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Japan Trip Planner [2024]: How to Plan Your First Trip to Japan

Home » Blog » Japan » Japan Trip Planner [2024]: How to Plan Your First Trip to Japan

This information-packed Japan trip planner has the answers to all your questions. Find out the best places to visit, which Japanese foods to try, and how to ride the bullet trains. All the research is done for you to assist in planning a trip to Japan.

If you have been dreaming of traveling to Japan and want to get serious about planning your vacation, this Japan travel planning guide is packed with all the tips and information that you’ll need to know before your trip to the land of the rising sun.

We’ve traveled to Japan 3 times (and counting!) and have picked up plenty of insider tips. From which foods to try, to how much money to budget, to what travel gear to pack, to the best things to do in Japan . 

In this guide, we’re showing you exactly how to plan a trip to Japan by covering everything. And I mean everything! 

We’re even answering your embarrassing questions like, “ What are the toilets like in Japan? ”

We’ll also share exactly how much it costs to travel to Japan, plus we’re throwing in some money-saving budget tips! This is the ultimate resource with everything you need to know to get started planning a trip to Japan. 

Japan Travel Planning Guide

Wondering how to plan a trip to Japan? You’ve come to the right place!

Important info about Japan

• How long should you spend in Japan
• Best time to visit Japan

Booking timeline: Know what to book when

• Top places to visit in Japan
• Top things to do and see in Japan
• Budget for Japan

Transportation in Japan

• Practical information for visiting

Food in Japan

• Japan trip ideas based on interests

Our experience in Japan

• What to pack for Japan
• Things to buy in Japan
• Japan travel resources

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, we have the ultimate resource for you!

This  FREE   PDF download  includes  everything  you’re going to want to pack for your Japan trip, including what NOT to bring, plus tons of insider tips!

Sign up for our  ultimate Japan packing list  now and get a copy sent straight to your inbox.

Why should Japan be on your travel bucket list?

Japan is a country that we wholeheartedly believe has something for every type of traveler. Yes, even you . Whether you’re into history or pop culture, cities or nature, wild nightlife or absolute zen, you’ll find it all in Japan.

While Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka make it onto most first timer’s itineraries, you’ll quickly see that there is so much more to this country beyond the main attractions.

Once you travel here, it becomes kind of addicting — you’ll see! — because you’ll realize just how much this country has to offer. 

• Incredible foodie experiences
• Epic (and off the beaten path) hikes
• Unique hotel stays you can’t find anywhere else in the world
• Temples and shrines that are shrouded in history
• Beautiful cultural experiences, like tea ceremonies and geisha performances
• Rural villages that few tourists see
• Some of the world’s biggest and safest cities
• Impeccable Japanese zen gardens

I could truly go on and on and on…

We have personally traveled to Japan 3 times and will certainly be back many, many more times. 

Read next: We’ve rounded up all the things Japan is most famous for in a guide that’s also packed with practical travel tips. Plus, we’re sharing a few things we personally think Japan should be famous for, but most foreign tourists are surprised to know.

Here is a general overview of some of the high level important info and things to know before traveling in Japan. We’ll go into more detail about specifics in the rest of this article. 

• Location: Island nation in Asia, located in the North Pacific  ( view on Google Maps )
• Capital city: Tokyo
• Language: Japanese
• Currency: Yen (JP¥ / ¥)
• Japan uses the same plugs as in the U.S. but they have a different voltage (100 vs. 120 in the U.S.)

Visa requirements

There are 66 countries in total whose citizens do not require a visa to enter Japan, but the time you can stay depends on which country you’re from.

• Citizens from many countries (including the U.S.A., the U.K., Canada, and Australia) get a visa exemption (aka FREE) 90-day tourist visa, provided they will not be working in Japan.
• Other countries get a temporary tourist visa for a period of 15 days or less.

To find out the specifics for your country, check out the Japan National Tourism Organization , which explains the requirements for each country. 

Language in Japan & useful phrases

The language in Japan is, quite obviously, Japanese. But many people in big cities, like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka also speak English. Signs are written in Japanese characters, and in the cities most have their Roman counterparts.

When traveling, we always try to learn a couple important phrases. It shows locals you are trying to learn about their country and it can be fun too!

These phrases are ones we have found to be the most useful in any location we visit:

• Hello: Kon’nichiwa
• Thank you: Arigato
• Thank you very much: Domo Arigato
• Beer, please: Biru kudasai
• Cheers!: Kanpai
• Bathroom: Basurumu
• How much?: Ikura
• Delicious: Oishi
• Beautiful: Kireina

Interested in learning more? We’ve got a list of Japanese words and phrases that will be useful to know for traveling in Japan.

Helpful Japanese Words & Phrases to Know for Traveling in Japan 

We’ve rounded up some practical Japanese words and phrases (that you can actually use!).

Manners and customs in Japan

When traveling in a country other than your own, it is always a good idea to do a little research on what is polite so that you don’t accidentally offend people like this.

Here are couple manners to keep in mind when traveling to Japan:

• Eating while you walk is considered sloppy. Instead, find a place to sit and enjoy your snack.
• Pointing is considered rude. Instead, use an open hand to make gestures.
• Blowing your nose in public can be considered rude. Japanese people often go into the bathroom to blow a stuffy nose.
• On a crowded subway or train, it is polite to take off your backpack and hold it in your hands.
• Slurping noodles not only cools them down as you eat, but it indicates that the meal is delicious. So slurp away, it’s the polite thing to do!
• Taking off your shoes is common courtesy before entering many places. If the floor is raised at the doorway, it is an indicator that you should remove your shoes.

If you want a full run-down, check out our article on Japanese etiquette!

Japanese Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts When Traveling in Japan

Don’t get caught doing something embarrassing in Japan! We’ve compiled some important Japanese etiquette and manners to keep in mind while eating, riding trains and other common activities. 

Tipping culture in Japan

Should I tip at restaurants in Japan? This is a question we always ask ourselves once we reach a new country, and it is never fun being caught off guard, unsure of what to do.

In Japan, tips are not expected, and can even be considered rude. And even if the server is not offended, they will likely be confused.

So in other words, NO , you should not tip in Japan. 

Religion in Japan

Buddhism and Shinto are the main religions in Japan, though they don’t play a huge role in the lives of many Japanese people today.

All throughout the country, you can visit temples and shrines to get a better understanding of the religions and culture. You can even do a temple stay in order to really delve in and learn about Buddhism. 

Read this before visiting a temple or shrine in Japan.

Fun facts about Japan

These facts will be good conversation starters with other travelers or even locals. So break that ice and let them in on some fun facts about Japan!

Interesting Facts About Japan (that may surprise you!)

Japan is an exciting country packed with things to do and places to see. In this article, we’re sharing all sorts of interesting facts about Japan. Plus advice and tips that’ll help you appreciate your time there even more!

How many days do you need in Japan?

There’s so much to see and do in Japan that it can be overwhelming trying to decide how long your trip should be. Ideally, 2-3 weeks  will give you enough time to see iconic and lesser-known sights as well as recover from a long travel day and potentially a big time difference.

But the ideal duration for your trip depends on several factors, including destinations you want to visit and your travel style. Our guide to how many days to spend in Japan will help you figure out how much time you need based on what you want to do.

Best times of year to visit Japan

If you’re considering a trip to Japan, you’re probably wondering what time of year is best to visit. 

The wonderful thing is every season is a great time to visit Japan , and you will have a completely unique experience. 

We’ve laid out what to expect in each season, as well as the pros and cons of visiting during these times in our article: Best Time to Visit Japan: When to Go & When to Avoid! .

Here’s a quick breakdown of the seasons in Japan and why you might want to visit during each.

Summer in Japan

Summer in Japan is the time for festivals and celebrations. The summer spans from June to August, with August being the busiest travel month because school is out and many Japanese people travel over the Obon holiday (August 13-15).

Be prepared for ways to beat the humidity because it can get pretty sticky. Also it’s rainy season and the start of typhoon season, so don’t forget your rain jacket and umbrella!

Summer in Japan: Ultimate Seasonal Guide

Summertime in Japan is a great time to hit the beach or cool off in the mountains. We’re sharing the best places to visit and things to do during summer in Japan, as well as lots of insider tips for planning your trip!

Autumn in Japan

With typhoon season peaking at the beginning of September, the start of fall in Japan is typically rainy depending on where you are. However, the weather starts to clear up in October and by November the leaves are changing.

We visited Japan in November 2023 and put together this guide to autumn in Japan that’s full of useful info.

Autumn in Japan: Where & When to see Fall Foliage

With spectacular foliage and nice weather, we think fall is one of the best times to visit Japan. We’re sharing the best places to experience autumn in Japan as well as lots of insider tips for planning your trip!

Winter in Japan

During the winter months, major cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto tend to enjoy mild temperatures, but you can find snow and colder temps in the mountains and on Hokkaido (the northernmost island in Japan).

While winter may not be the first season you think of traveling, there’s actually a ton to do, and we think it is a great time to visit Japan .

Winter in Japan: Things to Do + Why It’s a Great Time to Visit

There is something truly special about winter in Japan! We think you’ll be surprised by all the exciting things to do in Japan in winter. Plus, we’ll let you in on average winter temperatures around the country, as well as what to pack for the winter months.

Spring in Japan

With stunning sakura (cherry blossoms) popping up all around the country and temperatures warming, it should come as no surprise that spring is a popular time to visit Japan. A very popular time, indeed. If you travel to Japan in the spring , you’ll be rewarded with comfortable temperatures, beautiful blossoms, and lots of crowds.

Spring in Japan: When & Where to See Cherry Blossoms 

Witnessing the cherry blossoms in Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience. We’re sharing the best places to experience spring in Japan as well as lots of insider tips for planning your trip!

Before you book your Japan trip in the spring, know this…

Spring is considered by many as a great time to visit Japan for its comfortable temperatures, cherry blossoms and little chance of rain.

One thing you should be aware of is the so-called “Golden Week” which happens in the springtime and is made up of 4 national holidays which fall into a 7-day span. During this week many Japanese people will also be traveling around the country and accommodation and tours are often booked far in advance. 

Dates of Golden Week in Japan:

• 2024: April 29 – May 5
• 2025: April 29 – May 5
• 2026: April 29 – May 5

It’s not every year the holidays fall on exact same dates, but for the next 3 years, they just so happen to. This site has more information about Golden Week in Japan .

Best Time to Visit Japan: When to Go & When to Avoid!

Choosing the best time of year to visit Japan can be downright overwhelming. Each of Japan’s 4 distinct seasons has its draws and drawbacks. We’re going to break down exactly what to expect during each season so you can choose the best time to visit Japan based on your travel style and interests.

Traveling in Japan is a little different than many other places in the world.

By nature, we tend to be somewhat last-minute travelers, but not when planning a trip to Japan. If possible, we recommend planning your trip to Japan well in advance.

Now, this isn’t to say you can’t plan a trip to Japan at the last minute, but your options for great accommodation (especially in popular areas) will be limited. Plus, you may miss out on some of the most popular attractions because many require advanced booking and tickets go quickly. 

We’ve laid out our recommended timeline for planning a trip to Japan so you can ensure you’re able to secure some incredible accommodation and do all the things on your bucket list.

This timeline is a suggestion, but you can certainly adjust dates a bit. Hopefully this gives you a better idea of how far in advance to plan your trip to Japan.

1 year before your trip

• Start researching and draw up your dream itinerary
• Make a note of how far in advance the ryokans you like open up reservations 
• Flag any attractions that are “must dos” for you
• Check out our Japan budget article to get started
• Here are our favorite tips for saving money for travel
• Insider Tip: Sign up for a mistake fare newsletter and set Tokyo as an “alert city” so you can get notified of any really good deals departing from your home airport.

The research phase should be fun and you don’t want to feel rushed. We recommend recording all the hotels and attractions you want to prioritize in a Google Doc so you don’t lose any of your research. 

Coming up with a budget will help you determine which accommodations you can realistically book and it will help you start saving for this trip.

Want the perfect itinerary planned for you? 

If you don’t have a ton of time to spend planning your Japan itinerary (or you just don’t find travel planning fun!), we’re working on something you might be interested in… 

We are in the process of creating done-for-you Japan itineraries that are packed full of all sorts of tips we’ve gathered from 3 trips to Japan as well as literally hundreds of hours of research (no exaggeration). 

We will have both off-the-beaten path routes as well as a classic itinerary that hits the top attractions. 

If you want to be the first to know when our Japan itineraries are on sale, get on the waitlist !

6 months before your trip

• Flights: If you are flying from afar, aim to book your flights around 6 months prior to your trip. We’d recommend keeping an eye on them for a couple of months (starting 10 months before your trip).
• Ryokans: Many ryokans only release booking dates 3-6 months ahead of time. Really great ryokans fully book up quickly after dates are released.
• Accommodation in small towns (like on the Nakasendo Trail)
• Hotels near any major attraction or popular area (at DisneySea, or near Mount Fuji)
• Special hotels that you really want to stay at (like the Park Hyatt in Tokyo , or a temple stay at Koyasan)
• Accommodations that fall over festival dates or popular tourist seasons, like Golden Week (which falls during Japan’s cherry blossom blooms )

It can feel a little overwhelming to make these big bookings all at once, but it will ensure you are able to stay where you’d like and secure good prices on flights. 

Booking tips: When possible, we like to use Booking.com since many hotels offer free cancellation via this platform (often up until just days before your stay). Also, you often don’t have to pay at the moment of booking, which makes the commitment a little less scary. We typically like to compare the price on Booking.com to Agoda , as they sometimes differ. We also stayed at a couple of Airbnbs in Japan , which was a good option in the more rural areas.

2-3 months before your trip

• All accommodation not yet booked: the sooner the better for the best locations and prices
• Japan Rail Pass : You can purchase this pass up to 3 months before the date you’ll use it . We personally got ours 2 months in advance so it wasn’t left until the last minute.
• FYI: we have lots of advice and info about renting a car in Japan
• Tickets go on sale 3 months in advance
• If you want best available times slots (we recommend the first one at 9-9:30 a.m. ), book at least 2 months ahead of time
• Compare availability on the teamLab website (tickets available further in advance) and on GetYourGuide
• Tickets go on sale roughly 5 months in advance. We recommend booking at least 2-3 months in advance for the best availability of time slots.
• Compare availability on the Warner Bros Studio website and on Klook
• This will mean you don’t have to wait in crazy long lines, and we’ve heard it’s very worthwhile at this notoriously crowded theme park. Purchase it here .

1 month before your trip

• Tickets go on sale on the 10th of each month for the following month
• We recommend setting an alarm to purchase tickets as they become available on the 10th of the month before your trip so you don’t miss out.
• You cannot purchase tickets onsite (you must have advance reservations)
• Tickets go on sale 1 month in advance
• The most popular time slot is right before sunset and those times go quickly
• Compare availability on the Shibuya Sky website and on Klook
• Popular theme restaurants like Ninja Restaurant (Tokyo) or the Pokémon Café (Tokyo & Osaka)
• Insider tip: For the restaurants on your “must” list, research and write down how far in advance reservations are available (some may even require booking further than 1 month in advance). Set alarms in your calendar so you can be sure to snag a spot right away. Popular places fill up very fast!
• Sumo stables
• Cooking class
• Tokyo dinner cruise
• Photoshoot in Tokyo
• Tokyo Go-Karting
• Tea ceremony

Download the PDF version of our Japan booking timeline so you can print it out at home and keep track of your Japan trip planning process! Enter your email and we’ll immediately send the booking timeline to your inbox (totally FREE). 

Japan Booking Timeline

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We’ll also be sending you bonus tips on all things Japan: like how to travel cheaply, where to go and the best places to stay.

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We’ll also be sending you bonus tips on all things Japan, like how to travel cheaply, where to go and the best places to stay. 

Top places to visit on your Japan trip

Japan is a huge country, and it would be an extensive list if we went through all the notable cities to visit. But if you are visiting Japan for the first time, these cities are a good place to start as they will give you a good taste of the country’s culture.

Another thing that’s important to keep in mind when planning a trip to Japan is the destinations’ proximity to one another and all of these suggestions are relatively easy to get to and from.

• Tokyo : This huge metropolis is likely where you’re flying in and out of, and it is one of the most interesting cities we’ve visited anywhere in the world. From quirky experiences, to amazing foods, Tokyo is definitely worth some time on your itinerary. 
• Kyoto : Considered the “cultural capital of Japan”, Kyoto is packed with history, important temples, gorgeous architecture and a charming atmosphere. If you are traveling with your little ones, there are tons of things to do in Kyoto with kids .
• Osaka : Another major hub to fly in and out of Japan, Osaka is worth a visit . Known for lively nightlife and endless street food, there’s a lot more to discover beyond Osaka’s neon-lit facade. 
• Hakone: At the footsteps of Mt. Fuji, Hakone is a peaceful retreat from the big cities of Japan and a chance to relax in an onsen and sleep in a ryokan. 
• Hiroshima : This historical significance of this city draws tourism from all over the world, but you can enjoy the lighter side of this beautiful place too. 
• The ‘Roof of Japan’ : The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a single day mountain traverse where you take 8 different modes of transportation over what’s known as the Roof of Japan .

Want more info? We have an entire article with a round up of the most beautiful places in Japan , including some top things to do and see. 

Most Beautiful Places in Japan You Need to See for Yourself

With storybook villages, forested mountain ranges and white sand beaches that rival the tropics, there are some incredibly diverse and beautiful places in Japan. This bucket list is full of places you’ve never heard of, and after reading it, we bet you’ll be ready to book a flight to Japan!

Top things to do in see in Japan

Just as with places to visit, there are seemingly endless sights to see in Japan. Here is a quick list of our top recommendations for your first visit to Japan.

• Mount Fuji : The most famous mountain in Japan, you can get a glimpse of this beauty when traveling in Hakone. 
• Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine :  Known to tourists as the “Orange Gates”, there are thousands of majestic orange gates covering a maze of paths leading up to the shrine. 
• Arashiyama: Located on the western edge of Kyoto, Arashiyama is an area that is filled with temples and shrines, but the main attraction is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
• Temples in Japan: Of course temples will be on your list of things to see in Japan. The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto is stunning with the garden setting and reflection off the pond. 
• Shibuya Intersection: Famously known as the “busiest intersection in the world” crossing the street here is quite an experience. 

These places all make for great pictures! If you want to take better travel photos, we wrote up some easy and creative tips to improve your travel photography skills ! 

Psst! We have a list of must-see landmarks in Japan that’s sure to give you some inspiration for your itinerary!

Unique experiences to have on your Japan trip

One of the many reasons Japan is such a wonderful place to visit is there are so many unique experiences that can only be had in this country. Here are just a few of the things that are quintessentially “Japanese”. 

Quintessential cultural experiences

• Soak in an Onsen: Strip down to your birthday suit and soak in a hot tub until you get pruney. Don’t worry, they are gender separated and some are even private. The best one we dipped in was in the Hakone region .
• Stay at a Ryokan: Experience a traditional Japanese-style inn and stay in a ryokan to enjoy Japanese hospitality and relaxation.
• Take a Japanese cooking class: Learn how to make proper sushi or traditional ramen to impress your friends at home. (Read why we LOVE taking cooking classes on our travels !) Or take a food tour, like this Kyoto food tour from Magical Trip.
• Sleep in a Temple: Usually taken as retreats to refresh your body and mind or deepen understanding of religion, temple stays are an unique experience you won’t forget.
• Go Geisha spotting: On the old street of Kyoto, Geisha scurry from one event to the next. Try to get a glimpse of them, or better yet try to get a picture.
• See the fish auction each morning: Show up around 3 a.m. (yep, that early) as the fishermen come into port and sell their fish at the Tsukiji Fish Market . Then find a shop and have the freshest sushi you’ll ever eat.
• Take a Sumo wrestling tour in Ryogoku and learn about Sumo culture.

Get personalized recommendations for where to save and splurge during your trip when you use ViaHero —a trip planning platform that will connect you with a local in Japan.

Quirky Japanese experiences

• Take your picture in a photo booth: Pop into one of these with your friends and take a few snaps. Then, edit your photos instantly, enhancing your eyes, adding blush, or slimming your cheeks. It takes the word selfie to a whole new level.
• Responsible Travel Tip: Be cautious about animal tourism. Domesticated animal cafes (like dog or cat cafes) seem to take care of their animals. But for non-domesticated animals cafes, like owl cafes, we would just be a little hesitant to visit.
• Theme restaurants: We went to the Robot Restaurant in Tokyo (unfortunately now closed) and it was one of the craziest dinners we ever attended! For more theme restaurants, check out our guide to the best things to do in Tokyo at night .

Unique experiences in nature

• See the Nara Deer: Just a little ways outside of Osaka in the city of Nara , there is a park (and part of the city) literally flooded with cute spotted deer. They’re used to being around humans, but make sure you read these tips before visiting the Nara deer.
• Jigokudani Snow Monkeys: A few miles away from Nagano, there is a park where the local macaques monkeys soak in a spring-fed hot tub and play around in the snow.
• Hike the Kumano Kodo Trail : If you’re feeling adventurous, this is quite literally, off the beaten path. The Kumano Kodo Trail is a historic pilgrimage through the mountainous Kii Peninsula that has been trekked for thousands of years.

Need more inspiration? We have an entire article with a round up of the best things to do in Japan , including all the info you need to make it happen during your visit!

Crazy Fun Things to Do in Japan

If you’re looking for unique things to do on your trip to Japan, you’ve come to the right place! From super quirky, only-in-Japan experiences to must-see sights and the best food to try, we’ve rounded up the top things to do in Japan on your first visit.

Wanna take a tour?

We recommend taking a tour with the highly-rated tour company, Magical Trip . They specialize in small group tours led by local guides all over Japan, from Tokyo to Osaka. 

Click through to browse all small group Japan tours they offer.

Best Things to Do in Tokyo

Best Things to Do in Kyoto

Best Things to Do in Osaka

Budgeting for Japan

I’ll be straight to the point: Japan is not cheap.  

Contrary to many other destinations in Asia, like Thailand or the Philippines , Japan is not an ideal location for budget travelers. That said, it is unlike any country in the world and totally worth visiting. 

Typical daily budget for Japan

Below is an estimated breakdown of (about) how much money you should plan to budget for a trip to Japan based on your travel style. 

*Note: These are estimations for one person and do not include flights.

• You’ll stay in hostel dorm beds, grab breakfast from one of the many 7-Eleven’s or Family Marts, and do as many free activities as possible.
• You’ll be staying in comfortable, though not fancy, hotels or Airbnbs . You’ll want to try lots of Japanese food—both budget meals and a couple nicer ones too. You will use public transportation to get around and you want to see as much as possible, but you’re willing to make some sacrifices to save money.
• Budget isn’t too much of a concern for you. This isn’t necessarily luxury travel, but you are willing to pay more money for convenience and comfort; and splurging on unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences is not a problem for you. 

Japan travel planning tip: This article breaks down the exact cost of a trip to Japan . Based on our own experiences traveling in Japan, we share the costs associated with each portion of our Japan trip — from transportation to food to accommodation to entertainment. 

Japan Travel Cost: Exactly How Much is a Trip to Japan?

In this article, we’re breaking down the cost of a trip to Japan — from food and hotels to trains and entertainment. We get super detailed so you can work out your perfect Japan travel budget.

Psst! If you want to know how we afford to travel (& how you can too!) , we think you’ll love this article!

Are credit cards accepted in Japan?

Yes, but hold up… 

Major credit cards will typically be accepted at big hotel chains, nice restaurants or shops in large cities, but you’ll want to have cash on hand to use in small restaurants, markets or in more rural towns. 

There are still many places where credit cards are not accepted, so it is a good idea not to rely on plastic alone.

Should I get money from my bank before my trip to Japan?

This is a question we get all the time. The answer really comes down to your personal preference, but we never get money out in advance before international travel.

Whenever we enter a new country, we walk right past the Currency Exchange counters (they are a huge rip off most of the time!) and we go to an ATM to withdraw cash. You will get the best exchange rate by withdrawing foreign currency from an ATM.

If the thought of showing up in a new country without cash on hand makes your hands sweaty, then by all means ignore this advice and grab some yen from your home bank before you leave.

But I will say that airports always have ATMS, and they are easy to find in train stations as well as in 7-Eleven’s and Family Marts in most big Japanese cities. 

Before heading to a rural town though, be sure to take out cash just in case you can’t find an ATM.

Credit card travel tips

• Turn on travel notification: Be sure to alert your bank ahead of time that you will be traveling, and where, so they know your transactions aren’t fraud.
• Have a backup card: It’s a good idea to carry more than one card in case you have an issue with one of them. Remember to always pack them in two different places within your luggage — for example, one in your wallet and another in your backpack so if one gets lost or stolen, you still have access to the other.
• Invest in a debit card with no fees: We have a checking account with Charles Schwab , and they reimburse every single ATM fee. This means we never have to take out more money than we feel comfortable with carrying at a time. Try looking into accounts with similar benefits. It will save you so much money on your travels. 
• Check out which travel credit cards we personally recommend.

Money-saving tips for Japan

While it’s not a cheap country to visit, there are certainly ways you can save money while traveling in Japan.

• This article breaks down how much the Japan Rail Pass costs and how to purchase it .
• Get your breakfasts and snacks at 7-Eleven or Family Mart (they are everywhere around the country!). While you might never consider eating at a convenience store in your home country, the fresh food options are surprisingly good at these stores in Japan. I’m not joking. You’ll see many locals doing the same.
• Have your biggest meal midday and take advantage of “lunch sets” which often consist of a large meal (sometimes with a dessert) and are typically between $5-7 USD.
• Conveyor belt sushi is a good way to try all the types of sushi your little heart (and stomach!) desire without a huge price tag. Plus, it’s a fun experience in itself!
• Use an app to record your spending and see how well you’re staying on top of your budget! We find it’s much easier to overspend when you don’t know how much it’s all adding up to. We love Trail Wallet for recording our expenses. (We’re not affiliated with them, we just love using it ourselves!)
• Download a converter app on your phone like this one to see the exact exchange rate for your selected currency at the time of your trip, so you always know exactly what you are spending. 

The trains and metros in Japan are some of the cleanest and most efficient in the world , and the rail system covers almost the entire country making it a very efficient way to get around. 

However, transportation is one of the biggest expenses to factor into your Japan travel budget . 

Travel by train in Japan

We have an entire guide to navigating the Japan Rail system and whether or not getting a J Rail Pass is worthwhile for your trip, depending on your itinerary.

Japan Rail Pass: Where to Buy a JR Pass & Is it Worthwhile?

If you’re traveling to Japan, the Japan Rail Pass can be a huge money saver. We’ll explain exactly when you should purchase the JR Pass and if it is worthwhile for your route. This is everything you need to know including where to buy the rail pass.

Likewise, if you are just planning to spend your time in Tokyo and trying to figure out how to navigate the metro, you can find that info in our Tokyo article . 

Renting a car

While we love the ease and efficiency of Japan’s public transportation system, we rented a car during our most recent trip to Japan and we absolutely loved it.

Having our own car was really convenient, especially now that we’re traveling with a toddler . Plus, it gave us the opportunity to get off the beaten path and explore places with very few tourists that would be difficult to visit via public transportation. 

I think we will forevermore be renting cars when we visit Japan, even if just for part of our trip. We have a guide to renting a car in Japan (packed with lots of driving tips you won’t want to miss!).

Renting a Car in Japan: Essential Driving Tips You Need to Know!

Renting a car in Japan is the best way to get off the beaten track and see parts of the country most tourists miss. We’re sharing our top tips to help you get a car rental and feel comfortable driving in Japan.

What are the trains like in Japan?

Overall, the trains are clean, comfortable and efficient. The rail system covers almost the entire country, making it a wonderful way to get around. This article goes into detail with everything you’d ever want to know about the Shinkansen Japanese Bullet Trains .

Practical information for visiting Japan

Traveling in Japan for the first time can be overwhelming to plan if you aren’t sure what to expect. A lot of questions can arise that you may not think about with other travel destinations. 

We have an article with our top Japan travel tips and advice. This article goes over all the do’s and dont’s for traveling in Japan.

Expert Tips for Visiting Japan (Do’s and Dont’s!)

In this article we’re covering essential tips for visiting Japan, plus helpful advice we learned from personal experience that’ll ensure you enjoy your time in the  Land of the Rising Sun  even more!

We’ve done our best to narrow down some of the more practical information and answer some specific questions about traveling in Japan. 

Do I need travel insurance for Japan?

While it’s not required to enter the country, we always recommend purchasing travel insurance before any trip. It is a small price to pay for the peace of mind you’ll have knowing you will be covered in case of an emergency or if anything is stolen. 

For a trip to Japan, we’d recommend getting a plan with Safety Wing insurance . They make it easy to get a quote for the exact duration of your trip and offer the most comprehensive coverage at the best rate.

Check out our travel insurance comparison article for more information on how to pick a policy and what we look for in travel insurance.

