Travel to Japan

Japan spans four main islands and dozens of distinct regions, each with its own culture, cuisine, and climate. Most first-time visitors arrive in Tokyo and travel southwest through Kyoto and Osaka, a route commonly called the Golden Route, though Japan rewards anyone who strays beyond it. Hokkaido in the north offers skiing and seafood unlike anywhere else in Asia; Hiroshima and Miyajima to the west are among the most historically significant day trips in the country; and the ancient capital of Nara is a 45-minute train ride from Osaka. The country’s infrastructure makes it genuinely easy to move between all of them.

Japan has two international gateway airports serving Tokyo: Narita (NRT), about 60–75 minutes from the city centre, and Haneda (HND), 30–40 minutes away with growing international service. Kansai International (KIX) serves Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. New Chitose (CTS) covers Hokkaido, and Fukuoka (FUK) is the gateway for Kyushu.

Best Areas in Japan

Where you base yourself depends on what kind of trip you want. Japan’s regions are distinct enough that each suits a different type of traveller.

• Tokyo. the country’s most varied city. Shinjuku for energy, nightlife, and department stores. Asakusa for temples and traditional crafts. Shibuya for the famous scramble crossing and youth fashion. Yanaka for quiet backstreets and a glimpse of pre-war Tokyo. Most first-timers base themselves here for the first few nights before heading south.
• Kyoto. the cultural capital. Fushimi Inari’s vermilion gates, the geisha district of Gion, bamboo groves at Arashiyama, and hundreds of temples within cycling distance. Quieter than Tokyo, but accommodation fills fast around cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
• Osaka. Japan’s food capital. Louder, cheaper, and more relaxed than Tokyo or Kyoto. An excellent base for day trips to Kyoto (15 minutes by Shinkansen), Nara (45 minutes by train), and Hiroshima (90 minutes by bullet train).
• Hakone. the go-to overnight trip from Tokyo for Mount Fuji views, hot spring ryokan, and an open-air sculpture museum. Note that Fuji is cloud-covered roughly 70% of the time. Early mornings in clear winter weather give the best chances of a clear sighting.
• Hokkaido. a different Japan. Skiing at Niseko (among the best powder snow in Asia), lavender fields in Furano in summer, and seafood (crab, sea urchin, scallops) that defines the island. Requires a separate domestic flight from Tokyo or Osaka unless you have a JR Pass and extra travel days.
• Hiroshima and Miyajima. the Peace Memorial Museum is one of the most affecting experiences in Japan. Miyajima island and its floating torii gate are a 10-minute ferry from the Hiroshima waterfront, feasible as a day trip from Osaka or as an overnight stop.

Best Time to Visit Japan

Japan’s seasons are pronounced and each has strong appeal. Timing your trip around Japan’s major events (or deliberately avoiding them) makes a significant difference to both cost and experience.

• Cherry blossom (late March–early April). the most popular and most expensive time to visit. Sakura season lasts roughly two weeks and varies by year and location. Tokyo typically peaks late March to early April; Kyoto a few days later. Accommodation books out months in advance and airfares can double. Book 4–5 months ahead if you’re coming for the blossom.
• Golden Week (April 29–May 5). a cluster of national holidays that triggers one of Japan’s two biggest domestic travel peaks. Trains, hotels, and attractions fill with Japanese tourists. Prices spike and availability shrinks. Book early or expect to pay significantly more.
• Rainy season (June–July). warm and humid with frequent rain, particularly across Honshu. Fewer international tourists, green landscapes, and lower prices. Not a bad time to visit if you don’t mind the weather.
• Obon (mid-August). Japan’s second major domestic travel peak. Many families travel to home regions to honour ancestors. Infrastructure is busy and some smaller restaurants and shops close. The week surrounding August 13–16 is the most affected.
• Autumn foliage (November). the second major seasonal draw. Maple leaves turn deep red and gold across Kyoto, Nikko, and Hakone. Less crowded and less expensive than cherry blossom season, but accommodation around popular spots fills quickly in October and early November.
• Winter (December–February). the least crowded and most affordable season outside of New Year. December brings illumination events across most major cities. Hokkaido skiing peaks January–February with exceptional powder conditions. New Year (December 31–January 3) is the exception: hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year) draws enormous crowds, many businesses close, and transport books out early.

Japan Budget Guide

Japan costs more than most of Southeast Asia but delivers exceptional value relative to its quality. Food in particular, from ramen at around ¥800 (~USD 5) to multi-course kaiseki dinners, spans a remarkable range without a significant quality drop at the lower end.

• Budget (around USD 80–100/day). capsule hotel or budget guesthouse, convenience store meals and ramen, IC card travel within cities, free temples and parks. Achievable outside peak season in cities other than Tokyo.
• Mid-range (USD 150–250/day). business hotel or one night in a ryokan, restaurant meals, day-trip train fares or a JR Pass, paid attractions. The most common range for first-time visitors.
• Luxury (USD 400+/day). traditional ryokan with kaiseki dinner included, Shinkansen green car, fine dining, private guided tours. Japan’s luxury tier is competitive with anywhere in the world.

