There is no doubt that Japan is a country with an incredible history and culture intertwined with the modern face-paced reputation. It is the land where everything works.
The country of convenience, beauty, and all seasons. In this part of the world, you will experience it all. Winter skiing, spring cherry, summer fireworks, and autumn foliage.
Without mincing words, Japan is among the most beautiful and friendly countries in the world. Traveling to this nation is an experience like no other as you will have a diverse experience ranging from the tropical beaches of Okinawa to the epic wilderness of Hokkaido.
Or even experience the Zen-like Kyoto and bustling Tokyo all the way to the relaxed and laid-back Okinawa. And it doesn’t matter whether you are into culture, history, food, or the outdoors, Japan got you covered.
Unfortunately, some people delay visiting Japan due to some misconceptions. For instance, some people think that it is an expensive country. But the truth is that there are various ways to make it affordable.
This Japan travel guide will uncover some of the beautiful things about Japan and help you make sense of it all. We will also share our tips for planning an affordable trip to the East Asian tiger. So, let’s get started.
When to Visit Japan
As you will notice from this Japan travel guide, there isn’t a really bad time to visit the country. You can travel there in all four seasons and you won’t miss something to do and enjoy. Here is a summary of how Japan is like in all the four seasons.
- Summer: During this season the country is steaming hot and humid. Besides this, there are a lot of local festivals to enjoy since there are fewer foreign tourists during this time. It is also the best time to climb Mount Fuji and visit the many beaches.
- Winter: Nearly every part of the country is a bit chilly and gardens are bare. The crowds are also lower, meaning that you can get lots of great deals on accommodation. Also if snowboarding and skiing is your thing, then this would be the best time to take it full swing. If you are lucky, you can see the snow-capped Mount Fuji.
- Spring and autumn: These are the best times to visit the country. Spring which runs from March to April and autumn from October to early December offer the best chance to enjoy the gorgeous cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. Unfortunately, these periods are associated with large crowds and expensive adventures. But the good thing is that the weather is friendly and is just stunning.
There are two times that you should avoid visiting Japan:
- New Year – Period from Late December to early January is usually very busy and most local travelers are free to travel within the country, so it can get really expensive. Also, most businesses are closed for up to four days, so you may not get to sample some Japanese cuisine and other items.
- Golden Week in May – Usually early May is free time for most Japanese. This week is characterized by a series of national holidays. So, a majority of the population travel within the country. What it means is that trains and hotels are booked up. Similarly, popular spots will be extra crowded.
Top Japan Travel Destinations
There are lots of activities and places to do and visit while you are in Japan. On a sunny day, Mount Fuji is visible from a distance.
Apart from watching this unique wonder, here are a few places to visit, especially if you have limited time; otherwise, we will recommend that you explore the whole country:
Tokyo
Tokyo is among the best cities in the world. Not only is it a massive metropolis, but it has a rich history and plenty of good features. Here you will find clubs, temples, places, shrines, weird fashion, fancy cocktail bars, and friendly people.
So, before you travel out of the city make sure to wander the Harajuku district, visit some of the quirky-themed cafes, admire the Imperial Palace, and walk across the iconic Shibuya crossing.
Kyoto
Apart from exploring Tokyo, make sure to pass through Kyoto. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in Japan, thanks to its beautiful temples and Japanese gardens. While it is fast-paced as Tokyo, it has managed to retain much of the traditional lifestyle.
Hiroshima
This historic site captures Japan’s dark past. The first atomic bomb to be used in combat resulted in the death of more than 80,000 people in Hiroshima.
So, a visit to the site will give you a first hand experience of one of the most controversial events in Human history.
Mount Fuji
Japan’s tallest mountain is not far from Tokyo. The 12,389-foot mountain is often covered by clouds and fog during the day, so ascents usually happen overnight or early in the morning.
If you are one of the lucky few to participate in a short climb, you can visit Japan between early July and mid-September.
Sapporo
This is the country’s gateway to the northern island of Hokkaido. This place is popular because of its surrounding mountains, ski resorts, thermal baths, and lengthy brewing history.
