JAPAN

Plan your trip to Japan in 2025 with this complete guide—top destinations, best travel times, budgets, food, festivals, and insider tips.

Japan is one of the most fascinating travel destinations in East Asia. Michelin-starred dining and natural hot springs, Japan has something for everyone — backpackers, couples, solo travelers, luxury lovers, digital nomads, adventure seekers, and tech lovers.

If you’re looking for a luxury vacation, Japan is the perfect place. You’ll find world-renowned 5-star hotels like the Aman Tokyo, The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, and traditional luxury ryokans in Hakone and Kyoto. You’ll also discover global luxury brands like Shiseido, Issey Miyake, Comme des Garçons, and Uniqlo. Whether you’re sipping matcha in a Zen garden, riding the bullet train across the country, or enjoying Omakase in Tokyo, Japan offers the ultimate luxury.

If you’re planning your first trip to Japan, I’ll help you answer any questions. Our discussion will cover travel facts, the best time to visit Japan, the best destinations, travel costs, how to prepare for your trip, and must-know travel tips for 2025.

FeatureDetails
LanguageJapanese and English
CurrencyJapanese Yen (JPY ¥)
Safety LevelExtremely safe in all areas
InternetExcellent speed + free Wi-Fi in cities
Visa Required?Depending on nationality (many visa-free options)

Best Time to Visit Japan

The best time to visit Japan depends on what kind of experience you are looking for and which region you’re exploring. Since Japan is a massive country with different climates, every season offers something unique.

Tokyo

Best Time to Visit: Mar–May, Oct–Nov

Famous For: Luxury dining, Fashion, Culture

Avg. Local Travel Expense (Per Day): ¥12,000–¥40,000

Kyoto

Best Time to Visit: Mar–May

Famous For: Temples, Zen gardens, Geisha culture

Avg. Local Travel Expense (Per Day): ¥15,000–¥45,000

Osaka

Best Time to Visit: Mar–May

Famous For: Street food, Shopping, Theme parks

Avg. Local Travel Expense (Per Day): ¥10,000–¥35,000

Hokkaido

Best Time to Visit: Dec–Feb

Famous For: Ski resorts, Nature, Onsen

Avg. Local Travel Expense (Per Day): ¥12,000–¥40,000

Okinawa

Best Time to Visit: Mar–May, Sept–Nov

Famous For: Tropical beaches, Diving

Avg. Local Travel Expense (Per Day): ¥10,000–¥30,000

Nara

Best Time to Visit: Mar–May, Oct–Nov

Famous For: Deer park, Ancient temples

Avg. Local Travel Expense (Per Day): ¥8,000–¥25,000

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Top Destinations in Japan

Travel Costs in Japan

How to Prepare for Your Trip to Japan

Planning your dream trip to Japan? Here’s your step-by-step guide to preparing smoothly and smartly — with an official website to book flights, hotels, SIM, insurance, activities, and more.

1. Book your air tickets

If you book your flight ticket to Japan, ensure that you book 2–3 months in advance for the best deals. Let us make your journey easier by giving you the official website link below:

POPULAR

✈️ Explore First-Class Deals

Compare routes & fly smarter

MY PICK

🌐 Luxury Fare Tracker

Track top deals directly on Google

HOT DEALS

 💎 Handpicked Jet Offers

Exclusive fares via Kiwi.com

2. Check Your Visa Requirements

Most countries are allowed 90 days of visa-free entry. Others can apply for a Japan tourist visa online or at the embassy.

POPULAR

✈️ 🛂 Fast Visa in Minutes

User-friendly & mobile-ready processing via iVisa

MY PICK

 🌐 Trusted Global Service

Reliable documentation support with VisaHQ

HOT DEALS

 💼 Official Embassy Partner

Exclusive Biometric & in-person slots with VFS Global

3. Buy a Japan-compatible travel SIM or e-SIM

When you’re traveling, it’s hard to find a good data plan, and always avoid international roaming because it may be too expensive. Choose an e-SIM to connect with family and friends.

 

POPULAR

Airalo
✈️📱 Instant USA eSIM

Stay connected the moment you land – trusted by millions

MY PICK

🌍 Unlimited USA Data Plan

Stream, browse & explore without limits with special offers

HOT DEALS

💸 Affordable Roaming Plans

Budget eSIMs for short or long US stays Nomad always support

4. Book hotels or Airbnb

In the modern world, it is easier to find the best hotel and Airbnb than ever before. Find luxury Explore 5-star city hotels like Park Hyatt Tokyo or traditional ryokans in Hakone or affordable local stays. You can book online by clicking on the link below.

