRT) , followed by Kansai Airport (KIX) which is south of Osaka. If you are only looking for air tickets to Tokyo, please note that there are two airports – Narita International Airport and Haneda International Airport . While Narita International Airport is further away from Tokyo city compared to Haneda International Airport, more international flights are available.

Getting Around in Japan

Rental Cars

Self-drive is one of the good option for traveling in Japan, especially in Hokkaido. We use and highly recommend Rental Cars.com for all our car rental bookings. Not only do they offer the best prices, but also have excellent customer service and the most flexible cancelation policy. Furthermore, you can often purchase car insurance as well, which is multiple times cheaper than at the counter.

• Useful Tips on Renting Car in Japan
• Driving in Hokkaido: What You Need To Know

Public Transport – Trains and Buses

Japan has the best and most effective public transportation system in the world, making it easy to get around the country but also expensive. Most of the time, we used the train to travel around Japan; local trains or high-speed trains. But some of the attractions only can be accessed by bus. Check out our Japan travel blog for more detail.

One of the best decisions you can make for your trip to Japan is to purchase a Japan Rail Pass . This unique train pass is available only to foreign visitors that making train travel much cheaper.

Click here for prices & information on  how to order and save with the JR Pass .

The JR pass provides almost unlimited use of Japan’s extensive rail network and high-speed trains. It is available for either 7, 14, or 21 days. With this physical ticket, you can make the most of the extensive and reliable network of trains that connect every corner of Japan. But take note,  JR Pass is only valid for JR trains under Japan Rail Company.

Pro Tips : It is considerably cheaper to buy your JR Pass at your home country. You can check out the latest prices for green and ordinary passes on  Klook  or  Japan Rail Pass  for more information.

Japan Travel Guide by Region/Cities/Towns

If you follow our Japan travel blogs for a while, then you already know that we love nature destinations and road trips. So it will come as no surprise that Japan is among our favorite places to visit in Japan. Since we haven’t visited all the attractions in Japan, we have written down some of the Japan travel guides on our blog.

We picked some of the popular Japan travel guide, separated by cities/towns, Japanese culture, and nature. Nevertheless, they’re packed with useful info and practical tips for your visit.

Here’s a small selection of our articles featuring other stunning nature and destinations in Japan. Take a look!

Kanto Region

The popular attractions in Kanto Region included Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Enoshima, Nikko, Kawaguchiko, Fuji Five Lakes area, and Mt Fuji. Recommend setting aside a minimum of 3 to 5 days for the Kanto region. 

Tokyo – The capital of Japan with 13,8 million people, with the world´s best and most amazing shopping, dining, and nightlife. The perfect mix of the urban, modern, and energetic city.

• Tokyo Itinerary For 1, 2, 3 or 5 Days: A Complete Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Tokyo: The Best Neighborhoods and Hotel
• Tokyo Food Guide: What and Where to Eat in Tokyo

Hakone – A popular place to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, and famous for its natural and hot spring.

• Hakone One Day itinerary with Hakone Free Pass
• Where To Stay in Hakone: Best Ryokan and Hotel Guide

Kamakura – Home to iconic Buddhist temples such as the Kotokuin with its Great Buddha statue, as well as Shinto shrines like Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Can spend time to visit the nearby Enoshima.

• Kamakura Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Kansai Region

The top popular attractions in Kansai Region are Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Uji, and Kobe. It is best allocated 5 to 7 days if you wish to explore and discover the Kansai region.

How to Plan Your 7 Days Kansai Japan itinerary

Kyoto – Cultural capital of Japan and home to 400 colorful Shinto shrines, 1600 ancient Buddhist temples, and several fantastic Japanese gardens. The best place to experience historic and ancient Japan.

• Things To Do and Eat for 3 Days in Kyoto
• Where to Stay in Kyoto + Itinerary Guide
• Kyoto Food Blog: Top 7 Must Eat Food in Kyoto

Osaka – The second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo, Osaka is renowned for its grand shogunate castle, nightlife, and food.

• Things To Do With Osaka Amazing Pass for 1 day or 2 days
• Where to Stay in Osaka: Namba or Umeda
• Osaka food review: Top 8 Unique Food To Eat in Osaka

Nara – Visit the greatest Buddha in Japan, and feed the deer that walk freely around the city and temples.

• Nara Itinerary: Perfect Day Trip From Osaka & Kyoto

Uji – Located conveniently between Kyoto and Nara. Famous for its traditional green tea and historical shrine.

• Uji Itinerary: Best Day Trip From Kyoto

Kobe – A port city for its tasty local Kobe beef, sake breweries, Mount Rokko, Chinatown, Harborland, and more.

