Travel advice for Japan
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Japan
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written by
Joanne Owen
updated 13.08.2024
Hailed one of the most beautiful countries in the world by Rough Guides’ readers, Japan offers travelers a richness of unique, unforgettable experiences. Thinking of visiting but not sure where or when to go? Keep reading for a run-down of how to plan a trip to Japan to help you maxisimize your chance of experiencing the best things to do in Japan.
Created by local experts
Whether you’re planning a vacation that includes uncovering Japan’s cultural heart in Kyoto, an itinerary that includes incredible hikes and opportunities to get off the beaten track, following our tips for visiting Japan will set you for up for an unforgettable trip of a lifetime.
Alongside helping you decide when’s the best time to visit, and how to get around, we also share detailed itineraries for spending 7, 10 and 14 days in Japan.
If that wasn't enough, you'll also gain intel on the best cities, regions and islands to visit on a first trip to this uniquely captivating country.
Editor’s tip: when it comes to pre-trip planning, our Japan travel tips will come in handy, as will our customisable Japan itineraries.
First up in our tips for how to plan a trip to Japan, you’ll need to figure out the best time to visit. This depends entirely on what you most want to see and do during your vacation.
In general terms, thanks to pleasant weather and natural phenomena like cherry blossoms and fall foliage, spring and fall are the most popular times to visit.
Meanwhile, though hot and humid, summer offers stacks of festivals, while winter (unsurprisingly) is the best time for visit for snow sports and snow-themed festivals.
For more detail, read on for an overview of what to expect of Japan around the year, with info on weather conditions, and notable events across various regions in different seasons.
Expect mild temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), and the following key events:
Summer in Japan is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). It’s also rainy season, particularly in June and early July, though Hokkaido remains drier. Here are key summer events to have on your radar:
Fall in Japan is cool and comfortable, with a temperature range of 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
Here are some of the best things to see and do in Japan in Fall.
Winter in Japan is cold, especially in northern regions and mountainous areas, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F).
Also note that snowfall is common in northern Japan and the Japanese Alps, which means there are plenty of snow-themed events and activities to keep you entertained.
Editor’s tip: want a wonder-filled winter vacation? Check out our customisable Japan Winter Tour.
After deciding when to go, you might be wondering how long you need for a trip for Japan, and whether, for example, spending a week or two in the country is long enough.
The key is to plot out an itinerary that covers what you most want to see and do, while also allowing time to discover lesser-visited treasures of the destinations you choose to visit.
To help you figure that out, here’s how you could spend 7 days, 10 days and two weeks in Japan. Spoiler alert: it’s perfectly possible to enjoy an immersive vacation in any of these time frames.
Taking you from Tokyo to Osaka, our customisable 7-day Highlights of Japan itinerary will have you experiencing exactly that.
Given that this suggested trip plan also includes Kyoto, you won’t need to decide whether to visit Tokyo or Kyoto — you’ll get to see the best of both.
After arriving in Tokyo, kick-off your first full-day in the city with a sumo wrestling session followed by a traditional lunch and tour of Tokyo’s Asakusa district.
Here you can visit city’s oldest temple — Senso-ji — and the towering Tokyo Skytree before enjoying a dinner cruise to see the city at night.
On day three, transfer to Hakone (we suggest taking the electric Tokyo to Hakone train) — a mountain resort town that sits in the shadow of Mount Fuji.
Come the afternoon, take a scenic cable car ride to see Lake Ashi, the historic Hakone Shrine and the geyser-rich Owakudani Valley.
On day four, take the bullet train to Kyoto to see its remarkable shrines, temples and palaces, rounding off the day with a tea ceremony in the Gion Geisha district.
Next, devote day five to visiting more amazing temples, along with exploring Kyoto’s glorious bamboo groves.
Day six will see you travel to Nara to see the ancient Tōdai-ji Temple and visit the surrounding Nara Deer Park en route to Osaka.
In Osaka itself, spend the remainder of your 7-day trip visiting the castle and experiencing the city’s lively nightlife before bedding down in one of its best areas to stay.
Editor’s tip: if you can extend your week in Japan by a day or two, take inspiration from our Japan Essentials itinerary.
Expanding on the above 7-day itinerary, this suggested small group tour of Japan’s highlights will have you experiencing Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama and Kyoto in ten days.
On arrival, do a deep into Tokyo through visiting the Imperial Palace before boarding a train to the vibrant Asakusa district — an area that’s rightly renowned for its food.
Come the afternoon, enjoy a sumo wrestling experience ahead of taking an early train to Hakone on day three.
Spend the afternoon cruising Lake Ashi before heading to a ryokan for dinner, allowing time to relax in a rejuvenating onsen.
Day four will see you travel to Takayama on a scenic train journey, with day five devoted to exploring this history-rich town that’s known for its merchant houses, museums, tranquil temples and shrines.
Next, spend day five either exploring more of Takayama, or else take a day trip to Shirakawago. This UNESCO-designated village along the Three Star Road is esteemed for its unique architecture.
