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15 things to know before going to Japan

Mar 31, 2024 • 7 min read

Be ready for a visit to Japan with these tips on health, safety and etiquette © pat138241 / Getty Images

Japan has a reputation as an etiquette-bound place that can be intimidating for first-time visitors.

The truth is, though, that the traditions here are no more formal or constricting than in many other destinations around the world. Moreover, most locals are more than willing to help out or give foreign travelers a pass for any perceived faux pas.

As with just about anything in life, expectation management is key. Put your mind at ease with our top tips for smooth traveling in Japan .

1. Book accommodation in advance (and arrive at the right time)

You can probably get a room at a basic business hotel without a reservation in a pinch, but why risk it? Top accommodations can book up weeks or even months in advance, so it's best to plan ahead.

Particularly busy travel periods include the first week of January, cherry blossom season (late March through April, depending on the destination), “Golden Week” (April 29 to May 5) and August.

You should also keep in mind that smaller inns or ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) often have fixed check-in times outside of which staff won’t be present, and rooms won’t be made up. Coordinate your arrival time in advance.

2. Pack light for a visit to Japan

Since hotel rooms in Japan tend to be small, especially in cities, there is little room for large suitcases – which can also be a pain to wrangle on public transport . Packing on the lighter side is always a good idea, but especially advisable for Japan.

Note that religious sites such as Buddhist temples and Shintō shrines don’t have dress codes. High-end restaurants, bars and clubs sometimes do, but that usually just means no sleeveless shirts or sandals on men.

Keep in mind that you might find yourself sitting on the floor when dining out, which can be uncomfortable in short (or tight) clothing.

3. Buy a data-heavy SIM card at the airport

Finding your way around in Japan can be tricky. The address system is notoriously difficult to navigate – even for locals – so smartphones with navigation apps have been a real boon for travelers.

This means you're likely to be using a substantial amount of data getting from place to place, so buy a data-heavy SIM card at the airport upon arrival. 

Ready to go to Japan? Here are 24 of the best things to do when you get there

4. Bring shoes you can easily slip on and off

Comfortable walking shoes are a must. You’ll also likely have to take your shoes off frequently at religious sites, traditional inns and some restaurants – you’ll thank yourself later if you pack shoes that are easy to slip on and off.

Since you’ll be slipping into a pair of communal slippers when you take your own shoes off, many visitors prefer to wear socks.

5. Learn how to use a bidet toilet

Called “washlets,” Japan’s high-tech, electronic bidet toilets will wash and dry your delicate parts with the touch of a button. (Don’t worry about any language barrier; the pictograms on the buttons are easy to understand).

Other toilet customs in Japan might throw you for a loop. Motion-sensor-activated sound machines are intended to conceal, um, sensitive noises. Also expect dedicated toilet slippers in shoes-off establishments.

Note that there is frequently a lack of towels and hand dryers (locals carry small cloths with them for this reason).

6. Come prepared for the weather

Summers in Japan are hot and humid, which can mean a real risk of heatstroke. Carry water with you, and a folding umbrella with UV blocking is useful – and does double duty in case of a sudden shower.

Late June is the start of the annual rainy season, when it can rain without end for days; this can last a few weeks or through most of July.

Rains, as well as punishing winds, are likely again during typhoon season , which runs from September through October (earlier in Okinawa ).

Typhoons can cause serious travel disruption; monitor the situation with the  Japan Meteorological Agency ’s storm and other weather warnings, which are available in English. Winters can get chilly, and  Tōhoku and Hokkaidō up north can get huge dumps of snow.

Japan’s ubiquitous convenience stores are handy for weather-related necessities like umbrellas, hats, cooling wipes and pocket warmers.

7. Make sure to carry cash...

In rural Japan and at older family-run businesses in cities, credit cards may not be accepted. It’s wise to assume you’ll need to pay cash at country ryokan and smaller restaurants and shops; stock up when you’re in a town with an ATM (cashpoint).

To pay as the Japanese do, place your cash or card in the small tray at the register rather than handing either to the cashier.

8. ...But don’t worry about tipping

Though tour guides who regularly take foreign tourists around might expect extra, Japan has no custom of tipping, and an attempt to add to your bill will more often than not fluster or embarrass staff.

In lieu of tipping, some bars and restaurants will charge a flat-rate service fee, usually around ¥300–500 per person; others, typically fancy ones, will automatically add a 10% service charge to the bill.

9. Learn the art of queueing in Japan

The Japanese are big on queues, forming neat lines everywhere from check-out counters to train platforms. (Regarding the latter: after the train doors open, it’s everyone for themselves when it comes to scoring a seat.)

10. Stand to the left (or to the right)

Always ride on one side of the escalator – but which side depends on where you are. In Kanto and eastwards, it’s to the left; in Kansai and westwards, it’s to the right. (The dividing point is somewhere just west of Nagoya ).

Incidentally, train operators want passengers to stand on both sides of the escalator and refrain from walking altogether, even if commuters have so far shrugged at these guidelines.

11. Note when the last train leaves

City subways run until 1am at the very latest. If you miss the last train for the night, the alternative is to catch a taxi, which can be expensive. 

12. Avoid the morning commute in Tokyo

For Tokyoites , the morning commute is a contact sport. On weekdays from 7:30am to 9am, millions squeeze into trains across the city, sometimes helped along by station staff who make sure everyone’s packed in.

Shinjuku Station, the busiest in the world, sees an average of over 3.5 million commuters daily; there are more than 200 exits leading in and out of the complex.

13. Eating in public is generally a no-no in Japan

It’s considered bad form to eat in public, especially while walking. Exceptions include the shinkansen (bullet train) and other reserved-seat limited-express trains, where it is customary to eat a bentō (boxed meal) on board; plus at festivals or market streets with food vendors; on a picnic; and of course if you're eating ice cream.

It’s also okay to take sips from a resealable beverage container, like a water bottle.

14. Know what to do in an earthquake or tsunami

Japan is one of the most seismically active places on the planet. While strong earthquakes are rare, minor temblors happen all the time. If this occurs during your time here, stay calm and take your cue from those around you.

Head under a table or stand in a doorway if the shaking picks up; strict building codes generally keep harm to a minimum.

Rarer but more dangerous tsunami can follow a significant quake. Should this occur, listen for tsunami warnings and get to higher ground fast if you are near the coast. 

15. Learn some Japanese lingo 

English is widely spoken in cities and around major tourist attractions; in rural areas, though, it can be hit or miss. Some Japanese words that will come in handy when dining out: 

• omori (large portion, often free at ramen stalls) • okawari (refill)  • mochikaeri (takeaway)  • tennai de (eat-in)  • onegai shimasu (please). Follow up any of your orders or requests with this; for example, if you want tea, say, “O-cha onegai shimasu.”  • sumimasen (excuse me)  • arigato gozaimasu (thank you). Because it’s a bit of a mouthful, it’s tempting to shorten it to simply arigato . Think of it as the difference between “thank you” and “thanks” and go for the politer “arigato gozaimasu.” • toire (toilet; pronounced “to-ee-rey”)

This article was first published Apr 6, 2022 and updated Mar 31, 2024.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2024 Update: No Japan Travel Restrictions

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Japan reopened to independent international tourists on 11 October 2022.

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

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

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

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

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

Back to Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Golden Week in early May – In 2025, Golden Week will be from 29 April – 6 May. This is a series of national holidays so many Japanese travel domestically, trains and hotels book up, and popular spots will be extra crowded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch this video for Japan trip ideas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DON’T:

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

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

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

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

5 Months Before

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

4 Months Before

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

3 Months Before

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

2 Months Before

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

1 Month Before

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

2 Weeks Before

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

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

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

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

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

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Hi, Planning trip to Japan in october 2024. Me and my wife retired (Age 62) fit couple would like to cover Japan in aprox 20 days . Please suggest city and places to cover and how to travel economically from one city to another , one trip we would like to experience Bullet train. We are vegetarian . From India Direct Air ticket is available to Tokyo only. Please help us to plan the trip. Thank you, Regards,

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Thanks for your article – I found it really interesting as my son (aged 17) and I are planning a trip to Japan in October. Unfortunately, we don’t have anywhere near as long to spend there as I would like! We arrive on the 21st and leave on the afternoon of the 30th. From the 23rd to the 25th inclusive I am at a work conference but the rest of the time is our own. We will have some time on the conference days to have a look around Osaka but are wondering if we have time to see a bit of both Kyoto and Tokyo in the days afterwards. I am concerned we may be trying to pack too much in with the result that we won’t see anything properly! I would appreciate any thoughts you may have!

Hi Cheryl, I think it’s worth spending a few days each in Kyoto and Tokyo after your conference. You can always spend more time in both those places but it will give you a taste. The shinkansen train journey between the two is easy and enjoyable too. Enjoy!

Hi Erin, Thank you for compiling all the tips. I have been reading your website for a few weeks now. I am planning a trip with my wife and teenage daughter in April 2025 ( 13th- 24th). I was going to stay in Tokyo for 5 nights( 1st night does not count as we arrive late), 3 nights in Tokyo and 3 nights in Osaka. I was planning a day trip to Hakone and Kawaguchiko from Tokyo( is it possible by a private car to get both places fully) and day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima from Osaka. Is this feasible? Friends who have visited Japan say I am spending too much time in Tokyo. Your input would be most valuable. I have booked a few places to stay but happy to change based on your input. I am based in the UAE so is it worthwhile getting the JR pass sent to the hotel in Tokyo or should it be sent to UAE before we travel. Thanks once again

I would choose either Hakone or Kawaguchiko and not try to do both in one day.

It is possible to day trip to Hiroshima/Miyajima from Osaka if you get an early start, but it’ll be a long day.

There’s loads to do in Tokyo so I wouldn’t say you are spending too long there. Although you might consider removing one night and spending it in a ryokan in Hakone on the way to Kyoto/Osaka for a different experience (and to avoid doing a day trip).

It would be easier to get the rail pass sent to you at home.

Great tips thank you! My husband, our 17 & 19 yr olds sons and I have 16 days in Jan/Feb 2025 so very helpful. We are visiting Tokyo, Osaka/Kyoto before skiing in Nozawa Onsen. I’m thinking we will base ourselves in either Osaka or Kyoto rather than moving in between. Given our son’s I’m thinking Osaka might be a more fun base – what do you think?

It really depends what you are looking for. I think Kyoto offers a different experience to Tokyo (Osaka is more similar) and there’s so much to do. If your sons won’t be interested in temples or historic streets or if they want to visit Universal Studios, then Osaka makes most sense.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy either though!

“It’s also a good idea to have your destination’s address written down in Japanese to show the driver as most don’t speak English.”

I absolutely second this. I had copied our destination in English from the website. Somehow we got part of the way, then the driver became completely at a loss. He couldn’t understand what I had written. I had no idea what to do, then was suddenly inspired to read it out to him phonetically. He burst into a beaming smile and we took off immediately, and arrived at our destination a few minutes later. Who knew that I could speak Japanese!!

Good job on improvising! It really helps to have it written down in Japanese unless you are going somewhere super well known (and even then you need to pronounce it right!).

My family is planning a 2 week celebratory trip to Japan in 2025. There will be 2 seniors (grandparents), 3 couples (two DIL’s speak some Japanese) with 6 children between them (ages infant to 8), and 1 adult with Down Syndrome. We are hoping to spend some time in the country and small towns as well as Tokyo and Kyoto. Is it crazy for the 15 of us to travel together as a group? I assume that we will spend the days in smaller groups as we search out what feeds our interests. But what about hotels/inns for the group? We would all prefer to stay in more traditional lodgings if possible. What about meeting up for a meal at the end of the day? What about traveling between towns/cities? Some of us in the group are great planners, so what should we be thinking about to make this a trip that everyone will fondly remember.

Hi Paul, we don’t have any experience travelling in a group, but I am sure you can make it work. Travelling by train will be fine – just book in advance although you’ll probably be fine even on the day (although you might not get seats all together).

Make sure to book restaurants if you want to eat together, and you’ll have to skip some of the smaller places that just seat a few people at the counter (or you could do those for lunch in smaller groups). Sushi Gonpachi in Tokyo is a good option for groups as they have plenty of space (branches in Shibuya and Roppongi).

I actually wouldn’t recommend traditional lodging (ryokans) for the whole trip. They are amazing experiences but are expensive and most involve sleeping on futons on the floor, which isn’t super comfortable for most Westerners.

I recommend spending 1-2 nights in a ryokan when you are visiting the smaller towns. They often include dinner and breakfast, so that’ll make it easier for your group, but you might want to look for ones with a dining room rather than those that serve meals in your room (so you can eat together). For example, we loved Iwaso Ryokan on Miyajima island. Book far in advance.

In Kyoto and Tokyo it makes more sense to stay in larger hotels. Our Japan places post has recommendations that would work for groups.

With advance planning and some time in smaller groups, I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time. Enjoy Japan!

Thank you for this insightful site. My daughter (who is in the Navy) is taking me to Japan for one week at the end of September. She has already purchased the plane tickets and taken leave. We are flying into Narita, and wanted to spend some time in Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and Osaka. Does that seem too ambitious for the time we have (Sept. 24 – Oct. 2)? Also, do you recommend getting first class tickets for the bullet train in order to be sure we can get reservations? I have to admit, planning this trip feels a bit overwhelming, so your site and help are appreciated more than you can know! Thank you!

I do think that’s a bit much in that time frame. I would skip Osaka or just visit on a day trip from Kyoto if you have the energy.

First class (called the Green Car) is a bit more comfortable and spacious and we sometimes like to book it for longer train trips. You aren’t more likely to get a reservation though – you can reserve the regular cars just as easily. You shouldn’t have a problem getting reservations at that time of year a few days in advance.

You can just go to the train station when you get to Tokyo and book them all at the counter (it helps to write down which trains you want). Queues can be long though. There are also self service machines but they can be confusing.

We now prefer to use the SmartEx website to book the shinkansen: https://smart-ex.jp/en/ It can be hard to get the credit card set up at the beginning but keep trying (Mastercard often works better than Visa on Japanese websites). Then once you’ve booked you can collect the tickets from machines at the station which is pretty easy.

Good luck with all the planning! Erin

Hi, Good Day! Great Information for people read this including me. Arigatou Gozaimasu. I wish i can go travel to Japan Its my Dreams when i was kid 7 years old when i already know and read Manga books Doraemon. Geertings from Indonesia.

THanks for your recommendation on hotels and restaurants, i know something about it.

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

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

Thank you , your blog is miracke I was looking for while planning two weeks vacation for my friends and family

I’m glad it helped. Enjoy Japan!

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

Kind regards,

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

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

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

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

Thank you! /Johanna

Hi Johanna!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Lake Kawaguchiko travel guide has more details.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy Japan! Erin

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

Hi Pia, that’s exciting!

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy Japan!

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

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

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

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

Many many thanks¡

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

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

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

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

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

Have a wonderful trip to Japan! Erin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Sue.

Hello Erin,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a wonderful trip!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck with it and enjoy Japan!

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

Thanks in advance!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good information given u

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

Glad it helped!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks Lillee and have a great trip!

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

Oh no, what a nightmare!

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

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

Thanks Julia! Good luck with your planning!

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

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

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

Good luck and enjoy!

Wonderful and very Insightful Information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you. :)

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

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

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

Thank you so much Brian!

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

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

Thanks Brian!

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

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

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

Thanks and enjoy Japan!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for your time, and excellent blog post!

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

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

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

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

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

Which places do you wish you would have stayed longer?

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

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

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

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

Have an amazing trip to Japan!

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

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

Thank you so much if you can help me.

Kind regards

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Erin , thanks for all your advises .. anyway ,i would like to ask your opinion . I’m travelling with my husband and son in the late Jan to early of Feb next year but planning to visit Japan for 3 days only from Philippines due to our short vacation from US . Do you have any suggestions where and what to visit in that short period of time? or any travel tour guide you can recommend? Thank you .

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

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

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

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

We used mindmyhouse.com

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

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

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

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

Thank you in advance for your help

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

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

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

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

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

Have a great trip!

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

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

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

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

Thanks and have a great trip.

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

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

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

ありがとうございます　（＾＿＾）

Done. Thanks for letting us know.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sounds wonderful!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Japan Australia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All the best,

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for that – the article is really useful.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great tips! Thanks for sharing!

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

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

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

I DO :) would love some recommendations if still relevant

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Japan Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 8, 2024

Japan is one of the most amazing, beautiful, interesting, and friendly countries in the world. From bustling Tokyo and Zen-like Kyoto all the way to laid-back Okinawa and wintery Hokkaido, Japan rocks. It boasts mouthwatering food, majestic temples and shrines, serene gardens, lush national parks, and a rich culture.

It was a lifelong dream to visit and, when I finally did, it lived up to all my expectations. Since that first visit, I’ve been there over five times. Japan is a country that blows everyone away. From the food to the people to the architecture and everything in between, I’ve never met someone who didn’t go to Japan and fall in love with it.

A lot of people delay visiting Japan because they think it’s super expensive. And, while some aspects of traveling there are expensive, there are plenty of ways to make it affordable. I was actually shocked how easy it was to see Japan on a budget .

This Japan travel guide can help you plan an affordable trip so you can see more, eat more, and spend less.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• How to Stay Safe
• Where to Stay
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• How to Get Around
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Japan

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in japan.

1. Explore Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the best cities in the world. Here you will find shrines, palaces, temples, hip clubs, fancy cocktail bars, weird fashion, and, of course, incredible people. Tokyo is a fast-paced, futuristic city. Be sure to also hit some of the quirky-themed cafés, wander the Harajuku district, walk across the iconic Shibuya crossing, and admire the Imperial Palace. Visit my detailed guide for more information .

2. Wander Kyoto

Boasting beautiful temples and Japanese gardens, Kyoto is one of the most popular destinations in Japan. This place definitely lives up to the hype because it retains much of the traditional lifestyle and is a good juxtaposition to fast-paced and high-tech Tokyo. See as many temples as possible , wander the enchanting bamboo forest of Arashiyama, (just get there early to beat the crowds), and do some hiking here. It’s a city not to be missed.

3. See Hiroshima

In 1945, the first atomic bomb to be used in combat was detonated in Hiroshima . Around 80,000 people were killed instantly and tens of thousands more died afterward due to radiation exposure. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome), which was the only building left standing after the bomb was dropped on August 6, and learn about one of the most controversial events in human history. I found the museum’s photos and artifacts sobering and eye-opening, and yet a must-see if you want to understand modern Japan. You can also take a cycling tour around the city to learn more about the bombing and its aftermath.

4. Climb Mount Fuji

This 3,776-meter (12,389-foot) mountain is located near Tokyo. As Japan’s tallest mountain, it is often covered by fog and clouds during the day, so ascents tend to happen early in the morning or overnight. In fact, some 400,000 people take part during the short climbing season that is only from early July to mid-September. If you’re visiting outside of the climbing season or just don’t want to hike the mountain, there are many tour providers that offer day trips from Tokyo from around 12,000 JPY.

5. Visit Sapporo

The gateway to Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, this city is famous for its surrounding mountains, thermal baths, ski resorts, and lengthy beer brewing history. Hosting the 1972 Olympic Winter Games put the city on the international map, and it remains hugely popular for its cold-weather sports. It’s also home to the hugely popular Sapporo Snow Festival, where you can see world-class ice and snow sculptures each February (over two million people attend!). Although Sapporo is very much a ski haven, I also loved going in Spring because of the lush greenery and in particular, the thousands of Japanese cherry blossoms in Moerenuma Park. Don’t miss the Beer Museum and be sure to take the train to the coastal town of Otaru for uni (which is harvested there).

Other Things to See and Do in Japan

1. visit the tsukiji and toyosu fish markets.

Tokyo’s fish markets start bright and early at 4am. Here you can see the frenzied buying and selling of the world’s largest tuna market. Tsukiji was the original market but, as of 2018, the inner fish market moved to Toyosu and is now known as the Toyosu Fish Market. However, the outer market (where you can find food and shops) is still at Tsukiji. You can take a guided tour to learn about its history, how it works, and even learn how to roll sushi in a workshop at the end. Shops start opening around 6am so it’s a perfect place to go when you have jetlag.

2. Spend a day in Kyoto’s Gion District

Otherwise known as the Geisha District, this neighborhood is filled with fascinating historic architecture and is a good area for window shopping. Geishas (traditional professional entertainers) have worked here for centuries, and if you’re lucky, you may be able to spot one going to or from a social engagement at one of the establishments. (Just note that photographs are forbidden on the narrow alleys to prevent harassment of the geishas.) You can also take a nighttime walking tour .

3. Explore Nara

Located just one hour from Kyoto , Nara is famous for its 1,300 “wild” deer that freely roam Nara Park. The Japanese consider deer to be messengers of the gods, so they are free to roam the city (their horns are cut short, so they can’t hurt people). There are vendors selling crackers all around the park, so you can feed them by hand. While here, be sure to take in the world’s largest wooden building, Todai-ji, which dates to the eighth century and was reconstructed in the 1700s. Most travelers visit Nara as a day trip from Kyoto, but I suggest staying at least a night to really see everything.

4. See Osaka

Osaka is the third-largest city in Japan and its financial heart. It’s also a big foodie hub. Mouthwatering sushi and sashimi, Kobe beef, Japanese barbecue, and flavorful ramen can all be found here in abundance. There are also popular specialties like okonomiyaki (a savory pancake with egg and vegetables) and kushikatsu (skewered kebabs). You can take a food tour for around 12,000 JPY or just wander and eat.

Beyond the food, don’t miss Osaka Castle. While it’s not the original (this version dates to 1931), it’s nevertheless an impressive sight. It’s home to a small but insightful museum and an observation deck that offers some picturesque city views.

5. Relax in Ueno Park

Established in 1873, Tokyo’s Ueno Park is a great place to spend the day. It’s the perfect spot to see the cherry blossom trees (April is the best time of year if you hope to catch them in full bloom). Year round, you will find events on the weekend, people hanging out here on a beautiful day, and plenty of museums to visit. The park is home to the Tokyo National Museum, a couple art museums, and a zoo. You can also take a three-hour architecture tour around the park .

6. Admire the Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace is home to the emperor of Japan (whose lineage stretches back over a thousand years). It was built on the site of the former Edo Castle, which was originally constructed in the 15th century. Though you can’t go inside the palace itself, the surrounding grounds and park are beautiful, and you can watch the changing of the guard. You can visit select parts of the grounds on a 75-minute guided tour at 10am and 1:30pm Tuesday-Saturday. The Imperial East Gardens are free and open daily except Mondays, Fridays, and holidays. There’s also a lot of free walking tours that take you around and give you a history of the palace.

7. Visit Miyajima Island

Miyajima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about an hour outside of Hiroshima, known as “Shrine Island” because of its temple and iconic floating torii gate. Itsukushima Shrine, the main one here, dates back to the 12th century. There’s also a five-story pagoda that dates back to the 15th century, and the tranquil Momijidani Park, one of the most beautiful maple valleys in the country. And, like Nara, there are plenty of deer here too. A trip to the island can easily be made into a full day if you hit the walking trails nearby. And be sure to hike up Mount Misen — it’s a great workout, and the views are stunning! There is also a cable car to the peak you can take for 2,000 JPY round-trip.

8. Tour Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

At 430 meters (14,100 feet), not only is this Japan’s highest castle but it’s also its only remaining original one (most were destroyed in fires or during World War II). The castle was originally built on a nearby mountain in 1240 by Akiba Shigenobu. In 1929, restoration work began, and it is now a popular tourist site. Admission is 500 JPY for just the castle or 1,000 JPY for the castle, temple, and nearby samurai houses. If you’d like to patronize the Takahashi Folk Museum and Yamada Hokoku Museum, the entire combined ticket costs 1,500 JPY.

9. Go on the temple pilgrimage

The 88 Temple Pilgrimage (also known as “Shikoku Henro”) is an ancient route that circles the island of Shikoku, one of Japan’s four main islands. Under consideration for UNESCO status, the route stretches 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) and can take between 30 and 60 days. Pilgrims typically wear special white robes and carry a walking stick so they stand out (locals take pride in helping and welcoming pilgrims so standing out is a good thing). It’s one of the only circular pilgrimages in the world, with roots dating back over a thousand years. Between 150,000 and 200,000 people do the hike each year. In addition to the 88 official temples, there are also 20 additional sites you can visit as well. Most pilgrims hike between March-May or October-November since the summer is too warm. If mobility is an issue, you can also explore the route via car or bus, which takes around 10 days.

10. Explore Nikko

Located two hours north of Tokyo in the mountains, Nikko has welcomed worshippers of both Buddhist and Shinto traditions for centuries, so there are many temples and shrines in the woods to visit. Nikko is also the home of the imperial summer palace (the only imperial residence opened as a museum) and the resting spot of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of Tokugawa Shogunate (1603–1868). You’ll also find lots of waterfalls in the area and a beautiful lake to go boating on. The trails at nearby Nikko National Park offer excellent hiking. Don’t miss Nikko Toshogu, Kegon Falls, Ryuzu Falls, Shinkyo Bridge, Lake Ch?zenji, Kanmangafuchi Abyss, and the Imperial Palace! Only a few hours from Tokyo, Nikko is a really nice destination for two or three nights.

11. Stay in a ryokan

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese bed-and-breakfast, usually found in the more scenic regions. They date back over 1,200 years and are known for their traditional tatami floors, communal baths, sliding doors, and cozy interiors. Ryokan s make for an intimate and unique Japanese experience, featuring included meals and traditional Japanese robes (called yukata ). Beds are traditional futons, and there is usually a common area where you can make tea and chat with the owner.

