Japan — a travel hub that feels like home
Japan, aka:
Nihon (written as 日本)
Nippon (also written 日本)
The Land of the Rising Sun
Japan Facts — Quick Hits
There’s 1 vending machine for every 25-30 people
Japan averages 1,500 earthquakes per year
There are over 8.5K trains stations in Japan
Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station is the busiest station in the world
Japan is known for its safety, convenience and politeness
Japan has 125 million people
Japan also has a big aging population problem
Japan is an island nation — with over 14,000 in total!
Over 25 million people visited Japan in 2023
Japan has 8 regions and 47 prefectures
Explore more:
➤ Fascinating Facts About Japan
Popular Destinations in Japan
Honshu Island (main)
Tokyo
Yokohama
Nikko
Sendai
Hakone
Lake Kawaguchiko
Osaka
Kyoto
Nara
Hiroshima
Up North
Sapporo
Niseko
Hakodate
More South
Fukuoka
Nagasaki
Kagoshima
Okinawa
*Japan is full of beautiful places (way more than just these ‘top spots’).
Visiting these other areas can be more sustainable too by boosting local economies and lessening the burden of over tourism in places like Kyoto.
So don’t forget to visit the lesser known spots in Japan too!
“I often compare the experience of going to Japan for the first time…to what Eric Clapton and Pete Townshend…must’ve gone through the week that Jimi Hendrix came to town. You hear about it, you go see it — a window opens up in to a whole new thing. And you think, ‘What does this mean? What do I have left to say? What do I do now?”
— Anthony Bourdain
How to Travel Japan — Hella Tips
Get the JR Pass if you’re using the bullet train and plan to explore many places across Japan
Get the Welcome Suica if you’re staying in the city — it’s a train card you can also use at shops and restaurants, just like a debit card
Know what to do and where to go in case of a natural disaster, which are more common in Japan — another solid reason to grab some travel insurance!
Grab a Japanese SIM card or add an international plan to your phone carrier — internet access is essential for getting around Japan
Try for Haneda Airport if you’re flying into Tokyo — it’s closer
Explore more:
➤ My Top Tokyo Travel Tips
➤ Best VPNs for Japan
How to Get Around Japan
The trains in Japan are amazing. So prepare to get spoiled!
The railways in Japan are super easy to get used to, but here’s what to know:
Trains are the most common, affordable and convenient way to get around Japan and its cities
JR (Japan Railway) is the most common train line company in Japan
Grab a Welcome Suica — it works on all train lines
Use Google Maps for directions (works perfectly for me)
Remember to check the times for your last train! (which is usually around midnight on weekends)
Explore more:
➤ The Ultimate Japan Train Guide
Best Times to Visit Japan
The spring and the fall are definitely the best times to go to Japan.
The weather is perfect and you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring and the leaves changing in fall.
But these are also the busiest and most expensive times to visit. So you may consider going during Japan’s shoulder or low seasons, which are during the summer and the winter.
Also be aware of stormy seasons, which are most active from June to mid-July (for rainy season) and around September (for typhoon season).
Explore more:
➤ This is the Best Time to Visit Japan
Top Experiences in Japan
Things to do
teamLab Planets in Tokyo
Dotonbori in Osaka
Wear a kimono
Hike Mt. Fuji (summer only)
See the temples and shrines
Sing karaoke
Fushimi Inari Taisha (walk through thousands of orange torii gates)
Foods and Drinks to Try
I love going to kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi)
Kura Sushi (くら寿司) is a popular chain
Ramen
Shabu-shabu
Tempura
Okonomiyaki
Takoyaki
Gyoza
Soba
Explore more:
➤ Unique Things to do in Tokyo
➤ Best Japan Tours on Viator (*affiliate link)
What to Pack for Japan
You’ll need a passport to enter Japan (duh). And for many countries (including the US), you don’t need a visa either (you automatically get a tourist visa for 90 days on arrival).
You can read more about visa information on the Japanese MOFA site.