Other Places to Visit and Things to Do in Japan
- Spend a day in Kyoto’s Gion District
- Visit the Tsukiji and Toyosu fish markets
- See Osaka
- Explore Nara
- Relax in Ueno Park
- Admire the Imperial Palace
- Visit Miyajima Island
- Go on the temple pilgrimage
- Tour Bitchu Matsuyama Castle
- Explore Daisetsuzan National Park
- Admire Kanazawa
- Relax in Okinawa
- Soak in an onsen
- Hike in the national parks
- Visit Takashima
Japan Travel Budget Guideline
Japan is negatively known for being expensive. While this is true to some extent, there are ways in which you can travel with less money. Here is a summary of how much you can spend in each category, including daily average cost:
| Food | Transportation | Accommodation | Attractions | Average Daily Expenses | |
| Budget traveler | $15 – $20 | $15 – $20 | $20 – $30 | $15 – $20 | $50 – $60 |
| Mid-range | $30 – $50 | $15 – $20 | $40 – $75 | $25 – $50 | $60 – $100 |
| Luxury | $75+ | $100+ | $25 – $40 | $75+ | $250+ |
Japan Travel Accommodation
There are several accommodation options that are available in japan. The main differentiator is whether it is western or Japanese style rooms.
With regards to Japanese styles, guests will sleep on tatami mats on the floor while western style rooms have normal beds. Here are the different type of accommodations available for travelers:
- Hostels: There is a good network of hostels throughout the country.
- Western-Style Hotels: These are the conventional hotels that you would find in most parts of the world.Â
- Capsule Hotels: These are small enclosed spaces enough for only a bed, and they are affordable.
- Ryokans: Traditional Japanese Ryokans offer luxurious accommodation and are found in serene locations, but they can get very expensive.
- Airbnb: Like most parts of the world, Japan has good options for Airbnb accommodations in awesome places.
Traveling to and Around Japan
1. Traveling to Japan
Japan is an island, so getting to the country is limited to water and air transportation. But the good thing is that there are so many international flights to Osaka International Airport or Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda Airports.
Another good thing is that visa requirements for Japan are straightforward. In fact, most travelers can visit the country visa-free and can stay there for up to 90 days depending on their nationality.
2. Getting Around Japan
Public transport in Japan is extremely reliable, affordable, and well connected. Likewise, hiring a car is straightforward and safe. Here are the options:
- Traveling by Air: JAL and ANA offers affordable domestic flights for around $100 or even less.
- Traveling by Car: Hiring a car is an excellent choice if you want a more customized, flexible Japan travel plan.
- Traveling by Bus: There are several bus companies operating in Japan. Notable example is Willer Bus Service. These buses are not only affordable but they can reach different parts of the country.
- Traveling by Boat/Ferry: This is the most suitable option if you are looking to visit Japan’s smaller islands, especially in the Seto Inland Sea.
- Traveling by Train: Japan boasts one of the best train networks, which can take you between the bigger cities and even between the further north of Hokkaido to the south of Kyushu.
What to Eat in Japan
Japanese cuisine is popular all over the world. It focuses more on high-quality ingredients rather than quantity. So, you may get a smaller portion than you would expect.
It is also important to note that Japanese culture promotes health and restraint, which is evident from their dishes: Here are just a few of them:
- Yakiniku or Japanese BBQ
- Katsu Curry: Pork cutlets or fried chicken smothered in Japanese curry.
- Sushi and Sashimi: Be brave to try delicacies like horse, sea urchin or chicken sashimi. Sushi can go from cheap to super expensive depending on the restaurants you choose.
- Kushikatsu: Meat and vegetable skewered and deep-fried.
- Sukiyaki: Meat and veggies cooked in a hot pot with some soy sauce and a small amount of water.
- Gyoza: Pan-fried dumplings. In most cases, it is filled with pork.
- Ramen: Very affordable noodle dish.
Apps and Technology
Japan is a tech savvy country and it is well connected technologically. So, while in the country, you will remain connected to the outside world while still improving your experience in the country via the many apps.
Here are a few apps that might make your stay more meaningful in Japan:
- Hyperdia: it will help you grasp the transportation system in Japan.
- XE Currency: Very helpful in calculating, monitoring, and transferring currency as need arises.
- Express VPN: If you are looking to protect your sensitive information, then Express VPN might be of help.
- Google Translate: It will help you to translate words and communicate if you travel to various parts of the country.
- GuruNavi: this app is for the food lovers as it will help you find food options.
Closing Remarks
Japan is one of the few countries that boast lots of unique attractions, rich history and culture, unique and healthy cuisine, and incredible people.
Moreover, the country has a beautiful mix of modern and ancient architecture, especially in the countryside and cities like Kyoto.
So, if you are yet to make up your mind to travel to Japan, we hope that this Japan travel guide will help you in planning your trip.
The good thing is that there are several affordable options available and the country is well connected by rail, air, and road networks.Â
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