• Day Trip to Kobe itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Kobe: Best Areas and Hotels

Kansai Wide Region

If you’re visiting the Kansai region many times and would like to explore some new areas, then you may consider taking a look at this Kansai Wide Region. Please be advised that traveling time is required to below places depending on the distance (2 – 3 hours from Osaka / Kyoto).

The JR Kansai Wide Area Pass is a super-saving transport pass that allows you to explore the Kansai Wide region with unlimited travel for five consecutive days.

JR Kansai Wide Area Pass: Suggested Itinerary + Travel Guide

Amanohashidate  – A narrow pine-covered sandbar that spans Miyazu Bay in northern Kyoto. A perfect day trip from Osaka or Kyoto to enjoy the scenic view with a laid-back vibe.

• Amanohashidate itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Amanohashidate Miyazu

Ine Fishing Village – A seaside village in the “Kyoto by the Sea” area. This charming village is known for its picturesque Funaya, or boat houses, which have been around since the Edo period.

• Ine Funaya Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Kinosaki Onsen – A picturesque idyllic onsen town that has been running since the Heian era (794-1185) and is rated as one of the most charming hot spring towns in Japan.

• Kinosaki Onsen Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Kinosaki Onsen: Best Ryokan Pick

Wakayama – One of Japan’s lesser-known cities that’s located on the Kii Peninsula in the Kansai Region.

• Wakayama Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Wakayama: Best Hotels and Ryokans

Shirahama – One of the famous beach resort towns in Japan and known for its sandy white beaches, historical onsen, stunning rock formations, and mouthwatering seafood dishes.

• Things To Do in Shirahama itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where to Stay in Shirahama – Best Onsen Resort and Budget Homestay

Nachikatsuura is a small fishing town renowned for its seaside beauty and fresh seafood. The town is surrounded by blissful nature and filled with cultural and historical scenes. Nachikatsuura is an important gateway to seeing the famous Nachi Falls – one of Japan’s most famous waterfalls.

• Nachikatsuura Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where to stay in Nachikatsuura: Best Hotels Pick
• Nachi Falls Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Shingu and Hongu – Part of the visit to sacred Kumano Sanzen for travelers who want to explore of the Kumano Kodo area.

• Hongu and Shingu itinerary: A Travel Guide blog

Chubu Region

The Chubu Region (中部地方 Chūbu-chihō) is Japan’s hidden gem to explore the charming countryside of Japan. This central region widely consists of nine prefectures; Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Yamanashi, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, and Aichi Prefecture. There are too many attractions in this region and below are few places that we visited and would like to introduce to you.

8-Days Chubu Itinerary: Complete Central Japan Travel Guide

Nagoya – The main city in the Chubu region and known for its towering castle. Don’t forget to try the Sekai no Yamachan, a famous izakaya in Nagoya that served the flavorful chicken wing.

• Nagoya Itinerary: A Guide For Things To Do in Nagoya
• Where To Stay in Nagoya: The Best Hotels and Areas
• Nagoya Food Guide: What To Eat in Nagoya

Takayama – Beautifully preserved old town since the Edo period with gorgeous wooden old houses, shops, and sake breweries lined up in the street.

• Takayama Itinerary: What To Do and Eat in Takayama
• Where to Stay in Takayama: Best Hotel or Traditional Ryokan?
• Takayama Food Guide: 10 Must-Try Food in Takayama

Shirakawago – UNESCO world heritage site located in forested mountain countryside. Picturesque villages with traditional thatch-roofed houses called “Gassho zukuri” which exists for over 200 years.

• Shirakawa-go Travel Guide
• Shirakawago Itinerary: A Walk Into Cultural Japan Village

Kanazawa – The capital of the Ishikawa prefecture, boasts of its traditional houses and historic structures, Japanese garden Kenrokuen, and mouthwatering seafood.

• Kanazawa Itinerary And Travel Guide: Things To Do in Kanazawa
• Where To Stay in Kanazawa: Top Areas and Best Hotels
• Kanazawa Omicho Market: What To Eat When Visit

Matsumoto – Don’t forget to visit Japan’s most beautiful original castle, Matsumoto Castle (松本城, Matsumotojō). One of the Top Three Japan Premier Castle.

• Things To Do in Matsumoto Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Matsumoto: Best Hotels Pick

Kamikochi – Part of the Chubu Sangaku National Park, offering Japan’s most spectacular mountain scenery.

• Kamikochi Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog For Hiking in Japan Alps

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route – Known as the “Roof of the Japan” and popular among locals and visitors for incredible nature activities. The famous grand ‘Snow Wall’ is open from mid-April to late June!

• Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Travel Guide + Itinerary

Other notable attractions in the Chubu region included Niigata, Yamanouchi for monkeys bathing in a natural onsen in Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Chugoku Region

Literally name a central country, the Chugoku region (中国地方) is the westernmost region of Honshu. The region is also known as the San’in-San’yo region, and it is the largest island in Japan.

This region is lesser known by travelers compared to the boarded region like the Kansai region and Kyushu region. But many locals love visiting the Chugoku region for its well-known historical, traditional shrines, and natural beauty.

Hiroshima – With the grim past, Hiroshima is full of fantastic sights and historical attractions. A visit to historical sites like A-Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, and Peace Memorial Museum is truly an emotionally-encompassing experience!

• Things to do in Hiroshima Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Hiroshima: Best Hotels Pick

Miyajima Island – This enchanted island houses the world-famous Itsukushima Shrine and its enormous torii gate. At high tide, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the giant torii gate appear to float on water.

• Things To Do in Miyajima Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Miyajima: Top Hotel and Ryokan Pick

Mt Misen – At 500 meters (1,640 ft) above sea level, Mount Misen is the highest peak on the Island and offers spectacular views of Hiroshima Bay. A popular spot to visit on Miyajima island.

• Mt Misen Itinerary: Miyajima Ropeway & Hiking Travel Guide

Okayama – Notable attractions include the Okayama Castle and Korakuen, the iconic landscape garden.

Kurashiki – A picturesque town with charming traditional white-walled warehouses dating back to the Edo period line along the canal.

• Okayama and Kurashiki Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Okayama: Best Hotels and Areas

Hokkaido (Northern Region)

With magnificent unspoiled nature, Hokkaido is a heaven for a lot of outdoor lovers, especially during wintertime. It is a great place for skiers and snowboarders, most especially in the ski resort town of Niseko.

Planning for 10-Days Hokkaido itinerary in Summer

During spring and summer, Hokkaido welcomes visitors to its famous flower field such as Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park, Furano lavender fields, Tenjin Wisteria, Sapporo Lilac Festival, and more. Also, renowned for the high quality and freshness of its seafood!

Sapporo – Largest city in Hokkaido, Sapporo is famous for its beer, skiing, and annual Sapporo Snow Festival featuring enormous ice sculptures during winter.

• Things to do in Sapporo by 2-Days
• Where To Stay in Sapporo: Best Accommodation Guide
• Sapporo Food Guide: Where and what to eat in Sapporo

Otaru – European-influenced harbor front city that full of charm with beautifully preserved canal areas and historical buildings. Famous for its seafood cuisine, pastry, and dessert.

• Day trip to Otaru and Nikka Whisky Distillery
• [Otaru] Seafood Donburi at Sankaku Market

Asahikawa, Furano, Biei – World-famous for its flower field and Japan’s scenic countryside. Various flowers field continue to bloom from April until around October.

• Hokkaido Self Drive Itinerary: Asahikawa, Furano, Biei
• Where To Stay in Asahikawa: Best Hotels Pick

Noboribetsu – Japan’s most famous hot spring resort town and well known for its natural hot springs water that comes from a geothermal wonder volcanic valley, Jigokudani situated just above the town.

• Noboribetsu itinerary: The Best Therapeutic Onsen in Japan
• Where To Stay in Noboribetsu: Best Onsen Ryokan Pick

Hakodate – A laid-back international atmosphere city with mouth-watering fresh seafood.

• Hakodate, the historical city in Hokkaido
• Where To Stay in Hakodate: Best Hotels Pick

Lake Toya – A peaceful and quaint little town that is known for its hot springs and the magnificent view of Lake Toya. Spend your day at Mt Usu by Usuzan ropeway, enjoy the onsen bath with an amazing lake view. Fireworks display over the lake from May to October!

• Lake Toya Itinerary: Mt Usu, Onsen, Firework And More

Kyushu Region (Southwest)

Literally, as nine provinces, Kyushu encompasses seven prefectures: Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Oita, Saga at Northern Kyushu, and Miyazaki, Kagoshima at Southern Kyushu. Lesser known than the Greater Tokyo Area, Kansai, and Hokkaido but yet big enough to offer everything you could look for in a travel experience.

How To Plan Your Kyushu Itinerary: Ultimate Guide

Below are the top attractions in Kyushu that are highly recommended:

Northern Kyushu

Fukuoka – Biggest and busiest city in Kyushu, Fukuoka is a great base when visiting the Kyushu region. Birthplace for many wonderful Japanese cuisines such as Hakata ramen, motsunabe, mizutaki, and even yatai culture.