Then there’s individual stuff you may want to bring, based on your individual needs and brand preference, such as:
Deodorant
Toiletries
Prescribed medications
What you bring also depends on the season. If it’s going to be cooler, then obviously bring sweaters, pants and maybe a jacket. But even the summer time AC gets cold!
Japan has pretty much everything you would ever need — you just need to be brand-flexible. There are plenty of pharmacies, shops and stores where you can find most necessities. I always like to under pack too to save space for souvenirs!
You may want to bring a universal charger or adapter if you have stuff with three prongs, since most Japan plugs are two-pronged. But you can also buy these converters at an electronics store after you arrive.
Explore more:
➤ Best Travel Shoes for Men
➤ International Travel Essentials
Accommodations in Japan
Ryokans ($$$) — traditional Japanese hotels
AirBnB ($-$$$) — these are convenient and full of great deals (I always use the app for trip reservations)
Sharehouses ($-$$$) — you get a private room, shared facilities and meet other travelers and locals; perfect for long-term stays in Japan
Hotels ($$) — hotels are everywhere and available at all price points
Hostels ($) — lots of options for the budget traveler (like capsule hotels or the Tokyo Guest House Ouji Music Lounge, which is perfect for musicians)
Explore more:
➤ Where to Stay in Tokyo Your First Time
Budgeting for Japan
Budget Travel
You can do Japan cheaply, especially with the weak yen. If you stay at hostels or longer-term share houses, avoid touristy places and restaurants, walk more than take trains and opt for free things, you can easily spend a week in Japan for less than $1,000 (not including flights or other planning expenses).
Here are some inflated numbers of essentials as an example (for a 7-day trip in Tokyo):
7 nights at a hostel
$30 x 7 =$210.00
Daily food
$50 x 7 =$350.00
Transportation
$20 x 7 =$140.00
Total: $700
That’s $300 to spare! And remember, these prices are inflated (especially the food).
Some Average Costs
Meal at mid restaurant: ¥1000
Meal at McDonalds: ¥760
Domestic beer pint: ¥450
One-way train ticket: ¥220
Tall black coffee at Starbucks: ¥390
Luxury Travel
Hot spring resorts, luxury hotels, fancy dinners, popular attractions (like Go-Karting) and shopping in spots like Ginza or Daikenyama cost a lot more than budget experiences. So plan ahead if you’re into any of that!
Explore more:
➤ Is Tokyo Expensive? What I Spend
Essential Japanese Phrases
Japan is pretty English-friendly, but learning some key phrases will go a long way.
So here are the top Japanese expression to know:
Daijoubu(?)
I’m okay; no thank you; it’s okay; are you okay?
Sumimasen
Excuse me
Arigatou (gozaimausu)
Thank you (very much)
Dozo
Please, go ahead; for you
Hai
Yes
Toire/eki wa doko desu ka?
Where is the toilet/train station?
Eigo o hanashimasu ka?
Do you speak English
Eigo menu wa arimasu ka?
Do you have an English menu?
Explore more:
➤ Learn to Speak Japanese Online (*affiliate link)
Key Etiquette in Japan
Train Etiquette
Avoid eating on the train
Don’t be loud and obnoxious
Avoid talking on your phone while riding the train
Give up your seat for elderly, pregnant or injured passengers
Line up to the left and right before entering, letting people exit first
Home / Indoors Etiquette
Always take off your shoes (even at some restaurants — you’ll seen an obvious shoe shelf)
Don’t put your feet on tables or chairs
Public Etiquette
Don’t jaywalk — wait for the walk signal
Keep your trash — don’t litter
Know the escalator protocol
In Tokyo/Kanto, stand to the left
In Osaka/Kansai, stand to the right
Hot Springs Etiquette
Be clean — rinse before getting in public baths
Don’t be drunk
Go naked — don’t wear your towel in the bath
Don’t bring glass containers or food
Tattoos are hit or miss — research beforehand
Food Etiquette
Always say kanpai! (cheers) before sipping your first drink with Japanese locals and friends
Slurping your noodles is okay and even expected
Explore more:
➤ Essential Japanese Etiquette to Know
Ready to plan your trip to Japan? Epic.
Check out this guide on how to plan a trip to Japan!