The Japan Guides

Practical Travel Guides

Most nationalities receive a 90-day tourist visa on arrival in Japan with no prior application needed. The bigger planning question is transport: the JR Pass pays off on long journeys between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, but on a shorter or more urban trip an IC card - Suica or Pasmo - is more practical, covering metro lines, buses, and convenience stores. Day prices on the shinkansen are fixed; buying point-to-point tickets makes sense when the Pass doesn't break even.

Japan is still heavily cash-based - carry ¥10,000–20,000 at all times, especially outside cities. A pocket wifi or eSIM is essential for navigation. Budget roughly ¥12,000–18,000 per day for mid-range travel. The guides here cover JR Pass, IC cards, shinkansen booking, visa requirements, costs by city, seasonal timing, onsen etiquette, and luggage forwarding.

Japanese flag flying above a brick and glass government building in Chiyoda, Tokyo
Practical

Embassies and Consulates in Japan: Contacts and Lost Passport Steps

Embassy addresses and phone numbers in Tokyo for the UK, US, Germany, Italy, Spain and more, plus how to replace a lost passport.

Set of black travel plug adapters with different pin layouts used when travelling abroad
Practical

Japan Power Outlets & Adapters: Plug Types, Voltage and What to Pack

Japan uses Type A and B plugs at 100V. Check whether your chargers need an adapter, why 50Hz and 60Hz both exist, and what to leave at home.

Colourful koinobori carp streamers flying against a blue sky, flown in Japan around Children's Day
Practical

Japan Public Holidays 2026 and 2027: Dates and What Closes

Japan public holidays for 2026 and 2027 with exact dates, what closes, and which travel periods are most crowded and expensive for visitors.

Japanese yen banknotes and coins including 5,000 and 10,000 yen notes
Practical

Japan Currency and Money Guide: Yen, ATMs, and Cash Tips

Japan runs on cash. Here's what to know about the yen, where to exchange money, the best ATMs, card acceptance, and tipping norms before you go.

Fukuoka Tower and city skyline across Hakata Bay
Practical

Best Time to Visit Fukuoka: Month-by-Month Guide

Best time to visit Fukuoka: early cherry blossoms, Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, warm winters, budget tips, and month-by-month weather breakdown.

Atomic Bomb Dome beside the Motoyasu River in Hiroshima at dusk with autumn colour
Practical

Best Time to Visit Hiroshima: Month-by-Month Guide

Best time to visit Hiroshima by month: cherry blossoms, Miyajima island views, oyster season, crowd levels, and when to find the best hotel prices.

Visitors walking toward Yasaka Pagoda along a Higashiyama street in Kyoto
Practical

Best Time to Visit Kyoto: Month-by-Month Guide

Best time to visit Kyoto by month: cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, Gion Matsuri, crowd levels, and when to book to save money.

Sika deer standing in front of a five-storey pagoda in Nara Park
Practical

Best Time to Visit Nara: Month-by-Month Guide

Best time to visit Nara: cherry blossoms, Omizutori ceremony, autumn foliage, deer park year-round, crowd levels, and when to avoid the worst queues.

Dotonbori Street gate at sunset with crowds in Osaka
Practical

Best Time to Visit Osaka: Month-by-Month Guide

Best time to visit Osaka by month: cherry blossoms at the castle, summer festivals, autumn foliage, crowd levels, and the cheapest times to go.

Sapporo TV Tower rising above a snowy street
Practical

Best Time to Visit Sapporo: Month-by-Month Guide

Best time to visit Sapporo: Snow Festival in February, summer beer gardens, autumn foliage, ski season guide, and month-by-month weather breakdown.

Tokyo skyline with Tokyo Skytree under a blue sky
Practical

Best Time to Visit Tokyo: Month-by-Month Guide

Best time to visit Tokyo by month: cherry blossoms, Golden Week pitfalls, autumn foliage, summer heat, and budget tips by season.

Minato Mirai skyline and Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel on Yokohama harbour
Practical

Best Time to Visit Yokohama: Month-by-Month Guide

Best time to visit Yokohama by month: Chinatown festivals, cherry blossoms, summer fireworks over the bay, autumn foliage, and budget tips by season.

