Japan
Extraordinary food, culture, and cities. Nothing quite prepares you for it.
Japan rewards almost any kind of trip. Tokyo and Osaka for cities and food at every price point, Kyoto for temples and gardens, Hokkaido for skiing and nature, the southern islands for warmer beaches. The infrastructure makes everything easy; the depth of the culture means you could come back ten times.
The classic first trip runs Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka on the Shinkansen, with a night at a Hakone ryokan in the middle. Days alternate between intensity and calm: a temple garden at opening time, an afternoon lost in Shibuya or Dotonbori, a bowl of ramen that embarrasses restaurants at five times the price. Even the convenience stores are good. Lodging is the main cost; food scales from cheap standing bars to once-a-trip kaiseki, and both ends are worth it.
The honest part: Kyoto's headline sights — Fushimi Inari, the Arashiyama bamboo grove, Kinkaku-ji — are mobbed from mid-morning, and cherry blossom season means booking months ahead and paying for the privilege. English is thin outside the cities, some rural spots remain cash-only, and June through August is humid enough to flatten an itinerary. Wing it in peak season and you'll suffer. But everything works, everyone is courteous, and the gap between expectation and reality runs in your favor almost everywhere.
Highlights
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Tokyo
Every neighborhood is a different city. Eat your way through it.
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Kyoto
Temples, gardens, geisha districts. Quieter mornings, busy afternoons.
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Osaka
The food capital. Less polished, more fun than Tokyo.
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Hakone & Mt Fuji
Hot springs, ryokan stays, classic views.
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Hokkaido
Powder skiing in winter, lavender and lakes in summer.
Practical info
- Visa
- Visa-free for most Western passports (90 days). Verify before travel.
- Currency
- JPY (Yen). Roughly 150 JPY ≈ 1 USD.
- Language
- Japanese. English is improving but limited outside tourist areas.
- Safety
- Among the safest countries in the world.
- Getting around
- World-class. JR Pass for long distances, IC card for cities.
- Tap water
- Tap water safe and excellent.
- Plug type
- Type A Type B 100V
- Money
- Cash still common; cards work in cities, less in rural areas.
General guidance — visas, safety, and health change, so check your government's travel advisory and the official sources before you go.
Common questions
- When is the best time to visit Japan?
- Japan is at its best in March–May, October, November. It's best to avoid June, July, August.
- How many days do you need in Japan?
- Most trips run 2–5 weeks, depending on how much ground you want to cover.
- Is Japan expensive?
- Plan for mid-range – premium daily spend, depending on how you travel.
- Is Japan safe for travelers?
- Among the safest countries in the world.
- Do you need a visa for Japan?
- Visa-free for most Western passports (90 days). Verify before travel.
Compare Japan with
If you like Japan, also consider
France
Paris is only the opening act — wine country, the Alps, and two coastlines.
Italy
The benchmark for food, history, and beauty.
Mexico
Mexico City is world-class. Add the coast, ruins, and food culture.
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