12. Soak in an onsen

Natural hot springs are widespread throughout the country, and can be found both indoors and outdoors. They are a great way to “soak in” some traditional Japanese culture. Each has a different mineral composition. Expect to pay around 1,000 JPY for a budget bathhouse. (Just note that many do not allow people with tattoos or require tattoos to be covered. They are also separated by gender.) Hakone is the most popular onsen destination as it’s just 90 minutes away from Tokyo and is nestled into the mountains. Other popular choices include Beppu, Yufuincho, Noboribetsu, and Ibusuki.

13. Explore Daisetsuzan National Park

If you make it all the way up to Hokkaido (the northern prefecture of Japan and second-largest island), be sure to spend some time exploring Daisetsuzan (“Great Snowy Mountains”) National Park. Located around two hours from Sapporo, the park offers numerous trails, and some of the most rugged and beautiful landscapes in the country. It’s also one of the last remaining places in Japan to see brown bears. The most popular hike here is Mount Asahidake, a challenging volcano that takes 3-4 hours. The park is a far cry from the tourist trail and usually just sees Japanese visitors, so you’ll get to enjoy a spot locals favor.

14. Relax in Okinawa

If you need a break from the fast pace of Japan, hop on down to Okinawa Prefecture, considered “the Hawaii of Japan.” Life proceeds at a much slower pace here, and the climate is subtropical. Even Naha, the biggest city in the region, is laid-back. Okinawa is famous for its diving opportunities as well as World War II sites and memorials. From Okinawa Honto (the main island), you can hop to other smaller islands by ferry, including some that are very remote and rarely see visitors (such as Iriomote or Kume). Camping, whale watching, and hitting the beach are some of the most popular activities here.

15. Admire Kanazawa

Located on the west coast, Kanazawa is known for its incredibly well-preserved Edo-era (1603–1868) districts (the final period of traditional Japan). Home to under 500,000 people, the city is called “Little Kyoto” — but without the oppressive crowds. I think this is a really nice, off-the-beaten-path destination. Make sure to see Tsuzumi-mon Gate, admire Kanazawa Castle, and explore the geisha districts and samurai district (Nagamachi), where numerous preserved houses remain. Head to the Omicho Fish Market for fresh fish and seafood (there are dozens and dozens of stalls here). And if you want to learn more about Buddhism, visit the DT Suzuki Museum (Suzuki was a Zen Buddhist academic and philosopher who helped introduce Zen Buddhism to the West).

16. Hike in the national parks

Japan may be a small country but it’s preserved a lot of its natural landscapes. There are 34 national parks, each offering respite from the hectic and dense cities that Japan is known for. Nikko (mentioned above) is best for seeing fall colors; Daisetsuzan (also mentioned above) has lots of remote onsen and challenging trails; Keramashoto, located in Okinawa, has some of the best islands and beaches, as well as over 250 types of coral; and Yoshino-Kumano is famous for its cherry blossoms. There are a lot of parks to choose from! Try to see at least one!

17. Visit Takashima

Home to just 50,000 people, Takashima is just a short drive from Kyoto on the coast of Lake Biwa (the largest freshwater lake in Japan). The city boasts castle ruins, plenty of old shrines and Buddha statues, and a picturesque floating torii gate (similar to the one in Miyajima) at the Shirahige Shrine. There’s also a four-kilometer (2.5-mile) walking route lined with cherry trees. Moreover, this town is famous for its Hida beef, which I think is the best beef in all of Japan. For a fun day trip, head to Chikubushima, a small island on Lake Biwa where you can visit centuries-old temples as you hike around the island.

For more information on specific cities in Japan, check out these guides:

• Hiroshima Travel Guide
• Kyoto Travel Guide
• Tokyo Travel Guide

How to Stay Safe in Japan

Japan is a very safe country. There’s virtually zero chance you’re going to get robbed, scammed, or hurt here. Your biggest issues will most likely come from other foreigners who get drunk and are causing trouble.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, but the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Japan does have a problem with groping, especially on packed trains. Most train companies now have “women-only” cars during rush hour (you’ll see pink signs indicating where women should board).

Scams in Japan are nonexistent. No one is going to rip you off. The listed price is the listed price and the same for everyone. There are no tourist prices here.

Your main risk here is from Mother Nature. Earthquakes and typhoons aren’t uncommon, so make note of exits when you arrive at your accommodation. Download offline maps to your phone, as well, in the event you may need to navigate the city during an emergency.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 110 or call the nonemergency Japan Helpline at 0570-000-911.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Where to Stay in Japan

There’s a lot of affordable accommodation in Japan, especially if you avoid Western style hotels and chains. To help you save money on accommodation, here’s my list of the best hostels and budget hotels in Japan:

• Hostel Chapter Two Tokyo (Tokyo)
• Hotel Century Southern Tower (Tokyo)
• Backpacker Hostel K’s House Kyoto (Kyoto)
• Gojo Guest House (Kyoto)
• The Pax Hostel Records (Osaka)
• Roku Hostel Hiroshima (Hiroshima)
• Guesthouse Akicafe Inn (Hiroshima)
• WeBase HAKATA Hostel (Fukuoka)

For more hostel suggestions, check out this page for all my hostel posts . For hotel suggestions, check out this post .

Japan Travel Costs

Accommodation

• Hostel Dorms – 3,800 JPY per night (6,800 JPY in Tokyo)
• Hostel private rooms – 7,500 JPY per night (double in Tokyo)
• Budget hotels – 7,600 JPY per night (11,000 JPY in the larger cities)
• Airbnb – Strict regulations make Airbnb not worth using here
• Campsite – 1,000 JPY per night
• Cheap eats (ramen, curry) – 600-800 JPY
• Tempura/Izakaya/Bento boxes – 1,500-3,000 JPY
• Sushi trains – 150-600 JPY per plate
• Sit-down restaurants – 2,300-3,100 JPY
• Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 750 JPY
• Beer – 450-750 JPY
• Sake – 925 JPY
• Cappuccino/latte- 460 JPY
• Bottled water – 115 JPY
• Groceries for a week – 7,000 JPY

Japan Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – 15,000 jpy per day.

You’ll be able to stay in a hostel dorm room,  buy a rail pass, eat inexpensive food like ramen or donburi, and visit a few attractions. You won’t be living large but it’s a totally doable backpacker budget.

Midrange – 26,000 JPY Per Day

You’ll be able to stay in a hotel, eat out often, enjoy a couple of drinks each night, get a JR Pass, and do more activities like food tours and museum visits.

Upscale – 75,000 JPY Per Day

You’ll be able to do anything ya want with this daily budget! This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit after that!

Japan Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

I think Japan’s reputation as an expensive country is overstated. Outside of accommodation and transportation, it’s actually really affordable. Is it super cheap? No. Is it super expensive? Not at all. There are plenty of ways to lower your costs and all non-imported food is really inexpensive. Here are some ways to save money when you visit:

• Visit the free attractions – With its countless museums, galleries, shrines, temples, historic neighborhoods, and parks, Japan is filled with opportunities to immerse yourself in its culture without spending a Yen. Moreover, many of the nation’s parks and gardens are also free. Start with them and you’ll fill your days on the cheap!
• Get a JR Pass – The bullet trains in Japan are ridiculously expensive, with one-way fares costing hundreds of dollars. If you plan to do a lot of traveling around the country, get the JR Pass , which allows you unlimited train travel and can save you a ton of money. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day options. (Keep it mind it can only be purchased outside of Japan, so be sure to plan ahead.)
• Take the bus – Buses are a far more economical option than the trains. They cost a fraction of the price. For example, the unlimited Japan Rail Pass costs 29,650 JPY for seven consecutive days of travel, but this is far more expensive than using the bus. But buses take a lot longer. For example, the two-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo to Osaka becomes a 10-hour bus ride. Bottom line: if you have the time, take the bus.
• Shop at the 100-yen stores – There are many 100-yen shops around the country. They all sell meal sets, groceries, water bottles, toiletries, and household items. Store names vary by region, so ask your hotel or hostel reception where the nearest “Hyaku En” store is located.
• Eat at 7-Eleven – 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and other convenience stores have a lot of pre-made meals that make for a cheap lunch or snack. The food is actually really good and you’ll always see locals dipping in and getting a quick lunch or snack here. Don’t be afraid to at them.
• Cook your own food – Many hostels have kitchens where you can cook your own meals. Combining this with shopping at the 100-yen stores will drastically cut your food costs.
• Eat curry, ramen, and donburi – These dishes are the best option for eating cheap, filling meals. These cost from 400 – 1200 Yen (ramen is 1200). Shops specializing in these dishes are all over the country so you can easily find them. They are on every corner and the cheapest way to eat on a budget.
• Stay with a local – Using hospitality sites like Couchsurfing allows you to stay with residents, so you not only get a free place to stay but you get to interact with someone who can share their insider tips.
• Buy food before grocery stores close – After 8pm, many supermarkets discount their fresh food, as they have to get rid of it by law. You can save up to 50% on almost all ready-made meals. It’s a great cheap dinner.
• Hitchhike – Japan is one of the world’s safest countries, and many locals are curious enough to pick up foreign visitors. Hitchhiking isn’t really practiced by Japanese, so you will stand out as a tourist, which will increase your chances of finding a ride.

How to Get Around in Japan

Public transportation – Metro or bus tickets cost 150–300 JPY for a single journey. (The price varies by distance and may often be higher.) Fares are usually around 220 JPY to travel across Tokyo but less for shorter distances. In most major cities, you can buy a day pass, which gives you unlimited travel for 24 hours for around 800-1,100 JPY.

Train – Train travel is the quickest way to get around Japan. The bullet train is awesome, comfortable, and super-fast — but it’s not cheap. Individual tickets can cost hundreds of dollars.

In order to reduce your train costs, get a Japan Rail Pass , which is indispensable for travel here. It gives you unlimited journeys on all JR Rails, JR Ferries, and JR Buses throughout the country. These passes cost 50,000 JPY for seven days, 80,000 JPY for fourteen days, and 100,000 JPY for twenty-one days (all pass times are for consecutive days).

Even if you just get the seven-day pass, it’s only slightly more than a round-trip train ticket from Osaka to Tokyo. Moreover, the JR trains also serve urban areas and so can be used within cities. I used my pass to get around Kyoto and Tokyo instead of buying metro tickets.

So, even if you aren’t going to do much traveling around Japan, buying a pass is better than buying individual tickets. While the high price of the pass can cause sticker shock, the alternative is worse.

Additionally, be sure to download the Navitime app . It has offline maps, train and public transit routes, and info on train stations. It’s a lifesaver when trying to figure out how to get around the country.

Bus – Buses are a less expensive alternative to the bullet train system in Japan, but they take more time. For example, the two-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo to Osaka becomes a ten-hour bus ride.

Long-distance highway buses service many of the intercity routes covered by trains at significantly lower prices. Bus journeys around the country begin around 4,000 JPY. 

For example, Tokyo to Nagano is 5,000 JPY while Osaka to Hiroshima is 3,700 JPY. There are a multitude of operators, including Star Express and Willer Express, Kansai Bus, and the bus company operated by the JR group (the company who run the trains).

There are also bus passes that offer unlimited travel and begin at 11,800 JPY for three nonconsecutive days of travel. You can use these two websites to book your bus journeys:

• Willer Express
• Japan Bus Lines

If you have more time than money, take the bus. Otherwise, I’d say splurge and take the train, because they really are much faster and much, much more comfortable.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Flying – Generally, flight prices are on par with bullet train tickets. ANA, one of the country’s two main carriers, offers special last-minute fares via a hidden page on its website . It’s only available to foreigners and can sometimes be cheaper than the flights you find on booking platforms, especially for longer routes around the country.

Most flights within the country are between 6,000-14,000 JPY. There are frequent departures between all the major (and not so major) cities in Japan and, combined with all the competition, helps keep prices down.

Car rental – With efficient public transportation and nationwide bullet trains, renting a car here really isn’t necessary. However, if you do need one, multi-day rentals start at 7,000 JPY per day. Just remember that people drive on the left here! For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

Hitchhiking – Japan is one of the world’s safest countries, and many locals are curious enough to pick up foreign visitors. Hitchhiking isn’t really practiced by the Japanese, so you will stand out as a tourist, which will increase your chances of finding a ride. Most people don’t speak much English, though, so prepare accordingly and download a language app. For more tips, use Hitchwiki .

When to Go to Japan

Temperature and weather vary drastically across Japan, meaning it’s always a good time to visit some part of the country. While most of Japan does have four seasons (including snowy, freezing winters in the north), Okinawa and the islands in the south are warm year-round. It gets cold in Tokyo, but it generally doesn’t snow.

Expect warm, humid weather from June through August, with temperatures hovering around 32°C (89°F). Japan also gets a lot of rain, mostly in the summer months, from mid-June to mid-July. It gets a little drier in August, before the precipitation picks up again in September. Typhoon season occurs from May to October. Japan is well-equipped to handle all types of typhoons, but be sure to purchase travel insurance in advance !

Overall, there’s no real bad time to visit. Winter is awesome for skiers or snowboarders, spring is famous for its cherry blossoms, summer is full of festivals, and fall has brilliant autumn colors and nice temperatures. I personally prefer spring and fall, as the summer heat and humidity is pretty oppressive.

Japan Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Japan Rail Pass – This is a flexible transportation pass used for navigating Japan. Similar to the Eurail pass in Europe, it turns expensive bullet trains into budget-friendly modes of transportation. You honestly can’t visit Japan without one.

Japan Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Japan travel and continue planning your trip:

A Complete Guide to the Japan Rail Pass

The Perfect 7-Day Japan Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

How to Get Around Japan on a Budget

The Ultimate Japan Itinerary for First-Timers: From 1 to 3 Weeks

The 6 Best Hotels in Tokyo

How to Turn High-Cost Japan into a Cheap Place to Visit

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

A Beginner Guide to Plan Your Trip to Japan 2024/2025: 8 Steps

Planning your Japan vacation is not easy. From cost, transportation, accommodation, and time to fun activities and must-visit cities, there are tons of considerations that can drive you crazy. Don't panic.

In this post, we will share you with helpful tips, tricks, and information on how to plan a trip to Japan. Whether you are a first-timer or have been to Japan before, this information will help you how to plan a trip to Japan. Read and start planning your trip now!

A Simple Look at Japan Trip Planning Guide

1. When to Visit: Pleasant Weather & Low Season

2. how long to spend: 1 or 2 weeks for different tourists, 3. where to go: 8 top japan destinations, 4. how much does it cost to travel to japan, 5. how to get around japan: prepaid transportation passes, 6. book in advance: hotels, flights, and attractions, 7. must-have apps & planning tools for japan trip, 8. things to know for japan trip: do's and don'ts tips, customize an amazing japan trip with expert advice.

Japan can be visited year-round when planning a trip to Japan, though there are benefits and drawbacks to every season.

1) Best Scenic Seasons: March to May & September to November

In spring, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom, while the autumn offers a beautiful autumn with maple leaves turning red across the mountains.

Additionally, both seasons in Japan feature pleasant temperatures and ample sunny and comfortable weather for sightseeing.

Inspire Your Next Adventure

Why not choose a cherry blossom mini group tour if you don't know how to plan a trip to Japan? The plan prepares the best routes to enjoy and photograph cherry blossoms, with dedicated guides and drivers to avoid crowds.

You can always consult with us to make the tour better! Plus, it covers everything from accommodation to meals, allowing you to set out with just your personal belongings.

2) Lowest Prices and Fewer Crowds: June to August

It is the summer season in Japan, hot and rainy with few tourists, making it the low season for tourism. This is in contrast to the more expensive spring and autumn, which have more pleasant weather and more tourists.

If you are on a budget, visiting Japan in the summer can be an affordable choice.

3) Cool and Dry Weather and Fewer Tourists: September to November

Visit Japan during this period to enjoy the changing colors of the leaves, turning brilliant orange and red, in the countryside near Kyoto and Tokyo.

Autumn is also the best time to visit some of Japan's best national parks, such as Mount Fuji and the Five Lakes .

4) Snow Scenery and Skiing: December to February

Winter in Japan is the best time to stay in a Japanese-style inn with a natural hot spring. Nothing beats bathing in the hot pools surrounded by snow and quiet forests.

Christmas/New Year holiday is one of the busiest times. Hotels and flights are easily booked up. Be sure to plan and make reservations.

>> You May Also Like: Best Time to Visit Japan by Weather, Activities, and Low Season

Japan not only has many places to travel to, but each of its places has countless attractions and unique cultures to explore. If you travel to Japan from other countries, it's recommended to spend at least a week or more.

Here are two popular travel duration options recommended by many.

Most first-timers may spend a week in Japan. While is unrealistic to visit all the places in a week, it is enough for the first trip.

We'd recommend you to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. In the 3 cities, you can explore Tokyo's top attractions, like Tokyo Tower and Disneyland, visit Kyoto's ancient castles and shrines, and try amazing Japanese street food in Osaka.

Draw Inspiration from Our Japan Trip Plan

Check our 9-day Japan itinerary for the everyday plan. You can also book it, letting us handle everything from accommodations and hotels to destinations. We have experienced professionals to customize a trip for you, making your dream trip come true.

Around 2 Weeks:

For family or group travel, a two-week travel time is plenty to discover most of Japan. You can visit more cities, say 5 nights in Tokyo, 1 in Hakone, 3 in Kyoto, 3 in Osaka, and 2 more in Yokohama.

Besides, you can try iconic Japanese dishes and street food, do fun things, experience its fascinating culture, and view stunning landscapes.

>> Start A Dream Vacation More Than Japan:

How to Plan a Trip to Japan and South Korea How to Plan a Trip to Japan and Thailand

Of all the best cities to visit in Japan , here are the 8 most recommended places to visit and things to do in Japan if you don't know how to plan a trip to Japan on your own.

3 Must-visit Destinations:

Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are must-visits, thanks to their richest array of tourist attractions. Here is the breakdown.

• Tokoyo (3-4 days): As the largest city in the world, Tokyo has a lot to offer by way of food, shopping malls, temples, museums, and the iconic Mount Fuji. Meanwhile, Akihabara and Disneyland are also havens for teenagers and children.
• Kyoto (3 days): Kyoto has a lot of prominent ancient and historical sites to explore. Fushimi Inari Shrine and Gion are great places to experience Japanese culture. If you're lucky, you might even spot a geisha in Gion District. In Kyoto, natural beauty is also by your side when you are in Arashiyama, which is also a great spot for viewing autumn leaves.
• Osaka (1-2 days): Osaka's night markets are famous. Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori are all landmarks for drinking and shopping. You'll also find a variety of traditional foods in Osaka. As Japan's second-largest city, Osaka is equally rich in cherry blossoms and culture, with Osaka Castle being a prime example. If you're interested in the city, head to our post: What to Do and Eat in Osaka .

The Ultimate Bucket List: Unmissable Things to Do In Japan What Makes Japan Popular and Why Visitors Should Visit Japan

5 Other Recommended Destinations:

If you're tired of the crowded cities, Hakone, Nara, Hiroshima, Takayama, and Kanazawa are great places to plan a trip to Japan and escape the hustle to relax.

• Hakone (2 days): Known for its picturesque beauty, Hakone has more than a dozen springs that provide natural hot water. Its ryokans are also a major highlight.
• Nara (1 day): Nara is home to Nara Park, where wild deer roam freely. Nearby, you can also visit cultural sites like Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
• Hiroshima (1-2 days): Hiroshima blends history and nature. From the Peace Memorial Park to Miyajima Island, the city is filled with profound significance and beautiful scenery.
• Takayama (1 day): Well-preserved townhouses, Hida beef, and sake brewery all can be enjoyed in Takayama.
• Shirakawago (1 day): Shirakawago is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.

The cost of travel in Japan can vary depending on transportation, accommodation, food, and so on. Of all the factors, transportation costs, particularly round-trip airfare, account for a large portion of the overall expenses. For example, a one-way ticket from America to Japan can cost between $500 and $2,000.

On top of it, accommodation, attraction tickets, and dining costs follow in descending order. If you travel during Japan's peak seasons in spring and autumn, the trip cost may increase by 20-50% or even more. For more details, do check out: How Much Should You Spend on a Japan Trip .

Here's a sample breakdown of the estimated costs for a one-week trip and a two-week private family trip, which you can take as a reference when planning a trip to Japan.

It is about $400 to $650 per person per day (excluding airfare, and cheaper for children)

• A 8-day trip to Japan for 2 people: from US$ 3,899 each (2 people) and US$ 2,499 each (4 people).
• A 2-week trip for a family of four: from US$ 8,499 each (2 people) and US$ 5,199 each (4 people).

Start Planning Your Vacation with Asia Highlights: Travel Japan Like A Local

Contact us whether you want a budget, hassle-free or luxury trip in Japan. We can customize a trip based on your budgets and preferences, and deliver them within 24 hours.

Based in Asia, we have local guides and experienced professionals to plan a Japan trip, ensuring you a cost-effective and carefree trip.

There are numerous interconnected transportation options between Japanese cities. To avoid delays and travel efficiently, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the various transportation cards in advance.

JR Pass is a travel pass offered by Japan Railways. Once purchased, you can use it for a certain period (7, 14, or 21 days) to ride all JR transportation within a specified range.

Apart from the JR Whole Rail option, JR Pass is also available in regional versions, such as JR East, JR West, and JR Hokkaido, making it suitable for traveling across regions or to remote areas in Japan.

Suica Card or Pasmo

Issued by East Japan Railway Company, Suica is a very convenient transportation card that can be used for trains, subways, buses, and purchases at some stores.

There are two types: the regular one and the Welcome Suica card specifically for travelers. The latter is more recommended, but note that the Welcome Suica is valid for only 28 days, and any balance left on the card after this period cannot be refunded.

PASMO is another common transportation IC card in Japan, introduced by the PASMO Association. It comes in more types, but the PASMO PASSPORT is targeted at tourists. While there are slight differences between Suica and PASMO, their coverage areas are largely the same, allowing you to choose either one.

Update : the sales of physical Suica Card or Pasmo cards are temporarily suspended because of a global shortage of semiconductors and concerns about environmental protection. Fortunately, there are alternative options available.

You can install the Suica app or Pasmo app on your iPhone. Additionally, you might consider adding the digital card to Apple Wallet for convenience. This feature is available on iPhones running iOS 14 and later, or Apple Watches running watchOS 7.0 and later. However, Android users with phones not purchased in Japan may not be able to use the app. As an alternative, you may have to purchase tickets directly at the station.

ICOCA, rolled out by JR West, is a transportation card that can be used throughout a wide range of regions, including Kanto, Tokai, and Kansai. It is accepted on any subway and bus displaying the ICOCA logo.

Meanwhile, as one of Japan's three major transportation cards, ICOCA can be linked to Apple Wallet and used for everyday small payments at parking lots, convenience stores, supermarkets, and vending machines.

Note: Suica cards and ICOCA cannot be used across different regions. This means if you board in Tokyo or Osaka, you must also disembark within the same city.

Must-have Apps

After securing your transportation passes or cards, it's also important to install some must-have transportation apps and add them to your Japan trip plan. They can help you quickly find your way and get around.

Here are some commonly recommended ones.

• Google Maps: Accurate navigation, street view preview, and store reviews.
• NAVITIME: Provides information on Shinkansen, JR, subways, buses, and ferries, and can find transfer points and the fastest or least expensive routes.
• Japan Travel: An all-in-one travel assistant for transportation, dining, and sightseeing information.
• Suica: Allows online payment for fares and purchases, eliminating the need for a physical card.
• GO: An app for booking taxi rides, similar to Uber.

>> You May Also Need: Best Ways to Travel Around Japan As A Tourist

During the peak travel seasons, travelers from home and abroad can lead to high demand for hotel rooms and attractions. It is recommended to book flight, hotel, and attraction reservations before arriving.

Buy Plane Tickets at least 6 to 8 Weeks in Advance

Many airlines, including major carriers like Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, as well as budget airlines like ZIPAIR Tokyo and Peach Aviation, offer direct flight booking services on their websites.

Therefore, it is wise to search for flight information online and book in advance, at least 2 months ahead . This is usually cheaper than last-minute bookings. Also, travel agencies and some travel apps can make reservations.

Reserve Hotels at least 2 to 3 Months in Advance

Japan is small but a popular travel destination, so hotel booking can be more challenging than flights. And hotel reservations are influenced by the travel season. 2 to 3 months in advance is a middle-ground choice. For peak seasons, it's advisable to do that 1 to 2 months earlier than this.

Notably, the number of travelers and accommodation policies can limit your options. If you have trouble finding suitable rooms on international sites like Booking or Expedia, consider using Japanese sites like Jalan or Rakuten Travel for traditional inns or ryokans, which offer a more authentic cultural experience.

Asia Highlights: Take Care of Everything for Hassle-free Trips

If you find this overwhelming, feel free to contact us . We have experienced professionals specializing in planning Japan trips and booking all varieties of Japan trips. You can count on our reliability and thoughtful service during the whole trip.

Book Attractions 1 to 2 Months in Advance

Shrines, parks, and bustling shopping districts in Japan are generally open to the public for free.

However, popular attractions like Tokyo Disneyland , Universal Studios Osaka, Shibuya SKY, the Ghibli Museum , and Tokyo Skytree require reservations to manage crowd control. Relevant information can be found on their official websites.

For off-seasons, booking one to two months in advance is usually sufficient, but it's suggested to book as early as possible if you plan a trip to Japan from June to August.

