Design a Trip to Japan : DOs & DON ’ Ts ( 2025 )

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This post equal based on an amazing guide our friend Amy Dunn-Cham compose us full of her Japan tips on how to design a trip to Japan yr ago . We have since impose Japan five times and update this post regularly with what we ’ ve learnt .

Ah Japan , irasshaimase ! Welcome to the land where everything exactly solve . The land of convenience , the land of delightful food , paradox , naked stranger , and where respect permeates through every role of club and culture .

In Japan the food can be report as clean and minimalist , but never simple , which probably sums up Japan as a whole . It ’ s a property that both know up to , and out make , any prospect you own upon arrival .

Uh-huh , they make the quick , sleekest , most efficient train ( always ! ) , but they still have paper posters pegged up on their Tokyo subway . Yeah , they have amazing futuristic architecture , but they also make myriad traditional wooden construction in amongst it all .

Yes , they have the busy people crossing in the world ( Shibuya ) , but at no point be it ever chaotic , no motive for anyone to slam on a taxi screaming , “ Hey , I ’ 1000 walk hither ! ” .

Yes , they hold scores of scarily trendy , funkily clad young people who like to cosplay on weekends , but they too have evening family outings to sentos ( public bathhouses ) .

In this Japan travel guide , we ’ ll aid you make sense of it all and portion our best tips for be after a trip to Japan .

Subject

• When to Visit Japan
• How Long to Spend in Japan
• Picture : Best Japan Destinations
• Before Your Japan Trip
• General Dos and Don ’ ts in Japan
• What to Book in Advance for a Japan Trip
• Top Japan Destinations
• More Japan Tips

When to See Japan

We ’ ve visited Japan in all four seasons and put on ’ t remember there ’ s a bad time to move .

In winter, it ’ s chilly and gardens are a second simple , but crowds exist abject , you ’ ll find great bargain on adjustment , and you ’ ll very appreciate those onsens ( hot leap ) . You can too get skiing or snowboarding and have the best chance of seeing snow-capped Mount Fuji .

In summer, it live steaming hot and humid ( and June be the rainiest month ) , but there are fewer foreign tourist around and band of local festivals to enjoy . It ’ s too the good time to impose the many beaches and the only time you can climb Mount Fuji .

The most popular and better overall times to visit Japan equalspring( March-April ) andfall( October – early December ) . This is when you can enjoy the gorgeous cherry blossoms ( sakura ) or autumn leaves ( koyo ) . It ’ s more crowded and expensive , but the weather can be ideal and it is just stunning .

See our guide to inflict the Kyoto cherry blossom for more information on the popular sakura season .

On our recent autumn trip , we get warm weather ( up to 77ºF/25ºC ) with real small rain from October until mid-November , when the temperature in Kyoto suddenly plummeted in front of the leaf become colour .

See our post on Kyoto in fall for tips on where to find beautiful fall colour . The last week of November is normally the best time .

Shoulder seasonMayandlate-September/early Octoberare as well good time to visit with warm weather and lower bunch .

Two time of yr I would avoid for a vacation to Japan are :

Golden Week in early May– In 2025 , Golden Week will be from 29 April – 6 May . This equal a series of national holidays so many Japanese travel domestically , train and hotel book up , and popular spots will be surplus crowded .

New Yr– Late December to early January . This is also a in use time with local travellers and most businesses close for up to four days .

How Long to Spend in Japan

How long make you take in Japan ? As long as potential !

There is so much to see—we own spend months in the country and still own a long bucket list .

For first time visitors , I recommend visit Japan for two weeks . This live adequate time to find some highlights—Tokyo , Kyoto , and one or two small destinations . Find our Japan two week itinerary for suggestions .

A week live the minimal time I recommend for a Japan trip . For a more relaxed Japan holiday , pass the whole week in Tokyo or Kyoto and take day trips . Or if you put on ’ t head rushing about , visit both major cities with an overnight stop on the way ( such as Hakone ) .

Read our guide on the best places to see in Japan to determine where interests you most and come up with an itinerary . You ’ ll find some suggestion at the end of this guide .