Osaka Castle above green parkland with the city skyline behind
Practical

Osaka vs Hiroshima: Which Japanese City Should You Visit?

Osaka wins for street food, nightlife and Kansai energy; Hiroshima wins for profound history, Miyajima Island and a calmer pace. Visit both.

Traditional Japanese paper lanterns with kanji text displayed at an outdoor festival
Practical

Japan Festivals & Events Calendar: Dates and Seasons

Japan festivals calendar: Gion Matsuri, Nebuta, Awa Odori, Sapporo Snow Festival and every major matsuri by season, with dates, venues and city links.

Train arriving at Fukuyama station, Hiroshima Japan - regional rail pass guide
Practical

Japan Regional Rail Passes: Kansai, Kyushu & Hokkaido

Regional JR passes compared: Kansai, Kyushu, Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Hokuriku Arch - prices, coverage, and which pass fits your route.

White bullet train at Shin-Osaka station - JR Pass alternatives guide Japan
Practical

Is the JR Pass Worth It? Alternatives & IC Cards

JR Pass costs ¥50,000+ for 7 days. We break down when individual Shinkansen tickets, IC cards, and regional passes save you money.

Lanterns lit up at a traditional Japanese summer festival with yukata-clad crowds
Practical

Festivals in Japan: Complete Month-by-Month Guide

Japan festivals month by month: Sapporo Snow Festival, Gion Matsuri, Obon, autumn foliage, and every major event with 2027 dates, venues, and crowd notes.

Pathway lined with white cherry blossom trees in spring, Kyoto Japan - Japan seasons guide
Practical

Japan by Season: When and Where to Travel

Spring, summer, autumn, winter. Japan transforms completely each season. Here's what to expect, where to go, and when to book.

Delivery worker with red cargo box on motorbike in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan
Practical

Luggage Forwarding in Japan: The Complete Takkyubin Guide

Send luggage door-to-door across Japan with takkyubin. Yamato, Sagawa, Japan Post compared: prices, weight limits, hotel-to-hotel and airport delivery.

Outdoor hot spring with steam rising at a traditional onsen in Nozawa Onsen, Nagano, Japan
Practical

Tattoo-Friendly Onsen in Japan: Where to Soak

Tattoo-friendly onsen in Japan: private baths (kashikiriburo) from ¥1,500 per session, plus welcoming facilities in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone, and Beppu.

Couple in traditional kimonos walking hand in hand up a stone path toward a temple, surrounded by green trees, Japan
Practical

Honeymoon in Japan: Best Regions, Hotels and When to Go

Japan honeymoon guide: best regions for couples, top romantic hotels, ideal travel season, and a realistic budget breakdown.

Person working on laptop with coffee - Japan digital nomad visa remote work guide
Practical

Japan Digital Nomad Visa: What Remote Workers Need to Know

Japan has no dedicated digital nomad visa. We explain the honest reality, best legal options, and how remote workers are staying longer.

Passport booklet on white surface with airplane boarding pass - Japan ETA JESTA travel authorisation guide
Practical

Japan ETA / JESTA: What Every Visitor Needs to Know

Japan is introducing JESTA, an electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors - what it is, who needs it, how to apply, and what it costs.

Modern airport terminal interior with geometric ceiling, Japan - Chitose airport transfer guide
Practical

New Chitose Airport to Sapporo: Transfer Guide (CTS)

New Chitose Airport to Sapporo: JR Rapid Airport train in 37 minutes (¥1,150), plus buses to Niseko from ¥2,000 and private transfer options.

Smartphone photographing Tokyo city lights at night - Japan eSIM guide
Practical

Japan eSIM Guide: Airalo, Holafly & Nomad Compared

Compare Japan eSIM plans from Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad - nationwide coverage, network performance, pricing, and step-by-step activation guide.

