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The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Trip to Japan

Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa at night, with the five-storey pagoda and main gate.
Some places feel exciting the first time and familiar the second. Japan somehow manages to feel new every single time. I have visited more than once, and each trip has made me want to come back sooner. There is always the sense that something important was missed, the kind of feeling that stays long after the flight home.

If anime has ever drawn you in, you’ll recognise streets and stations long before arriving. Food is everywhere, from convenience store counters to small local spots doing one dish well, and while Japan is known for its cities, calm neighbourhoods are never far away.

You move through places you have seen countless times before in photos. Shibuya Crossing flowing all at once. Torii gates stretching into the distance in Kyoto. Mount Fuji appearing briefly between train windows before slipping away again. These places feel lived in, not paused or put on display.
Each visit leaves you with the same thought. Not “I’ve seen it”, but “I’ll come back”.

Did You Know?

  • Japan has over 5 million vending machines, one of the highest concentrations in the world. Many sell hot meals, fresh drinks, umbrellas, and everyday essentials, not just snacks.

  • Trains are famously punctual, with delays often measured in seconds. On rare occasions when services run late, passengers may receive formal apology slips to show at work or school.

  • Square watermelons are grown mainly as novelty items, shaped inside boxes while growing. They are usually not eaten and can cost hundreds of pounds.

  • Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and can feel awkward if attempted. Good service is expected as standard, not rewarded with extra money.

  • Many restaurants display plastic food replicas in their windows. These models are carefully crafted to show portion size and presentation before ordering.

  • Convenience stores play a real role in daily life, offering fresh meals, bill payments, parcel services, ticket booking, and printing facilities.
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What to Pack

Best Time to Visit Japan

Japan is a year-round destination, but each season feels very different. Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) tend to be the easiest times to visit, with mild weather and the most comfortable conditions for getting around.

Spring is all about cherry blossoms, when parks and city streets briefly turn pink and outdoor spaces fill up. In autumn, the air cools down and red and golden leaves take over, especially in Kyoto, mountain areas, and the north.

June usually brings the rainy season, while July and August are hot, humid, and busy, particularly in big cities. Winter is quieter and colder, but it’s a great time for mountain travel and skiing, especially in Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps.

Cherry Blossom Season Rainy Season Autumn Leaves Season Mountain & Alpine Travel

Japan at a Glance

Cherry blossoms blooming on a tree in Japan during spring.
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Language

Japanese is spoken nationwide. English is common in major cities, transport hubs, and tourist areas, but less so in smaller towns. Clear signage and visual cues make getting around manageable without Japanese.

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Currency and Costs

Japanese Yen (JPY). Approximate rate: 1 USD ≈ 145–155 JPY, with major cities and tourist centres generally more expensive than regional areas.

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Payments

Cash is still widely used, especially outside large cities. Cards and contactless payments are common but not universal.

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Tipping

Tipping is not expected and may cause confusion. Service charges are usually included, and good service is standard.

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Safety

Japan is considered very safe for travellers. Violent crime is rare, though normal care is advised in busy areas and on public transport.

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Connectivity

Reliable mobile coverage across most of the country. Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafés. SIM cards and eSIMs are easy to purchase at airports or online.

A Detailed Japan Itinerary

This Japan travel guide follows Japan’s main east–west travel corridor, linking Tokyo, the Kansai region, and western Honshu in a logical sequence. It suits travellers who prefer efficient rail travel, stable accommodation bases, and straightforward daily movement.

The route relies on public transport throughout, with high-speed rail used for long transfers and local lines for day-to-day travel.

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Arrive in Japan and transfer into Tokyo. Keep the day light and focus on settling in and getting familiar with the local area and transport connections.

Suggested Stay: Hotel or serviced apartment in a central or well-connected Tokyo district

Base: Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo

Move through Tokyo by neighbouring districts rather than crossing the city. Keeping travel along one or two rail lines reduces transfers and walking time.

Suggested Stay: Same accommodation in Tokyo

Base: Tokyo

Highlights

  • Shibuya area
  • Meiji Shrine grounds
  • Central neighbourhood streets

Day 3: Tokyo

Continue in Tokyo, shifting focus to a different part of the city. Combining historic areas with busier streets keeps distances manageable.

