Japan Travel Guide
Country Island nation known for its unique culture
Cherry blossoms, bullet trains, and ramen shops define Japan’s allure. Tokyo’s neon sprawl contrasts with Kyoto’s serene temples, while Osaka feeds the nation’s soul. Ski in Hokkaido, soak in an onsen, or marvel at Mount Fuji’s symmetry. Tradition and innovation coexist seamlessly across the islands.
Why Visit Japan #
Follow sushi counters in Tokyo’s neighborhoods from Ginza’s high-end omakase to small Edomae stalls in Shinjuku. Bookings can be tight, but the contrast between precision nigiri and casual standing sushi bars is revealing. Outside Tokyo, try fresh coastal catches in Hokkaido or Kanazawa for regional variety.
Kyoto’s temples and shrines - Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera and the rock gardens of Ryoan-ji - reward slow mornings and seasonal change. Avoid peak tourist hours at the biggest sites by visiting at dawn or late afternoon. Combine temple visits with neighborhood strolls in Gion and the Philosopher’s Path.
Hot-spring towns like Hakone, Beppu and the mountain ryokans around Kinosaki offer immersive thermal bathing and kaiseki meals. Follow onsen etiquette and book a ryokan for the full experience; sleeping in a futon after a long soak is memorable. Winter snow plus an outdoor onsen is especially restorative.
Sakura season turns parks and riversides into festival grounds from late March to April in Tokyo, Kyoto and Hirosaki. Timing is fickle - check forecasts and be prepared for crowds - but hanami picnics beneath blooming trees are worth the planning. Try less-famous parks for a calmer experience.
Japan’s bullet trains connect Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and more with punctual, comfortable service that makes multi-city itineraries painless. Reserve seats during peak seasons and use the trains to access regional hubs like Kanazawa or Hakone. Travel by rail turns long distances into relaxed daytime journeys.
Who's Japan For?
A ryokan stay with private onsen near Hakone or a Kyoto temple walk at dusk creates quiet, romantic moments. Traditional kaiseki dinners add ceremony to honeymoon itineraries.
Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan and kid-friendly museums make Japan very family-friendly. Safe streets and reliable transit simplify moving with children across cities.
Capsule hotels, budget hostels and inexpensive convenience-store meals make backpacking feasible, though Japan is pricier than many Southeast Asian options. Rail passes help stretch budgets.
Fast internet and many coworking spaces exist in Tokyo and Osaka, but long-term remote work is constrained by visa rules. Short-term stays suit remote workers best.
Sushi in Tokyo, ramen in Fukuoka and street yakitori in Osaka form a spectacular culinary map. Regional specialities like Hiroshima okonomiyaki reward serious tasting itineraries.
Hokkaido’s powder, Mount Fuji treks and the Japan Alps around Kamikochi provide hiking and ski options. Coastal diving and island hopping add subtropical adventure.
Tokyo, Osaka and Sapporo have energetic nightlife, karaoke bars and izakaya districts that stay open late. Club scenes vary by neighborhood, from subterranean techno to friendly bars.
From the northern wilds of Hokkaido to alpine trails and cherry blossom corridors, Japan offers seasonal natural spectacles. National parks showcase diverse flora and wildlife.
Regions of Japan #
Tokyo
Tokyo is a metropolis of contrasts: ultramodern skyscrapers, tiny ramen shops and quiet shrines exist side by side. Move between neighborhoods for themed cafés, department stores and late-night izakayas. Efficient transport makes it easy to pack diverse experiences into a short stay without feeling rushed.
Top Spots
- Shinjuku - Neon nights, skyscrapers and lively bars.
- Asakusa - Traditional shrines and old-city atmosphere.
- Tsukiji Outer Market - Fresh seafood stalls and sushi counters.
Kansai
Kansai centres on cultural heartlands and culinary delights: Kyoto’s temples and traditional arts contrast with Osaka’s lively street-food scene. Day trips to Nara and nearby castles round out the area. Expect a slower, more historic pace than Tokyo plus some of Japan’s best regional cuisine.
Top Spots
- Kyoto - Temples, tea houses and geisha districts.
- Osaka - Street-food capital with rambunctious nightlife.
- Nara - Free-roaming deer and giant temples.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido is Japan’s vast northern island: wild national parks, sweeping ski resorts and seasonal festivals. Winters draw skiers for deep powder, while summers offer flower fields, hiking and chilled seafood. It’s less dense than Honshu and perfect for outdoor adventures and regional specialty dishes like rich seafood bowls.