• Fukuoka Itinerary: Ultimate Travel Guide
• Where To Stay in Fukuoka: Hakata or Tenjin
• Fukuoka Food Guide: Best Must Eat Food in Fukuoka

Kumamoto – Known for its stunning historical Kumamoto Castle, one of the three most impressive and extremely well-fortified castle complexes in Japan.

• Things To Do in Kumamoto: 1-Day Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Kumamoto: Best hotel and areas
• Kumamoto Food Guide: What To Eat in Kumamoto

Mount Aso – The largest open active volcano in Japan and a few craters that are open for tour in the world.

• Aso Travel Guide: How To Get There and Visiting Attraction Around
• Things To Do in Aso For 1-Day Aso Itinerary

Kurokawa Onsen – Consider Japan’s most scenic natural hot spring town, boasted of various unique onsen and ryokan.

• Kurokawa Onsen: A Guide To Natural Hot Spring Town
• Where To Stay in Kurokawa Onsen: Best Ryokan List

Yufuin – Popular hot spring town with many specialty shops, local craft souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants lining both sides of the street.

• Yufuin Travel Guide: Must Eat Food And Things To Do
• Where To Stay in Yufuin: Best Ryokan in Yufuin

Beppu – Home of more than two thousand onsen spots and blessed by a variety of hot spring resources. Well-known as a hot spring resort and Jigoku Meguri consists of 8 unique hot springs.

• Beppu Itinerary: Ultimate Travel Guide Blog
• Where to Stay in Beppu [Best Hotels and Ryokans]

Nagasaki – Synonymous with a key moment during World War II, after suffering an Allied nuclear attack. A historic port that mix of Japanese, Chinese and Dutch cultures.

• Nagasaki Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Nagasaki: Best Hotels and Areas

Sasebo – The Kujukushima sightseeing cruise which delight you with the spectacular scenery.

• Sasebo Itinerary: Kujukushima Sightseeing Cruise

Kitakyushu – Formed by the merging of five independent cities, namely, Kokura, Moji, Yahata, Tobata, and Wakamatsu. An important hub for international trade since the Meiji period and is connected between Honshu and Kyushu.

• Kitakyushu Itinerary: Travel Guide To Shimonoseki, Mojiko, Kokura

Southern Kyushu

Miyazaki – An amazing city is full of tropical nature and historical landmarks. Take an excellent day trip to the Nichinan coast and visit popular attractions like Aoshima Island, Udo Jingu Shrine, Sunmesse Nichinan, and Obi town.

• Miyazaki Itinerary: What to do and eat in Miyazaki
• Where To Stay in Miyazaki: Best Places and Hotel
• Miyazaki Food Guide: What To Eat in Miyazaki

Takachiho Gorge – One of Miyazaki prefecture’s most famous sights. The V-shaped gorge has been formed by the Gokase River as it carves its way through the Aso lava.

• Takachiho Gorge Travel Guide: 1-Day Itinerary Blog
• How To Get To Takachiho Gorge From Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Fukuoka

Kagoshima – Known for the smoking volcano of Sakurajima, breathtaking natural attractions, and local cuisine.

• Kagoshima itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Day Trip Sakurajima Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Kagoshima: Best Areas and Hotels

Kirishima – Active volcanic mountain range that lies on the border between Miyazaki and Kagoshima Prefectures. It is well-known for its natural beauty (stunning mountains, highlands, volcanic lakes, and onsen).

• Kirishima Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Kirishima: Best Onsen Hotel and Resort

Day Tour in Japan

any places in Japan can easily be visited on your own with well planning Japan Travel Guide. Plus, if you are traveling by trains and buses, some destination in Japan is hard to reach by using public transport. For hassle-free, you can always look for a local tour with everything well planned for you.

Often, you can just book tours upon arrival. However, many popular excursions get sold out weeks in advance. So if you know your travel dates and what you want to do, you can just as well book it upfront.

PRO TIPS : For our own tips, we book pretty much all our tours and organize activities via Klook . It’s our favorite one-stop shop for all-organized tours because they have the best customer service and cancelation policy we have ever seen.

Booking directly with a local company usually means that you can’t cancel for free, let alone get a refund in case something went wrong. For that, it’s always helpful to have a strong intermediary and Klook is the best one we know.

Best Food in Japan

Savoring the delicious Japanese cuisine is half the reason why you should visit Japan! Japan is a country that takes great pride in its food culture. A visit to Japan would not be complete without experiencing the best Japanese food in Japan. For a truly unique Japanese food experience, I bet you don’t want to miss out on the top Japanese food dishes and drinks whenever visiting Japan.