Suggested Stay: Same accommodation in Tokyo

Base: Tokyo

Highlights

  • Asakusa and Sensō-ji
  • Traditional shopping streets
  • Riverside or skyline viewpoints

Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone

Travel southwest to Hakone. This short transfer adds a change of scenery without breaking the overall flow of the route.

Suggested Stay: Ryokan or hotel in the Hakone area

Route: Tokyo → Hakone

Highlights

  • Mount Fuji viewing areas (weather dependent)
  • Lake Ashi surroundings
  • Hot spring towns

Day 5: Hakone to Kyoto

Continue west by rail to Kyoto. Treat this mainly as a transfer day, with time to settle into the next base on arrival.

Suggested Stay: Hotel or traditional accommodation in central Kyoto

Base: Kyoto

Day 6: Kyoto

Start with one main area of Kyoto rather than trying to cover everything at once. An earlier start helps keep things straightforward.

Suggested Stay: Same accommodation in Kyoto

Base: Kyoto

Highlights

  • Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • Higashiyama district
  • Temple precincts
Lantern-lit street in Japan with traditional shop signs and pedestrians.
Stone steps leading through the Arashiyama bamboo grove in Kyoto, Japan.

Day 7: Kyoto

Use the second day to reach areas a little further out or less busy. Staying in the same place makes the pace feel easier.

Suggested Stay: Same accommodation in Kyoto

Base: Kyoto

Highlights

  • Arashiyama area
  • River and hillside neighbourhoods
  • Historic streets

Day 8: Kyoto to Osaka

Travel south to Osaka. The short journey makes changing bases easy, with enough time after arrival to begin exploring nearby areas or settle into the city’s layout.

 

Suggested Stay: Hotel or apartment in central Osaka

Base: Osaka

Highlights

  • Central Osaka districts
  • Evening street-food areas

Day 9: Osaka

Spend the day exploring Osaka in compact sections. Short rail trips or walking routes work well here, and keeping plans flexible suits the city’s energy.

Suggested Stay: Same accommodation in Osaka

Base: Osaka

Highlights

  • Dōtonbori
  • Osaka Castle exterior grounds
  • Commercial neighbourhoods

Day 10: Osaka to Hiroshima

Travel west to Hiroshima by high-speed rail. This is one of the longer journeys of the itinerary and works best when treated as a travel-focused day with limited stops.
Suggested Stay: Hotel in central Hiroshima

Base: Hiroshima

Day 11: Hiroshima and Miyajima

Remain based in Hiroshima and include a ferry trip to Miyajima. This approach avoids another accommodation change while allowing time for both city and island visits.

Suggested Stay: Same accommodation in Hiroshima

Base: Hiroshima

Highlights

  • Peace Memorial Park
  • Itsukushima Shrine torii gate
  • Island and waterfront views

Day 12: Hiroshima to Tokyo

Return east to Tokyo by high-speed rail. This is the longest travel day of the route, so keeping plans light on arrival helps avoid fatigue.

Suggested Stay: Hotel near Tokyo airport or central Tokyo

Base: Tokyo

Day 13: Departure from Tokyo

Transfer to the airport for departure. Depending on flight timing, movement should stay close to the accommodation.

Route: Accommodation → Airport

Things to Know Before Visiting Japan

1. Quiet Is the Default in Public Spaces

Public transport, lifts, and shared indoor spaces are generally quiet. Phone calls are avoided, and voices stay low, especially on trains. Following the tone of the space helps you blend in.

2. Noodles Are Often Eaten Audibly

Ramen, soba, and udon are commonly eaten with audible slurping. This is normal and often associated with enjoying the meal, particularly when the noodles are hot.

3. Rubbish Bins Are Limited

Public bins are scarce, even in busy areas. Many people carry rubbish with them until they find a convenience store or return to their accommodation.

4. Shoes Are Removed in Certain Settings

Shoes are taken off in traditional accommodation, some restaurants, temples, and changing rooms. Signs, shelves, or raised flooring usually indicate when this is expected.

