Japan is best known for its shrines, temples, and cherry blossoms. You will also find palaces, Geishas, tea ceremonies, sake breweries, wagyu beef, amazing sushi, robotics, anime, manga, themed cafes, and so much more! In fact, it’s very difficult to narrow down all the options into an itinerary. Luckily, this Japan travel guide gives you all the basics allowing you to focus on the fun part of travel planning.
The country receives almost 25 million tourists each year. Planning international travel can be overwhelming and time-consuming while working full-time. Use this Japan travel guide and the following Japan travel blog posts to plan your perfect vacation. The top destinations in Japan are Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Continue reading this Japan travel guide, including the top things to do in Japan, and don’t miss a thing in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Read Best of Japan Travel Itinerary
Japan Travel Guide: Where to Go
Why Visit Tokyo Japan
Over 22 million people visit Tokyo Japan yearly for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, shrines and palaces, trendy cafés, unusual vending machines, conveyor belt sushi, tea ceremonies, black sesame ice cream, karaoke, and sumo wrestling. One of Tokyo’s must-see attractions is the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Takeshita Street in Harajuku is a great spot for neon lights and quirky street food. Visit Akihabara Electric Town on a Sunday between 1 and 6pm for the best chance to see people in Cosplay. If you want a unique experience in Tokyo, consider renting a go-cart for sightseeing. For an off-the-beaten-path experience, be sure to visit Gotokuji Temple. If you love spending time outdoors take a day trip to Nikko and the Kegan Waterfall. Disney fans will not want to miss Disneyland Tokyo.
READ 100 Things to Do in Tokyo Japan, a Bucket List City
READ Things to Do in Tokyo Japan, One Week Itinerary
Why Visit Kyoto Japan
Over 71 million people visit Kyoto Japan each year for its amazing temples and shrines, Zen gardens, bamboo forests, tea houses, Geisha District, old shopping streets, sake distilleries, and black sesame ice cream. There are many amazing things to do in Kyoto Japan! Kyoto has over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines. One of Kyoto’s must-see attractions is Kinkaku-ji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. The brightly colored Fushimi Inari Gates is another top thing to see in Kyoto. If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, be sure to visit the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple.
READ Things to Do in Kyoto Japan, 3 day Itinerary
Why Visit Hiroshima Japan
Hiroshima Japan is most known as being the location where American forces dropped an atomic bomb in 1945. Over 11.5 million people visit Hiroshima Japan each year for its atomic bomb history. One of Hiroshima’s must-see attractions is Hiroshima Peace Park and Memorial Museum. If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, be sure to visit Mitaki-Dera Temple. If you love spending time outdoors you may want to hike up Mount Misen. The area is famous for the Hiroshima Castle, okonomiyaki pancakes, and the nearby Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island.
READ Things to Do in Hiroshima Japan, 2 Day Itinerary
Why Visit Osaka Japan
Osaka Japan is the third-largest city in Japan. The city is referred to as the neon capital of Japan and Japan’s kitchen. There are many amazing things to do in Osaka Japan! One of Osaka’s must-see attractions is Osaka Castle, especially while the cherry blossoms are in bloom. If you want a unique experience in Osaka, consider renting a go-kart to explore the city in an anime costume. For something a little off-the-beaten-path experience, visit Takimi Koji, a retro restaurant alley under the Umeda Sky Building. If you love spending time outdoors check out Minoh Park or Nunobiki Waterfall. Osaka also has Universal Studios, Legoland, a Science Museum, and an aquarium.
READ Things to Do in Osaka Japan, 3 Day Itinerary
What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Japan
Where is Japan?
Japan is an archipelago consisting of several thousands of islands off the east coast of Asia. The country is surrounded by water including the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Okhotsk, the Sea of Japan, and the East China Sea. Korea, Russia, and China are Japan’s closest neighbors. Tokyo is the capital of Japan. Tokyo has a population of about 14 million and is one of the world’s largest cities.
What language is spoken in Japan?