How safe is Japan?

Japan is overall very safe and crime is low. 

I once met a girl who was an English teacher in Tokyo, and she said she left her wallet in a train station. It sat there, untouched, and the next day when she retraced her steps it was in the same (heavily trafficked) place she had left it. 

But even though theft isn’t common in Japanese culture, that doesn’t mean it can’t happen to you. As with any place in the world, always be aware of your surroundings and use common sense. 

This is another reason we always recommend getting travel insurance to make sure you’re covered in case anything gets stolen or you run into other emergencies.

Do I need a power converter in Japan?

In Japan the standard voltage is 100 V and the power sockets are type A and B (pictured below). The socket is the same used in North America, but the voltage is lower, so yes you will need a power converter for electronics that don’t already have a converter. 

This website is a super helpful resource when it comes to electricity all around the world. Simply select your home country and it will tell you if you need a converter and/or plug adapter for your visit to Japan. 

We recommend this all-in-one converter-adapter that works in any country. This means you only need one item no matter where your travels take you!

What are the bathrooms like in Japan?

This might be an embarrassing question to ask out loud, but I promise you aren’t the only one thinking it. If it’s your first time visiting Japan, you likely have no idea what to expect when it comes to bathrooms. 

The good news is, many bathrooms around the country are very nice and quite… luxurious . 

In nicer restrooms, you’ll find toilets equipped with a built-in bidet to spray your bum. And some toilets even have buttons that will play music or rainforest sounds to cover up, well, you know…

Be warned though that in some train stations or in more rural parts of the country, you may find squat toilets similar to ones you’d find in many places around Asia. 

How to get cell phone service in Japan

There are two common options for staying connected to data while traveling in Japan: pocket Wifi and local SIM card. This article does a great job of comparing the two and giving our honest opinions about which worked best for us.

Japan Pocket WiFi vs. Japanese SIM Card: Review & Comparison

Staying connected in Japan is super important for navigating trains and translating menus. But how do you access the Internet in Japan? In this guide, we share our experience using a Japanese SIM card and a Pocket Wifi and tell you which is best for your travels in Japan.

Helpful (& free!) apps for travel in Japan

We have an entire list of the most useful apps for traveling in Japan that you should check out, but here are some of our favorites:

• Google Translate : This is a go-to app for us while traveling in Asia because you can take a photograph of the characters on a menu or label and it will translate for you. Be warned that some things don’t quite translate into English all that well…
• Google Navigation : Can give you the best routes for the metro and trains and even has live updates on delays.
• Hyperdia : The go-to train scheduling app/website in Japan. Plug in a route and it will tell you the times throughout the day and the prices, including each seating class.

Best & Most Useful Japan Travel Apps

Traveling in Japan is made so much easier (and less confusing!) with a few handy apps. Before packing your bags, be sure you have these helpful Japan travel apps downloaded to your phone to make transportation a cinch and the language barrier practically non-existent.

Japanese cuisine stretches far beyond the sushi rolls we’ve come to associate with this country. (Though of course you must try sushi from the source while you’re in Japan!) This article lists the foods you should definitely try in Japan !

What to Eat in Japan: Foods to Try + Tips for Eating in Japan!

If you’re wondering what to eat in Japan, we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a list of foods and drinks to try — from famous dishes to those you’ve never heard of. Plus, we’re going over important information everyone should know about eating in Japan.

And if you’re traveling to Japan with food allergies and wondering how that’s going to work. We have a whole section dedicated to dietary restrictions which walks you through what you need to know about Japanese cuisine and how to accommodate your allergies/restrictions in Japan. 

Consider doing a food tour

If you want to try as much Japanese food as possible and learn about the cuisine on a deeper level, a food tour is where it’s at!

There are two companies that we trust above the rest for highly-rated food tours throughout Japan:

• We did this Old Town Tokyo Food Tour and really enjoyed it because it was off the beaten path in a neighborhood we would never have explored otherwise.
• Magical Trip is our go-to for unique night time tours like bar and Izakaya hopping. One tour that looks particularly interesting is their Shinjuku food tour in Tokyo.

Japan trip ideas based on your interests

Japan is more than just Tokyo. If it’s your first time traveling to the Land of the Rising Sun , we’d definitely recommend a visit to its capital city as well as some of the other more well-known places like Kyoto and Osaka.

But, if you have been-there-done-that , or you have a lot of time to play with, check out our unique Japan itinerary ideas to get some inspiration.

Unique Japan Itinerary Ideas Based on Your Interests

If you’ve been wondering where to start when planning your Japan itinerary, we’ve got some inspiration for you! These unique Japan itinerary ideas are based on your personal travel interests.

We are in the process of creating  done-for-you Japan itineraries  that are packed full of all sorts of tips we’ve gathered from 3 trips to Japan as well as literally hundreds of hours of research (no exaggeration). 

We will have both off-the-beaten path routes as well as a classic itinerary that hits the top attractions. If you want to be the first to know when our Japan itineraries are on sale,  get on the waitlist !

If you’re curious to see more about what traveling in Japan is like, we made a video after our first time visiting.

If you cannot see the video, please turn off your AdBlocker. Thanks!

What to pack for your Japan trip

When deciding what to pack for your trip to Japan, a big thing to consider is the time of year you will be visiting. In the wintertime, for instance, you will encounter cold temperatures and will need warm clothing, whereas in summer the temperatures can be quite hot. 

We created a whole guide to  all the things you need to pack for Japan . Plus, we even have a (totally free!)  packing list you can download !

This  FREE PDF download  includes  everything  you’re going to want to pack for your Japan trip, including what NOT to bring, plus tons of insider tips! Click the image below and fill out the form to get the packing list PDF sent straight into your inbox:

For more tips, check out our packing list for long term travel or the eco-friendly packing list full of travel gear that will minimize your footprint around Japan. 

Here are some other items you’ll want to consider packing for your trip to Japan:

• Universal travel adapter : This adapter can plug in to Japanese outlets (and over 150 other countries outlets) safely.
• Away luggage : We recently jumped on the bandwagon and purchased our first Away bags and were not disappointed. These durable hard-sided roller bags come in lots of different sizes and with a lifetime guarantee, they are likely to be the last bags we ever need to purchase!
• Packing cubes : A backpacking staple, these cubes help keep your clothes organized in your bag.
• Power bank : It’s the worst when you arrive in a new city and your phone is dead. Keep it charged with an Anker Battery Pack, this one can charge your phone up to 7 times.
• Travel tripod : If you’re into photography…(if you want some travel photography tips, we’ve got you covered !)

Wondering what to wear in Japan ? We have a guide that goes over exactly what clothing items to pack for each season , including lists for both women and men. We’ll help you build a capsule wardrobe for your trip and let you in on some cultural taboos you should be aware of.

What to Wear in Japan: Packing List + What NOT to Wear!

If you’re wondering what to wear in Japan, this is the guide you need! We’re going over what to wear in each season and how to create a perfect capsule wardrobe. We’re also divulging some items you should  not  wear in Japan.

What to buy in Japan

If you’re anything like us, you enjoy bringing back mementos from your travels to remind you of the places you’ve been. We have a great round up of things to buy in Japan , including plenty of unique ideas for Japanese souvenirs.

Things to Buy in Japan: Ideas for Unique Japanese Souvenirs

When traveling to Japan, you’ll have no shortage of shopping opportunities. We are going over the best Japanese Souvenirs to buy so you don’t end up filling your suitcase with unnecessary purchases.

More resources for traveling in Japan

We have TONS of resources on travel in Japan and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Ultimate Japan Travel Guide  for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below!

• Best Time to Visit Japan
• Is the Japan Rail Pass Worthwhile?
• Best One Week Japan Itinerary for Your First Visit

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We want to hear from you!

Now that you’ve read through this extensive Japan trip planner, do you feel more prepared for your trip?! Is there anything we didn’t cover that you still have questions about? Comment below and we’ll try our very best to find the answer if we don’t know ourselves!

Comments (161) on “ Japan Trip Planner [2024]: How to Plan Your First Trip to Japan ”

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Solo Trip in Japan: Complete Guide to Itinerary, Attractions, Cost and More

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How to start a person traveling to Japan for the first time?

How did you travel to japan alone for the first time.

There are many things in daily life that always experience the first time, such as traveling to Japan with friends for the first time, going to Tokyo for the first time, going to Kyoto for the first time, taking the JR train for the first time, and taking the Shinkansen for the first time Trains, learning to ski in Japan for the first time...

Then suddenly, for some reason, it became the first time to travel to Japan alone, and suddenly there was only one person to deal with all the issues such as air tickets, accommodation, itinerary planning and so on. At this time, you will unconsciously ask, is it safe to go to Japan alone? How should a person go to Japan to arrange accommodation, attractions, and itinerary planning? What should I pay attention to when traveling to Japan alone? Also, who else would choose to go to Japan alone?

Perhaps for you who will go to Japan alone for the first time, this trip may be a major test in your life. Because you need to face a language barrier environment alone, and you have to solve all the things that will happen during the entire trip alone.

Difficulty of traveling alone in Japan

However, according to my many travel experiences in Japan in the past, traveling alone in Japan is not as difficult as I imagined. As long as I can overcome the first time I go to Japan alone, I will learn how to arrange the second and third trips . Just like I have been to the top of Mount Fuji, Hokkaido, Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, etc. in the past, basically only a small part of Japan has not been visited

At the same time, I also tried to live in Japan alone, deal with different problems in daily life in Japan alone, and so on. In fact, traveling alone to Japan is not a terrible thing, but something that you will fall in love with unconsciously.

As I said at the beginning, there is a first time for everything. So whether you are "the first time to travel to Japan" or "the first time to travel to Japan alone", as long as you have not been to Japan many times, today's article will sort out one for you Japan itinerary planning. First of all, it will start from the most basic itinerary planning, and then to accommodation arrangements, scenic spot selection, and then to Japanese culture, what needs to be paid attention to when traveling in Japan, etc., will share past experience with you.

I hope that after reading this article, you can plan a Japanese travel itinerary that belongs to you. Whether it's your first trip to Japan alone, or your first trip to Japan with your family or friends, you can complete the entire itinerary at the end and return home safely with good memories.

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Is it safe to travel in Japan?

People often ask: Is Japan a safe and tourist-friendly country?

This is a question that many people who plan to travel to Japan for the first time will ask. To put it simply, Japan is different from other countries. Japan is a country that attaches great importance to tourism, and crimes against overseas tourists are very rare. If some unavoidable natural disasters and accidents are excluded, Japan is a very safe country on the whole.

In addition, the Japanese are a nation that attaches great importance to laws and regulations and the feelings of others, so even if you lose your wallet, mobile phone, or a coin, you can find it back with the assistance of the police and station staff thing.

More in-depth, as long as you concentrate on activities in popular tourist attractions and shopping areas, and do not walk into some residential areas or private land, the chances of accidents are basically very low. At the same time, try to avoid going to some unknown restaurants, izakayas, and places suspected of being pornographic places and gambling places, so that you can minimize the chance of accidents.

Is Japan suitable for traveling alone?

If you are traveling to Japan for the first time, and there is only one person, you don’t need to worry too much in just a few days in Japan.

Because Japan is a place with very developed railway construction, you will definitely find JR stations or local railway stations near almost all scenic spots. Therefore, there is no need to worry about transportation arrangements. Traveling to Japan by yourself can actually solve transportation planning easily.

In addition, in major cities in Japan such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, etc., there are also many accommodation plans and restaurants suitable for one person, and many of them are very cheap and good quality accommodation and restaurants. So even if there is only one person going to Japan, it is not like other countries where only double rooms and double packages can be booked.

Another point is that as long as your actions don't affect other people, basically the local Japanese don't care whether you come to Japan alone or in a group. As long as you follow their instructions, whether you are in a hot spring hotel, taking JR, or going to some high-end restaurants alone, they will serve you according to the usual standards.

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Can I travel to Japan without knowing Japanese?

The answer first: If you only go to some popular tourist spots, this is totally fine. However, if you want to go to some scenic spots suitable for in-depth travel, learning some basic Japanese is a necessary condition for setting off to these scenic spots.

If you are going to Japan with your friends

To put it simply, if you are traveling to Japan with your friends, and you only go to popular tourist attractions in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, there will be no problem even if you only speak English. Because many of the clerks who can work in tourist areas are people with certain English skills, there will be no problem in ordering food, checking out, or inquiring about scenic spots in simple English. And because you are going to Japan with a group of friends, even if there is an accident, they will help you, so if you can communicate in Japanese, it will be helpful for the itinerary, but it is not a necessary skill.

However, if you are traveling to Japan alone, or plan to go to places other than popular attractions and stay in accommodation other than major hotels, your Japanese ability will completely affect your itinerary experience.

If you go to Japan alone

For example, take the itinerary in Tokyo as an example. If you go to some independent small restaurants, izakayas, etc. in residential areas this time, basically you must understand the Japanese on the menu before you can order food. Or if you want to book some cultural experience activities, you need to have Japanese communication skills to participate.

More importantly, if you are going to Japan alone and plan to leave popular tourist areas such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, whether you can speak Japanese will determine your chances of getting help. Because Japanese people in other regions may not be able to understand complex English sentences, especially when you miss the last JR train and need help when you are injured, Japanese will be the fastest language for you to get help.

Of course, if you are on an itinerary that mainly focuses on popular attractions, you can also say "すみません-Sumimasen", "これ- kore", "ありがとうございます- arigato gozaimasu", etc., which will be better than "Excuse Me / Sorry" , "This" and "Thank You" make it easier to get help from the store staff.

What attractions can you choose when you go to Japan for the first time?

It's the first time to travel to Japan, but after opening the map of Japan, I still don't know which places are worth visiting? In fact, the whole of Japan is mainly divided into two main parts, the city and the suburbs. You can decide which place to go according to your knowledge of Japan.

major cities in japan

If you are going to Japan with your friends this time, if you have never traveled to Japan, and if you don’t speak Japanese, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are all very suitable places for you to go.

Because these three places are very mature tourist areas, besides there are many scenic spots that allow you to arrange a itinerary for a week, and there are also people from different countries working in these areas, so even if you only speak English and Chinese The whole journey can be completed smoothly.

And between Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, I will recommend you to go to Tokyo or Kyoto first, and save Osaka for the next time you come to Japan.

Because the attractions and characteristics of Osaka are actually similar to those of Tokyo, what can be experienced in Osaka can be experienced in Tokyo. However, what you experience in Tokyo may not necessarily be experienced in Osaka. A simple example is like sightseeing at a high-altitude observatory. Tokyo has Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and Shibuya Sky, but Osaka only has Osaka Tsutenkaku and Umeda Sky Observatory, but they cannot compare with Tokyo Skytree in terms of height.

In addition, Tokyo and Kyoto represent both modern and traditional Japan. If you are going to Japan for the first time, you want to experience Japan’s big cities, anime, shopping, or Japan’s ancient capital, kimono wearing experience, tea ceremony experience, geisha performance, some traditional Japanese activities and so on.

To sum up, Tokyo and Kyoto are places with very complete tourism resources. Even if you don’t spend too much time researching the itinerary, basically you don’t have to worry about transportation, accommodation, attractions, etc. place to go and get bored.

Japanese regional cities

Of course, for you who will be going to Japan for the first time, you don’t necessarily have to go to places like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. If you have enough preparations before departure, in fact, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Kumamoto, Nagoya, Shikoku, Hokkaido, etc., some places with natural attractions are worth your consideration. However, because the transportation facilities in these places are not as developed as Tokyo and Kyoto, there may only be one JR train passing by every hour.

In addition, because these places are not places that some overseas students would choose to go, sometimes it may be a little difficult to communicate in English. In addition, there are many places where the explanations are only in Japanese, which is not like the habit of providing Japanese, English, and Chinese multiple languages at the same time in Tokyo.

So for you who are going to Japan for the first time, if you still choose to go to these places, you need to have a certain level of Japanese ability, and have enough time to study each day's itinerary before departure, so that you can ensure that you are in the itinerary There will be no surprises along the way.

For those who travel to Japan for the first time, unless there are other people who have been to these places who can serve as tour guides and can quickly identify some important traffic and scenic spot information, it is best to have a certain level of Japanese ability, otherwise Should save it for the next time I visit Japan.

What are the attractions to choose when traveling to Japan alone?

If you have traveled to Japan several times, but this time it happens that only one person goes to Japan, and it is the first time to go by yourself, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are some places suitable for departure at any time. The shopping malls, restaurants, and different attractions are sure to be enough for you to arrange a long-distance trip. If you want to challenge yourself, you can also consider using the JR Shinkansen train to go to Tokyo and Kyoto at the same time to experience two completely different Japans.

In addition, in summer, Mount Fuji, Hokkaido, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka are some places where you can enjoy the natural scenery. Or in Hakone and Nikko in winter, there are many hot spring hotels you can go to. As long as you book the required tickets and accommodation in advance, it is basically as simple as planning a trip to Tokyo.

However, it is not recommended to go alone for some relatively high-risk activities, such as going skiing in winter alone, climbing a mountain in Japan with only one person, or going into some suburban areas alone, all of which must be avoided.

How to arrange accommodation when going to Japan alone?

If you choose to go to areas such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, business hotels and youth hostels are some accommodation options worth considering. The characteristic is that the housing price is cheap, and the distance from the station is not very far. Even if you need to drag your suitcase, it is very convenient.

If you want to have enough private space, there are APA Hotel Both are great accommodation options. If you want to communicate more with other people, youth hostels will be a good accommodation solution, but not every city in Japan will definitely have this kind of accommodation option.

For example, I often Agoda The advantage of booking APA hotels in different areas above is that you can apply for free cancellation when you need to change your itinerary. In addition, you will also recommend other hotels, youth hostels, and even capsule hotels in the same area. When the APA hotel has no rooms available, I can immediately book other hotels instead of spending time calling each hotel to check availability.

However, you should pay more attention when you book some high-end hot spring hotels, because most of the hot spring hotel rooms are sold as double rooms, and the meals are mainly set meals for two people. In other words, no matter if you are alone, you still have to pay the cost of a double room before you can stay in those high-end hot spring hotel rooms.

Check Prices and Discount Offer: Book hotel accommodation in Japan

What should I pay attention to when traveling to Japan?

Since Japan is said to be a very safe country, why do we need to pay more attention during the tour?

The reason is simple, because the language and culture of each country are different, which may cause misunderstandings due to some cultural conflicts. Moreover, many people will overestimate their abilities during the trip, or lack of planning, and finally encounter some accidents that could have been avoided.

Therefore, whether you are going to Japan with friends or by yourself, you should pay attention to the following points when you go to Japan for the first time.

Knowing basic Japanese will enhance your travel experience

Since Japanese is the common language in Japan, if you want to get help from the shop staff quickly, the effect of asking questions in Japanese will be much better than English. In addition, making good use of translation software can help you break the language barrier, and the efficiency will be much better than simply using English to inquire with the clerk.

Avoid eating while walking in Japan

Japan is not a country that is used to shopping and eating at the same time, but is used to eating near restaurants and small shops before continuing to go shopping and shopping. If you're used to walking into different shops with your drink in hand, definitely avoid it when you're in Japan. Otherwise, you may need to pay before you can leave when the goods are wet.

Pay attention to the departure time of the last railway train

Regardless of whether you are traveling to any part of Japan, you must pay attention to the departure time of the last train on the railway. Because JR railways in different regions will have different last train times. For example, for JR trains in some remote areas, it is not impossible for the last train to leave at 18:00 in the afternoon.

Although the last JR train in Tokyo will end around 00:10 in the middle of the night, the distance between different stations in Tokyo is actually very far. If you don’t want to spend money to take a taxi, it will take a lot of time to walk there. So before you plan to arrange some night activities, it is better to check the departure time of the last bus of the day.

Avoid being alone on the street late at night

Although Japan is a country with very good law and order, it does not mean that there will be no crimes at all. Especially in some bar areas and nightlife-based areas late at night, if you are not familiar with Japanese culture, you must try to avoid going there late at night. This is the best way to ensure your own safety.

In addition, if you go to Japan alone, when you go to some remote places, try to stay in some main shopping streets after nightfall, so that even if you encounter an accident, you can get help immediately.

Avoid going into residential areas, private land, farmland

The Japanese attach great importance to private land, so even if you see a lot of sunflowers planted in some farmland, it is not recommended to go to touch or take pictures. Just like the Christmas tree in Biei, Hokkaido, you can't actually go in and take pictures, because the location of the Christmas tree is within the scope of private land.

Avoid going into some unknown restaurants

If you go to places where izakaya are concentrated in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, and you meet some people who entertain you warmly on the street, or tell you that you don’t need to spend time queuing up, hoping that you will go to some specific restaurants, then you must careful. Because those restaurants are likely to be some restaurants that charge high fees. Seats, ice cubes, drinking water, snacks, service fees, etc. will be calculated independently, and they will also give you a high bill.

So if you are traveling to Japan for the first time, or if you are only traveling to Japan alone, it is recommended that you go to some restaurants in department stores, which will be safer and more convenient.

Avoid taking pictures of other people's faces

The Japanese are not a very enthusiastic nation, so when taking pictures in Japan, you must avoid taking pictures of other people. And according to Japanese law, they have the right to refuse to let you take pictures, and they can also ask you to delete photos that include their appearance, which must be paid attention to.

don't force yourself to go to any itinerary

For you who are traveling to Japan for the first time, sometimes you will want to visit several different attractions in one day. But it is often easy to underestimate the travel time required in the middle and whether your physical strength can handle it.

In fact, Japan is a country that is suitable for visiting again and again. Whether you go to a certain scenic spot today or next year, there will still be no big difference in this scenic spot. So when you really have no way to go to a certain scenic spot, it is actually the most appropriate choice to give up decisively.

cheap dining options

Although prices in Japan are not cheap, there are also delicious and cheap bentos sold in convenience stores and supermarkets. For example, there are many branches in Tokyo Kitchen Origin , provides a lot of bento options around ¥500, which is cheaper than lunch and dinner in many restaurants.

In addition, some beef rice restaurants, ramen restaurants, Chinese cuisine restaurants, etc., are all places where you can eat for less than 1,000 yen. If you don't have a lot of travel budget, restaurants like Matsuya, Otoya, Hidakaya, etc. will be your best restaurant choices during your travels in Japan.

Tickets and internet devices required in Japan

If you have never traveled to Japan, you can go first klook.com Book the required Internet devices, tickets, and then depart for Japan. The feature is that it can save the time of queuing up to buy tickets, and sometimes you can get additional discounts, which are basically cheaper than buying tickets on the spot.

and klook.com Basically, it contains most of the packages you need to use during your travel in Japan, from theme park tickets, JR train passes, to different one-day tour guide groups. As long as you plan your itinerary, you can start immediately with these packages.

Japan is a country suitable for traveling in any season and at any time. No matter whether you are going to Japan for the first time or whether you are going to Japan alone, you will always find a way that suits you best to experience different aspects of Japan. local culture.

If you are planning your next trip to Japan, you must check out more travel information articles on this website. Maybe you can get a new experience in this Japan travel itinerary!

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Ryu_C@RakuRakuJP

RakuRaku, which is 楽々 in Japanese. This site is committed to providing the most authentic travel information in Japan, bringing you a different Japan travel experience!

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And our goal is to gather all practical itinerary information, discounted accommodation, and tickets, so that you can plan the entire Japan travel itinerary in the most convenient way.

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The ULTIMATE Guide to Solo Travel Japan

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: February 3, 2024

Categories Asia , Solo Female Travel

HEEY-YOO! And welcome to the whimsical world of solo travel in Japan!

Are you SUPER stoked?

And, BTW, the only correct answer to that question is an emphatic yes since Japan is ALL things wonderful!

You’ve got hedgehog cafes, ramen, sushi, kimonos,  REAL LIVE MARIO KART, arcade games, beyond quirky fashion, ancient Buddhist temples, ethereal mountain ranges, capsule hotels , and SO MUCH MORE. Just be sure to learn exactly how to take solo travel photos before you go.

This way you have ample photographic evidence of the wicked awesome time you had.

But to REALLY seal the deal:

You’ll be beyond delighted to know that yes, Japan really does have it’s very own, Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

All my fellow Potterheads out there, feel free to rejoice, and give praise to all things Japanese.

Let’s slowly move away from my slightly random obsession with all things Harry Potter, and towards something slightly more helpful.

Like this SUPER awesome guide to all things Japan solo travel, which you can use to help you plan the perfect Japan 2 week itinerary  and introduce you to some of the best places to visit in Japan . 

Because in this post, not only will you find a ton of tips on how to stay safe in Japan, but you’ll also learn how to use public transportation in Japan, discover the best time to visit Japan, find out where to go in Japan, and even get a TOTALLY FREE, 7 day Japan itinerary!

Because yes, I too love all things free (Minus diseases, those are never lovely).

So, let’s make like a piece of sushi and ROLL our way into this post about all things Japan solo travel.

Sorry, but for me, wickedly lame puns never go out of style.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Solo Travel Japan 101: How to Stay Safe During Your Solo Trip to Japan

Learn how to stay safe as you solo travel Japan!

Thinking of embarking on some Japan solo travel and planning a 2 week Japan itinerary in Autumn ?  Excellent! Because Japan really is one of the safest countries in the world for solo travel (#winning).

BUT it’s not 100% perfect….

Sure, Japan is known for its low crime rates, its next level organization (at the bureaucratic level since nothing is late here…EVER) and polite, friendly people,  

That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t remain vigilant as you solo travel Japan.

Use all of that awesome common sense that I know you have and take the same precautions that you would in any country.

Continue to do super obvious things like avoid walking down dark alleyways alone late at night, keep an eye on your personal belongings, don’t get too intoxicated, etc.

You know, all the usual stuff.

Because like basically every other country on the planet, Japan definitely isn’t immune to organized crime.  

Yeah, I had no idea either. But apparently:

The ‘Yakuza’ is well known in Japan and is involved in murder, corruption, petty crime, and overall, high levels of not-so-nice mayhem.

And while it is unlikely that they’ll ever target a group of selfie stick-wielding tourists, it’s still a good idea to be aware of their presence, especially as you do some Japan solo travel in big cities, like Tokyo.

1) Be Prepared…You Won’t Be Able to Read Anything

As you solo travel Japan, you’ll quickly see that there is a distinct lack of English signage.

‘It’s cool I’ll just follow the signs’… said no one in Japan.  

Well, unless of course, you can actually read Japanese. OBVS.

In general though:

English is NOT universally used throughout Japan, a fact that can make getting around more than a little bit tricky.  

Have your Google maps app handy and be prepared to get lost, more than once, during your solo trip to Japan.

Always have the address of your hotel handy (in both English and Japanese), just in case you get lost and need to share this information with a super helpful local.  

This should help with that awkward language ‘what the hell are they saying’ barrier.

Always take the directions you are given with a pinch of salt.

Traditional, Japanese culture dictates that it’s better to give wrong directions than admit you are unable to help.  

To avoid this mildly annoying possibility, try and ask for directions at a nearby hotel, where it’s highly likely that staff members speak English fluently.

And remember:

In Japan, hotel curfews are actually a THING.  

That’s why:

Smaller, family-run accommodations may lockup between 10:00 pm and midnight.  

Definitely research those policies BEFORE enjoying a wild night out on the town (Excuse me while I trade in my granny panties for a pair of ultra-rad glow sticks and a Monster energy drink. Because yes, staying up past 10:00 pm really isn’t my “thing”).

When traveling solo at night, always have your route back “home” planned out BEFORE you down some Sake and sing your heart out at a Japanese karaoke joint.

You really don’t want to be doing any serious travel planning when you’re inebriated AF in a foreign country.

And if you do decide to drink:

Never leave your drink unattended since it could easily be spiked while you’re not looking; a trend that is, sadly, becoming all too common in the Tokyo and Kyoto bar scene.

2) Cash is King

Well, you might expect a tech hub like Japan to be card crazy, Am I right?

Surprising though, that is actually NOT the case.

It’s actually quite the opposite.  

Do yourself a solid favor and grab some cash before you head out for the day, at least if you wanna avoid being penniless and having to frantically search for an ATM that accepts foreign cards.

Thankfully though:

Most hotels, 7-Elevens, and restaurants all accept cards.

A lot of smaller places won’t.  

Be prepared and ALWAYS have a bit of cash handy.

3) You WILL Experience Culture Shock

Because if you’re not, then you better be.  

See, things in Japan are done a whole lot differently then they are in the Western world.

From toilets (Take my word on this one, because you will see what I mean) to local taboos like answering a phone call while riding public transportation (Yeah, don’t do this), there are a lot of things about Japan solo travel that you’ll need to get used to.

Don’t freak yourself out about these taboos since Japanese people are really considerate and will take the fact that you’re a visitor into account.

It’s still a good idea to brush up on your Japanese customs/etiquette BEFORE your visit, just so that you don’t cause unnecessary offense.  