As noted, transportation apps make catching rides easier. Additionally, it's also a good idea to install some apps to help you organize your trip.

• Tabelog: A restaurant app with over 800,000 listings where you can make reservations and read reviews. Gurunavi can be used as an alternative.
• tenki.jp: A useful weather app that provides alerts for typhoons, earthquakes, and other emergencies.
• Payke: A shopping assistant allows you to scan barcodes in stores to get information on prices, brands, and manufacturers.
• Google Translate: A well-known translation tool that helps reduce communication barriers while traveling.
• JNTO: An official Japan Travel app, offering a comprehensive range of services including travel planning, transportation, and hotel bookings.

When planning a trip to Japan, it's important to follow local customs and rules to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Here are some suggestions.

Prepare A Tourist Visa

Since Japan is a tourist destination, the corresponding travel visa must be properly processed and returned on the specified date. No overstay or non-travel-related activities are allowed.

For countries such as the United States, Australia, and Argentina, although there is a visa exemption, you still need to follow the relevant regulations and carry your passport for identification.

Cash and Credit Cards

It is advisable to exchange yen before traveling. Many banks offer foreign currency exchange services with transparent fees and exchange rates.

Another reason is that while many Japanese supermarkets and restaurants accept credit cards, cash is still more convenient for small shops, remote areas, or quick payments.

A good starting point might be 10,000-20,000 yen per day . It is important to note that tipping is not customary in Japan. If you prefer to use a credit card, ensure it has sufficient credit and is enabled for international transactions.

Get a SIM, eSIM, or Pocket Wifi

You can purchase a SIM card at the airport's sales counters after you land. If you miss this option, telecommunications companies, convenience stores, and electronics stores are also alternatives.

Additionally, some online platforms like Klook and GetYourGuide allow you to book a SIM card before your trip, with options to pick it up at the airport or deliver it to your home.

If your phone supports eSIM, activating the service directly is also a good option.

Pocket WiFi is another choice, beneficial for traveling in rural areas of Japan.

Packing List

Here are some essential items to consider packing for your trip to Japan:

• Comfortable Clothing: Pack clothes suitable for the season you'll be traveling in.
• Universal Adapter: Charge your devices in case the Japanese plugs differ from those in your country.
• Phone and Charger: Ensure your phone battery is enough for payments and communication.
• Walking Shoes: Travel requires walking, so supportive shoes are important.
• Toiletries: Pack your usual toiletries if you don't get used to those provided by the hotel.
• Medications: Bring any necessary medications, along with a doctor's prescription if needed.
• Umbrella or Rain Jacket: Avoid getting caught in the rain to ensure your trip proceeds smoothly.

Learn Japanese Phrases & Respect Local Culture

Dressing appropriately and avoiding loud behavior should be a priority, especially in public places or when visiting shrines. It is also important to queue up in an orderly manner when there are many people, as this is not only polite but also for safety reasons.

Additionally, you can learn some basic Japanese greetings and thank-yous to make it easier to get help from locals. If possible, bow to others after asking them something, as this is a way of showing respect.

Finally, do respect local customs, such as removing your shoes before entering traditional Japanese homes and accepting items with both hands.

Overall, planning a trip to Japan is a comprehensive process. Destination, length of stay, time to go, budget, local transportation, accommodation, and more all need to be taken into account.

However, even if you are the most meticulous planner, you may make mistakes due to unfamiliarity with Japan. So why not reach out to Asia Highlights for assistance? Professional customization and services are at your disposal.

Travel Japan Like A Local: Start Planning Your Vacation with Asia Highlights

Asia Highlights, a travel agency based in Asia, aims to provide hassle-free and relaxing trips for travelers. With a deep understanding of Japanese culture and years of experience in organizing trips to Japan, we design various travel plans for different visitors.

We also support tailor-made travel plans based on your budgets and needs and deliver them within 24 hours. Contact us if you need more travel information about Japan.

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Boutique Japan

Japan Travel Tips: Expert Advice for an Amazing Trip

Thanks to years of planning Japan trips for our clients (and ourselves ), we’ve amassed a wealth of invaluable experience and essential travel tips.

Whether you’re visiting Japan for the first time, or planning a return visit, these Japan travel tips will help you prepare for your trip and get the most out of your time in the country.

This is a long article, featuring 39 of our best pieces of Japan travel advice. If you have the time and interest, we hope you’ll read all the way through. Or, refer to the table of contents below and skip ahead to the section most relevant to you!

Japan Travel Tips: Table of Contents

Planning your trip to japan, pre-departure: preparing for your visit to japan, you’ve arrived: tips for your time in japan, japanese etiquette tips.

• Eating and Drinking in Japan

We hope our tips help you in planning your Japan adventure!

First things first: if you’re in the early planning stages, this section will help you decide when to visit, where to go, and what to do during your Japan adventure!

1. Decide When to Visit to Japan

Japan is truly a year-round destination. Each season brings its own highlights, from cherry blossoms in spring and festivals in summer, to the stunning foliage of autumn and epic skiing in winter. Any time you visit, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.

The best time of year to visit Japan depends on your preferences for weather and crowds, and which experiences you most desire.

The dramatic differences between seasons require that you plan and pack appropriately for the weather – whether you’re hitting the beaches or the ski slopes! Bear in mind that the temperature can vary significantly depending on which part of the country you visit, so be sure to check the forecast for your specific destinations.

2. Where to Go: Japan’s Best Destinations

Japan has a remarkable number of destinations to choose from and an equally impressive number of things to do in each one.

To get the most out of your trip, we recommend sorting out your itinerary well in advance. Things like accommodation and event tickets often sell out quickly – especially during peak travel seasons – so planning ahead means avoiding disappointment.

If you’re after some inspiration, check out our sample itinerary for two weeks in Japan , and the rest of our unique and immersive sample Japan itineraries .

3. Unique Japanese Experiences

Visiting Japan is an opportunity to enjoy some truly unique and memorable experiences. There are, of course, far too many to fit into a single trip.

You’ll find inspiration in some of our top recommended experiences below. For even more ideas, see our article on 25 Japan experiences to add to your bucket list .

4. Venture Outside the Big Cities

When you think of Japan, the first places you think of are probably the big-name cities of Tokyo , Kyoto , and Osaka . These are amazing places to visit, but by no means everything the country has to offer.

To gain a deeper understanding of Japan, try exploring some of the more off-the-beaten-path destinations – especially if this is not your first trip. Head north to the wilds of Hokkaido, visit the peaceful villages of Shikoku, or explore some of Okinawa’s achingly beautiful islands. Not only will you escape the crowds, but you’ll also get a glimpse of some of the most authentic and memorable parts of Japanese culture.

5. Spend a Night in a Ryokan

A ryokan is a traditional, Japanese-style inn, and we highly recommend staying a night or two in one during your trip. Ryokan are very different from regular hotels, and a quintessential part of the Japanese experience.

The majority are located in the countryside, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind, rejuvenate, and enjoy the very best of Japanese hospitality. Complete with minimalist tatami mat rooms, yukata robes, kaiseki meals, onsen baths, and futon bedding, you’re guaranteed to find it an experience like no other!

To get a more detailed picture, take a virtual tour of a ryokan .

6. Discover True Relaxation at an Onsen

Japanese onsen (hot springs) resorts provide the ultimate in luxury and relaxation. Whether you choose a historic indoor bath or a remote outdoor location surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery, they are a sublime, authentic cultural experience that you won’t encounter anywhere else.

We have even more info about the onsen experience in the virtual ryokan tour mentioned above, but here are a few etiquette tips to keep in mind:

• Wash yourself thoroughly before entering the onsen itself, to keep the water sparkly clean.
• Keep towels, toiletries, and clothing (everything but yourself!) out of the water.
• Don’t stay in hot water too long if you’re not used to it – and be careful getting out. The high temperatures can make you feel lightheaded.
• If you’re nervous about being naked in front of other people, consider renting a private onsen instead. Many high-end ryokan provide private baths attached to the rooms, and others offer hourly rentals.

7. Stay in a Buddhist Temple

For even more of an escape from everyday life, a spiritual retreat at a Buddhist temple is just the ticket.

Visitors can get a taste of Buddhist life by staying at a shukubo (temple lodging), where you can take part in early morning prayers, meditation classes, and traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. Some stays will also give you the option to help out with work around the temple as a form of active meditation.

One of the best places to experience temple life is on the mystical Mount Koya . Home to over 100 Buddhist temples and the otherworldly Okunoin Cemetery, it’s one of the most sacred destinations in Japan and the ideal location to immerse yourself in Zen.

8. Attend a Matsuri (Festival)

Japan’s matsuri (festivals) are nothing short of spectacular. Rich in tradition and bursting with color and energy, they showcase the country at its most dynamic and lively.

Attending a festival during your trip will be an unforgettable experience: a chance to try authentic and seasonal street food, witness unique traditions, and immerse yourself in an important part of Japanese life.

Festivals take place throughout the year all across the country, so regardless of your travel dates and itinerary, you should be able to find at least one to attend. Our list of Japan’s best festivals is a great place to start.

9. Cheer at a Ball Game or Sumo Tournament

To get an insight into a very different side of Japanese culture, consider attending a sporting event such as baseball or sumo – even if you’re not a sports fan.

Sumo tournaments are all-day events steeped in ancient tradition — and they take place just six times a year. If you can’t make it to a tournament, there’s also the option to go to a sumo exhibition or morning practice. All the details you need are in our guide to sumo in Japan .

Baseball is an altogether more modern affair. A Japanese take on an American classic, the games are lively but very friendly, with enthusiastic fans singing and cheering in unison virtually non-stop from beginning to end. Players often have personal fight songs, and each team has unique celebrations involving props such as balloons and mini umbrellas.

Games happen several days a week during the season, and tickets can be purchased online, at the stadium, or from convenience stores.

10. Take a Walk in the Woods

It may come as a bit of a surprise, but Japan is roughly 68% forested and 73% mountainous – making it very easy to escape the noise and lights of the city to spend quality time in nature. So grab your hiking shoes and a bento box lunch, and get out there!

Japanese culture emphasizes harmony with and appreciation for the natural world, and hiking is a popular pastime for people of all ages. In pretty much any city, you’ll find easily accessible and scenic trails to explore. From challenging mountain peaks – including the iconic Fuji-san – to stunning riverside walks, there’s something to suit all abilities and preferences. Plus it’s a great way to burn off the calories from all the delicious food you’ll be eating!

Next up, it’s time to prepare for your trip! Here are a few key things to think about before you leave home, from necessities like passports and currency, to packing advice and more.

11. Check Passports and Visas

A crucial part of any overseas travel!

Your passport should have at least six months’ validity from the end date of your visit, and two to four blank visa pages are recommended.

When it comes to visas, you might not need one – citizens of these countries can enter Japan without a tourist visa, usually for 90 days. Always check with the Japanese Embassy for the most up-to-date information before you travel.

We also recommend getting comprehensive travel insurance for your trip, to plan for the unexpected.

12. Learn Some Key Japanese Phrases 

First of all – don’t panic! It’s entirely possible to travel around Japan without knowing the language. Most Japanese people speak a little bit of English, and you’ll find plenty of English-language signage in big cities and popular tourist locations.

Having said that, learning a few Japanese phrases can significantly enhance your overall travel experience in Japan. It’s a rich and fascinating language, and Japanese people really appreciate tourists making an effort to learn it – even if only the most basic of phrases!

Download the Boutique Japan Tiny Phrasebook to get started with some carefully-selected words and phrases.

13. Decide Whether to Buy a Japan Rail Pass

The Japan Rail Pass is a discounted train pass offered exclusively to tourists. It gives you unlimited travel on most JR trains – including the shinkansen (bullet train) – for periods of 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days.

It sounds like a great deal, and if you’re making multiple long-distance journeys it may save you money on travel. However, depending on your itinerary and preferences, it might not be the best option. Our short guide to the Japan Rail Pass can help you decide.

14. Travel with Plenty of Yen

Despite its hi-tech reputation, Japan is a very cash-oriented society – so bring plenty with you!

Many bars, markets, small shops, and local restaurants only accept payment in cash, particularly in rural areas. You will probably need to carry more hard currency than you’re used to. Luckily, Japan is very safe, so you can feel comfortable doing so.

Ideally, you should purchase yen in your home country, but you can also exchange money in Japan at the airport, and at currency exchanges in any big city. Alternatively, more and more ATMs are starting to accept international cards – especially those in convenience stores. Before you go, get the complete lowdown on cash, cards, and ATMs in Japan .

Don’t forget to let your bank and credit/debit card provider know that you’ll be abroad to help ensure you can use your cards while you’re away. If you’re not sure exactly how much yen to bring, check out our article: Is Japan expensive ?

15. Pack Light

Navigating Japan is much easier when you only have a small, easily portable bag or suitcase to contend with, particularly if you’re visiting a number of different destinations.

Can’t pack light? Skip ahead to the Luggage Forwarding section below .

Most trains have only a small amount of space for luggage, and even on the shinkansen there is no guarantee that you’ll find a space for a massive suitcase. Besides, stations are often crowded, making it awkward to navigate with large bags. You may even find yourself dragging bags up and down stairs if you can’t find an elevator or escalator.

If possible, limit yourself to a backpack and a small rolling suitcase – and remember to save room for souvenirs, because Japan is truly a shopper’s paradise!

16. Remember the Essentials!

We’ve already mentioned passports, yen, and weather-appropriate clothing, but there are a few more essentials you don’t want to forget:

• A small towel and some hand sanitizer: Some public bathrooms in Japan don’t have soap, hand towels, or dryers.
• Travel adaptors: Most of Japan’s electrical outlets are 2-pronged “Type A” (100 Volt, 50-60 Hz), so if your devices have a different style of plug, make sure you bring an appropriate adaptor.
• Small gifts from home: These are wonderful for giving to guides and other people you meet during your travels in Japan. Local specialties are ideal!

Check out our complete guide to packing for Japan for more advice on what to bring and what to leave at home.

17. Rent Pocket Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is not as readily available in Japan as you might expect, so we strongly recommend getting a pocket Wi-Fi device for the duration of your stay. Pocket Wi-Fi is a small, mobile hotspot that allows you to connect to the internet from your laptop, tablet, or smartphone pretty much anywhere in the country.

It’s best to order one well in advance, and either collect it at the airport or have it sent to your first hotel. Most companies will also give you the option to rent a Japanese mobile phone or SIM card for your existing phone (if it’s unlocked), which can save you from paying exorbitant prices if you need to make local calls.

For more information and recommended providers, take a look at our Wi-Fi and Mobile in Japan page.

18. Download Some Useful Apps

If you’re opting for Pocket Wi-Fi, you may as well use it to make your trip go smoothly!

Numerous apps can be helpful during your time in Japan, but here are a few to get you started:

• Google Translate : It won’t always give you perfect translations, but it’s useful when trying to negotiate the language barrier.
• Japanese-English dictionary apps: There are plenty to choose from, including Imiwa? and Japanese . A dictionary app can be useful for looking up individual words quickly.
• Hyperdia : This app (and the associated website) enable you to search Japanese train routes and timetables across the country in English. Combined with specific transportation apps for the cities you’re visiting (like a Tokyo subway app), you’ll have no trouble getting around.
• Google Maps : This is invaluable for navigating your way through Japan’s sometimes labyrinthine streets. The general lack of road names can make finding restaurants and bars by address difficult, whereas Google Maps will lead you straight to the door.

Now that you’re all prepared, here are some things to keep in mind once you arrive in Japan. A mix of travel hacks and insider advice, they’ll help ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible:

19. Get an IC Card

If there’s one thing that will add convenience to your time in Japan, this is it.

IC cards are rechargeable credit-card-sized passes that can be used to pay fares on various public transport networks with a single tap (like London’s Oyster card and New York City’s MetroCard). With one of these, you won’t have to worry about which ticket to buy or how much the fare will be — just tap and go.

Be aware that you will need to purchase paper tickets for the shinkansen and limited express/special express trains. For more information, here’s a dedicated article on train travel in Japan .

What’s great about Japan’s IC cards is that they can be used in other cities, besides the one where you purchased it. For example, Tokyo’s PASMO card can also be used in Kyoto. Plus you can use them to pay for drinks and snacks at most convenience stores and vending machines – it doesn’t get much more convenient!

20. Forward or Store Your Luggage

If you haven’t managed to pack light – or if you’ve purchased many souvenirs – you might find traveling around Japan with a large suitcase a bit awkward.

Luckily, Japan has an answer to your problem: ship your bags separately with the wonderful takuhaibin luggage forwarding service . This overnight service (longer if you’re shipping to airports or far-flung destinations like Okinawa and Hokkaido where ferry travel is involved) will have your bags ready and waiting for you when you arrive. Your hotel or ryokan will be happy to make arrangements for you.

Alternatively, if you only need somewhere to store your bags for a few hours, you can make use of Japan’s numerous coin lockers. Commonly found at train stations and shopping malls, coin lockers are safe, affordable, and convenient places to leave your bags during a day of sightseeing.

21. Take Advantage of Conbini (Convenience Stores)

Japan’s legendary convenience stores – known locally as conbini – make life for travelers and locals really, well, convenient!

In conbini , you can find ATMs to withdraw cash using your overseas credit or debit card, and arrange luggage forwarding if you’re staying somewhere like an AirBnB rather than a hotel. They offer a surprising array of food, drinks, and snacks, including reasonably priced coffee. On top of this, they sell a fantastic range of travel goods and toiletries in case you forget something.

You can also buy tickets for events like baseball games, and attractions such as Universal Studios Japan in conbini . You can even pay for domestic flights and bus tickets, although not always in English.

The best bit – there’s one on pretty much every corner.

22. Take Your Litter Home

For such a clean country, Japan has surprisingly few rubbish bins.

You’ll find them in places like convenience stores and train stations, but there are hardly any on the street. Apart from sometimes next to vending machines or in public areas like parks, you won’t see many places to dispose of trash. You may find yourself holding on to your litter for much longer than you expect – perhaps even until you get back to your hotel.

You can prepare for this by bringing a plastic bag or reusable tote with you to store rubbish while you’re out and about. It’s a small tip, but can make all the difference when you’ve got a handful of litter and nowhere to put it!

Incidentally, more and more Japanese supermarkets are starting to charge a couple of yen for grocery bags, so bringing your own can save you some cash – and the environment.

23. Avoid Crowds by Timing Your Sightseeing Right

It’s no secret that many of Japan’s top sightseeing spots can get pretty crowded. Kyoto , in particular, is known for attracting huge numbers of tourists to its most famous locations, including the stunning Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Kinkaku-ji.

To avoid the worst of the crowds, consider timing your visit to coincide with quieter times of day, namely early morning or late evening. The sights are just as stunning, but you’ll have to share them with far fewer people. Perfect!

Japanese people don’t expect travelers to know all of their customs inside out — don’t sweat it too much. As long as you’re respectful, you’ll be forgiven for making an etiquette mistake or two! However, a little effort goes a long way, so here are some Japanese etiquette pointers .

24. Think Before You Tip

Tipping is pretty much unheard of in Japan, despite the phenomenal level of customer service. In fact, if you try to leave a tip, it will almost definitely be turned down – making for a potentially awkward moment.

If you want to show your appreciation to someone like a private guide or interpreter, one alternative is to bring a small gift from your home country. If you feel strongly about offering a monetary tip, be sure to do so in a manner that matches Japan’s tipping etiquette to avoid causing embarrassment or appearing crass.

25. Take Off Your Shoes

Before entering homes, ryokan , certain temples, traditional restaurants, and any area with tatami matting, you will need to take off your shoes. It’s advisable to wear shoes that slip on and off easily because you’ll be doing this a lot!

Some places provide indoor slippers for you to wear, but this won’t always be the case. For instance, on tatami it’s generally best to wear socks in order to protect the matting. As such, it’s a good idea to wear decent, hole-free socks – or bring a pair with you if you’re not wearing any.

Generally speaking, it will be obvious when you need to remove your shoes: look for indicators like a lower entrance hall, tatami flooring, slippers laid out on the floor, and shoe storage shelves. If in doubt, just ask.

26. Watch Out For Bathroom Slippers

During your travels in Japan, you may notice that certain places, like homes and ryokan, have slippers exclusively for use in the bathroom.

When you enter the bathroom, leave your regular slippers outside the door and switch to the bathroom slippers. These should only be worn in the bathroom, so don’t forget to change back when you leave. This common faux pas might result in you being greeted by (friendly) laughter from the locals!

27. Familiarize Yourself with the Toilet Buttons!

Speaking of bathrooms, Japan is well known for its fancy toilets, which have an array of buttons to control various features. These functions can include small and large flushes, a bidet, a dryer, and an automatic lid opener.

Sometimes the controls are labeled in English as well as Japanese, but more often than not, you’ll be left to decipher the pictures and kanji characters yourself. The icons should be reasonably self-explanatory, but if you’re feeling nervous about it, you can search for a sample image online.

28. Taxi Doors

Japan is famous for technology and efficiency, so it should come as no surprise that taxi doors open automatically.

When you hail a taxi, the driver will pull up, and the rear door will automatically open for you to get in. Once inside, it will close again automatically behind you.

It’s just a tiny thing to be aware of, but one that might save you a bit of a surprise!

29. To Bow or Not to Bow

Bowing is one of the most commonly seen Japanese customs, and it’s used in a wide variety of situations, including greeting people, thanking someone, and apologizing. As a general rule of thumb, the deeper the bow, the more respectful it is.

Don’t worry if you feel uncomfortable at first. Most Japanese people know that bowing is uncommon in the west, and they won’t be scrutinizing your efforts! If you’d prefer to shake hands instead, that will most likely be fine too.

30. Smoking in Japan

If you’re a smoker, you’ll probably find that Japan is more lenient than your home country when it comes to cigarettes. Many traditional restaurants and bars still permit smoking inside. Train stations and other public areas often have an indoor smoking room where you can go to light up. Be careful on the street though, as smoking is usually not permitted on busy sidewalks – instead, you’ll need to look for a designated smoking area.

If you’re a non-smoker, you may well find the situation in Japan a little frustrating. However, an increasing number of bars and restaurants are thankfully choosing to make their premises smoke-free. A quick check of their website or signs in the window should help you find non-smoking establishments.

31. Cover Your Tattoos

In Japan, there is still an association between tattoos and organized crime. As a foreigner, you’re unlikely to be mistaken for a member of the yakuza. However, you might need to cover up your tattoos if you want to use public facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, and onsen (hot spring baths).

If your tattoos are too big or awkward to cover, don’t worry. You can always use a private onsen or search online for a tattoo-friendly one. These are becoming more common nowadays, particularly among establishments looking to cater to overseas visitors.

32. Be Respectful on Public Transport

Japanese society is known for its emphasis on politeness, and one of the places this is most apparent is the train network. Conductors bow to you, carriages are spotlessly clean, and departures are so punctual you can set your watch by them.

Keep these simple pointers in mind, and you’ll fit right in:

• Don’t talk on your phone on public transport. If you need to make or answer a call on the train, you can do so in the small compartments between carriages.
• Queue in the designated areas. On the train platform, you will usually see painted lines, numbers, and symbols on the ground indicating where to wait. And of course, let people off the train before trying to board.
• Enjoy it! Take photos out the window, recline your seat on the shinkansen , grab a delicious bento box lunch from the station or beverage cart. Trains are a great place to relax as you glide seamlessly to your next destination.

33. Use the Money Tray

In Japan, money is rarely passed directly from hand to hand.

When you’re purchasing something in a shop, restaurant, or bar, you’ll often notice a small tray next to the cash register. It might be on the counter or attached to the cash register itself. You should place your money or credit/debit card in the tray, instead of handing it to the cashier.

The cashier will usually place your change in the money tray after completing the transaction. The same system operates when paying for services in places like hotels, cinemas, and onsen.

Another common practice for exchanging money is to place cash in an envelope, rather than passing it openly, and using both hands to pass it.

Japan Travel Tips: Eating and drinking

Japan really is a foodie’s paradise. From Michelin-standard delights to authentic local cuisine, it more than deserves its reputation as a top culinary mecca. Here are some tips to ensure you make the most of Japan’s edible delights during your trip:

34. Try All the Food!

This may seem like a bit of an obvious point, but it’s still one travel tip worth making.

For a truly high-end experience, you’ll want to splurge on a multi-course, seasonal kaiseki meal – or the vegan/vegetarian version known as shojin ryori . To sample an eclectic variety of Japanese food in one place, head to an izakaya . These casual Japanese-style gastropubs are a must-visit, and one of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in local culture.

From well-known classics such as sushi and ramen to lesser-known but no less delicious dishes like soba and karaage there is a wealth of mouthwatering Japanese foods to try .

On top of this, there are countless local specialties to enjoy as you visit different cities. So if your itinerary includes several destinations, be sure to investigate! To get you started, check out our recommendations for must-eat foods in Kyoto , foods in Osaka , and foods in Fukuoka .

35. Brush Up on Your Chopstick Etiquette

Even if you consider yourself an expert with chopsticks, you might not be aware of some etiquette to keep in mind while using them:

A must for all the food you’re going to be trying!

• Never point your chopsticks at another person, wave them in the air, or spear food with them.
• Don’t stick your chopsticks into a bowl of rice, or pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks, as this is reminiscent of funeral rites.
• When serving yourself from a communal dish, use the opposite end of your chopsticks (not the end you put in your mouth) to serve yourself.

If you can’t use chopsticks don’t worry – you can always ask for a knife and fork.

