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Japan Travel Guide: Discover Timeless Culture & Cutting-Edge Wonders

Intro to Japan Travel Guide

Japan is a place where ancient traditions and futuristic innovation blend seamlessly. Whether you’re wandering Kyoto’s tranquil temples, navigating Tokyo’s neon-lit districts, or soaking in an onsen beneath snow-covered peaks, Japan reveals itself in beautifully layered moments.

From cherry blossoms and bullet trains to sushi counters and Shinto shrines, every detail in Japan feels intentional — designed to surprise, soothe, and inspire.

Start planning your journey with our complete Japan Tour Guide — uncover iconic cities, rural escapes, and unforgettable experiences across all seasons.

Prefectures to Explore in Japan

💡Quick Facts:
Destination: Japan
Continent: Asia
Country: Japan
Area: 377,975 km²
Population: ~123 million (2025 est.)
Density: ~325/km²
Capital: Tokyo
Regions/Subregions: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa
Official Language: Japanese
Currency: Japanese Yen (¥, JPY)
Time Zone(s): JST (UTC+9), no daylight savings
Airports (main/nearest): Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT), Kansai International (KIX), Osaka Itami (ITM), Chubu Centrair (NGO), Fukuoka (FUK), New Chitose (CTS)
Climate: Ranges from humid continental in the north to subtropical in the south; four distinct seasons
Known For: Mount Fuji, Kyoto temples, Tokyo neon, cherry blossoms, anime, sushi, bullet trains, UNESCO sites (Himeji Castle, Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima Peace Memorial)

🛂Arrival Info:
Visa-free (90 days): US, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, many others.
eVisa system: Available for select nationalities.
Stay length: Typically 90 days; extensions possible.
Requirements: Passport valid for stay, onward/return ticket.
Official portal: Japan eVisa.

🏥Health Info:
Vaccines: No mandatory; Hepatitis A and B recommended.
Hospitals: High standard; English-speaking clinics in cities.
Emergency numbers: 110 (police), 119 (ambulance/fire).
Insurance: Strongly advised; costs can be high.
Risks: Seasonal allergies (cedar pollen), summer heatstroke.
🚑 Check travel insurance options for travel emergencies, delays, and medical needs abroad — Get coverage here
💉 Stay Informed with Official Updates: WHO – International Travel & Health | CDC – Travel health updates

🚨Travel Advisory:
General: Very safe; low crime rate.
Risks: Natural hazards like earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons.
Transport: Extremely reliable but crowded in peak hours.
Scams: Rare; lost items often returned.
🌍Track Real-Time Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice | Government of Canada | NZ SafeTravel

🥳Holidays:
New Year’s Day: Jan 1
Golden Week (Showa Day, Constitution Day, Greenery Day, Children’s Day): Late Apr–early May
Marine Day: July
Obon Festival: Mid-Aug (not a national holiday but major travel season)
Respect for the Aged Day: Sept
Culture Day: Nov 3
Emperor’s Birthday: Feb 23
Impact: Trains and flights sell out quickly during Golden Week, Obon, and New Year.

💰Visitor Info:
Currency: Japanese Yen (¥).
Payments: Cards accepted in big cities; cash still widely used.
Tipping: Not customary; can be considered rude.
Duty-free: Tax-free shopping available for tourists with passport.
Average Daily Budget: ¥8,000–12,000 ($55–85) budget, ¥15,000–25,000 ($100–170) mid-range, ¥30,000+ ($200+) luxury.
Tourist tax: Small per-night fee in hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka.

🛫Airports:
Haneda (HND): Central Tokyo hub, domestic & international.
Narita (NRT): Tokyo’s main international gateway.
Kansai (KIX): Serving Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe.
Chubu Centrair (NGO): Central Japan hub.
Fukuoka (FUK): Kyushu’s main airport.
New Chitose (CTS): Gateway to Hokkaido.
Transfers: Trains, buses, and airport shuttles highly reliable.
🧳 Delayed or canceled flight? Check if you’re eligible for compensation

🚍Transport:
Local: Subway and bus systems in all major cities; IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA) widely used.
Intercity: Shinkansen bullet trains, JR Pass popular for tourists.
Driving: Left-hand side; IDP required; toll roads expensive.
Ferries: Connect smaller islands; domestic air routes common.
Costs: Rail passes save money; local transit inexpensive.
🚗 Book reliable airport transfers and in-city rides in advance. Reserve your ride here

🛰️Connectivity:
SIM/eSIM providers: NTT Docomo, SoftBank, au.
Coverage: Excellent nationwide, including rural areas.
Wi-Fi: Free in many stations, airports, and cafés.
Roaming: Costly; pocket Wi-Fi rental popular among visitors.
🛜 Stay connected abroad with affordable eSIM data packs. Get your eSIM here

📜Laws & Etiquette:
Alcohol age: 20.
Smoking: Restricted to designated areas; banned on many streets.
Dress: Modest and neat; cover tattoos in hot springs (onsen).
LGBTQ+: Increasingly accepted; legal protections limited.
Etiquette: Bowing, removing shoes indoors, quiet on public transport, no eating while walking in most areas.