Top Spots
- Sapporo - Snow festival and hearty local food.
- Furano - Lavender fields in summer.
- Niseko - World-class powder skiing in winter.
Kyushu
Kyushu mixes volcanic landscapes, historic port cities and onsen culture. From steaming hot-spring towns to dramatic volcanoes like Aso, you’ll find hot baths, hearty ramen styles and relaxed portside cities. It’s a region to travel slowly-enjoy onsen rituals and distinctive local dishes while exploring coastal and mountain scenery.
Top Spots
- Fukuoka - Yatai street-food stalls and lively harbour.
- Nagasaki - Layered history and unique cuisine.
- Beppu - Hot springs and steaming onsen towns.
Okinawa
Okinawa and its islands offer tropical beaches, clear waters and a distinct Ryukyuan culture far removed from mainland Japan. Expect laid-back island life, superb snorkeling and unique local foods. It’s the go-to for sun, sea and relaxed island-hopping rather than temple-hopping or urban exploration.
Top Spots
- Naha - Ryukyu history and island markets.
- Ishigaki - Crystal waters and snorkeling spots.
- Miyako - Powder-white beaches and coral reefs.
Hiroshima
Centered on Hiroshima prefecture, this region combines sobering history with islands and coastal scenery. Visit the Peace Memorial Park, then refresh on Miyajima island with its iconic torii gate. Coastal towns offer quiet temples, seafood and cycling routes that contrast with the heavy historical sites in the city.
Top Spots
- Hiroshima - Peace memorials and reflective museums.
- Miyajima - Floating torii gate and sacred deer.
- Onomichi - Temple walks and seaside charm.
Tohoku
Tohoku is Japan’s quieter, northern heartland: forests, hot springs and seasonal festivals rule here. It’s ideal for travelers who want dramatic coastline, snow festivals and far less crowding than major cities. The region’s rural character, mountain trails and regional cuisine reward those who travel slowly and off-season.
Top Spots
- Sendai - Aroha gateway with festivals and greenery.
- Aomori - Nebuta Festival and apple orchards.
- Yamadera - Mountain temple with sweeping valley views.
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Best Things to Do in Japan
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Japan Bucket List
- Tokyo - Hypermodern metropolis mixing skyscrapers, historic shrines, bustling neighborhoods, and world-class dining.
- Kyoto - Former imperial capital with thousands of temples, UNESCO sites, geisha districts, and seasonal gardens.
- Mount Fuji - Iconic stratovolcano visible from Fuji Five Lakes offering hiking routes and reflective lake vistas.
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) - Atomic Bomb Dome and peace park commemorating 1945 tragedy and promoting reconciliation.
- Nara - Park-fed city famous for free-roaming deer, Todai-ji's giant Buddha, and early Japanese temples.
- Naoshima, Kagawa - Art island in the Seto Inland Sea with museums, Yayoi Kusama installations, and minimalist architecture.
- Yakushima, Kagoshima - Ancient cedar island south of Kyushu with primeval forests, mossy trails, and endemic wildlife.
- Takachiho Gorge, Miyazaki - Narrow gorge in Miyazaki with basalt cliffs, emerald waters, and boat rentals for close views.
- Kinosaki Onsen, Hyōgo - Classic onsen town with seven public baths and kimono-clad visitors strolling willow-lined streets.
- Ōuchi-juku, Fukushima - Preserved Edo-period post town with thatched-roof houses offering living-history atmosphere near Aizu-Wakamatsu.
- Tottori Sand Dunes - Expansive coastal dunes offering camel rides, sandboarding, and panoramic Sea of Japan views.
- Shimanami Kaido - Cycling and driving link across Seto Inland Sea connecting Onomichi and Imabari via islands; about 70 kilometres.
- Nakasendō (historic route) - Historic inland route linking Kyoto and Tokyo with preserved post towns like Magome and Tsumago, roughly 540 km.
- Furano-Biei flower road (Hokkaido) - Hokkaido's floral loop around Furano and Biei, famed for patchwork fields and seasonal flower routes; short day loops.
- Shimanami Kaido - Cycling and driving link across Seto Inland Sea connecting Onomichi and Imabari via islands; about 70 kilometres.
Planning Your Trip to Japan #
1 Week Japan Itinerary
Start in Tokyo: explore Shinjuku, Asakusa, Tsukiji stalls, day-trip to Hakone for onsen and Mount Fuji views; fast train to Kyoto on day five and try izakaya dinners.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive Tokyo; Shinjuku evening and local izakaya.