On day six, take a train to Kyoto, which will be your home for the rest of this 10-day vacation.
Editor’s tip: if you’re into food, consider booking our customisable 10-day culinary tour across Japan.
Into adventure? You’ll love our 10-day Self-guided Adventure Tour in Japan.
If you have two weeks in Japan, you might like this Secret of Japan itinerary that covers everything in the suggested 10-day trip, plus a few nights in Osaka and Hiroshima.
Spend your first three days in Tokyo before taking a few days to explore Hakone and Takayama.
On day seven, transfer to Osaka by train and take a walking tour of the Dontonbori district to sample its street food and soak up the neon lights.
On day 8, visit Osaka’s Sky Garden and Kuromon Ichiba market ahead of traveling to Hiroshima by train on day 9. On arrival, be sure to tour the Peace Memorial Museum and visit the cenotaph at the Peace Memorial Park.
Next, devote day 10 to taking a day trip to Miyajima Island where the Itsukushima Shrine and Mount Misen awaits.
On day 11, transfer to Kyoto to spend the rest of your vacation discovering its unique ancient attractions and traditions.
Editor’s tip: prefer to walk on the wilder side? Check-out our customisable itinerary focussed on hiking the Japanese alps.
Traveling with kids? Our Family Adventures in Japan itinerary is designed to keep all ages happy.
Alongside deciding when to go and what itinerary to take, while planning your trip to Japan be sure to get first-hand advice from travelers who’ve been there and done that in the country.
Read on for a summary of current tips that are coming from folks who’ve recently visited.
Want a vacation that gives you support and advice throughout your trip? Talk to our local Japan experts.
Still not sure how your itinerary should be shaped? Read on to find out the best cities and regions to visit during a first-time trip to Japan.
Capital city Tokyo is a dynamic metropolis in which ancient tradition meets modernity. Here are a few highlights:
Editor’s tip: ahead of booking your trip, read up on where to stay in Tokyo, and get The Rough Guide to Tokyo.
The cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto is celebrated for its well-preserved temples, traditional tea houses, and historic districts. Here are a few Kyoto must-sees.
Editor’s tip: read up on the best areas to stay in Kyoto.
Offering a more laid-back vibe than Tokyo, and known for its food and nightlife, Osaka is another city that should definitely be on your radar. Read on for highlights.
Editor’s tip: discover the best areas to stay in Osaka.
A city with a poignant history, Hiroshima is also a symbol of peace and recovery. Here's what you won't want to miss:
Located near Kyoto, Nara is famous for its ancient temples and sacred deer that roam freely in the park. Be sure to make time to see the following:
Home to cultural hubs like Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, the Kansai region offers a deep dive into Japan’s history, culture, and culinary delights.
The Kanto region includes Tokyo, Nikko — a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning temples and natural scenery.
Hakone — famed for its hot springs, Mount Fuji views, and the scenic Hakone Ropeway — also lies within Kanto's borders.
Known for its stunning natural landscapes, Hokkaido — Japan’s northernmost island — is especially beautiful in summer and winter. For example, visit Sapporo in winter for its snow festival, and head to Furuno and Biei to be wowed by lavender fields in summer and ski in winter.
Meanwhile, Shiretoko National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage site — is rewarding around the year
The Chubu region in Honshu offers a mix of mountains (including Mount Fuji), and traditional villages and towns like Takayamaand Kanazawa
Located in the western part of Honshu, this region includes countless historic and spiritual sites, from Hiroshima and Okayama, which is known for Korakuen Garden, to the castle town of Matsue.
While planning your itinerary, look to include at least one of Japan’s lesser-visited, best islands in your trip plan.
This will give you a more fulsome flavor of the country, whether you’re looking to find secluded secret beaches, coral reefs and quaint little villages, or want to immerse yourself in ancient history.
On the subject of history and hidden secrets, you could head to Okinawa-Hontō. Formerly the centre of the Ryukyu kingdom, Okinawa-Hontō — AKA Okinawa Main Island — is arguably Japan's best-kept secret.
In the market for unspoilt beaches and excellent diving? Head to the Keramas, while hikers will want to check out the UNESCO World Heritage-listed island of Yakushima.
Familiarizing yourself with Japanese culture ahead of your trip is likely to make it all the more rewarding. The same is true of enjoying hands-on experiences while on-the-road.
So, here are a few ways to do exactly that.
Knowing how to say “hello” (konnichiwa), “thank you” (arigatou gozaimasu), and “excuse me” (sumimasen) can go a long way in making connections. All the better if you learn more. Otherwise, use an app.
A couple of key pointers on the subject of etiquette. First, bowing is a significant part of Japanese etiquette, used to greet, thank, apologize and show respect.
Second, be mindful of the fact that it’s customary to remove shoes before entering many homes, traditional inns (ran) and temples.
