This information-packed Japan travel guide has answers to your questions. Find out best places to visit to best accommodations to help you plan your trip to Japan whether for the first time or a seasoned traveler. Here is everything you need to know before going to Japan for your trip to go smoothly.
Japan Travel Guide Contents
Top Travel Tips When Visiting Japan
Best Luxury Accommodations in Japan
Getting Around in Japan
Transportation in Japan is incredibly efficient and comfortable, but it is not cheap! If you plan to travel to more than one city in Japan, then a JR Pass may be worth purchasing. This pass allows you to take the shinkansen (Japanese high-speed train) as often as you want! You have unlimited access to the shinkansen trains during 7, 14, or 21 days. You will need to purchase your JR Rail Pass before arriving into Japan. For more information on the JR Pass and other useful tips, read our article on Top Tips When Visiting Japan.
Where To Stay in Japan
You’ll have plenty of options when it comes to accommodation in Japan. From guesthouse where you can experience living with a Japanese family, western style hotels to hostels and ryokan or Japanese style inns. The search for accommodation is the second most important element of your trip planning after the flight booking. We have narrowed it down and listed the best accommodations for you with our favourite picks in our articles: Luxury Accommodations in Japan, Luxury Accommodations in Tokyo and Luxury Accommodations in Kyoto.
Best Time To Visit Japan
If you’re considering a trip to Japan, you’re probably wondering what time of year is best to visit. The wonderful thing is every season is a great time to visit Japan, and you will have a completely unique experience. We’ve summarised what to expect in each season, as well as the pros and cons and best activities to do when visiting during these times in our article: Best Time To Visit Japan.
In short, there truly is no bad time to visit Japan. Each season boasts different highlights such as the cherry blossoms blooming in the springtime, Mt Fuji opens for climbing in the summer, the leaves changing colors in the fall and of course ski season in the winter.
Top Places To Visit in Japan
Japan is a huge country, and it would be an extensive list if we went through all the notable cities to visit. But if you are visiting Japan for the first time, these cities are a good place to start as they will give you a good taste of the country’s culture and are relatively easy to get to and from.
- Tokyo: This bustling capital offers quirky experiences, to amazing foods, Tokyo is definitely worth some time on your itinerary.
- Kyoto: Considered the “cultural capital of Japan”, Kyoto is packed with history, significant temples, gorgeous architecture and a charming atmosphere.
- Osaka: Known as the ‘food capital of Japan’ it boasts for lively nightlife and endless street food, there’s a lot more to discover beyond Osaka’s neon-lit facade.
- Hakone: At the footsteps of Mt. Fuji, Hakone is a peaceful retreat from the big cities of Japan and a chance to relax in an onsen and sleep in a ryokan.
- The ‘Roof of Japan’: The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a single day mountain traverse where you take 8 different modes of transportation over what’s known as the Roof of Japan.
Want more info? We have an entire article with a round up of the Top Places To Visit in Japan including the more off beaten.
Best Things To Do in Japan
One of the many reasons Japan is such a wonderful place to visit is there are so many unique experiences that can only be had in this country. Here are just a few of the things that are quintessentially “Japanese”. Read more on the Best Things To Do in Japan from hiking trails and food experiences.
- Soak in an Onsen: Onsen (hot springs) are more than just bathing in Japanese culture, it goes beyond to healing powers where the Japanese seek purification and relaxation and have been for thousands of years. Hot spring towns are renowned throughout Japan for their relaxing atmosphere and serene natural scenery. Kyushu boasts world-class hot springs and one of the best regions for hiking in Japan, which together make a perfect combination. For a more easier access from Tokyo, the Hakone region boasts hot springs amongst serene mountain backdrops.
- See the Nara Deer: Just a little ways outside of Osaka, there is a park (and part of the city) literally flooded with cute spotted deers where they bow before you feed them.
- Stay at a Ryokan: Experience a traditional Japanese-style inn and stay in a ryokan to enjoy Japanese hospitality and relaxation.
- Hike the Kumano Kodo Trail: If you’re feeling adventurous, this is quite literally, off the beaten path. The Kumano Kodo Trail is a historic pilgrimage through the mountainous Kii Peninsula that has been trekked for thousands of years. Hiking the Nakasendo Trail also makes a memorable hiking adventure where you can walk sections of the original route that offers Japan’s rural scenery and visit well-preserved old post towns which make for a cultural and charming trip from Nagoya or Tokyo. Hiking this trail is the perfect activity for those who are looking for a unique Japanese experience outside of the mainstream Kyoto and Tokyo scene. Read more about both trails from what to expect and hiking routes: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes & Nakasendo Way.
- Japan’s Golden Route Tokyo To Kyoto: explore the vibrant cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. When it comes to city experiences, no places better represent the core of Japanese culture than Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka – from their UNESCO-recognised shrines and temples to their neon cityscapes and Michelin-starred cuisine. Perfect for first-time visitors to Japan and seasoned travelers alike.
