Japan Travel Guide | Top Attractions, Food, Best Time to Visit & More

Japan is an island country that hangs off the coasts of China and South Korea in a seemingly ‘J’ shape. The country has been open to travel and business after WWII, and has since spread the anime fever globally! 

My girls enjoyed immersing in the experience, especially because the entire country is covered in soft pastels and funky anime characters. However, there’s more to Japan beyond the colors and magic of Japanese Sakura blooms.

The further you read, the more brownie points you get, since I’ve mentioned all the nitty-gritties of Japan travel here. Find out everything from where to start your trip to budgeting and much more. 

Everything about Japan–Culture, Climate, Currency, and More

Let’s start from scratch with the basic details about the Land of the Rising Sun mentioned in the table below:

Names of Endearment	Land of the Rising Sun, Wa/Wakoku, Nippon/Nihon, Zipangu & Yamato
Currency	Japanese Yen (¥)
Time Zone	UTC +9
Official Language	Japanese
Specialties	Unique food, culture & technology, Sakura blooms, anime, and more.

1. Japan Geography

Traveling through Japan is particularly confusing because of the longitudinal stretch of the land. The entire country is divided into 4 islands – Hokkaido (northern island), Honshu (main island), Shikoku (southeastern island), and Kyushu (southern island). 

While visiting in spring (March-May), it is ideal to start from the southern islands and head northwards to experience ideal temperatures for exploration. The northern islands are colder and have a mountainous terrain; therefore, while travelling to Japan in autumn (September-November), start from the north and ascend to the south. 

2. Climate of Japan

The country, particularly known for its Sakura falls, experiences 4 seasons – spring (March-May), summer (June-August), autumn (September-November), and winter (December-February). All four seasons color the landscapes in the hues of their unique palette. 

Japan also experiences wet weather from June to mid-July, with heavy rain in areas like Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku. 

3. Culture of Japan

Fast-paced technological advancements are harmonized well with the moral grounding in Japan. With an overwhelming population of the elderly, traditions, mannerisms, and cultural riches are passed down like an heirloom. 

Therefore, when in Japan, it is important to bow down to people while greeting, keep the streets clean, and follow the basic etiquette that shows respect to the culture. 

Do not miss Gion Matsuri, the biggest festival in Japan, which lasts for a month and is typically celebrated in July. Any country is in its best avatar during the festive months, and so is Japan. 

In the next section, find out more about the best time to visit Japan in detail.

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What is the Best Time to Visit Japan?

By far, the most ideal time to explore all the islands of Japan is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). Here’s a more descriptive breakdown of the same:

• Peak Season: As mentioned above, spring and autumn remain the peak seasons due to the pastel pink Sakura blooms and neutral browns of the fall. 

• Shoulder Season: It is smart to visit Japan during early June, typically summer, or during late autumn in November, when the crowds are less and the scenic beauty can still be witnessed. 

• Low Season: Due to freezing weather and snowfall from December to early March, especially in the northern parts of Japan, winter remains a low season.

Although season-wise, the best time to travel to Japan is spring and autumn, visiting there in November is notoriously underrated. No crowds smushed together, a peaceful time, and discounts on literally everything from flights to hotels and even food! 

To top it off, the countryside is equally pretty in all seasons, so visiting Japan in late November would be a fair use of judgment. 

In the next section, find out what exactly there is to explore in the cities of Japan. 

How to Explore Japan?–For First Time Travelers

Tourists mostly choose Tokyo as their first destination, as it is home to two major international airports – Haneda and Narita. Haneda is also known as Tokyo International Airport and is closer to the center of the city. 

Osaka and Kyoto are next in line, and since they’re just a short train ride away, you can continue to stay in either of the two cities and travel back and forth easily. Here’s more on how to explore Japan as a first time traveler: 

Explore the Cities: Kyoto, Osaka, & Tokyo

The best way to explore the cities is to cover the most renowned spots on the first two days and then watch the city unfold on foot. Japan’s intricately connected subway systems in the cities make the process very convenient, so do not spare a corner! 

People get confused about where to start the trip to Japan and which islands and cities to visit. Here’s the answer to all those questions: 

1. Places to Visit in Tokyo 

You must’ve heard of the Sensoji Temple, which is a beautiful 14th-century temple and also Tokyo’s oldest. Well, my time in Asakusa was quite memorable because of the mesmerizing Buddhist temples, the small shops, and the izakayas (Japanese bars) that preserve the charm of the old city. 

The unique sushi flavors made the trip a fulfilling one, and I definitely got back home with better skin. For the perfect goodbye to Tokyo, go up the Tokyo Tower’s Observation Deck and soak in the mesmerizing views of the city! 

Attractions to Visit: Sensoji Temple, Ghibli Museum, Shibuya Crossing, and Meiji Jingu Shrine. 

2. Places to Visit in Osaka 

As far as my experience went, the real adventure began in Osaka. If you’re visiting with family, plan to dedicate a longer time to Osaka, as Universal Studios Japan will need time to be explored fully. 

Dedicate one whole day to eating the street food in the Kuromon Market. Begin the day with the flavorful Takoyaki and end it by evening with the delicious Okonomiyaki. 

After discovering the markets, my trip ended with a scenic boat ride on the Dotonbori Canal in the evening. A ride on the famous 92 Osaka Wheel, along with the canal cruise, would be the best thing to do in Japan as a couple. 

Attractions to Visit: Umeda Sky Building, Dotonbori, Universal Studios Japan, Nakanoshima Park, Osaka Castle, Shinsaibashi-Suji shopping street, and Kuromon Market. 

3. Things to Explore in Kyoto 

Walking through the streets in Osaka feels like having entered the Studio Ghibli version of Japan. The preserved temples, shrines, and architecture are reflective of its rich cultural heritage. 

Kyoto is best for recreational activities, artistic people looking for a muse or some inspiration, couples, and old people on a retirement trip! I did not expect hunting for some fresh produce in the Nishiki Market to be as exciting as it was, maybe one of the signs that I’m a grown-up now. 

Do not forget to soak and relax in the beautiful Japanese Onsens. The experience is particularly enjoyable if you take my advice and visit during the low season in late November. 

Attractions to Visit: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Nishiki Market, Fushimi Inari Shrine.

With that said, try the dishes mentioned in the next section while visiting the city’s street food markets. 

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Culinary Guide to Japan

Japanese cuisine is quite versatile, with dishes such as Ramen, Udon, Onigiri, Soba, Shabu Shabu hot pot, and more constituting the menu. While traveling internationally, the one thing that takes the biggest hit is the stomach. Here’s more on how to savor the delicacies of Japan:

1. Explore the Food Markets: The street food is made with a lot of hygiene in Japan, and hence, you can unleash the food monger hidden within. Nishiki is the most renowned food market in Kyoto, Tsukiji and Toyosu in Tokyo, and Kuromon in Osaka.

2. Go to Hot Pot Places for Fuller Meals: Look for the traditional-looking hot pot places with the Japanese-style seating arrangement for the most authentic dining experience. 

3. Save Some Space for Desserts: Matcha lovers assemble! The desserts made with matcha are to die for in Japan. My personal favorite was the mochi, because its texture and taste are delectable. Better pack some for home because you will crave them for months!

Now that the food aspect is sorted, look at a few ways to elevate the comfort of your trip to Japan. 

How to Hack Your Japan Tour 101?–Access the Internet, Rail Pass, & More

Doing your research before visiting a country like Japan is important to avoid sudden, unwanted surprises. Here are a few things to know before you consider yourself well-prepared for your trip to Japan: 

1. Always Walk With Cash: While most places in the big cities do accept credit cards, it is important to carry change along, as Japan is a highly cash-centric country. Do keep this in mind, especially if you’re planning to spend some time in the countryside. 

2. Tax-Free Shopping: Tourists to Japan are given tax relief upon shopping, and the process of receiving their tax money back varies from store to store. 

3. Purchase the Parallel Plug Adapter: Buy the two flat parallel prong plug for charging all your electronic gadgets, as the switchboards in Japan are different. 

4. Skip Tipping: Since the final bill in most places is inclusive of the service charges, tipping separately can even create confusion sometimes. 

5. Tap Water’s Just Fine: Do not waste money on buying packaged water, as the tap water in Japan is purified and of a good grade. 

6. Buckle Up With These Apps: The Tokyo Metro Subway App, Japan Travel, and Japan Transit Planner App were lifesavers every time I got confused. 

7. Know the Emergency Numbers: In case of an emergency or urgent need for help, call 119 for the fire department or an ambulance and 110 for the police. 

How to Access the Internet in Japan?

Accessing the internet while traveling to Japan can be a task, but nothing a pocket Wi-Fi, a SIM/eSIM, or a rental smartphone can’t solve. Here are a few ways to find out how to access the internet in Japan:

1. Pocket Wi-Fi: Pocket Wi-Fi is the most convenient way to get internet access; however, this is only an economical option if you often travel and will be able to make use of the device later on. 

2. SIM/E-SIM Card: One of the cheapest and easiest options is to just buy a SIM/e-SIM card, which has a variety of data-only plans available for tourists. 

3. Internet Cafés: Rent a computer connected to the internet on an hourly basis for a few hundred yen. 

4. International Roaming: If your carrier has agreements in place with the Japanese provider, you’ll be able to access internet services with international roaming; however, this option is also expensive. 

5. Rental Smartphones: Rental phones are a smart way of accessing the internet for both short and long tours to Japan. They can be rented from the airports in Japan and can even be delivered to your hotel. 

While you can save some money using these hacks, it is important to have an estimate of your prospective daily expenses before landing in Japan.

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Budgeting Your Japan Trip

The average daily expense in Japan includes the stay, food, internet bills, and the money spent on commuting. Here is a breakdown of my basic expenditure every day in Japan:

Hotel	3500 JPY–5500 JPY (per night)
Food & Drinks	1700 JPY–5000 JPY (per meal)
Transportation	180 JPY–430 JPY (per ride)
Miscellaneous Expenses	2000 JPY

Tips for saving money on your Japan tour:

1. Get a JR (Japan Rail) Pass: If you’re a solo traveler and want to explore many cities while staying in the same place, the best way to save money is by getting a JR Pass. It provides unlimited access to the Japan Rail network for a set no. of days. 

2. Make Early Bookings: Book your flights a few weeks before the date you intend to fly. Picking the right season to travel also impacts the expenditure significantly, so make the choice wisely. 

3. Research the Tourist Benefits:  Governments usually have international agreements that offer advantages to travelers holding different passports. For example, domestic flights within Japan are free for Indian nationals when booked at the same time as their ticket to Japan. 

4. Less is More: While traveling to Japan for the first time, pick a few cities and explore them peacefully to the core. Avoid the urge to cover all the cities in one go, as most of your time will be lost traveling, and you won’t be able to immerse as deeply. 

Move to the next section that will help you pick the right stay, which constitutes the main daily expense. 

Where to Stay in Japan?

Lodging and hotels in Japan are available in various budget options, like the traditional ryokans, hostel pods, guesthouses, and hotels. The best thing is the availability of plenty of options, so you don’t feel robbed at the end of your stay. 

Don’t bother worrying about hospitality, since the Japanese are exceptional hosts and will give you a respectable experience worth every penny spent. 

1. Airbnbs in Japan

After the government mandate that requires private lodging businesses to acquire the Minpaku License for operating as a rental, the variety and availability of Airbnbs in the country have decreased. Even the prices have shot up in the past few years. 

Since the price difference wasn’t much, I decided to stay in the traditional ryokans instead. But keep the hunt going, for luck may strike at any time!

2. Ryokans in Japan

Laden with an on-site onsen, futon bedding, and tatami floor matting, the ryokans focus on providing the guests with the traditional lodging experience. Every element is designed to provide the guests with a relaxing time, in line with Japanese customs and hospitality.

Here are a few good ryokans to consider as an option: 

1.  Kimi Ryokan, Tokyo – ¥5600/night
2. Kaneyoshi Ryokan, Osaka – ¥9500/night
3. Naokonoza Bettei Umekoji, Kyoto – ¥26700/night

3. Hostel Pods  

The concept of hostel pods is exciting, and they can easily be found near airports and railway stations. It provides a great deal of respite to students, late-night travelers, and budget travelers. Many hostel pods have gaming areas, convenience stores for late-night cravings, and free Wi-Fi. 

Here are a few good hostel pods to consider for your stay:

1. Nine Hours Ningyocho–¥2900/night
2. Grand Hostel LDK Osaka Shinsaibashi–¥2800/night
3. The Millennials Kyoto–¥3500/night

4. Hotels in Japan

Lodging experience in Japan is unique due to many reasons, the first one being that a few hotels use robots for guest service. Other than guest houses, even temples sometimes offer accommodation, which is called “shukubo”. Here are a few hotels in Japan that offer amazing services:

1. Hotel Mystays Asakusabashi–¥5600/night
2. Shinsaibashi Grand Hotel Osaka–¥8500/night
3. Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto–¥4000/night

The toughest bits have been tackled out of the way, and now it’s time to take a glance at what watching the sunrise in the Land of the Rising Sun would look like!

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Steal a Glance at Japan 

Delve into the serenity that radiates through the screen in these pictures of Japan at its best:

These pictures are merely a glimpse of how exciting and refreshing it is to visit Japan. Once you’ve actually set foot in the land, it will feel like being transported to another world due to the distinctiveness of Japanese culture from the rest of the world. 

With that said, it’s time to bid adieu and move to the summary. 

Japan in a Nutshell

Japan’s initial shutdown from the rest of the world during the Middle Ages gave it time to harness the cultural beliefs, principles, values, and traditions, which are now intriguing to experience. The cultural immersion just hits different when combined with the technological advancements. 

Visit Japan and unlock a new perspective of looking at the world that you never knew existed. Enjoy the ramen, sushi & mochi, and wear that funky anime merch you’d been withholding within the confines of your closet!

Sayonara! 

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