The national language of Japan is Japanese. The second most spoken language in Japan is Chinese followed by Korean. Few people speak English. Major cities and tourist areas have signs in English. Be sure to download a translator before you travel. It will be helpful to note any addresses you’ll need to communicate with a taxi driver in Japanese. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel. You will also find tutorials on YouTube.
Do I need a visa to visit Japan?
According to Project Visa, US citizens do not need a visa for a visit up to 90 days in a 6 month period. Immigration requires proof of onward travel and the airline may deny boarding if you have a one-way ticket. Save time at the airport and complete your immigration paperwork a day or two before you travel here to obtain your QR code.
What is the currency in Japan?
The currency in Japan is the Japanese yen; the symbol of the yen is ¥. 1,000 ¥ is about a $10 US bill, it is the smallest banknote. You will need cash in Japan. US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Save time and stress by exchanging around $100 before your arrival. Most US banks allow you to order foreign currency online and will deliver it to your home. Don’t be fooled by ‘0 commission’ money exchangers because the ‘service fee’ is high. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.
Can I use credit cards and ATMs in Japan?
International ATMs are available throughout Japan. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in Japan and google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Japan, you will need a 4-digit PIN from the bank. American Express and Discover may be accepted. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and purchase in yen. Note that Japan is a cash-based economy, and not all shops can accept credit cards.
How much should I budget per day in Japan?
According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in Japan is $170. Expect to pay $ 2,383 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.
When is the best time to visit Japan?
The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Temperatures are warm and both are dry seasons. Plum trees bloom in bright white and dark pink flowers in mid-February and mid-March. Cherry blossom season is from late March to early April and is one of the most popular times to visit Japan. Temperatures range from 50- 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The cherry blossom bloom usually occurs between the last week of March and the first week of April. Check the cherry blossom forecast here. Expect high prices and crowds; be sure to book hotels early.
Visit from September to November to witness Japan’s fall foliage, or Momiji (red maple leaves). Shoulder season is late May to early June and late November to early December. Typhoon season is from May to October. Expect extreme heat and humidity in July and August. The off-season is mid-January and March, prices are lower and there will be fewer crowds.
What type of transportation is available in Japan?
Many US cities have direct flights to Japan. There are 4 international airports: Narita (Tokyo), Haneda (Tokyo), Kansai (Osaka), and Chuba (Nagoya). The country is well connected through high-speed trains. Purchasing a JR train pass may save you money. The process can be overwhelming, plan your route and use the fare calculator tool for help. It can be overwhelming and took me a long time to figure out. I did use it, snag my itinerary.
Tokyo has an extensive subway system and passes may be purchased for 24, 48, or 72 hours. Subway passes are not valid on JR lines (use Japan Rail Pass).
The main transportation in Kyoto is by public bus. In Japan, you will enter the bus through the back door, and pay while exiting from the front. You can pay in cash (coins only) or IC card. Convenient bus day passes allow you to take unlimited bus rides for the number of days purchased.
You must have an International Drivers Permit to rent a car in Japan.
What kind of adaptor do I need in Japan?
The plugs in Japan are type A, the same as in the United States. The standard voltage is between 100 and 240 volts, and the standard frequency is 50 to 60 Hertz. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection. You will need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.
What should I pack for Japan?
The Japanese take care in their appearance. Pack a smart casual wardrobe with fashions similar to New York, London, or Paris. Japan experiences four seasons, in general, pack for the season. Spring and fall are unpredictable. Pack an umbrella, raincoat, jacket, and scarf. Wear slip-on shoes, you will be removing them often when visiting temples. Bare feet are considered impolite, pack extra socks for when you must remove your shoes. Although Japan’s temples do not require a specific dress code, dress respectfully.
Be sure to pack light. Japan’s rail system is the best way to travel the country. The bullet train has a small area for luggage and must be reserved ahead of time. However, carry-on luggage will fit in the overhead bin. Many trains have no space for any luggage and may not have elevators or escalators in the terminal. Plan to travel with a carry-on bag and backpack and leave space for souvenirs.