One pricing model to understand before booking: ryokan charge per person, not per room, and the rate almost always includes dinner and breakfast. A rate of ¥20,000 per person (~USD 130) means ¥40,000 for two, often with multiple meal courses included. Factor that in before comparing ryokan prices to hotel rates.

Money and Paying in Japan

Japan’s reputation as a cashless tech society understates how cash-dependent everyday life still is. Smaller restaurants, local izakaya, temples, markets, and many neighbourhood shops are cash-only. Carry enough yen to cover a full day without needing a card. ATMs at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Japan Post offices reliably accept international cards. Airport ATMs on arrival are the most convenient first stop. Many hotel lobby ATMs and convenience stores other than those chains do not accept foreign cards.

IC cards (Suica or PASMO) are the essential daily tool. Buy one at the airport on arrival, load ¥2,000–3,000 (~USD 13–20), and use it on every train, bus, and subway in Tokyo, and increasingly in Osaka, Kyoto, and other major cities. IC cards also work at convenience stores, vending machines, and many cafés. The Suica card app works on compatible iPhones without a physical card.

Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, department stores, and chain restaurants, and acceptance has widened significantly in recent years. Visa and Mastercard are the most reliable; American Express is accepted at higher-end properties. For a full breakdown of where cards work, where cash is still essential, and how to choose the right IC card, see the Cash or Card in Japan guide.

Tax-free shopping: Tourists entering on a temporary visitor visa are eligible for a 10% consumption tax refund on qualifying purchases. Present your physical passport at the register before paying; the discount is applied immediately. As of 2026, the system is fully digital, replacing paper receipts. Consumable goods (food, cosmetics, medicine) purchased tax-free are sealed in a special customs bag at the point of sale. Do not open this bag until you have left Japan, or you forfeit the refund and may face a customs issue on departure.

Getting Around Japan

Japan’s rail network is one of the most reliable in the world. The Shinkansen bullet train connects Tokyo to Osaka in about 2 hours 30 minutes and Osaka to Hiroshima in under an hour. Domestic flights are the better option for Hokkaido or Fukuoka if you’re not covering multiple cities en route.

• JR Pass, when it’s worth it: The 7-day JR Pass costs around ¥50,000 (~USD 330) and covers most Shinkansen and JR lines nationwide. It pays off on multi-city itineraries. A Tokyo–Kyoto return alone is roughly ¥28,000 (~USD 185) each way; add Hiroshima or Hokkaido and the pass breaks even quickly. For a Tokyo-only trip or Tokyo plus one overnight stop, individual tickets typically cost less than the pass. For a full breakdown of ticket types, JR Pass math by itinerary, luggage rules, and how to board, see the Japan Shinkansen Guide.
• Regional passes: The Hokkaido Rail Pass, Kansai Area Pass, and JR Kyushu Pass cover specific regions at lower cost than the national JR Pass. Worth calculating if your itinerary concentrates in one area.
• IC cards for local travel: Suica and PASMO work on virtually every subway, train, and bus in Tokyo and most major cities. Tap in, tap out. No need to buy individual tickets. Available at airport vending machines on arrival.
• Luggage forwarding (takuhaibin): One of Japan’s most practical travel features. Ship your suitcase between hotels for around ¥1,500–2,500 (~USD 10–17) per piece; bags arrive the following day. Travel light between cities on the Shinkansen with a day bag instead of managing full luggage through crowded stations. Hotels and convenience stores handle drop-off; most accept bags until mid-afternoon for next-day delivery to your next hotel.
• Station coin lockers: Available at all major and most mid-size stations. Store bags while you explore a day-trip city without checking in early. Payment by IC card at most modern lockers.
• Last trains: Tokyo’s rail network shuts down around midnight. Missing the last train means a metered taxi at night rates (expensive) or waiting in a 24-hour café until service resumes around 5am. Check the last departure time for your route before heading out for the evening.
• Taxis: Reliable, metered, and noticeably more expensive than trains. Useful late at night or when luggage makes rail travel impractical. Red licence plates indicate an available taxi; green plates mean occupied.
• Escalators: Stand on the left in Tokyo and most of Japan; stand on the right in Osaka. Both cities follow their convention consistently.
• Driving: Possible but requires an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention specifically. Not all IDP formats qualify. Carry both your home licence and the physical IDP booklet at all times while driving.

Internet and Connectivity

Japan has reliable high-speed mobile coverage across cities and most rural areas. Three practical options on arrival:

• eSIM. the simplest option for compatible phones. Buy and activate before you leave home; data starts the moment you land. Japan-specific eSIM plans start from around USD 10–15 for a week of data.
• SIM card. available at airport arrival halls from major carriers. Typically data-only; calls are usually unnecessary for tourists. Plans start from around ¥2,000–3,000 (~USD 13–20) for 7–10 days.
• Pocket WiFi rental. works well for groups sharing one connection. Available at airports and for delivery to your first hotel. Higher daily cost than a SIM but supports multiple devices simultaneously.