Japan Food Guide: Best Food You Have To Eat in Japan

Each Japan region had its popular food and best restaurant. Let’s take a quick journey through Japan’s most famous specialty dishes.

Overall: Japan Travel Guide

All in all, it can be a daunting task to plan a Japan trip because the country is undeniably packed with SO many interesting places, picturesque sights, good food, fun activities, and colorful culture among many others! We always wish to go back to Japan to explore more and continue adding our Japan travel experiences here.

Japan Travel Guide by region :

• Kanto Japan  – Tokyo, Hakone, Kawaguchiko.
• Kansai Japan  – Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Uji, Kobe.
• Kansai Wide Japan – Wakayama, Shirahama, Kumano, Nachi Falls, Kii Katsuura, and more.
• Chubu Region  – Nagoya, Takayama, Shiragawa-go, Toyama, Kanazawa, Matsumoto, and more.
• Chugoku Region – Hiroshima, Miyajima island, Okayama, Kurashiki.
• Kyushu Region – Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Beppu, Kurokawa Onsen, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, and more.
• Hokkaido Region  – Sapporo, Hakodate, Lake Toya, Asahikawa, Noboribetsu, Otaru, Furano, and more.

So this is our Japan travel guide blog. We hope this simple guide is useful for your coming Japan trip. Enjoy your trip to Japan!

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Is it safe to travel to Taiwan right now? The latest travel advice after earthquake and tsunami warning

Here’s everything we know so far

Taiwan  is one of Asia’s most underrated travel destinations, with a magnetic capital city in  Taipei  and a stunning mountainous landscape. Located at the crossover of the South and East China Sea, the island nation offers travellers a long list of adventures .

However, an earthquake struck the east coast of the island at 7:58am (local time) this morning, which is the strongest experienced by Taiwan for 25 years. Locally, it’s been recorded as a magnitude 7.2, but the US Geological Survey recorded it as 7.4.  It was also felt in southern Japan , eastern China and the Philippines .

Here is what we know so far about travelling to Taiwan in the wake of the earthquake. 

Is it safe to travel to Taiwan? 

Though travelling to the island is yet to be explicitly advised against, aftershocks of at least 6.5 magnitude are expected to continue over the next four days at least, according to Taiwanese Central Weather Administration’s Seismology Centre. 

The tremors set off nine landslides, and the debris collapsed onto Suhua highway in the city of Hualien, which has been the worst-hit area. Multiple residential buildings have been damaged, and a couple have even collapsed. 

Taiwan’s electricity operator, Taipower, has said more than 87,000 people are currently without power. 

Where was impacted by the earthquake? 

The epicentre of the earthquake was around 18km south of Hualien, with the surrounding county being the worst-hit area, according to local officials. Three hikers were killed in Taroko National Park. The death toll in total so far is nine people, and 821 have been injured – this number is expected to rise.

Train services across the island have been suspended, as have subway services in Taipei. 

Is there still a tsunami warning in place?  

The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings across the region, but according to Al Jazeera , those have now been lifted. 

How close is Taiwan to Japan? 

Taiwan and Japan are 2,163km apart. While this might sound like a long distance, tsunamis have been known to travel up to 5,000km, and small tsunami waves were experienced on the coasts of Japan’s Miyako and Yaeyama islands. 

What’s the latest UK Foreign Office advice? 

The UK Foreign Office updated its Taiwan travel advice page today (April 3), stating: ‘On Wednesday 3 April 2024 at 07.58 local time, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Eastern Taiwan with shocks felt all across the island including Taipei. Aftershocks continue to occur and you should expect travel disruption. You should consult the Central Weather Administration website and other official sources for more information.’

What are your rights if you’ve booked a trip? 

Until the UK Foreign Office issues advice against all but essential travel to Taiwan, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to cancel your travel plans without any penalties. To see what can be done, it’d be best to contact your accommodation, flight or trip provider.  

Have flights to Taiwan and Japan been cancelled?

So far, there’s no news of flights to either Taiwan or Japan being cancelled, but just to be sure, it’s best to check with your airline directly if you have one booked. 

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news.

• Liv Kelly Contributing Writer

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This $30 backpack was my personal item on a 15 hour flight to Japan

Traveling for long periods of time can be taxing and leave you jet-lagged, hungry and tired. However, if you have the right travel tools and a sturdy backpack, you can carry essentials that will make the trek smoother.

I recently traveled to Japan, and brought along a LoveVook Laptop Backpack. I loved it because I could carry (and keep close to me) all my toiletries, extra clothing and safety products . Not only was I able to store extras and souvenirs inside the backpack during my trip, but I also was able to slip it over my luggage handle for effortless walking.