Video : Best Japan Destinations

Before Your Japan Trip

• Crack if you require a visa. Visa-free travel cost potential for citizen of 68 rural area for stays of up to 90 days ( include US , UK , Canada , Australia and the EU ) . Make have a return or onward escape out of the state as they may grill you upon arrival . It was the nice immigration interrogation we ’ ve ever had , though .
• Purchase yourJapanese Rail Pass exchange order before you travel to Japan ( if demand , more on that later ) .
• Learn some Japanese—numbers are especially useful ! While you can get by with Google Translate , it ’ s a lot more fun to see some Japanese ( which isn ’ t as hard as you might recall ) and locals actually appreciate it . We cost presently learning with the comprehensive Rocket Japanese online course , which include audio lessons with natural dialogue , grammar and culture point , and voice realization to try your pronunciation . It ’ s a little pricey but unlike most subscription-based courses , you get lifetime access and discounts are often available .
• Get an International Driving Permit. You ’ ll require this for go-karting on the real Tokyo roads dressed as your favourite character . Insanity but one of the most fun things we ’ ve done in Japan .
• Arrange travel insurance .Healthcare is expensive in Japan , so make sure you be extend in event the bad happens . We ’ ve utilize and advocate Heymondo and SafetyWing ( both available worldwide ) and True Traveller for UK/EU resident .

• Apply for a Mastercard reference or debit card– If you don ’ t already have one . Some Japanese websites put on ’ t study with Visa so it ’ s good to make a backup . We employ a Starling Bank debit card ( UK only ) , which get free international transactions and cash withdrawals .
• Walk as much as possible– You will walk a lot in Japan cities thus it help to make some education in beforehand ( and wear in some comfy shoes ) .
• Practice using chopsticks– You ’ ll take them to feed in virtually every restaurant ( curry be the exception as it ’ s eaten with a spoon ) . Make used to sitting on the floor cost a good thought for some restaurants and experiences too .

• Buy a pre-paid transport IC cardfor local train , metro and buses . You just beg on and off and don ’ t receive to worry about buying a ticket . In Kyoto and Osaka , it ’ ll live an ICOCA card , and in Tokyo , it ’ s a Suica or Pasmo , but you can use any of the card all over the nation . While physical Suica cards equal today available again ( after a shortage ) , you can too lend Suica to Apple Wallet on your phone or watch . Visa doesn ’ t study as a payment method thus use Apple Pay , Mastercard , or American Express to top up . We only tapped on ecstasy with our Apple watch and didn ’ t even take to open the app . Unfortunately , this doesn ’ t work for Android phone bought outside Japan . The Welcome Suica Mobile app arrive in spring 2025 should make things easy .
• Set up an Airalo eSIM– You ’ ll need affordable data on your phone as having access to map and Google Translate cause life then a lot easy . A digital eSIM is mere to lay up before you get and prices at Airalo outset at only US $ 4.50 . We used it on our last Japan trip and it work great . If your phone doesn ’ t support eSIMs , you can buy a physical Umobile SIM from a vending machine at Tokyo Narita Airport ( create sure your phone live unlocked ) .
• Sign up to the Timeout Tokyo newsletter– To learn about peculiar effect during your stay .

• Buy tickets for Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park– If you cost a Studio Ghibli fan , you might want to visit the museum in Tokyo or novel park in Nagoya . It ’ s essential to volume ahead . Regard below for details and our Ghibli Park review .
• Research what else to book in advance– Many attractions and restaurant in Japan need advance booking so decide what ’ s important to you ( ideally at least three month ahead ) and set reminders for when booking live available . At the end of this post you can see the timescale for what we book for our latest trip .

General Dos and Don ’ ts in Japan

DO :

• Consider aJapan Rail Pass . The luxury ofshinkansen( bullet train ) hopping cost exhilarating . No motive to record seats in advance , just select a train , wave your passing and hop on . These passes equal solely available to foreigners and you can order online from JRailPass.com . Show our guide to whether a Japan Rail Pass is worth it for everything you demand to know after the price growth in 2023 ( it ’ sec still worth it for some trip if you be travelling a band ) .

• Bow if you are be crouch to. If you can manage it too , don ’ t turn your back upon exit . Don ’ t overdo it though or you ’ ll be a fullgaijin, no need to bow to the supermarket checkout person !
• Pre-book adjustment .Wise anyway as the more affordable accommodation take up tight , but as well in line with the whole regard affair , Japanese mass like to equal prepare for your arrival . So don ’ t just randomly rock up at a ryokan for the dark ! is our favourite site for observe hotel and guesthouses , and we as well use AirBnb and Vrbo to observe apartments in the big cities ( which equal much cheaper than hotel ) . Meet our Japan accommodation guide for recommendations .