And if you can:

Always try and avoid doing anything that will draw too much attention to yourself since this is a big no-no in Japan.

4) Unwanted Male Attention

Oh, h ell to the no!  

Don’t panic though because it’s really not that bad.

Because thankfully:

Catcalling is not a thing here. Thank f*cking God.

That being said:

And Ladies out there should try and avoid using public transportation during peak hours since instances of sexual harassment and groping are quite common on crowded trains.

To resolve this issue, some cities have started using ladies-only carriages during rush hour, which can be found by following signage along various train platforms.

5) Avoid Common Scams

Japan is an incredibly safe country for solo travelers. However, there are some common scams that you’ll need to watch out for.

Well, the main one to watch out for is the ‘Japanese nightclub scam’, especially when visiting well-known nightlife hotspots, like Tokyo’s Kabukicho.  

What happens is, a street tout will invite you into a club and shower you with attention and drinks…before swiftly presenting you with a not-so-awesome bill for a few thousand yen.

You will be expected to foot the bill for all those drinks (and for your “new found friend’s” precious time).

And if you refuse to pay?

Well, then things could get a bit dangerous and threats could be made.

To avoid this scam, just walk away. Don’t even respond to anyone who invites you into a   club.  

Because even the most well-trained touts will take the hint and leave you alone.

You also don’t have to be rude either. Just politely decline and move on.  

And when in doubt:

Always remember the age-old adage that if it seems too good to be true, then it definitely is.

6) Watch the Weather

And I’m not talking about the rain.

See, unfortunately, Japan can be prone to freak weather conditions, like typhoons and earthquakes.

Before doing any solo Japan travel, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the seasons and know what to expect from the weather.

So, just a little FYI for you.

Typhoon season usually falls between May and October and peaks in either August or September.

Because earthquakes are quite common in Japan, it’ s a good idea to prepare yourself for an earthquake emergency.

And no, not by practicing hiding under tables (lol).

Just try and familiarize yourself with your hotel’s evacuation policy and always follow locals to designated safe areas if the worst should happen (Because yes, you guessed it. All public safety announcements will be in…Japanese.)

And the rain?

Well, it’s slightly less catastrophic, but sudden downpours are fairly common.  

Grab a cheap umbrella from the nearest konbini to keep yourself dry and avoid wandering around like a drowned street rat (Anyone else reminded of Aladdin right now? No? Just me? Right, swiftly moving on).

SOLO TRAVEL JAPAN: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION!

Japanese trains are known for being some of the most efficient in the world. Yup, just one of many things to look forward to when planning your Japan itinerary .

They can also resemble an unsolvable puzzle if you’re from out of town.

Here are some general transportation tips to help you make the most out of your time in Japan.

1) Getting to the Center of Tokyo from the Airport

Whatever you do:

Do NOT take a taxi from the airport to your hotel.

Not only are they very UN-cheap:

But many taxi drivers actually can’t speak or read English, making communication more than a little difficult (Hello? Google Translate?).

Whenever possible, try and use the city’s monorail system, which connects directly to the subway.

You can quickly, easily, and somewhat cheaply get anywhere in the city that you need to go (You can also take the Keikyu Line directly to central Tokyo).

But, what if I wanna catch an Uber?

Well, Japan has technically had Uber since May 2018.

I still wouldn’t use it as your “go-to” mode of public transportation since it’s not really widely used by locals.

Things may be changing!

Because In 2020:

Tokyo will be hosting the summer Olympics.

And to ensure that spectators can easily move throughout the city, both Uber and Didi (A Chinese rideshare app) will be providing Tokyo with extra transportation services.  

As a result:

Uber may become a viable transportation option when traveling to and from the airport.

I wouldn’t bother using it for inter-city travel since the Tokyo metro is WAY cheaper.

But, until Uber becomes more popular:

You can always just download the ‘Japan Taxi app” before you go to Japan.

It has over 60,000 taxis that cover all 47 prefectures of Japan.

You should definitely be able to find a decently priced taxi, no matter where you are in the country!

Standard taxis in Japan really aren’t THAT bad, especially when traveling within cities since using a taxi over short distances is pretty affordable.

And added bonus?

Not only are they EVERYWHERE, but most of them also accept credit cards as a form of payment.

Which is great since I for one am all about minimizing my cash withdrawals and the foreign transaction fees associated with them.

***When traveling in Tokyo, be sure to download the ‘Takkun Tokyo Taxi’ app since most Tokyo-based cabs are on here. However, when using this app, you will be charged a small pickup fee.***

2) Platform Trickery

Just to amp up your level of Japan solo travel confusion:

Transportation services with similar-sounding names tend to be grouped together on the same platform.

Many platforms will have several different categories of trains (e.g. local and rapid trains) arriving within a minute or two of each other.

Which can be insanely confusing since the names of all these trains SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME!!

You should definitely do your research BEFORE you arrive and know the difference between various train services.

Because while informational displays DO indicate the category of the next arriving train, they aren’t always in English!

Making them slightly impossible to read if you don’t speak Japanese.

If you can, try and identify different services using their Japanese names to avoid getting on the wrong train and ending up in some beyond random part of town.

3)  The Great JR Rail-Pass Debate

Well, it’s not actually that great, but still.

Because a question that I often get is, “Should I get a JR rail-pass?”

And the not so straightforward answer is that, well, it depends.

JR passes are great for Japan solo travel since they allow you to be flexible with your itinerary.

If you’re not sure where you’re headed or when, then the JR pass is your new best friend, especially if you wanna take a ride on a bullet train.

If you purchase a JR rail-pass , what do you actually get?

• Unlimited use of all JR trains from Kagoshima in the south to Hokkaido in the north.
• This includes the Shinkansen (bullet train) but not the Nozomi or Mizuho bullet trains. And while these trains are technically faster than the Shinkansen, I doubt you’ll actually notice the difference.
• You can also use local JR commuter trains, JR buses, and JR ferries.  
• The JR rail pass is also valid on all five of Tokyo’s main railway lines!

The JR Pass is costly, so definitely make sure that you plan on doing at least a few long-distance train journeys, on premium trains, if you want to get the most out of the money that you spent on this pass.

But wait, how much does a JR Pass actually cost? Well, as of winter 2019:

A 7- Day pass costs $273.83

A 14- Day pass costs $436.37

A 21-Day pass costs $558.29

And this is all PER PERSON. So yeah, NOT cheap.

For many travelers though:

Riding on a long-distance bullet train (Shinkansen) is kind of like a right of passage.

So, if this sounds like you:

Then plan on taking at least two different trains per week.

It would actually be cheaper for you to buy individual tickets and not a 7-day JR pass.

Some other JR-Pass tips:

• If you are just staying in Tokyo, then this isn’t the pass for you since local trains in Tokyo are pretty cheap (around $1 per journey).
• You can pay more for a ‘Green pass’ (a first-class pass), but it’s not really necessary since the standard trains in Japan are immaculate.
• Don’t be late!! In fact, be EARLY since Japan takes time management VERY seriously.

If you do decide to get a JR rail-pass, then save yourself some time and buy it in advance ( GET YOUR JR PASS RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW! )

You actually HAVE to get your Japan Rail Pass BEFORE you arrive in Japan (AGAIN, to be SUPER CLEAR. You CANNOT get a Japan Rail Pass within Japan!!)

Definitely order it online, prior to the start of your trip, and then just have it delivered to an address outside of Japan.  

And once you finally arrive in the country:

You can easily get it validated at any local ticket office.

Tell me more about this ticket validation process.

Before you board a train, you will first need to trade in the voucher that you received in the mail for your actual JR Pass.

And once you have your JR Pass:

Do try and reserve your JR pass train tickets in advance, especially on busy days/peak seasons/weekends since no one wants to get to the station, only to find out that their train is completely sold out!

To do this:

Just write down all the trains that you want to take (or bring a Hyperdia print out with you) and then bring this info to the JR Office at the station.  

To make life easy:

Just make your train reservations when you exchange your online voucher for an actual JR pass.

If you don’t have it all figured out, not to worry.

Because the official JR pass website ONLY recommends reservations when traveling between April 27th- May 6th, August 11th- 20th, and December 28th- January 6th.

And the rest of the time?

Well, you can easily board a train without a reserved seat since the designated, JR Pass seats will be clearly marked on the train.

And if you’re still not sure whether the JR rail-pass is right for you, then just run your route through hyperdia.com and compare the cost of one-way tickets with the cost of a JR Pass.

And just go with whichever option is cheaper.  

Bonus tip #1!

Most Japanese trains have limited storage space. Therefore, travel light and DO NOT pack everything except the kitchen sink.

Bonus tip #2!

Looking for that Insta-perfect shot of Mount Fuji?

Yeah, I feel you. 

If so, then when traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto, ask for a seat on the right-hand side of the train.

Sit here and you are guaranteed to have the best seats for maximum camera snapping action.

And yes, feel free to thank me later.

Other Ways to Get Around as you Solo Travel JAPAN

Japan is an amazing country. But sometimes using its transportation system can be more than just a little tricky.

1. TOKYO METRO (THE BEST WAY TO GET AROUND TOKYO)

The Tokyo subway system consists of two interconnected networks, the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway .

Trains and subways in Tokyo also run between 5:00 am and 1:00 am daily, are religiously on time, and arrive every 3 mins during peak hours (Peak hours are on weekdays between 8:00 am and 9:00 am and shortly after 5:00 pm. Morning rush hours also tend to be more concentrated and heavier than evening rush hours).

Oh, and girl, (and guys) don’t forget…

• Swipe your passcards both on the way in AND on the way out. The digital screen is awesome and will display the remaining balance on your card.
• Most train stations have multiple exits- so remember to take the right one!
• Consider the “Tokyo Subway Ticket“ which provides unlimited use of all subway lines. Pick it up at either Narita Airport or Haneda Airport for the ultimate freedom during your Japan solo travels.
• Queuing is an art form here and you will be expected to do so on the platform. Just be prepared because there will be a mad dash to nab a seat during rush hour.
• The most useful line in Tokyo is the JR Yamanote Line, which is commonly referred to as the “Tokyo Loop Line” or just the “Loop Line.” You can use your Japan Rail Pass on this line.
• Another great way to pay for trains and subways in Tokyo is with a prepaid Pasmo or Suica card since it is WAY cheaper than buying individual tickets.

Thought trains were complicated?

Well, think again!

Because Japanese buses are a little bonkers!

• You need to board the bus from the middle and not the front
• You will collect a plain, slip of paper as you board the bus. This piece of paper will have a number on it. And…TADA, this is your bus ticket
• The electronic board displaying ever-changing numbers at the front of the bus may confuse you! But, please use it before you hop off the bus since the cost of your bus fare will be displayed under your seat number, AKA the number that is printed on your ticket
• The driver will expect you to deposit both your bus fare and your ticket, into a designated collection box BEFORE you leave the bus.

You could always just skip all this confusion and get a Pasmo card instead.

Remember though:

This card is only valid in the Tokyo/Yokohama region and is sort of like a Metro/Travelcard/Oystercard for Tokyo’s metro/buses.

Now, if you do purchase one:

Try and put at least $30 on the card since this will cover quite a few journies.  

All you need to do is tap your card when you board a bus (or metro), and then again when you get off.

See! Super simple!

And while buses are great to use in small cities and in the countryside, I would avoid using them in major cities, like Tokyo, since there’s a lot of traffic and it will take you forever to get anywhere.

I would also avoid using buses over long distances.

EXCEPT IN KYOTO!

Yeah, don’t ask me why but it’s actually cheaper to use the bus than the train in Kyoto.

Some of the different types of buses that you’ll find in Japan are:

• Route buses (which operate within cities and towns),  
• Highway buses   (which operate between large cities),  
• Limousine bus (which operate between the airport and a major bus station)

And out of all of these different types of buses, you’ll probably end up using route buses the most.

But, are they really worth using?

Well, like with all forms of public transportation, they have their own set of pros and cons!

A major pro is cost.

Because you can definitely use buses as a low-cost alternative to the train.

For example:

You can catch a bus from Tokyo to Kyoto, for just 1,599 JYP ($15) which is WAY cheaper than the train.  

Buses are also insanely comfortable and come with wicked awesome, reclining seats (Some ever have full-on SALONS!!).

However, one GIANT con is time!

Because the above journey will take you over 7 hours by bus and just 2 hours and 15 minutes by train.

A lot of long-distance bus journeys also take place overnight, which is great for saving money, at least if you’re comfortable doing this alone.

If you wanna save money, take the bus.  

If you wanna save time, take the train.  

Because it really just depends on which one of those things is more important to you.

***PSST: Don’t discount sightseeing buses since The Chuo Bus from Sapporo to Shikotsu and the Toya Lakes is a great way to see some of Japan’s most amazing scenery.***

3) Plane Travel

Thinking of cutting down on your travel time by flying across Japan?

While it is doable, it’s definitely not the most cost-effective way of traveling through Japan.

When traveling between cities, I’d still recommend the train.

For longer journeys, like the one between Fukuoka and Sapporo, I’d consider flying since it’s the fastest way to travel.

And if you do decide to fly:

Try using smaller, domestic airlines, like Skymark and Jetstar Japan, which usually have cheaper fares.  

You can also check with the airline operator of your international flight (BEFORE you arrive in Japan) and see if they offer discounted domestic fares to passengers who fly on their international routes to Japan.  

Yup, something that is definitely worth checking out.

We all know that Japan is an archipelago.

And as such:

Ferries are a constant form of transportation between islands.

• Some smaller islands, like Naoshima can only be reached by ferry
• Ferries can be useful for traveling among Japan’s four major islands. But, information on ferry routes (including schedules and fares) is almost always in Japanese ONLY!
• If you ‘re interested in traveling by ferry, instead of train, then the ‘Japan Ferry Pass 21’ is the sea equivalent of the JR Rail pass. Covering 14 routes over 21 days, it’s about a third of the cost of the rail pass is just $192 per person.

But is it right for me?

Well, if your route/time schedule allows for ferry travel, then this can be a viable transportation option.  

Just plan on making at least two trips to some of Japan’s other islands if you want the Japan Ferry Pass 21 to be cost-effective.

I would ONLY recommend this option if you’re looking for a slower form of transportation.

Because if getting to your final destination QUICKLY is more important than the journey itself, then this isn’t the option for you.

***Another added benefit of traveling by ferry is that you can save money on overnight accommodations, something that is never cheap in Japan! Plus, ferry cabins are usually relatively comfortable, modern, and clean.***

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO SOLO TRAVEL JAPAN?

Any time between March and May (minus Cherry Blossom season) or between September and November is probably the best time to solo travel Japan.

It’s never really a bad time to do a bit of Japan solo travel.  

You will definitely get a very different vibe from the country, depending on when you visit.

If at all possible, try and plan your visit between March and May (Minus cherry blossom season, which varies depending on where you are in the country) or between September and November, when weather is mild, prices are at their lowest, and when crowds are not as crushingly huge.

If you do decide to visit during the spring, psych yourself up for it because this is THE most famous (and busiest) time to visit Japan.

Why?  

Two words. Cherry blossoms. Obvs.  

Travel to Japan during this time of year and expect to be bombarded by hordes of tourists and locals who are all out celebrating the beautiful blossoms during hanami (blossom viewing) picnics.

If you’re not fazed by epic levels of heat and humidity, then summer is a great time to visit Japan.

That’s because:

There are a ton of festivities that take place during this time of year.

From dazzling fireworks displays to al fresco munching on street food, summer is definitely a fun time to visit Japan.

Can’t deal with the crushing crowds of spring but still want to experience some of Japan’s insane, natural beauty?  

Then considering visiting during autumn, AKA the season of red and gold leaves.

Japan’s countryside will come alive with vibrant colors, making it the perfect time to get outside and do a bit of hiking.

What if you’re really a snow bunny at heart?

Then Japan totally has you covered!

Just head up to Hokkaido in the North and enjoy some beyond epic mountain ranges that will make any snow-loving traveler drool.

Because yes my friends.

Hokkaido really is known as the ‘Swiss Alps of Asia’ for a reason and is the perfect place for any solo traveler who is desperately searching for ALL the Christmas feels (which are sometimes lacking in other parts of Asia TBH).

WHAT TO SEE IN JAPAN: 10 AMAZING PLACES TO VISIT

Tokyo Tower and the iconic skyline of Japan’s amazing, capital city.

You know those images that you have in your head of futuristic skyscrapers, neon lights, quirky fashionistas, video-game obsessed individuals, and over-the-top, one-of-kind activities?

I’m 100% referring to owl, goat, and hedgehog cafes, as well as a real-life version of Mario Kart  (FYI: You can also do this in Osaka AND Kyoto).

You’ll find all that and more in Tokyo since this modern AF city really does sit at the beating heart of contemporary Japan

That being said though:

There are also a ton of surprisingly traditional aspects of this city too, like sumo wrestling in Tokyo .

Tokyo really is a place full of contradictions.

When you visit Tokyo, be prepared to battle your way through crazy busy pedestrian crossings, to be overwhelmed by the sheer size of this place (Tokyo is truly MASSIVE), and fall in love with the city’s beyond divine 7-Eleven egg sandwiches (strange but true).

If you swan dive headfirst into Tokyo’s fast-paced lifestyle, all this awesomeness can result in total sensory overload.

From robot restaurants to amazing, panoramic city views atop the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku (free and deffo worth it!), this crazy busy city really does have it all.

Try and take it easy while enjoying all the sights, sounds, and flavors that this vibrant metropolis has to offer.

You are forbidden (do you hear me? LOL) from leaving this city without doing the following.

• Visit the Akihabara district for arcade games, ‘cute’ cafes, and delicious ramen.
• Walk across the famous Shibuya Crossing- if you dare!
• Wear some of the city’s fashions in Takeshita Street, Harajuku (Gwen Stefani eat your heart out)
• Try the soup dumplings and espresso tonic in Yokohama Chinatown (SO GOOD!!)  
• Visit the CupNoodle Museum and make your own.
• Get your real-life Mario Kart on while driving through the crazy streets of Tokyo, in a go-cart, and dressed as your favorite Mario character. Slightly mental but hilarious. You also will need an international driver’s license for this so plan accordingly because they are strict about this.
• Explore the colorful Digital Arts Museum TeamLab Borderless.

Tokyo also gets extra brownie points from me since eating alone here is easy and uber-tasty too!

Solo diners can happily, and not-so-awkwardly, eat at the bar of any Sushi, Tempura, and ramen joint in the city.

Yes, my friends, we call this living the dream.

And if you really want to live it up, you could even take an amazing Mt. Fuji tour from Tokyo .

Nine Hours Woman Kanda (Budget) – The Shinjuku and Ginza neighborhoods are perfect areas for solo travelers to stay. However, If you’re not careful, accommodations here can be pricey. And that’s where Nine Hours Woman Kanda comes in. With quirky, fun, and totally bonkers rooms, that start at $55 per night, this capsule hotel is the perfect place to stay in Tokyo. And while these establishments are traditionally for men only, many capsule hotels are now opening their doors to women (sorry but no men allowed), making this a fantastic, extra-safe, budget hotel option for any of my fellow, solo female travelers out there. I also love that this place has a cozy, minimalist vibe about it and is conveniently located near both Tokyo Station and the popular, Akihabara area.

Shibuya Granbell Hotel (Mid-range) – Want a stylish, boutique hotel that is also affordable? Then check out Shibuya Granbell Hotel near Shibuya station. Rooms here start at $110 per night and have this incredible, pop-art, minimalist design that is beyond cool. All rooms here also include free WIFI, flat-screen TVs, complimentary breakfast, and bike rentals, for an additional fee.

Want your Japan solo travel to be served to you with a side of geishas, temples, zen gardens, and cobblestone streets?  

If so t hen Kyoto is for you!

Sure, Kyoto has its fair share of ugly high rise buildings, like any other major city.

It won’t take long for an intrepid solo traveler like yourself to venture past those less than stellar buildings and discover vast mountain ranges, as well as various aspects of traditional Japanese culture.

While you’re here, you cannot miss out on:

• Temples. Kyoto is brimming over with temples!! So, choose the temples that you visit wisely. Also, try and visit first thing in the morning to avoid large crowds. My personal faves include Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple), where you can actually get your fortune from a vending machine (SO Japan), and Kiyomizu-Dera Temple .
• Visit the iconic red torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine.
• Take a morning stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove .
• Visit the home of a geisha in Gion and partake in a traditional tea ceremony/learn how to make matcha tea.
• Explore the beauty of Yasaka-jinja at night.

And if you’re hungry (because we all know that I always am):

Then be sure to try some of Kyoto’s famous ‘ okonomiyaki’, a crispy, made-to-order pancake that is served to you with your choice of fillings.

Simple, yet oh so tasty!

And if you really want to get your foodie swerve on, then stop by Menya Gokkei (Northern district) for some authentic, beyond delicious, Japanese-style ramen.

You can also hit up any I chrian (AKA 24 hour booths where you can consume ramen totally by yourself) in town since this is basically any ramen loving, introverted traveler’s dream.

Slurp away my friend because you totally deserve it!

Now, for the best gyozas in town, visit the one and only Sukemasa . Not only is the food here delicious, but you can get a couple of gyozas, miso soup, rice, and pickles for less than $7.

Talk about an epic steal!

Tanaka-ya (budget) – With rooms that start at $52 per night, T anaka-ya is a cute, budget-friendly, traditional, Japanese-style homestay that features tatami-mat flooring, paper sliding doors, and Japanese futon bedding. It is also conveniently located in Gion Miyagawa-Cho, making this the perfect home base for which to explore Kyoto’s iconic old town.

The Sekura Terrace (Mid-range) – Conveniently located near Kyoto Station, Sakura Terrace is an awesome place for any solo female travelers out there to stay. I mean, not only do they offer a comprehensive ‘ladies plan’ that includes meals, but rooms here are bright, start at just $84 per night, and feature floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-screen TVs, and free WIFI. There’s also an on-site, coin-operated laundry facility, just in case your clothes are starting to look a bit dingy.

The old-world charm of Osaka Castle, one of the best places to solo travel Japan.

Another sprawling neon city:

Osaka is a mass of bright lights, amazing food, and affordable prices, at least when compared to its big brother. Tokyo.

So where to begin?

Well, food is ALWAYS a good place to start. Especially since I like eating just as much as I like breathing.

Osaka is home to some SERIOUSLY amazing vegetarian cuisine.  

It was so good that I basically wept tears of joy.

If you’re looking to get your foodie swerve on, then devour some udon noodles at Azuma Udon, the city’s oldest udon restaurant.

If you’re total veg like me, then hit up Green Earth, a delicious vegan-friendly eatery with a set lunch menu, that features rice, a main dish, salad, a vegetable side dish, and soup, for just $8.

If you actually wanna do something other than eat ALL of your feelings, then definitely:  

• Ride the Ferris wheel on top of the Don Quixote store in central Osaka/. Trust me on this, it is the very definition of a one of a kind experience!
• Check out the bright lights of Namba. In particular, Dōtonbori  is the most popular street in Osaka for viewing neon lights and animated signs, with the Glico Running Man being an Instagram fan fave (#justsayin’).
• Discover the quirkier side of the city in Shinsekai District, which is filled with arcade games and food halls. You can also enjoy some epic, panoramic city views from the top of Tsutenkaku Tower .
• Visit Osaka-jo castle . Nestled inside the city walls, this building is one of the oldest structures in the area and sits within a picturesque park (It’s also an extra stunning place to visit during cherry blossom season).

Toyoko Inn Osaka Umeda Higashi (budget) – If you’re on a budget, then business hotels can be a great option for you while you solo travel Japan. And one of the best in the area is Toyoko Inn Osaka Umeda Higash i . Now, while luxury it most certainly ain’t, it’s still clean, well equipped, and centrally located (It’s literally a 4-minute walk to the subway). Rooms here also start at just $30 per night and feature super snazzy things like WIFI, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and tea/coffeemakers (Talk about the posh life! LOL). Complimentary breakfast is also available, as is access to a coin-operated laundry facility since, I mean, well, who doesn’t like clean clothes?

Hotel Monterey La Soeur Osaka (Mid-range) –   Perched atop a high-rise building that overlooks the O River, this contemporary hotel has an American, art deco style to it. Yet, it somehow retains a distinctly Japanese vibe with warm rooms that start at $89 per night. This hotel is also just a 7-minute walk from the train station, and features an on-site French restaurant, tea room, bar, and gorgeous, next level divine, spa!

So, why should Nara be on every solo traveler’s bucket list?

Because of the local deer that bow for food!

In truth though, Nara definitely has way more to offer visitors than a chance to feed cute little deer.

Nara is full of historic, Japanese treasures, making it the perfect place from which to indulge your inner culture vulture.

Because, believe it or not:

Nara was actually Japan’s first capital city and is home to a wealth of charming, ancient buildings that stand as a remnant of the city’s high profile past.

This also includes a variety of different UNESCO world heritage sites like the Hall of the Great Buddha (But, more on him later.).

This historic city is easily accessible from both Kyoto and Osaka and makes the perfect day trip from either city since both places are just an hour away from Nara by train.

While you’re in this ultra-fab metropolis, do not miss out on:

• The Daibutsu-den (Hall of the Great Buddha) at Todaiji. It’s arguably one of Nara’s most famous sights (besides the deer of course.) and features a 15-meter tall, golden Buddha that sits inside the world’s largest wooden building. Impressive much? I think so!
• Feeding some local deer in Nara deer park. Yeah, they are pretty friendly and will wait until the food is offered to them. So don’t worry about them stealing your lunch (The monkeys of Asia should take note!)!
• Eating some ‘Nakatanidou’, a famous Japanese rice cake. And while the ‘yomogi-mochi’   may sound gross, it’s flavored with mugwort plant and is actually super tasty.
• The Kofuku-ji Temple, which was established in 669 AD and has a great deal of cultural significance due to its links to the Fujiwara family.

Guest House Oku (budget) – For the ultimate trip down nostalgia lane, book a stay at the small, but cute, Guest House Oku. This charming little boutique hotel has spotless rooms, which start at $30 per night. And while bathrooms here are shared, the real appeal of this place lies with the friendliness of the hostess, Yoko, who goes out of her way to make guests feel truly at home and like they are having an authentic, Japanese experience. This hotel also serves amazing food, is incredibly safe, and is conveniently located near the center of the city.

Centurion Hotel Classic Nara Station (Mid-range) – Hallelujah! Finally, a hotel with a reasonably sized room that doesn’t inadvertently feel like a tomb. Because let’s be honest, spacious hotel rooms are a rarity in Japan. But, somehow, Centurion manages to deliver spacious, warmly decorated, comfortable rooms that are all still just a 5-minute walk from the nearest train station. Rooms here also start at $97 per night and include sofas (feel free to “oh” and “ah” at will), flat-screen TVs, tea makers, mini-fridges, WIFI, and air purifiers. And for an added dose of Japanese quirkiness, try using their coin-operated laundromat to freshen up your clothes before you leave the city.

PSST: Kyoto and Osaka are both a short distance from Nara and have WAY more options when is comes to accommodations. So, if you’re struggling to find what you’re looking for, then you can always book a stay in either city and just visit Nara as part of a day trip.

5. Takayama

Some of the quaint, Japanese-style architecture that you’ll find in Takayama, Japan, at the base of the Japanese Alps.

Takayama might just win my award for the prettiest place EVER and is easily one of the best hidden gems in Japan .

Because no doubt:

This city if flippin’ gorgeous!

Well, it’s located on the edge of the Japanese Alps and is far less touristy than many other places in Japan.

And you know what I say to that?

Crowd free is the way to be! Because Takayama is basically THIS introverted traveler’s idea of a total dream!

Throw in some exquisite, traditional wooden houses, signature red bridges, and brightly colored shrines, and you may never wanna leave!

Other things that you MUST do while you’re here include:

• Go for a morning stroll around Sanmachi Stree t. It’s located at the center of Takayama Old Town and is where you’ll find many of the city’s lovely, traditional wooden buildings (perfect for the insta feed of awesome).
• Explore local, morning markets like Jinya-Mae ( a small market that is located in front of the Takayama Jinya building ) and Miyagawa ( a market that sits alongside the Miyagawa River).
• Eat some ‘mitarashi-dango’ , or rice balls grilled in soy.
• Cycle through Shiroyama Park , a part of the Japanese countryside that sits just five minutes outside the city. Also, be sure to hike to the Takayama Castle Ruins and admire the incredible mountain top views from here.
• Visit Cafe DON for Coffee and Cake!

The Country Hotel (Budget) – At just $35 per night, this hotel is definitely no-frills. But, The Country Hotel still has everything you need for a comfortable stay (Think comfy beds, WIFI, air conditioning, etc.). They’ll even provide you with complimentary green tea and cozy slippers, both of which are clearly essential items for any wicked awesome hotel stay. This place also gets bonus points for its primo location since it sits right across the street from JR Takayama Train Station .