POPULAR

🏨 Trusted Hotel Stays

Millions of reviews & last-minute deals on Booking.com

MY PICK

🏡 Live Like a Local

Unique homes, cabins & lofts across the USA via Airbnb

HOT DEALS

💥 Bundle & Save More

Hotels + Flights + Cars = Big discounts on Expedia

5. Buy travel insurance.

It is necessary to take care of yourself and your luggage from any kind of loss, such as covering flight delays, lost baggage, or medical emergencies.

POPULAR

🌍 Nomad-Friendly Plans

pause-anytime monthly coverage for long-term travel

MY PICK

💼 Globetrotter Coverage

trusted plans for every kind of adventure

HOT DEALS

🛡️ Limited-Time Offers

Save big on top-rated global travel insurance providers

6. Book local tours, tickets, and attractions

Use Get Your Guide, Viator, or Look to book tickets to tea ceremonies in Kyoto and Sumo experiences in Tokyo.

POPULAR

🎟️ Curated Local Tours

Skip the lines & explore stress-free

MY PICK

🗺️ Smart Travel Experiences

Top-rated rides & expert-led adventures

HOT DEALS

 🚗 Easy Local Transport

Safe, reliable rides — no rental hassle

7. Currency Exchange & Forex Card

Carry some cash currency Japanese Yen (¥) for their local expenses or get a Forex card for shopping, taxis, and meals.

POPULAR

🌐 Multi-Currency Access

Instant global payments & ATM use

MY PICK

💡 Smart Exchange Rates

Low fees, real-time currency value

HOT DEALS

🏦 Premium Travel Cards

Trusted banks, exclusive global perks

Pack your bag with us to Japan

Check out these must-have essentials for your trip to Japan. Tap on the images below to explore them on Amazon.

SUNSCREEN
BACKPACK
TRAVEL PILLOW
CAMERA
POWER BANK

Summer

For boys:
COTTON T-SHIRT
SHORTS
SLIPPER
SUNGLASSES
DEODORANT
CAP
For Girls:
COTTON T-SHIRT
SHORTS
SLIPPER
SUNGLASSES
DEODORANT
CAP

Winters

For boys:
JACKET
GLOVES
BOOT
BLANKET
SCARF
CAP
For Girls:
JACKET
PANTS
BLANKET
BOOT
MOISTURISER
CAP|SCARF|GLOVES

Note: Clicking the product image will take you directly to Amazon to purchase. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

😄 Fun Travel Questions You’re Too Shy to Ask About Japan

1. Can I survive in Japan with zero Japanese?
Answer:
Pretty much! In big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, there’s enough English to keep you going—plus, Japanese people are basically the world’s best at helping lost tourists. But learning “arigato” (thanks) and “sumimasen” (excuse me) will make you a crowd favorite. 🇯🇵😅

2. Is sushi really THAT fresh?
Answer:
Oh, it’s basically ocean-to-mouth! Sushi bars here are next level—expect melt-in-your-mouth fish and tiny chefs who take it very seriously. 🐟🍣✨

3. Will I see vending machines selling everything?
Answer:
Absolutely. Drinks, hot meals, even socks—Japan’s vending machines have you covered 24/7. Embrace the weird and wonderful! 🥤🧦🤩

4. Will I accidentally offend someone with my shoes?
Answer:
Probably, if you wear them inside! Japan is all about the “no shoes indoors” rule—slippers are your new best friend. 👞🚫🏠

5. Can I wear shorts everywhere?
Answer:
Sure, in summer it’s fine. But in temples and fancy restaurants? Dress up a bit. No one wants to see your flip-flops in a tea ceremony! 🍵🩳😉

6. Will I get lost in a Tokyo train station?
Answer:
Yes. Tokyo’s stations are basically their own cities. But hey, it’s all part of the adventure—just follow the cute mascot signs and you’ll be fine. 🚂🗺️😆

7. Is sumo wrestling really as epic as it looks?
Answer:
Even more so! These guys are rockstars—and if you catch a match, you’ll see just how hardcore (and fun) it really is. 🥋💪😮

8. Can I just walk into an onsen (hot spring) like it’s no big deal?
Answer:
Yes, but don’t forget to scrub up first—cleanliness is next to godliness here! Also, leave your swimsuit behind—au naturel is the onsen way. 🛁😉

9. Is karaoke a national sport?
Answer:
Basically! In Japan, karaoke is an art form—and belting out J-pop with new friends at 2 AM is practically a rite of passage. 🎤🎶😂

10. Will I find crazy Kit-Kat flavors?
Answer:
Oh, you bet. Wasabi, sake, purple sweet potato—you’ll be snacking on flavors you didn’t know existed. 🍫🤯

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