- Day 2 - Asakusa, Senso-ji and Nakamise shopping street.
- Day 3 - Tsukiji outer market and Ginza shopping.
- Day 4 - Day trip to Hakone: onsen and lake views.
- Day 5 - Shinkansen to Kyoto; Gion evening walk.
- Day 6 - Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera and Nishiki Market.
- Day 7 - Return to Tokyo for departure or onward flight.
2 Weeks Japan Itinerary
Begin Tokyo, bullet-train to Hakone, overnight at a ryokan, spend Kyoto and Nara days, then Osaka food scene, Hiroshima and Miyajima island visit before returning to Tokyo.
Show itinerary- Day 1-3 - Tokyo neighborhoods, museums and markets.
- Day 4 - Hakone: onsen, open-air museum and Mt. Fuji views.
- Day 5-8 - Kyoto: temples, tea ceremony and Nara day trip.
- Day 9-10 - Osaka: Dotonbori food crawl and Umeda skyline.
- Day 11-12 - Hiroshima and Miyajima island visit.
- Day 13-14 - Return to Tokyo; last-minute shopping and departure.
3-4 Weeks Japan Itinerary
Comprehensive Japan: Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Takayama, Kanazawa, Sapporo in Hokkaido and a southern stint in Fukuoka or Okinawa with onsen stays and local markets.
Show itinerary- Day 1-3 - Tokyo extended: museums, markets and neighborhoods.
- Day 4 - Nikko day trip: shrines and cedar avenue.
- Day 5-6 - Hakone overnight and onsen.
- Day 7-11 - Kyoto base: temples, tea houses and Arashiyama.
- Day 12-13 - Takayama and Shirakawa-go traditional villages.
- Day 14-15 - Kanazawa: gardens and samurai district.
- Day 16-18 - Osaka and Kobe food experiences.
- Day 19-21 - Hiroshima and Miyajima island shrine.
- Day 22-24 - Sapporo week in Hokkaido for nature and seafood.
- Day 25-28 - Southern leg: Fukuoka or Okinawa island days, return Tokyo.
Best Time to Visit Japan #
Japan's climate varies from subarctic in the north to subtropical in the south, featuring a distinct rainy season in early summer and a typhoon-prone late summer. Spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (fall colors) are the most popular travel periods for mild, stable weather.
January
Winter brings cold conditions to northern Japan and Hokkaido with reliable snow, while southern areas like Okinawa remain mild. Ski resorts are in full operation and peak for winter sports.
Events
- New Year - New Year celebrations and public holidays occur nationwide with local events and quieter tourist sites outside major cities.
February
Cold and snowy in the north with prime conditions for winter festivals and skiing; central and southern Japan are cool but gradually moving toward spring. Tourist crowds are modest except at winter-event locations.
Events
- Sapporo Snow Festival - An annual festival in Sapporo featuring large snow and ice sculptures (typically held in early February).
March
Early spring sees rising temperatures and the start of cherry blossom viewing in some regions; travel picks up around blooming periods. Weather can still be changeable with cool nights.
Events
- Beginning of cherry blossom season (southern/central regions) - Cherry blossoms begin opening in parts of southern and central Japan in March, with dates varying year to year and by location.
April
April is widely favored for mild, pleasant weather and widespread cherry blossoms in temperate regions, bringing large numbers of domestic and international visitors. Bookings and crowds increase around popular viewing spots.
Events
- Cherry blossom season (peak in many areas) - Cherry blossom (sakura) viewing peaks in many parts of Japan in April (timing varies by year and location).
May
Late spring with warm, generally pleasant weather; Golden Week causes a notable spike in domestic travel and busy tourist sites. Coastal regions and inland highlands are popular with locals during holidays.
Events
- Golden Week - A cluster of national holidays in late April to early May resulting in heavy domestic travel and busy transport (dates vary slightly by year).
June
The main rainy season (tsuyu) typically begins in June across much of Japan except Hokkaido, bringing increased humidity and frequent rain. Tourist numbers drop compared with spring peaks, and outdoor plans may be disrupted by showers.
Events
No major festivals this month.
July
Hot and humid weather increases, with the rainy season often ending in mid-July and typhoon risk beginning to grow later in the month. Festivals and summer events draw visitors to cities despite the heat.
Events
- Gion Matsuri - Kyoto's major festival in July featuring processions and traditional events (main events take place throughout the month).
August
August is typically the hottest and most humid month with a real risk of typhoons affecting travel in late summer. Many Japanese travel during Obon, which can create local crowds and fully booked transport.