Takayama Olan Hotel (Mid-range) – This modern meets traditional, Japanese-style hotel has a fantastic, central location (Just three minutes from Takayama train station) and offers guests comfortably designed rooms that start at $123 per night (think luxe seating areas, posh dark wood furniture, free WIFI, tatami floors, futons, etc.). There’s also a buffet-style, onsite, restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast, for a small fee. However, the real highlight of any stay at the Takayama Olan Hotel is their stunning, open-air, roof-top, hot spring, which provides you awe-inspiring, panoramic views of the nearby, Hida Mountains.

So, you’ve probably seen all of those amazing photos of a beyond colorful ship that is gently gliding past Japan’s immortal, Mount Fuji.

And if not:

Well then, feel free to look it up on Insta right now. I mean, I can wait…not-so-patiently since a climb up Mt. Fuji Japan is the stuff that travel dreams are made of.

The mountainous town of Hakone actually overlooks this picture-perfect lake, which is locally known as Lake Ashi.

This town is also located inside the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and is just a short (ish), 1.5-hour bullet train ride away from Tokyo.

Additionally:

This place is known, the world over, for its picturesque, hot springs resorts (AKA onsens in Japanese).

In addition to its wealth of onsens, Hakone is also home to various world-class art museums, historic Shinto shrines (like the aptly named, Hakone Shrine), and expansive mountain ranges.

This tiny town makes for the perfect, weekend escape from the chaos of Tokyo.

You CANNOT leave this place without trying the black eggs!

They’re black because they’ve been infected with some rare strain of Bubonic Plague.

This local delicacy, kuro tamago (black eggs), is created by cooking chicken eggs in the sulphuric hot springs of Owakudani – a volcanic crater that was formed over 3,000 years ago.  

Apparently:

Legend says that eating just one black egg will extend your life by more than seven years.

To procure these little fountains of youth for yourself, just stop by Kurotama Shop , in Owakudani, for some of the best black eggs around!

***While many people tend to visit Hakone as part of a day trip from Tokyo, I would advise against this. I mean, it’s doable but it just makes for a really LONG, really RUSHED day. So, if you have the time, definitely stay overnight in Hakone and enjoy your visit at a more relaxed pace.***  

Hakone Tent (Budget) – If you’re looking for a unique hostel that is both reasonably priced and cozy, then this rustic guest house is for you. Once a Japanese ryokan in its former life, this building has long since been transformed into a comfortable, light, airy, and modern hostel that is just a stone’s throw away from Gora Station. Beds here sit inside six-person, single-sex dormitories, start at $30 per night and include tatami mats and futons. Private rooms with wood floors are also available here, as is WIFI, towels/sheets (for a fee), and access to an onsite cafe/bar. While staying at Hakone Tent, you’ll also get full access to their on-site, gender-segregated, hot spring facilities (Can I get a whoop, whoop? No? Okay, swiftly moving on).

Hakone Honbako (Mid-range) –   Set along a quiet, tree-lined street is  Honbako Honbako,  the hotel of your literary loving dreams. See, ’honbako’ literally means ‘bookcase’ in Japanese. Which is a perfect name for this boutique hotel since It is brimming over with books, books, and, oh yeah, more books! I mean, the library here is outfitted with floor-to-ceiling bookcases that contain more than 12,000 different titles. Add in comfortable, modern rooms (which start at $173 per night) with hardwood floors, spacious beds, private outdoor baths (with geothermal water), minifridges, and tea/coffee makers, and you have the perfect place to stay in Hakone. Breakfast is also included with the price of your stay, as is access to an on-site cinema and the hotel’s gender-segregated hot springs.

Some of the historic, Edo period houses that line the Nakasendo trail between Magome and Tsumago in Japan.

Why do I love Tsumago with my whole heart?

Because it’s basically like this perfect little, tiny AF village (it’s so small that you can literally walk from one end of town to the other, in about fifteen minutes flat), that feels like a total blast from the past.

And I mean that in the BEST possible way.

Because while you’re here, you’ll find no cars during the day, no phone lines, and no power cables.

You’ll discover a charming, Edo Era village that is overflowing with historic ambiance from the area’s wealth of traditional, dark-wood, lattice-front homes. All of which are particularly amazing at either dusk or dawn.

While you’re here though:

Also, be sure to visit the Tsumago Castle grounds for some amazing views of the city.

The castle itself was actually demolished hundreds of years ago, but the panoramas remain and are truly spectacular to behold.

And while the scenery here is truly next-level amazing:

You just cannot leave without visiting the Kotoku Temple , a traditional Buddhist temple built in 1500, and Wakihonjin, a charming history museum that showcases various artifacts from the area.

But enough about Tsumago’s ambiance already!

Because we need to talk about the REALLY important things in life…like FOOD (glorious food)!,

While I myself am not a meat eater, Tsumago is actually known for a traditional, local delicacy, that is supposedly a “must try” if you’re a real carnivore at heart.

Head on over to Ryokan Fujioto and enjoy some local beef, which is served inside a magnolia leaf and cooked right in front of you, on a table-side, hibachi grill.

Shimosagaya (Budget) – Nestled in the mountains, small, private rooms at this charming Minshuku (AKA family-owned guest house) all start at $63 per night. And while it’s a simple building, accommodations here are comfortable, quiet, and basically all things zen. Guests here can also enjoy some made to order, home-style, Japanese cuisine, as well as access to private, on-site hot springs, making this the perfect retreat for any weary solo traveler.

Hotel Green Plaza Karuizawa (mid-range) – Unlike the budget option above, this hotel has a more contemporary feel about it. It also sits adjacent to a trendy shopping mall and is just a short walk away from Karuizawa Toy Kingdom (A perfect place to visit if you’re missing the distinctly Western vibes of home). Rooms here also have casual decor and include wood-framed beds, as well as a traditional, Japanese-style dining area with tatami mats and short-legged tables. Breakfast and dinner are also included with the price of your room (they start at $168 per night), as is access to the hotel’s free train shuttle, indoor/outdoor bathhouses, a chapel, a tea room, and various on-site restaurants.

8. Hiroshima

Ask nine out of ten people about Hiroshima, and they will immediately think of August 6, 1945; that horrific day when this Japanese city became the site of the world’s very first atomic bomb attack.

In spite of this city’s devastatingly sad past, it has become a vibrant, cosmopolitan place that is brimming over with wonderfully beautiful messages of hope and peace.

As a solo traveler, you should definitely spend at least a few nights here, wandering through the area’s many idyllic, tree-lined boulevards and chatting with some of Hiroshima’s friendly, laid back locals.

No trip to Hiroshima would be complete without a visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

It’s a hauntingly beautiful, sprawling green space that is filled with various fountains, statues, memorials, and ruins, all of which stand in memoriam of the 146,000 people who tragically lost their lives on that fateful day.

And of particular note here is Genbaku Dome.

Once the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotional Hall (originally built in 1914), this abandoned building is now all that remains of the site where the first atomic bomb was dropped.

This edifice stands, exactly as it did after the bombing, as a powerful reminder of the devastating effects of nuclear weapons, and as a symbol of hope for a future that is free of this type of technology.

Hiroshima is also home to several other, slightly less, incredibly heartbreaking attractions, like the Shukkei-en Japanese garden, and Hiroshima Castle , a beautiful, historic fortress that was built in 1590 and that is surrounded by a moat.

And for some of the best eats in the city:

Head down to Hiroshima Station and explore downtown Hiroshima, where you can try everything from okonomiyaki (PSST: Okonomi-mura is the best place in the COUNTRY to try this s avory, Japanese-style pancake) to oysters (Yakigaki-no-hayashi is a great, local seafood restaurant where you enjoy some great udon sets as well as raw oysters) to Gelato (Okay, I know this isn’t a traditional Japanese food, but Polar Bear really is the best place to go for gloriously fresh and delicious gelato).

Hotel S-Plus Hiroshima Peace Park (Budget) –   Sitting near the Hiroshima Peace Park, (the clue’s in the name guys!), this well-located hotel has functional, single rooms that come fully equipped with WIFI, a TV, a mini-fridge, and a tea/coffeemaker. Starting at just $31 per night stays here also include a complimentary, continental breakfast, as well as access to, YOU GUESSED IT, a coin-operated laundry facility.

 Top Hiroshima Condominium 2 (Mid-Range) – This super snazzy hotel is less than three years old and is a mere 20-minute walk away from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Which is good because the more you walk, the more calories you burn, and then the more you can eat! HOORAY!). Rooms here also start at $130 per night and include a private balcony (For prime city views here people), a queen-sized bed, a sofa, a TV, and a full kitchen, as well as an ensuite bathroom with free toiletries! Yup, nothing but the sweet, sweet, luxe life for me.  

9. Kanazawa

Beautiful Kanazawa Castle in Japan, amidst a sea of cherry blossoms.

Often nicknamed “ little Kyoto” (and for all the right reasons):

Kanazawa is jam-packed full of fun things to do, activities that you can easily add to any, Japan solo travel itinerary.

But, don’t just take my word for it.

I mean, Kanazawa Castle  and Kenroku-en Garden alone are considered to be some of the country’s top attractions!

Kanazawa isn’t JUST about iconic castles and ethereal green spaces.  

Walk through this city’s various Edo-era districts (like the Higashi Chaya district, which is where you’ll find many historic teahouses with geisha performances) and you’ll discover a multitude of fascinating museums (like the 21st Century Contemporary Art Museum ), ancient Japanese buildings (like Seisenkaku Villa), charming local markets (check out Omicho Ichiba Market , which is just as good as the one in Tokyo, only A LOT less crowded), historic temples (like Ninjadera with all its secret doors and hidden traps), and quaint little handicraft shops.  

And while we’re on the subject of markets:

Just around the corner from Omicho is Curio Espresso & Vintage Design , a great little coffee shop that sells fab espresso and delicious sandwiches.  

A trip here is absolutely ESSENTIAL to your overall wellbeing and happiness while in Kanazawa.

The owners here are SUPER friendly, and just an overall great source of local information about the city.

Sharin (Budget) – Complete with vintage bicycles out front, Sharin is just a 10-minute walk from Kanazawa Railway Station and offers guests easy access to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. And while this hotel does have several dormitories for you to stay in, there’s really no need. Because f or a mere $23 per night, you can have your very own, private room, complete with an uber-spacious double bed (Can you say bargain, party of one?). See, dreams really do come true!

Libre Hosai Kanazawa (mid-range) – You want space? Then I’ll give you space! 42m² of space to be exact! Because believe it or not, Libre Hosai Stay Kanazawa lets you rent out an entire apartment for just $132 per night. So, think private shower, a spacious bathtub, and a snazzy AF little kitchenette where you can pretend like you “cook”. Now THAT’S what I call the LUXE life indeed. This place also conveniently located just 800 meters away from Omi-cho Market and Oyama Shrine.

10. Koyasan

Tucked away, to the south of Osaka, is Koyasan, a huge Buddhist temple settlement that lies (both figuratively and literally) at the very heart of Japanese Buddhism.

More commonly known as Mount Kōya:

This small, secluded, temple town was first developed around the Shingon Buddhism headquarters here.

And lest you think I’ve started speaking in tongues:

Shingon Buddhism is actually an important sect of the religion that was first brought to Japan in 805 AD, by Kobo Daish.

You’ll find a wealth of Buddhist temples within this tranquil, heavily forested, mountain town, as well as the site of Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum and the start/endpoint for the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.

To really get the most out of your visit, I’d HIGHLY recommend doing an overnight stay in a local, Japanese Temple.  

Known in Japan as Shukubo, which literally translates to ‘sleeping with the monks’, this is a fantastic way for any solo traveler out there to really engage with Japanese culture and get an authentic, Japanese Buddhist experience.

Live the dream and feel free to eat, pray, and love your way through the day, just like a local monk.

And if you get a sudden attack of the late-night munchies:

Then stroll on over to Kameya for some udon noodles and seaweed in vinegar.

I pinkie promise, both of these dishes are absolutely TO DIE FOR!

Guesthouse Fuki Juku (Budget) –   Honestly, the location of Guesthouse Fuki Juki could not be any better since this place is literally SURROUNDED by local temples! There’s also a traditional Japanese garden on-site, as well as comfortable rooms that include both free Wifi and a delicious, complimentary, American-style breakfast. And while rooms here are a bit sparse (You’ll also have to use a shared bathroom, which I hate), it’s all good when you’re spending just $51 per night.

Yochi-in (Mid-range) – Yochi-in is the perfect place for visitors to engage in various, temple-related activities like meditation, morning prayers, sutra copying, and tracing of Buddhist deities. All Japanese-style rooms here also start at $143 per night and feature tatami (woven-straw) floors, futon bedding, a TV, fan, and heater. And while bathrooms are shared with other guests, the hotel’s central location more than makes up for this fact since this place is within easy walking distance of both Koyasan Reihokan Museum and Koyasan Choishimichi ( two must-see attractions while you’re in the area). Plus, their on-site restaurant really is the very definition of amazing.

A 7 Day, Japan Solo Travel Itinerary!

Use this 7 day Japan itinerary to explore some of Japan’s top attractions, like the Itsukushima Shrine pictured here.

So, per usual, I’m just gonna start by being totally honest here.

And honestly:

There is just no way in HELL that you’ll be able to see all of Japan in 7 days.

Yeah. Sorry, but it’s just not possible.

At least, not without totally burning yourself out or getting approximately NO sleep.

But, t hat being said:

Thanks to Japan’s nifty railway system/JR pass, there are still LOADS of different places that you can see during a 7 day Japan itinerary.

If you’re down and r eady to get started, then let’s start with the bustling city life of Japan’s one and only…Tokyo!

Toyko (3 Nights)

Day 1 – west tokyo.

I would recommend spending at least 4 nights in Tokyo, just so that you can really experience everything this city has to offer.

Remember before when I said that Tokyo was HUGE?

Well, I was NOT lying.  

Which is why 4 days in Tokyo is definitely ideal.

But, if you’re short on time:

Then two days is still a decent amount of time to spend in this city and it will help you get a feel for this amazing place.

To start your whirlwind trip through Tokyo, head to the famous Shibuya district.

Because once you’re here:

You’ll be able to cross the street, just outside of Shibuya Station, at one of the busiest intersections in the WORLD!

It’s beyond chaotic and crazy, but it’s also definitely all things Tokyo.

While you’re here, do try and visit some of the insanely quirky shops that can be found in this area.

A trip to the vibrant Harajuku neighborhood, which is brimming over with colorful street art, quirky vintage clothing stores, young people who are wearing only the FUNKIEST of fashions, and fun cosplay shops along Takeshita Street .

And while there are a ton of different things to see and do here:

No trip to Harajuku would be complete without stopping for a giant cotton candy at  Totti Candy Factory and visiting the world-famous, Meiji Shrine.

Don’t forget to do as the locals do and snap some pics in a local ‘Purikura.  AKA, a popular Japanese-style photo booth where you can take photos, decorate them as you like, and then print them off on sticker paper.

You should also probably stop by Kawaii Monster Café while you’re here, which is a wonderfully weird, themed cafe that features colorful, themed rooms, casual eats, fun cocktails, and regular, live performances.

Head back to the Metropolitan Government Building for an amazing FREE view of the city, but not before stopping at Ramen Road for a quick dinner.

Then finally:

Finish your evening off with a trip to Park Hyatt Tokyo, where you can create your very own ‘Lost in Translation’ moment.

You can always skip the serenity of the park and just straight up, live la vida loca at ’ Timeout ’ instead; a jazz/blues bar where the music never really stops.  

Because once the live music ends, that’s when the karaoke begins…

Day 2 – East Tokyo

On day two, you’ll see the more traditional side of Tokyo and visit Sensoji Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple in Asakusa.

We want ultra-modern yesterday.  

Let’s switch things up and go a bit more traditional today.

And the best place to do that?

Why East Tokyo of course! It’s a bit more historic and slightly less chaotic than the other side of the city.

Once you’re here, feel free to explore top, Tokyo attractions like Sensoji Temple (it’s the super famous, ancient Buddhist temple in Asakusa),   Tsukiji (there’s even a viewing area here for the popular tuna auction. LOL) and Toyosu Fish Markets and Ueno Park ’ s Museum District.

Now, once you’ve done ALL OF THAT:

Finish the day off on a more modern note in Akihabara, a Tokyo neighborhood that is known for its plethora of awesome arcade games.

You can also get some rather delicious ramen here, and enjoy some gorgeous, panoramic views from atop Tokyo Sky Tree (and sorry, but the views here are VERY un-free).

Day 3- Tokyo Day Trip To Mount Fuji or DisneySea

Today there are two different options available to you, depending on what you’re into.

Take a train from Tokyo Station to Hakone, for some beyond STELLAR views of Mount Fiji (The awesomeness of the views largely depends on the weather, so make sure that you visit on a nice, clear day).  

Along the way:

You should also visit the exquisite floating torii gate at Hakone shrine, explore the many walking trails here, and indulge your inner Jack Sparrow with a boat ride across the lake.

You could always go for option two and check out the iconic, DisneySea theme park ,

BEFORE you start violently screaming at me and throwing your laptop across the room in disgust, hear me out.

Because in truth:

DisneySea isn’t just ANY theme park. It’s actually one of the most lavish theme parks in the entire world.

Which is why it’s a super fun, super safe place for solo travelers to go.

It’s also strangely Japanese, making it at least a mildly cultural experience.

Locals adore it. Like, it’s a national treasure level adore it.

A day spent here will not only elevate your inner child to near euphoric states of happiness, but you’ll also get to experience a more modern side of Japanese culture.

Which is a total win-win, at least in my humble opinion.

***For the love of God and all that is HOLY, if you do decide to visit DisneySea, then do yourself a favor and PLEASE BUY YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE ! LIKE RIGHT NOW! Trust me on this. You do not want to get there, just to spend hours waiting in line for a ticket. This is a very un-fun way to solo travel Japan.*** 

Kyoto (3 Nights)

Day 4 – kyoto.

Is riding in a bullet train on your Japan bucket list?

Then prepare to tick that item right off your list. Because you’re about to jump aboard the Shinkansen and travel all the way to Kyoto.

If you can:

Try and catch an early morning train since the trip will take around two hours.

AND REMEMBER:

Be sure to sit on the right side of the train so that you can get that iconic shot of Mount Fiji!

While you may be tempted to rest after your early morning train ride, let’s be honest here.

You really DON’T have time for that.  

So, embrace the mildly exhausted explorer within and get out there!

If you’re not exactly sure where to start, then you can always try a walking tour , which is a great way to quickly and easily experience all that Kyoto has to offer..

If walking tours are SOOO NOT your thing, then you can always visit Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace instead, both of which are incredibly impressive attractions(to say the very least).

And if you’re hungry:

Be sure to stop by both Nishiki Market and Pontocho Alley for some of the best food in the city.

Whatever you do though:

Do not leave without devouring an uber-yummy, ‘okonomiyaki’ pancake!

NOM, NOM, NOM.

Day 5 – East Kyoto

Beautiful Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto, Japan.

Like with Tokyo:

You could easily spend more than 3 days in Kyoto as you solo travel Japan.

With this Japan 7 day itinerary, you’ll easily be able to see most of Kyoto’s top attractions.

Start your day off right, with a visit to some of the city’s most spectacular shrines.

And while Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park are ALWAYS beautiful, they are exceptionally stunning during cherry blossom season and autumn, when you have the vibrant, fall foliage in the background.

You can always embrace your inner tourist instead (make sure to have those selfie sticks and fanny packs handy) and follow the popular “temple route” through Kyoto.

This path starts at Kiyomizudera Templ e , follows a GIANT, straight-line through the foothills of Kyoto’s Higashiyama Mountains, and takes you to some of the most stunning temples in the area .

And once you’re totally templed out:

Head to Kyoto’s Gion district for some evening Geisha spotting (PSST: Kyoto also has a seriously awesome night walk through picturesque Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district. But the best part? This tour costs only $12 per person! Yup, money well spent as you learn all about kimonos and the unique history of geishas)!

You could even p artake in a traditional tea ceremony or have dinner at Sukemasa, which is known for serving some of the BEST gyozas in Japan!

Day 6 – Kyoto West

It’s time to head west and visit the city’s famous Arashiyama and Sagano districts.  

And I know it sounds totally weird:

But, you MUST start your day with a 7-Eleven egg breakfast sandwich.

Because yes:

They really are THAT good!

Once the HANGRY beast within is properly satiated:

Head to the Arashiyama Monkey Forest.

You REALLY will want to get here EXTRA early, just to avoid the crowds.  

Because this ultra-famous bamboo grove really is a total tourist hotspot.

But, if you’re someone who is prone to crowd phobia:

Then you can always visit Okochi Sanso Villa and Jojakkoji Temple instead, both of which are great off-the-beaten-path attractions.

If this is your first solo trip to Japan, then you may want to stick with some of the area’s more well-known attractions.

End your day at Fushimi Inari Shrine, which features over 4 kilometers of winding walking paths that are filled with quaint AF torii gates.  

This is definitely one of Japan’s most popular attractions (AKA crowded as hell), but so beautiful and totally worth a visit.

Try and arrive around dusk so that you can experience the beautiful sunset amidst slightly less enormous hordes of tourists.

Day 7 – Leave Kyoto and Head Home

I f you can afford it:

Save yourself some time and fly home from Kansai International Airport in Osaka and not Narita or Haneda in Tokyo.

This airport is infinitely closer to you and will help you maximize your short time in Japan.

If this option isn’t cost-effective, then you can always explore the local food and shopping scene right around Osaka Station, before boarding your train to Tokyo

The train ride takes AT LEAST two and a half hours.  

And once you do arrive in Tokyo:

You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time since it will take you about an hour to get from the train station to Narita Airport when using the Narita Express (tickets also cost about $36 per person).

Conversely:

If you’re flying out of Haneda Airport, you could always take the Keihin-Tōhoku Line of the subway, towards Kamata, and then transfer to the Airport Monorail at Hamamatsuchō Station.

It should take you about thirty minutes to get from Tokyo Station to Haneda Airport.

And there you have it!

You have just concluded your awesome, chaotic, whirlwind, once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan.

BRAVO (insert copious amounts of jazz hands here)!

AND NOW…SOME FINAL THOUGHTS ON SOLO TRAVEL IN JAPAN (JERRY SPRINGER, EAT YOUR HEART OUT!)

So while this Japan solo travel guide is basically OVER, there are just a few more things I want to remind you of, before we say a fond farewell.

First rule of Japan solo travel? Always book your hotels WELL IN ADVANCE since accommodations tend to fill up CRAZY QUICKLY!

Do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT wait until the last minute to book all of your hotels.I know you may think that you’ll score some wicked awesome, last-minute hotel deals.

But I promise you won’t. In fact:

Do this and you’ll have a hard time finding ANYWHERE to stay. Like at all. Especially during peak travel seasons.

Okay, now it’s time for some good news!

Because SURPRISE! The power outlets in Japan are EXACTLY the same as the ones in North America.

No need to add any annoying power adapters to your Japan packing list!

Oh, and if you’re a theme park addict, you’ll definitely want to book your tickets to Disneyland Tokyo and Universal Studios (featuring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, for all my fellow Potterheads out there!), WELL in advance.  

You’ll also want to do a bit of research and look at some crowd calendars on Google, just to figure out what time and day to visit (And since you’re alone, feel free to skip all of those ridiculously long lines and just hop on the single rider line instead).

Alright cool kids:

That’s enough from me! I am so blowing this popsicle stand of solo travel awesome.

In all seriousness, that really is all she wrote!

So, until next time:

Continue to live the solo travel dream like the TOTAL rockstar that I know you are!

Micamyx|Senyorita

Saturday 11th of January 2020

Solo Travelers who will come across this post are lucky! So comprehensive!

I've been to Japan twice - Tokyo in 2014 to visit my best friend who was based there at that time and Nagoya side in 2015. I plan to go back this year to do a bit of solo backpacking. This is a good guide. Cheers!

girlwiththepassport

Monday 13th of January 2020

Thanks so much for reading Mica and have an AMAZING trip!

Just waiting for the Olympics year to end so I can visit Japan! Super handy and detailed post and as always I love your small details! Super curious to try out these black eggs for which I had never heard anything!!

YES! When you get to Hakone give them a try and let me know what you think. Thanks for reading!

This was so helpful + informative! I’m planning to visit Japan solo soon so this was amazing to read!

So happy to hear that and thank you so much for reading!

Privacy Overview

Traveling to Japan for the First Time: Planning a 1-2 Week Trip Making your first trip to Japan an awesome one

May 8, 2012 • words written by Koichi • Art by Aya Francisco

Traveling to Japan for the first time can be overwhelming. I understand! There's a lot to see and do. That's why I put together a "first-timers" Japan travel itinerary, built on my 20+ years of traveling to and from Japan.

This sample trip is for people heading to Japan for 1 to 2 weeks (which seems like the standard visit time for most people). Of course, there are so many things to see in Japan besides those featured on this trip itinerary. That's why I broke the travel plan into a 2 week stint so you can customize your vacation, removing and adding things as necessary.

That said, I hope this is helpful to those of you visiting Japan for the first time.

Things To Know

There are a few important things to know that have nothing to do with the actual places. They are:

Whether you travel to Japan for one week or one-point-five weeks or two weeks, the general route stays the same. You'll do Tokyo area, then Kyoto, then Nara, then Koya, and then back to Tokyo. Throughout the route, I'll mark things as "optional" as well. If you're only staying a week, I'd recommend cutting out these things (unless you really want to go to them, then cut something else out). If you're staying for two weeks, you should be able to go to all of these places, and maybe even diverge off to other places. In fact, I highly encourage this! Go where you want – this route is merely a suggestion.

Also keep in mind that I'm just going to be providing locations. You'll have to do your own research as to how to get to them. Google and Google Maps helps a lot with this. I believe in you.

Whether you stay a week or two weeks, I'd recommend getting the JR Pass . This is like a magical golden ticket that gives you unlimited JR train rides (bullet train too) to anywhere around Japan. Not all things are free (for example, non JR trains as well as most subways), but if you take three rides on the Shinkansen that will usually make it worthwhile. You can get a JR Pass at jrpass.com (where I got my last one). Just be sure to take into account the time change when you schedule your ticket dates. Going to Japan involves traveling through both space and time.

Finding Places To Stay

I don't really cover places to stay in this article, just the places to go to. Finding someplace to stay is up to you, though there are plenty of resources out there that will help you. I recommend hostels for adventurers / students / people with no money (they're fun, cheap, and way less sketchy than other hostels I've been to). Guest houses are also great if you can find them. They tend to be a little cheaper than hotels, but the food / environments are a lot more interesting. And interesting is what you want when you travel to Japan.

Since this is a pretty standard trip, most of the places are going to be pretty bag friendly. I wouldn't bring a ton (lots of hotels have washing machines too), and would definitely recommend a backpack or something with wheels. Don't make the mistake of bringing something you're not comfortable carrying up and down long flights of stairs. You will run into a lot of these getting on and off trains, so if your biceps are tiny, only pack whatever you can lift (preferably less). Also, bring a lightweight duffel bag (or you can buy one) for the optional shopping you can do at the end of your trip.

That being said, let's get started! You have some traveling to plan.

Day 1: Fly Into Tokyo

Flying into Tokyo isn't terrible, but it isn't great either. Depending on where you're coming from, you may also be terribly jet lagged. If that's you and you're on the 2-week schedule, you get an extra day to take it easy in Tokyo. Nice. If that's not you, you better be ready to go. No rest for the weary. After getting to the airport, you'll need to go pick up your JR Pass (should be included with your ticket). If your flight comes in too late (and the ticket place is closed) I'd recommend shelling out the $30 or so to go into Tokyo without the JR Pass and get it the next day in the city.

Optional: You can also pick up a 3g hotspot / internet dongle for your computer if you'd like. Finding free wifi in Japan is a huge pain, and getting one of these will pay for itself if you need to do a lot of work, or something.

Once you've gotten your ticket, hop on the JR Narita Express (NEX) to Tokyo. When you get to Tokyo, check into wherever you're staying and scope things out. It's probably evening by now anyways, so do your best to unjetlag yourself and go to bed so you can wake up early.

Day 2, 3, & 4: Tokyo

*If you're only staying for one week, cut out days 3 and 4 and then skip to Day 7. Alternatively, you could skip Day 2 as well and choose to do Day 5 or Day 6 (then your Tokyo time will be your shopping time on your way back). If you don't really care about big cities like Tokyo, skipping this section won't be too bad! :)

For the first few days, you'll be exploring Tokyo. So many people. So many things. Hopefully by the end of your Tokyo time you'll feel so tired of it you want to go somewhere nice and peaceful (don't worry, you will!). There are various areas of Tokyo worth visiting, and they're all quite easy to get to via the subway system. As long as you're not hitting it during rush hour, you'll probably have a great time scooting around. Since there are so many different tastes out there, I thought I'd list out the main places worth visiting in Tokyo, and then you can pick and choose what you like. I'll even sort them by areas.

Central Tokyo

Akihabara: This area should be on every nerd's Japan itinerary. It's famous for its electronic shops and otaku culture. So, if you're into either of these, this is a fun place to be. Make sure you look up, too. Lots of multi-story buildings filled with all kinds of weird things. You can spend a while walking around here.

Northern Tokyo:

Asakusa: Asakusa has the feeling of an "old" Tokyo, I think. You can visit the Sensoji (famous Buddhist Temple) and Asakusa Shrine or hit up some of the various shopping lanes.

Ueno Park: Ueno Park is probably one of Japan's most well known parks. Besides being parkish, it's full of museums, shrines, temples, as well as the Ueno Zoo. Definitely the kind of place you fancier folks will enjoy. You can spend a whole day here, if you're into this kind of thing.

Roppongi Hills: Want to see Tokyo from somewhere up high? Come to Roppongi Hills. You can go up into the Mori tower and look down on all those tiny people. Pro Tip: They don't like it when you try to throw pennies off the observation deck. Also worth noting is the Mori Art Museum.

Kappabashi: Do you know how a lot of Japanese food places have fake foods outside showing you what the food looks like? There's a chance they got it at Kappabashi, the kitchen capital of Tokyo. You can buy things for your restaurant, but the best part is the fake food, I think. It's surprisingly expensive, too.

Western Tokyo

Shibuya: Shibuya is just a ward of Tokyo, but it's particularly known for all its fashion and culture. Fashionistas should put it on their Japan itinerary. A lot of shopping can be found here, but there's also the Hachiko Dog Statue as well. Scope it out but come back in the "shopping days" at the end of your trip.

Love Hotel Hill: Technically this is part of Shibuya, but it's worth noting on its own. This is just an area with a lot of love hotels. Pro tip: They won't let three people in at a time, so if you want to check one out as a group, you'll have to break up into pairs or bring a body pillow.

Shinjuku: Shinjuku's kind of the party district, though that may be because of Kabukicho (northeast of Shinjuku Station) which is Tokyo's big red light district. If you're into nightclubs, bars, pachinko, neon, and other ahem things, this will be a place you'll enjoy.

Harajuku: Love crazy outfits? You'll fit in right here. Harajuku is home to Tokyo's teen fashion and cosplay (if you visit on a Sunday). There's also plenty of shopping and crepe stands as well (yum).

Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park: These two places are pretty close to each other, so I'm putting them together here too. It's also a good place to go from Harajuku, since you'll use the same train station. The Meiji Shrine is just one of many shrines in Japan, but it's particularly interesting if you're into modern Japanese history. Yoyogi Park, on the other hand, is just a really big park. Both are nice, though, if you're looking to get out of the cement jungle known as Tokyo.

Day 5: Monkey Park, Jigokudani

Have you heard of those Japanese monkeys that hang out in the hot springs? This is one of those places, though depending on the time of year, they may not be spending too much time in the hot springs. I like this place in Winter, but other times are good as well. Summer means baby monkeys, after all. To get here, you'll have to go North of Tokyo to Nagano (Shinkansen it!). From Nagano Station, take Nagano Dentetsu to Yudanaka. From there, you can take a bus to the Kanbayashi Onsen, which has the entrance to the Jigokudani Yaen-Koen. It'll be a 30+ minute walk (depending on how much you stop) to get to the actual monkey area, though you may start seeing monkeys before then if you're lucky. Check out the livecam , too!

If you're going to Jigokudani, I'd maybe recommend heading up here at the end of Day 4 and staying the night in Nagano. There's some interesting things up there too (that's where they did the Winter Olympics in 1998!), so feel free to head up a bit earlier and check things out. Then, the next morning (Day 5) you can head out bright and early to Jigokudani and take your time with the monkeys and possibly hit the onsen. It's a nice place. Then, you can head on back to Tokyo the same night.

Day 6: Toshogu Shrine, Nikko

Nikko is the mausoleum for Tokugawa Ieyasu. Basically, he and his relatives ruled over Japan as Shogun for 250 years (until the Meiji Restoration). That means he got a pretty sweet shrine. There are over a dozen Shinto and Buddhist buildings here, and it's in a very beautiful setting. Need some peace from Tokyo? You'll for sure get it here.

This can be a day trip (it's really close to Tokyo) with some extra time left over. I'd recommend coming here, then either checking out other things in this area or heading straight to Tokyo in the afternoon or evening. Just be sure to give yourself 3-4 hours to travel, so don't leave too late from here. Another option would be to leave the morning of Day 7 and get to Kyoto in the late morning or early afternoon. It's totally up to you.

Day 7 & 8: Kyoto

*If you're on the 1-week plan, skip day 8 and go to Nara instead.

Kyoto's going to be your shrine and temple time while visiting Japan. Since it was the place where the emperor lived for over a thousand years, it's full of cool, historical things. Take your pick and enjoy. Also be sure to just walk around at random. You'll run into so many temple, castles, and shrines just by accident. It doesn't hurt to explore, some. Oh, and bring your walking shoes. Things are about to get… walky.

Central Kyoto

Nijo Castle: This was where Tokugawa Ieyasu lived (remember his shrine, up above?). Later it switched to an imperial palace (after the Shogunate went down), and then later opened to the public. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is supposedly a big deal.

Kyoto Imperial Palace: When the Shogunate was in power, this is where the imperial family lived. You can even take tours in English, here.

Northern Kyoto

Kinkakuji: Also known as the golden pavilion, this is a building covered in gold .

Western Kyoto

Kokedera: Also known as Saihoji, this is another UNESCO World Heritage Site (way to go, Kyoto). This temple is mainly known for its moss, and apparently has over 120 different varieties.

Southern Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Shrine: This shrine is known for its thousand torii gates. They're bright orange and absolutely incredible to walk through. Highly recommended.

Eastern Kyoto

Kiyomizudera: One of the must sees, I think (and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site). This temple is high up on a hill and has a balcony that offers an awesome view.

Higashiyama District: You'll run into this on your way up to Kiyomizudera, actually. Think of this area as a "historic shopping district." Kind of touristy, but a lot of fun nonetheless. Grab something to take home!

Sanjusangendo: The building itself it's amazing, but the inside is pretty remarkable. There are 1001 statues of Kannon in here, which is… well… kinda remarkable.

Gion: Like Geisha? this is Kyoto's Geisha District. You will have to try pretty hard to get in to see a geiko, though, but good luck trying (hint: apparently some travel agencies will hook you up if you've got the yen).

Day 9: Nara

You can leave the morning of Day 9 or leave the evening of Day 10 and spend the night in Nara. Either is fine. You can even spend the night in Nara on Day 9 as well then move on early in the morning of Day 10. It all depends on how much you like temples and Deer.

While there's some neat temples, shrines, castles, and other similar things here in Nara, I'd say you're coming for deer. The deer here are pretty tame and will actually attack you if you have food (kinda fun to run from deer). Don't worry, they have their horns cut off, though (it's a religious thing), so you won't be stabbed through, most likely.

Places you'll want to go in Nara:

• Todaiji Temple: Largest wooden structure in the world with Japan's largest Buddha statues inside. Basically, think super sized. Definitely one of the best places to visit in Nara.
• Nara Park: Has a lot of deer. Go buy deer food, the deer will thank you.
• Kofukuji Temple: Basically a big temple. Very pretty, though.
• Nara National Museum: If you're interested in Japanese Buddhist Art, this will be a fun place for you. The building is also surrounded by ferocious, wild deer.

Consider this a day to walk around but not as much as when you were in Kyoto. Nara's a lot like Kyoto in a lot of ways, though, so I'd recommend mainly hitting up the deer and then hitting up Todaiji Temple. Depending on how worn out you are on temples, though, you can stay here longer or shorter, deciding where you stay this night based off of that.

Day 10: Mt. Koya aka Koyasan

You'll want to make sure you leave early this day, whether you're leaving from Kyoto or Nara. You have a ways to go to get to Koya-san, quite possibly one of the most beautiful places in Japan (just my opinion). This might be one of the best places you go in your Japan travels.

There are a hundred temples here, many of which you can stay the night at. When you spend the night, you get the best vegetarian meal you've ever had (guaranteed), a room to stay in, and even the option to wake up (really) early to go watch the monks do their morning rituals. It's so peaceful, a lot of fun, and one of my favorite places on earth. You'll want to go to the Koyasan website for more information on lodging.

I'd recommend getting here as early as you can on Day 10, dropping off your things at the place you're staying, then just walk around. You'll be able to fill a good amount of time just exploring. The best place to walk, though? Probably the giant cemetery, which also happens to be the largest in Japan. Although some may find a graveyard creepy, it really is quite peaceful.

This, I think, will be one of your best days in Japan, so don't skimp out on it if possible! Just be sure to get back to your temple in time for dinner.

Day 11: Travel Day / Osaka / Fuji

*If you're on the 1-week schedule, you'll need to get back to Tokyo. You're running out of days.

Day 11 is mostly travel. You'll want to leave Koya either late morning or early afternoon, depending on where you're going next. If you like shopping a lot, you'll want to get back to Tokyo on this day.

If you don't need the extra time, consider stopping in Osaka (it's on the way from Koyasan). You can visit the Glico Man, Osaka Tower, play some Pachinko, and eat some Takoyaki / Okonomiyaki (both famous in Osaka). It's a bit different than Tokyo, but it's still a big city. I'll leave this one up to you, though. Osaka's a lot of fun to just walk around and check out.

Alternatively, you could stop at Mt. Fuji on the way back too. I recommend the amusement park Fuji-Q Highland over climbing the mountain itself (it looks better from afar, you'll have to trust me on this one) if you do this. Definitely don't miss the horror house there, it's top notch.

Whatever you end up doing, you're reaching the end of your trip. Just make sure you're back in Tokyo in time to do your shopping before you get on the airplane to leave. Of course, if you don't shop, then you have more time to go to more places. If you do shop, get back to Tokyo.

Day 12 & 13: Shopping In Tokyo / Last Minute Visits

Hopefully you scoped out all the places you wanted to shop at, because this is your shopping time. Get the things you want for yourself and for your friends / relatives. Fill up that duffel bag you brought / bought and have fun. This is also a good time to just go around to the places you missed.

Either way, it's good to be back in Tokyo a day or two before your flight leaves, that way you won't miss your flight (unless you want to "accidentally" miss it, wink wink nudge nudge).

Day 14: Go Home

Hope you had traveling to Japan. This is only your first trip, though. Now that you've gotten all the normal / main stuff out of the way, your next trip can be filled with strange, exciting places. Be sure to check out TofuguTV for some of those, and keep reading Tofugu for more in the future. There are certainly many, many "off-the-beaten-track" locations worth visiting, but we'll save that for next time !

Truly Tokyo

A Tokyo Travel Guide

Tokyo-Kyoto 1-Week Itinerary

If you have only one week in Japan, then Tokyo and Kyoto are the two places you should visit. These cities will give you the best experience of modern and traditional Japan. Here's the ideal one-week Tokyo-Kyoto itinerary.

Tokyo-Kyoto 1-Week Itinerary Summary

• This itinerary includes two full days in Tokyo, three full days in Kyoto and two travel days.
• In Tokyo, you'll see the modern West Side and the traditional East Side.
• In Kyoto, you'll see Southern Higashiyama, Arashiyama and Northern Higashiyama.

Full Itinerary

Day 1: tokyo: west side/modern tokyo.

• Travel to Harajuku and check out Meiji-jingu Shrine , Omotesando , and Nezu Museum .
• Take the train to Shibuya and explore the shops then eat lunch.
• Take the train and subway to Roppongi for some more exploration then dinner.
• Have a drink after dinner in Roppongi. See my Tokyo 2-Day Itinerary for full details on the Tokyo leg of this itinerary.

Day 2: Tokyo: East Side/Traditional Tokyo

• Take the subway up to Asakusa and visit Senso-ji Temple.
• Then, take the subway over to Ueno and check out the park and museums there.
• Take the train down to Tokyo Station and eat lunch in the Tokyo Station area .
• Visit a museum in the area then walk into Ginza to do some shopping.
• Eat dinner in the area or near your hotel.
• See my Tokyo 2-Day Itinerary for full details on the Tokyo leg of this itinerary.

Day 3: Travel Day: Tokyo to Kyoto

• Take the shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto . See my How to Get from Tokyo to Kyoto page for full travel details. The trip takes about 2.5 hours. There's no point in getting an early start on this day since most hotels and ryokan won't allow you to check in until 3pm. At Kyoto Station, you can put your luggage in the lockers or the luggage storage office and eat a relaxing lunch in the station. Otherwise, you can store your luggage at your hotel or ryokan and do some exploring until check-in time. I suggest doing a short walk near your hotel or ryokan during the late afternoon.

Check Hotel Availability

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

Day 4: Kyoto: Southern Higashiyama

• Explore Kyoto's most important sightseeing district: Southern Higashiyama.
• Walk from Kiyomizu-dera Temple all the way north to Shoren-in Temple.
• Head downtown and eat lunch, then visit Nishiki Market and if you've got the energy, head south to the superb Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine.
• See my Kyoto Two-Day Itinerary for full details on the Kyoto leg of this itinerary.

Day 5: Kyoto: Arashiyama

• Head to the west side of Kyoto today and explore the city's second-most important sightseeing area: Arashiyama.
• Visit Tenruy-ji Temple, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Okochi-Sanso Villa.
• Then take a taxi up to Kinkaku-ji Temple and continue to Daitoku-ji Temple if you have the energy.
• In the evening, visit Pontocho Alley. See my Kyoto Two-Day Itinerary for full details on the Kyoto leg of this itinerary.

Day 6: Kyoto: Northern Higashiyama

• Visit the Northern Higashiyama Area and, if you have the energy, head up to the village of Kurama. If you feel like taking it easy, just take a stroll downtown in the afternoon. See my Kyoto Three-Day Itinerary for full details on the Kyoto leg of this itinerary.

Day 7: Travel Day: Kyoto to Tokyo

• Travel from Kyoto back to Tokyo by shinkansen (bullet train). See my How to Get from Tokyo to Kyoto page for full travel details. The trip takes about 2.5 hours Again, there's no point in getting an early start since your Tokyo hotel probably won't let you check in before 3:00pm. In the afternoon of this day, do some last-minute shopping. Consider a splurge dinner this evening in a place like Roppongi or Shinjuku.
• Don't try to pack too much into your days in Tokyo and Kyoto. It's better to enjoy a few places properly than to race through a long list of places.
• See my Where to Stay in Tokyo page for advice about where to stay in Tokyo .
• See my Where to Stay in Kyoto page for advice about where to stay in Kyoto .

Where Are These Places Located?

• Open the Tokyo map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

Tokyo Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
• Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto , Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
• You can buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
• Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals . Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport .
• If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world

Tokyo District Map

• Imperial Palace Area
• Tokyo Station
• Shimbashi Shiodome Hamamatsucho Shinagawa
• Akihabara Kanda
• Roppongi Akasaka
• Harajuku Aoyama
• Ebisu Daikanyama Meguro

Disclosure: trulytokyo.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and amazon.co.uk. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

One Day in a City

24 Hour Travel Itineraries to Make the Most of a Day in a Destination

One Day in Tokyo, Japan

November 5, 2020 By Gina Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

Just 24 Hours in Tokyo? Here’s What You Should Do and See

Looking for a perfect and easy to follow Tokyo itinerary if you only have one day to spend in the city? You’re in the right place. Anne Sutherland-Smith is a Japan travel planning expert who is here to share her top tips for what to see and do in Tokyo when short on time.

One Day in Tokyo by Anne Sutherland-Smith

If you only have 24 hours to explore Tokyo in Japan and want to make the most of your short time then here is my recommended itinerary! If you can spend more time in Tokyo that would definitely be my recommendation, but plan ahead and you can certainly hit the highlights in a single day.

Morning:  Where to Begin Your One Day in Tokyo

Toyosu Fish Market to see the Tuna Auction

Getting to Toyosu Market to see the famous Tuna Auction means a very early start, but definitely a worthwhile experience! You need to get to the Toyosu Market Tuna Auction Building by 5:45 a.m.  Note that this option is only available on selected days.

You can watch in the public viewing area without making prior arrangements; however, if you can plan ahead I definitely recommend that you apply for the limited ticket tours which enable you to access the closer (and open air) viewing deck. 

There are options to apply online each month which are usually open for only the second week of the month. Click here to find out more about how to apply . 

There are also English language guides in both areas to help explain what is happening.

The tuna auction takes around one hour from start to finish, and you can leave any time you like.

Sushi Breakfast in Tokyo

You may not realize that a popular time to eat sushi in Japan is for breakfast! 

And after seeing the very fresh tuna on display, close to Toyosu Market is one of the best places to have this experience. Many sushi restaurants offer a set menu which is determined by the chef, while other locations offer the option to select your own.

If you are looking for a premium experience we definitely recommend that you visit Daiwa Sushi – it is located at Toyosu Market in an out of the way nook. When you arrive you will see many businessmen and other locals enjoying a breakfast of amazing sushi. 

We really enjoyed the set menu at Daiwa Sushi, which costs around $US50 per person. Note that Daiwa Sushi is open from 6am to 1pm on most days except Wednesday and Sunday and is cash only.

If you are on more of a budget a great alternative is to travel the short hop by bus to Tsukiji Market and visit the Sushizanmai restaurant – it is open 24 hours each day so is a great option. They are set up like a sushi train restaurant, but of a much higher quality than usual. 

We really enjoyed the sushi at Sushizanami and it was a great place to take our children.  You can also choose how much you order so you can either have a sushi snack or a full meal.

After enjoying your sushi, take some time to wander around Tsukiji Market – there is a lot to see and experience! 

Aim to finish in Tsukiji Market by mid to late morning – and save some appetite for your next stop!

Afternoon Things to Do in Tokyo

Nakamise Street in Asakusa

Your next stop is to catch the train to Asakusa Station on the Asakusa Line.

Your first stop is to visit the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Centre and take the lift to the top floor where you can see the view over Sensoji Temple and the Nakamise Shopping Street which leads up to the temple. This is a free activity. While you are there, pick up a map of the area and get ready to explore. 

If you would like to wear a kimono during your Tokyo visit this is the place to do it; there are many shops advertising kimono rental options in the area. It is a great experience to be dressed at the rental shop and then explore the area.

I recommend that you start at the Kaminarimon Gate, with its amazing lantern and entry gate, and then start meandering up the street. Make sure you stop and buy treats along the way to enjoy the local delicacies. Look for unique ice creams, melon pan bread, fresh strawberries and much more! 

To properly explore the are make sure you visit some of the side streets as well as you progressively work your way towards Sensoji Temple.

Sensoji Temple in Asakusa

After you arrive at Sensoji Temple, take your time to explore the lead up and view of the main temple. 

Sensoji is a Buddhist temple and is Tokyo’s oldest temple, having been first established in 645 AD. The current temple was built after World War II, when the previous temple was destroyed.

Take your time to wander into the temple and along the grounds around the temple. You can easily spend one to two hours here exploring.

Evening Options for Your Day in Tokyo

Shinjuku is famous for its nightlife so it is an excellent option for where to finish your day in Tokyo.

Start by catching the train to Shinjuku Station. Head for the West Exit, and then head north to the Kabukicho area. Start by walking towards the Hotel Gracery and walk along Central Road – watch out ahead for the massive Godzilla Head! Usually there is a regular show involving smoke, lights and music.

A great experience in Kabukicho is the Robot Restaurant, which is only a short walk. Make sure you check the show timings ahead of time, and pre-book your tickets. You may also be able to purchase tickets at the door, but it is a very popular and crazy show so it is recommended you try to get tickets ahead of time.

After watching the Robot Restaurant show, next head towards the Golden Gai area – a section with tiny bars and restaurants. Note that many of the establishments do not accept non-Japanese speaking visitors – do  not be offended, just move on. Take your time to try out different bars and food options for as long as you want! 

If you want to dance, there are many nightclubs and hostess bars in the area, just be careful of touts and make sure you stay safe.

Getting Around Tokyo

If you are only in Tokyo for one day I recommend that you plan to purchase a Welcome Suica Card to get around the city. 

The Suica Card includes all local public transport including trains and buses around Tokyo, and can also be used to pay for your transport from and to the airport. 

The Suica Card is a tap on tap off card where you get a starting amount of credit, and then just top it up as you need to at any train station.

Also, if you plan to visit Toyosu Market make sure you carefully check Google Maps to find out when the earliest time that public transport starts from your accommodation, as you may need to instead catch a taxi. 

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About the Author:   Anne Sutherland-Smith is an Australian travel blogger who blogs about Japan at her Japan Travel Planning website.  She also runs the very popular Japan Travel Planning Facebook Group which has over 100,000 members, which aims to help people plan their trips to Japan.

I'm a former travel agency marketing director turned freelance travel writer. My editorial and copywriting work has been published on and in USA TODAY, Travel + Leisure, the Travel Channel Cities app, TripSavvy, and many more online and print publications. I especially love sharing my knowledge of traveling with limited vacation time, making the most of cruise ports of call, and vacationing with kids. I also enjoy sharing my favorite travel gear and products to make traveling easier!

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What I Wish I Knew Before Taking a Solo Trip to Japan

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Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Most people dream of going to Japan, but there are a few important things you need to know before planning a solo trip to Japan.

Compared to lots of other Asian countries, Japan is super easy to travel in and great for people who are new to travelling alone .

Don’t get too confident yet though because there are tons and tons and tons of mistakes I made when I was in Japan solo, and I’ve been travelling alone since 2015.

Japan is unique. Things that typically hold true for travel in other parts of the world don’t always hold true in Japan. Even things that work in Japan’s neighbour South Korea don’t necessarily work in Japan.

So, I’m going to share everything I learned on my solo trip to Japan with you to hopefully save you some mistakes.

Actually, at this point, I’ve been to Japan three times and feel like I definitely know what mistakes not to make. I’ve made nearly every mistake you can.

Let’s get into the nitty gritty of solo travel in Japan! Hopefully by the end of this article you’ll feel confident and prepared and be able to travel in Japan solo like a pro.

Table of Contents

Stay Near the Main Train Station

The biggest mistake I made on my first solo trip to Japan was not staying near a major train station.

I know when you travel to most countries around the world, you don’t really have to stay near a major train station. As long as you’re near some sort of public transportation, you’re good to go.

That isn’t the case in Japan.

If there is only one thing you take away from this post, it is that you need to stay near a major train station. Ideally, about a ten minute walk away. That way you’ll be super close to the train station but far enough away that it’s quiet.

Most Japanese cities have one major train station. It’ll typically be the name of the city followed by the word station. Like Osaka Station or Kyoto Station of Fukushima Station. You get the point.

Tokyo is a huge city. Huge doesn’t even describe it. Since it’s so large, there are many major train stations.

The two I recommend staying near are either Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station . They’re pretty central and have access to lots of different metro and JR lines.

Why is it Important to Stay Near a Major Train Station?

There are two main reasons it’s important to stay near a major train station:

• Access to lots of different metro and JR lines so getting around is quick and easy
• Lugging luggage around on Japanese metros is a hassle. Even if you only have a carryon bag, the trains are often crowded and have lots of stairs. Staying near a major train station means you can just leave the train station and easily walk to your hotel or Aibnb and avoid having to transfer to the metro, JR, or bus to get to your hotel.

Trust me. It’s 100% worth it to stay near a major train station even if it means you have to pay a little bit more for your accommodation.

It is the one tip I give everybody when they’re planning a trip to Japan. Whether it’s a solo trip to Japan or a group trip to Japan.

My Favourite Hotels Near Train Stations

• Tokyo Station: Via Inn Prime Nihonbashi Ningyocho
• Shinjuku Station : Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
• Kyoto Station : Hotel Kanra Kyoto (definitely a splurge but worth it!)
• Osaka Station : Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka
• Kanazawa Station : Hotel Resol Trinity Kanazawa

Get Outside Tokyo and Kyoto

On my first solo trip to Japan, I only went to Tokyo , and that was a big mistake. Tokyo is nothing like anywhere else in Japan. It’s extremely busy, hectic, and overwhelming.

Kyoto is the next most popular city in Japan for tourists, and I honestly found it a big overrated. Please don’t crucify me for that!

I think that one of the best things you can do when in Japan solo is get outside these two major tourists hubs and see a little bit more of what Japan has to offer.

Osaka is super close to Kyoto, and it has a totally different vibe to Tokyo and Kyoto. It is way more relaxed and laid back and has a lot of interesting tourist attractions. Including Universal Studios Japan !

The food in Osaka is also top notch, and it’s known as the foodie capital of Japan.

If you visiting Kyoto is your dream because it looks beautiful and full of ancient temples and things to do, I recommend visiting Kanazawa.

It’s everything I thought Kyoto would be and more. Kanazawa is my favourite city in Japan and one I wish more tourists visited. Plus it’s way more affordable than Kyoto, which is a huge plus for solo travellers on a budget.

I don’t really care where you go, but I do highly encourage you to get outside of Tokyo and Kyoto and see a little bit more of Japan.

You won’t regret it. There are so many interesting things to do in Japan that most tourists don’t know about because most people only go to Tokyo.

And trust me when I say that I don’t know a single traveller who says Tokyo is their favourite city in Japan.

Install an Esim on Your Phone

Having access to the internet with data on your phone is an essential part of your solo trip to Japan. It’ll make your life so much easier.

To easily travel around Japan, you need access to the internet. To get around, to figure out what train to take, find tourist attractions, and make sure you pick the perfect place to eat.

Luckily, there is an easy solution on how you can have data on your phone everywhere in Japan.

That’s by installing an esim on your phone. An esim allows you to purchase local data for whatever country you’re visiting. In this case, Japan. You buy an esim, and you can use your phone’s data just like you do at home but without any high roaming fees.

All you have to do is purchase an esim either online or through the app , install it on your phone, and make your esim your main source of data. The entire process takes less than five minutes and is very intuitive and easy. You can even install an esim on your phone before you arrive in Japan, and it’ll automatically activate when you turn on your data in Japan, and you phone connects to a Japanese network.

I like to purchase my esim online because it gives you a QR code. You just scan the QR code on your phone, and your esim is set up in a few easy clicks.

Esims allow you easy access to phone data without having to rent a wifi egg , purchase a local sim card, or incur high roaming fees with your local carrier.

I recommend esims to all my friends and family when they travel, and they all love it as much as I do.

Install an esim on your phone to make getting around Japan easier and stress free.

My Favourite Esim

Since esims are a relatively new technology, there aren’t a lot of reliable companies offering them yet. And you do not want to purchase an esim from an unreliable company and be stuck stranded without phone data.

I love Airalo . It’s my go-to esim provider, and I purchase all my esims through them.

They have the most esims available for the most countries compared to competitors. They also offer incredibly good prices and always have reliable data. You purchase a certain amount of data up front. If you’re close to running out of data, you can purchase more data to be added to your esim with one quick click in the app.

Another option you can look into is Drimsim . Unlike Airalo, Drimsim charges you per MB used rather than charging you for a certain amount of data up front.

If you don’t plan on using much data, Drimsim may be the better option. I highly recommend if you choose Drimsim to turn off your data whenever you’re not using it. This will prevent data accidentally being used in the background and running up your bill.

I tend to use a fair amount of data when I travel between Google Maps, texting, and scrolling social media while eating alone, so Airalo is my esim of choice.

I’m normally in a country for three to four weeks at a time and purchase the 5GB plan. I’ve never gone over before, but there have been a few times when I’ve been close. If you’re only in Japan for a week or two, you should be fine purchasing a 1GB or 3GB plan.

The 3GB plan is probably your best choice. It’s only a dollar or two more than the 1GB plan and gives you the peace of mind that you won’t accidentally run out of data while out and about exploring one day.

Plus it’s likely more expensive to purchase a 1GB top up if you run out of your pre-purchased 1GB data than it is to purchase a 3GB plan.

Anyways, whatever amount of data you choose to purchase is up to you. The important thing is that you install an esim on your phone, so you can easily access the internet when out exploring. This is especially important as a solo traveller !

Google Maps is Your Best Friend

You’re probably already acquainted with Google Maps, but it’s going to become your best friend when you’re travelling Japan solo.

Google Maps in Japan has some of the most comprehensive information of any country I’ve visited.

Especially when it comes to public transportation, which some people find overwhelming and confusing the first time they come to Japan.

Here is some of the information Google Maps tells you when riding the metro in Japan:

• What entrance to take to get to the metro
• What exit to take when leaving the metro. This is very important information. Please don’t ignore it!
• The exact train car number you should get on for the quickest transfer or exit
• What platform your train is departing from. This is very helpful in major train stations where there can be over 20 platforms
• How busy the train is, is the train has AC or not, and whether or not there are delays on the route

Google Maps can also navigate indoors in Japan. This is super useful when trying to find a store in a massive shopping mall. It’ll guide you to the nearest escalator to the store you’re looking for and take you right to the entrance.