👮Emergency Info:
Emergency numbers: 110 (police), 119 (ambulance/fire).
US Embassy: Tokyo; consulates in Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Naha.
UK Embassy: Tokyo; consulates in Osaka.
Tourist hotline: Japan Visitor Hotline +81-50-3816-2787 (24/7 in English).
🏛️ Use embassy locator tools: Embassies Worldwide

🌞Weather:
Spring (Mar–May): 10–20°C, cherry blossom season.
Summer (Jun–Aug): 25–35°C, humid; typhoon risk late summer.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): 12–22°C, clear skies, autumn foliage.
Winter (Dec–Feb): -5–10°C north; 5–12°C Tokyo; heavy snow in Hokkaido.
Tip: Pack layers for varying climates; best seasons are spring and autumn.
🌦️ Stay prepared—check the weather forecast for your destination — Weather Forecast

Japan by Region – Where to Go

Japan is divided into 8 major regions and 47 prefectures. Each offers distinct landscapes, cultural identities, and travel experiences.

Kanto Region

Tokyo: A sprawling capital where centuries-old temples meet cutting-edge tech, fashion, and Michelin-star dining.
Yokohama: A cosmopolitan port city with waterfront promenades and Chinatown.
Nikko: Sacred mountains and UNESCO shrines, perfect for a nature-culture escape.

Kansai Region

Kyoto: Japan’s cultural heart — home to geishas, Zen gardens, and over 1,600 temples.
Osaka: Lively and friendly with top-tier street food, neon nightlife, and the historic Osaka Castle.
Nara: Known for free-roaming deer and Japan’s oldest Buddhist structures.

Hokkaido (North)

Sapporo: Famous for snow festivals, beer, and skiing.
Furano & Biei: Lavender fields and pastoral beauty in summer.
Niseko: A world-class winter sports destination.

Tohoku (Northeast Honshu)

Sendai: A gateway to hot springs, castles, and coastlines.
Aomori & Hirosaki: Snowy landscapes and cherry blossoms, rich in samurai heritage.

Chubu (Central Honshu)

Nagano: Mountain monasteries and Olympic ski resorts.
Takayama: A beautifully preserved Edo-period town near the Japanese Alps.
Kanazawa: A lesser-known gem with a stunning garden, crafts, and samurai history.

Chugoku (Western Honshu)

Hiroshima: A powerful Peace Memorial and vibrant modern city.
Okayama & Kurashiki: Art, canals, and one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.

Shikoku

Matsuyama & Dogo Onsen: Ancient hot springs and pilgrimage trails.
Naoshima Island: World-famous for its contemporary art museums and outdoor installations.

Kyushu

Fukuoka: A vibrant city known for ramen and beaches.
Beppu & Yufuin: Famous hot spring resorts with dramatic steaming landscapes.
Nagasaki: A multicultural city with deep historical layers.

Okinawa (Islands)

Naha & Okinawa Island: Subtropical beaches and Ryukyuan culture.
Ishigaki & Miyako Islands: Coral reefs, relaxed vibes, and pristine waters.

Top Places to Visit in Japan

Here are Japan’s must-visit destinations grouped by travel theme:

Cultural Capitals

Kyoto: Temples, tea ceremonies, and the heart of traditional Japan.
Tokyo: Where samurai past meets tech-forward future.
Nara: Sacred deer, towering Buddha, and ancient shrines.

Nature Escapes

Hakone: Mountain views, Lake Ashi cruises, and hot springs with Mt. Fuji backdrops.
Japanese Alps (Nagano, Toyama): Hiking, onsen, and traditional thatched-roof villages.
Hokkaido: Untamed wilderness, ski resorts, and dramatic coastal cliffs.

Historic Sites

Himeji Castle: Japan’s most elegant and best-preserved feudal castle.
Matsumoto Castle: A dramatic “Black Crow” castle set against the Alps.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial: A somber but essential visit.

Coastal & Island Getaways

Okinawa: A tropical break with its own cuisine, culture, and reefs.
Miyajima Island: Floating torii gate and deer-filled forests near Hiroshima.
Kanazawa & Noto Peninsula: Rugged coastline with rural charm.

How to Choose Where to Go in Japan

For First-Time Travelers: Start with Tokyo + Kyoto + Osaka — a well-rounded introduction to modern and traditional Japan.
For Food Lovers: Add Fukuoka (ramen), Osaka (street food), and Kanazawa (seafood).
For Nature & Mountains: Visit the Japanese Alps, Hakone, or Tohoku’s lakes and forests.
For Island Life: Head south to Okinawa, Miyako, or the Izu Islands.
For Winter: Explore Hokkaido for skiing, or Nagano’s snow monkeys and onsen towns.

