Japan Travel Blog

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

 

Best Time to Visit Japan

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:

  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter

 

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

Top Destinations in Japan

Tokyo

Osaka

Kyoto

Fuji

Hiroshima

Nara

Japan Travel Tips & Costs

 

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.

 

Accommodation

 

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.

 

Food

 

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.

 

Activities

 

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.

 

Transportation

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

Safety in Japan

 

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.

 

What to Pack for Japan

 

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.

Visa for Japan

 

Usually, you can get a free entry in Japan but it obviously depends on your nationality.

You can verify your visa requirements here.

 

Preparing Your Trip to Japan

Skyscanner

Browse flights on Skyscanner to find deals.

Go To Skyscanner

SafetyWing

Book your travel insurance for as little as $42/month.

Go To SafetyWing

Booking.com

Find accommodation anywhere in the world.

Go To Booking.com

iVisa

Check the visa requirements and apply for a visa if needed.

Go To iVisa

Worldpackers

Volunteer abroad in exchange for free accommodation.

Go To Worldpackers

Viator

Book transfers, tours, and activities in advance.

Go To Viator

Japan eSIM Plans

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.

 

Airalo

$3 OFF with promo code: MELISS2943

190+ countries and regions

Go To Site

Read Review

Holafly

5% OFF with promo code: ABROKENBACKPACK

130+ countries and regions

Go To Site

Read Review

Nomad

No offer

100+ countries and regions

Go To Site

Read Review

Japan Blog Posts

Finding Cheap Accommodation In Japan

Finding Cheap Accommodation In Japan

Would you like to travel to Japan on a budget? It’s possible! There are so many different kinds of accommodation in Japan.  It can be a nice experience to try a few of them. These are the ones I tried! So, what are the cheap accommodation solutions for Japan?...

read more
Tips For Backpacking In Japan

Tips For Backpacking In Japan

Wondering how to save money while backpacking Japan?  In this guide, we'll cover different ways to help you save money so that you can successfully travel to Japan on a budget. Check The Weather Easy basic stuff, I know. I give you the right to tell me that I am...

read more