It’s fabulous. Google Maps may be your most used app while on your solo trip to Japan!

Major Train Stations are Difficult to Manage

Major train stations are extremely difficult to manage. You 100% need to use Google Maps if you’re trying to find what exit to use or something inside a train station.

Before you start thinking I’m dramatic and how hard could a train station possibly be, Shinjuku Station has 200 different exits.

So, yeah, complicated. You can easily get lost and spend an hour or two wandering around trying to find what you’re looking for.

Trust me. I once spent half an hour looking for a tempura restaurant in Tokyo Station and ended up giving up and leaving.

Whenever you have to exit a major train station, be sure you know what exit you want and watch the signs carefully.

Some major train stations like Kyoto Station and Kanazawa Station are easier to manage. Some like Tokyo Station and Osaka Station are more complicated.

Be prepared. Be patient. And if all else fails, find your way to an information booth, and someone will be happy to help you find what you’re looking for.

Be Prepared to Queue

I hate waiting in lines and avoid waiting in them at all costs. The Japanese don’t seem to have the same aversion to lines that I do. There are lines everywhere, and people don’t mind waiting for them.

There are lines for food (these are often the longest lines at popular restaurants). Lines for tourist attractions. Lines for no apparent reason.

It’s just something that comes with a solo trip to Japan.

Hopefully you don’t have to wait in too many lines but bring your patience just in case. If you know you’ll be waiting in a line on a particular day, consider bringing a book (or audiobook) or something to entertain yourself with.

Avoid Golden Week at All Costs

Golden Week is a national holiday in Japan where people get an entire week off of work. Japanese people use this as an opportunity to travel, and a lot of people travel within Japan rather than going abroad.

This means three things:

• The most popular cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are very, very, very busy
• If you’re visiting a less popular tourist destination, things like restaurants may be closed
• It will be difficult to find an affordable hotel even if you’re booking months in advance. I wanted to go be in Sendai durning Golden Week and couldn’t find an affordable hotel even though I was looking 5 months in advance.

I was in Japan during Golden Week in 2023 and experienced both those things. I spent the majority of Golden Week in Fukushima. Not the most popular tourist destination. A lot and I mean a lot of the restaurants were closed. Some were open until 2pm, but many were closed all day. Not great.

Then I was in Tokyo for the last two days of Golden Week. It was madness. I’ve never seen a city so busy in my entire life. I cannot imagine how busy it was during the height of Golden Week because I assume some people already went home to get ready for work in a couple of days.

Moral of the story is to avoid Japan during Golden Week at all costs. Don’t think to yourself that it won’t be too bad because it will be. Trust me.

On the flip side, going to Japan right after Golden Week is probably the best time of the entire year to be in Japan. I was at Tokyo Disney Resort the four days following the end of Golden Week, and I’ve never seen it so quiet before. It was magical.

Golden Week changes dates every year and is sometime in either April or May. Just do a quick Google search before planning your solo trip to Japan and make sure you aren’t planning it during Golden Week.

Avoid Golden Week at all costs. Ideally visit Japan right after Golden Week for the lowest crowds.

The JR Pass Probably Isn’t Worth it

You’ve probably heard a lot about the JR Pass and how it is essential when travelling in Japan. How you’ll save so much money with the JR Pass.

But, honestly, that isn’t the case for most people.

If you’re only travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto, you likely won’t get your money’s worth out of the JR Pass.

If you’re in Japan for two or three weeks and spending more than a day or two in each city, you probably won’t get much value out of the JR Pass.

You need to be using the JR a lot in a short period of time to get value out of the JR Pass. Especially now that the price is increasing by about double!

I spent 3 weeks in Japan in 2023 and took the JR or Shinkansen between each city I visited. I used JR trains to travel within each city. Even though I would have used the JR Pass a lot, it still didn’t make financial sense for me to get one.

That’s because I wasn’t using the JR enough or on expensive enough lines that purchasing a JR Pass made sense.

Be sure to do the math and use a JR fare calculator before purchasing a JR Pass to make sure you’re getting enough bang for your buck by buying the pass.

The benefit of the JR Pass is that you can pre-reserve seats on the train, which is a huge plus if you have luggage and have to reserve luggage space.

Although, when I was in Japan, I never had to reserve luggage because you only have to reserve it on the most popular and busiest routes like Tokyo to Kyoto or Tokyo to Osaka.

You don’t have to reserve luggage space on most Shinkansen trains.

And if you’re going from Osaka to Kyoto without a JR Pass, just get on the slower JR train rather than the Shinkansen. It’s a third of the price and only takes 10 or so minutes longer if you get on a super rapid train.

JR Fare Calculator (see if the JR Pass saves you money)

Be Internet Safe

Even if you get an esim for your phone, you’ll still be relying on public wifi during your solo trip to Japan. Even if it’s only while at your hotel.

Please don’t waste your esim data and use it at the hotel rather than the complimentary hotel wifi!

And since you’re going to be using public wifi at least part of your trip, I’m going to lecture you about the importance of using public wifi safely.

Public wifi networks are just that. Public. That means anybody with the code can access the wifi. From my experience, a lot of hotels in Japan don’t have a password on their wifi. Anybody can access the wifi even if they aren’t staying at the hotel.

This means that there are countless people using the same unprotected wifi network as you. That puts you personal online information (like you’re banking information) at risk of being stolen.

All it takes is one person with bad intentions, and you’re dealing with the headache of cancelling bank cards while abroad. Trust me when I say that’s no fun.

The only way to protect yourself when using public wifi networks is by installing a VPN on your devices. A VPN essentially puts an invisible forcefield around your devices that makes it impossible for prying eyes to access your personal online information.

A VPN makes using public wifi networks just as safe as using your home wifi where you’re the only person who knows the password.

One of the most important things you should so when preparing for your Japan solo trip is install a VPN. It’s the simplest safety precaution you can take.

The cost per month for a VPN subscription on a two-year plan costs less than a latte and cake pop at Starbucks. You have no excuse not to protect your online information.

I always say that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect your online information with a VPN.

My Favourite VPN

I’ve used a lot of VPNs over my many years of travel. Most of them, frankly, suck. VPNs are notorious for slowing your devices down, and you really feel the different in internet speed when using a VPN.

That’s not the case for NordVPN . It’s consistently ranked the fasted VPN on the market and the only VPN I’ve ever consistently used. You don’t feel like your internet speed is slowed down at all when using NordVPN.

You can install a single NordVPN subscription on up to six devices. That makes it super easy to protect all your devices for one low price.

One of my favourite feature of VPNs is being able to cloak my location. That allows me to watch Netflix from different countries and watch Canadian sporting events while abroad.

There are really no downsides to installing a VPN on your devices. It’s an extremely small price to pay for the peace of mind you get by knowing your private information is safe and sound while you’re abroad.

Get the fastest and most reliable VPN on the market for an extremely low price.

One of the first things you’ll notice on your solo trip to Japan is how quiet it is. In terms of volume. Not in terms of people. There are always tons of people in Japan.

It’s a widely known rule that people are quiet and respectful while out in public. This means no talking on the metro and no loud conversations at restaurants.

And please, please never answer a phone call while on public transit. It’s considered quite rude to speak on the phone in nearly every indoor public setting in Japan. But if you talk on the phone on the metro, you will definitely be getting dirty looks.

Just be sure to be quiet, reserved, and respectful while in public in Japan. I know you’re on a solo trip to Japan, but I also know a lot of you like to make friends while travelling alone. So, if you go out with a group (or while you’re alone), please be quiet.

There is a time and place for loud conversations, and in public is not it.

Oh, and small talk isn’t really a thing in Japan. I know my American friends love starting small talk with strangers, but you’ll be getting weird looks if you try that in Japan.

Taxis are Extremely Expensive

Taxis are never the most affordable way to get around, but in a lot of places they’ve not super expensive. They’re affordable enough that you can justify taking a taxi if it’s going to be super convenient or save you a lot of time.

Japan is not one of those places.

Japan has the most expensive taxis I’ve ever seen in my life.

There is no circumstance I could ever see justifying me using a taxi instead of the metro other than being physically injured and needing to get to a hostpial.

And even in that circumstance, I may still take the metro because the taxi fees are so high.

If you normally take taxis when you travel, you’ll need to get used to the idea of using public transportation or walking.

See point one about staying near a train station if you need a refresher. 😉

The good news is that Japan has one of the best public transportation systems in the world. It’s so easy to get around. You won’t even miss taking a taxi.

Most major cities have large metro systems. Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto all have metros where you can easily get around. Smaller cities in Kanazawa rely on buses. But they’re smaller cities, so it’s easy to walk everywhere if you’re staying in a central location.

Just be prepared to use public transportation and walk a lot while in Japan. Taxis are a luxury not a normal thing to use.

Purchase Popular Tickets Online in Advance

As we’ve talked about in this article, Japan is busy, and there are often queues. To cut down on your time waiting in line, there are two things you can/should do:

• Get to attractions earlier in the day to avoid crowds
• Purchase tickets online in advance if you can

These two things will save you heaps of time on your solo trip to Japan. You’ve got a lot to see and do while in Japan alone, and you don’t want to be stuck waiting in a line if you don’t have to.

There are also some things you need to pre-purchase tickets for. As in you can’t get them at the door or they’re likely to be sold out. Those two main things are Universal Studios Japan in Osaka and Tokyo Disney Resort .

This is especially true for Tokyo Disney. You have to purchase your tickets in advance. You can’t buy them at the gate. Universal recently reintroduced buying tickets at the gate, but it’s a super small park and sold out in advance more days than not.

Other Tickets You Should Consider Buying in Advance

• Tokyo Skytree

Shibuya Sky

• Tokyo Tower Observation Deck
• TeamLab Planets (hugely popular and likely to sell out)
• Sanrio Puroland 
• HARUKAS 300 Observatory
• T eamLab Botanical Garden (Osaka’s version of TeamLab Planets)
• Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

Narita is Very Far Away from Central Tokyo

Narita is very, very far away from central Tokyo. Haneda is closer to central Tokyo, but the majority of international flights fly in and out of Narita.

This means you need to have a solid plan on how you’re getting from the airport to your hotel. Sometimes it can take up to two hours depending on where you’re staying.

You can either take the metro or a limousine bus. I prefer the bus. You’re guaranteed to get a seat, probably drops you off closer to your hotel, there is no need to transfer, and you don’t have to deal with your luggage. It just sits nicely under the bus.

Taxis aren’t an option unless you’re rich because they’re so expensive. A taxi from Narita to central Tokyo will cost you a few hundred dollars!

And the last thing you want to do on a solo trip to Japan is break the bank taking a taxi just because you didn’t plan properly!

The fact that Narita is so far away from central Tokyo also means that you need to be strategic about when you book your flight.

If you land late in the evening or depart early in the morning, you might have an issue. Maybe the buses aren’t running early or late enough or maybe you don’t want to drag your butt out of bed super early or be trying to find your hotel in the dark.

If you’re arriving late or departing early, I highly recommend staying at a hotel near the airport for a night. It’s so much more convenient. I’ve done it before for a flight departing at 11am and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Plus the hotels near Narita are surprisingly affordable. I loved my stay at the Hilton Narita . It was super nice and seemed like it should have costed more than it did.

Most airport hotels offer a bus to and from the hotel, which is super convenient. The hotels say it takes about half an hour to get to the airport. From my experience, it takes about 15, but it’s better to be early than late!

Go to Tokyo Disney on a Tuesday or Wednesday

Tokyo Disney is a must do for any theme park or Disney fan. Heck the theme parks are so well done that even people who hate Disney enjoy them.

Tokyo Disney Resort has two theme parks: Disneyland and DisneySea. DisneySea is the more unique one of the two, but they both have rides you don’t want to miss.

TDR is hugely popular. Not only with tourists but also with Japanese people. This means that it’s always busy. The most popular rides often have wait times between 90 and 180 minutes.

That’s just on a normal day. Not even during the busiest times of year.

So, you definitely need a strategy when going to Tokyo Disney. It may be your only trip, and you want to get the most out of it.

There are way too many tips and tricks about Tokyo Disney to put into this short(ish) blog post. You’ll have to do a deep dive on that on your own. TDR Explorer is a great place to start!

One important tip I will give you is to visit Tokyo Disney on either a Tuesday or Wednesday.

This is when the parks will be the least busy. You’ll be able to get a lot more done on a Tuesday or Wednesday than on the weekend.

Mondays and Thursdays are normally medium busy. I’ve noticed that a lot of the times school groups are filling up the parks on Thursdays leading up to the weekend, and they’re a lot busier than Wednesdays.

Mondays have carryover from people visiting over the weekend. They’re not as busy as a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday but are still quite busy.

So, if you have flexibility in your schedule, try to arrange your trip to Tokyo Disney for the middle of the week. This will give you the best chance at having lower crowds.

Make Sure You Have Health Insurance

Health insurance is an essential part of travel, and you need to make sure you have health insurance that covers your solo trip to Japan.

You may have travel coverage through your work plan. If you do, you just need to make sure it covers the entire duration of your trip. Most policies only cover the first 21 or 30 days of your trip.

If you’re like me and don’t have insurance through your employer, you have two options.

First Option

The first option is perfect for people who are only going abroad for a shorter period of time. This is buying travel insurance from a major company in your home country.

You can normally get insurance through a bank, company that sells house or life insurance, your local healthcare insurer (like Blue Cross), or through a company like AAA or AMA or CAA.

All these places will let you purchase a travel health insurance policy to cover the duration of your trip.

These are normally reasonably affordable. Especially if you’re only gone for a week or two. They offer decent coverage, but they often make it a headache to make a claim.

You can also get a multi-trip policy that covers you for every trip you take abroad in a year as long as the trip is under a certain amount of days. You get to choose the amount of days when you purchase the policy, and they range anywhere from 7 to 60 days.

This is what my retired parents use, what I used when I was a student, and what most casual travellers use.

Second Option

The second option is for long-term travellers and digital nomads. That’s purchasing health insurance through a specialized company that solely provides insurance to travellers.

There are a couple of companies you can get this type of insurance through. I personally use Safety Wing and think they’re the best option you there.

They’re very affordable, have a low deductible, make it easy to make a claim, and even provide you coverage in your home country for 30 days as long as you’ve been abroad for 90 days.

I love the flexibility of Safety Wing and being able to cancel anytime I want. If I’m going to be in Canada for a few months, I can cancel my policy and then reinstate it when I start travelling again. They even let you purchase your insurance while you’re abroad and already on your trip, which is quite rare.

Again, this option is best for people travelling for a long period of time. It’s much cheaper in the long run than the first option and provides better coverage.

Bonus: Try the Melon Fanta (Trust Me)

This may sound like a weird thing to throw into this article but hear me out. The Melon Fanta in Japan is the best soda I’ve ever had. And I’m a soda girlie.

I know. I know. It isn’t healthy, but it just tastes so good!

Melon Fanta is incredible . It’s a bit hard to find in convenience stores, so you may have to order it at a restaurant, but it’s so worth it.

I tell all my friends who go to Japan to try it, and they all love it.

I know it sounds like an odd flavour of soda, but please trust me and try it!

My Favourite Things to do in Japan Alone

Tokyo Disney Resort

Shinjuku Gyoen

Todaiji Temple

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Kiyomizu Temple

Museum of Housing and Living

Universal Studios Japan

Osaka Castle

This article ended up being way longer than I thought it would! I guess I just have a lot to say about taking a solo trip to Japan and being in Japan solo.

Japan is a super unique country and requires a bit more planning and understanding than a lot of other countries. It’s so easy to accidentally offend someone because you don’t know the social norms.

But I hope this article helps you better understand what a solo trip to Japan will be like and how to best prepare for being in Japan solo.

It’s an amazing country, and I have no doubt you’ll love it. Basically everybody does. That’s why it’s so popular!

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Japan Tours for Solo / Single Travelers

250+ japan tours for singles / solo travelers with 3,846 reviews.

• Christmas & New Year

Essential Japan

I was a solo traveller and was exclusively focused on the must-see sights of Southern Japan. Europamundo offered the exact states and locations for me. They also offered the flexibility to join or leave the tour depending on individual travel plans. The tour was operationally excellent. The guide was the best tour guide I have ever had. The hotels were centrally located or had transfer services. Wonderful trip.

• In-depth Cultural

Japan Express

Amazing but very hot We will come in spring or fall next time!

Japan One Life Adventures - 14 Days

My wife and I enjoyed every station of this trip! For 14 days we saw a lot of this beautiful country, thanks to our tourguide. We had a lot of fun with the people who travelled with us, partying, sightseeing and also travelling with all of them was a pleasure. We can highly recommend this Tour.

• Train & Rail

Epic 13-Day Japan Budget Tour: Odyssey Across the Land of the Rising Sun

I'm really glad I did this tour. The itinerary is excelent. It covers a lot and it was very well planned. It might feel that we need to rush sometimes but we always had some free time to explore most places we visited or free time in the end of the the day. Our tourguide, Ricardo, was very nice and funny. He would always provide several recommentations of things to see or were to eat in the places we visited and was always available to answer questions or te help. It was a big group (17 in total) but we got along pretty well. People were nice and very respectful. Most of them solo travelers. I would recommend this tour. Be prepared to carry your luggage between places so it's better to travel light (but some had big suitcases or more than one bag). We stayed in dorms in most lodgings (females separated from males), but people can choose to have private rooms (al least in most places). I loved the sushi class, using an onsen, sleeping in a ryokan and the meditation session in a temple. There's also some optional activities.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Japan One Life Adventures - 10 Days

Amazing experience. Great mix of tourism while being able to explore independently like a local.

• Coach / Bus

Wonders of Japan End Osaka

Great tour. Very comprehensive

9D Splendid Japan with Nagoya (private 3 star hotel rooms)

Great route planning and pace. Tour guide was funny and knowledgeable, the best combo. Would recommend

Discover Japan

This tour was fun, informative, and exciting. Our guide, Kiyoe Naria, was wonderful. She went over and above her responsibilities and helped make the trip a terrific experience. There was a lot of walking, which was fine for everyone on our trip, but any prospective traveler should understand this. The other people on the trip were interesting and helpful and I couldn't have asked for a better group or guide.

Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo

Very friendly, knowledgeable tour guides. Very comfortable bus.

Stunning Japan with Shirakawa-go (private 3 star hotel rooms)

Lovely tour with an great tour guide.

Splendours of Japan (9 Days)

Great tour, well paced for elderly people. Hotel locations were excellent.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

South Japan Express

Went here with my three friends- amazed with our first Japan trip. Hope to be back in winter 😊

Contrasts of Japan

A good selection of cities and attractions to visit. Generally well organised. Perhaps a few too many temples and shrines and the walk to the bridge near the palace in Tokyo was a complete waste of time. Rather unsettling to be reallocated to a different leader and group towards the end of the tour. Paco was pretty good but did not stick to his own plan to wait for the group to assemble before giving out instructions or crossing streets. His information was not always accurate - saying Sakura was not actually Cherry blossom but other stone fruit trees and primarily almond! - and advising the group not to go to breakfast at the Osaka hotel because it would be too time consuming, when it was nothing if the kind. Unfortunately most of the group took his word and had to buy breakfast elsewhere. The second leader, Ray/Moon, gave a very unbalanced account of Japan’s involvement in WW2, during our visit to Hiroshima, which was both insensitive and inaccurate. Leaders can make or break a tour since we spend so much time travelling with them. They need to allow more quiet time for private conversations, reading or sleeping.

All Inclusive Japan Classics- 9 days

We had heard and read many good things about Supera's tour package. Thankfully, the reviews were true! The accommodations were top-notch and spacious. Meals were of high quality and portions were more than adequate. The tours were a good mix of the main attractions of each region, and while some places were inevitably touristy, we never felt pressured to buy anything. The walking tours of Kyoto were definitely highlights. Thanks also to our indomitable, energetic and always-optimistic guide Hiroko!

Japan Delight with Hiroshima(private 3 star hotel rooms)

The tour itself was good and enjoyable. Aoki the tour guide was great at explaining the history of different sites and keeping everyone moving and on time. Our only complaint was about some of the hotels…some of them control the heat centrally and do not give you the option to lower the heat. Our room in Osaka was unbearably hot and we had to fight with the hotel staff who finally changed our setting to just fan. Otherwise no issues.

What people love about Japan Solo Tours

We had great tour guides for this tour. It was a perfect amount of time at each location. The tour guides were very professional and educational! We learned so much and we got to relax the most during this tour because we didn't need to plan or worry about logistics! Appreciated our tour guides, very punctual and to-the-schedule! There was also a good balance of free-time with the scheduled times! Highly recommend for anyone that doesn't want to stress over the planning, wants an appetizer palette of Japan and loves to learn about history & culture!

It was a really great experience! Having both guided tours and lots of free time made for a nicely balanced tour where our guide, Toshimi, a very knowledgeable local, would show us parts of Japan and tell us of their significance historically and socially, and also tell us how and where to appreciate Japan during our free time. Our guide loves Japan's history and it was very interesting talking to him about Japan. He also made lots of great recommendations on places to see and eat at, and overall made the whole tour experience very convenient, fun, and informative.

It was an amazing experience and I really enjoyed the trip. I highly recommend it.

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Last updated: Wednesday, May 31st, 2023

Get ready for your dream trip to Japan! Japan is now open to travelers from all countries or regions! Those who enter Japan on or after April 29th 2023 are not be required to present a valid vaccination certificate or a Covid-19 negative test certificate.

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Trip within a Trip: Osaka and Kyoto, Japan

May 1, 2024 • 9 min read

Make your next trip to Japan even better by adding on four days in exciting Osaka (pictured) and Kyoto © EarnestTse / Shutterstock

Senior Director of Content Laura Motta recently spent 10 days in Japan . To make the most of her time in the country, she included a four-day mini-excursion to Osaka and Kyoto – a trip within a trip, if you will, which anyone can replicate.

Everyone goes to Tokyo , and I would never tell you to skip it. But another critical part of any Japan itinerary is that magical Shinkansen (bullet train) ride south to Osaka , and the astounding sites that await beyond. A mind-boggling pair of cities – Osaka and Kyoto – are crammed with more shrines and temples, steel-and-glass skyscraper malls, scenic vistas and world-class restaurants than you can experience in a month, never mind in just a few days. This was my third trip to Japan and my second time visiting Osaka and Kyoto.

Before I get to my recommendations, here are a few practical tips:

• When to arrive: Arriving in Osaka around midday lets you drop your bags at the hotel, rest and then hit Dōtonbori in the evening, when its famous neon lights are ablaze. 
• Getting there from the airport: The spotless, inexpensive airport limousine bus from Kansai Airport makes eight stops in Osaka, which include all of its main train stations.
• Getting around: Japan is world-famous for the ease and comprehensiveness of its public transit for a reason. You can – and certainly should – do this route without a car. High-speed (more expensive/faster) and local (less expensive/slower) trains cover every inch of this region and will shuttle you quickly between Kyoto and Osaka. Both cities have easy-to-use subway systems.
• What to pack: Certainly, your walking shoes and room in your stomach for a lot of ramen. Keep in mind that Japan has four distinct seasons and temperatures vary significantly between them. Check the weather ahead of time – and pack accordingly.
• How to structure your days: It’s tempting to cram your schedule when there are so many things to see. Yet realistically, you won’t be able to do more than two major sites – maybe three, if you’re really going for it – in a single day. This is especially true in Kyoto, where the best sites are far apart and can require up to an hour of travel to reach.
• Take it easy:  Don’t forget to eat, hydrate, rest and wander. And tell yourself you’ll be back.

Day 1: Osaka

Snack time .

You’ve been traveling all morning. It’s time to eat. (Unless, of course, you stuffed yourself en route on the amazing bento boxes you can get at Tokyo Station.) Keep it simple like I did and grab onigiri (rice balls) or a  sando  at 7-Eleven. There’s one on every corner, you’ll only spend a few dollars, and buying local snacks – especially in Japan – is among travel’s greatest joys. 

See the neon

If you’re in Osaka, go see the Glico man. It's a rule. Or maybe it's just mine. This famous animated sign of a runner, arms raised, about to cross the finish line in some hypothetical marathon in the sky, remains delightful despite the tourist crush on the streets below. This ad for the Glico candy company (candy bars give you energy – get it?) has become an informal mascot of Dotonbori , Osaka’s dining and nightlife district. After dark, it’s fun to wander here through the area’s many arcades, claw-machine and pachinko parlors, and shops. If you start here on a weeknight, it’s delightfully quiet.

Insider tip: Arrive before sunset and duck into a tiny side street to Hōzen-ji , a small temple known for its moss-covered statues. I was there when they were lighting the lanterns for the evening – a dreamy experience indeed.

Have a cheap and cheerful dinner

Dontonbori is teeming with restaurants. You can’t miss the distinctive signage advertising takoyaki (grilled octopus balls), gyoza and crab. My favorite takoyaki stand, Takoyaki Yoriabunzemon, is humble compared to its bombastic neighbors; there is no 5ft marquee. Inside, you’ll sit on a well-worn barstool while the single cook pours takoyaki batter into the famous round molds and serves it to you still piping hot, and slathered in mayo, barbecue sauce and bonito flakes. A warning: if you value the skin on the roof of your mouth, do not eat too fast here.

Day 2: Kyoto

Bullet train .

The Shinkansen train between Osaka and Kyoto is cheap and lightning fast. This trip is included in many Japanese rail passes , but if you’re paying for a standalone ticket, you’ll pay 1420 yen (about US$10). The trip takes 15 minutes, so slower local trains hardly seem worth the mildly cheaper price. Arrive midday and head to your hotel to check in and drop your luggage. Before you depart, don’t forget to look around Kyoto Station for the eki  ink stamp, which you can imprint into a notebook as a souvenir. Every train station in Japan has a uniquely designed stamp, even if you sometimes have to ask the attendant at smaller stations where to find it.

Stay in style

If there’s one place to splurge on a fabulous hotel in Japan, it’s in Kyoto. Whether you’re strolling under vibrant fall leaves or spring cherry blossoms, or wandering the narrow alleys and stepped streets of the Gion district , Kyoto is romantic, its temples and shrines otherworldly. My choice was Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto , a new luxury property that blends smart contemporary design with traditional Japanese accents. Beside its excellent restaurant – more on that below – the highlight is the hotel's updated approach to the traditional onsen . This vast, moodily lit indoor space offers heated pools and loungers amid beautiful rock formations and water features. And unlike many onsen experiences, this one is a bathing-suits-required, mixed-gender space where everyone can hang out. There is also no surcharge for entry.

Visit the temples

My boyfriend cheekily refers to Fushimi Inari Taisha , Kyoto’s famous shrine with its rows and rows of vermillion gates ascending a dramatic hillside, as “the Instagram shrine.” It’s hard to say that he’s wrong: the site is a favorite among foreign travelers for good reason. The gates are simply gorgeous and – yes – photogenic. Just don’t expect to find yourself there alone. 

Insider tip: Afterward, stop at the charming Vermillion Cafe for a sweet snack and coffee. Sit on the back porch, which overlooks a lovely stretch of forest, for especially serene vibes (spectacular in autumn).

If you still have energy left in the afternoon, head to Nishi Hongan-ji , a mammoth Buddhist temple complex that’s home to some of the largest wooden structures in Japan. After you marvel at the huge lanterns and expansive halls, stop by the brightly painted Chinese Gate, which dates back to the late 1500s. This temple is also within walking distance of Kyoto Station, and can be a good place to start or end your trip.

Day 3: Kyoto

Go for the gold.

Kinkaku-Ji , sometimes called the Golden Pavilion, is among Kyoto’s (and Japan’s) most famous and photographed landmarks. This UNESCO World Heritage site , where a brilliant gold temple appears to float along the shores of a serene lake, is well worth braving the crowds for, especially in sunny weather when the reflection of the lake glints off of the temple’s exterior walls. Go early, packing your patience – and you’ll understand instantly why so many people flock here. 

School Bus Coffee Stop is a charming spot for an easy, affordable breakfast or lunch in cozy, industrial-farmhouse-style surroundings. Comforting selections like bagel sandwiches and avocado toast are accompanied by the shop’s excellent, house-roasted coffee.

Modern love

For an aesthetic palate cleanser after a quick lunch, stop by the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art , which houses rotating exhibits, often of contemporary and modern art, in a fantastic brick structure that dates to the 1930s.

Taste sensation

And you’d be remiss if you stayed at the Mitsui without eating at its elegantly flamboyant Italian restaurant, Forni . Yes, there are pizzas and pastas on its à la carte menu. But I’d highly recommend the tasting dinner, where impeccably composed dishes like sea bream citrus tartare and grilled wagyu arrive on geometric plates and stands. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.

Day 4: Osaka

Smart hotel.

