Konnichiwa! I’m Milet, and for over 10 years, I’ve been traveling to Japan solo or leading group trips. Why do I keep coming back, you ask? Well, the answer is simple: FOOD. Oh yes, the Japanese culinary wonders have lured me in like a moth to a flame. But my love affair with Japan goes beyond the realm of taste buds. With each visit, I find myself diving deeper into the Japanese culture and uncovering hidden gems that make my heart skip a beat.
In this comprehensive Japan travel guide, I’ll spill the wasabi on everything you need to know. From budget-friendly travel tips and must-see attractions to securing affordable flights and accommodations, I’ve got your back. And hey, I’ll even dish out some valuable tips on what to avoid, because let’s face it, we all want a smooth and memorable journey.
Have questions about Japan? Let’s chat! Connect with me on Facebook or shoot me a DM on Instagram. I’d love to help make your Japan adventure nothing short of extraordinary.
Where in the World Is Japan?
Japan is an island nation located in East Asia. It lies in the Pacific Ocean, to the east of the Korean Peninsula, China, and Russia, and to the north of Taiwan. Japan is composed of four main islands – Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku – along with numerous smaller islands. It is situated in the Ring of Fire, an area known for its seismic activity, which results in frequent earthquakes.
Things to know before you go: Quick Info for First-Time Visitors
📌 Japan Visa Requirements: Depending on your passport, you may need to apply for a Japan Tourist Visa. Travelers from the USA, Canada, Australia, and most European countries can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days.
📌 Travel Insurance for Japan: Protect your trip with comprehensive travel insurance. From unexpected medical emergencies to trip cancellations, travel insurance offers peace of mind, ensuring you’re covered during your adventure in Japan.
📌 Japanese Currency: The official currency of Japan is the Japanese Yen (¥). Exchange rates typically hover around USD 1 = ¥147 (¥1 = PHP 0.39). Carry cash, as many places in Japan still prefer cash payments.
📌 Power Plugs: Japan uses Type A and Type B plugs (two flat parallel pins, with Type B also featuring a grounding pin). The voltage in Japan is 100V/50-60Hz. Be sure to bring a suitable adapter for your electronics.
📌 Japan eSIM: Stay connected with unlimited data for $2.50 per day with Klook Travel eSIM. You can easily purchase your eSIM online and activate it before your arrival.
📌 Japanese Language: While English is not widely spoken in Japan, learning a few basic Japanese phrases will go a long way. The Japanese are known for their hospitality and will often use hand signals to assist foreign visitors.
Safety in Japan
Japan is renowned as one of the safest countries in the world, with an exceptionally low crime rate. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatching can occasionally occur, especially in entertainment and nightlife districts. When visiting areas like Kabukicho, Roppongi, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro in Tokyo, it’s wise to stay vigilant.
Women traveling alone may experience occasional harassment or verbal abuse, and inappropriate physical contact can sometimes happen on crowded subways and trains. For safety, many subway and train lines offer women-only cars during rush hour.
Best Time to Visit Japan
Spring (March to May)
📌 Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) are one of Japan’s most iconic sights. If you’re chasing sakura season, don’t miss Ueno Park in Tokyo or Maruyama Park in Kyoto. Both are absolute must-visits for hanami (flower viewing) vibes!
📌 Mild Weather: Spring offers pleasant temperatures, typically ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). In my opinion, spring is one of the best seasons to visit! You get mild temperatures and longer daylight hours, which means more time to explore and soak in the beauty of Japan’s outdoors.
Summer (June to August)
📌 Festivals (Matsuri): Summer is the season of vibrant festivals, such as Gion Matsuri in Kyoto and Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori. These events feature traditional performances, parades, and fireworks.
📌 Beaches and Mountains: Enjoy Japan’s beautiful beaches in Okinawa or go hiking in the Japanese Alps for stunning views and cooler temperatures, ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) depending on the region.
Autumn (September to November)
📌 Autumn Foliage (Koyo): Another fantastic time to visit Japan! The vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves create breathtaking scenery, especially in Nikko, Kyoto, and Nara. Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).
📌 Cultural Events: Various cultural festivals and events take place during autumn, such as the Takayama Autumn Festival.
Winter (December to February)
📌 Snow Sports: Japan is a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts, with world-class ski resorts in Hokkaido and Nagano.
📌 Onsen (Hot Springs): Winter is the perfect time to relax in an onsen, with popular spots including Hakone and Beppu.
📌 Illuminations: Winter illuminations light up cities across Japan, creating magical nightscapes, especially in Tokyo and Osaka.
Japan Travel Itineraries, Stories and more!
Check out my latest and most up-to-date Japan Travel Guide here. I know it’s frustrating to read outdated blogs, so I try my best to update these posts regularly.
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Most Popular Attractions in Japan
- Mount Fuji – Iconic and majestic mountain that offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and cultural significance.
- Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) – Witness iconic cherry blossoms in full bloom, a breathtaking sight celebrated nationwide during spring.
- Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea – Experience the magic of Disneyland with its iconic rides and parades. Nearby, Tokyo DisneySea offers unique nautical-themed attractions, the only DisneySea in the world.
- Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a stunning golden temple set amidst peaceful Zen gardens in Kyoto.
- Osaka Castle – Explore the historic Osaka Castle, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and insights into samurai history.
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park – a moving tribute to WWII’s impact with the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome.
- Himeji Castle – a UNESCO site celebrated for its elegant architecture and expansive gardens. This is, in my opinion, the most beautiful castle in Japan.
- Nara Park – Encounter deer roaming freely and visit Todai-ji Temple’s Great Buddha in the tranquil surroundings of Nara Park.
- Fushimi Inari Shrine – Wander through thousands of vibrant torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, dedicated to Shinto god Inari.
- Sapporo Snow Festival – Marvel at intricate ice sculptures and enjoy winter festivities at the internationally renowned Sapporo Snow Festival.
Where to stay in Japan
When traveling to Japan, you’ll find a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference.
- Capsule hotels offer a unique experience with compact sleeping pods and shared facilities, ideal for budget-conscious solo travelers seeking a convenient stay in urban centers.
- Hostels and guesthouses provide affordable dormitory-style or private rooms with shared facilities. These options are ideal for budget travelers and those looking to socialize with fellow travelers.
- Business hotels cater to both business and leisure travelers, providing comfortable rooms and easy access to major transportation hubs. Some of the most popular business hotel chains in Japan are APA Hotel, Daiwa Roynet Hotel, Dormy Inn, Sotetsu Fresa Inn, and Toyoko Inn.
- For travelers seeking luxury, Japan’s luxury hotels deliver world-class service, upscale accommodations, and stunning views of city skylines or natural landscapes.
- To immerse yourself in Japanese culture, consider staying at a traditional ryokan or minshuku. Ryokans offer tatami-mat rooms, futon bedding, and exquisite kaiseki meals. Minshukus, on the other hand, provide a homely atmosphere with home-cooked meals and insights into rural life through stays with local families.
- Machiya offer a glimpse into traditional Japanese living with renovated townhouses. These accommodations are perfect for travelers seeking a cultural immersion in historic cities such as Kyoto.
- Additionally, Airbnbs and apartment rentals offer flexibility and a home-away-from-home experience, especially appealing for families or travelers planning ashiran extended stay.
How to get around in Japan
- Shinkansen (Bullet Trains) are famous for its punctuality and speed. The Shinkansen are the fastest way to travel between major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. In my opinion, riding a Shinkansen is a quintessential part of every Japan trip.
- Subways and Local Trains are the most convenient way to get around major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
- While trains dominate Japan’s transportation network, buses are an excellent option for reaching areas not accessible by train. Cities like Kyoto rely heavily on buses for local travel, and highway buses offer a budget-friendly alternative for long-distance travel between cities.
- Taxis are more expensive than public transportation, but they can be a convenient option for short trips (less than 2 km) or when carrying heavy luggage. Most taxis accept credit cards, and some even offer contactless payment options.
- Rental Cars are ideal for travelers looking to explore rural areas or embark on road trips. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for foreign drivers.
- Bicycles are an eco-friendly way to explore Japan, especially in cities like Kyoto and Tokyo. Many cities offer bicycle rental services, and some accommodations provide bikes for guests.
- For long-distance travel, such as between Tokyo and Hokkaido or Okinawa, domestic flights are a time-efficient option. Japan has several low-cost carriers offering affordable flights between major cities and islands.
Japan Travel Guide: What to Eat in Japan
- Sushi and Sashimi are iconic Japanese dishes that feature fresh, raw fish. Sushi is served with vinegar-ed rice, while sashimi consists of sliced raw fish served without rice.
- Ramen is a Japanese noodle dish that comes in various regional styles, each with its own unique flavor. There are four general types of ramen: shoyu, tonkotsu, miso, and shio.
- Tempura consists of lightly battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables. It has crispy texture and delicate flavor. It can be a standalone dish, in a tempura bowl (tendon), or as part of a larger meal.
- Takoyaki are savory, round balls made of a wheat flour-based batter filled with minced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onions.
- Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made from a batter of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, mixed with ingredients like pork, seafood, and cheese. It is topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.
- Tonkatsu is a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, typically served with shredded cabbage, rice, and miso soup.
- Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course meal that showcases the art of Japanese cuisine, typically served in ryokan or high-end restaurants.
- Yakitori are skewered and grilled chicken pieces, seasoned with either salt or tare sauce (a sweet soy-based sauce).
- Wagyu refers to all Japanese beef cattle. It has rich marbling, tenderness, and flavor. Kobe beef is the most famous type of wagyu, but other regions, such as Matsusaka and Hida, also produce exceptional beef.
- Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, and traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets).