Japan Travel Guide: Essential Tips for Planning Your Trip

From samurai traditions and geisha culture to cherry blossoms, robotics, and anime – Japan has long fascinated travelers with its contrasts. If, like us, you’ve been dreaming of visiting, this comprehensive guide covers your needs for planning your trip to Japan: when to go, visa process, SIM cards, accommodation, transportation, itinerary ideas, and more.

The high interest is also generated from the fact that the country is highly homogeneous and hasn’t been as welcoming to visitors for centuries. This created even more mysterious aura. Nowadays, Japan is open to visitors and not surprisingly is one of the most popular destinations in the world. So, while no longer shrouded in mystery, it remains intriguing.

I can’t exactly say since when did I want to go to Japan. For a long while, I considered it rather unreachable destination due to extremely high price, which I simply couldn’t afford. But then I found out that it’s not as crazy, as it seemed. Hotel prices seemed reasonable, and everything got somewhat more affordable to tourists, due to fluctuation of Yen rates. We already managed to visit Japan twice, but would return again as soon as we get a chance.

How Long to Spend in Japan

No amount of time is ever enough to thoroughly explore Japan, but for your first visit I suggest at least 10 days. With less than that, you will have to carefully choose one city you would most like to visit.

On our first trip we allocated almost 3 weeks to at least experience parts of it. Our trip was full of historical temples, shrines and castles, cutest trains, unique cafes, gorgeous gardens and so much more. It absolutely exceeded our expectations tenfold.

We then visited again less than a year later for another 10 days. Even with this time, we feel we would love to have all the time in the world to explore this awesome country.

When to Visit Japan

I guess Japanese Sakura blooming season is widely known occurrence. So everyone knows, spring is the best time to visit Japan. Interestingly, I have seen cherry blossom blooms in a number of countries, but somehow Japanese Sakura season is differently revered, due to a lot of symbolism associated with it. Koreans actually do have many traditions related to cherry blossoms too but that’s not as widely known.

Except the cherry blossom season (around March-April depending on the year), which doesn’t last long, almost all of spring is good period to visit the country. Just keep in mind that the Golden week in May, when Japanese get long holidays, may complicate your trip, due to crowds.

Another popular period is Autumn for the autumn foliage colors. The yellows and reds can be seen across the country from October to early December, but this changes every year. Plus, the weather is mild and drier than summer. I actually decided for this season for our first trip, as the colorful photos looked amazing. Turned out it was absolutely worth the hype.

Winter is the dry and cold season so not as popular. While summer is hot and very humid, however, July and August are still busy seasons due to school holidays. If you can avoid those 2 months, definitely do so, as it’s simply not a good timing, while still very crowded.

Visa Requirements for Japan

Note: Make sure to open and check the official websites linked in this article, as there are some scam websites, which claim to offer similar services.

Japan provides visa free access to citizens of 71 countries in the world. So far, Japan has not introduced its planned Electronic System for Travel Authorization – it will be launched in 2028 and by that time, anyone with visa free access will need to obtain this prior to travel.

There are also a few countries, which are eligible for E-visa. You may be eligible for the e-visa, if you have a permanent residency of certain countries, so definitely double check this information.

If your country, like mine, is not on either of those lists, you will have to obtain an actual visa at a Japanese embassy near you. Make sure to apply no earlier than 3 months in advance. You will be given a visa valid for 3 months from the date of issue. It means that you have to enter Japan in that timeframe, not that you should leave in that timeframe. The visa will also say, how long after entry to Japan it is valid for – this depends on what you request yourself. The first time I applied, my plan was for three weeks, so my visa indicated 30 days. Second time, I got a 15 day visa, when I gave the itinerary of 10 days.

The tourist visa, called temporary visitor visa, application requires:

• Fill in the visa application form online and bring two copies to the Embassy,
• Travel itinerary indicating which cities you will be visiting and the hotels you will be staying at (make sure to put the phone numbers of the hotels in the part called Contact details) – you don’t need to make this as huge as I did, practically the main thing is to list the major places you will probably visit.
• Copies of your flight tickets,
• Documents proving your financial ability. Enquire with the embassy what exactly they require – I had to bring my work note and bank statement,
• 2 photos and,
• Passport, of course.

Copies of accommodation bookings are not necessary. I brought them and they gave it back without even looking. You just indicate this information on the travel itinerary form.

There was no fee to be paid for the visa in Georgia, however, this may vary in different countries, so make sure to enquire with the relevant embassy.

The process wasn’t difficult. After filling in the online application form, I made an appointment to visit the embassy and left the listed documents. The visa is normally ready within 5 working days.

Other Requirements for Entry into Japan

There are two forms you will actually need to fill for passing through Japanese immigration. However, you don’t necessarily have to do anything in advance. You have an option to do everything on the flight or on the spot, when you arrive.

• Immigration declaration form can be filled online via Visit Japan website or in person on the spot. We actually were not given this form on the plane (we were given customs declaration though), so enquire if they have one. If not, you can pick it up and fill while standing in the passport control queue, which is usually quite long.
• Customs declaration is a form you will need to fill with the information or any goods or money you are bringing into Japan. You need to fill one declaration per family. You can fill the form before travelling to Japan via Visit Japan website or do it on the way or upon arrival. We got the physical form on the plane. It only took a few minutes, as we had nothing to declare.

I personally recommend filling the physical customs declaration card, as we did, given that we encountered no delays whatsoever with it. Upon arrival, after passing passport control, it took us 2 minutes to present the form, there were basically no queues. On the other hand, if we filled the form online, we would have to fill same information on the computer screens provided before passport control and that’s one additional unnecessary step, which will delay you more.

Money Matters for Visiting Japan

As I mentioned before, Japan is certainly not as expensive, as most people imagine.

Find my guide on how to save money, while travelling to Japan, as well as whether to bring cash or card here.

Accommodation Guide for Visiting Japan

You can find my tips and tricks for finding best budget-friendly accommodation options here.

Besides, check out my article on Japanese business hotels.

Apps you will Need in Japan

Maps:

• Google maps – of course you can’t visit Japan without it. It works pretty well in Japan. I haven’t noticed anything else, except some very small issues, like not being able to locate you in very crowded stations.
• Japan Travel by Navitime – if you want more exact app for transportation, use Navitime. The app provides detailed information on which transport you need to take with the price breakdown. You can also indicate here, if you have any of the travel passes, whether JR Pass, any of the regional passes (such as Shikoku rail pass or Hokaido rail pass) or any of the city specific passes (such as Osaka Amazing pass or Tokyo day pass). The app also provides some interesting walking itineraries and guides, but we didn’t really use the app for those purposes.
• Citymapper – you can also consider this in bigger cities, as it provides great option for finding transportation options.
• Tokyo Jisou Maps – this one is very cool for history nerds. While you won’t need it for getting around, it overlays historical maps over Google maps and you can find out the information about the historical places you are visiting.

Other Apps:

• Google translate works well here. Particularly useful is the photo translation feature, as we don’t read and write kanji. Make sure to download it, so that it works even when you don’t have internet. We did use the app extensively, while looking at menus in restaurants, choosing what to buy at the convenience store and reading the signs of the sightseeing places (some don’t have English signs). This was probably the most necessary app after maps.
• Taxi apps – taxis are rather expensive in Japan, however, you may need to use them in some locations. There are several options – Go and Uber are some of the most popular options.
• Suica app (only for Iphone users) – this app provides an electronic version of Suica (the transport card that works around Japan), so you won’t have to look for a physical card. However, unfortunately it’s only available for Iphone users. It won’t work for Android phones produced outside Japan.
• Shinkansen SmartEX App – this app is great for easy booking of train tickets. The main issue is that it won’t work in some countries. I couldn’t download it in Georgia, as this country is not supported.
• Klook and KKday – while these apps aren’t Japan specific, they are reliable third parti sites that may come in handy, if you would like to prebook some expensive major attractions. Have a look at the Klook pass for instance, it may save you money if you are seeing a few places in a short period of time. We personally didn’t do any of the attraction parks (Disney or Nintendo world) or aquariums, so getting this wasn’t worth it for us, but it may be for you. We did however use Klook to get the Japan Rail Pass and it worked very well. I also got a few advance tickets cheaper than I would on the spot.
• Japan Official Travel App – is another resource for finding your way, but we didn’t really need it any more as Google and Navitime were sufficient.
• Ecbo Cloak – this app doesn’t direct to cloakrooms, as I thought, when I first saw the name 😊 It provides information about the luggage storage spots. If you are doing a stopover and need to store luggage, while to explore, it will definitely come handy.
• NERV – Japan has an amazing disaster response system. This app is for weather and alerts for anything that might be happening during your trip.

In addition to these Japan specific apps, you should have your usual travel apps downloaded. See the thorough list here.

Getting a SIM Card

The main issue with getting sim cards in Japan is that, when you buy them as a foreigner, you are offered a data only plan, so you don’t have a Japanese number. Plus, you can’t add any data once it’s over, which is rather annoying. I have heard only Mobal is the only provider, which offers the option of getting a Japanese number, we will definitely check it out next time.

Sim cards aren’t cheap in Japan. You can either preorder them and pick up upon arrival at the airport or buy them locally – you won’t save any money from either option. You can get them at 7/11 and other convenience stores, as well as vending machines at the airport. You can also buy them at the electronics stores, such as Yodobashi.

We got the card from 7/11 at the Narita airport by paying 5000 yen for 10 GB for 30 days. Second time we got one from Kansai airport – I believe it was around 3500 yen for 5 GB for 10 days. We haven’t found any cheaper options. I doubt there are any cheaper ones for tourists.

We haven’t used e-sim, so check it out, you might be better off with it.

Many tourists also rent pocket wifis. This possibly could be an option for you, if several people are travelling and only tattering from mobile wouldn’t be sufficient. Otherwise, it seems quite a hassle to me to carry the pocket wifi with. You can rent these before visiting Japan through Klook and other third party sites and pick up at the airport, once you arrive. You might be able to get one on the spot too at the bigger mobile shops, however, I haven’t heard of this option.

 

Transport in Japan

Public transport in Japan is amazing – from Shinkansen to fancy buses to amazing metro network in the cities, you have great options in many parts of the country.

Here is the detailed information about public transport in Japan.

Also check out my comprehensive guide to train travel in Japan

You will find all details about the efficiency of Japan Rail Pass

Also check out my guide to various Regional JR Passes

 

Food and Café Culture in Japan

I am definitely not the first person mentioning the food quality and amazing café culture in Japan. These topics definitely need separate articles.

Here are the guides to your options on where to eat in Japan and

on the vibrant café culture in Japan

Best 3-week Itinerary Tips:

Note: this can be arranged and rearranged according to your wishes. If you can fly into Tokyo and fly out to Osaka, then this can change relevantly by doing everything around Tokyo in the beginning. I will also provide alternative itineraries, if you are considering any regional JR passes.

Day 1 – Tokyo

See the detailed tips and itineraries for visiting Tokyo.

See the detailed itinerary for day 1 in Tokyo.

Day 2 – Tokyo

See the detailed itinerary for day 2 in Tokyo.

Day 3 – day trip from Tokyo to Nikko

See the detailed post for step-by-step guide on day trip to Nikko

Day 4 – Kanazawa

See the detailed tips and itineraries for visiting Kanazawa.

See the detailed itinerary for day 1 in Kanazawa

Day 5 – Kanazawa

See the detailed itinerary for day 2 in Kanazawa

Day 6 – Shirakawago

See the detailed itinerary for day trip to Shirakawago

Day 7 – Takayama

See the detailed itinerary for 1 day in Takayama

Travel to Osaka in the evening

Day 8 – Nara day trip from Osaka

See the detailed itinerary for day trip to Nara

Day 9 – Koyasan day trip from Osaka (this can be done with overnight temple stay as well)

See the detailed post on a trip to Koyasan

Day 10 – Himeji day trip from Osaka (with possible stop in Kobe)

See the detailed post for a trip to Himeji

Day 11 – Osaka

See the detailed post for Osaka

Travel to Hiroshima in the evening

Day 12 – Miyajima day trip from Hiroshima

See the detailed itinerary for day trip to Miyajima

Day 13 – Hiroshima

See the detailed itinerary for 1 day in Hiroshima

Travel in the evening to Kyoto

Day 14 – Kyoto

See the detailed itinerary for day 1 in Kyoto

Day 15 – Kyoto

See the detailed itinerary for day 2 in Kyoto

Day 16 – Kyoto

See the detailed itinerary for day 3 in Kyoto

Day 17 – Kyoto

See the detailed itinerary for day 4 in Kyoto

Day 18 – Kyoto

See the detailed day itinerary for day 5 in Kyoto

Travel to Tokyo in the evening

Day 19 – Kawaguchiko day trip from Tokyo

See the detailed itinerary for day trip to Kawaguchiko

Day 20 – Tokyo

See the detailed day itinerary for day 3 in Tokyo

Day 21 – Tokyo

See the detailed day itinerary for day 4 in Tokyo

 

Things you Need to Book in Advance for your Visit to Japan

Japan is one of the countries, where certain things need to be prebooked, if you don’t want to miss out. This includes sights, trains, cafes, restaurants and more. However, if you are planning a last minute trip and can’t manage to prebook everything, you will have plenty of things to do still, so don’t consider this, as something that will ruin your trip. You may just not manage to visit some of the extremely popular spots, but that’s perfectly fine, as Japan has so much to offer, you wouldn’t be able to exhaust everything in a lifetime.

Here is the detailed list and information on the main things you need or are recommended to prebook.