36. Plan Ahead if You Have Dietary Requirements

Contrary to popular belief, traveling through Japan with special dietary requirements is definitely possible – if you plan ahead.

It is, unfortunately, true that dietary restrictions are not as well understood in Japan as in some other countries, and they cannot always be accommodated. However, following this advice will make your life much easier:

• To prevent misunderstandings, convey what you can and can’t eat specifically (rather than just stating that you are vegan or gluten-free, for example).
• Give plenty of advance notice when asking a restaurant or ryokan to alter their menu, as it will take time and preparation.
• ‘I’m allergic to ___.’
• ‘I can’t eat ___.’
• ‘Does this contain ___?’
• Research, research, research! The internet is a goldmine of information and advice for travelers with dietary requirements in Japan . There is an ever-increasing number of websites about being vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free/etc. in Japan, which can be absolute life-savers.

37. Go Sake Tasting

No list of Japan travel tips would be complete without a little sake!

If you’re not an expert, the best way to gain an appreciation for sake is quite simply to drink it. If you’re unsure of where to start, try a sake tasting experience or go on a brewery tour for a crash course. Another option is to ask the bar or restaurant staff for their recommendations.

One thing to bear in mind is that in Japanese, the word ‘sake’ refers to all alcoholic drinks in general. Use the word ‘nihonshu’ when you order, and you’re sure to impress! If you’re drinking with a group, always fill up other people’s glasses, not your own – and they’ll do the same for you.

For a longer primer on Japan’s national tipple, take a look at our Sake 101 guide. For something a little different, consider branching out into shochu .

Incidentally, while Japan might be best known for sake, it also has an internationally-acclaimed whisky industry . There are several Japanese whisky distilleries across the country that you can visit for a glimpse behind the scenes and a tasting, as well as a plethora of specialty whisky bars.

38. Attend a Tea Ceremony

Japan is home to one of the world’s most venerable tea cultures, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the traditional tea ceremony.

Participating in tea ceremonies is a wonderfully Japanese experience. Conducted using matcha – a high-quality, finely ground powder made from shade-grown green tea plants – it is not simply a way to learn more about preparing and serving tea. The ceremony is also a chance to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy authentic Japanese hospitality.

You won’t be expected to know the etiquette of the tea ceremony – after all, that’s part of what you’re there to learn! Just remember to wear nice socks and comfortable clothes, as you’ll likely be in a tatami room and therefore have to remove your shoes and sit on the floor.

39. Don’t Restrict Yourself to Just Matcha!

Matcha might be the most famous, but it’s certainly not the only tea in Japan that you can explore.

If you’re a tea lover, be sure to take the opportunity to try all the varieties of tea on offer. From grassy sencha and top quality gyokuro , to roasted hojicha and brown rice-laden genmaicha , Japan has a tea for every taste and occasion. Besides tea ceremonies, you can visit tea houses for tastings, and even tea plantations for tours.

Tea leaves also make an ideal souvenir, enabling you to bring a taste of Japan back home with you.

Not a fan of tea? Japan also has a booming specialty coffee scene , so be sure to check it out if a cup of joe is more your style.

Looking for More Authentic Japanese Experiences?

Hopefully, these Japan travel tips have helped you in planning and preparing for your trip.

Whether you usually plan your own trips, or normally work with a destination expert, planning a trip to Japan can seem overwhelming at times.

At Boutique Japan, our specialty is crafting completely customized trips for travelers seeking unique, authentic experiences.

If you are interested in learning more about working with us, please feel free to explore our trip planning process .

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The perfect 14 days Japan itinerary

Everything you need to plan your perfect vacation in Japan. This 14 days Japan itinerary will show you what to see, where to go and where to stay.

So, you are currently trying to figure out a Japan itinerary, eh? The land of the rising sun is an incredibly diverse country , and fitting all the top tourist attractions into one big travel plan is sometimes a bit daunting (read my list of the 20 best things to do in Japan for an overview).

For some it feels almost overwhelming – how can you possible press all those amazing landmarks into only 14 days in Japan?

Well, I’ve been to Japan many times, I do speak the language, I even studied Japan science . That’s why I felt it’s about time to provide you with a little sample Japan itinerary, you will be able to adjust according to your needs.

But before I start, let me tell you one thing: The biggest mistake you can do, is trying to visit too many places in too short a time . I’m serious. It’s easy to spend 14 days in Kyoto alone, WITHOUT getting bored at all. So, by moving around too much, you are not going to see more, but less.

Above all, do keep that in mind and don’t travel with two big trunks. If you need help packing, do check out my Japan packing list . But let’s start out with my 14 days Japan itinerary, shall well?

Note: I earn a small commission for purchases made through links in this article.

Preface to this Japan itinerary

Japan has an incredible public transport system . It’s easy to get around.  As you will be moving quite a lot from city to city, I recommend you to get a 14 day Japan Rail Pass. With it, you can ride unlimited on all Japan rail trains.

Note: On some itineraries, it’s cheaper to buy single fare tickets. You really have to calculate it through before you go. Hyperdia will help you do so (and come in handy to check train schedules throughout your trip)

That being said, just because it’s so easy to get around doesn’t mean you should be seeing a new city every day. I also recommend not changing accommodation a lot . As it only takes 40 minutes from Kyoto to Osaka or to Nara, it’s way better to explore these towns on a day trip. It avoids wasting time on check-ins. It’s also the smoother process, as most hotels want you to check-out at 10:00 am, but you cannot check-in before 3:00 pm.

Almost all stations offer huge lockers , so leaving your luggage at a train station is an option anyway. I guess you gotta figure out what suits you and your traveling style best.

Still, I’ve seen those Japan itineraries where you basically change accommodation every day. And I am telling you: There is no reason whatsoever, except you are a masochist.

The ideal 14-days Japan itinerary:

• Day 1-4: Tokyo (+ day trip to Kamakura)
• Day 5-9: Kyoto (+ day trip to Osaka + Nara)
• Day 10-11: Takayama + Shirakawago
• Day 12-13: Miyajima + Himeji
• Day 14: Departure from Tokyo (or wherever you like)

As you can see, I propose to stay in 4 places and see the rest through day trips. I found this to be the superior option, rather than spending your trip in Japan unpacking and packing. Let’s get into the details:

Day 1: Tokyo

Your international flight is most likely to arrive in Tokyo, so that’s why you’ll start your Japan itinerary in the capital city . There are flights to Kyoto, Osaka, etc as well, but I feel it’s best to start out North and then go all the way down South (or vice versa).

I recommend picking a hotel near one of the central stations . So, Chiyoda, Ginza or Shinjuku are perfect. Why? It will save you time on the subway, and make your day trip options more feasible.

You will probably get some jet lag, and it usually takes some time to get to your hotel. That’s why I got no plans for you on your first day in Tokyo .

Instead, you can head out to the Ginza district in the evening, admire the glittering lights and find something to eat (in the back alleys).

If you arrive early you got plenty of options. Just check out my guide to the 20 best things to do in Tokyo . Or how about watching a Kabuki performance in the evening (though you would probably have to buy the tickets online )?

Note: If you want to see the Imperial Palace ( read my guide ) or a sumo match ( read my guide ), then you will have to arrange for tickets quite sometime before. It’s usually not possible to do this once you arrived.

Where to stay in Tokyo: Luxury: The Peninsula , Four Seasons Marunouchi , Aman Tokyo Midprice: Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi , Karaksa hotel Budget: Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado Shinjuku,

Day 2: Tokyo

Start your second day in Harajuku . This is where Japan gets really crazy and it’s a perfect place to go shopping for some Japan craziness! Takeshita Street used to be the place where all the kawaii cosplayers and manga-girls used to hang out, but that was more a thing of the past decade.

(Note: In Harajuku, you will also find the exceptional Ukyo-e Museum )

Once you are finished shopping, you can cross over to Meiji Jingu – the largest and most important shrine in the city. It is a popular spot, but I want to be honest with you: You’ll see many more spectacular shrines throughout your visit to Japan, so it is skippable.

End your day (preferably for sunset) at Roppongi Hills for the best view in Tokyo. Read everything about getting to the top of the Mori Towers here .

Note: This day is not very filled with tourist attractions, as Tokyo is all about crazy shops, cafés, and restaurants . You really should distance yourself from the idea that there are thousands of landmarks you need to see.

Day 3: Daytrip to Nikko, Kamakura or Hakone

There are quite a lot of day trip options from Tokyo, and it’s impossible to fit them all into one itinerary. Here, I give you the choice:

Version A: Day trip to Kamakura

Kamakura is a lovely little seaside town only 50 kilometers away from central Tokyo. It was once the seat of the Shoguns who ruled Japan in all but name. Here, you get the chance to see the great Buddha of Kamakura and quite a lot of other temples. And of course, some beautiful coastline.

I wrote a detailed Kamakura guide here , so I’ll leave you reading it at your own leisure. If you want to know about the best way to get there, read this guide .

Version b: Day trip to Nikko

Nikko is quite a bit to the North of Tokyo. It’s an incredibly famous UNESCO World Heritage site , with the most colorful and intricate shrines and temples in Japan. There is also quite a beautiful waterfall and one of the most scenic places to observe the autumn foliage in Japan.

It takes a bit over 2 hours to get there, however, so you will have to start your day quite early. I know, many people do this day trip, but it’s going to be a long day . You might consider staying a night. (In this case, you’d have to do the trip either on your first day in Japan or between visiting Tokyo and Kyoto). Read my Nikko travel guide here .

Version c: Day trip to Hakone

Hakone is, by common acclaim, the best place to see the Fujiyama . There is a beautiful lake and this is certainly the most scenic daytrip option for you. In theory, you could visit Hakone on your way to Kyoto as well, and leave your luggage at the station (or even stay a night).

Personally, I know the day trip to Hakone is popular, but other than shooting a couple of post-card pictures, it was a bit of a let-down for me . But to be sure, if you want to see Mount Fuji, then this is what you will have to do.

You’ll find a list of the best day trips from Tokyo here .

Day 4: Tokyo

Assuming you secured tickets to visit the Imperial Palace , you should start your day here. Even if you don’t get tickets, you really should head there, as the Palace and the surrounding moat is quite a show – especially considering as there is just so much wide open space, which you won’t find anywhere else in Tokyo.

From here, you will have to move onwards to the district of Asakusa, where you will find the amazing Senso-ji – the most beautiful temple in the city. From here, Tokyo Tower , one of the highest buildings in the world, isn’t very far. So, you might want to check that out!

Or you enjoy a walk through the famous Ueno Park , visit the Zoo or one of the many Museums (like the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museums) within. From here, you could enter the tech district of Akihabara where some crazy shops and arcades are located.

You could also go luxury (window) shopping in the Ginza district, and then move onwards to the amazing Hamarikyu Gardens . You could also do the tour the other way round and start your day at the Toyosu Market, where you can see the famous Tuna auction in the very early morning.

Note: The Tsukiji fish market moved. The outer market is still there, and you can grab some nice sushi there!

Day 5: Kyoto

Kyoto is one of my favorite cities in the world. You will be staying 5 nights here , but you could easily extend this stay to 7 days or more. There is just so much to see and do in Kyoto , and it’s also quite a good city for shopping.

I recommend you to stay in a traditional Ryokan in Kyoto , as this is the best and deepest way to experience the truly ancient local culture. Read about my favorite Ryokan in Kyoto here .

After you settled in, it’s time to start exploring Japan’s old capital. And what better place to do so than on the Nishiki market . Here, you can grab a lovely street food lunch and even buy a souvenir or two!

After that, you should head out to the ground of the Imperial Palace . You will be able to get your tickets for the Katsura Imperial Villa and the Imperial Palace here. You can also do so online , but only a limited amount is available there. (Note: Obviously you don’t have to get the tickets if you don’t plan to visit *smirk*, but both are very worth it. Be aware the agency is closed on Mondays)

In the evening, it’s time to head to the old castle. Kyoto Castle ( Nijojo ) is quite central, which is the reason it is an ideal attraction for your first day. The sprawling estate with its lush gardens is one of my favorite attractions in Kyoto.

As you walk through the long corridors of the wooden castle, you can catch a glimpse of what life at the Shogun’s court must have been like.

Where to stay in Kyoto: Luxury: Tawaraya Ryokan | The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto | The Suiran Midprice: Daiwa Roynet Hotel | | Rangetsu Budget: The Pocket Hotel Kyoto | Ryokan Hostel Gion

Day 6: Kyoto

Use day 6 of your Japan itinerary to explore the south of Kyoto. I recommend you to start early and head to Fushimi Inari Shrine first, as the shrine will get crowded later on ( read my guide here ).

From here, you’ll move onwards to Sanjūsangen-dō. I simply love this temple! Inside, you’ll be able to see 1001 armed Kannon statues. The view is just beyond amazing and it’s one of the temples not yet too crowded!

Unlike Kiyomizu-Dera which is both spectacular and extremely popular ( read my guide here ). Still, the temple with its huge wooden terrace is a true must-see in Kyoto and shouldn’t be skipped! Make sure to explore the many little alleys leading towards the temples as they are quite enchanting

Now, depending on if you got tickets for the Imperial Palace , you could move onwards to see it now (try to get tickets for this slot). Alternatively, there are about a thousand fabulous temples in the vicinity of Kiyomizu-Dera.

Or you head a bit further North to see Ginkakuji – the silver temple, which I really love. The formal gardens are just out of this world!

End your day in Gion , where you can try to see a Geisha ( read my guide here ). There are a couple of other geisha districts as ell, but Gion is extraordinarily pretty and you will also find quite a lot of beautiful shops selling authentic antiques here.

Day 7: Day trip to Nara

The Nara deer park is a tourist’s favorite and I don’t want you to miss it. Subway or Japan Rail will get you to Nara in about 30 to 50 minutes (depending on the location of your hotel), still you’ll want to rise quite early. I put together a little guide on the best way to get from Kyoto to Nara here.

In Nara park, you’ll be able to see the biggest wooden temple in the world, a shrine with 10,000 stone lanterns, the oldest wooden building in the world , and so much more. Check out my detailed guide to the best things to do in Nara to get the first glimpse. Also, read my list of the 10 best temples in Nara .

Day 8: Kyoto

Your last full day in Kyoto will be used to explore the North-West. Start your day at Kingakuji, the golden temple ( read my guide ), which is truly the most striking place in the city!

From here, you should definitely make sure to move on to the adjacent Ryōan-Ji , which is home to an extremely famous Zen rock garden and one of my personal favorite spots in the city.

From here on, you got a couple of choices. You could move onwards (about 1 kilometer) to Ninna-ji . This is a true insider tip, as most international tourists skip it. Yet, I believe it is home to the second prettiest gardens in Kyoto! It is utterly divine!

Instead, you could also visit Arashiyama , where a famous bamboo grove can be found. Now, I want to be honest with you: The place is extremely crowded, it will eat almost half a day to see it, and at the end of the day, it’s only a short alley of bamboos with 10,000 tourists trying, but never getting, that one beautiful picture.

I feel you are better off visiting the Katsura Imperial Villa ( Katsura Rikyū ), which is why I recommended you to apply for tickets on the first day. You will not find a more beautiful garden in the whole of Japan, and the ancient little tea houses are beyond enchanting!

Note: An easy bus line is connecting the temples. And from Ninna-ji you can take the train to Arashiyama.

Day 9: Osaka (optional)

Osaka is, in many ways, like Tokyo: a huge bustling modern Japanese city with skyscrapers and a lot of madness in between . You can easily spend another day in Kyoto instead or stay a night in Nikko (see above).

There are three very unique things you can only do in Osaka. First of all, Osaka has one of the largest aquariums in the world and it is quite an amazing place. Osaka also has quite a lovely fortress (though you will see another one in Himeji that is even more awesome). Last, but certainly not least, Osaka is also the best place to watch Bunraku, which is an ancient puppet theatre.

I kindly want to refer you to my Osaka guide , so you can decide for yourself if you want to do it. Osaka is quite famous for its street food , but to tell you the truth: Almost every city in Japan is famous for one kind of food.

Note: If you don’t want to visit Osaka, you could either tour Kyoto for one more day (there is still plenty to see), or opt for staying a night in Nikko (see above).

Day 10: Takayama

From Kyoto, you will delve into the rural side of Japan. Takayama is a lovely town in the mountains (it translates to high mountains), and your best chance to see a traditional Japanese town of the late Edo period .

See in Tokyo, there are just concrete and skyscrapers. But actually, the Japanese people build their houses with wood for over 2,000 years. There are, sadly, not many places left, where you can experience this archaic charm , and Takayama is one of them.

Where to stay in Takayama: Luxury: Wanosato | Hidatei Hanougi Midprice: Roykan Asunaro | Temple Hotel Takayama Zenjo-ji Budget: Sora-Ama Hostel | Relax Hostel Takayama Station

Day 11: Takayama + Gifu

Takayama is pretty, but most people stay a night to experience the outstanding UNESCO World Heritage site nearby: Gifu or rather the village of Shirakawa-go.

Shirakawa-go is an incredibly picturesque place with reed thatched houses in the middle of the most beautiful valley. You can read my guide here .

You could, theoretically speaking, also stay a night in one of the old houses, but I’m not sure it’s all that easily incorporated in a 14-day Japan itinerary. I feel its better to stay 2 nights in Takayama and catch an early train on the next day instead of adding the bus journey to Shirakawa-go on top of it. Plus, Takayama is quite lovely as well!

Day 12: Himeji, onwards to Miyajima

Today will be quite a long traveling day, and you will have to keep your luggage in lockers at the train station . This is entirely safe. Japan is known as the country where people will follow you with your lost purse over three blocks and not steal it.

If you still feel uncomfortable with it, you can easily visit Himeji on a day trip from Kyoto. In this case, just stay one night longer and adjust the itinerary accordingly. Of course, you can also stay a night in Himeji and move onwards to Miyajima on the next day.

Important Note: Japan has a very efficient luggage sending system . Your hotel can arrange for your luggage to be sent to the next hotel! In fact, most locals make use of it, and you will rarely see anyone with big suitcases on a train. Check out their webs i te here .

Where to stay in Miyajima: Luxury: Kinsuikan | Iwaso Ryokan Midprice: Miyajima Seaside hotel | Miyajima Villa Budget: Sakuraya

Day 13: Miyajima

Miyajima is one of the most magical places in Japan. The tiny island in the Japanese Inland sea is home to a famous temple (the Itsukushima Shrine ) and you’ve probably seen a postcard of the classic Miyajima panorama before.

There’s also a sacred mountain to be climbed, and there are free-ranging deer as well. I put together a detailed Miyajima guide here .

Most people visit Miyajima on a day trip, and that is exactly the reason why I urge you to stay a night . Miyajima is quite busy around noon, but in the early morning or evening, when all the day tourists are gone, it’s truly magical.

Note: Many people also check out Hiroshima and the Peace Memorial Museum, which is quite close to Miyajima. Frankly speaking, I am not sure it is worth it. Sure, it marks a very important spot in history. I am a huge history buff, but I personally can’t recommend a visit – at least not with such a tight itinerary. If you stay a month, then sure, do visit.

Day 14: Return to Tokyo

This day is a pure traveling day to get back to the airport. It will take about 5 hours to get to Narita airport from Himeji , so make sure your flight doesn’t leave too early. You could also look for outbound flights from Kyoto instead.

Note: Your Japan Rail pass will be valid for exactly 14 days, so your return trip should be covered. If for whatever reason you will be staying for 15 days, you should consider activating your JR Rail pass on the second day and cover the train ticket from the airport to your hotel yourself.

Further options to consider for your Japan itinerary

I want to be quite honest with you: 14 days in Japan is not even remotely enough to explore this great country . Even a month isn’t. Really, I am not joking. There is just so much history, so much beautiful scenery, so much culture, and so much food to explore, that you will want to return anyway.

If you got some time to spare, I’d like to point you towards a couple of further options. After spending 14 days on the main island of the Japanese archipelago, you will be a bit sick of temples and shrines . I know they are amazing, but you probably don’t want to see another one.

That’s why adding a week on Okinawa is a great idea ( here is my Okinawa guide ). The most southern Japanese island is on the same latitude as Hawaii and pretty much feels the same. Spending a week on the beach is never a mistake, eh? Read my guide here.

Far to the north, you should also check out Hokkaido . The island is famous for its wild culture, many outstanding national parks, and active volcanoes. If you are into hiking (or skiing), then a trip to Hokkaido should be on your list.

Last but not least, you could also consider the island of Kyushu. Beppu is famous for its 1,000 onsen hot springs and quite easy to visit from Miyajima . In fact, you could even visit Beppu and grab a plane from Fukuoka (the nearest airport) to Okinawa. That’s what I did on one of my trips to Japan anyway.

The best time to visit Japan

Japan is worth a visit all your round. Period. There really isn’t a truly bad time to visit the country. A lot of people will come for the Cherry blossoms in late March/early April and the fall foliage (late October/early November) I also incredibly popular.

These times will also be the busiest times of the year, as both locals and international tourists want to catch a glimpse of the most scenic side of Japan.

You really should avoid the so-called Golden Week . That’s a week at the end of April/ the start of May with a couple of national holidays one after another. The Japanese people don’t get a whole lot of leave from their jobs (usually just around a week), so they’ll use this extended national holiday to explore their country.

The Summer, especially July and August, will be quite hot and humid , and it’s probably also not the best time to visit Japan. Rather stick to the transition months, meaning April, May, June or September and October, when temperatures are quite pleasant.

It does rain quite a bit in Japan , so there really is no way to avoid that and you sort of have to calculate for 2-4 bad days when you are two weeks in Japan.

Winter can also be quite a special time in Japan, as those temples look extra beautiful with a little icing . I really want to experience Shirakawa-go in winter once. So far, I’ve only seen it on pictures (always visited in Summer), and it looks out of this world!

In recent years, Japan became quite popular among Chinese tourists, so I’d avoid Chinese national holidays as well – especially the National Day Holiday in the first week of October.

So, I hope I was able to inspire you to plan your perfect 14 days Japan itinerary. Take it as a sample and adjust it according to your own needs. Got any questions? Ask them in the comments below!

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

The 10 best shrines and temples in Nara, Japan

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20 Japan highlights you need to visit on your next trip

12 comments.

All of these places look amazing. I would love to visit one day!

I’m planning a trip in Oct/ nov 2020 so this is really helpful. My question, how easy/ difficult will it be to travel with a child of 1.5 years old?

I don’t see why? Japan has an excellent public transport system that is geared towards being easily accessible to elderly and handicapped persons. Now, traveling with a 1.5-year-old will always have its difficulties and you’d probably have to talk to a mum-travel blogger there :P

Hi. I’m planning a trip to Japan for 9 nights in November. I fly in and out of Tokyo. I want to see Tokyo, Kyoto, My Fuji, Osaka and Hiroshima. Do you think that’s too much to do in that time? And any suggestions for a 9 night itinerary that would cover most of what I mentioned earlier?

9 days should be okay. You can see Mt Fuji on your way from Tokyo to Osaka, sort of as a “day trip”. Not sure if you are doing yourself a favor squeezing in Hiroshima, but other than that you should be fine if you don’t mind changing accommodation so regularly. Other than that, please understand that I cannot compile individual Japan itineraries. Please contact a travel agent for that service.

Awesome and informative we are a family of 5 coming end of Jan for 14 days and just so overwhelmed with where and what… thankyou

Totally boring itinerary cmon best is off the beaten track!

Hello Kami,

thank you for your input. This itinerary is written for first-timers. I totally agree, there are amazing off-the-beaten-track destination in Japan. But speaking from experience: Most travelers want to see the highlights, because they are highlights for a reason. So, please understand that this itinerary reflects it :)

Hi Norman …. Awesome and informative at the same time . My plan is to visit Japan in October 2021 ( if pandemic situation settles ) … I have bough a few books and was getting overwhelmed with what to do and what to visit … You have made my life and planning a little easier …mt Fuji, Kyoto , Nikko, Osaka was already on my list and now after reading your blog I will be adding miyajima anf himeji… Thank you for the tips

Hi! After reading many guides, yours is the one I trust most. :) Just curious, if you only had 10 days and wanted to cut out either Hiroshima/Miyajima or Takayama/Shirakawago, which would you choose? Also, have heard recommendations of Kanazawa – curious if you think Kanazawa could be a good home base in that area as well. Thank you again for your efforts and advice!

With the new JR prices is the 14 day jr pass still worth it?

On my last trip (oct 23) I didn’t get a JR pass anymore. Guess it depends on your itinerary but I like to stay 3-4 days in one location and then it’s cheaper to buy separately.

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12 Expert Tips for Traveling to Japan

By Kieran Meeke

Last updated: September 6th, 2024

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Traveling around Japan can be challenging, given its language, unfamiliar writing, and seemingly opaque customs. However, understanding a few basic tips for traveling to Japan will help you make the most out of your visit.

The country has a wide range of attractions, from ultra-modern cities such as Tokyo to the traditional streets of Kyoto. It also has beautiful mountains, tropical beaches, and a perhaps surprising amount of green countryside.

You can suffer sensory overload in neon hotspots such as Osaka’s Dotonbori entertainment district. In contrast, the many ancient temples, and shrines can be havens of quiet spirituality. With a little preparation, you will be able to make the most of this extraordinary country.

Choose the “Right” Season

Sensoji Temple, Tokyo

The best time to visit Japan depends on your own interests, but spring, from March to May, is the most popular for many visitors. As well as bringing mild, pleasant weather across much of the country, it’s also cherry blossom season.

The downside is that sights such as Tokyo’s Ueno Park, or Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path, and Arashiyama become very crowded indeed. Osaka Castle Park, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park are also busy at this time of year.