From the multiple compartments to the roomy interior, this backpack offered practicality and was a reliable travel companion throughout my dream trip.

LoveVook Laptop Backpack

Sizes: 15-18 in | Colors: 24 | Material: 100% polyester | Dimensions: 7.5 x 12 x 16 in

Great backpack for traveling

Though every airline has different size restrictions, this one features the perfect dimensions to store on the overhead bin compartment or under the airplane seat.

A large backpack was crucial when I started packing for my two-week journey. So when I received this backpack in the mail, I knew it was perfect for my vacation because it features a luggage sleeve that allows you to hold it securely on your luggage without it falling over while you run around.

This is a huge convenience that allowed me the ability to skim through the massive crowds at the airport. By attaching the trolley sleeve to your luggage, this backpack gives you a hands-free experience during the check-in process while still allowing you to access the other compartments with ease.

Lots of storage space

This backpack has a big front pocket with three small compartments, plus two extra zippered exterior compartments (middle and bottom front) to store other items.

These sections are great for holding your wallet, passport, sunglasses, small mirror, etc. And they also serve as great sections to put your phone away when going through TSA .

Additionally, the backpack comes with two side pockets where you can hold tissues, wipes and bottles. These pockets are wide enough thanks to the elastic gores that help to expand them. Moving on, the backpack also features an anti-theft pocket located on the back side which I could've put to better use. If you're used to losing your valuables and need a secret spot to keep your passport or documents, this is a great pocket. The interior also contains a laptop sleeve, a medium sleeve, a zippered compartment, two side pockets to hold extra bottles, two pen holders and two slots.

Affordable and multifunctional

The price tag is probably my favorite part of the LoveVook backpack. For $30 you're getting the functionality and practicality of more expensive brands. Plus, the multifunctional features are helpful for the tech person — it has a USB port that allows you to charge your phone on the go. While I didn't use this feature, I like the option of having a small hole where you can insert the charging cable.

It has a classic aesthetic that can be used for work, travel or college, and it combines the organizational features that every commuter can appreciate. I own other luxury backpacks and this one has way more compartments than my $200 laptop backpack.

This is the backpack I want to continue using for other international and domestic trips as I can be sure to keep my things organized and near. It holds everything you need, including a sweater, books and a change of clothes. And the top handle makes it easier to carry around as a tote.

Another thing I like about this backpack

I had to check in my backpack on my flight from Osaka to Tokyo, and because of the spacious interior, you can fill it all the way to the top. The zippers are reinforced with wires that slightly fold when you close them. This makes it convenient if you have many things to cram inside.

Whether you are a student, employee or new mom, this is a backpack that will resist wear and tear while carrying your things safely to another continent. It kept every single souvenir in place and (for what it's worth) I did not lose my passport.

More laptop backpacks to shop

Mancio vintage laptop backpack.

• Looks professional
• Zippers tend to malfunction

The professional aesthetics of this backpack will get you compliments from your colleagues. It has many pockets and while it's not roomy enough for a weekend's worth of clothes, you can still carry your tech and other essentials. Plus, this one also features a USB charging port.

Light Flight Travel Laptop Backpack

Travel Laptop Backpack

• Exceptionally designed
• It's water resistant
• Tends to fall

According to reviewers, this backpack has epic storing capabilities and many compartments. While some shoppers said that the zipper feels like plastic, this backpack promises the ability to overpack and store many essentials. It comes in different neutral colors and is a great commuter backpack for the girl on-the-go.

Baggallini Soho Backpack

Soho Backpack

• Very sturdy
• Not enough padding on straps

If you're looking for a more elegant backpack for everyday use, the Baggallini is a great option. I also have this design in the grey hue and it supported all my things for over a year. The front zipper allows easy access to your phone or wallet and features a laptop compartment that is easy to store.

Jannely is the SEO Writer for Shop TODAY.

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Taiwan earthquake: search for survivors continues into night after nine people killed in quake – as it happened

This live blog is now closed. You can read our latest full report below:

• Nine dead and hundreds injured amid landslides and collapsed buildings
• 2d ago Closing summary
• 2d ago Rescue operations continue into the night, with more than 100 people still trapped
• 2d ago Summary
• 2d ago Nine die and nearly 900 injured in quake, say fire agency
• 2d ago Death toll rises to nine
• 3d ago Death toll rises to seven
• 3d ago Summary of events so far
• 3d ago At least four killed in earthquake
• 3d ago 26 buildings reported "to tilt or collapse"
• 3d ago Philippines cancels tsunami warning
• 3d ago Key points
• 3d ago Japan lifts all tsunami advisories
• 3d ago Reports of 1 dead, 50 injured - Taiwan fire department
• 3d ago Pacific tsunami warning centre says threat passed
• 3d ago Japan tsunami alert downgraded to advisory
• 3d ago 87,000 in Taiwan without power
• 3d ago Aftershocks reported in Taipei
• 3d ago Worst quake since 1999 - Taiwan central weather bureau
• 3d ago Philippines tsunami warning relates to coastal areas
• 3d ago Magnitude revised up - JMA
• 3d ago 10,000 households without power - reports
• 3d ago Epicentre reported as 25km southeast of Hualien
• 3d ago Reports computer chip factory partially evacuated
• 3d ago Reports of damage to houses and water towers - Taiwan
• 3d ago Internet outages reported in Taiwan
• 3d ago Taiwan reports people trapped in buildings - local media
• 3d ago Philippines warns of high tsunami waves
• 3d ago Japan's national broadcaster issues evacuation warning
• 3d ago First images out of Taiwan emerge
• 3d ago Earthquake felt in China - reports
• 3d ago Taiwan reports collapsed buildings
• 3d ago Philippines issues tsunami warning
• 3d ago Japan issues tsunami advisory
• 3d ago Welcome and opening summary

Rescue operations continue into the night, with more than 100 people still trapped

Rescue operations continue into the night as more than 100 people remain trapped in tunnels and in collapsed buildings around Hualien county, near the epicentre of the 7.2-magnitude quake.

About 70 people trapped in tunnels near Hualien city have been evacuated, Taiwan’s national fire agency said.

But authorities lost contact with 50 workers aboard our minibuses heading to a hotel in the Taroko Gorge national park, it said.

At least 64 people were trapped in one rock quarry, and six in another, the fire agency said.

Closing summary

It’s 1am in Taipei. Here’s a recap of the latest developments:

At least nine people have been killed and more than 900 injured in Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in 25 years, which caused buildings to collapse, power outages and landslides on the island.

The quake, which started at 7.58am on Wednesday, struck about 18km south-southwest of Hualien , a city popular with tourists on Taiwan’s eastern coast, and was given a magnitude of 7.2 by Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency and 7.4 by the US.

More than 100 people remain trapped in tunnels and in collapsed buildings. The fire agency said 64 people were trapped in one coalmine, and six in another, while rescue workers had lost contact with 50 people who were travelling in minibuses through a national park as the earthquake wiped out phone networks.

Nearly 1,000 tourists and staff were stranded in mountains of Taroko national park in Hualien. Local media reported that three hikers and one driver died after rockslides in the park.

In Hualien city, all residents and businesses in buildings that were in a dangerous state had been evacuated, the mayor Hsu Chen-wei said. Rescuers worked across Hualien county, looking for people who may be trapped and using excavators to stabilize damaged buildings.

In the capital, Taipei, several people were rescued from a partly collapsed warehouse . Strong tremors forced the city’s subway system to close briefly, and damage was visible on some buildings in central Taipei. Aftershocks could still be felt in the capital, with more than 50 recorded, weather officials said.

The quake triggered initial tsunami warnings in southern Japan and the Philippines, but forecasts were later downgraded and lifted. Japan’s meteorological agency warned that aftershocks, with a similar intensity to those felt in Taiwan, may be likely over the next week.

A 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan on Wednesday was captured by the cameras in a newsroom during a live broadcast.

As the quake hit, anchors on air carried on delivering the news while the studio was visibly shaken and lights swayed violently overhead.

Taiwan’s president-elect and vice-president, Lai Ching-te, has thanked the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, for his support and condolences.

Posting to social media, Lai wrote:

Taiwan draws strength from your solidarity & friendship during this difficult time and deeply appreciates the support from the EU.

Thank you, @CharlesMichel , for your generous support and condolences. Taiwan draws strength from your solidarity & friendship during this difficult time and deeply appreciates the support from the EU. https://t.co/udxdZ6cHE1 — 賴清德Lai Ching-te (@ChingteLai) April 3, 2024

The US is monitoring the earthquake in Taiwan and is “ready to provide any necessary assistance”, a US national security council spokesperson has said.

A statement from NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson reads:

We are monitoring reports of the earthquake impacting Taiwan and continue to monitor its potential impact on Japan. The United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance. All those affected are in our prayers.

One reporter in Taiwan who was heading north towards Hualien after dark on Wednesday evening local time, came across huge holes in the road caused by the earthquake from that morning.

Nathaniel Taplin posted footage moments ago.