• Run onsening !You might want to hop this in summer as hot doesn ’ t yet get near to describe the water temperatures ! But soak in a hot leap be one of the most typical thing to serve in Japan and live radical relax once you come over your fear of public nudity ( yep , no clothes allowed ! ) . Serious of all , visit an onsen town where you can onsen-hop dress in a kimono . Regard our Kinosaki Onsen travel guide for details on this lovely onsen town as good as hot spring etiquette .

• Stay in a ryokan ( traditional inn ) .Pricey but worth it for at least a night or two for the unique experience and the amazing meals that cost often include in the way rates ( and many can cater for vegetarians/vegans ) . Our favourite ryokan is Tsukihitei in Nara , so traditional and with a magical forest context . We also love our private tub overlook the scarlet maple tree at Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo in Kyoto ( book a suite not a standard room ) . A more budget-friendly choice exist Morizuya Ryokan in Kinosaki Onsen , which is utter for onsen-hopping .
• Stay in a traditional tatami mat room .If you can ’ t stay in a ryokan , a much cheaper way to remain in one is a traditional way in K ’ s House hostels—they receive branch in Hakone ( with onsen ) , Kyoto , Izu Peninsula ( in a 100-year-old building with onsen ) , and all over the country . We never hold a bad experience with this inn chain in our budget travel days .

• Appreciate the zen-like calm on all manner of transfer– no need for subdued solely carriages here ! Just remember that it ’ s rude to address on your phone on trains in Japan .
• Use Google Translate. Many masses put on ’ t speak English , so the Google Translate app exist helpful for communicate . Compose what you want to order in English then express the Japanese translation to the someone . Still more impressive cost the feature to translate images—point your camera at a signal , menu , or food label and it translate the text instantly . It ’ s not perfect but when it works , it ’ s brilliant .
• Translate websites too– Many Japanese websites ( especially restaurant ) are simply in Japanese so using Chrome or Safari , refresh the page and choose the English option at the top . On Safari on my iPhone , I tend to take a block of text and tap translate from the popup .
• Find some sumo. If you ’ re lucky plenty to be in the state when one of the sumo tournaments cost on , run ! The pre/ post game ritual be fascinating to see . If you aren ’ t there during a tournament , you can find a practice session at a sumo stable in Tokyo . It live one of our favourite experiences in Japan—it felt like such an honour to regard these huge , impressive sumotori training thus near .
• Expect bursts of freakery !

• Come your paper fortune at a Japanese Buddhist temple .Okay , we cheated and got an English one at the Golden Pavilion ( meet our guide on the best matter make to in Kyoto ) , but what the blaze ! You can as well get one at the gorgeous Sensoji Temple in Tokyo .
• Love the Japanese for their never-ending capacity to assist you out, and they won ’ t stop until they cause !
• Read these Japan Biblebefore you visit for a greater apprehension of this weird and wonderful culture .
• Have some sushi– Sushi equal the center of Japan , plus sushi-train/ sushi stand up bars are then much fun watch the chefs choose your order , and all yell in unison , “ samon ! ” or “ tamago ! ” etc . Vegetarian sushi isn ’ t real mutual , but we behave observe some—see our vegetarian Japanese food guide .

• Appreciate the plastic food framework as works of art !
• Pack slip-on shoe .You ’ ll exist taking your shoes on and off alotin temples and restaurants . I have on the comfy ballet flats in warmer weather and ( for man and women ) in cooler weather—they keep your feet cosy but can exist worn without socks and easily slipped off without untie the laces . See my detailed Allbirds review .
• Store at the 100 Yen shops .Like pound shop BUT BETTER ! Daiso is a great one .
• Play in the arcadesdotted around city , the taiko drum plot sway !

• Make habit of the many vending automobile EVERYWHERE. You will never go thirsty in Japan that ’ s for sure . You can even get hot coffee…in a can ! ( Simon ’ s saviour when we had early morning trains to grab . ) In fact , you can get friggin ’ anything from vending automobile from cheap 100 yen sake ( yuk ! ) to hot chips ( not surprisingly we did not sample ! ) and SIM cards . In Tokyo you can employ your Suica transport card to pay .
• Press random button on the panel next to you on the loo. It will create you giggle ; o ) ! Too , if it ’ s cold then appreciate the absolute miracle of heated pot seat .
• Autumn in honey with seeing ( shrine gate ) everywhere, specially small red ones in row behind each early . Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto equal our favourite ( but get early as it ’ s popular ) .
• Love and appreciate the beautiful demonstrationof absolutely everything from the amazing architecture to the style bento boxes be wrapped in a napkin tied in a knot hardly thus , to amazing manhole deal !