Modern white and blue train at a station platform near Kansai airport, Japan
Practical

Japan Airport Transfer Guide: NRT, HND, KIX & CTS

Narita Express ¥3,070 (60–80 mins), Skyliner ¥2,570 (41 mins), buses & taxis. Complete guide to airport transfers from Haneda, Kansai, Chitose and

Crowds gathered in front of the Kaminarimon gate at Sensoji Temple, Tokyo, Japan
Practical

How Much Does Japan Cost? Daily Budget Breakdown

Japan daily budget by style and by city: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and rural Japan, covering accommodation, food and transport, as of 2026.

Traveller carrying suitcase up stairs at a busy Japanese train station
Practical

Takkyubin Japan: Costs, Konbini Drop-Off, & Ski Bag

Takkyubin Japan - exact prices by bag size and route, konbini drop-off points, airport kiosks, Yamato vs Sagawa, and ski equipment forwarding.

Tokyo streets illuminated at night - is Japan safe to visit
Practical

Is Japan Safe to Visit? Honest Traveller Guide

Japan is one of the world's safest travel destinations. Here's an honest look at crime, health, transport, natural hazards, and solo travel.

Shinjuku station platform in Tokyo Japan - Suica and IC card guide
Practical

Suica & IC Cards in Japan: The Complete Tourist Guide

How to get a Suica or Pasmo IC card in Japan, top up, use on trains and in shops, set up Mobile Suica on iPhone or Android, and refund your deposit.

Two women in kimono on a Kyoto street - Tokyo Kyoto Osaka golden route without JR Pass
Practical

Japan's Golden Route Without a JR Pass: Point-to-Point Cost

Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka by individual Shinkansen tickets costs ~¥30,000 return, far less than the ¥50,000 JR Pass. Full cost breakdown.

Red and white train on elevated rail near Tokyo - Haneda airport transfer guide
Practical

Haneda Airport to Tokyo: Monorail, Keikyu, Bus, & Taxi Guide

Haneda Airport to central Tokyo by monorail (¥500, 13 min) or Keikyu Line - plus limousine bus and taxi options with fares and journey times.

Modern bullet train at station platform Japan - Kansai airport transfer guide
Practical

Kansai Airport to Osaka & Kyoto: Trains, Buses, & Transfer

Kansai Airport to Osaka and Kyoto: Nankai Rapi:t (38 min, ¥1,450), Haruka Express, airport limousine bus, and taxi - fares and booking tips.

White bullet train at station platform - Narita airport transfer guide
Practical

Narita Airport to Tokyo: Transfer Options & Prices

Every way to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo - Narita Express, Keisei Skyliner, limousine bus, and taxi, with prices and journey times.

Japanese coastal road sign with ocean and mountain backdrop - natural disaster safety in Japan
Practical

Earthquakes, Typhoons & Volcanic Activity in Japan

Practical guide to Japan's earthquakes, typhoons, volcanoes, and tsunamis - what to expect, which apps to download, and how to stay safe.

Travellers with luggage outside Hiroshima station, Japan
Practical

Japan Packing List: What to Pack for Every Season

Japan packing list by season - spring cherry blossom, humid summer, autumn foliage, and winter snow, covering tech, onsen, and city essentials.

Silver car on a winding road in Hokkaido with a snow-capped volcano in the background
Practical

Car Hire in Japan: Everything You Need to Know

How to hire a car in Japan - licence requirements, left-side driving, best agencies, JPY prices, and routes where driving genuinely beats the Shinkansen.

Japanese temple with red bridge surrounded by vivid autumn red maple trees, Osaka
Practical

Koyo Japan: Autumn Foliage Season Explained

Koyo Japan - when autumn foliage peaks by region from Hokkaido to Kyushu, best viewing spots, momiji season timing, and transport advice.

Steaming block of silken tofu in a traditional Japanese ceramic bowl, Kyoto
Practical

Vegan and Vegetarian Food Guide to Japan

Navigate vegan and vegetarian eating in Japan - shojin ryori temples, menu phrases, restaurant chains, konbini options, and plant-based city guides.

