Japan travel guide
Japan Tourism | Japan Guide
You're Going to Love Japan
A unique country that manages to fuse both historical traditions and a new modern culture, Japan is the perfect place to visit if you are interested in diverse foods, scenic mountains, and tropical beaches.
With its convenient public transportation and diverse regions, guests never run out of places to visit while traveling throughout this country.
What to do in Japan
1. Soak Up Japan's Rich History
Make a trip to Kiyomizu-dera, a traditional Buddhist temple that is in Kyoto and provides scenic views of the surrounding region.
2. Visit the Osaka Castle
For architecture lovers, don't miss this historical monument in Osaka that contains a museum featuring a variety of photographs, artifacts, and art.
3. Discover the Country's Wildlife
Go for a scenic walk in Arashiyama, a historical district that contains many shrines, trails, and animals, such as monkeys.
4. See the City of Tokyo
Visit one of the country's most popular cities and see iconic attractions like the Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace, and Tsukiji Market.
5. Visit Universal Studios Japan
Head to this amusement park in Osaka that contains movie-themed rides and activities, as well as many restaurants and shops.
When to visit Japan
In order to avoid as much rainfall as possible and benefit from warm temperatures, the best time to visit Japan is between the months of March to May and September to November.
How to Get to Japan
Entry Requirements
Citizens of EU countries and the United States are able to visit Japan without a visa for up to 90 days. Individuals from other countries, like Thailand and Brunei, are only able to be in the country for up to 15 days.
Plane
Narita Airport, located in Tokyo, is the most common destination for international flights and offers many domestic flights that travel to different parts of the country.
Boat
If traveling to Japan from a nearby country, such as South Korea, China, Taiwan, or Russia, it is possible to take an international ferry.
Popular airports in Japan
Popular airlines serving Japan
Where to stay in Japan
When visiting Japan, consider staying in a Ryokan, which is a traditional inn that is often composed of a small wooden building with a large lush garden. If you are hoping to travel on a budget, you can also book a capsule hotel. Those that will be visiting large cities like Tokyo and Yokohama will be able to choose from a large selection of international hotels.
Where to stay in popular areas of Japan
Most booked hotels in Japan
How to Get Around Japan
Public Transportation
If you're visiting Tokyo, you can use the city's extensive metro system to take you to a selection of stations located throughout the city center and the suburbs. The rest of the country also has an effective metro, bus and train system in place.
Trains
One of the most efficient ways to travel between different cities in Japan is by train, as the country's rail system is fast, efficient, and affordable. To save money on your travels, you can purchase a Japan Rail Pass, which will provide you with unlimited train rides during a 7, 14, or 21-day period.
Bus
Long-distance buses are also very common in Japan, with one-way tickets between Tokyo and Kyoto available for around 3,500 JPY.
Car
In order to rent a car in Japan, you must be a minimum of 18 years old and hold an international driver's license. You will find most major rental companies are available at all international airports.
Plane
While flying in between cities is not as common in Japan due to the efficient rail system, it is considered to be one of the most efficient ways to access the country's islands. There are several local airlines to choose from, including Japan Airlines, Jetstar, and Air DO.
The Cost of Living in Japan
When purchasing a basic lunch in a restaurant, you can expect to pay between 1,000-1,500 JPY for your meal and a drink. In a grocery store, a jug of milk will cost you approximately 200 JPY, while 2 lb of tomatoes will cost just under 600 JPY. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and malls.