🇯🇵 Japan
From neon-lit streets to ancient temples, Japan blends ultra-modern efficiency with deep-rooted cultural traditions.
Tokyo
Capital
JPY (¥)
Currency
Japanese
Language
Mar–May & Sep–Nov
Best Time
25
UNESCO Sites
Left
Driving Side
UTC+9
Time Zone
Type A / B
Plug Type
9.5/10
Safety
+81
Calling Code
Japan operates on a different frequency. You can ride a bullet train at 320 km/h, then step into a centuries-old ryokan where time seems to stand still. This is a country where meticulous attention to detail elevates everything from convenience store bento boxes to multi-course kaiseki dinners. Navigating the dense metropolis of Tokyo or the temple-lined streets of Kyoto requires some planning, especially when timing the elusive cherry blossom season or deciding if the Japan Rail Pass is still worth the cost following recent price hikes. From soaking in an alpine onsen to exploring the street food stalls of Osaka, Japan rewards travellers who embrace its distinct etiquette and highly structured way of life.
Cities & Destinations
Explore our in-depth guides to Japan's most dynamic urban centres.
Interactive Map
Click any pin to explore our guides for that destination.
Quick Facts
Geography
- Region
- East Asia
- Capital
- Tokyo
- Highest Peak
- Mount Fuji (3,776 m)
- UNESCO Sites
- 5
Country Info
- Languages
- Japanese
- Currency
- Japanese Yen (JPY)
- Driving Side
- Left
- Plug Type
- A & B (100V)
Travel Essentials
- Peak Season
- Mar–May & Oct–Nov
- Safety
- Extremely high
- Solo-Friendly
- ✅ Yes
- Family-Friendly
- ✅ Yes
Money & Budget
Budget Traveler
$70–100
Hostels, convenience store meals, and local buses.
Mid-Range
$150–250
Business hotels, regional rail passes, and casual dining.
Luxury
$400+
High-end ryokans, domestic flights, and kaiseki dinners.
Average Costs
- Hotel Night
- $80 – $150
- Hostel / Camp
- $25 – $45
- Local Meal
- $6 – $12
- Coffee
- $3 – $5
- Taxi Ride
- $10 – $20
- Museum
- $5 – $15
Money Tips
- ATMs
- 7-Eleven & Japan Post
- Credit Cards
- Widely accepted now
- Cash Tips
- Never tip
- Tipping
- Considered rude
Entry Requirements
| Nationality | Visa Requirement | Max Stay | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Visa-free | 90 days | Free |
| UK | Visa-free | 90 days | Free |
| EU / Schengen | Visa-free | 90 days | Free |
| Canada | Visa-free | 90 days | Free |
| Australia | Visa-free | 90 days | Free |
| India | eVisa / Tourist Visa | Up to 30 days | ¥3,000 |
Always confirm with the official government source before travel.
Vaccinations
- Recommended
- Routine, Japanese Encephalitis
- Required
- None
- Malaria Risk
- None
- Water
- Safe to drink
Passport & Insurance
- Validity
- Duration of stay
- Blank Pages
- One page
- Insurance
- Highly recommended
- Coverage
- Medical & Evacuation
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Getting There & Around
International Airports
- Tokyo Narita
- NRT
- Tokyo Haneda
- HND
- Osaka Kansai
- KIX
Getting Around
- Car Rental
- International Driving Permit required
- Domestic Flights
- Fast, often cheaper than shinkansen
- WiFi
- Free in major stations
- SIM
- Pre-order eSIM online
Connectivity
Mobile & Internet
- SIM Providers
- Sakura Mobile, Mobal
- SIM Cost
- $30–50 (data only)
- eSIM
- Ubigi, Airalo
- WiFi
- Pocket WiFi rentals popular
- VPN Needed?
- No
Useful Apps
- Maps
- Google Maps / Japan Transit Planner
- Translation
- Google Translate (offline Japanese)
- Rides
- GO / Uber (calls local taxis)
- Currency
- XE Currency
Things to Do
01
Ride the Shinkansen
Zip between Tokyo and Kyoto at 320 km/h; check our Japan Rail Pass guide to see if it saves you money.
02
Soak in an Onsen
Bathe in geothermal hot springs in Hakone or Kinosaki. Review our Onsen Etiquette guide before stripping down.
03
Chase the Cherry Blossoms
Track the sakura front from late March to early May. Read our Cherry Blossom Season guide for exact timing.