After going luxe in Kyoto on meals and lodging, I came back to Osaka looking to save money without sacrificing too much comfort. I wasn’t ready to sleep in a sarcophagus-sized pod or get every meal at 7-Eleven. (Well, not every meal – just a few.) After getting off the train from Kyoto at the massive Shin-Osaka Station, I took the easy-to-use metro to one of the best places I’ve stayed in Japan, the chicly designed, austere-but-comfortable  Hotel Noum , just across the river from Temmabashi Station. The location made transportation connections easy and kept me sheltered from the stark urban rush of Umeda, Osaka’s high-rise business district. Rooms are small, comfortable and spotless; mine had a river view. The hotel also has an airy coffee shop in its lobby that attracts as many locals as travelers. I popped in here for a breakfast pastry and a latte and was ready to start the day.

Window(less) shopping

Even if you don’t stay in Umeda, visiting the neighborhood is a must. Spend a day wandering its cavernous, endless indoor shopping malls and underground food courts. You may never see daylight, but you will find everything from Hermès bags to the best 300-yen (US$2) gyoza you’ve ever tasted. I like to check in on the enormous red whale, which hangs suspended from the atrium of the Hep Five department store, which also happens to have a ferris wheel on its roof.

Enjoy a messy lunch

Train stations are where you’ll find some of the best food in Japan – and Osaka’s sprawling Umeda Station is no exception. My favorite train-station ramen is at Menya Takei, located behind the entry gates for the Hankyu Railway. Menya Takei specializes in tsukemen , in which the ramen noodles and broth are served separately. Dip the noodles into the broth to eat – yes, you’ll undoubtedly get it all over your clothes, but that’s part of the fun. Lots of laundry to do when you return home is a sure sign of a great trip. 

Insider tip : Ask the gate agent to let you through. They’ll make you pay for a rail ticket on the way in, and then may refund you on the way out.

From Osaka, hop back onboard the Shinkansen for more exploring in Japan, or do what I did and catch a quick, affordable domestic flight to Tokyo’s Haneda airport to connect to your flight home.

Keep planning your trip to Japan:

The 24 best things to do in Japan Find out if you need a visa to enter the country Take to the open road on these top drives How to discover Japan on a budget

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The Perfect 7-Day Japan Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Japan captured my heart from the moment I firs visited. The delicious food, the rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant history, and the very friendly and polite people – it all blew my mind.

But Japan often feels impenetrable, especially to first-time visitors. While I think Japan deserves a minimum of 10 days, I get that some people might only have a week, so I wanted to write this, my ideal seven-day itinerary for Japan for a first-time visitor.

With only a week, there’s not much you can see unless you really rush it. And I don’t think you should do that.

So this itinerary only focuses on Tokyo and Kyoto (the most popular destinations) as well as some day trips from each. If you wanted to rush things a little, you could add in Osaka (more on that at the end).

(Note: If you purchased a Japan Rail Pass , activate it on arrival. That way, you can take advantage of the free JR trains throughout the city.)

Table of Contents

Japan Itinerary Day 1: Tokyo

Japan itinerary day 2: tokyo, japan itinerary day 3: tokyo, japan itinerary day 4: kyoto, japan itinerary day 5: kyoto, japan itinerary day 6: nara, japan itinerary day 7: tokyo, an alternative itinerary.

Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Markets Cure your jet lag with some food! In 2018, Tokyo’s main fish market moved to Toyosu. It is now twice the size of Tsukiji (the old one), making it the largest such market in the world. Here you can eat fresh sushi for breakfast, just a few feet from where it was hauled in from the sea, while marveling at the chaotic atmosphere.

You can still head to the old market in Tsukiji to eat, shop, and wander as well. I like it a lot, because there are more food options! Food and drink tours of the Tsukiji Outer Market are available for around 15,000 JPY.

Toyosu Fish Market is open Monday-Saturday 5am-5pm, though most shops don’t open until 7am. Admission is free, but you have to pick up a visitor’s pass when you enter. Tsukiji Fish Market’s hours vary by shop (usually 5am-2pm). Admission is free.

teamLab Planets This digital art installation is a multi-sensory and immersive experience in which you become part of the artwork, walking barefoot through the four exhibition spaces and gardens as you interact with the installations’ elements in unique ways. It’s really fun! TeamLab is generally sells out in advance, so I recommend getting your tickets online ahead of time .

Take a walking tour Walking tours are a great way to get the lay of the land while connecting with a local guide. I always go on one or two when I arrive somewhere. Tokyo Localized offers many free tours, including a classic overview and ones of both the famed Harajuku and Shinjuku neighborhoods. Its Imperial Palace tour would be the most convenient one after teamLab.

The Imperial Palace Formerly Edo Castle, the Imperial Palace was built in the 15th century, and some of the walls and moats from that time are still in use to this day. When the emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, he took Edo for his new palace and renamed it. While you can’t go inside, it is surrounded by beautiful grounds, a moat, and a park worth wandering through. You can also see the changing-of-the-guard ceremony (though it’s relatively low-key and unassuming). Admission to the grounds is free.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden This park is over 144 acres and home to some 20,000 trees. Most of the original park was destroyed in World War II but was rebuilt and reopened in 1949. During spring, it is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms. My favorite area is the landscape garden, which has several ponds with bridges and islands. It’s a peaceful oasis away from the urban hustle and bustle.

Depending on how you feel relative to your jetlag, you could fit a few more activities before you end your day. Check out this post for suggestions .

• Senso-ji – This is Tokyo’s most popular and famous temple. Beautifully painted, it sits in a scenic spot near a pagoda and the lovely Kaminari Gate. There’s a huge statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, inside the main hall. It’s very busy during the day, so maybe check out the grounds in the evening.
• Asakusa Shrine – This nearby Shinto shrine is much more peaceful, with fewer visitors, but with people praying, meditating, or performing traditional rituals. It was built during the Edo period (1603–1868) and survived the air raids of World War II.

Afterward, head to Ueno Park . Spanning over 133 acres, Ueno Park was established in 1873 on land formerly owned by a 17th-century Buddhist temple. It gets super busy in cherry blossom season, as there are over a thousand trees here. Throughout, you’ll find various stalls and vendors selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. On weekends, there are usually cultural events or festivals showcasing traditional arts, music, and dance. Four of Tokyo’s main museums are here:

• Tokyo National Museum – Established in 1872 on the north end, this massive building is the oldest and largest art museum in Japan. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of art and artifacts from Asia, particularly Japan.
• Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum – This museum showcases rotating exhibitions of contemporary and traditional Japanese art.
• National Museum of Nature and Science – This museum features a wide range of permanent and temporary exhibitions covering natural science and history.
• Tosho-gu Shrine – This beautiful 17th-century Shinto shrine has carved gold doors and other ornate carvings. It’s worth seeing up close!

Afterward, walk down to Akihabara to explore the video game parlors, arcades, and anime shops. This very buzzy area is ground zero for all things electronic, and it’s fun to play many of the games. This is where you’ll find the famous maid cafés, where servers dress up as maids and serve you food and drinks. These range from big touristy ones to holes-in-the-wall (the girls on the street are promoting the latter, which are a lot more culturally fun). They aren’t cheap, though, as you have to buy drink packages and pay a fee, but they’re kitschy and fun.

In the evening, visit Shinjuku and then drink in Golden Gai . In Shinjuku, you’ll find a plethora of cool bars, bright lights, and tiny hole-in-the-wall eateries. Be sure to wander down Memory Lane (aka Piss Alley) for tiny izakaya joints and bars. Afterward, head over to Golden Gai, a warren of narrow alleyways with a bit of a red-light-district feel, flanked by diminutive backstreet bars. It’s quite touristy but also a lot of fun. I’ve had some wild nights here!

With Arigato Tours , you’ll learn about the neighborhood while stopping to sample Japanese classics like sushi, yakitori, and ramen. The 23,900 JPY cost includes a drink and dishes at four stops.  

Kamakura Here you can see a 13-meter (43-foot) bronze statue of Buddha that was built in 1252. It was initially constructed within Kotoku-in Temple, but that has since been washed away by several storms, so it now sits in the open air. Admission to enter the temple grounds is 300 JPY, while it’s 20 JPY to go inside the statue. The journey there — around an hour — is free with a Japan Rail Pass .

Tokyo Disneyland I’m a sucker for Disney. You’ll find many of the same classic rides from Disney World here, like Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, and everyone’s favorite teacup ride, The Mad Tea Party. But there are several unique attractions as well, like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Ticket prices vary depending on the day and time, but full-day admission begins at 7,900 JPY for adults and 4,400-6,200 JPY for children. It’s best to book in advance .

Mount Fuji Mount Fuji is located an hour outside of Tokyo. An active stratovolcano (which last erupted in 1708) and covered in snow for almost half of the year, it stands an impressive 3,776 meters (12,389 feet) and provides one of the most iconic views in the country. One of the Three Holy Mountains of Japan, Mount Fuji is both a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a UNESCO Cultural Site. In the summer, the mountain is open to hikers, who take 5-12 hours to reach the summit (traditionally, they depart at night to arrive at the top for the sunrise).

If you don’t want to hike, you can simply visit on a day trip. There are buses that can take you partway up, where you’ll be offered sweeping vistas of the surrounding area. Guided day tours from the city cost around 12,000 JPY.  

Wander the Bamboo Forest For a relaxing break, head to Arashiyama and let the dense and towering stands of bamboo envelop you. Located near the famous Tenryu-ji temple, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. It’s not that big, but there are some hidden areas to explore. Just make sure to arrive early if you want to enjoy it without the crowds (it fills up fast after sunrise).

While there, I would also recommend visiting the Okochi Sanso Garden, which (along with the home) belonged to the famous Japanese actor Denjir? ?k?chi (1898–1962). It’s not free (it’s 1,000 JPY), but it’s really nice and has some wonderful views.

Visit the Golden Pavilion Originally built in the late 14th century as a retirement villa for the shogun (military governor), this iconic structure was later converted into a Zen Buddhist temple. The present-day edifice dates only to the 1950s, however, when a monk attempting to kill himself burned the historic original to the ground. The rebuilt temple is covered in brilliant gold leaf, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. Each of the three stories exhibits a different architectural style. Completing the scene are the serene reflecting pool and traditional Japanese gardens that contain lush foliage, manicured trees, and scenic walking paths.

1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, +81 075-461-0013, shokoku-ji.jp. Open daily 9am-5pm. Admission is 500 JPY.

Admire Ryoan-ji Temple This is my favorite temple in Kyoto. Originally established in 1450 as a residence for a high-ranking samurai, it was soon converted into a Zen temple and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a mausoleum that houses the remains of seven emperors. Its traditional rock and sand garden is considered one of the best in the country. There’s also a teahouse where you can experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony ( chanoyu ) as you overlook the Kyoyochi reflecting pool.

There are other temples in the area to check out as well:

• Daitoku-ji Temple – This massive complex dating back to 1315 covers almost 60 acres. It contains several dozen temples and is a good place to see a variety of Zen gardens and architectural styles. It’s also deeply linked to the Japanese tea ceremony, as several of the country’s most noteworthy masters studied here.
• Toji Temple – This is home to Japan’s tallest pagoda (five stories high). Founded in 796, just after Kyoto became the capital, it was one of only three Buddhist temples allowed in the city.

Go on a sake brewery tour Kyoto has a sake (rice wine) brewing tradition going back 400 years and is known for some of the best in the world, due to using the area’s pure natural spring water in the brewing process. Arigato Tours offers an excellent three-hour tour of Fushimi (the brewing district) for 23,320 JPY, including stops at several breweries, a guided tour of the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, and tastings.  

See the Fushimi Inari Shrine This mountainside Shinto shrine, dating back to 711, is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity. It’s known for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates that form a network of trails leading up Mount Inari. You can hike the trails on your own while enjoying panoramic views of Kyoto below or join a guided hiking tour , on which you’ll get off the paved paths and into hidden bamboo groves. Get here as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, +81756417331, inari.jp. Open 24/7. Admission is free.

Walk around Higashiyama Spend an afternoon walking along the narrow streets of one of the oldest and best preserved districts on your own or on a walking tour . The traditional machiya buildings (traditional wooden townhouses) are filled with small shops selling local specialties and handicrafts, as well as restaurants and teahouses. It’s a popular area in which to participate in a tea ceremony . Another nice place to stroll in this neighborhood is the Philosopher’s Path, which follows a cherry-tree-lined canal that’s beautiful and meditative even when the blossoms aren’t in season.

Visit Kiyomizu-dera One of a number of UNESCO sites in ancient Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera (meaning “pure water temple”) is located in the foothills of Mount Otowa in the eastern part of the city. It’s one of the most famous temples in all of Japan. It was established in 778, but most of the existing buildings date to the 17th century. There’s not a single nail used in the construction, which becomes all the more impressive once you see how large the temple is, which is best known for its wooden terrace that juts out over the hillside. The temple’s name comes from the nearby waterfall whose waters (from which you can still drink today) are said to have wish-granting and healing powers.

1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, +81 75-551-1234, kiyomizudera.or.jp. Open daily 6am-6pm. Admission is 400 JPY.

Explore Shorin-ji Temple This small temple dates back to the 16th century. What makes it worth visiting is its meditation classes. You’ll get to tour the temple and then be instructed in zazen , the Japanese style of meditation. It’s a very unique experience and something that I think will add a lot of depth and nuance to your visit (especially if you’ve seen a lot of temples). Just make sure to dress comfortably.

15 Chome-795 Honmachi, +81 75-561-4311, shourin-ji.org. Open daily 10am-4pm. Admission is 800 JPY.

Wander the Nishiki Market Nishiki Ichiba is now one of the biggest indoor markets in town. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” and spanning over five blocks, it is full of vendors selling traditional dishes from the region, classic Kyoto souvenirs, and really just about anything else. There are over a hundred stalls here, many of which have been in the same family for generations. Opening hours depend on the shop but are typically from 9am to 6pm.

To dive deeper into Japanese food culture, you can take a food tour of the market . It’s the best way to learn about all the food you’ll see, as well as the market’s history.

Explore Gion Gion, the historic geisha district, is renowned as being one of the most iconic and atmospheric areas of town. It’s known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, narrow alleyways, cobblestone streets, and preservation of geisha (known locally as geiko) culture. Lining the main street are ochayas (teahouses where geishas entertain), small shops, and many restaurants, ranging from upscale kaiseki restaurants serving traditional Kyoto cuisine to casual eateries.

To really learn more about this amazing party of town and its past, take a walking tour of Gion . You’ll learn a ton and get a lot of context. They cost around 1,800 JPY.

At night, go to the Pontocho Row , a narrow street lined with restaurants, hole-in-the-wall bars, and jazz clubs. It’s one of the more lively areas in Kyoto.  

Nara was the capital of Japan in the eighth century, so there are lots of buildings and temples here that are upwards of a thousand years old (which is rare in Japan, due to the prevalence of fires and earthquakes, as well as World War II). Some things to do:

• Frolic with deer – The real draw in Nara are the deer. Since the 17th century, those in and around the city have been considered sacred. You can buy crackers to feed them or just watch them stroll around carefree.
• See the Buddha – Don’t miss a visit to Todai-ji, the world’s largest wooden building, home to a 16-meter (52-foot) Buddha statue. It was built in 738 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Take a walking tour – This guided half-day walking tour for 11,500 JPY includes all of Nara’s highlights as well as a traditional lunch.

Ryogoku Kokugikan, Japan’s most famous sumo wrestling arena, hosts tournaments three times each year, in January, May, and September. Tickets sell out quickly, so book online in advance. Prices vary but start around 3,200 JPY for arena seats. You can book a ticket online here (you’ll be accompanied by a guide too, so you can learn more about the tradition as it unfolds before your eyes).

To learn more about the sport in in the off-season, book a tour of a sumo stable .  

So, if you want to add another city to this itinerary you can follow this breakdown:

• Days 1 & 2: Tokyo
• Days 3 & 4: Kyoto
• Day 5: Nara
• Days 6 & 7: Osaka

Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara are all covered above. As for Osaka, some of my favorite things to see and do:

Take a food tour Known as “the Kitchen of Japan,” Osaka boasts a diverse culinary scene. Mouthwatering sushi and sashimi, Kobe beef and Japanese BBQ, and flavorful ramen can all be found here in abundance. Plus, there are local specialties like okonomiyaki (a savory pancake with egg and vegetables) and kushikatsu (kebab skewers). You can take a food tour for around 13,000 JPY, a ramen and gyoza cooking class for 9,500 JPY, or just wander and eat.

Osaka Castle One of the most famous landmarks in the country, the castle was originally built in the late 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and played a pivotal role in the unification of Japan during the Sengoku period (1467-1615). Over the centuries, it has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times due to wars, fires, and natural disasters. The current version dates to 1931. The castle is situated amid sprawling grounds and surrounded by a moat. It’s also home to a small but insightful museum and an observation deck that offers some picturesque urban views.

Dotonbori This is arguably Osaka’s most iconic district, known for its vibrant nightlife (bars, clubs, theaters, and music venues), colorful signage, and delicious food. It’s best seen at night due to the plethora of huge neon lights and signs lining both the canal and streets, which have become symbols of Osaka’s nightlife. A guided walking tour that includes Dotonbori as well adjacent neighborhoods is 6,500 JPY.

Shitennoji Temple This temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, founded in 593. The architecture is a blend of traditional Japanese and East Asian styles, featuring impressive pagodas, gates, and shrines set amid serene gardens. Stroll through the tranquil grounds, admire the beautiful architecture, and learn about the temple’s historical and cultural significance at the museum. The temple is 300 JPY to enter, the garden is 300 JPY, and the museum is 500 JPY.  

Japan is one of my favorite countries. While it’s relatively small, it offers an amazing array of things to see and do (as well as some of the best food in the world). With seven days, you can easily see a good number of the main highlights and get a taste for the incredible history and culture. It will be a busy week, but this itinerary ensures you’ll still have some time to slow down, relax, and take in the local pace of life.

Just make sure you get a Japan Rail Pass before you go. While it’s not as cheap as it used to be, it will likely save you time and money!

Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hostel. If you want to stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Japan, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think they will help you too!

Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!

Looking for More Travel Tips for Japan? Check out my in-depth Japan travel guide for more ways to save money, information on costs, tips on what to see and do, suggested itineraries and reading and packing lists, and much, much more!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Visit Japan Web: The Online Registration Before Arriving in Japan

Japanese customs: mysos replaced from november, 14,  2022.

During the Covid pandemic, entry procedures in Japan have changed a lot, which created some confusion. It is still somewhat the case after the reopening to tourism since October 11, even if a focus has been placed on easing the procedures especially through digitalization , to minimize human interactions and subsequent contamination risks.

Until recently, the Japanese government asked visitors to install specific app on their smartphones:

• MySOS, for advance registration of information regarding vaccine status / PCR test, for faster airport procedures in Japan (the "fast track" system)
• COCOA, an app to track contact-cases and infected persons, but it was discontinued in September 2022.

MySOS was not mandatory but highly recommended . Travelers who could not use the app were directed upon their arrival in Japan to a specific line in order to complete the necessary steps (showing a valid vaccination certificate / PCR test, etc.) which lengthened their time at the airport.

New website available since November 1st, 2022

In mid-October 2022, a new change in the procedure has been announced for all entry in Japan from November 14 included : every traveler (tourist, foreign resident and Japanese citizen alike) can register in advance on the Visit Japan Web site.

Visit Japan Web is a free, single portal to group formalities related to:

• Covid-19   🦠 ( quarantine , vaccination certificate, PCR test); The Pre-registration for Quarantine Procedures section collects the information that were previously filled in the MySOS app ("Fast Track" function);
• Immigration : the Disembarkation Card for Foreigner that was formerly handed in the plane  ✈️ just before landing (does not concern Japanese citizens and foreign permanent residents);
• Customs  🛂 , with the Declaration of Personal effects and Unaccompanied Articles , to fill upon arrival, formerly either on a paper form or on the Japanese government’s Zeikan shinkoku app (税関申告アプリ).

In the facts, registering on the website has been possible since November 1, 2022 , for any arrival in Japan from November 14 in one of its largest airports:

• Tokyo -Narita,
• Tokyo-Haneda,
• Osaka - Kansai (KIX),
• Chubu ( Nagoya ),
• Fukuoka ( Kyushu ),
• New Chitose ( Hokkaido ) and
• Naha ( Okinawa ).

Travelers arriving in Japan before November 14, 2022, can still use the MySoS app to fill their Covid related data and are not the target of the Visit Japan Web.

1 blue screen and 2 QR Codes to show on a smartphone

Like with MySOS previously, each step of the registration process is ended by a change in the page display that includes:

• A blue screen , for a successful quarantine procedure registration,
• and the creation of 2 QR Codes for customs and immigration procedures.

Once all the steps are completed, a visitor’s smartphone  📱 will display first a blue screen, then 2 QR Codes to show at each checkpoint.

Starting April 29, 2023 , according to March 10 and April 26 latest announcements of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, some of the borders restrictions will be lifted and the Covid-19 quarantine procedure (blue screen) will not be required anymore .

It is highly recommended to register before departing for Japan : at the latest 6h prior to the flight’s departure, and ideally within the 10 preceding days , in order to allow time for the review of the submitted documents. Reviews are sorted by date of arrival in Japan . Visit Japan Web is available in English.

Whether you are fully vaccinated or not, consider using Visit Japan Web to make sure to board your flight to Japan, as airlines reserve the right to refuse passengers who may potentially be banned at the Quarantine Procedures step.

The necessary documents are:

• A valid email address (will be used as a user ID to each access to Visit Japan Web);
• Until April 29, 2023 , Covid vaccination certificate or negative PCR test result taken less than 72 hours before departure and translated in English (use the Japanese-English form provided by the Japanese Ministry of Health here );
• An address in Japan (for example, of the first accommodation you will be staying at).

If traveling with underage children , it is possible to register them on the same Visit Japan Web account (up to 10 travelers). Dependent or handicapped adults who cannot go through the procedures alone can also be registered in the Family members traveling with you section. However, each of them has to have their own passport or equivalent immigration document.

Each member of the family registered on the same account will also have their blue screen and 2 QR Codes, to show at checkpoints at the arrival airport in Japan.

Like with MySOS, registering with Visit Japan Web is not mandatory , however it helps going through the entry procedures in Japan faster, and reduces the hurdles of tedious formalities after 12 hours of more spent in a plane.

On April 5, 2023, Kono Taro, the Japanese Minister of Digital Affairs, announced that travelers are no longer required to show any document at arrival airport’s quarantine in Japan . However, filling information forms for immigration and customs is still a requirement.

Additional tips and advice

An Internet  📶 connection is required to use the Visit Japan Web site, especially to create the account, fill in the user’s information, and their family’s when applicable (name, passport number, etc.), the forms regarding vaccination or PCR test and create the first QR Code. The digital Disembarkation Card for Foreigners and custom procedures can be completed offline and the QR codes created upon arrival at the airport.

Creating a Visit Japan Web account is possible on a computer (Chrome browser is recommended) or on a smartphone (Chrome browser recommended on Android). In any case, before departure, make sure to be logged in only on the device you will use to travel (a smartphone ideally), and check that all information is up-to-date.

Questions asked at immigration and customs procedures are the same than on the paper forms. In any event, official Japanese sources (the Embassy of Japan or the Border Control page of the Japanese Ministry of Health for example) are the ultimate references regarding entry procedures in Japan and should be checked frequently.

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Am I the only one.... - Japan Forum

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Am I the only one....

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7 replies to this topic

No, you are not the only one. It takes time and effort. The more you put in before you travel, the more you will get out.

Have you checked the awesome resource that is Japan-Guide.com?

Thanks for the responses :)

Yeah I've checked that site amongst others on youtube etc....and i like everything. I thought we were settled on our itinerary but now im questioning myself.

I had this planned if it works

Osaka 3 nights

Fujikawaguchiko 2 nights

Tokyo 4 nights

Kanazawa 2 nights

Kyoto 3 nights (i actually book an extra night so we can stay in hotel until we leave for airport, just something we do so last day is useful and not too long)

Tokyo is 4 nights as I have to take my girl to Disney

A day trip to Hiroshima is a must for us. 'Old 'Japanese towns/areas also really interest us...yet so does modern cities. Unfortunately we have a relatively bland palette, none of us eat fish cooked or raw

The thing I've learnt is you can't possibly cover everything, so enjoy less and then you never know go back if you can.

I decided on the following flight syd - Tokyo , Osaka - syd via Tokyo

5 nights in Tokyo

With a day trip OT Disneyland and possibly the same lake as a day trip.

2 nights in Kyoto

4 nights Osaka with day trips to Nara and universal studios and himeji Castle

1 night back in Tokyo near haneda Airport

If you verbalize your questions, many people will love to answer them,

I strongly suggest spending 1 or 2 nights in Hiroshima . I'd actually suggest skipping Kanazawa and using that time for Hiroshima. You could visit Peace Park, Miyajima , and Mitakidera Temple. Maybe also do a side trip to Onomichi.

Perhaps you'd enjoy a day in Kurashiki, which has an old historic district . . . and an outlet mall. Both are an easy walk from the train station.

Overall your plan in #3 looks fine.

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Mission Crafting "Only One" Travel Destinations

From Hokkaido to Okinawa, Japan offers an unparalleled set of assets with its flourishing seasonal nature, rich cultural heritage, fascinating traditions and its unique way of life. Yet, Japan needs now to rebrand itself in line with the SDGs goals, as destinations focusing primarly on sustainability and authenticity are becoming the new global standard of travel.

By encompassing local destinations’ unique assets & needs, we aim at upgrading the inbound tourism sector, from a solely “money-making activity” to a powerful key contributor for sustaining Japan’s local cultures and passing it on responsibly to future generations.

Japan Legacy commits to design with you meaningful and valuable "Only One" travel destinations.

S ustainable

Value  

Meaningful & Creative Synergies

between Travelers and your Destination

We provide a meaningful and creative interaction between travelers and destination’s local culture, traditions, crafts, spirituality and gastronomy, through the “transversal weaving” of each destination’s multiple assets into a coherent & powerful narrative that appeals to today's inbound travelers expectations for sustainability & authenticity.

Spirituality & Traditions

Nature & Wellness

Heritage & Crafts

Gatronomy &  Art de Vivre

Method  

Designing Travel Destinations & Travel Experiences

in a Genuine and Sustainable Way.

New traveling styles now focus on wellness, slow tourism, nature immersions, local experiences and spiritual retreats.

In line with those global travel trends, we provide on-demand inbound strategies and solutions to design truly “Only One” travel destinations that attract first-time visitors to Japan, nurture repeaters, while being precisely crafted to satisfy the highly sought after luxury travelers of the Modern Luxury Segment.

Storyline Crafting

Contents Design

Test Monitoring

Destination Audit

Market Research

Destination Branding

Marketing Plan

PR Tools Design

Promotion Campaign

Operation Guidelines

Optimization of on-site facilities

Staff Training

Overseas Networking

Sales Prospection

B2B Intendance

Daigo-ji Temple

International Advisors

Team Inbound Travel Experts A foreign team boasting many years of success in Japan

Jean-Baptiste Fauvel

Founder of Japan Legacy.  France native, with more than 10 years in attendant services for French-speaking tourists visiting Japan.Since 2018, works as an international advisor at the World Heritage Site Daigoji Temple, in Kyoto. Currently in charge of improving the inbound business department, along with curating temple related cultural experiences, product development, and MICE events. My aim is to contribute Japanese society by upgrading the tourism industry into a sustainable cultural legacy path.

Nicolas Pouzet

France native. After several years of working experience as business consultant at the Economic Affairs Department of the French Embassy in Tokyo and the French Tourism Development Agency, get involved into implementing and operating Japan's first private temple cultural stay program designed for inbound luxury travelers. Currently, curating the domestic adaptation of the "transformational travel" approach to unlock Japanese regions potential as premium travel destinations for inbound travelers.

Benoît Barbero

France native. After graduating from a licence degree at the International Christian University in 2006-2007,

I started a carrer in the Japanese animation industry as a 2D animator after a year studying art in Tokyo. After an experience that allowed me to work for major television series, fate and my various encounters gave me the opportunity to evolve and change course. Design is my passion and I hope that my knowledge will contribute for the development and recognition of Japan’s culture and touristic wonders.

Thank you very much!

• Accommodation

Arrival Point

Departure point, trip length, japan meetup tour, women only tour to japan, japan at a glance.

Feast not only your tastebuds but your imagination on this enthralling women only tour to Japan seeing everything from street food finds to mesmerizing temples and jam packed city streets lit by the neon lights and the cosy flickers from tiny restaurants, street vendors and shop windows. 

Ready to book?

Experience a Sado, the ancient tradition of matcha tea ceremony.

Enjoy a Japanese feast of your own making at a cooking class.

Spend the evening with a geisha in training.

Learn to make sushi in a private class

Spend the night at a Buddhist monastery and at a ryokan with a private onsen.

Taste your way through the food capital, Osaka, on a food tour.