Path lined with red torii gates at Fushimi Inari shrine, Kyoto - Japan etiquette guide
Practical

Japan Etiquette Guide: Tipping, Shrines, Restaurants & More

Japan etiquette explained: why tipping is rude, how to visit shrines, chopstick rules, onsen protocol, bowing, removing shoes, and gift-giving customs.

Giant reclining Buddha at Nanzoin Temple, Fukuoka, Japan - Fukuoka vs Osaka comparison
Practical

Fukuoka vs Osaka: Japan's Two Food Capital Cities Compared

Fukuoka vs Osaka compared on food, ramen, nightlife, day trips, and cost. Fukuoka suits Kyushu trips; Osaka suits Kansai-focused itineraries.

Mount Fuji overlooking Lake Ashi with torii gate, Hakone - Hakone vs Nikko comparison
Practical

Hakone vs Nikko: How to Choose Your Tokyo Day Trip

Hakone wins for Mount Fuji views and onsen; Nikko wins for Tosho-gu shrines and temples. How to choose your Tokyo day trip - and doing both in two days.

Floating torii gate at Miyajima near Hiroshima, Japan - Hiroshima vs Nagasaki comparison
Practical

Hiroshima vs Nagasaki: Japan's Two Peace Cities Compared

Hiroshima wins for the A-Bomb Dome and Peace Museum; Nagasaki wins for Glover Garden, Nagasaki Park and colonial heritage - peace city guide.

Snowy Sapporo street at night, Hokkaido Japan - Hokkaido vs Okinawa comparison
Practical

Hokkaido vs Okinawa: Ski Resorts & Wildlife vs Coral Reefs

Hokkaido wins for powder skiing, autumn foliage and wildlife; Okinawa wins for beaches and warm winters Nov-Apr. Honest season-by-season verdict.

Mount Fuji above the clouds, Japan - Japan vs Taiwan comparison
Practical

Japan or Taiwan? Costs, Culture, Food and Rail Compared

Taiwan costs 30-40% less than Japan. Japan wins on rail, temples and cultural depth; Taiwan wins for budget and night markets. Full breakdown and verdict.

Mount Fuji reflected in lake, Japan - Japan vs Thailand comparison
Practical

Japan vs Thailand: Cultural Depth & Temples vs Beaches

Japan wins for cultural depth, temples and rail networks; Thailand wins for beaches, budget and diving - costs, visa and itinerary compared.

Geisha walking at Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto - Kyoto vs Kanazawa comparison
Practical

Kyoto vs Kanazawa: Which Traditional Japanese City Wins?

Kyoto wins for temples and geisha at scale; Kanazawa wins for smaller crowds and outstanding kaiseki - ideal if you've already done Kyoto.

Deer at shrine arch in Nara Park, Japan - Nara vs Kamakura comparison
Practical

Nara vs Kamakura: Sacred Deer & Temples vs Great Buddha

Nara wins for sacred deer, Todai-ji and Kyoto access; Kamakura wins for the Great Buddha and forested temple trails - day trip verdict.

Giant character sign at Dotonbori, Osaka - Osaka vs Kyoto comparison
Practical

Osaka vs Kyoto: How to Choose Between Japan's Two

Osaka vs Kyoto compared on food, culture, costs, nightlife, and day trips. Most visitors should base in both - here is how to split your time.

Tokyo Tower at dusk with city skyline - Tokyo vs Kyoto comparison
Practical

Tokyo vs Kyoto: How to Choose Between Japan's Two

Tokyo vs Kyoto compared on culture, cost, food, and transport. First-timers should do both - Kyoto for temples, Tokyo for everything else.

Aerial view of Tokyo Tower and city - Tokyo vs Osaka comparison
Practical

Tokyo vs Osaka: Japan's Two Great Cities Compared

Tokyo vs Osaka: Tokyo wins for cultural depth and neighbourhoods; Osaka wins for street food and warmth - guide to choosing your Japan base city.

Roppongi district aerial view at night, Tokyo - Tokyo vs Seoul comparison
Practical

Tokyo vs Seoul: Differences in Cost, Culture and City Life

Seoul costs 25–35% less than Tokyo. Tokyo wins for cultural depth and Michelin dining; Seoul wins for K-culture and street food - full comparison.