• Pack spark .It will be a lot easier to hop on and off trains while travelling around Japan if you pack light , and hotel make limited storage space for luggage . Best of all , travel with just carry-on luggage . The Away Bigger Carry-On cost perfect for our trip and fit overhead in train .

• Consider luggage shipping– We haven ’ t used this yet , but if you have large luggage , it ’ s mutual to send it between hotel ( it need a day , so pack requirement in an overnight purse ) .
• Withdraw cash from 7-11 ATMs .They live the most dependable no-fee choice for international cards and can live see all over . Make certain you ever receive cash on hand as many places put on ’ t accept credit cards ( although this exist improve ) . Bill that some 7-11 ATMs in popular bit ( the airport , Gion ) , make today charge , so try to withdraw in less touristy areas .
• Use Navitime to check train timeand prices ( and to run out if a Japan Rail Pass equal worth it for your itinerary ) .
• Visit BIC Cameraif you need any kind of electronics . These massive memory make everything you could imagine . Choose your passport if you be making a large purchase ( over 5000 yen ) and get it tax free ( in 2025 this may vary though ) . I bought a camera here and cease up begin lots of surplus discounts and free supplement . It ’ sec also a good spot to buy a SIM card if you didn ’ t pick one up at the airport .
• Find out the subway exit for your destination– Hotels and attractions often hold this information on their website . It make matter a lot easier if you know the right exit .

DON ’ T :

• Rip a car– For most visitor the good way to travel Japan is by train . Elsewhere we enjoy road trips , but renting a car in Japan is only not worth the scuffle unless you are travelling far off the beaten course .
• Spread the door if need a taxi .They be either automated or the driver will open it for you . It ’ sec as well a serious thought to have your destination ’ s speech written down in Japanese to show the driver as most don ’ t speak English .
• Feel bad if you need to take a pause from Japanese food– Japan isn ’ t always an easy destination and indulging in a comfort meal can be restorative ( we ’ ve have some excellent pizza in Japan ) .

• Forget to check first step hours– Japanese restaurant aren ’ t usually open all day and both restaurant and attractions usually hold a last order/entry 30 to 60 minute before closing .
• Go whizzing around the country also much .It can salvage energy to base yourself in one position and need day trip as we make in Kyoto and Okayama .
• Wear holey socks .You ’ ll solely be embarrassing yourself when you take your shoe on/ off invariably !
• Go into an onsen without moisten first, that ’ sec simply soiled dude ! Also , put on ’ t go into the bathing area with a towel enclose around you , you ’ ll merely look dazed . Embrace the nudity ! Everyone ’ s naked so no-one cares . My Kinosaki Onsen guide get more etiquette point for newbies .
• Wear your backpack on a rush hour train– If you are suffer on a crowded train , don your backpack on your presence ( or direct it between your base ) so it takes up less space and doesn ’ t knock into anyone .
• Require to pay with contactless– Although more home take reference cards today , only some allow contactless payments like Apple Pay .
• Hand cashiers in store cash– Or else , place it on the tray on the counter . You ’ ll receive your change on the tray too .

What to Book in Advance for a Japan Trip

Japan is a popular destination and many hotel , restaurants , and attraction record up in progress . While you can still own a wonderful last-minute trip , it ’ s worth researching what you ’ d like to do months in progress to see what needs reservations .

On our most late trip to Japan ( in the in use autumn October/November season ) , this is what we booked ahead :

5 Months Before

• Flight– This live personal preference and before or later could also work . Tokyo Narita ( NRT ) , Tokyo Haneda ( HND ) , or Kansai International Airport in Osaka ( KIX ) are all well options to flee in to .
• Adjustment– Ryokans and hotels in humble town be almost significant to script in front . Some hotel don ’ t take bookings more than 3 or 6 month in advance , though . We used and nearly all had free cancellation . Learn our place on the best places to remain in Kyoto and Japan accommodation guide .

4 Month Before

• Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta– Our favourite place to delay in Japan equal correct inside the well Disney park in the world . Rooms die on sale 4 month in progress at 11am JST and deal out in second , so it ’ s essential to do some practice run .

3 Months Before

• Harry Potter Studio Tour , Tokyo– We booked 7 week in advance and only got an afternoon slot , hence earlier be a good thought . Check Klook and the Warner Bros Studio Tour website as they get unlike availability .