• Stay in 4* and 5* hand-picked hotels
• Feature stays in a luxury ryokan with a private hot springs and a buddhist monastery
• Most tips included
• Jeep Arrival airport pickup on day 1
• 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
• All activities listed in the itinerary
• Twin share rooms
• Public transportation on sleek bullet trains
• Max group size of 14 solo female travelers
• 25 Expert local guide for the whole tour

Japan is best explored on foot. Make sure your shoes are comfy and that you are fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet. 

This trip travels primarily on public transport, as it is so efficient and convenient in Japan. Fast trains are used to move between cities, as well as public buses and metro. In order to make travel easier, we have included luggage transfer (one piece of luggage) between destinations and recommend packing light. This means that for 2 nights of the trip, you will pack an overnight bag while the rest of your luggage is transported separately and safely. 

Proof of travel insurance is required before joining day 1 of any Meetup Tour. International flights are not included. 

Meet your new BFF.

People often leave our Meetup Tours with friends for life and couches to crash on all over the world.

Guaranteed solo time.

Spend it with friends or explore on your own, but take time to reflect on your incredible journey. 

Get your beauty sleep.

Enjoy our hand-picked, premium accommodation combining the best of design, location and comfort.  

WELCOME TO TOKYO! Welcome meeting & first taste of local cuisine

Konnichiwa ! Welcome to the quirky cultural capital of Japan. A must-see city for any traveler, Tokyo is the most populated in the world with incredible diversity and exceptional food and cultural experiences. It’s a meeting point for old world traditions and futuristic technology. Fly into one of Tokyo’s main international airports, Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) and hop in a pre-booked, shared shuttle to your hotel located in central Tokyo. We recommend arriving before 2pm so you arrive in time for our welcome dinner and first meeting at 6 pm. Tonight’s meal is at a local favorite chosen by your guide. It’s guaranteed to be an excellent first taste of Japan. 

Meals: dinner

TOKYO Tsukiji Market food tour, sushi making class, Shibuya crossing, Meiji Shrine & Harajuku

Tokyo is a city of contrasts, and today we will see two polar opposites. Start your day by strolling through the bustling narrow aisles of Tsukiji Market and taste some of the staple ingredients in all of Japanese cuisine along with some classic street food. We’ll take some time to wander solo taking in the sites and smells of the market and shopping for kitchen wares and souvenirs. Once you’ve worked up an appetite again, we will learn how to make sushi in a private class and of course, taste all our hard work.

Next up is the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world – Shibuya Scramble, surrounded by the billboards you have seen in IG reels.

We’ll walk off our foodie day by embracing the tranquility of Meiji Shrine. Although it’s located in one of Tokyo’s busiest districts, this shrine is nestled inside such thick, beautiful gardens, you will forget the chaos of the city.

Next up is the Harajuku district, a quirky area full of cosplay shops, vintage clothing stores, and boba tea shops. Your guide will tell you the best spots to see, but you can also choose to wander solo, grab a snack, and people watch! 

Meals: breakfast, food tour samples & lunch

TOKYO Sensoji Temple, traditional tea ceremony & wagashi making, Yanaka & solo time 

After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit Sensoji Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple and one of the most colorful. After a stroll around the surrounding market, we will experience a different, softer and more traditional pace of the city. Yanaka is a charming, old neighborhood known for its love of stray cats and gentle spirituality, which you’ll see in small shrines, temples, and cemeteries. Tucked away is an old tea shop where we will enjoy Sado, the ancient matcha tea ceremony and try our hands at making wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets that accompany the tea. Wander the laid back streets of Yanaka at your own pace, perhaps opting in for a sake tasting, getting your fortune read, or shopping for cat-themed  souvenirs. The rest of the day is yours to explore Tokyo however you please. 

Meals: breakfast

TOKYO TO IZU Train to Izu, visit the local bamboo forest, go for a hike, & soak in your private onsen 

Say sayonara to Tokyo this morning and hop on a two hour bullet train to Izu. The orderly chaos of Tokyo train stations is a cultural experience all on its own. On a clear day, you’ll even get to see Mt. Fuji on the way. This tranquil hot-spring town provides a respite from the busy city and shows you a sweeter, slower side of Japan full of natural beauty. Your guide will take you to the town’s local bamboo forest and on an easy hike. Wander some of the shops and then soak in your own private onsen! Tonight your accommodation is a traditional Japanese ryokan that seamlessly blends modern comforts with timeless design. Each room boasts a private hot spring, and you can also indulge in the larger public onsen. Tonight you’ll enjoy dinner on-site, where you’ll be served up a feast of classic Japanese dishes. 

Meals: breakfast & dinner

Izu TO KYOTO Bullet train, Kenninji Temple & an afternoon with a maiko 

We’ll enjoy a beautiful breakfast before we hop on some local transport before our 3 hour ride on a  shinkansen,  or bullet train, to Kyoto. Grab some snacks or an ekiben, train station bento box, like the locals do to munch on for lunch later. Kyoto was founded in AD 794  as Heian-kyo – meaning ‘tranquility and peace capital’ – and was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years before the emperor and government relocated to Tokyo. Because of this, Kyoto is rich in history with over 2000 temples, shrines, and gardens. Now it is known for its flower town where the geiko (proper name for geisha) and maiko live. When we arrive, we’ll explore the rock gardens and exquisite dragon paintings of Kenninji Temple. Afterwards, we’ll join a real maiko (a geiko in training) for a very special and private experience. She’ll regale us with a dance performance and you’ll be able to ask her all your burning questions about her life before one more activity of her choosing. The rest of the evening is yours to roam the lantern lit streets. 

KYOTO Shrine & Temple hopping & a cooking class

Today we’ll visit one of Kyoto’s most popular shrines, Fushimi Inari, famous for its tunnel of 1000 scarlet torii gates. Afterwards, we’ll head to Sanju-sangen-do Temple, built in 1164 and full of over 1000 kannon (the godess of mercy) statues. In the afternoon, explore the iconic shopping streets that surround the famous Kiyomizudera temple and maybe stop for a tea. Before the day is up, you’ll get to try your hand at some traditional Japanese home cooking in an obanzai cooking class in a local woman’s home. 

Kyoto Solo day 

Today is a completely free day for you to explore Kyoto at your own pace. You could take a walk along the Kamogawa River and visit the neighboring street of shopping arcades that includes Nishiki Market and Teramachi dori, where traditional shops are sprinkled around. You could head northeast to the renowned Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion where you can take a peaceful walk down the Philosopher’s Path and discover more temples and sites along the way. There are so many things you could do and experience in this ancient capital, and your guide will be there to help you choose the perfect activity. 

KYOTO TO Koya-San Okunoin Cemetery, guided meditation & overnight at a Buddhist monastery

Today we are going back to nature to experience a whole new landscape and a more spiritual side of Japan. We’ll jump on a 2.5 hour train ride to Mt. Koya. Koya-Ryujin Quasi-National Park is one of Japan’s most sacred sites and our home for the night. This afternoon, we’ll stroll the Okunoin Cemetery, where you can find graves of historically important people next to some rather peculiar ones – imagine a gravestone in the shape of a rocket or a coffee cup. It’s like walking through another world! We’ll be spending the night at a traditional shukubo , or buddhist monastery, tucked into the mountain-side. This evening, we’ll join a meditation session before enjoying a Buddhist vegetarian meal provided by our hosts. 

Koya-San TO OSAKA Food tour, solo time & farewell dinner

This morning, you can choose to sleep in or participate in the monastery’s morning prayers. After breakfast, we have a 2.5 hour train ride to Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city and unofficial culinary capital, where the motto is ‘Kuidaore’ (‘eat until you drop’). We’ll arrive in Osaka around lunchtime, just in time to get your appetite going on a walking street food tour in the famous Dotonbori neighborhood, the city’s most popular shopping, food and entertainment district. At night, this district is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanized signs. Enjoy a few hours of free time before we meet back up for one last delicious Japanese feast together. 

Meals: breakfast, food tour samples, dinner

FAREWELL FOR NOW

As your tour comes to a close, ask your guide to help arrange transportation to the airport or to your next destination. Check out by 10am. Enjoy breakfast, and if you’re like us, start dreaming about your next adventure! 

Meals: breakfast  

HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION

Our accommodation is carefully chosen to give you the best combination of comfort, location, and style. These are photos from our collection of favorite hotels to give you a sense of the accommodation you can expect with us. All of our accommodation is 4 and 5 star with many beautiful views in prime locations.

Rem Plus Ginza

Kikuya ryokan, eko-in buddhist monastery, dates & prices for japan.

⭐️ Click “Book Now” to hold your spot with a $500 deposit. ⭐️ Flexible payment plans : Pay what you want when you want up until 90 days before departure.  ⭐️ Transfer your booking: Change your dates or destination one time for free, just give us 90 days notice. No questions asked!

Arrival: Fly into one of Tokyo’s main international airports, Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND).

• On arrival you’ll take a shared shuttle bus going to central Tokyo where you check in to your hotel. The shared transfer is included when you arrive between 6am and 10pm on Day 1.
• If you arrive a day or two early,  the airport transfer is not included.  Please email us directly if you book flights outside this window so we can assist with arranging a transfer and an early night in the hotel.
• Our tour starts at 6pm, so we recommend that you arrive no later than 3pm on day 1 so that you have extra cushion time. However, we will schedule your shuttle anytime in between 6am and 10pm.

Departure: Kansai International Airport (KIX). You can leave anytime on the last day. Check out is at 10am.

• If you are extending your trip on your own and need to fly domestically (back to Tokyo), you can also fly out of Osaka International (Itami) Airport (ITM).
• Visa fees if applicable
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Airport drop off
• Tips for your tour guide 
• A non-refundable $500 deposit is required to hold your spot.
• Final payment is due 90 days before departure.
• Pay as much as often as you like until the due date.
• No refunds on deposits.

Many nationalities do not require a visa for visits less than 90 days, including citizens of the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. 

For the latest update of what is required in order to enter Japan, please check your government’s foreign travel advisory or contact the embassy for more information.

If you are from a country that does require a visa to enter Japan, you may be required to submit a few  documents along with your visa application form. SoFe is able to provide you with these documents upon request. Please request them from us and provide correct passport details and your email.

The itinerary is subject to change due for any reason – weather, unexpected cancellations, impromptu local opportunities, or surprise additions.

All bookings are subject to our terms and conditions .

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory or you may be refused to join the tour. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation.

Here is the link to our favorite Travel Insurance provider for citizens of the USA and Canada. We recommend enrolling in travel insurance before you book your flights, in case you need to make any changes to your flight plans. 

There are size restrictions for luggage on Shinkansen trains. Luggage over 160–250 cm may require an additional USD 10 fee per train journey. Luggage over 251 cm will NOT be permitted on the Shinkansen trains at all. Please notify your group leader at the welcome meeting if your luggage is over 160–250 cm so they can help you make the necessary arrangements. Additionally, each piece of luggage cannot exceed 30 kilograms.

On Day 4, we will send your main luggage to Kyoto, as you will use a lot of public transportation over the next couple days. You will need to prepare a light overnight bag for your stay at a traditional ryokan. 1 piece of luggage is included in the luggage forwarding service. If you have extra luggage you’d like to be forwarded from Kyoto to Osaka, the cost will be about 1800-2300 JPY depending on the size. Your leader will be able to advise the exact amount whilst on your trip.

Because of this, we recommend packing 1 checked bag and another smaller backpack to use as your overnight bag.

What our travelers say

Above and beyond., everything is covered, loved traveling with other solo ladies..

“The included meals and dining experiences were spectacular! Our guide truly went above and beyond, and made each day of the journey amazing! She had such an upbeat personality and terrific sense of humor. She laughed with us and infused many of our mealtimes with personal stories and mementos. Plus, the female empowerment aspect of this group really sets it apart!” Sarah M. | Japan

“SoFe truly covers every single aspect once you land at the destination right up until you leave for the airport on the last day. Having Addie as our tour guide just made the whole trip. We were all so happy to be there.” Jean P. | Japan

“It was great meeting other ladies on the tour who have traveled a lot around the world. Traveling around Japan while getting to know them was amazing and sharing experiences with other females has been a positive change compared to doing these experiences on your own. I loved getting cheap dessert at a nearby convenience store and sharing it late at night with my roommate. There were so many highlights on this trip.” Sandy L. | Japan

Photos from the road

We love to collect photos from as many of our Meetup Tours as possible. If you want to see more, check out the stories on our Instagram! @solofemaletravel. When you travel with us, tag @sofetravel and you may even get featured!

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Travel, culture, and stories from Japan.

Travel cameras – the best options for japan..

As an Amazon Associate I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. At no extra cost to you! ^_^

Have you ever thought ‘What camera should I bring to Japan?’. Having graduated with a degree in photography, and spent the last year with a camera strapped to my neck while walking around Japan, I know the importance of a good camera for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Japan is beautiful , and you’ll definitely want to make sure you’re taking the best photos of your trip that you can!

If you’re looking for something to take snapshots and save memories at the most, your phone will probably be enough. If you want to print your photos out, create high-quality images, and edit them, you’ll need to look at a travel camera, ideally mirrorless to save weight while traveling in Japan.

I’ll be writing this article based on three assumptions:

• You’ve booked your trip to Japan and want to know your best options for photography
• You haven’t booked your trip to Japan yet, but love to research (Totally me)
• You’re interested in the best travel cameras – Maybe you aren’t considering Japan as a holiday destination just yet, but have a look around the site and you’ll probably change your mind! 😉

Whichever of the three categories you fall into, this is the right place for you!

Table of Contents

Frequently asked questions about travel cameras

Is it cheaper to buy a camera in japan.

Honestly? Not really, unless you’re buying second hand. Whilst there will be a far greater choice in some of the camera shops in Tokyo, they don’t come with a lower price tag.

“But what about the 10% tax discount?” You absolutely can get that in most of the places, but they’ll normally mark up the price another 10% beforehand.

The only instance you may find cheaper cameras is in the second hand market. But once again that isn’t 100% guaranteed and is extremely dependent on the quality.

Moral of the story?

Buy a camera way before you go to Japan to make sure you don’t miss out on the best deals. Plus Sony won’t let you switch languages in-camera which means you’ll be stuck in Japanese!

Which is the better camera out of x and x?

If you’re anything like me, you’ll likely research what camera you should take to Japan.

As someone who has lost count of the cameras he’s bought, there won’t ever be a right answer .

You have to pick the camera that works for you in this very moment. Sure there will probably be a later and greater model coming out in a couple of months, but if you need one now then it has no relevance to you.

The number one factor to consider when buying a travel camera is likely to be price, followed closely by size, and image quality.

It’s extremely important to realize no camera will be perfect for your needs, and unless you have money to burn you’ll likely have to compromise somewhere.

What are the best travel cameras to take to Japan?

If you’re new to the world of photography, it’s understandable if you feel overwhelmed. There is a plethora of camera models, types, brand names, lenses, accessories, etc. For the time being, we’ll stick to the basics and talk about the main camera types

After we’ve done that, I’ll give you a few different series of cameras to look at, rather than specific cameras that may or may not be around when you come to read the article. That way, it’ll stay as relevant as possible for as many people as possible!

DSLR Cameras

Loved by professional photographers and amateurs alike, DSLRs are the powerhouse of the photography world. All DSLRs feature interchangeable lenses which makes them adaptable to pretty much any situation.

Taking pictures of faraway animals? Zoom lens

Taking landscape photography? Wide-angle lens

With hundreds of lenses available, there’s no situation you can’t be prepared for.

If you’re considering a DSLR, you should expect high-megapixel photos (more detailed photo quality), great ergonomics, adaptability, and a robust build.

Some of the higher-end models feature advanced weather sealing which IMHO is one of their best features. For example, the camera I used to own, the 5DMKiV, has a metal alloy frame as well as weather sealing all throughout the body. This is a feature you can expect the high-end lenses to have as well.

I don’t feel like I need to tell you why weather sealing is a fantastic feature in travel cameras but I suppose I can for those newer to photography.

Imagine your whistle-stop tour of Japan starts on the sandy beaches of Okinawa, then the tightly packed streets of Tokyo, followed by the snowy landscape of Sapporo .

There are a lot of elements fighting against your camera on a day-to-day basis and that’s especially true for travel photography.

Top tip: Don’t change your lenses on the beach, you’ll be finding sand in your camera and lens for months to come!

Anyway, would I recommend this as the best camera for Japan? Absolutely not.

We’re in a time now where much smaller cameras can do exactly the same thing while weighing a hell of a lot less. That was the reason I sold my 5DIV in favor of a Sony A7IV – the weight and size.

If you can only get your hands on a DSLR, or you already own one then that’s totally fine, your photos won’t be any worse than those who own a mirrorless camera. Plus if it weighs anything like my old camera did, you’ll come back from your trip far fitter than you were if you’re lugging one of those around!

Mirrorless Cameras

A mirrorless camera might just be the best camera to take to Japan. It has all the same technological specs as DSLRs and then some.

In fact, over the last couple of years, mirrorless cameras have become technologically superior to their DSLR cousins in practically every way.

Thousands of focus points, AI technology, WYSIWYG viewfinder, lightning-fast autofocus, etc. These are just a few of the incredible feats these cameras can do.

You can be absolutely certain that a good mirrorless camera will perform in any travel situation you get yourself into.

The problem?

Well, mirrorless cameras tend to be a little more delicate than DSLRs, especially the earlier ones. Admittedly they’re much better now, but you’ll still run the risk of getting dust into the sensor if you’re not careful when changing lenses.

Because they have no mirror, it means the sensor of the camera is more easily exposed to the outside world. So that tip I just gave you about not changing lenses on the beach is even more important with mirrorless.

So yes, they are more delicate but their weight, size, and technology by far outweigh the cons making them a fantastic travel camera for Japan and more than worth a look into.

Bridge Cameras

Bridge cameras ‘bridge’ the gap between digital cameras and DSLRs. As far as I’m concerned they just aren’t the best choice for travel photography.

Maybe they were once upon a time, but technology has improved significantly since then and has almost made them redundant.

In fact, I’m so confident there are better choices out there that I’m not recommending any specific cameras below. Sorry!

Point and shoot Digital Cameras

Honestly not a bad shout to buy one of these cameras if you aren’t willing to spend a lot. In fact, scrap that, there’s been such a big resurgence for these things that I’m struggling to find a simple point-and-shoot for an acceptable amount of money.

They don’t come with all the bells and whistles of mirrorless or DSLRs but they work perfectly well and more importantly, you can slip them in your pocket or bag and forget they’re there. They offer a significant step up from a phone camera (depending on your phone and the point-and-shoot camera you’re looking at), come with a cheap (sometimes…) price tag, and can fit in your pocket.

Point-and-shoot cameras often come with a built-in zoom lens allowing you to take a variety of subjects quickly and easily.

And even more important, without a detachable lens your camera will be slightly less susceptible to loose debris such as sand and dirt. All these features combined mean you won’t have to worry too much about chucking in your bag or even dropping it. If you’ve managed to get one cheaply, that is!

Film Cameras

My favorite way to photograph Japan, but it’s also the most expensive and least reliable.

If you’ve never shot with film before, don’t let that put you off. Not only is it a great way to digitally detox, but it’s also a great way to stay present with your surroundings.

In fact, these might be the only cameras I would advise you to buy whilst you’re in Japan. Sankyo Camera in Ginza is my favorite place to find them!

Later on in the article, I’ll show you my best recommendations for a beginner film camera for travel.

Action Cameras

Always nice to have an action camera on any trip, and Japan is no different! We used a gopro on our recent trip from Sapporo to Niseko and up onto the slopes. It was epic and I’m so glad we had this little thing!

Using an action camera for travel photography will drastically open up shooting possibilities and allow you to capture moments that no other camera will. Whether you’re skiing down the slopes of Mount Yōtei or swimming in the Pacific Ocean, an action camera will be your best friend and won’t be too heavy to carry around.

The best travel cameras for Japan

While I don’t recommend buying a DSLR specifically for Japan, if you do other kinds of photography as well as travel, then it might make sense. Here is a list of of a few DSLR cameras I’d recommend, though it might help to do your own research to see which cameras have succeeded these ones in the future. Honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me if some of these were the last of their kind, giving way to the mirrorless cameras instead.

DSLR – Budget option

Nikon d3500.

Key features:

• 24 Megapixels
• 5fps continuous shooting speed
• 1080p video
• 1,550 shots per battery (leading for it’s price)

If you want to learn everything about photography, getting a DSLR like the Nikon D3500 is a great choice.

The camera has a full auto mode which is great for when you’re just starting out as well as manual mode which will help you get the exact photo you want.

At a little under $600 it’s an absolute steal for it’s capabilities.

I remember buying the Canon 1000D for a similar price when it came out and it couldn’t even shoot video!

DSLR – Mid-Range option

Canon eos 90d.

• 10fps continuous shooting
• 32.5 Megapixels

A great step up from the D3500 if you’re looking to splurge a bit more money.

With 10fps you can be sure you won’t miss any wildlife shots during your trip.

And with 4K video and 32.5MP, everything you shoot will be in extremely high quality.

DSLR – High-end option

Canon eos 5dmkiv.

Key Features:

• Full-frame sensor (More detailed shots)
• 30.4 Megapixels
• 61-point AF system (Quick focusing)

Yes, it is bigger and heavier than others you might use as a travel camera, but it’s an absolute powerhouse and I loved it so much that it’s going on the list. If you can get past the weight, its performance will astound you. It’s built with complete weather sealing for all those beaches and mountains you’ll be traveling to and has been tried and tested by professionals across the world for years.

If you do other work as well as travel photography, this could be perfect!

Mirrorless – Budget option

Canon EOS M50

• 390g (Thats light!!)
• 24.1 Megapixels

This might be the best camera for bloggers and travel photographers on a small budget.

With 24 Megapixels and 4K video, you probably won’t ever feel like you need more detailed photos.

The camera also features a flip-out LCD for selfies or blogging as well as built-in flash for those low light situations

Mirrorless – Mid-Range option

• Full frame sensor
• 24.3 Megapixels
• 1080P footage
• 5-axis image stabilization

This little camera will always have a place in my heart as it was the first full-frame camera I ever bought.

I’ve taken it around the world and back again a number of times and it’s always done me well.

And if you’ve never experienced in-body image stabilisation then you’re in for a treat! It means you can use old-fashioned lenses with much slower shutter speeds.

If that’s something you’re interested in of course! You might be wondering why someone would use a manual old-fashioned camera lens on a digital camera (especially for travel photography). My reasons for doing so in Japan and China a number of times have been as a way to disconnect from media.

It may seem like a small change but it keeps you present when you’re traveling which is always a good thing if you’ve only got a few days in your destination.

I chose the A7II for the mid-range mirrorless travel camera, but if your budget can stretch then I’d advise checking out the A7IV which is what I own now (Better in every way, but also more of a pro camera)

Mirrorless – High-End option

Canon EOS R5

Price: $4900 with lens

• 45 Megapixels
• 20 Frames per second (Great for shooting fast-moving subjects like wildlife)
• 8-stop image stabilizer
• 5940 autofocus positions

Completely over the top, but definitely one of the best cameras for travel photography. …That’s if money is no object.

Point and shoot – Budget option

Fujifilm xp140.

• Waterproof to 25m
• Shockproof from 1.8m
• Freeze-proof to -10c
• 16Megapixels
• 4k (Though only at 15fps, not making for the smoothest footage)

It’s cheap, it’s got a decent zoom lens, and it’s basically destruction-proof.

What’s not to like?!

Point and shoot – Mid-Range option

Olympus tough tg-6.

• 340 shots per battery
• 4k at 30 fps

Similar specs to the budget option, but much better for fast-moving subjects with 20fps. If you’re into adventure sports then this could be worth investing in.

Point and shoot – High-End option

Sony cyber-shot rx100 vi.

• 20.1 Megapixels
• 24-200mm lens (extremely adaptable)
• Tilting LCD (Great for those hard-to-shoot places)
• 24 Frames per second shooting speed
• Electronic Viewfinder

It’s extremely expensive for a point-and-shoot camera, but it comes packed full of more features than any travel photographer could ever want.

Update: There’s now an RX100VIII which is still a great camera for travel photography. It’s small, shoots outstanding photos, and is easily recommendable for shooting in Japan.

Film – Budget option

Fujifilm quicksnap waterproof.

• Easy to use

27 photos, shoot it literally anywhere, and you don’t have to worry about any settings.

Oh and it’s only $11 on Amazon!

How is this not the best travel camera for Japan?!

Film – High-end option

Price: Around $100 with lens

• Create timeless photos

This canon AE-1 program is all you need to get started in the world of film photography. In fact, you can get started with a lot less, but I’m happy to personally recommend this one because I’ve taken so many photos with it. They can be picked up for as little as $100 and the optics of the 50mm are perfectly adequate for travel photos.

So grab a pack of Fuji 35mm film, and go and shoot Japan in all its glory!

Action Camera – The only one you’ll need.

Gopro hero 9 black.

• 20 Megapixel photos
• HyperSmooth 3.0

Having an action camera will change your travel photography. That is especially true with GoPro’s new HyperSmooth 3.0 technology.

If you thought the camera you have now can stabilize with its in-body image stabilization, just wait until you see theirs!

Update: There’s now a hero 12 which has better features, but this is still a great action camera to have for a smaller pricetag.

It’s bloody madness!!

So what travel camera should I buy for Japan?

At the end of the day, only you know what the best camera to take to Japan will be. Any one of the cameras I’ve mentioned in this article is bound to take better photos than your camera phone, but at the same time, a camera phone might be all you need.

If you’ve got no idea what to buy but just want to get some better photos, or if you know you don’t want to learn the ins and outs of photography, buy a point-and-shoot.

If you’re shooting in extreme environments like mountains or anything with sand, nothing will beat a high-end mirrorless with weather-sealing (including lens) for robustness.

Or if you’re looking for a camera that can go anywhere and you love video more than still photography, go for a GoPro.

If you want to keep things simple, take a look at some of the fixed-lens cameras like the Ricoh GR, Fuji X100 series, and Leica Q series. Those are all hugely popular cameras with their own cult following, and for good reason as well.

I bought a Fuji X100T and shot with it in Japan on my first trip, it was awesome! Shooting with a somewhat simpler camera is a great way to photograph Japan and if I’m being honest, this is definitely my preferred way. 95% of the photos on this website were taken with the A7IV and a 35mm lens, it’s perfect for what I’m looking for.

Just remember, If you separate your mind and body from your phone you’re likely to live in the moment more frequently. For that reason alone it’s worth investing in a travel camera for Japan.

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Jonny Gleason

Jonny is the founder of A Day of Zen and has an unhealthy obsession with Japan. In 2022 he moved to Japan on a mission to give his audience the best possible information. He's helped over 300,000 plan their trip so far, and is eager to make that number much bigger!

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These are the world’s top 10 cleanest airports - only one is in Europe

The world’s top 10 cleanest airports have been announced - and only one hub in Europe features on the list.

In fact, the ranking is almost exclusively made up of airports in Asia, with the exception of Zurich in Switzerland, which comes in tenth place.

The research was undertaken by airline rating organisation Skytrax as part of its World Airport Awards.

Here are the cleanest airports worldwide - and what qualified them for that accolade.

Japan snags four out of the 10 top spots on Skytrax’s list

Tokyo’s Haneda Airport came in first place as the world's cleanest airport.

Skytrax praised the cleanliness of the floors, seating, public areas and toilet facilities. In a post-COVID world, that’s extremely important, the organisation says.

“Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the standards of airport cleanliness have become much more important to customers," Skytrax says. "Airports maintaining these highest standards are well featured in the best airport cleanliness results.”

Haneda very much led the way, not just globally but in Japan too.

In fact, the Asian nation boasts four top spots on the list, with Centrair Nagoya in fifth place, Tokyo Narita in sixth and Kansai in seventh.

Outside of Japan, but still firmly within Asia, Seoul Incheon in South Korea took the second spot and Singapore Changi claimed third.

Doha Hamad snagged fourth place, while Hong Kong and Taiwan Taoyuan took eighth and ninth place respectively.

Rounding out the list was only non-Asian airport, Switzerland’s Zurich .

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What are the cleanest airports by region?

Skytrax’s awards also named the top cleanest airport in each region, with Zurich naturally coming out on top in all of Europe.

Tokyo Haneda won for Asia and Doha Hamad took the prize for the Middle East.

In the Americas, the top North American terminal was Vancouver in Canada, South America’s was Quito in Ecuador and the cleanest Central American and Caribbean airport was awarded to Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría.

In Africa, Cape Town took the top spot, Brisbane won for the Australia/Pacific region and Shanghai Hongqiao took the win for China.

Azerbaijan’s Baku won in Central Asia and Bangalore was Skytrax’s pick for India and South Asia.

2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the flagship awards, which are based on customer satisfaction surveys for more than 570 airports across the globe.

Despite a renewed push for sustainable travel, flying is still enormously popular, with more than 8.5 billion passengers flying a year. A clean airport can only ease the often stressful experience.