Efficient pairings:

Tokyo + Nikko or Hakone (day trips)
Kyoto + Nara + Osaka (Kansai loop)
Hiroshima + Miyajima + Naoshima (culture + islands)

How to Get Around Japan

Japan’s transportation system is among the best in the world:

Shinkansen (Bullet Trains): Fast, punctual, and scenic. JR Pass offers great value for tourists.
Regional Trains & Subways: Clean and extensive in urban and rural areas.
Buses: Useful in smaller towns or mountain areas.
Domestic Flights: Quick connections to Hokkaido, Okinawa, and Kyushu.
IC Cards (Suica, Pasmo): Tap-and-go cards for trains, metro, and some shops.
Rental Cars: Ideal for Hokkaido, Okinawa, and remote areas.

Tip: Download the Japan Travel by Navitime app or use Google Maps for real-time train routes.

Travel Budget & Costs in Japan

Japan isn’t as expensive as many assume — it’s flexible by travel style.

Budget: $50–80/day — capsule hotels, convenience store meals, local trains
Mid-Range: $100–200/day — business hotels, izakaya dining, regional trains
Luxury: $250+/day — ryokan stays, kaiseki meals, first-class trains

Sample costs:

Local meal: $6–10 (ramen, curry, donburi)
Shinkansen (Tokyo–Kyoto): ~$100 one-way (covered by JR Pass)
Museum entry: $5–15
Onsen day pass: $5–25

Best Time to Visit Japan

Spring (March–May)

Cherry Blossom Season: Peak in late March to early April
Ideal for cities, temples, and flower viewing

Autumn (October–November)

Fall Colors: Bright maple and ginkgo trees in parks and mountains
Pleasant weather and fewer crowds

Summer (June–August)

Hot and humid, but lively festivals (matsuri) and fireworks
Great for alpine escapes or northern Japan

Winter (December–February)

Ski season in Hokkaido and Nagano
Cozy onsen experiences and illuminations

Festivals to Catch:

Gion Matsuri (Kyoto): Japan’s grandest festival (July)
Sapporo Snow Festival: Giant ice sculptures and winter festivities (February)
Tanabata (Sendai): Star Festival with lanterns and parades (August)

Must-See Experiences in Japan

Don’t miss these unforgettable things to do in Japan, full of culture, nature, and sensory delight:

Soak in a traditional onsen — from volcanic outdoor baths to serene ryokan tubs.
Watch sumo wrestling at a Tokyo or Osaka tournament.
Join a tea ceremony in a Kyoto machiya or cultural center.
Take a sushi-making class and learn from masters.
See geisha performances and maiko dances in Gion.
Ride the Shinkansen past Mt. Fuji’s iconic silhouette.
Stay in a Buddhist temple on Mt. Koya and join morning prayers.
Visit Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh sashimi and Japanese snacks.
Hike the Nakasendo Trail between old post towns.
Marvel at TeamLab Planets or Ghibli Museum for modern artistry.

Book immersive Japan tours and experience unforgettable things to do in Japan — from sacred temple rituals and highland treks to floating markets and lakeside food adventures.

Best Travel Itineraries in Japan

7-Day Intro to Japan

Tokyo (3 days) → Kyoto (3 days) → Day trip to Nara or Osaka

10-Day Culture & Nature

Tokyo → Hakone → Kyoto → Kanazawa → Takayama → Tokyo

2-Week Japan Explorer

Tokyo → Nikko → Kyoto → Osaka → Hiroshima → Miyajima → Naoshima → Fukuoka

Winter Route

Tokyo → Nagano (snow monkeys) → Matsumoto → Takayama → Kanazawa → Kyoto

Customize for festivals, food, or rail-based ease.

Local Cuisine & Culinary Experiences

Japanese food is a UNESCO-recognized cultural treasure — diverse, seasonal, and deeply regional.

Essential Dishes:

Sushi & Sashimi: From conveyor belt to omakase
Ramen: Varies by region — try tonkotsu (Fukuoka), miso (Sapporo), or soy (Tokyo)
Tempura: Lightly battered veggies and seafood
Okonomiyaki: Savory pancake — a must in Osaka and Hiroshima
Kaiseki: Multi-course fine dining rooted in seasonality
Yakitori & Izakaya fare: Skewers, beer, and small plates

Experiences:

Eat at a depachika: Basement food halls full of gourmet treats
Visit Nishiki Market (Kyoto) or Ameya-Yokocho (Tokyo)
Sample sake in Niigata or at a tasting bar in Tokyo
Try regional specialties — like Hida beef, unagi, or Hiroshima oysters

Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette in Japan

Safety Tips:

Japan is one of the world’s safest countries.
Lost items are often returned — still, keep track of belongings.
Earthquake preparedness is routine — familiarize yourself with evacuation signs.

Cultural Norms:

Remove shoes before entering homes, some restaurants, and ryokan.
Be quiet on public transport; avoid phone calls.
Don’t tip — politeness is built into the service.
Carry trash with you; bins are rare in public.
Bow as a greeting; handshakes are uncommon.

Where to Go Next – Pair Japan with These Destinations

South Korea: Quick flights or ferries to Busan or Seoul
Taiwan: A short hop with complementary culture and cuisine
Vietnam or Thailand: Great contrast and budget balance
China: Fly to Shanghai or Beijing for another world of ancient-modern fusion

South Korea Travel Guide | Taiwan Travel Guide | Vietnam Travel Guide | Thailand Travel Guide