04
Eat Through Dotonbori
Sample takoyaki and okonomiyaki under the glowing neon signs of Osaka's premier entertainment district.
05
Stay in a Ryokan
Sleep on tatami mats and dine on seasonal kaiseki cuisine at a traditional Japanese inn in the Japanese Alps.
06
Explore Kyoto's Temples
Walk through the thousands of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari and admire the gold leaf exterior of Kinkaku-ji.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto
17 sites including Kiyomizu-dera and Nijo Castle, showcasing a millennium of Japanese wooden architecture and garden design.
Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
Remote mountain villages famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, featuring steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snow.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial
The Genbaku Dome stands as a stark, preserved ruin from the 1945 atomic bombing, surrounded by a moving peace park.
Mount Fuji
Japan's iconic, perfectly symmetrical stratovolcano. It has inspired artists and pilgrims for centuries and is open for climbing in summer.
Himeji Castle
Known as the White Heron Castle, this 17th-century fortress is Japan's largest and most visited, surviving wars and earthquakes intact.
Wildlife Experiences
Snow Monkeys in Jigokudani
Watch wild Japanese macaques bathe in natural hot springs in Nagano prefecture. Best visited during the snowy winter months.
Deer in Nara Park
Bow to the hundreds of free-roaming sika deer in Nara; they will bow back in exchange for specially sold deer crackers.
Whale Watching in Okinawa
Spot humpback whales breeding in the warm waters around the Kerama Islands from January through March.
Red-Crowned Cranes in Hokkaido
Observe the elaborate winter mating dances of these endangered, elegant birds at the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary.
Rabbit Island (Okunoshima)
Take a short ferry from Hiroshima to interact with hundreds of friendly, feral rabbits that populate this small island.
Brown Bears in Shiretoko
Join a safe boat cruise along the rugged Hokkaido coastline between June and September to spot Ussuri brown bears.
Hidden Gems
Off-the-beaten-path spots most tourists miss.
Kamakura
A coastal town just an hour from Tokyo, home to dozens of Zen temples and a massive bronze Great Buddha.
Naoshima
An art island in the Seto Inland Sea, famous for its contemporary museums and Yayoi Kusama's outdoor pumpkin sculptures.
Takayama
A beautifully preserved Edo-period town in the mountainous Gifu Prefecture, known for its morning markets and high-quality sake breweries.
Yakushima
A subtropical island covered in ancient cedar forests that inspired Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke. Perfect for multi-day hiking.
Food & Drink
Sushi & Sashimi
Fresh, raw seafood served over vinegared rice or on its own. Quality ranges from affordable conveyor belts to high-end omakase.
Ramen
Wheat noodles in a rich, slow-cooked broth. Try creamy tonkotsu in Fukuoka or soy-based shoyu ramen in Tokyo.
Okonomiyaki
A customisable, savoury cabbage pancake cooked on an iron griddle. Hiroshima and Osaka both claim the superior regional style.
Takoyaki
Piping hot, battered balls filled with diced octopus, pickled ginger, and green onion, smothered in sweet sauce and mayonnaise.
Kaiseki
A traditional multi-course dinner emphasising seasonal ingredients, artistic presentation, and delicate flavours, typically served at upscale ryokans.
Matcha
Finely milled green tea powder used in traditional tea ceremonies, and increasingly popular in ice cream, mochi, and modern lattes.
Where to Stay
Our handpicked recommendations across every budget tier.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Matcha Powder
High-quality green tea.
Ceramics
Arita or Kutani ware.
Stationery
Washi tape and fountain pens.
Omamori
Temple lucky charms.
Japanese Knives
Carbon steel chef knives.
Skincare
Hada Labo or sunscreens.