 

Other Tips for Travelling around Japan

Safety

• As you can see, I didn’t write a separate section on safety, simply because it’s not something you will have to think about in particular. Of course, you should take the usual precautions, as you would anywhere – like avoiding dark deserted alleys at night, if you are alone – but overall, it’s as safe for tourists, as it gets. That said, the harassment of women is still a big issue in the country. Plus, the yakudza is still quite strong, however, they don’t usually engage with foreigners, unless you decide on some very risky behavior – which obviously is not advised anywhere, especially not in a country you don’t know much about.

Japanese People:

• Japanese are very respectful to everyone. They won’t show you, even if they don’t like something or are offended. Of course, as in other big cities around the world, in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, people are rushing to work and generally not smiley or nice to you. But we found that in smaller places, people are so welcoming and nice. For instance, in Uji, while climbing a hill, within 15 minutes 3 people smiled at us and said hi.

Language:

• We found that English is not widely spoken around Japan. Even in bigger cities, in touristy areas, people in shops and restaurants know only a few words. But the Google translate works fine for most of the things you might need. Saying even a couple of Japanese words actually make people better disposed to you. I honestly only know a few words: Konichiwa – hello, Arigatou Gozaimasou – thank you (don’t just say arigatou, because this is only for close friends and it may taken, as impolite), Sumimasen – excuse me, sorry.

Accessibility:

• It’s definitely difficult to generalize accessibility option all around Japan, but some transport options and sites may not be accessible. For instance, some metro stations don’t have elevators or they are located very far. On the other hand, most buses, train stations, sights are accessible. Japan Accessible Tourism Center and Accessible Japan provide great resources to research accessible transportation and sightseeing options.

Public Toilets:

• Public toilets are easy to find at a lot of locations – train and metro stops, parks, popular attractions, convenience stores, etc. You will usually find the Western style (but mostly high tech) toilets. Sometimes, outside the cities, you may come by squat toilets though. We never noticed lack of toilet paper or any other issues with public toilets, so you don’t need to worry about carrying paper.
• One note: these high tech toilets obviously have so many buttons. I personally often had issues finding which one was the flush button. Normally it should be blue and the biggest button in my experience, but not necessarily. Google translate helped quite often, when in doubt.

No Eating while Walking:

• This may sound strange for most tourists, but Japanese people don’t eat outside, while walking. It is considered rude. Most people eat wherever they buy their food or once they get to their destination. As a result of this the streets are clean. Please, do as the Japanese do and don’t snack, while walking.

Tax Free Shopping:

• All foreigners are eligible to shop tax free at the participating shops – look for tax free sign. Unlike in most countries, where you would have to keep a receipt and fill in a paper to get your money back at the airport, in Japan you simply get the tax free “discount” on the spot. Once you have your items, you go to the counters saying tax free, show your passport and simply pay the amount with tax already deducted.

Carrying a Passport:

• You are legally required to always carry passport on you. But even if this wasn’t a requirement, you will be needing the passport for some situations – like to get tax free from the shops or to confirm the validity of your Rail Pass (if you have one).

Tattoos:

• You may have heard that Japanese don’t much like tattoos, which has to do with the understanding, that criminals used to have them. However, we have seen foreigners get around without issues. The only problem you might have, if you have a tattoo, is at some onsens – hot springs/bathes. Some of them won’t have an issue with it, but some do. So do enquire, before going to one.

Smoking:

• Before my first visit, I had heard that Japanese do smoke inside buildings and it’s an issue, so one may have to get used to it. I am pretty sensitive to the smoke smell, so I anticipated I would be bothered. But to be honest, during our trip, we never encountered any smoked restaurant, café or a building we visited. In fact, I believe most establishments ban smoking and you are not allowed to smoke in the crowded areas outside either. At hotels we booked non-smoking rooms and also did not feel any smoke smell. That said, we didn’t go to any pachinko parlors or old school bars, so might be an issue there.

Packing for Japan:

• Honestly, I don’t really think anyone needs a strict planning list for Japan. Most travelers pack the basics and buy whatever they need on the spot. When one says Japan is a shopping paradise, it’s not an exaggeration: you can buy anything – skincare, clothes, sweets, small and big trinkets and hundreds of other amazing things no one can help but buy in Japan. Even I – a person, who hates shopping and prefers to travel light – bought a duffel bag in Japan to bring all our purchases back. Some people even bring a suitcase inside another suitcase to save space for all the shopping 😊

Travel Insurance:

• While you don’t need anything specific for Japan, compared to other countries, basic travel health insurance (at least for medical treatment and hospitalization) is essential. I personally use an international health policy, which covers all countries (except the US, of course). You might also consider additional travel insurance, depending on your needs and risk appetite – such as coverage of trip cancellations or delays, lost luggage or valuables or even emergency evacuation.
• Japan’s healthcare system is excellent, but it’s not free for tourists. As a result, forgetting a health insurance may result in unexpected expenses, even in case of minor issues.