In summer, from June to August, the weather is hotter and more humid, but it’s also the time for traditional festivals. July sees the 1,000-year-old Gion Matsuri in Kyoto , and the Tanabata, or “Star” Festival in Aomori.

Colorful foliage is a big draw during fall in Japan , from September to November, when crowds are much smaller, making for a great time to visit. Kyoto, and Nara are particularly beautiful at this time of year, while Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido also has lovely autumn landscapes.

In winter, from December to February, Hoakkaido opens its ski resorts, and the whole country has unique New Year celebrations. Temples such as Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto and the iconic Mount Fuji are especially photogenic when covered in snow.

Be Aware of Regional Differences

Kokyo Gaien, Tokyo

Japan’s four main islands have distinct differences. The weather and visitor numbers vary from north to south.

Hokkaido, in the north, has cold, snowy winters and short, mild summers. It has fewer visitors than the island of Honshu, but is popular with the domestic market, especially for skiing—and its food.

Honshu is the largest, most populous island as the home of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. It is the cultural heartland of the country, with traditional arts, cuisine, and major Japanese landmarks .

88-Temple Pilgrimage Route, Shikoku

Shikoku enjoys a very pleasant spring and fall, and a distinct rural, nature-oriented way of life. It is growing in popularity for its natural landscapes, the 88-Temple Pilgrimage Route, and less visited sights such as Kochi Castle.

Kyushu in the south has a subtropical climate with very mild winters. Visitors come for its hot springs, historic sites, and cities such as Kagoshima and Nagasaki.

Schedule Travel Around Major Events

Gion Matsuri, Kyoto

Japan is known for its spectacular matsuris and other festivals that are worth scheduling a visit around. A matsuri is a colorful street parade, with large, decorated floats and hundreds of drummers.

In February, the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido is famed for its massive ice and snow sculptures. The longest-running such event is the Yuki Matsuri in Tokamachi, Niigata, also in February.

Spring brings the Kanamara Matsuri in Kawasaki, a fertility festival held in April. The Takayama Matsuri, in Gifu, featuring puppets, is held in April and October.

July and August are the peak season for matsuris. There are famous ones in Aomori , Gion, and Tenjin.

Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, Tokyo

Notable Tanabata, or Midsummer festivals are held in Sendai and Hiratsuka during July or August. At the end of July, the massive Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival will also take place in Tokyo.

The Cherry Blossom Season, Hanami, varies, moving north from late March to early May. Peak bloom in Tokyo , and Kyoto is typically late March/early April.

The Plum Blossom Viewing, or Ume, during February to March, is less famous. However, it’s just as beautiful.

Read: Three Days in Tokyo

What to Pack

Dressing well is important in Japan, so pack some smart clothes to avoid feeling out of place. In temples or shrines, you should cover your shoulders and knees.

Light, breathable layers including a rainproof jacket are best for Japan’s humid climate. That humidity can quickly turn to brief showers.

Some temples and gardens cover vast areas, so bring comfortable shoes. Slip-ons will make it easier to take them off when required.

Throw in a phrasebook or translation app, as English is little used outside the bigger Japanese cities . Japanese meal portions can seem small to many Westerners, so you might want to carry a favorite snack.

Tattoos were once used as a punishment of criminals and still have bad associations for Japanese. Onsen or spas may ask you to cover them up with tape, so bringing a roll matching your own skin tone is useful.

Learn a Few Basic Japanese Phrases

Dotonbori, Osaka

English is not widely spoken, especially in rural areas. Learn some basic phrases like “Arigatō-gozaimasu”, which means thank you very much, and “Konnichiwa”, or hello, to help show respect.

“Sumimasen”—excuse me/sorry—is very useful for passing through crowds, or to call a waiter. In shops, you will be greeted by staff with “Irasshaimase!”, which means come in! Welcome!

Major signage in Japan is often in English as well as Japanese. In train stations, some employees have a translator app to help travelers with any questions.

Experience Regional Cuisines

Japanese food

As with Italy or France, the strength of Japan’s cuisine rests on its regional differences. This wide base gives great variety and interest to the country’s food.

Hokkaido is known for fresh seafood such as salmon, crab, sea urchin, and potatoes. Dairy products, including cheese and ice cream, are also specialties.

Honshu has the most familiar, yet diverse cuisine. Its strength of seasonal delicacies ranges from dishes such as okonomiyaki, which are savory pancakes, to takoyaki, or octopus balls.

Katsuo no tataki

Seafood-centric dishes such as katsuo no tataki, or seared bonito, and sanuki udon noodles are Shikoku specialties. You’ll also find unusual citrus fruits, including the lime-like sudachi, and dekopon, a variety of seedless orange.

Kyushu’s subtropical climate produces lots of fresh produce and meat. Favorites here are Tonkotsu ramen, with its rich pork broth, and Nagasaki champon noodles.

While Japanese etiquette has a reputation for being complicated, its underlying principle is pretty simple. One of the best travel tips for Japan you can remember is about being polite to other people to make daily life better for everyone.

For example, you’ll notice people all walk on the same side of the street and stand on the same side of the escalator. That makes it easier to get around without bumping into anyone.

Other customs include not eating or smoking in the street, as the smells are annoying. You don’t blow your nose in public and nor do you raise your voice.

If you grab a snack from a convenience store, you’ll find an area in it to eat, with trash cans. Don’t drop litter; you need to carry it until you find a proper place for it.

Like anywhere, some younger people push the boundaries of these rules. However, it’s still rare to hear loud conversations on Japanese trains, for example.

Some rules are less obvious, such as not pointing with a finger, for example, when asking for directions. Use your whole hand instead.

As to bowing, that is where things can become complicated. However, foreigners do get a pass on the details and any polite bow is appreciated.

The good news is that tipping may be mildly insulting to servers or other professionals. Instead, show your appreciation after a meal by saying “Arigatō-gozaimasu” to the staff.

Take off your Shoes

You will often have to go shoeless in Japan. When preparing for a day out, you might want to check any socks for holes, or wear slip-ons.

Again, taking your shoes off is just polite, as it saves tracking outdoor dirt inside. It’s respectful for the cleanliness of the place you are entering, or a temple’s spiritual cleanliness.

A sign that you need to take off your shoes is a shoe rack near the entrance, and/or a slight step up or down. You might then be given slippers to wear.

If you go to the restroom, a dedicated pair of slippers is left outside the door. Don’t make the faux pas of forgetting to change these out again when you leave.

Stepping on the door frame when entering anywhere is considered bad luck. Other unlucky things include taking photos of graves, or of three people; a superstition is that one in the middle will die first.

Understand Shrines and Temples

Golden Pavilion, Kyoto

Among Japan’s most beautiful sights are its shrines and temples. Shrines such as Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, and temples such as Kinkaku-ji, The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto welcome thousands of visitors every day.

A shrine, or “jinja” is linked to the ancient Shinto religion and is dedicated to deities or spirits. They are marked by torii gates , often painted vermilion red, and they have a simple design.

Meiji Shrine, Tokyo

Worshippers use a water basin with a ladle for ritual cleansing and might bring offerings of sake, rice, and salt. At the haiden, the worship hall, you ring a bell, so the gods know you are there, then clap your hands twice before a prayer.

A Japanese temple , a “tera” or “ji”, is a spiritual sanctuary dedicated to Buddhism. Its architectural elements include pagodas, halls, statues, and zen gardens.

The water purification ritual, ringing a bell, and double clap before prayers are similar to shrines. A major difference is the use of smoke from bundles of incense sticks as a healing ritual.

Practice Using Japanese Chopsticks

While some larger restaurants might have Western cutlery, the majority offer chopsticks. If you are only used to Chinese ones, you’ll notice Japanese ones are shorter and pointed.

The point is designed for the fish-rich Japanese diet. It can even pick up a last grain of rice, as leaving any is impolite to the farmer and cook.

They are also shorter than Chinese or Korean ones because it’s not done in Japan to share food with them. Like cutlery, it’s also bad manners to play with them or rub them together.

Most foreigners know not to stand chopsticks up in a bowl of rice. That’s because of the resemblance to burning joss sticks, part of many Asian funeral rites.

With sushi, you do not normally use chopsticks, although you can. It’s more normal to pop it whole into your mouth.

Good Manners in Restaurants

Many Japanese restaurants are very small, so can only serve a few customers at a time. It’s therefore polite not to linger over a meal, or split one meal between two.

Many restaurants and shops are not on the ground floor as is the norm elsewhere. Look up for signs, often a vertical neon one.

You will be greeted with a wet washcloth or towelette, cold in summer, hot in winter. This “oshibori” is for wiping your hands, and not your face—no matter how sweaty you feel.

The language on menus is often very stylized, even if you read basic Japanese. Fortunately, many restaurants have waxed or plastic models of dishes that you can just point at.

Most people will know that slurping your food is considered a sign you are enjoying the meal. It’s also considered good manners to finish everything on your plate.

Know How to Use an Onsen

Arima Onsen

Every visitor to Japan should visit a hot spring, an onsen. Arima Onsen, just outside Osaka, is a whole town known for its therapeutic mineral waters.

There are many things to know about the Japanese onsen, but the basics are simple. The key thing, as with all Japanese etiquette, is to think of other people.

You need to shower thoroughly before you get in the bath. This keeps the water clean for everybody.

Japanese onsen

You do not wear a bathing suit, as you can’t shower properly wearing one. Private baths are available. They are gendered for this reason, usually with a red sign for women and blue for men.

A small towel is provided for modesty but this must not touch the water. Keep it on the poolside near you, or on your head.

To keep the water clean of hairs, tie up any long hair and do not dip your head underwater. Some onsen have policies against tattoos, so you may be asked to cover them up.

Read: Best Places to Visit in Japan

Are you ready to explore this beautiful country? Browse Celebrity’s cruises to Japan and plan your Asian adventure.

Kieran Meeke

Kieran is a freelance travel writer who has lived and worked in 12 different countries, on every continent except Antarctica. He now spends his time between Kerry, Ireland, and Granada, Spain, while writing for newspapers and websites worldwide.

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Home » Asia » Japan » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking Japan Travel Guide (BUDGET TIPS • 2024)

Towering mountains and mythological beasts, shiny robots and shinier samurai; Backpacking in Japan is a truly fascinating experience. Over seventy percent of Japan is covered by towering volcanic peaks and snow-capped summits, and these mountains, which still hold important religious and cultural significance, provide nothing short of a paradise for budding adventure junkies.

Whilst backpacking in Japan, I never once felt threatened, and I was rarely frustrated. This is such an amazing country.

The main challenge in Japan is trying not to spend too much money; it’s not a cheap country to travel in. I managed to spend an average of $30 a day over a three-week trip; I doubt it could be done for less, but there are a few travel hacks to backpack Japan on a budget and experience the country cheaply. There’s even one way you can travel around Japan for free!

I’ve written this Japan travel guide so that I can share my insider knowledge with you. I’ll show you how to travel in Japan cheaply and where you absolutely need to go. By the end of this guide, you’ll be armed with more tools than ninja assassin and will have everything that you need to have an amazing time in this country!

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Why Go Backpacking in Japan?

For me, Japan has always been the land of the Samurai. I have long admired the staunch bravery of the Samurai and the sheer tenacity of the Imperial Army during World War II. The wonderful thing about Japan is the painless mix of traditional feudal scenes with that of a buzzing, technological beast of a country.

Every area you travel to in Japan is wildly unique yet still, distinctly (oh, so distinctly) Japanese. The cities in Japan are unlike any other; they crackle and pop with energy. Tokyo is a futuristic wonderland of gliding transport, soaring buildings, and bright lights.

Just a short way from Tokyo lies the ancient city of Kyoto and the first Japanese capital of Nara. In Kyoto, Geishas still patrol the streets in traditional dress, temples lie hidden in tranquil bamboo forests and it feels as though you may encounter a band of marauding Samurai at any moment.

In the North, you’ll find Sapporo and many other ski resort towns, and to the South of the main island is Okinawa, a tropical paradise with white sand beaches.

Throughout Japan, you’ll find dense jungles, craggy mountains, and sparkling lakes, thanks to Japan’s many National Parks . As well to the culture, many people visit Japan to see its sparse variety of landscapes and biodiversities.

Whether you are after a chilled day walk or a harder, multi-day, trek; backpacking in Japan has plenty to offer; I never got a chance to hit up any of Japan’s hiking trails although I will be sure to have a crack at Mt. Fuji upon my return!

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Japan

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Honestly, there is so much to do and see in Japan. You can easily spend weeks in Japan, or even months, exploring the massive Tokyo and barely scratch the surface.

If you have the time (and money) I suggest spending extra time staying in Tokyo and Kyoto . If you don’t have the time, then check out these two awesome itineraries, which will give you some solid exposure to beautiful Japan.

3-Week Itinerary for Backpacking Japan: Mountains and the Central Highlights

This is the perfect itinerary if you have 2-4 weeks in Japan to explore. Start off the adventure in Tokyo . I recommend staying here for 5 days at a minimum. Like I said above, you can spend weeks in Tokyo and barely scratch the surface, but it is an expensive city. It’s also a neat place to do day trips from to nearby places such as staying in Yokohama .

Get the Odakyu express train (2x hours) from Odakyu station to Odawara (the base town of Hakone ). If you buy the Hakone Freepass and combine it with your normal ticket fare you can save a bunch of money.

Hakone boasts stunning views of the iconic volcano Mount Fuji! Though only on a clear day, so make sure you plan your trip to Hakone accordingly. Consider booking a stay in a traditional Hakone ryokan with mountain views to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the region.

Next, take a train to Shinjuku, followed then by a highway bus to Matsumoto , which is famous for its old original 16th-century castle Matsumoto, commonly known as Crow Castle.

Next, head to the Japanese Alps , which has some of the best skiing in the world! That said, you won’t be here for the winter season if you are timing your Japan trip with cherry blossom or trekking season. The Alps offer hiking, canyoning, mountain biking, and kayaking in the summertime.

Then, stay in Takayama and Shirakawa . Shirakawa is a remote mountain town and is also a UNESCO world heritage site, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Takayama makes for a great day trip.

Finally, head to Osaka and Kyoto to finish up this amazing trip! The two cities are neighbours but couldn’t carry more different vibes if they tried. Visiting Osaka gives you a more laidback Japan – eccentric nightlife, quirky dialects, and less-reserved locals (within reason). You’d want to spend at least 4-5 days stay in Osaka and Kyoto.

2-Week Itinerary for Backpacking Japan: The Southern Highlights and Delights

For this itinerary, you will also start by staying in Tokyo , where you should try to spend at least spend the weekend – preferably more. Next head to Kyoto , another amazing city in Japan and the ancient capital of the country.

Next up is Nara , a city filled with history and Japan’s first permanent capital. It’s home to some of the biggest & oldest temples in Japan like Todai-Ji, the largest wooden building in the world. Hang out & walk around the city among the deer that wander about the city.

You’ll only need to spend a day or so checking out Nara. Then head to Hiroshima .

Hiroshima was largely destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II, but has since been rebuilt. You can visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park visiting the ruins surrounding ground zero.

Make sure you visit the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb museum & Hiroshima Castle which is a fortress that is surrounded by a moat, next to a park. You only need 2 or 3 days to explore Hiroshima , but make sure you take a day trip out to Miyajima Island on one of the days.

The above itinerary is plenty to keep you busy for 2 weeks in Japan, but if you have a bit more time, catch a flight to the Okinawa Islands area . Okinawa is renowned for its incredible scope of activities: epic festivals and culture, year-round beautiful beaches, and off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

You really can’t go wrong no matter where you go in Japan. Even a simple stroll down the road is guaranteed to contain something pretty and a tasty snack from the konbini.

Still, here are my top places in Japan to explore!

Backpacking Tokyo

Backpacking Tokyo is an awesome experience. There is a lot to do here but it definitely helps to have a Japanese friend to show you around. When I first arrived in Tokyo, I crashed with a CouchSurfing host for the first couple of days which really helped my budget and also helped me get the most out of the city.

Even if you only have a passing interest in Anime you really should visit the Studio Ghibli museum. This needs to be booked in advance and can be booked from a machine in most convenience store chains.

The impressive Tsukiji fish market is the largest fish market in the world and is free to visit. Get there bloody early!

It is well worth booking a ticket for the Tokyo SkyTree. Being the tallest tower in Japan, not only do you get to see amazing 360 views of the city from the observation deck, but on a clear day, you can even glimpse Mt. Fuji in the distance.

Explore the food culture. Food in Japan is really a level up, delicate, balanced, and decorative… Each dish is a small work of art. If you love sushi get ready to indulge; do your research in advance so you know what to look out for, what you might like to try, and appropriate dining etiquette.

There’s a lot to do here so whether you’re spending a weekend in Tokyo or much longer, be sure to plan out your time properly.

The Kodokan (free entrance) is worth a visit although it’s only particularly impressive if it’s in use when you arrive; it is the largest Dojo in the world. If you happen to find yourself in Tokyo during the winter, be sure to check out the Marunouchi Illumination, where the cobblestone street of Nakadori is lit up beautifully.

There are plenty of temples and palaces, and although these are worth visiting many of them have an entrance fee. If short on cash, I recommend waiting until Kyoto as the most impressive temples are found there.

The nightlife is also typically insane in the endearing Japanese fashion, and Tokyo is a super safe city to get loose in. Some of the parks in Tokyo can be rather good fun to visit too, and it is worth wandering around Harijuku to catch a glimpse of the infamous ‘Harijuku girls’.

There are absolutely LOADS of awesome day trips that you can do from Tokyo. I would recommend staying in the Shinjuku area because it’s close to Shinjuku Station which goes to tons of cool places for day trips.

I’ve compiled the ULTIMATE list of the 10 best day trips in Tokyo to help you make the most out of your Japanese journey.

One of the coolest things about Tokyo is the incredible options of accommodation you have. As well as traditional ryokan’s (guesthouses) where you can sleep on tatami mats and rooms have multi-uses (a concept I can totally get on board with), you can also stay in sleep pods and capsule hotels in Tokyo.

Japan is the birthplace and founder of the capsule hotel, so you should definitely consider checking one out on your trip.

If you’re backpacking in Tokyo alone, consider joining some of Tokyo’s authentic small-grouped local tours by MagicalTrip to explore Japan deeply!

Backpacking Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is Japan’s most iconic mountain. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Japan , and watching the sunrise from the top is on many a backpacker’s bucket list.

Although it is one of the most popular things to do when travelling in Japan, bear in mind that it stands at an altitude of 3776m and altitude sickness is a real possibility even though the climb itself isn’t very difficult. Anybody with a reasonable level of fitness can climb Mount Fuji but, if you can, it makes sense to do a bit of training first.

The Hakone township itself lies within the Fuji-Hake-Lzu National Park area & boasts stunning views of the iconic volcano Mount Fuji! The scenery here is incredible, and it’s also the cheapest place to conquer the summit of Mt Fuji.

Make sure you are loaded with plenty of water, enough warm clothes, energy bars, and great hiking shoes. Also, put yourself up in a dope hostel around Mt Fuji ; somewhere you can rest your head before and after the climb and meet some other cool peeps.

The climb is best attempted during the official season – From July to the end of August although this is the busiest time to stay in Mt. Fuji and it can become crowded.

At other times of the year, the trekking route is shut due to low temperatures and snow. If you’re looking for a quiet sunrise and to be alone amongst nature, Fuji is the wrong mountain for you. But I will say that if you are going to Japan, you really should try to fit in a visit to Mount Fuji.

There is a popular Japanese saying – ‘One who never climbs Mount Fuji is a fool; one who climbs it twice is twice the fool’. So go ahead and give it a shot! And, don’t miss a cool ride around the Lake Kawaguchiko . It provides an ideal standpoint for epic Mount Fuji views, with enchanting old towns in close proximity.

Backpacking Matsumoto

The city is famous for its old original 16th-century castle Matsumoto, commonly known as Crow Castle. Explore Matsumoto city, and visit Nakamachi street, it’s lined with old merchant houses, the river is also a nice spot to eat dinner at night.

You only need 2 days here to see everything. To leave, in the morning get a train from Matsumoto to Shinano-omachi. Then take the incredible Alpine Route to Kanazawa. Just FYI, the Alpine Route is only open from April to November.

Backpacking Kyoto

Kyoto is pretty damn special. It is crammed with temples, shrines, castles, and legends…

If you are planning a trip to Kyoto for the first time, you should try to stay in Gion, the Geisha district; it is crazy colourful. A Japanese friend gave me some tips on the correct etiquette when interacting with Geishas; Never talk to a Geisha or try to stop them for photos as this is considered extremely rude.

Kyoto’s famed Golden Pavilion is well worth a visit; it’s a stunning place to spend half an hour or so quietly contemplating the beautiful gardens set in the shadow of the impressive temple. Unfortunately, the entrance price is pretty steep and often it’s pretty crowded; arrive early.

Nijo-jo is an impressive castle from the outside but is sadly rather empty on the inside; still worth exploring. Kiyomizu-dera (free) is well worth visiting. Dairoku-Ji was my favourite temple complex in Kyoto.

Kyoto upholds formal traditions like Kiseki dining with a Geisha. The bamboo forest is enchanting to stroll through & the nightlife is pretty good here.

There are hundreds of temples and shrines in Kyoto and you could spend a lifetime trying to visit them all. Among the ancient temples, you can also explore the hip, alternative side of Kyoto. Kyoto has a sweet underground scene too, though maybe not to the degree of Osaka.

Consult your guesthouse or Kyoto Airbnb host to find out which temples are nearest to you. I have heard great things about Arashiyama’s bamboo forests, which is an easy day trip from Kyoto.

For backpackers looking for an epic trekking adventure, consider going on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trek . This 3-day hike takes you to 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites and even some hot springs so you can soak your weary bones.

Need help deciding between Kyoto or Osaka ? Check out our helpful guide.

Backpacking Nara

If you have a free day, you can make an easy day trip (by train) to Nara, Japan’s historical capital. Nara is full of historic neighborhoods , chilled-out parks, and more temples including Todai-Ji , the largest wooden building in the world.

Todai-Ji was the only building in Nara which I thought was worth paying to get into. Most of the other temples are less impressive and yet still cost around $10 to get into.

Check this picture:

That’s me kicking ass with a Samurai I was introduced to through Couchsurfing. Seriously folks, in Japan, it’s all about having unique experiences and discovering cool places you wouldn’t normally hear about.

My secret weapon for this is always travelling by Couchsurfing : it is simply the best way to get to grips with a new place and land on your feet with a social life.

Backpacking Hiroshima

Poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is heartbreaking. The park tells the story of how Hiroshima, a previously untouched (by the war) city in Japan, was nuked towards the end of WWII by American forces.

In the park, you’ll find the Atomic Bomb Dome – the site where the first atomic bomb hit, and now just a skeletal reminder of the past. The park is free to get into and it costs under a dollar. It’s well worth it to visit the museum.

You can store your bags in museum lockers for free. When visiting the museum, I recommend splashing out on the audio tour. There are two free films you can watch in the museum’s small cinema. You can get free WiFi here as well so it’s a good place to chill if you’re stuck for a bit.

There is a library in the park where you can use a computer for up to an hour for free. That said, most backpacker hostels in Hiroshima have WiFi and computer capabilities.

I personally found visiting Hiroshima to be a really worthwhile but somewhat distressing experience – do some research beforehand so that you have a basic idea of what occurred here before booking somewhere to stay .

If you have a spare day on your hands, head off to beautiful Miyajima. An easy day trip from Hiroshima, Miyajima is a fantastic island covered in gorgeous woods. Hike up into the hills to escape the tourist crowds and discover some awesome views as well as herds of cheeky deer.

Backpacking Osaka

Osaka is number three of Japan’s major tourist destination cities. Not quite as culturally encroached as Kyoto yet not quite as… insane as Tokyo, Osaka is the brash, rash, and oh so lovable youngest sibling of the three.

The locals in Osaka pride themselves on being a touch less tightly wound than their kin across the isles. They have their eccentric slang, are looser with their tongues (relative to other Japanese people), and even enjoy the odd comedy show.

There is no shortage of cool places to stay in Osaka – it’s one of the places to go in Japan that are more suited to hosting backpackers. With tonnes of cool hostels and plenty of esoteric nightlife, it’s a very good part of Japan to visit if you’re feeling the isolation that sometimes creeps up when backpacking there.

Foreigner or Japanese, you’re bound to make some friends here, especially if you stay in a homestay in Osaka .

Backpacking Sapporo and Hokkaido

Most travellers don’t plan a trip to Sapporo and Hokkaido. In fact, Hokkaido gets way too little love in the backpacking scene in Japan, so I’m here to fix that! In summer, Hokkaido is a vibrant lush green wonderland of mountains, wildflowers, and fruits to pick.

Come winter, however… holy shit is it cold! But it’s a dreamy Narnia-like snowscape with some of the most majestic fields of powder and frozen lakes that you’ll ever lay eyes on.

The northernmost of Japan’s four main islands, Hokkaido is to Japan what South Island is to New Zealand: a sparser population in a harsher landscape where only the most chill and off-beat of Japanese choose to live.

If you’re looking for the off-kilter black sheep Japanese (particularly the ones that like a little greenery in their ciggies), you’ll find them in Hokkaido.

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido island, and, honestly, it’s a pretty cool city. It doesn’t have quite the smashing of tourist attractions that a lot of other Japanese cities do, but there are still plenty of cool hostels in Sapporo , quirky things to do, and infinite amounts of unrelenting food comas to swelter through.