While many Japanese dishes are known globally, nothing beats enjoying the likes of sushi sashimi, ramen, tempura and soba in local restaurants, or on an expert-guided, food-themed tour.
We also suggest booking a Japanese tea ceremony experience.
From taking classes in ikebana — the art of flower arranging — and shodo (calligraphy), to watching traditional Japanese theater forms like kabuki and noh, try to enjoy a few cultural experiences during your vacation.
In addition, be sure to include historic attractions in your itinerary, from temples and shrines — like Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji and Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine — to castles like Himeji and Matsumoto.
Japanese culture values patience, harmony and respect for others. Being mindful of these values while traveling will enhance your experience.
Editor’s tip: read more on Japanese culture and etiquette, and find out unbelievable facts about Japan.
Traveling from the United States to Japan is pretty simple, with plenty of direct options to choose from, as summarised below.
Departure cities in the US: Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK), and Dallas (DFW) have direct flights to Japan.
Arrival cities in Japan: Tokyo (Narita Airport, NRT or Haneda Airport, HND) and Osaka (Kansai International Airport, KIX) are the primary international gateways. Other options include Nagoya (Chubu Centrair International Airport, NGO) and Fukuoka (Fukuoka Airport, FUK).
If you’re looking for cheaper options, you might consider a flight with a layover. Common layover cities include Honolulu, Seoul, Taipei, and Vancouver.
Thanks to its extensive, reliable transpor network, getting around Japan is convenient and efficient. Here’s an overview of options to help you navigate the country.
Renting a car is useful if you plan to explore rural areas, remote attractions, or islands where public transportation is limited.
International car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget operate in Japan. Local companies like Nippon Rent-A-Car, Toyota Rent a Car, and Times Car Rental are also popular and reliable.
You can book a car online through the rental company’s website, a travel booking site, or on arrival at the airport or major train stations.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.
A few things to note — International Driving Permits (IDP) are required for foreigners renting a car, and you drive on the left.
Speed limits are lower than in the US (typically 40-60 km/h in urban areas, 80-100 km/h on highways).
Many expressways in Japan are toll roads. You can pay tolls in cash or use an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) card, which can be rented with the car.
Here’s a run-down of public transport options in Japan.
Planning a longer stay in the capital? Here's how to get around Tokyo.
The Japan Rail Pass (JR pass), is a discounted rail ticket that gives you unlimited access to Japan Rail National trains, bus services, ferry services, and airport transfers. Just note that the pass isn’t valid on the Nozomi Shinkansen trains — the fastest class of bullet train.
To be eligible to buy one, you must be traveling on a “temporary visit” visa that’s valid for stays of up to 90 days.
There are two classes of pass to choose from. Standard Passes are cheaper and more flexible. Green Passes are more expensive and less flexible, but come with more space and comfort.
Editor’s tip: read up on which Japan Rail Pass is right for you.
Booking accommodation and entry to attractions in advance offers several advantages..
Firstly, accommodation is often cheaper when booked in advance — hotels typically offer special early bird discounts and promotions.
Booking early also gives you access to a wider selection of room types — especially important if you have special requests.
At the same time, having your travel arrangements sorted well in advance cuts down last-minute stress and fosters a more relaxed planning process.
Conversely, booking early gives you time to make adjustments if your plans need to change.
When it comes to booking tickets to attractions and tours in advance, you’ll have access to more dates and time slots. You could also secure time-saving skip-the-line tickets.
While it goes without saying that the cost of a trip to Japan will vary widely depending on your travel style, length of stay, and activities, here's a ballpark overview of estimated costs for budget, mid-price and luxury travel.
Expect to pay $20-$60 per night to stay in hostels, capsule hotels, budget business hotels, and Airbnbs, and $10-$30 a day for street food and inexpensive ramen or sushi restaurants.
If you’re on a budget, you could use public transport for around $10-$20 per day, and allow the same for activities.
Bear in mind, you’ll need to research free and low-cost attractions like parks, temples, and shrines to stick to this.
On a budget? Discover great things to do in Tokyo for free.
Mid-range hotels, boutique hotels, traditional inns (ryokan) with breakfast will cost $80-$150 per night, and you could eat well for $30-$60 a day.
Look to budget around $20-$40 per day to get around, and $20-$50 a day for activities, including entry fees for museums, guided tours and cultural experiences like tea ceremonies.
Luxury hotels, high-end ryokan with kaiseki (multi-course) meals, and premium resorts will set you back $250-$600+ a night, while dining in the likes of Michelin-starred restaurants and high-end sushi bars will cost $100-$300 a day.
When it comes to getting around, first-class (Green Car) Shinkansen seats and private car services will cost $40-$100+ per day, while the likes of private guided tours and exclusive cultural experiences will cost $50-$200+ a day.
Ready to start planning your own trip to Japan? Get The Rough Guide to Japan to support every step of your journey.
Or, if you’re overwhelmed by the idea of planning, book one of our customisable Japan itineraries.
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 13.08.2024
Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.
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