JAPAN TRAVEL GUIDE
Everything you need to know before travelling to Japan.
Make the most of your trip to Japan with expert tips, ideas and recommendations
Japan Travel Guide
Top tips for planning your trip to Japan
Planning a trip to Japan? With a prospect as exciting as visiting Japan, it can be a little daunting to begin planning your trip.
Don’t worry – with this guide, you’ll be ready to start planning the trip of a lifetime! If you have been dreaming of travelling to Japan and want to start planning your vacation, this travel guide is packed with Japan travel tips to help you get started!
With tips on where to go, how to get there, and a few money-saving tricks too, this guide is the perfect starting point if you’re thinking about a trip to Japan for the first time.
Not sure when to go to Japan yet? Start by reading our article on the best time to visit Japan!
- Where is Japan?
Japan is a country made of a large group of islands (6,852) located in East Asia. It is bordered by the Sea of Japan in the West, the North Pacific Ocean on the East, the Sea of Okhotsk in the North and the East China Sea in the South. The closest countries to Japan are Russia, South Korea, Taiwan and China. - What is the size of Japan?
The size of Japan is 377,835 km2 or 145,883 sq mi, which is slightly smaller than California. It is the 62nd largest country in the world by land mass. - How many people live in Japan?
The population of Japan is around 126 million people, which makes it the 11th most populated country in the world. - What is the capital of Japan?
The capital and most populated city in Japan is Tokyo. There are over 37 million people living in Tokyo which makes it the largest city in the world by population. - What is the main religion in Japan?
Shinto (69%) and Buddhism (67%) are Japan’s two main faiths, they are often practiced simultaneously. - What plugs are used in Japan?
There are two commonly used plug types in Japan, types A and B. Japan operates on a 100V supply voltage and 50/60Hz. - What is the country code of Japan?
The country code for calling Japan is +81 as a prefix, Japanese website domains usually end with .co.jp.
Best cities for your first trip to Japan
The first step in planning a trip to Japan is deciding where you want to go! These are our top picks for first-timers, as they will give you a good taste of the country’s culture and are relatively easy to travel to and from.
+ For a full breakdown, read our article on the best cities to visit in Japan
Tokyo
You’re likely to be flying in and out of this huge metropolis, and you should definitely make the most of it while you’re there! And to enjoy your trip to Japan while in Tokyo, to the fullest, it is important to choose the where to stay strategically.
Some of the best areas to stay include Shinjuku, the Tokyo Station Area, Ginza and Hibiya, Shibuya or Roppongi. Since Shinjuku is home to the busiest train station in the world, it is also an expensive neighbourhood to stay with luxury hotels like Park Hyatt Tokyo and Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo. For budget hotels, consider staying at Millennials Shibuya and Shibuya Hotel En located in and around Shibuya station.
Kyoto
Expect impressive sights of bamboo forests, beautiful shrines and temples, impeccably dressed geishas, theatre performances, boisterous monkeys, and blooming cherry trees if you plan your visit at the right time.
In Kyoto, you can get a range of accommodations starting from as cheap as $35 a night at The Pocket Hotel to luxury choices at $210 a night at Thousand Kyoto.
Osaka
Osaka is another major hub to fly in and out of Japan, and is well worth a visit! Known for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty street food, this is a great city to enjoy a night out with friends.
In Osaka, at around $140 a night, you will find a number of centrally located hotels, including Osaka Excel Hotel and Hotel Universal Port Vita.
Hakone
In Japan’s Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park west of Tokyo, Hakone is a peaceful retreat from the busy cities of Japan. Known for its hot springs resorts (onsen) and views of the iconic volcano Mount Fuji, make the most of your time here by taking a moment to relax.
When in Hakone, go with Airbnb accommodations to pamper yourself with some luxury and privacy at peaceful private villas and lakeside accommodations with mountain views. These might cost around $220 a night. Cheaper options starting at $40 a night are also available.
Transportation in Japan
This is one of the most expensive aspects of travel in Japan. Trains are the most convenient, but also the most expensive, way to travel. It’s important to plan your trip so you can keep travel costs down, for example with a Japan Rail Pass. If you plan to visit both Tokyo and Kyoto, buying the pass will save you money.
In most major cities, you can buy all-day passes for the bus and the metro, which can also save you some money depending on your plans.
Language in Japan
Obviously, the language spoken in Japan is Japanese. But many people in big cities, like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka also speak English. You should learn at least a few Japanese phrases in preparation for your trip, but this one will definitely come in handy: Eigo o hanashimasu ka? / Do you speak English?
Train stations, airports, and major tourist attractions will have English speakers, so save any burning questions for those places if necessary.
Money in Japan
In Japan, the currency is yen (¥). If you download a converter app on your phone, you can keep updated with the exact exchange rate for your selected currency at the time of your trip.
Cash is king in Japan, so be sure to take JPY with you, and make sure you will be able to withdraw more from ATMs when visiting Japan.
Food in Japan
Tasting Japanese cuisine is one of the most exciting things about visiting Japan, whether you’re trying fresh sushi at the Tsukiji Fish Market or enjoying a hearty ramen noodle bowl.
It’s easy to eat on a budget in Japan, especially if you make the most of 7-Eleven, where noodles, rice balls, tofu, and sushi are all available for just a few hundred yen. Locals eat here, so you’ll still be enjoying an authentic experience!
Using cell phones in Japan
It may not be necessary to buy a SIM card during your travels in Japan, because WiFi is readily available, so you can connect in hotels, hostels, restaurants and coffee shops.
If you need cell service in Japan, you can buy a Japanese SIM card (if your phone is unlocked and compatible with foreign SIM cards) and can use it for the internet. However, I would recommend renting a pocket WiFi device for unlimited access to maps, GPS and information websites while on the go. This way, you can search for directions, check train schedules and look up restaurants anytime you need to. You can connect up to 10 devices, which could make this a better option for you.
Don’t rush – be realistic about your trip!
Tourists often complain they’re exhausted from rushing around trying to see everything they possibly can. Do yourself a favour by being realistic about what you can achieve in a day, and enjoy Japan in a relaxing way. Depending on how much time you have, you won’t be able to take in this whole great country in one trip.
After all, you’ll likely be excited to come back as soon as your trip to Japan is over!