Also, it’s a pretty city! Mountains, greenery, and forest. Truthfully, I just have a real soft spot in my heart for my time staying in Sapporo .

Overall, Hokkaido is about as off the beaten path in Japan as you can get. Travelling it by hitchhiking is going to mean you meet the quirkiest and best of Japanese folks. And if you happen to travel it by motorbike, well, that’s just a rite of passage for many young Japanese seeking their first adventure.

Backpacking Okinawa

Well, we talked about the frozen north, so now we’re talking about the summery south. The Okinawa islands are considerably further than you may expect from mainland Japan: they’re about halfway between Japan and Taiwan.

As such, they have a much more temperate climate. I’d also go so far as to say that Okinawa’s beautiful beaches kinda blow Japan’s rather weak offerings out of the water. Much as Indians travel to Mauritius for their ultimate Hawaii-style holiday, that’s why many Japanese visit Okinawa.

EXCEPT, Okinawa is not Japan – not really. Long before its annexation and subsequent pilfering by American military bases, Okinawa was its own vibrant land with its own people, language, culture, and music (not dissimilar to many Polynesian peoples).

Travelling to Okinawa is both a chance to see a different side of Japan and to peek at the ugliness beneath the Geisha’s mask of perfection (on that note, ask about the Ainu people when you reach Hokkaido).

Artifacts of history aside, there are plenty of fun things to do in Okinawa and its surrounding islands. Most of them involve beaches, sure, but backpackers love beaches! Beautiful, blissful, sunny beaches. Diving, surfing, and lounging about getting tanned all day – what’s not to love!

Backpacking Ishigakijima

Ishigakijima is about 400km south of the main island of Okinawa. The colour of the ocean and the fragrance of the flowers are mesmerising. It has the clearest blue waters and if you go snorkelling you will be surrounded by coral and tropical fish.

This is a pretty sweet spot for a romantic getaway, with the peaceful waters, starry skies, and some of the best beaches in Japan that you’ll find.

Want to get into some scuba diving in Ishigakijima ? The real magic of the island lies beneath the surface of the ocean. You can go for dives and earn your scuba certificate in just a couple of days, which enables you to go diving anywhere in the world after leaving Ishigakijima.

Ishigakijima has the most beautiful night sky in Japan! You could also go explore the Hirakubosaki lighthouse. This is the island to go to if you want to immerse yourself in the nature of Okinawa’s outlying islands.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Backpacking Japan is all about having unique and crazy experiences that you cannot have anywhere else in the world. Below are the top 10 craziest, must-try things to do in Japan:

1. Watch a Sumo Wrestling Match

Large men pretty much-rocking thongs and battling it out. Where else in the world do you get to see something so delightfully odd? For a truly special Sumo experience, join a Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour in Ryogoku by Magical Trip ! Watch real sumo morning training with a local guide.

2. Real Life Mario Kart

Get ready to race! Nothing like speeding around one of the world’s largest cities, in tiny go-karts, full-blown Mario Kart-style minus the blue shells and lightning bolts.

If you are looking for a bit of thrill and some fun then street go-karting is definitely something to add to your Tokyo itinerary .

3. Bathe in an Onsen

Onsens are hot spring thermal pools that are very unique to Japan. They are usually outdoors and are surrounded by beautiful zen gardens and soothing music. There is nothing more relaxing than soaking in the warm waters of an onsen…until a naked granny sits down next to you.

Full disclosure, you have to be completely naked to enjoy an onsen – no bathing suites allowed. Men and women are separated, so if you’re travelling with your loved one, you’ll have to separate. It’s not creepy or weird though, everyone is so twatted out on zen that they won’t even notice you.

If you’re not cool about getting into a pool with naked people then you can get a private onsen which is basically like a bathtub.

If you have tattoos, you won’t be able to enjoy this experience since they don’t like tattoos in Japan. But you might be able to have a private onsen.

4. Find out What an Earthquake Feels Like

Keen to feel what a real live earthquake feels like without, you know, experiencing an actual earthquake?

Ikebukuro Earthquake Hall is definitely an interesting experience…. you get the feeling of being in an earthquake without any of the risks.

At the same time, you can learn about what to do should you find yourself in a real earthquake. And if you’re a traveller, you’re probably going to land yourself in some places where it could happen.

…Like Japan.

5. Get Lost in Another World

Enjoy the colorful and eccentric world of teamLab Borderless. This unique immersion will completely stimulate your visual senses. Crafted as a living museum, one without boundaries, teamLab Borderless is an ever changing ecstatic experience.

6. Eat at a Cosplay Restaurant

The basic idea here is that it is a normal restaurant, except the ladies are dressed in French maid outfits, and address you as “master.” Any ladies reading this and not totally loving the idea?

Don’t worry – they’ve got butler restaurants for you, too. Hell, there’s even one where chicks dress up as the butlers. Basically, there’s a rather strange-themed restaurant for you, whatever your tastes, in Japan.

7. Then go to the Meguro Parasitological Museum

Not exactly the museum you had in mind? Well, entrance is free, and it’s not exactly the type of museum you’re going to find anywhere else on planet earth. With 300 parasite specimens to view, save this for a few hours after your tasty Ramen has been digested.

8. Random Robot-ness

If over-the-top performances and costumes are your thing then you need to check out the famous Robot Restaurant Show. It is hard to describe this full-on craziness. Everything from the entrance to the handful of extravagantly overdone floors is pushing this Vegas-like energy as you descend into the robot pit. The show itself is full of different themes and acts as two sides battle each other.

9. Go to the Ramen Museum

Yep, this exists. Learn about the many flavours of Ramen, and, more importantly, taste them! This is so much better than the just-add-water kind we’ve all been rocking. This is one of the coolest things to do in Osaka .

10. Marvel at the Samurai Warriors

Have you ever been awed by martial arts and wanted to see samurai warriors in action? Then you’ll definitely want to make sure you catch a Samurai Dinner Theatre in Tokyo.

This isn’t an ordinary dinner though, it’s on the sacred grounds of Kanda Myojint, and you get UNLIMITED drinks and a delicious meal. The show is staged, of course, but it’s still an authentic experience.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

For backpackers on a budget, Couchsurfing is your best bet whilst backpacking in Tokyo. Outside of that, Japan’s hostels and backpacker accommodation are cheap-ish (depending on where you are) but also undeniably excellent in that typical Japanese fashion.

You’ll find the cheapest option would be to try staying at a homestay in Japan . Not only is this affordable but you get to stay with a local who can give you great ideas for things to see and do.

The hostel scene, however, is pretty awesome. It’s super diverse and they have some state-of-the-art amenities, some including co-working spaces and lounges to meet others in. You can expect hostels to cost around $15-$20 per night.

You can expect to meet some interesting characters while  staying in a Japanese hostel . This is where you can trade travel stories and pick up tips about where to go next. In Japan, it’s quite common for hostels to be capsule-style, this means the beds will be facing inwards instead of along the wall (it’s a great space-saving idea, take note, Ikea!)

If hostels don’t sound like your thing – or maybe you just want to indulge in a double bed for a special occasion – Japan also has a range of great Airbnbs, but they will cost you a bit more.

You can stay in whole apartments for  around $80  a night. You can find traditional ryokan guesthouses on Airbnb, which are much more affordable and another authentic Japanese experience. So it’s definitely worth checking out, even if you are travelling on a budget.

In between swanky Airbnbs and budget hostels are a bunch of great hotels and inns. Hotels tend to be the same everywhere you go, so if you want a unique experience, I highly recommend checking out some hostels for your trip.

The Best Places to Stay in Japan

Check out these awesome places to stay in Japan…

Backpacking Japan on a budget is possible, but I have to admit it is going to take some well-calculated planning and some sacrifices. If you map out your route and the things you want to do, you can book discount flight tickets , a multi-day rail pass, and other helpful money-savers ahead of time.

It is possible to backpack Japan for $35 a day, but this will mean hitchhiking and wild camping while splurging on a few dorm beds, eating at convenience stores and food courts, and only picking a couple of sites to visit. Transportation is the largest cost, so staying put will help cut costs too.

But this is Japan. If you want to eat sushi and go to a Robot dinner show, soak it up in hot springs and visit several beautiful shrines, and have a couple of nights out on the town, you will want a minimum of $75 a day.

Were you expecting more? Many people think you need hundreds of dollars a day to visit Japan, but there are a lot of ways to save money and travel comfortably for well under $100 a day. Read on!

There are some good options set up for backpackers. A bed in a ten-bed dorm often costs around $30. (Hey cheaper than Western Europe!) If you have to book a hostel I recommend the chain ‘ K’s House ‘  – as they will give you a loyalty card allowing you to make savings throughout the country.

I know a couple of girls who just hitchhiked and wild camped around Japan, so it’s definitely possible to camp. Just be wary of the wild boars!  You’ll have to tie your food up in a tree, but the upside is that you’ll be able to sleep for free!

Travelling by Couchsurfing in Japan is a fantastic option if you’re travelling solo. There are plenty of gracious hosts ready to flex their hospitality cred. And finally, if you are travelling with a group, hotels and Airbnb may be an affordable option too.

Food can be expensive if you’re eating sushi all the time. Cheap food is available at one of the many 7/11s gracing every street. I mostly ate rice balls and pizza slices and was able to get by on around $8 a day for food. There are some cheap restaurants where it is possible to find a meal for around $12.

If you don’t want to eat pizza slices all day, Bento boxes are also cheap and can be bought from any convenience store. You can also get Ramen and Udon for around 1000-1500 Yen. Food courts also serve cheap street food!

If you plan ahead, you can definitely save your pennies. The best way to get around is by metro and train, and buying a Japan Rail Pass  beforehand can be a big money saver. It’s really wise at looking into this in advance of your trip.

There are also some multi-day rail passes which are essential for getting around the country with ease and swiftness. A multi-day rail pass can end up saving you a lot of money.

JAL (and Oneworld) and ANA Airlines each offer special domestic fares exclusively for foreign visitors to Japan for not much over 10,000 yen per flight. Just make sure you book these tickets outside  of Japan, so before your trip.

Not so much an itinerary planner? I recommend you hitchhike.

Although metro services are fairly reasonable, trains can be expensive unless you book them in advance. The best form of budget transport for major distances is bus.

I recommend using Willer buses as they are the cheapest around and they operate night services allowing you to save money on accommodation. When booking buses try to book them in advance as this is always cheaper.

Exploring traditional markets, visiting shrines, or absorbing the vibes in Harajuku are all either free or have really low entrance fees!

That said many major sites and attractions in Japan charge a hefty entrance fee, so either choose what you want to see carefully or get a  day pass  rather than a few individual tickets.

A Daily Budget in Japan

Not sure how much Japan is going to cost you? Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect for a daily budget.

Money in Japan

Fun fact! The Japanese 5 yen coin (the gold one with the hole in it) is called a go’en (i.e. go-yen abbreviated (with ‘go’ meaning five and ‘yen’ meaning yen). BUT ‘goen’ also means destiny in the Japanese language which is why a certain spiritual significance is placed on the 5 yen coin in the Japanese cultural traditions.

Is that relevant? Na, a go’en will still barely buy you four grains of a rice ball, but it’s kinda cool. If you’re visiting shrines in Japan, save up your goen’s to make a wish at the money boxes. Maybe you can wish for a slightly more useful denomination of cash!

Find out how much your money is worth today by using the up-to-date converter below.

ATMS are all over the country as are convenience stores, banks, shopping centres, and just about anywhere else you could imagine getting money out. You won’t have to work hard to stay loaded up.

However, international ATMs in Japan do usually carry a chunky fee. Make sure you’re getting out fat stacks at once to save on fees and then make sure you’re hiding your money well when travelling . Even Japan has some buttwipes.

For all matters of finance and accounting on the road, The Broke Backpacker strongly recommends Wise – The Artist Formerly Known as Transferwise!

Our favourite online platform for holding funds, transferring money, and even paying for goods, Wise is a 100% FREE platform with considerably lower fees than Paypal or traditional banks. But the real question is… is it better than Western Union? Yes, it most certainly is.

Travel Tips – Japan on a Budget

Japan can be a very expensive country, luckily though if you follow the Japan travel tips below you can backpack Japan on the cheap…

• Cook your own food: I took a travel gas cooker with me to Japan and cooked a lot of my own meals whilst hitching and camping, I saved a fortune.
• Couchsurfing: The best way to explore any country when you’re broke is to get on Couchsurfing.
• Eat local: Avoid the big restaurants and stick to street food, food courts, and convenience stores.
• Camp, camp, and camp some more: Wild camping makes a HUGE difference in Japan, and it’s super easy to get away with… you just take the right adventure gear !
• Hitchhike: In Japan, it is so so easy to thumb a ride and it is an ace way to keep your transport costs down and instead spend it on smashing experiences. So hitchhike as much as you can when backpacking in Japan.

Why You Should Travel to Japan with a Water Bottle

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

The best time to visit Japan is between March to May and September to November . If you want to catch the famous cherry blossom season (and, yes, you do) your best bet is to go backpacking in Japan between March and May.

The delicate cherry blossom season of spring and the vibrant hues of the autumn leaves are absolutely stunning!

Thinking of heading to one of the many festivals in Japan? Take this into consideration when deciding what time of year to visit this diverse country.

What to Pack for Japan

Get your packing for Japan right! On every adventure, there are six things I never go traveling without:

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Oh, you’ll also want to get a specific travel adapter for Japan too so you can keep all your shiz charged!

Japan is safe to visit – one of the safest countries in the world to visit in fact. Honestly, there isn’t much crime here, and people don’t really steal. You can leave your purse unattended in a metro station, and chances are, you’ll get it back.

That being said, you should exercise caution wherever you go. Even in Japan, there are dodgy areas. For example, Kabukich? is considered to be Japan’s “red-light district” and though it’s not legal, prostitution happens here.

Japan has a very low crime rate and most of the crime that happens here is petty crimes like bag or phone snatching. Just be careful when wandering around the cities at night.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ’n’ Roll in Japan

Japan is big on sex, alcohol, and pop music to an often extreme degree. What you will not find very easily though is weed. They have very strict rules around possession and consumption, and in Japan, you are guilty until proven innocent.

The number of cops is insane and rumour on the street is that the cops are actively looking to bust anyone who looks foreign. So you’re probably better off avoiding getting high whilst backpacking Japan.

Tokyo has one of the world’s best concert scenes. The city is full of small and medium-size concert halls called “live houses” in Japanese.

There are plenty of genre-specific venues in the city including punk, hip hop and jazz clubs. If you’re in town you should definitely check out a show — even if it’s a random band you’ve never heard of!

Most small shows cost 2000 – 3500 yen and might feature 2-4 bands. Japan also hosts one of the coolest music festivals in Asia – Fuji Rock .

This festival is famous for its chilled open-air forest theme – rural Japan at its best! What better way to explore it than with a groundbreaking music festival. If you’re around in Japan in July, make sure to check this festival.

Tinder is pretty common in Japan. Keep in mind that the Japanese are pretty old fashioned when it comes to love and sex. They prefer to be physically intimate only after confessing their love for each other.

Also, it is not uncommon for a woman to ask a man out. So yeah don’t be surprised if a Japanese woman is somewhat forward. Swipe away!

Get Insured BEFORE Visiting Japan

Traveling without insurance would be risky. So do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

The most common flight destination in Japan is Narita Airport (NRT) , which is about an hour from Tokyo.

There are a ton of international ferries to Japan, from Korea, Taiwan, China, and Russia, but for backpackers, Busan (Korea) is likely to be the only practical destination from which to take a boat to Japan.

Want to stay in Fukuoka ? I’ve got some epic suggestions!

Boats are generally cheaper than airfares, but their schedules can be unreliable, and travel times long and tedious. Unless you’re travelling with cargo, spending two days on a ferry is really no fun. It’s fairly straightforward to sort out your Japanese visa before you arrive!

Entry Requirements for Japan

Most countries do not need a Visa to enter Japan and will receive 90 days on arrival. All other nationalities need to apply for a ‘Temporary Visitor’ visa prior to arrival, which is generally valid for a stay of 90 days.

If you’re from one of the few countries that are not granted a visa on arrival, you will need to be invited by a Japanese resident and have a letter of invitation along with your visa application. You must then apply for the visa at your local Japanese embassy with all your supporting documents. It should take 5 days to process the application.

Be sure to check out the official page for visas for Japan , and then get the visa if required!

Japan has one of the world’s best transport systems . Getting around is usually very easy but transportation can really dig a hole in your pocket.

Although Japan is a fairly expensive country, there are a variety of passes for foreigners that can make travel more affordable.

My advice would be to backpack Japan using the super cool bullet trains. Shinkansen away my friend!

Trains in Japan are super fast and always on time! The confusing aspect of Japan’s railway system is that several private railway networks overlap with the most popular – JR network. I would advise you to download Hyperdia to figure out train routes and schedules.

Your best bet is to get a  Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) , which allows unlimited travel on almost all JR trains (bullet trains), for a fixed period of 7, 14 or 21 days.

This will save you a ton of money! If you are sure about your route, what you can also do is get local or regional passes. There are several types of trains available too, but the Shikansen  or the bullet train is the fastest and the best! This is the most affordable way to backpack Japan on a budget.

Buy your JR Pass  before you arrive in Japan.

Japan’s excellent bullet train/ Shinkansen  network has rendered flights more of a luxury than a necessity. However, the only way to reach Japan’s outlying islands is by plane.

Given that Japan is an island nation, boats are a surprisingly uncommon means of transport. Most major islands are linked together by bridges and tunnels.

However, the ferry from the north of Honshu – at either Aomori or Oma – to Hokkaido is a blast. Particularly, the ferry from Oma is sweet: you’re at the misty northernmost point of Honshu island here and a proper fishing village wayyy off the beaten track.

Long-distance highway buses serve many routes covered by trains at significantly lower prices, but take much longer than the  Shinkansen , and let’s agree, they are much less cooler! You could also take local buses in smaller towns. Be sure to check the price before you venture into one. They can be surprisingly expensive at times!

There are taxis available everywhere in Japan. They are very clean and comfortable but can be pretty damn expensive.

Taxi meters are strictly regulated and clearly visible to the passenger. Make sure to get a trip cost estimate from the driver. If you do this, some taxi drivers will stop the meter at the estimated price regardless of how much further the destination may be, which can save you money, but remember this doesn’t happen every time.

Luckily, Uber is now available in Japan and a great way to get around. Get a Japanese SIM card to use this while you’re out and about.

Hitchhiking in Japan

Hitchhiking in Japan is the key to true budget travel and the way to escape the country’s ruinously expensive transport costs, but it can be fairly tricky. Though it is close to impossible to hitch a ride in Tokyo and other Japanese cities, it gets easier as you move away from most major cities.

Make sure to always hitch at an interchange or at a gas station and not on the expressways as it is prohibited to go there on foot and the police will rock up.

Hitchhiking in Japan is still pretty uncommon so it is likely that you might be the first hitchhiker that your driver has ever even seen, much less picked up. The key to hitchhiking is to look as friendly as possible.

That said, this is one of the safest countries you can ever travel by hitchhiking .

Broke Backpacker Tip: Put up a sign in Kanji (Japanese script) that says Nihongo dekimasu which translates to ‘Japanese can’. Put smileys in between your kanji characters to earn extra brownie points and more rides!

Onwards Travel from Japan

Being a series of islands, Japan shares maritime borders with:

• North Korea (less of an option though)
• The Philippines

Flights to any of these places plus other major destinations around Asia tend to be pretty cheap. And as a bonus tip, Japan is one of the best places to fly to the Americas and the US from on this side of the Asian continent.

Unless you’re heading to Western Europe, Japan is an excellent travel hub!

• Backpacking China Travel Guide
• Backpacking Taiwan Travel Guide
• Backpacking South Korea Travel Guide
• Backpacking Philippines Travel Guide

While it’s a much more common country for backpackers to visit as tourists, plenty of travellers do choose to work in Japan. I did! Did I have a work visa?

Work visas for Japan understandably require some hoop-jumping. You’ll need to choose a work visa for your type of occupation (there are separate visas for different types of skilled occupations, a dedicated program for English teachers, and even a Japan working holiday agreement with a list of countries).

You’ll ALSO need a Certificate of Eligibility to obtain a work visa which will require a letter from your prospective employer or sponsor. Work visas for Japan usually run for 1 or 3 years . I’d recommend this source on Japan’s working visas since it’s a complicated subject with a lot of ins and outs.

Alternatively, there is always the call of the life and times of a digital nomad! With ample WiFi, crackin’ services, and all the cheap ramen in the world, walking the life of a cyber traveller in Japan is an excellent idea! (Minus the hustle with accommodation prices.)

There’s no visa for digital nomads . You could tell immigration about your job and face that admin nightmare that awaits, but considering I tried explaining to a Japanese immigration officer that I was a volunteer and even that was too left-of-field for his understanding, I wouldn’t bother.

Besiiides, we didn’t become digital nomads to do admin and pay taxes. Enjoy your grey areas; Japan is a good place for it. 😉

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Teaching English in Japan

Teaching English in Japan  is one of the most popular forms of work for foreigners in the country. With the right qualifications (i.e.  a TEFL certificate and a degree), you’ll find a lot of doors opening to you with some of the best wages too (relative to the standards of Asia).

The wage is good – enough to put some extra away in spite of Japan’s high cost of living – and you’ll likely be given a place to stay on a contract job too. That helps!

TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work  all over the world  with one! Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses through  MyTEFL (using the code PACK50).

You’ll need a prospective employer to sponsor you (and to go on a contract too) to get a Japanese visa to work . Usually, English teachers end up working in learning centers or schools, but there are heaps of opportunities!

However, the credentials are high and they are nearly always looking for fluent English speakers with a degree and the right qualifications.

The two things you need to teach English in Japan are an undergraduate degree and a TEFL certificate . Now, possibly you can skip on the degree (he says imagining his diploma and what fine roach paper is made); having both is simply going to make finding a job much easier.

It’s also a tough working environment – don’t expect to work in Japan and have hours left in the day to have fun. Teaching in Japan is hard work.

That being said, a lot of people teach in Japan to save up some more of that travel dollar – so it’s still a good idea to do it for a while and save some money to blow on epic adventures. Of course, teaching English abroad is an experience in itself. There’s no better way to experience a culture than working in it.

If you aren’t ready to go full nomad, try out a gap year in Japan with an agency!

Volunteering in Japan

Outside of legal work or illegal work (some might say the BEST kind of work!), volunteering in Japan is another kickass opportunity that I also did. Guess what? It was sick!

Finding volunteering gigs in Japan is pretty easy – even just talking, expressing interest, and (sincerely) playing the role of the inquisitive and well-intentioned traveller will land you some work with a place to stay and ridiculous feasts and hospitality.

As a further personal note, volunteering in Japan is a good way to live the local life and peek beneath the mask of perfection. Japan is very adept at only showing tourists what it wants them to see: volunteering can help you see the real Japan.

Alternatively, scooch on over to Workaway or any of the Workaway alternatives to find yourself a gig lickety-split! Agriculture, hospitality, tourism, volunteering with kiddos (which basically amounted to me going swimming and playing Mario Kart with kids for six hours a day) are just a few of the awesome opportunities you’ll find.

Aside from Workaway, Worldpackers also offers some substantial and rewarding experiences alongside a whole host of other community features unique to their platform.

Plus, if you join the Worldpackers community as a Broke Backpacker reader (use the code BROKEBACKPACKER ) at the checkout, you get a fat chunk off the signup cost – 20% OFF your annual fee!

While it is difficult to stereotype an entire society, there are some important things to understand about Japan.

Japan is organized into a hierarchy: age and status matter and younger people show their elders respect and honour. It is rude to refer to seniors with informal language.

In Japan, tone of voice and facial expressions matter a lot since spoken words can have several meanings.

Another highly ritualistic and meaningful custom in Japan is the gift-giving etiquette. Gifts are given on many occasions.

In business and social settings, punctuality is a must. Seriously, no one is ever late. Even the public transportatino is on time. Time management is important in Japan. It is courteous to show up to a business meeting or social gathering early.

Japanese people value harmony and etiquette in a highly structured and traditional society. Japan isn’t as “individualistic” as many Western countries. Your actions tend to reflect more on your family, community, and peers.

Make no mistake: Japanese culture is one of a kind. It’s extremely fascinating not to mention totally unique. With a good dose of curiosity, mixed in with the usual respect for local traditions, there will hardly be a dull moment for you while getting to know Japanese people.

Useful Travel Phrases for Japan

Japanese is not an easy language, however, learning a few travel phrases long way! Many Japanese people do not speak English well, or feel embarrassed too, so knowing these travel phrases will help you connect with the locals!

Learning Japanese though, that’s where it’s really at. Global Work and Travel offer the opportunity to learn Japanese in either Tokyo City, Kyota or Fukuoka.

You can stay anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks in Japan with small class sizes so you get MORE attention (you’ll need it, Japanese ain’t easy). Plus, what better way to learn than to fully immerse yourself!