Festivals & Events
| Month | Festival / Holiday | Where | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb | Sapporo Snow Festival | Hokkaido | Massive, intricate ice and snow sculptures. |
| Mar-Apr | Hanami (Cherry Blossom) | Nationwide | Picnics under blooming sakura trees. |
| May | Sanja Matsuri | Tokyo | Millions gather for wild mikoshi (shrine) carrying. |
| Jul | Gion Matsuri | Kyoto | Massive wooden floats parade through downtown. |
| Aug | Awa Odori | Tokushima | Japan's largest traditional dance festival. |
| Oct | Takayama Autumn Festival | Gifu | Ornate floats decorated with karakuri dolls. |
Language & Useful Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Konnichiwa | Kohn-nee-chee-wah |
| Thank you | Arigatou gozaimasu | Ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zah-ee-mahs |
| Please | Onegaishimasu | Oh-neh-gah-ee-shee-mahs |
| Yes | Hai | Hi |
| No | Iie | Ee-eh |
| How much? | Ikura desu ka? | Ee-koo-rah des-kah |
| Where is...? | ...wa doko desu ka? | ...wah doh-koh des-kah |
| Excuse me | Sumimasen | Soo-mee-mah-sen |
| Goodbye | Sayounara | Sah-yoh-nah-rah |
| Cheers | Kanpai | Kahn-pie |
Safety
Overview
- Overall
- Extremely safe
- Petty Crime
- Very low risk
- Health Risks
- Earthquakes, summer heat
- Solo Female
- Highly safe
- At Night
- No
Emergency Numbers
- Police
- 110
- Ambulance
- 119
- Fire
- 119
- Tourist Help
- 050-3816-2787
Culture & Etiquette
Do: Bow when greeting
A slight nod of the head is sufficient for foreigners, showing respect when greeting locals or thanking shop staff.
Don't: Talk loudly on trains
Public transport is kept strictly quiet. Keep your phone on silent and speak in hushed tones if necessary.
Do: Take off your shoes
Remove your footwear before entering homes, ryokans, and many temple buildings. Slippers are usually provided.
Don't: Eat while walking
Consuming food on the go is considered poor manners. Eat street food near the stall where you bought it.
Packing Checklist
- Slip-on shoes
- Conservative clothing
- Coin purse
- Portable charger
- eSIM
- Hand towel (for bathrooms)
- Small rubbish bags
- Japan Rail Pass voucher
- Universal adapter (Type A/B)
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Deodorant
- Layers for temples
- Modest swimwear
- Cash (Japanese Yen)
- Translation app
Sample Itineraries
01
Arrive in Tokyo
Land at Narita or Haneda, pick up your pocket WiFi, and settle into your hotel.
02
Explore West Tokyo
Wander through Meiji Shrine, shop in Harajuku, and experience the scramble crossing in Shibuya.
03
Discover East Tokyo
Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, browse Akihabara's electronics, and eat sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market.
04
Day Trip to Hakone
Ride the Romancecar to Hakone. Soak in an onsen and catch glimpses of Mount Fuji.
05
Travel to Takayama
Take the shinkansen and Hida Wide View express to the Japanese Alps. Stay in a ryokan.
06
Takayama and Shirakawa-go
Explore Takayama's morning market, then take a bus to the thatched-roof village of Shirakawa-go.
07
Kanazawa's Gardens
Travel to Kanazawa. Wander through Kenrokuen Garden and the preserved Higashi Chaya geisha district.
08
Train to Kyoto
Arrive in Japan's cultural capital. Spend the afternoon exploring the narrow streets of Gion.
09
Kyoto's Eastern Temples
Walk the Philosopher's Path, visit the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji), and watch the sunset at Kiyomizu-dera.
10
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Head west early to walk through the towering bamboo forest and visit Tenryu-ji Temple.
11
Fushimi Inari and Nara
Hike through thousands of vermilion torii gates, then take a train to feed Nara's sacred deer.
12
Travel to Osaka
Take a short train ride to Osaka. Spend the evening eating street food in vibrant Dotonbori.
13
Osaka Castle & Shinsekai
Tour the grounds of Osaka Castle and eat kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) in the retro Shinsekai neighbourhood.
14
Depart from Osaka
Do some last-minute shopping in Namba before catching the Haruka express train to Kansai Airport.
Beyond Japan
Suggested Budget Breakdown
How to allocate your daily travel budget in Japan.
Combine Japan With
Popular multi-country trip combinations.
🇯🇵 Japan + 🇰🇷 South Korea
Contrast Tokyo's hyper-efficiency with Seoul's 24-hour cafe culture and vibrant K-pop scene. Easily connected by a short, inexpensive flight. Duration: 14–21 days.
🇯🇵 Japan + 🇹🇼 Taiwan
Pair Kyoto's serene temples with Taipei's bustling night markets. Both offer incredible culinary scenes and mountainous hot spring towns. Duration: 14–18 days.
🇯🇵 Japan + 🇻🇳 Vietnam
Experience East Asia's highly structured society before diving into the chaotic, scooter-filled streets and bold street food of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Duration: 21–28 days.
Common Questions