Is Japan a safe country for solo travelers?
According to Travel Safe Abroad Japan is the least dangerous country in the world. However, as in all large cities, be alert for pickpockets on public transportation. Japan has a high risk of natural disasters, including volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Dial 119 for a medical emergency and 110 for police. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.
What food do I need to try in Japan?
While in Japan you will want to eat sushi, sashimi (thinly sliced raw fish or meat), miso soup (broth), ramen, udon noodles, donburi (rice bowl), tempura, yakitori (chicken skewers), karaage (fried chicken), hambāgu (hamburger steak), tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlets), kashipan (sweet bread), sukiyaki (searing beef with vegetables and noodles of choice), buta-no-shogayaki (pork belly, ginger, and onions), wagyu (beef), okonomiyaki (“whatever you like, grilled”), Nikujaga (meat and potato stew), gyoza (dumplings filled with pork mince, cabbage, green onion and mushroom), Takoyaki (octopus balls), edamame (blanched soybeans), yakisoba (fried noodle stir fry), mochi (pounded rice cakes).
Japan Travel Guide Tips
- Complete travel entry forms and get a QR code on the Visit Japan website before arrival to save time at the airport.
- Book hotels near transit stations!
- In restaurants, the customer calls the waiter over when they are ready to order or need something.
- Tipping is not common in Japan and is often perceived as rude.
- Pack a fork if you cannot use chopsticks.
- Never stick your chopsticks upwards in a bowl of rice as that is how rice is offered to the dead.
- Tap water in Japan is safe to drink, bring a reusable water bottle.
- Use the Mymizu App to find free filtered water taps in Japan
- Learn how to use a bidet toilet.
- Restrooms do not always have hand soap and towels, carry hand sanitizer and a handkerchief.
- Taxi doors open and close automatically.
- Bow when greeting, thanking, or apologizing to someone.
- Smoking is commonly permitted inside but not outside on the street.
- Cover your tattoos in gyms, swimming pools, and onsens.
- Do not talk (including phone) on trains.
- Bring a coin purse, you will need it.
- Place your money in the small tray next to the register when making purchases.
- Avoid the morning commute in Tokyo (weekdays 7:30am to 9am).
- Know what to do in an earthquake or tsunami.
- Use your passport to buy souvenirs tax-free at tax-free counters.
- Public trash cans are hard to find, bring a bag for your trash.
- Street food is popular but don’t walk and eat, it is considered rude.
- Carry your passport at all times, it’s the law.
- Walk on the left side of the street and stand on the left side of the escalator.
- Most restaurants don’t open until 10am, so pack granola bars for breakfast.
- Prioritize what you want to see and start early to avoid crowds.
- Use an IC card (PASMO, SUICA, and ICOCA) for purchases (transportation, vending machines, convenience stores).
- Reserve a window seat on the right side of the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto for views of Mt. Fuji.
- Do not throw away your train ticket, you need to show it leaving the station.
Top 10 Things to See and Do in Japan
- Spend a night in a Ryokan
- Relax in a Japanese onsen (hot springs)
- Attend a tea ceremony or go sake-tasting
- View the Hoshitoge Rice Field Terraces (closed December-May)
- Walk through Tokyo and Osaka’s neon-lit neighborhoods
- Visit Kyoto’s Gion District
- Witness a Sumu match
- Experience the Shibuya Scramble in Tokyo
- Pay tribute at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima
- Experience the famous Sakura, cherry blossom bloom
Be sure to check the Japan Board of Tourism for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Booking Resources for Japan
Book Your Accommodation in Japan Now
Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!
Japan Travel Guide Books
Pick up a Japan Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.
Tokyo Attractions and Day Tours
The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.
Travel Essentials
Need a universal travel adaptor, power bank charger, or packing cubes? Save time at my Amazon shop and have travel essentials delivered to your home.
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