• Hello  – Konnichiwa
• Thank you  – Arigatoo gozaimasu
• Please  – onegai shimasu
• Excuse me  – Sumimasen
• I don’t understand  – Wakarimasen
• I don’t speak Japanese  – Nihongo ga wakarimasen
• How are you?  – Ogenki desu ka?
• Do you speak English?  – Eigo o hanashimasu ka?
• No plastic bag  – bin?ru-bukuro nashi
• How much does that cost?  – Kore wa ikura desu ka?
• Can you help me?  – Tetsudatte itadakemasu ka?
• Where is the bathroom?  – Ofuro wa doko desu ka?
• Cheers/ Bottoms up  – Kanpai
• Fool/ Idiot/ Moron  – aho, baka, bakayaro
• Eat shit  – Kuso Kurae
• Pervert  – Hentai

What to Eat in Japan

The food in Japan is both unbelievably diverse and un- fucking -believably tasty! Cheap instant ramen from the convenience store will be the greatest you’ve ever had. Find an actual steaming hole-in-the-wall ramen bar and its food coma country.

Every area, town, city, ward, whatever – they all pride themselves on their signature dish. You can get ramen anywhere, right? But you can only get Sapporo ramen in Sapporo, and it’s bloody good ramen too! (I can confirm.)

Japanese food is never too anything; flavours are balanced in a delicate fashion, and Japanese people take their cuisine very seriously. It’s also rare to ever eat anything too spicy. Spice tolerance is not a thing in Japan, and most people will look at the gaijin (foreigner) snacking on wasabi like he just started breathing fire.

Must Try Dishes in Japan

But, man, the food, holy shit – trust me: you could forget the skiing, the theme parks, the nightlife, and all the other money-sinks. Just travel to Japan, eat like a Snorlax, and sit in hot springs/onsens (also probably like a Snorlax). You’d be one happy backpacker!

• Sushi: most of you already know, sushi is raw fish served on rice seasoned lightly with vinegar. You might think sushi sounds all fancy but it actually originated as street food in Japan. Delicious sushi can be found all over Japan  in every price range.
• Ramen:  Egg noodles in a salty broth and is Japan’s favourite late night meal. It is simple to make and is oh so filling! One of the most popular ramen shops in Japan is Enji, it has ramen noodles dipped in a thickly concentrated fish-and-pork-bone-based broth – YUM!
• Takoyaki:  Octopus balls is a widely available snack in Japan. A crisp exterior surrounding a gooey center of octopus, pickled ginger and scallions – this is truly delectable!
• Unagi:  Fresh river eel grilled over charcoal and with some sweet barbecue sauce. It is said to be the ideal antidote to the heat and humidity of Japan’s exhausting summers.
• Tempura:  Light and fluffy tempura is Japan’s contribution to the world of deep-fried foods. It is usually seafood that is batter fried in sesame oil and served with either a tiny pool of salt or a soy sauce-flavoured broth. My favourite was the Prawns tempura!
• Miso:  Where would Japanese cuisine be without miso? This salty fermented bean paste forms the base of so many soups, sauces and marinades. Every region in Japan has its own special recipe.
• Tonkatsu:  Breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet which is melt-in-your-mouth tender. It is served with a side of miso soup and a mountain of shredded cabbage. This shows some sort of Western influence on Japanese cuisine.
• Yaki-imo:  Tokyo’s streets are filled with the nostalgic, nutty aroma of roasted sweet potatoes that are sold by these Yaki-mo trucks. It is the feeling of familiarity and home that pulls people to these trucks.

A Brief History of Japan

In effort to keep this section brief, I will only highlight Japan’s modern history and focus on the 20th century.

Japan and China have a long history of war. In the 20th century, Japan staged a bombing, known as the Manchurian Incident of 1931 to invade Manchuria, Northern China.

This occupation reached its peak with the Nanking Massacre. It was opposed by the US and other Western powers because of economic implications. Japan then allied with Germany during WWII.

The Japanese government was structured around imperialism, which also caused them to enter the Second World War.

They seized several Pacific colonies, such as the Philippines and Malaysia. Much of their occupation in other countries ended in the second war when Japan was forced to surrender because of the nuclear atomic bombings.

This is probably one of the saddest and most significant turning points in Japanese history. Hiroshima was bombed by the US first in effort to end WWII. They soon after bombed Nagasaki. These are the only nuclear bombs to ever be used.

After the world saw the catastrophic implications of nuclear warfare, it has been a constant tension since. There are many moral implications here, as most of the casualties and people affected were civilians, not soldiers. Truly a sad event in human history.

Relations with the US were restored with the San Francisco Peace Treaty of 1951. In the decades following the Second World War, Japan’s economy grew considerably. Japan still remains one of the world’s most culturally and economically vital countries on the planet.

Visit Japan in all its kooky, weird, and wonderful ways! And the nature. Mmm, the nature.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

The atomic bombing of Hiroshima was one of the most monumental and destructive moments in Japanese history.

After the Second World War ended, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Hall was constructed in 1955 to remember those who lost their lives in this tragic event. Those who truly want to learn about Japan and all its history will need to include this on their visit to Japan.

Sitting in an Onsen/Hot Spring

Onsens are unique to Japan and East Asian countries. They are usually outdoors hot spring pools that are surrounded by gorgeous Japanese gardens, peaceful music, and naked grannies.

Don’t worry though, even though you are sharing a hot spring with other naked strangers, it’s not pervy at all. In fact, you usually have space to spread out and just enjoy being in the warm water.

Men and women are separated. And if you have tattoos, it is likely you will be turned away as they don’t like tattoos in Japan. Some onsen houses will allow people with tattoos to have a private onsen (basically like a bath in a private room), but this is dependent on the onsen house.

Tea Ceremonies

Drinking tea in Japan is not like boiling the kettle and throwing a bag of PG Tips in a mug. Tea ceremonies are known as  chanoyu, or sado , in Japanese, and it represents harmony, respect, purity and tranquillity . The tea has been made in a way that best preserves the taste, and even the way it is drunk has a special technique.

Skiing in the Japanese Alps

Japan is surprisingly a great place for winter sports. One of the most popular spots in the Japanese Alps. I must warn you that it is not the cheapest to go skiing in Japan.

There are plenty of resorts in the Japanese Alps where you can hire (or buy) equipment but it’s obviously cheaper if you take your own stuff with you. Although a bit expensive, you could take a snowboarding lesson, and most places offer coaching in English.

If you’re hitting the slopes in winter, you’d want to head to Hakuba . It’s in the heart of the Japanese Alps & is where the 1998 winter Olympic games were held. You’re surrounded by 11 different mountains, so you’ve got quite a choice.

Unplan Village Hakuba is the place to stay during the snow season. They also cater for summer too with hiking, canyoning, mountain biking, kayaking, etc.

Stay in a Ryokan (Traditional Japanese Inn)

No visit to Japan would be complete without staying at a Japanese Ryokan and sleeping on a tatami mat. Since space is an issue in many traditional Japanese homes, rooms are often living spaces by day, and bedrooms by night.

You’ll sleep on a soft mattress on the floor, surrounded by authentic wooden sliding doors and paper walls. It’s an experience that you won’t forget.

Wear a kimono

From my experience, Japanese people are always willing to share their culture and history with tourists. One of the ways you can really experience the culture of Japan is by trying on a kimono. A popular activity among tourists is to walk the streets of Gion, the old town of Kyoto, in a kimono. This is the ideal place to get some photos of you in your finest gown, and you might even spot a geisha or two while you’re at it!

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Is it safe to backpack Japan alone?

Absolutely! It’s one of the safest countries in Asia in my opinion. Just stay in hostels and mingle with other travellers and you’ll be fine.

Is two weeks enough to backpack Japan?

Yes, if you just want to see the highlights. It would be better to set three weeks aside to really see all this country has to offer.

How much should I budget for backpacking Japan?

Depending on your travel style, I would budget at least $50 per day to be comfortable. Unfortunately, Japan certainly isn’t cheap.

Is Japan expensive to backpack?

Compared to other countries in Asia, backpacking in Japan is expensive. The biggest expense will go on transport, which is unavoidable, but you can save costs on accommodation.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

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Just be a responsible traveler in Japan.

Being a responsible backpacker is quite simple: be respectful of Japanese people and their culture. Japanese people value etiquette, respect, and punctuality. Abide by these things, and be respectful when you are visiting temples, shrines, and sites.

The cities of Japan are the ultimate playground, with plenty of crazy and unique things to do, so enjoy yourself; just don’t be a drunk asshole!

Japan is a truly intriguing land with something for everyone and will give you a million “What in God’s name…” moments – which is awesome!

Japan is one of my favourite destinations and you should definitely check it out even if you are on a tight budget!

• Guide To Japan Travel Insurance
• Sim card guide for Japan
• Where to stay in Japan
• 15 Beautiful Places in Japan

Updated June 2022 by Louisa Smith

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You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

Will Hatton

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40 Comments

BOTTOM LINE: can you manage in Japan with English being on your own? And THANK you for this wealth of info.

Yes, Yossi. Given the amount of translation apps and other language tools out there, I think you would be fine.

Wow your post is very informative, thanks so much. Will keep this in mind in my next travel to Japan

I’m suzu live in Japan where near from Tokyo. I have been doing Politics activities at Shinjuku Per month. In Japan we have really serious problems. They are not curious about politics. I guess you already felt about that while you had lived here. And now, Perhaps , this year or next year , will be hold important election and it is result for direction of future of Asia. I know I’ve been writing suddenly and might it makes you worry from my sentence. I’m sorry. Anyway I’m looking for a person who talks to people about this theme. ” In abroad, how often people usually talk about politics. And how much they are curious about that.” I was looking for a person who help us but couldn’t see good person. (I’m female. In the past , I have a trauma. so I need a person have deep curious about politics. )please teach me. Where can I meet foreigner who curious about Japanese politics? Thank you for reading long message.

I’m impressed with your budgeting skills. Awesome!

We’ll be the 100th post to say this but that Samurai picture is so cool. Experiences like that are what traveling is all about! Was your couch surfing host the one teaching you to use the sword in that picture?

Nice Samurai pic there! I cannot wait to get to Japan and eat the amazing food!

Hi Will! Great post! So many details that are often left out of other blogs.Nicely done! I have one small question… I have heard so much talk about the necessity for one of those pocket wifis to stay connected and help with directions (since Google maps cannot be downloaded offline in Japan apparently?) Do you think one of these pocket wifis is a necessity? Or would a sim card be better? or just wing it? We plan to be in Japan for about 2.5 weeks. We are used to hopping from Starbucks and McDonalds in other countries mooching off the free wifi. Is it that much more difficult in Japan?

Thanks for your input! Liz @farawayfloridians

Download maps.me – best solution to this problem! 🙂

Hey there explorers and adventurers. I am very interested in backpacking and setting out an adventure all over Japan. I speak almost fluent Japanese but I am not Japanese. I would love to take an adventure all over Japan soon. I can be a good help with the language barrier.

Let me know what you think.

Hey there Will and fellow explorers, greetings from Canada. Im an explorer, its who i am, i cant help it, it permeates everything i think and do, i have always had a deep need, an unscratchable itch to live, see, and experience all the endless beauty of life in all capacities, be it exploring my constant lifelong love of learning to gain more knowledge and skills, be it exploring a beautiful story, be it my love of finding and exlporing rich life experiences, or among many other things my love of living in the thick of history/culture and travel. I have 7 major dream trips and endless minor ones i been planning since i was 3 lol, japan being my number one, i love japan, i always have, do, and always will, i deeply connect with japan more then any other place body/mind/spirit, from the history and culture to the language, food, philosphies, martial arts which i practice, and everything inbetween. but i have yet to go to japan, ive been all over Canada, but have yet to dip my toes into world traveling, but when i do its never gonna stop, lol, never, im the explorer who loves and imbraces the experience fully, includng the challanges, i get excited by challange, all rich experience come with challange, it enhances the experience, few things worth doing are easy, whats a mountain if you arnt a better person by the time you reach the top, i dont mind and actually love roughing it, and i don’t complain i embrace, complaining is one of the few things in life that has no posotive effect overall, all it does is further feed and foster a negative way of thinking, action solves problems, complaining does not lol.Adapt, overcome, and have fun doing it, one of my many mottos 🙂 also i have an interesting side goal for my travels of always seeing how i can do the most possible for the least amount of money possible, more money means i can do more longer and travel more hehe. Lifelong travel is one of my dreams/goals, and want to live it as well by learning and doing many things including, travel journalism of all kinds, farming, teaching english, translating, interperating, tourism…etc. my long term goals also include studying in and eventually living in japan long term, and man im so excited to finally take the plunge and start that journey, then i can upgrade my vegabond status and start sticking tacks in my map instead staring at it haha and im actually doing it this winter for a month maybe more, fitingly starting with my No.1 dream trip to tour japan from south to north, i love the winter and i want see japan in my favorite season, and do it on a budget, im searching for my ticket now, i saw one in the core of winter date ranges i want a few days ago for only 650ish Canadian which is amazing, but i have never booked a ticket before and am unsure how to go about it so that its done completly and well, whats all included? and what are the steps?, also i need insurance, how do i get that? im more excited by the moment actually for japan and my journey to start haha, i have been researching my trips forever and in doing came across your site, man is it amazing, the great info, the wonderful pictures, so detailed, clear, concise, a great way of laying out guidence from start to finish of your first trip and how to keep it rolling hard, and all with such a fun tone and atmosphere, i love it, i could easily use this as my sole source for learning how to travel as a whole as well as specifics, few others come close and fewer still are on this level, its helping me so much in learning and planning my first trip, and when i saw that you have a book too i got it too, just now actually, thats one of the reasons i decided to coment, thanks and keep up the great work man, like i said one of my goals is to travel longterm and do travel journalism as well, your good at this, i would love to learn from you, where do you think i should start? any words of wisdom? anything would help, i love love writing, photography, video, business, im not shy at all, im good at expressing myself, among other things, to give you an idea of some of my interests, also any extra advise on recomendations of awesome things to do from your own experiences in japan come to mind? Thanks again, nice to meet you, hope to talk again, and keep rocking it, be well, and keeping dreaming, dreaming builds the mind and the heart, and smiling never hurts either lol, Marcel “The Samurai” from Canada 🙂

Hey Marcel and thanks for your message amigo! Words of wisdom… Never give up. Nobody owes you anything. Forge your own destiny. Hard work is the only guarantor of a positive future. Work for your future but do not forget to enjoy the present. Best of luck man! Hopefully catch you on the road for a beer sometime soon!

Hey Will, thanks for the budget tips 🙂 did you camp much in Japan, and if so where did you set up your tent (in and outside? of cities)? Thank you 🙂

I slept rough a few times in cities and camped outside of cities often; well worth having a tent but in Japan, it’s couchsurfing to the rescue in cities for sure – apply well in advance, there’s not many hosts.

Great review thank you! I’m coming into and flying out of Tokyo April 9/23. Want to tour Japan and looking to buy either a 7 day or 14 day pass. On a budget and wanted to know if you recommend 7 or 14 day JR pass?

Also do you have any recommendations for my trip on where to go?

Japan certainly isn’t an inexpensive country to travel to, but with a little creativity we can work things out, or even just save a little. Another great write up, Will, I love it how you have this “Dating in -” section, it kind of gives a little insight on how you should act around them.

Wow this is such a detailed post so thank you for sharing your experience. I’m considering travelling Japan for a few months next year so it’s good to know that the best time to go is between March and May. It looks like you covered so much while visiting. The Capsule Hostel looks so cosy!

If I was to go for 2 months and not work how much would you recommend I take money wise? Or would you recommend working as a teacher for at least a month?

Also, is the food healthy or not in Japan?

Thanks, Kim // http://www.sincerelykimberly.com xxx

The food is very healthy in Japan, lots of sushi and vegetables! Money-wise, it’s an expensive country but can be done on a budget of $1000 a month – less if you manage to couchsurf, camp or hitchhike.

After I finish college I was planning on backpacking through japan for at most a year, do you have a recommendation on how much money I should have and places I should see that are a bit more off the beaten path?

That’s a tough one… Japan is truly awesome and a year would give you the chance to do some really off the beaten path adventures – I’m heading back there myself soon with the aim to head out into the Japanese Alps and some of the outer islands (I’ll update this post once I’ve been) but I reckon your best bet is to head to the islands… Money-wise; man, it really depends – Japan ain’t cheap but if you hitchhike and camp and couchsurf, it can be. You could consider buying a scooter to get around; transport is the biggest cost.

Can you tell me where you started to where you ended? so i can take the train accordingly?

I started and ended in Tokyo as my flights were both in and out of Tokyo but a better route would be Tokyo to Osaka…

Hi there, I am looking to hike and camp around Japan, particularly in the Kumano Kodo area, during my Easter holiday next year. I need some recommendations on websites. And of course I would love to write about my experience there for your blog, maybe in exchange for lending me a gopro or something.

You’re kidding right? I don’t lend out GoPros…

Hey! I wish I saw your blog earier, so many places that I didn’t know of! Also want to climb Mt Fuji next time. When I was there in April there was still some snow up there. Budgeting in Japan is hard, the food looks so amazing everywhere that it’s hard to resist. I’ve managed to travel for around $20-$25, but I was hitchiking a lot. I also couchsurfed a few times but it is still not very popular in Japan, comparing to fe South Korea. Anywho I live in Okinawa now and definietely would recommend you to visit (if you haven’t done it yet…)

I actually havn’t been to Okinawa before but I would love to go; maybe I’ll come visit sometime! 🙂

Really nice post! I’m planning in going to Japan next year and I’m trying to get all the info that I can. I just found this post and is very useful Thank you for share all your knowledge. Grettings from Mexico 😀

Awesome post with great info dear! Thanks for sharing with everyone. I know you have already mentioned, but I recommend to go to the basement of the Department store. We call there ‘Depachika’. You will find all kind of tasty foods including SUSHI, cakes, Japanese sweets and more

Hey, Will! I was just wondering if you climbed any of the “Holy Mountains of Japan” (Fuji, Tate and Haku). I’m currently teaching English in Japan and want to try climbing at least one of them sometime.

I’m dying to get to Japan and this is all very useful info! I’m impressed with your budgeting skills. Awesome! ??????

Thanks for all the tips and useful information! Now I want to visit Japan >_<

Hey Will! Your blog is indeed fantastic and helpful! Im planning to travel in Japan this coming August. but i heard it will be to hot & humid? which month did you travel this beauful place? Looking forward to your reply.. Thanks!

Glad its been a help, Dixie. For me the weather was no problem. Of course its great to visit places at the “best time of the year” but that isn’t always an option. The best plan of action is to make the best of a tricky situation. Hope Japan is awesome for you!

Love this post! I’ve been to Japan twice, once in Tokyo and another in Kyoto, and I am absolutely in love with the country and the culture!

But what must have been an awesome experience was that Samurai picture you posted…how does one go about doing this? Please do tell 🙂

Thanks and I enjoy reading your blog!

Hey Charles! The Samurai experience was definitely one I’ll never forget! I just arranged it through the wonderful world of CouchSurfing actually! Good luck 🙂

Nice! My wife and I included Japan in our backpacking trip this year 2015, and was a great adventure.

Great post! I have been in Japan twice. I was born there and I visited it last year. Now I have business in London. I am so proud that I am Japan. Thank you for sharing your article! I am glad that foreign people could appreciate the beauty of my country. Best regards!

Ohh! I find your article interesting. Not only because I love Tokyo, but also because your tips are truly useful! Thought Japan is an expensive country, I will visit it in the near future!! <3

Hi! First of all thanks for the advices. I’m traveling to Japan maybe next week. I’m planning on staying there for about 2 months. If you have any more recomendations, please let me know. I’m definitely using couch surfing. Do u speak japanese? Is it easy to move around being an english speaker? Did you happen to here about Shirikawa village?

Hey bro, my main recommendation is eat at seven elevens – haha! – nice and cheap! Seriously though, its an amazing country but it is expensive so you need to watch your budget; I didn’t get to Shirikawa village I’m afraid. I speak no Japanese although I can count to ten…

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• Destinasi / Japan / Tips Travel

Nak bercuti di Jepun? Ikuti 14 tips ini!

by Admin Kaki Travel · February 14, 2023

Jika anda merancang nak bercuti ke Jepun , atau mungkin baru 1st time menjejakkan langkah di negara matahari terbit itu, anda disarankan untuk mengikuti 14 tips yang dikongsi oleh seorang traveler dikenali Yamin Ismail . Jangan ambil mudah ya sebab once pergi ke negara orang, kita kenalah ikut cara mereka. Bak kata pepatah, masuk kandang kambing mengembek, masuk kandang kerbau menguak..

• Kalau ke Jepun tak perlu visa
• Anda boleh stay di sana sehingga 90 hari

2. Duit – Yen

• Lebih elok jika anda tukar siap-siap di Malaysia kerana kadar tukaran lebih baik
• Boleh juga tukar duit di Jepun sebab turut disediakan mesin money changer

3. Data Internet

• Disarankan untuk bawa pocket wifi – memudahkan capaian internet
• Boleh book online dan bila sampai sana boleh ambil di airport, nak lagi senang bawa siap-siap dari Malaysia

4. Pengangkutan

• Dekat Jepun ini lagi senang kalau anda guna keretapi – beli pass keretapi (Japan Rail Pass) atau pass bas
• Di sana pengangkutan keretapi efisen dan menepati waktu. Contoh, keretapi mempunyai jadual 07.13 am. Next train 07.27 am. Seterusnya 07.48 am. Bukan 07.00/07.30/08.00 am. Senang cakap, setiap keretapi ‘punctual’

5. Makanan Halal

• Makanan halal ada ja dekat Jepun tapi tidak di semua tempat
• Jadinya, lebih selamat kalau anda bawa sambal ikan dan serunding. Bungkus dalam pek kecil supaya mudah untuk dihabiskan sekali makan dalam perjalanan menaiki keretapi
• Saya suka Brahim (nasi segera bersama lauk) sebab boleh panaskan dalam microwave dan masukkan dalam tupperware untuk dibawa travel
• Kalau lapar sangat – masuk 7E. Untuk mereka yang kali pertama masuk 7E Jepun, kita akan rasa macam ‘alangkah kalau kat Malaysia pun macam ni’.
• Kalau blur sangat, pergi kat kaunter cuba cakap – Sumimasen (Excuse me). Gohan (nasi) – wa- doko desuka? (where is it?)
• Sumpah, inilah makanan (nasi melekit Jepun) yang paling kenyang, mudah, murah dan mampu untuk wallet backpackers di samping onigiri

6. Penginapan

• Bab ni bergantung kepada bajet anda. Saya pernah duduk hotel, rumah Air BNB, tumpang rumah kawan Jepun. Yang penting ada kemudahan memasak dan bilik tidur
• Tips- pilih rumah yang paling mudah diakses (baca: dekat) dengan stesen bas atau stesen keretapi

7. Berjalan kaki

• Jika ke Jepun, anda kena bersedia untuk banyak berjalan kaki. Lainlah kalau anda sewa kereta dengan pemandu di sana which is very expensive!
• Orang Jepun jalan laju. Kalau anda baca guidelines macam ni, ‘The hostel is 5 minutes away on foot from the train station,’ percayalah perjalanan lima minit tu kena darab dengan 3.89 kali ganda dulu sebab tak sama nak catch-up halaju jalan kaki mereka

8. Destinasi menarik di Jepun?

• Antara yang menarik untuk dilawati adalah di Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, Tokyo, Gotemba, gunung Fuji
• Keindahan semulajadi serta kecanggihan sisi moden Jepun di sebalik bangunan lama yang dipelihara sangat sesuai untuk anda explore
• Boleh dikatakan hampir 70% muka bumi Jepun adalah hutan dan gunung
• Banyak tempat menarik boleh dilawati dan kebanyakannya tiada bayaran dikenakan
• Jepun mempunyai banyak tempat menarik yang diwartakan sebagai warisan UNESCO

9. Bahasa Jepun

• Elok juga kalau anda reti cakap bahasa Jepun, tahu sepatah dua sebagai menunjukkan budi bahasa kita
• Contoh paling easy: Selamat pagi -Ohayo Gozaimas, Hello – Kon ni chi wa, Terima kasih – Arigato Gozaimas, Excuse Me – Sumimasen
• Rakyat Jepun sangat helpful walaupun mereka sendiri tak faham apa yang kita tanya. Kelebihan berbahasa asing adalah lebih baik.

10. Vending machine

• Percayalah, dekat sana teramat banyak vending machine ni. Almost 5.5 juta vending machine ada dalam negara tu dan bermacam jenis benda kalian boleh beli.
• Daripada bento kepada sosej. Payung kepada surat khabar. Air tu of course la kan. Coklat. Telur ayam. Sup ikan. Burger. Ramen. Buah oren dan pisang. Malah ada juga mesin yang berfungsi untuk mengambil selfie. Japanese are all about conveniences

• Seperti diketahui, Jepun merupakan antara negara yang menjaga kebersihan. Jadinya, tandas kat sana bersih dan canggih. Sampaikan button mana nak tekanpun tak pasti selepas menunaikan hajat
• Rakyat Jepun memang obses akan kebersihan dan keselesaan
• Selalunya di tepi bidet atau dinding sebelah kanan anda akan ada pilihan water pressure, suhu air, cara pancuran pembersihan (sori tak bermaksud nak campur urusan peribadi anda), tetapi itulah hakikat kemodenan mangkuk tandas di Jepun. When in Japan, do as the Japanese do.

12. Masjid/Surau

• Islam itu mudah dan memudahkan. Di lapangan terbang utama Jepun memang disediakan surau
• Di bandar-bandar besar juga ada masjid dan surau walaupun kena berusaha mencari
• Malah di kebanyakan restoran halal turut menyediakan ruang untuk solat
• Cuma disebabkan rakyat Jepun sangat anti dengan lantai yang berkecah dan basah, kita perlu menghormati adab di tempat orang. Berusahalah untuk berwuduk dengan cermat dan tertib bahkan kalau ada tisu atau kain lap disediakan, lap sikit lantai lepas selesai berwuduk

13. Makan ramen

• Kalau dekat sana, makan ramen dengan hirupan bunyi kuat dianggap penghargaan kesedapan kepada tukang masak. Beza kan di Malaysia, rasa nak tampar muka orang yang makan berbunyi begitu
• Di kedai makan pula, pelanggan akan makan dengan cepat apabila ada lagi customer yang beratur menunggu di luar sebagai tanda kita menghormati masa orang lain. Only in Japan.