A blue and gold E7 series shinkansen bullet train at a Japanese station platform
Practical

Japan Shinkansen Guide: Lines, Tickets, Seats & Station Tips

Ride Japan's bullet trains with confidence: main lines, journey times, ticket buying, reserved vs unreserved seats, and when the JR Pass pays off.

Kanji characters inscribed on orange torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto
Practical

Basic Japanese Phrases for Travellers

Essential Japanese phrases for travellers - greetings, directions, dining and emergency words with romaji pronunciation and Japanese script.

Mount Fuji with snowy peak - flights to Japan
Practical

Flights to Japan - Booking Tips, Airlines & Best Deals

Japan's main airports, which airlines fly direct, and practical tips for finding the cheapest flights to Tokyo, Osaka, and beyond.

Steaming hot spring river in the onsen town of Shibu Onsen, Nagano, Japan
Practical

Japan Onsen Guide: Hot Springs, Etiquette, & the Best Towns

Everything you need to know about Japanese onsen - types, step-by-step etiquette, tattoo policies, and the best hot spring towns to visit.

Traditional ryokan room with tatami flooring, low table, and garden view in Japan
Practical

Ryokan Guide: How to Stay in a Traditional Japanese Inn

Everything you need to know about staying in a ryokan - what to expect, etiquette, price tiers, and the best ryokan towns in Japan.

Traditional temples and modern skyline representing Japan and South Korea travel
Practical

Japan vs South Korea: How to Choose Between Two Asia Trips

Japan vs South Korea compared on cost, food, transport, culture, and highlights. Japan leads on tradition; Korea wins on value and street food.

Tokyo street leading toward the Skytree tower - solo travel in Japan
Practical

Solo Travel in Japan: Everything You Need to Know

Solo travel in Japan is safe, easy, and deeply rewarding. Our complete guide covers safety, meeting people, best bases, costs, and solo travel tips.

Bamboo forest in spring - Japan in April
Practical

Japan in April: Weather, Cherry Blossoms and Golden Week

Visiting Japan in April means peak cherry blossoms, Japan's biggest crowds, and Golden Week at the end. Book hotels 3-6 months ahead.

Sunny Japan summer landscape - Japan in August
Practical

Japan in August: Weather, Obon Season and Coastal Festivals

Obon festivals, fireworks season, and the liveliest regional fairs make August Japan's most festive month. Book early - domestic travel peaks nationwide.

Winter illuminations in Japan - Japan in December
Practical

Japan in December: Weather, Winter Illuminations and Ski Season

Visiting Japan in December brings spectacular holiday illuminations, peak onsen season, active ski resorts in Hokkaido, and quiet tourism before New Year.

Snow monkey in hot spring - Japan in February
Practical

Japan in February: Weather, Snow Festival and Plum Blossoms

Japan in February peaks for snow lovers: Sapporo Snow Festival, the year's best ski conditions, and plum blossoms beginning across the south.

Snow-covered temple in Japan - visiting Japan in January
Practical

Japan in January: Weather, New Year Shrines and Hokkaido Snow

Ski season peaks in Hokkaido, snow temples sit uncrowded, and hotel prices hit their annual low - Japan in January is a rewarding winter choice.

Japanese summer festival matsuri - Japan in July
Practical

Japan in July: Weather, Gion Festival and Summer Fireworks

Gion Matsuri, Tanabata, and Mt Fuji climbing season open in July - Japan's most festive summer month, with fireworks nationwide and peak summer energy.

Temple in rainy season Japan - Japan in June
Practical

Japan in June: Weather, Rainy Season and Hydrangea Trails

Hokkaido is at its most lush in June, hotel prices drop across Honshu, and tourist crowds thin out - one of Japan's most underrated months to visit.

Cherry blossom in early spring - Japan in March
Practical

Japan in March: Weather, Cherry Blossoms Arrive from the South

Visiting Japan in March brings cherry blossoms sweeping from southwest Japan to Tokyo by late month - mild weather and spectacular photography conditions.