Food and Eating Out in Japan

Japanese food varies significantly by region. What’s served in Osaka tastes different from what’s in Sapporo, and Tokyo has its own distinct versions of most dishes. A few things worth knowing before you sit down anywhere.

• Ramen. regional styles matter. Tonkotsu (rich pork bone broth) originates in Fukuoka. Tokyo ramen is typically shoyu (soy-based) with a lighter, cleaner broth. Sapporo is known for miso ramen, often topped with butter and corn. Most ramen shops use ticket vending machines at the entrance. Select your bowl, insert coins or IC card, and hand the ticket to staff. No Japanese required.
• Sushi. kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt) is affordable (from around ¥100–200 per plate), widely available, and accessible without Japanese. Counter omakase is a different experience entirely. The chef decides; courses arrive one at a time, and the cost can run from ¥10,000 to ¥30,000+ per person. Both formats are worth experiencing at least once.
• Izakaya. Japan’s answer to a gastropub. Shared plates, cold beer, grilled skewers (yakitori), edamame, gyoza, and seasonal small dishes. The social dining format most Japanese use for group evenings. Look for red paper lanterns at the entrance.
• Takoyaki. octopus balls made from wheat batter, grilled in a spherical mould, topped with mayo, bonito flakes, and tare sauce. A street food native to Osaka; unavoidable around Dotonbori.
• Tonkatsu and katsu curry. breaded pork cutlet served either with shredded cabbage and tonkatsu sauce, or in a thick Japanese curry. A reliable and consistently good lunch option across every city.
• Convenience store food. not a fallback. 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson in Japan sell freshly made onigiri (rice balls), hot foods, and seasonal items that are genuinely worth eating. The egg salad sandwiches, katsu sandwiches, and natto onigiri are widely recognised as food worth seeking out on their own. Open 24 hours; IC card payment accepted everywhere.

Must-See Experiences in Japan

• Fushimi Inari Shrine (Kyoto): thousands of vermilion torii gates climbing the mountain; arrive before 8am or after 5pm to avoid peak crowds at the lower section
• teamLab Borderless or Planets (Tokyo): immersive digital art museums; book in advance as they regularly sell out weeks ahead during peak season
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji garden (Kyoto): most atmospheric before 7am; busy by mid-morning
• Shibuya scramble crossing (Tokyo): best appreciated from above; the Mag’s Park observation deck or the Starbucks corner window both work well
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: one of the most significant museums in Asia; allow 2–3 hours
• Hakone overnight: ryokan, open-air hot spring, Fuji views weather permitting, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum sculpture park
• Nishiki Market (Kyoto): covered market street with pickles, tofu, street food, and local produce running through the heart of the city
• PokéPark Kanto (Tokyo area, opening 2026): the world’s first permanent Pokémon theme park, relevant for families and fans

Etiquette and Customs

Japan’s social conventions are specific enough that a few things are worth knowing before you arrive. Most are simple to follow once you know them.

• No tipping, ever. tipping is not part of Japanese culture and can cause awkwardness. Restaurants, taxis, hotels, and guides all operate without tips. The price on the menu is what you pay.
• Shoes off. remove shoes when entering homes, traditional ryokan, and some restaurants where you sit on tatami. Slippers are usually provided at the entrance. Bathroom slippers are separate. Change into them at the bathroom door and back when you return.
• Train etiquette. keep calls off, music in headphones, and voices low. Eating on trains is acceptable on long-distance Shinkansen; on commuter trains in cities it is considered inconsiderate. Priority seats near the doors are for elderly, pregnant, and disabled passengers. Vacate them without being asked.
• Onsen rules. wash thoroughly at the shower station before entering any communal bath. Most public onsen prohibit visible tattoos; private onsen (family baths) at ryokan are typically tattoo-friendly and bookable by the hour. Confirm the policy before booking if this applies to you.
• Bowing. the standard greeting. A slight head nod is entirely appropriate for tourists; you are not expected to bow deeply. Handshakes are acceptable in business settings.
• No eating while walking. except at festivals and specific outdoor food stalls. Convenience store items are meant to be eaten near the store or in a designated area, not consumed while moving through the street. Festival food stalls are the clear exception.
• Geisha in Kyoto’s Gion district. do not chase, photograph without permission, or block the path of geiko or maiko. Gion is a working neighbourhood, not a theme park. Some alleys have placed photography restrictions due to ongoing issues; follow posted signs and the lead of locals.
• Carry ID. foreign nationals are legally required to carry a passport or copy at all times. A smartphone photo is widely accepted in practice; carry the physical document for anything official.
• Cash at shrines and temples. entrance fees, fortune slips (omikuji), and votive plaques (ema) at smaller temples and shrines are almost always cash-only. Keep some coins available.