Japan

Travel Guide

Journey into the home of bright neons and ancient traditions. Find how a country can seamlessly blend breathtaking natural beauty, historic temples, and futuristic marvels.

Cover of Japan travel blog, featuring a couple walking under red torii gates of Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, Japan.
Illustration of sun and cloud, designed to enhance the travel blog storytelling.

When to visit?

March to May and September to November are the best periods to visit Japan.

Illustration of a bag of coins, designed to enhance the travel blog storytelling.

Currency

Yen is the currency of Japan.

Cover of Japan travel blog, featuring a couple walking under red torii gates of Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, Japan.

Japan

Travel Guide

Journey into the home of bright neons and ancient traditions. Find how a country can seamlessly blend breathtaking natural beauty, historic temples, and futuristic marvels.

Illustration of sun and cloud, designed to enhance the travel blog storytelling.

When to visit?

March – May & September – November are the best periods to visit Japan.

Illustration of a bag of coins, designed to enhance the travel blog storytelling.

Currency

Yen is the currency of Japan.

Your Trip to Japan Starts Here

Mobile phone illustration with Google Maps location pins in it.

Ramen, anime, Mount Fuji, Godzilla and samurais, are only a few of the iconic household names born in Japan. Only a special country could effortlessly combine all of these and turn itself into the dream destination of many.

Be blinded by the neon lights of Tokyo, dangling (metaphorically) from its towering skyscrapers. Feel the serenity of a morning walk under hundreds of toriis in Fushimi Inari, Kyoto, or perhaps participate in a tea ceremony. Nothing like a cup of tea to open the appetite, indulge in Osaka’s culinary delights, it is no accident it is called “Japan’s Kitchen”.

Get your bags, and your best kawaii smile ready, it is time to explore Japan!

Frequently Asked Questions

Japan is the dream destination of millions and is not by accident. It is a country like no other, with a blend of unique traditional charm (oh Kyoto how we miss you) and modernity marked in bright neon lights that blinds you on the streets of Tokyo. Cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji, delicious ramen, endless torii gates, what more is there to say? Whether you are looking for the perfect nature destination, a traditional and calm walk down the Japanese memory lane, or the ultimate city life experience, Japan has something for you.

Japan is considered a very safe country for travelers. With its low crime rates and the honest attitude of Japanese people, you tend to feel very safe even in big cities, nevertheless, don’t forget to keep an eye on your personal belongings as it is better to be safe than sorry. Try to organize your trip outside of the typhoon season as these can be quite heavy, and be aware that Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. Does this mean they happen every day, they are extremely strong and it is dangerous to visit? No. Japan is prepared to avoid panic, with great communication tools and emergency plans, and big earthquakes are not frequent.

Japan is relatively expensive compared to other asian destinations, but aligned with European values. Accommodation, transportation, and certain activities can be costly, especially in major cities. However, there are budget-friendly options, and with careful planning and choices, it’s possible to enjoy Japan without breaking the bank.

Japan is not only an amazing family-friendly destination, but it will make you at times feel the same age as your kids. Being in awe 24/7 has that effect on you! Not only is it a very safe country, but there are also many activities for all ages, with an incredible amount of outdoor activities, and theme parks such as Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios in Osaka, on top of your must visit list.

Japan offers an efficient and extensive transportation network. Move around in Shinkansen (high-speed trains), with the JR trains, with one of many daily domestic flights, or keep your feet on the ground with the many buses available. The major cities also benefit from an efficient metro system. Transportation in Japan is punctual, clean and well-connected, making traveling in Japan a piece of cake. Many travelers choose to purchase the JR pass*, which allows them unlimited use of JR Group trains (including Shinkansen), making a trip across the country as easy as it can be.

Whether your plans are hiking Mount Fuji or indulging in endless onsen sessions and tea ceremonies, travel insurance is always advisable for some peace of mind. Exploring Japan with travel insurance will allow you to truly enjoy every second of it without worrying about any unexpected situations, from medical emergencies, to your luggage being lost.

Most travelers from the EU, the USA and several other countries are visa exempt for visits up to 90 days to Japan. So get ready to use all your vacation days next year in one single destination: Japan! Double check the requirements for your particular case prior to practicing your “Doumo arigatou” intonation.

Japan uses plug types A and B, which means two flat parallel pins for A, and two flat parallel pins plus an additional grounding pin for B. If these are not your home country plugs, make sure to carry an adapter with you, or get one at the airport to keep your devices charged at all times.

Absolutely! It is safe to drink tap water in Japan. In the land of vending machines you will also find public water fountains in several metro and train stations to top up your bottle. So make sure to carry around your reusable water bottle, to save some money, stay hydrated and help the environment.

Planning Time

Ready to plan your next Japan adventure?
Here’s a handy collection of links to help you make it happen! By using them, you’ll be supporting our work, as we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. In fact, you might even snag a discount! It’s a win-win for everyone.

This applies to all links on this website that are marked with an *.