Japanese garden in spring green - Japan in May
Practical

Japan in May: Weather, Golden Week Rush and Fresh Green Season

Japan in May post-Golden Week is one of the year's great travel windows: fresh greenery, thin crowds, and festival season picking up pace.

Red autumn maple leaves - Japan in November
Practical

Japan in November: Weather, Koyo Nationwide and Perfect Skies

Visiting Japan in November means peak autumn foliage sweeping from Tohoku to Kyushu, lower prices than spring, and rising accommodation demand.

Autumn forest foliage - Japan in October
Practical

Japan in October: Weather, Autumn Colours Reach Their Peak

Visiting Japan in October offers peak autumn foliage, ideal temperatures, affordable prices, and moderate tourism crowds from north to south.

Forest scene in Japan - Japan in September
Practical

Japan in September: Weather, Autumn Starts as Typhoon Season Eases

Late September offers Japan's quiet gateway into autumn: first foliage in Hokkaido, cooling temperatures, and hotel prices well below October peaks.

Traditional Japanese temple with cherry blossoms at sunset - Japan cherry blossom guide
Practical

Japan Cherry Blossom Season: Best Places, Timing, and Tips

2027 Japan cherry blossom forecast: bloom dates for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Sapporo, top viewing spots, hanami tips, and booking windows.

Street scene with Mount Fuji in background - flight delay compensation Japan
Practical

Flight Delay Compensation: Your Rights on Flights to Japan

Delayed or cancelled flight to Japan? EU261 may owe you up to €600. Check which delays qualify, how long they must be, and how to claim.

Foggy forest trail in the Japan Alps mountains - travel insurance Japan
Practical

Travel Insurance for Japan: What Every Visitor Should Know

Travel insurance for Japan covers high hospital costs, skiing in Hokkaido, mountain rescue, and emergency evacuation - what to look for and top providers.

Cherry blossom trees in full bloom - best time to visit Japan
Practical

Best Time to Visit Japan: Season-by-Season Guide

Best time to visit Japan month by month - cherry blossom timing, autumn foliage, ski season, avoiding crowds, and Golden Week pitfalls.

Ramen in bowl with condiment shakers - budget travel in Japan
Practical

Budget Travel in Japan: How to Visit Without Spending

Budget travel in Japan - realistic daily costs, money-saving strategies, free attractions, cheap accommodation types, and transport savings.

White shinkansen bullet train at station platform - getting around Japan
Practical

Getting Around Japan: Trains, Buses, and Local Transport

Japan transport covered: Shinkansen routes, IC cards, night buses, taxis, rental cars, and airports - costs and practical advice.

Hiroshima station sign with a bullet train - Japan Rail Pass guide
Practical

Japan Rail Pass: Prices, When It Saves & When It Doesn't

Japan Rail Pass guide: prices, when the JR Pass saves money, when it does not, how to buy it, and regional pass alternatives.

Street scene with glowing neon signs - Japan travel tips
Practical

Japan Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Essential Japan travel tips - cash culture, etiquette, mobile data, luggage forwarding, food allergies, emergency numbers, and pharmacy rules.

Snow-capped mountain in Japan - Japan visa guide
Practical

Japan Visa Guide: Entry Requirements and Tourist Visas

Japan visa guide: 193 countries enter visa-free for up to 90 days; tourist visa requirements, customs allowances, and long-stay options covered.

View of Kiyomizu-dera temple, Kyoto - Japanese food guide
Practical

Japanese Food Guide: What to Eat and Where to Find It

Japanese food guide covering ramen, sushi, udon, yakitori, izakaya dining, regional specialties, and tips for vegetarian and vegan visitors.

Crowds of visitors in front of Hozomon Gate at Senso-ji, Tokyo
Practical

Japan Tourism Statistics: Visitor Numbers, Revenue & Trends

Key Japan tourism statistics: 36.87M arrivals in 2024, top source markets, average spend, seasonal trends and a 5-year data table. Updated January 2026.

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