5. Queuing Is the Norm

People queue for trains, lifts, shops, and even food stalls. Cutting in line is rare and noticeable. When in doubt, look for floor markings or simply follow the queue.
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How to Get There

International Flights

Japan has several major international airports. Most long-haul travellers arrive through Tokyo Haneda or Tokyo Narita. Both airports handle a large share of intercontinental flights and connect easily to the rest of the country. Direct routes operate from Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. Flights are frequent, and arrival times usually allow smooth onward travel.
Direct routes operate from many parts of Europe, North America, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Flight schedules are frequent, and arrival times rarely restrict onward travel plans.

Entry Airports and Main Gateways

Tokyo is the main entry point, but many trips start elsewhere. Osaka Kansai, Nagoya Chubu, and Fukuoka also handle international flights. These airports can be practical choices depending on your route. Flying into a regional airport often suits region-focused itineraries and helps reduce backtracking.

Regional and Sea Entry

Japan is an island nation, so overland entry is not possible. Limited international ferries operate from nearby countries, mainly South Korea. For most travellers, flying remains the easiest and most practical option.

Entry Requirements

Entry rules depend on nationality. Many travellers can enter visa-free for short stays if passport requirements are met. Visa and entry conditions should always be checked before departure. Additional requirements may apply for longer stays or onward travel plans.

What to Expect

Navigation Takes Longer Than It Looks

Major stations are large and complex, with multiple exits leading to very different areas. Choosing the wrong exit can add a significant walk. Extra buffer time is useful, especially in cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

Accommodation Rooms Are Often Compact

Hotel rooms, especially in cities, are smaller than many travellers expect. Space is efficiently designed, but luggage storage can be limited. This is normal across most price ranges.

Early Starts Are Common

Many attractions, shops, and cafés open early and close earlier than expected, particularly outside nightlife districts. Days tend to start earlier, and planning morning activities works well.

Weather Can Vary Sharply by Region

Japan’s climate changes noticeably from north to south. Conditions in Tokyo can be very different from those in Hokkaido or Kyushu at the same time of year. Checking regional forecasts matters.

Reservations Matter More Than You Think

Popular restaurants, cafés, and even some attractions require reservations, sometimes days in advance. Walking in works for many places, but waiting lists fill quickly in busy areas.
Red paper lanterns hanging along a narrow street at night in Japan.
Manu standing by the water with Matsumoto Castle in the background in Japan.

Getting Around Japan

Trains

Rail travel forms the core of movement across Japan. High-speed Shinkansen connect major cities efficiently, while regional and local trains handle day-to-day travel. Stations are frequent, well signposted, and integrated with surrounding neighbourhoods.

Local Transport Within Cities

Cities rely on a mix of trains, subways, and buses. Trains and subways are the most efficient option in large cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Buses fill gaps where rail coverage is limited, particularly in smaller cities and historic areas.

Knowing When to Use the Shinkansen

The Shinkansen works best for longer distances between regions. Short intercity trips often make more sense on regular trains, which are cheaper and require fewer transfers. Seat reservations help during busy travel periods.

Taxis and Ride Options

Taxis are clean and reliable, but cost more than public transport. They work best for short distances, late evenings, or areas with limited rail access. Ride-hailing services exist but are less widely used than taxis.

Passes and Tickets

Transport passes suit some routes but not all. Regional rail passes often provide better value than nationwide options. For city travel, rechargeable IC cards simplify entry and exit across most transport networks.

Walking as Part of the Journey

Walking plays a larger role than many travellers expect. Stations can be large, and distances between platforms, exits, and nearby streets add up quickly. Comfortable footwear is essential, even on days with limited sightseeing.

Luggage and Travel Days

Moving luggage through stations is manageable but can slow transfers during peak hours. Many travellers use luggage forwarding services to send bags ahead, especially on longer travel days or when changing cities.
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What to Pack

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I love exploring new places and sharing the travel tips, food finds, and experiences that help you plan your next adventure.

Meet Manu

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