Road into #Hualien getting knarlier as we get closer from Taitung pic.twitter.com/8iNs3KK2jK — Nathaniel Taplin (@nate_taplin) April 3, 2024

Meanwhile TV channel TVBS posted a clip of rescue workers trying to clear debris in Hualien, where the earthquake hit hardest.

🚨🇹🇼 Rescue efforts continue following 7.2 quake in #Hualien , #Taiwan : 9 dead, 946 injured, 137 trapped in mountainous regions. #TaiwanEarthquake 💔🙏 pic.twitter.com/gahRjpN359 — TVBS World Taiwan (@tvbsworldtaiwan) April 3, 2024

One person caught up in the earthquake described watching a warehouse crumple like a house of cards on Wednesday and told the Agence France-Presse agency it “was like a mountain collapsed”.

And that was in New Taipei City, near the capital, Taipei, almost 190 miles (300km) from the hardest hit area of Hualien in east central Taiwan .

The witness, named by AFP only as Liu, watched intently as rescuers carefully picked their way through the remains of the warehouse.

Propping ladders against the debris, the rescue workers managed to pluck more than 50 survivors from the destroyed building in New Taipei City. The building was about 60 years old and had housed a printing press, said Liu, who lived next door.

Residents of nearby buildings appeared to be unaffected, though they felt the intense shaking from the morning quake.

Many of the decorations at home fell on the floor, but people were safe. We were very lucky,” said Chang, who lives near the printing press.

New Taipei City mayor Hou Yu-ih surveyed the scene with rescue workers, and told reporters that all 57 people in the building had made it out - with just one injured.

It has just passed 11pm in Taipei and Hualien.

Here is a quick summary of some of the key events so far today:

At least nine people are now reported to have been killed in Taiwan’s earthquake. At least another 900 have been injured.

The earthquake struck at 7:58 am local time , about 18km south-southwest of Hualien. It was about 35 km (21 miles) deep, according to Associated Press

Taiwan’s electricity operator – Taipower- has said more than 87,000 people across the country are now without power, according to the Reuters news agency.

People are trapped in collapsed buildings in Taiwan’s city of Hualien according to local media and the local government has suspended schools and classes in the region.

A witness has told the Reuters news agency that the earthquake was also felt in Shanghai, China. Chinese state media also reported that it was felt in Fuzhou, Xiamen, Quanzhou, Ningde in China’s Fujian province.

At least 64 people were trapped in one rock quarry , not a coalmine as was previously reported, and six in another, the fire agency said.

Authorities also lost contact with 50 people in minibuses after a powerful earthquake quake downed phone networks, Taiwan’s national fire agency said.

The Philippines seismology agency has issued a tsunami warning as well after that strong Taiwan quake, with Philippine coastal areas fronting the Pacific Ocean expected to experience “high tsunami waves”, according to the Reuters news agency. The tsunami warning issued by the Philippine authorities relates to people in coastal areas of the following provinces: the Batanes Group of Islands, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte and Isabela.

The Philippines’ seismology agency later cancelled its tsunami warning, saying “based on available data of our sea level monitoring stations facing the epicentral area , no significant sea level disturbances have been recorded since 07:58am up until this cancellation.”

Japan’s national broadcaster has issued an evacuation order – broadcasting warnings such as “Tsunami is coming. Please evacuate immediately,” an anchor on NHK said. “Do not stop. Do not go back”. This was later downgraded to advisory as the tsunami waves that had arrived by late morning were not as high as forecast.

A tsunami advisory has been issued in southern Japan after a powerful earthquake struck near Taiwan on Wednesday morning, according to Japan’s meteorological agency (JMA). This was later lifted.

Here are some more pictures showing the damage caused by the earthquake:

At least 64 people were trapped in one rock quarry, not a coalmine as was previously reported, and six in another, the fire agency said. The quake and aftershocks also caused 24 landslides and damage to 35 roads, bridges and tunnels, AP reports.

Here is the latest report from our video team on the earthquake in Taiwan . Footage released by the fire department there shows emergency personnel walking through dark corridors while going door to door and calling out to residents.

According to a report from Associated Press, Taiwan’s national fire agency appears to have confirmed that 70 miners are trapped in two coalmines in Hualien County after the earthquake.

Sixty-four people were trapped in one coalmine, and six people were in a different mine, AP reports the agency said.

More details soon …

Here is a clip of CCTV footage which shows a multi-storey building collapsing on a busy street in Hualien as Taiwan was hit by its strongest earthquake in 25 years.

• Earthquakes
• Asia Pacific

More on this story

‘People were screaming’: Hualien residents in shock after Taiwan earthquake

Taiwan 7.2 magnitude earthquake – in pictures

Taiwan earthquake: nine dead and 900 injured as buildings collapse

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