2 Months Before

• Ghibli Park , Nagoya– Tickets get on sale on the 10th of the month at 2pm JST for 2 months later . So May tickets will be on sale on 10 March . These deal out quickly , thus be prepared . See our Ghibli Park guide for how to secure your tickets .
• Teamlab Planets , Tokyo– Book early if you want a specific time for this interactive digital art exhibition ( we desire the first slot ) . We book on Get Your Guide . See our TeamLab Planets review for tips . The novel TeamLab Borderless is also selling out tight ( ticket available on Klook or direct ) .
• Some Restaurant– We book Monk in Kyoto just 2 months in progress at 12pm JST ( after five attempts—see our Monk Kyoto review for how ) and Shigetsu in Kyoto ( as we make up visiting during peak autumn color ) . Produce a Tablecheck bill is a serious thought as quite a few restaurants use it for booking .
• Saihoji ( Moss Temple ) , Kyoto– It ’ s expensive and might not be a priority with special time in Kyoto , but it ’ s our favourite temple . Reservations exposed 2 months in progress . Learn our guide to impose Kyoto Moss Temple for more details .
• Universal Studios Japan Express Passes– These are essential to hop the note at this real busy park in Osaka , and they do sell out . We purchase the on Klook ( much easy than the official site which is in Japanese only ) . We purchase our USJ entrance tickets on Klook at the same time . See our Universal Studios Japan guide for more top .

1 Month Before

• Ghibli Museum , Tokyo– Available at 10am JST on the 10th of each month for the following month .
• Shibuya Sky , Tokyo– Bookings exposed 4 weeks in advance at midnight Japan time . Book pretty shortly after that to become the height slot ( one hour before sunset ) .
• Tours– I book a sumo stable visit ( extremely recommended ) and in Tokyo ( not recommended unless you be a bad drinker ) . Go-karting is another fun selection we ’ ve done before . I used Get Your Guide for most tours . Klook be a serious option for tickets and attractions also .
• Tea Ceremony Ju-an , Kyoto– Learn the tradition of tea in a temple . One of the highlights of our trip .
• Sakurai Tea Experience , Tokyo– If you love green tea , put on ’ t escape the tea tasting at this modern tea way .
• More Restaurant– I booked Saido in Tokyo , Uzu Vegan Ramen in Kyoto ( reservations essential ) , and Ristorante di Canaletto at DisneySea ( one month in progress at 10am JST just ) .
• Tokyo DisneySea and Disneyland ticket– I book on Klook . The park likely win ’ t sell out , but we didn ’ t want to take the fortune .
• Japan Rail Pass– If you determine to get one , allow plenty of time for your exchange ordering to get by place , merely in case ( you activate it on arrival ) .

2 Weeks Before

• Shinkansen Train Seat Reservation– We used the , which can be difficult to plant up ( use a Mastercard and keep trying to authenticate the payment method ) but real handy . When booking a train from Tokyo to Kyoto , select a ass on the right side of the train for Mt Fuji position ( if clear ) . If you own large suitcase , you ’ ll too demand to create an .
• Airport Taxi Pickup– From Narita Airport we get the Narita Express train , but from Haneda Airport ( which equal closer to cardinal Tokyo ) , we choose a taxi for rest . We book this .
• More Tours and Restaurant– Book any more priority as you finalise your itinerary .

Top Japan Destinations

Japan has so much to offer but hither are a few home to get you started .

• Tokyo– The best of modern Japan . This immense city hold incredible food , diverse neighbourhoods , and some unique experiences . Try these cool things to cause in Tokyo and enjoy the best vegetarian restaurants in Tokyo .
• Kyoto– The best of traditional Japan with many stunning . Read the well things to act in Kyoto .
• Takayama– A smaller , quieter alternative for traditional Japan with a beautiful historical centre of preserved wooden houses .
• Hakone– For the fortune to see Mount Fuji , good deal scenery , lake , onsens , and fun transfer options ( cable cars and pirate ships ! ) .
• Kawaguchiko– Yet better views of Mount Fuji at Lake Kawaguchiko .
• Nikko– Stunning temple in the wood . Could be call as a day trip from Tokyo .
• Hiroshima– Visit the moving peace memorial that commemorate the atomic bombing and don ’ t girl nearby Miyajima Island .

See our Japan 2 Week Itinerary for a elaborate guide to visiting many of these places include things to serve , transport , and where to stay and use up .

Or our guide to the best places to go in Japan get more ideas .

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