14. Duit syiling

• Jepun ada banyak dominasi : 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 dan 500 Yen (design memang cantik)
• Jika anda ingin menyimpannya sebagai cenderamata, bolehlah berusaha habiskan sebab balik Malaysia nanti dah tak boleh tukar kat money changer.

Selamat melawat Jepun!

• 5 lokasi cantik layan view bunga Sakura di Tokyo ( klik untuk baca )
• 8 lokasi terbaik untuk anda lihat Gunung Fuji ( klik untuk baca )
• Itinerary: 9 hari ke Osaka, Kyoto, Nara & Kobe ( klik untuk baca )

Tags: halal food japan Jepun tips travel

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12 Tip Bagaimana Kami Travel Ke Jepun Dengan Bajet Hanya RM2000 Selama 6 Hari

Alhamdulillah kami berjaya travel ke Jepun dengan bajet dan perbelanjaan sebanyak RM2000 bagi trip selama 6 hari 5 malam. Lokasi yang berjaya kami terjah adalah Osaka, Dotonburi, Kobe Garden, Nara, Arashiyama, Kyoto dan Osaka Castle.

Bajet yang diperuntukkan adalah selesa dan tidak terlalu ketat. Bajet ini sesuai untuk mereka yang boleh mengawal nafsu makan dan mempunyai stamina yang stabil. Banyak aktiviti berjalan dan berbasikal.

Dalam masa yang sama, sila buat kajian tentang lokasi-lokasi yang bakal dilawati, laluan keretapi dan tempat penginapan. Ini bagi mengurangkan risiko membuat silap. Kajian boleh dibuat melalui carian di Google dan You Tube.

Semakin banyak buat silap, semakin tebal bajet anda! Jadi, kawal kesilapan dengan membuat kajian di internet sebelum ‘travel’.

Ini kerana, semasa di Jepun, 6 kos ini adalah di antara yang kerap digunakan. Kawal kos ini dan banyak perkara boleh dijimatkan.

1. Flight (kena selalu perika untuk dapat tiket murah)

Kos penerbangan memakan hampir separuh dari kos ‘travel’. Biasanya jika kita mahu ‘travel’ dengan bajet yang minima, rajin-rajinkanlah tengok website Air Asia untuk dapatkan harga yang mengikut bajet anda.

Dah nama pun nak bajet, tak perlu beli bagasi, bawa baju yang ringan(jersi/selain cotton). So, dah jimat di situ, bajet untuk bagasi boleh digunakan untuk perkara lain. Bawa tuala kecil, jimat ruang beg.

Untuk ke Osaka, tempoh perjalanan sekitar 6jam di dalam penerbangan. Sebelum pergi boleh makan kenyang-kenyang. Tapi kalau nak rasa makan di atas awan, bolehlah beli makanan yang disediakan di atas pesawat.

2. Keretapi (Tourist pass lebih jimat)

Apabila tiba di Kansai Airport nanti, beli ‘tourist pass’ lebih jimat dan memudahkan. Sebab tu kena buat ‘research’ dahulu supaya kita tahu lokasi yang mahu dituju dan cara unutuk ke destinasi yang mahu dituju.

Jangn risau tentang komunikasi, donwload sahaja ‘google translate’. Tanya pada rakyat jepun, mereka sangat membantu. Jika nak lebih mudah, tanya pada staff yang bekerja di stesyen lrt tersebut.

Google Maps sangat penting! Sila Download sebagai rujukan utama! Kita boleh tahu jangkaan masa untuk sampai ke sesebuah destinasi dan jarak perjalanan.

Untuk penggunaan teksi, cari teksi yang bewarna kuning, lebih rendah berbanding teksi yang bewarna hitam.(Lagi murah naik train, haha)

Sila beratur semasa nak naik train. Silence kan telefon semasa di dalam train. Semasa naik escalator, sila berdiri di sebelah kanan. Sebelah kiri untuk orang yang nak cepat(berlari anak).

3. Makan (Bergantung pada nafsu makan dan bekalan yang di bawa dari Malaysia)

Ada orang cakap, Jepun susah nak cari makanan halal. Betul. Mungkin juga makanan mereka tidak kena dengan selera kita. Tapi semua ni boleh di kawal. Boleh bawak makanan penyedap rasa dari Malaysia, serunding, sambal bilis, sambal goreng dan lain-lain. Nasi boleh beli di sini sahaja. Sedap!

Masa trip saya, saya bawa Brahim, just panaskan di dalam ‘microwave’ selama 2 minit dan makan. Bajet RM100 untuk 6 hari. Ada nasi goreng, nasi arab, nasi lemak. Saya tak habis, masa balik ada baki lagi 5bungkus, kawan-kawan yang lain semuanya habis.

Semasa saya di sini, saya hanya makan dan minum produk yang berasaskan tenusu, buah-buahan dan roti sahaja. Minum air mineral banyak.

Semasa kami di Osaka dan Kyoto, kami menginap di ‘homestay’. So,kami boleh masak. Goreng telur. Ok, itu sahaja. Hehe.

4. Penginapan (bergantung pada bajet dan keselesaan)

Hari pertama kami sampai, kami menginap di sebuah hotel. Lucky Hotel namanya. Cuma hari tersebut, kami sengaja bereksperimen untuk tidak membuat sebarang ‘booking’. Akibatnya, hotel tersebut penuh! dan hanya ada 1bilik sahaja! Maka, bilik tersebut menjadi tong sardin! Sebuah bilik bersaiz 7×3 disumbat 5 orang!

Pada hari kedua, kami mendapat bilik yang lebiih selesa. 5000 Yen untuk 2 hari (RM200). Kelengkapan memang tiptop dan selesa!

Hari keempat, kami menginap di Kyoto melalui AirBNB . RM140 untuk 2 malam. Selesa! Kami pilih tempat penginapan berdasarkan ‘review’. Saya syorkan untuk guna AirBnB . Memudahkan.

Cuma bila berada di Homestay Jepun ni, pukul 10malam dan ke atas, mereka dah tidur. So, kena jaga suara supaya tidak membuat bising(jirang tetangga)

5. Pocket Wifi (perlu ada untuk google map, bukan semua tempat ada wifi)

Pocket Wifi ni penting, walaupun semua tempat ada aksess wifi percuma. Sekiranya terputus line, agak sukar untuk gunan google maps. Lagipun ‘unlimited’ tak rugi untuk gunakan. Kalau pergi ramai-ramai, boleh kongsi dan lebih jimat.

Dalam masa yang sama kita boleh gunakan untuk cek jadual perjalanan, tambang, jalan, dan lain-lain.

Sekiranya anda mempunyai tahap keyakinan yang tinggi dan mahir dengan selok belok perjalanan di Jepun, tak perlulah sewa pocket Wifi.

6. Shopping (ikut bajet)

Semasa kami pergi, 1000 Yen =RM40. Niat kami hanya mahu ‘travel’ so, kami tidak terlalu fokus pada tempat-tempat yang boleh menghabiskan duit.

Jika mahu beli jam GShock, cari yang ada International waranty. Boleh tengok di Bic Camera, 2nd floor. Sila bawa passport untuk claim tax .

Baca: 15 Tip Dan Itinerari 5 Hari 4 Malam Ke Pulau Okinawa, Jepun

Ini tips tambahan bagaimana kami jimatkan lagi kos.

1. Tukar duit di Malaysia, lebih rendah!

2. Mantapkan stamina sebelum travel! Apabila kita banyak berjalan dan berbasikal di sana, lebih banyak kos boleh dijimatkan.

3. Makan untuk hidup, sekadar alas perut.

4. Semasa kami berada di Kyoto, kami berbasikal untuk menikmati keindahan perjalanan untuk ke Arashiyama. 30km je.

5. Pergi secara berkumpulan, 5 orang selesa, Banyak perkara boleh dikongsi.

6. Kami beli cenderahati di hadapan Osaka Castel, ‘fridge magnet’ disitu lebih murah berbanding tempat lain.

Ringkasan perjalanan kami semasa di Osaka, Kobe Garden, Nara, Dotonburi, Kyoto, Arashiyama.

Osaka Trip- 16-21September2016 Flight Pegi balik RM700 Tukar duit RM1,200 Brahim RM100 (10 bungkus)

100 Yen = RM4

Pocket Wifi 150 Yen seorang (6 hari, unlimited, sewa di Kansai Airport)

Hari 1 – 16/9/2016. KL-Kansai Airport

Tiket Train (JR Pass) 5 hari 9,000 Yen Tiket Umeda Sky Building 1,000 Yen Air Mineral 100 Yen Train ke Namba 240 Yen Duit bilik 320 Yen (1 malam. Setelah dibahagi 5 orang)

Hari 2 17/9/2016. Osaka-Kobe Garden

Sewa Homestay 5000 Yen (2 malam) Mineral dan aiskrim 290 Yen Sewa Tempat Simpan Beg 140 Yen (setelah dibahagi 5 orang) Train 210 Yen Kobe Garden 1400 Yen Aiskrim 350 Yen Train 210 Yen Megi dan air 324 Yen Train 240 Yen Dinner 600 Yen

Hari 3 – 18/9/2016. Osaka-Nara

Bas 210 Yen Lunch 750 Yen Aiskrim 300 Yen Bas 210 Yen KopiAis 82 Yen Pablo 400 Yen (setelah dibahagi 4 orang) Takoyaki 250 Yen (setelah dibahagi 4 orang) Makan Petang 360 Yen

Hari Keempat 19/6/2016. Kyoto-Arashiyama

Sewa Homestay 5520 Yen (2 malam. Setelah dibahagi 5 orang) Train 260 Yen Roti 150 Yen Bas 230 Yen Sewabasikal 300 Yen Baju hujan 250 Yen Makan 282 Yen Air Mineral 100 Yen

Hari 5 – 20/9/2016. Kyoto-Arashiyama (Repeat)

Air Mineral 100 Yen Sewa Basikal 300 Yen Train 210 Yen Payung 200 Yen (Setelah dibahagi 5orang) Train 210 Yen Kfc 800 Yen

Hari 6 – 21/9/2016. Kyoto- Osaka Castle

Bas ke Kyoto City 230 Yen Roti dan Air 225 Yen Train, kyoto-Osaka 560 Yen SalahTiket 240 Yen Namba-Kansai Airport 240 Yen Air Mineral 110 Yen

Kami menaiki train lain (selain pass pelancong) kerana lokasi yang mahu dituju tiada dalam laluan.

So, ini serba ringkas pengalaman yang saya dapat semasa travel ke Jepun. Walapun hanya 6 hari 5 malam, banyak pengalaman baru yang saya dapat. Terutamanya tentang budaya hidup masyarakat Jepun.

Mengembaralah untuk mengenal dunia dari sudut pandang berbeza. Luas perjalanan, banyak pengalaman. Gambate!

Nota: Apa yang dikongsikan mungkin tidak terlalu terperinci, ianya sekadar maklumat umum. Untuk lebih terperinci, boleh google. Ada banyak maklumat yang lebih terperinci.

Baca lagi: Itinerari Dan Tip Travel 11 Hari Ke Osaka Dan Tokyo, Jepun Dengan Bajet RM3K

Artikel Berkaitan

Hotel di jepun tawar bilik hanya rm4.95 semalam tetapi ini syarat pelik yang anda perlu setuju, padah berhenti darurat terlalu awal, hokkaido diserang gelombang kedua covid-19, pelancong indonesia mahu bergambar didakwa punca kereta api laju di jepun lewat 10 minit, lelaki ini terkejut selepas bandingkan realiti gaji sebagai ‘engineer’ di jepun dengan malaysia, ‘perfume’ dengan aroma gadis sekolah sedang jadi kegilaan lelaki jepun, ai: block 4, ai: block 12.

• Switzerland

Trip Ke Jepun: 7 Tips Percutian Bajet Terbaik [PANDUAN]

T ips trip ke Jepun: Bercadang untuk bercuti di Jepun?

Ingin mengenali dan mengalami bersama teknologi masa hadapan di Tokyo , atau berjumpa dengan perempuan Geisha tradisional di Kyoto , tapi anda fikir bercuti ke Jepun terlalu mahal?

Ada banyak cara untuk kami kongsikan bagaimana cara untuk melancong ke Jepun, namun rata-rata pelancong mengatakan percutian ke Jepun adalah sesuatu yang memakan kos yang tinggi.

Namun begitu, bajet adalah sesuatu yang subjektif bagi setiap golongan.

Pun begitu ianya terpulang kepada kemampuan atau kesanggupan anda untuk mengeluarkan belanja bagi percutian anda, terutamanya apabila bercuti di Jepun.

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• Lihat Peta Percutian di Tokyo
• 1 Waktu Di Jepun Dapatkan Pass Kereta Api
• 2 Trip Ke Jepun Dengan Menaiki Bas
• 3 Harga Makan Di Jepun & Makan Di Pasar Raya
• 4 Rangkaian Makanan Segera Tertua Di Dunia
• 5 Travel Ke Jepun & Pertimbangkan Hotel Kapsul & Kafe Internet
• 6 Bercuti di Jepun Tapi Minum Air Dari Tap
• 7 Lawat dek pemerhati percuma di Tokyo

Waktu Di Jepun Dapatkan Pass Kereta Api

Tiada yang lebih seronok melihat Jepun dari tingkap kereta api. Pass kereta api JR merupakan cara untuk melihat suasana di Jepun.

Ianya menawarkan perjalanan tanpa had di rangkaian Japan Rail untuk satu, dua, atau tiga minggu untuk kesemua servis kecuali perkhidmatan ekspress paling laju.

Ia hanya disediakan untuk orang ramai yang mempunyai visa pelancong. Apa yang anda perlu di buat ialah beli pas sekurang-kurangnya seminggu atau lebih awal untuk perjalanan anda ke Jepun.

Pas kereta api untuk seminggu berharga sekitar ¥28,300 atau kira-kira RM830. Tambang pergi balik yang biasa dari Tokyo ke Kyoto adalah ¥27,000, kira-kira RM800.

Jadi dengan hanya satu tambang untuk pulang dari Tokyo ke Kyoto, anda hampir dapat meliputi kos bagi pas kereta api JR. Menarik kan?

Trip Ke Jepun Dengan Menaiki Bas

Jika anda berada di Jepun tanpa pas kereta api JR, pertimbangkan untuk menaiki bas. Sebagai contoh, melancong dengan Willer Express , anda boleh melakukan perjalanan dengan hanya ¥3500 sehala dari Tokyo ke Kyoto.

Masa perjalanan kira-kira lapan jam dan anda boleh menempah secara atas talian melalui laman web mereka yang berbahasa inggeris.

Harga Makan Di Jepun & Makan Di Pasar Raya

Jika anda mempunyai bajet yang sedikit di Jepun, makan sekurang-kurangnya sekali sehari di kedai-kedai tempatan, selalunya sebuah kedai 7-eleven. Ini bukan keadaan yang anda selalu buat pun.

Anda boleh pilih dari makanan yang lazat seperti ikan salmon di atas nasi dengan kicap mentega atau makanan sushi yang pelbagai atau cuba Soboro Bento ayam mereka dengan Coleslaw dan bayam. Sangat Lazat! (Juga terdapat banyak pilihan makanan halal)

Pekerja akan mengosongkan rak selepas bekerja, jadi pergi ke sana awal untuk mendapatkan lebih pilihan makanan terbaik.

Satu tip yang berguna: mesin ATM di 7-eleven merupakan salah satu tempat yang hanya menerima kad bank dari negara luar.

Rangkaian Makanan Segera Tertua Di Dunia

Bercuti di Jepun tetapi risau makanan mahal? Yoshinoya merupakan rangkaian makanan segera tertua di dunia, menyediakan makanan yang cepat, murah serta sedap. (Juga terdapat pek halal)

Hidangan utama mereka ialah semangkuk daging lembu, aka Gyūdon . Apa yang anda dapat ialah semangkuk nasi diisi dengan daging dan bawang dengan lumuran sedikit sos manis berperisa dengan dashi (ikan dan stok rumpai laut), kicap yang sedap.

Mereka juga menyediakan halia merah (beni shōga) dan teh Jepun (ocha) secara percuma. Ia cuma berharga ¥500 (RM16) dengan semangkuk sup miso. Sangat berpatutan! Untuk muslim pastikan anda dapatkan restoran yang diiktiraf halal.

Travel Ke Jepun & Pertimbangkan Hotel Kapsul & Kafe Internet

Ingin bercuti di Jepun tetapi ingin penginapan murah? Ramai orang mengatakan penginapan di Jepun sangat mahal tetapi ada sesetengah pilihan bajet yang mesra.

Hotel kapsul telah dibina untuk memberikan ahli perniagaan Jepun tempat berehat jika mereka terlepas kereta api terakhir untuk balik rumah atau terlalu mabuk selepas beberapa minuman dengan rakan.

Jika anda mengalami claustrophobia , perlu pertimbangkan bilik ini kerana ianya kecil: apa yang anda dapat adalah tiub dengan tilam.

Hotel Sembilan Jam di lapangan terbang Narita menawarkan jubah, ubat gigi, berus gigi serta selipar untuk anda. Pengalaman lain untuk dirasai ialah tidur di kafe internet.

Jika anda sampai lambat, anda boleh dapatkan bilik dari tengah malam sehingga 8 pagi berharga sekitar RM110.

Dalam banyak keadaan anda mungkin akan tidur di sofa, tetapi jika ada wang sedikit, ini merupakan pilihan yang anda mungkin ingin pertimbangkan. Kafe sering mempunyai pancuran mandi juga.

Bercuti di Jepun Tapi Minum Air Dari Tap

Jangan bazirkan duit anda untuk sebotol air di Jepun. Semua tap air di Jepun boleh diminum dan selamat. Hanya beli sebotol air dari pasar raya dan isi semula di hotel anda atau dimana sahaja anda berada.

Lawat dek pemerhati percuma di Tokyo

Disini terdapat tip menarik untuk anda yang lawati Tokyo . Untuk pemandangan terbaik seluruh bandar, naik ke tingkat 45 Bangunan Kerajaan Metropolitan Tokyo di Shinjuku .

Bangunan itu menawarkan dua dek pemerhati percuma dimana anda boleh melihat pemandangan cantik keseluruhan bandar. Pada hari yang cerah, nampaknya anda boleh melihat Gunung Fuji juga.

Tips-tips ini pasti dapat membantu anda untuk berbelanja dengan kos yang bajet dan terendah. Pastikan anda tahu apa yang anda lakukan, kerana kos percutian dan melancong adalah terlalu subjektif untuk dibincangkan.

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Panduan Perjalanan Terbaik ke Universal Studios Jepun: Tarikan yang Tidak Boleh Dilepaskan di Osaka

Selamat datang ke panduan utama ke Universal Studios Japan, salah satu destinasi paling mendebarkan di Osaka. Sama ada anda peminat tunggangan yang mendebarkan, pertunjukan yang mempesonakan atau kawasan bertema yang mengasyikkan, Universal Studios Japan mempunyai sesuatu yang menggembirakan setiap pengunjung. Dalam panduan komprehensif ini, kami akan merangkumi semua yang anda perlu ketahui untuk memanfaatkan lawatan anda sepenuhnya.

Mengapa Melawat Universal Studios Jepun?

Terletak di bandar Osaka yang meriah, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) menawarkan pengalaman yang sukar ditandingi untuk penggemar taman tema. Dengan tarikan yang terdiri daripada dunia ajaib Harry Potter kepada landskap berwarna-warni Super Nintendo World, tiada kekurangan pengembaraan menanti anda. Sama ada anda mengembara secara solo, bersama rakan atau keluarga, inilah sebabnya USJ harus berada di kedudukan teratas dalam jadual perjalanan anda:

• Pelbagai jenis tunggangan dan tarikan yang mendebarkan
• Kawasan bertema unik yang membawa anda ke dunia yang berbeza
• Pertunjukan dan hiburan yang menarik untuk semua peringkat umur
• Pelbagai pilihan tempat makan yang memenuhi selera setiap selera

Tarikan Wajib Dilihat di Universal Studios Jepun

Berikut adalah beberapa tarikan yang mesti anda lihat yang anda tidak patut ketinggalan semasa lawatan anda ke Universal Studios Jepun:

Dunia Sihir Harry Potter

Melangkah ke alam ajaib Harry Potter dan terokai lokasi ikonik seperti Kampung Hogsmeade dan Istana Hogwarts. Jangan lepaskan perjalanan yang menggembirakan Harry Potter dan Perjalanan Terlarang , yang membawa anda dalam perjalanan 4K3D melalui dunia sihir.

Dunia Super Nintendo

Selami dunia Mario, Luigi dan Princess Peach yang meriah dan interaktif. Tarikan seperti Mario Kart: Cabaran Koopa menghidupkan pengembaraan permainan video kegemaran anda dengan teknologi termaju dan reka bentuk kreatif.

Impian Hollywood – The Ride

Bersiap sedia untuk pengalaman yang tidak dapat dilupakan di Hollywood Dream, roller coaster yang menawarkan pemandangan taman yang menakjubkan di samping titisan dan selekoh yang mendebarkan. Anda juga boleh memilih runut bunyi perjalanan anda!

Taman Jurassic – The Ride

Bersedia untuk pengembaraan yang mendebarkan melalui Jurassic Park. Temui dinosaur seperti hidup dan bersedia untuk penurunan 85 kaki yang mendebarkan pada penghujungnya. Perjalanan air ini pasti membuatkan anda basah kuyup!

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

Sertai Gru dan Minionsnya dalam perjalanan 3D yang tidak dapat dilupakan. Sesuai untuk keluarga, tarikan ini menawarkan keseronokan yang menyeronokkan dan banyak ketawa sambil anda membantu Gru dengan rancangan nakalnya.

Universal Wonderland

Kawasan ini popular dengan pelawat yang lebih muda, menampilkan tarikan bertemakan watak popular seperti Hello Kitty dan Sesame Street. Ia adalah tempat yang sesuai untuk keluarga dengan kanak-kanak menikmati tunggangan yang lebih lembut dan bertemu watak kegemaran mereka.

Pilihan Makan di Universal Studios Japan

Persembahan kulinari di Universal Studios Jepun sama menariknya dengan tarikan. Berikut ialah beberapa tempat makan popular yang anda tidak boleh ketinggalan:

Tiga batang penyapu

Terletak di Dunia Sihir Harry Potter, Three Broomsticks menawarkan pengalaman bersantap yang unik. Nikmati hidangan tradisional British, seperti ikan dan kerepek, dalam suasana ajaib yang mengingatkan filem Harry Potter.

Memandu Mel

Kembali ke masa lalu di Mel’s Drive-In, restoran bertema 1950-an yang menyajikan makanan klasik Amerika seperti burger, kentang goreng dan susu kocak. Suasana retro menjadikannya pilihan tempat makan yang menyeronokkan untuk semua peringkat umur.

Mario Café & Store

Pergi ke Super Nintendo World dan dapatkan santapan di Mario Café & Store. Dengan barangan seperti sandwic pancake dan minuman cendawan super, ia adalah tempat yang sesuai untuk mengisi minyak dan menikmati hidangan bertema Mario.

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Temui tarikan popular di Chiang Mai, daripada kuil bersejarah dan pasar yang sibuk kepada landskap semula jadi yang menakjubkan dan pengalaman budaya yang unik.

Perjalanan Kulinari Melalui Aewol: Restoran Terbaik di Jeju's Hidden Gem

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Terokai tempat pelancongan popular di Kobe dengan panduan komprehensif kami. Ketahui tentang Menara Pelabuhan Kobe, Gunung Rokko, Arima Onsen dan banyak lagi!

Temui perayaan yang meriah di Korea Selatan. Terokai perayaan tradisional, acara kebudayaan dan perayaan utama yang menjadikan Korea Selatan destinasi yang unik.

Temui makanan jalanan terbaik di Jalan Yizhong di Taichung, Taiwan. Panduan komprehensif yang memaparkan makanan yang mesti dicuba, petua makan dan cerapan tempatan.

Temui Taman Maizuru di Fukuoka, Jepun – gabungan sempurna antara sejarah, alam semula jadi dan acara kebudayaan. Rancang lawatan anda dengan panduan perjalanan komprehensif kami.

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Temui cara untuk mengembara dengan lancar ke Osaka menggunakan Shinkansen, cari tiket USJ terbaik, dan pilih hotel terbaik untuk pengalaman perjalanan yang lengkap.

Terokai perkara terbaik untuk dilakukan di Chiang Mai, Thailand. Dari melawat kuil bersejarah dan pasar malam yang meriah hingga ke trekking dan merasai masakan tempatan, panduan ini mempunyai semuanya.

Temui yang terbaik di Pulau Jeju dengan panduan perjalanan terperinci kami, termasuk tarikan popular, jadual perjalanan, tempat makan, pengalaman kebudayaan dan banyak lagi.

Terokai tarikan dalaman terbaik di Taichung, daripada muzium dan galeri seni ke pusat beli-belah dan kafe yang menarik. Sesuai untuk semua musim!

Last Updated: September 06, 2024

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