Japan is an exciting country located in East Asia. In fact, Japan is one of the most popular destinations in Asia. It has something for everyone – backpackers, couples, solo travelers, luxury travelers, etc.
Japan offers several experiences – from ancient culture to modern technology, from blossoming trees to snowy mountain tops, from epic festivals to peaceful gardens, from temples to cooking classes – you should find something that suits your needs and interests.
If you’re planning your first trip to Japan, this guide should answer any questions you may have. We’ll talk about travel facts, the best time to visit Japan, the best destinations, travel costs, travel essentials and how to prepare for your trip.
| Information | Japan |
|---|---|
| Language | Japanese |
| English-friendly | Yes |
| Currency | JPY (Japanese yen) |
| Internet reliability | Great |
Japan is a long country with four seasons. Depending on when and where you travel, you may be facing different types of weather conditions. We decided to split this section into four sections to help you understand the seasons:
| Seasons | Weather conditions | Months |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Warm days and chilly evenings, best time for cherry blossoms, occasional rain showers |
March to May Golden week (2nd May until 6th May)
|
| Summer |
Hot and humid, temperatures rise up to 40°C
|
June to August Rainy season in June
|
| Autumn |
Risk of typhoons, weather is unpredictable but mild, warm days and chilly evenings
|
September to November
|
| Winter |
Lots of snow in the north (Hokkaido) Mainland and south get little snow, average temperatures around 1-5°C
|
December to February
|
In this section, you’ll find general information on costs and how to prepare for your trip. Finally, you will find a table that will provide an overview of cost and options depending on your travel budget.
In Japan, you’ll find several options when it comes to accommodation. Whether you’re a budget traveler or not, you won’t have difficulty to find options. Although, you should know that Japan is not the most budget-friendly destination. You can find dorms starting at $8 per night.
When it comes to food, you can find different types of restaurants. A meal at a restaurant should cost you around YEN 1000-3000 on average. Obviously, you may find elegant restaurants around the country and you can pay more if you wish to. The cheapest options are usually in small local restaurants. You can also find cheap options at the 7-eleven.
Some activities such as hiking or walking around the parks are free. Although, if you’re planning on visiting temples, climbing mount Fuji, seeing sumo wrestling or attending traditional tea ceremony, you will have to pay for it. You can browse activities in Japan here to have an idea of the costs.
In general, it’s pretty easy to get around Japan. You can either fly, take a bus or travel by train to reach your destinations.
To book your transport between destinations, you can book via 12GO.
| Travel Cost | Budget travel | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8-20 per night | $20-70 per night | $70+ |
| Meal | $5-15 per meal | $15-20 per meal | $20+ |
| Activities | Focus on free activities | Mixing free activities & mid-range | $30+ per day |
| Transport | By bus/train | By bus, train, flight | Private driver |
Overall, traveling around Japan is safe. Of course, you should always lock your valuables especially if you’re staying in a hostel.
Japan is famous for its super low crime rate and most of the time you won’t have to worry about your safety. Remember that every country does, however, have areas that are less safe than others. By staying on the more touristy areas and exercising normal caution, you can ensure your safety in Japan.
I traveled to Japan twice and both times, I felt super safe even at night. I also hitch-hiked alone in Japan and had a wonderful experience.
Apart from the travel essentials, here are the things you should absolutely bring along with you in Japan. Click on the images to shop on Amazon. You can also check out this list of travel essentials in Asia.
Usually, you can get a free entry in Japan but it obviously depends on your nationality.
You can verify your visa requirements here.
Browse flights on Skyscanner to find deals.
Book your travel insurance for as little as $42/month.
Find accommodation anywhere in the world.
Check the visa requirements and apply for a visa if needed.
Volunteer abroad in exchange for free accommodation.
Book transfers, tours, and activities in advance.
It’s hard to find a good data plan when you’re traveling. You have to research the best deals, go to a store, and hope they have a prepaid SIM card for travelers and tourists.
And if they don’t? You could be without service for the rest of your trip. Not only is that frustrating, but it can also be time-consuming.
eSIMs are the solution to your travel woes. With an eSIM plan, you can stay connected no matter where you go. Plus, there are no contracts or cancellation fees, so you can change your plan whenever you want.
If you’re looking for an eSIM plan while in Japan, then be sure to check out the providers below. They all offer great plans that will keep you connected while you’re there.
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