Events
- Obon holiday period - Mid-August Obon holidays lead to increased domestic travel and family gatherings (dates center on mid-August).
September
Temperatures begin to moderate but tropical storms and typhoons can still occur, particularly in southern and coastal regions. Travel can be disrupted by severe weather; inland and northern areas often become more comfortable as the month progresses.
Events
No major festivals this month.
October
Autumn brings comfortable weather and clear skies in many regions, making it a popular season for viewing fall colors and outdoor activities. Tourist numbers rise again around peak foliage in later October and November in some areas.
Events
No major festivals this month.
November
Late autumn features cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage in many parts of Japan, attracting visitors to parks and temple gardens. Conditions are generally stable and pleasant for sightseeing.
Events
No major festivals this month.
December
Winter brings cool to cold weather across much of Japan with snow in the north and mountainous regions; southern areas stay milder. Tourist traffic is quieter outside of holiday periods, while winter-sport regions remain busy.
Events
- Winter illuminations and New Year preparations - Cities offer winter light displays and preparations for New Year festivities; many cultural events occur in December.
How to Get to Japan #
Tokyo’s Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) airports are the main international gateways; Kansai International (KIX) serves Osaka and western Japan and Chubu Centrair (NGO) serves Nagoya. Japan’s rail network - especially the Shinkansen - makes inter-city travel fast and efficient for most visitors.
- Japan grants visa-free entry for many nationalities for short tourist stays (commonly up to 90 days) - this includes citizens of the USA, Canada, UK, EU countries, Australia and New Zealand. Nationals outside the exemption list normally require a visa obtained in advance.
- Japan has reintroduced broader visa-exemption arrangements post-pandemic; check the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the latest eligible-country lists and any eVisa options.
- Passport must be valid for the duration of stay. Visitors should be able to show return/onward tickets and proof of accommodation when requested.
- Health and entry screening measures are subject to change; consult the Japanese embassy or official government sites for current pre-departure requirements.
International Airports
How to Get Around Japan
Long-haul carriers such as Japan Airlines and ANA link major international gateways; low-cost carriers like Peach and Jetstar Japan run domestic feeder flights. Domestic fares for budget carriers can start low but vary by season and route.
Regional airports (e.g., Sapporo CTS, Fukuoka FUK) are well connected by domestic air services.
Japan Rail (JR) runs the Shinkansen (bullet trains) and extensive regional services; the Japan Rail Pass can offer savings for heavy rail itineraries. Shinkansen fares depend on distance and seat class - expect standard one-way fares to be significant but time-saving.
City rail networks (JR lines and private railways) are punctual and dense; Suica/Pasmo IC cards make hopping between operators seamless.
Long-distance overnight coaches such as Willer Express provide cheaper alternatives to trains for intercity travel (sleeper and premium seats available). Urban buses fill gaps in city transit networks and are often cashless-friendly with IC card payments.
Local highway bus fares are generally lower than Shinkansen fares but take longer.
Ride-hailing is limited compared to some countries; Uber operates in select cities primarily as a taxi-booking option. Local taxi apps like JapanTaxi and traditional taxis (metered) are widely available, especially at stations and airports.
Taxis are convenient for groups or late-night transfers but can be expensive relative to public transit.
Ferries connect the mainland to islands such as Hokkaido, Okinawa and the Seto Inland Sea; services range from short commuter ferries to overnight crossings. Operators vary by region, and pricing depends on route and whether vehicles are carried.
Island-hopping requires planning for seasonal timetables, especially in winter.
Urban transit in Tokyo, Osaka and other cities is dense: Tokyo Metro and regional private lines cover rapid movements across cities. IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) work across trains, buses and many shops for convenience.
Expect peak-hour crowding but excellent frequency; metro tickets and daily passes are available for tourists.
Where to Stay in Japan #
Business hotels are convenient in Tokyo (Shinjuku, Ginza), Osaka (Umeda, Namba) and Sapporo. They offer compact, efficient rooms near stations - practical for short stays and easy public transport access.
Ryokans are traditional inns with tatami rooms and communal baths; find notable clusters in Kyoto (Gion) and onsen towns like Hakone and Beppu. They suit travellers seeking a cultural, multi-course dinner experience and tatami sleeping.
Budget and solo travelers use hostels and capsule hotels in neighborhoods near major stations - Tokyo (Asakusa, Ueno), Kyoto near the station, and Osaka Namba. Capsules offer very compact overnight stays for short urban trips.
Foreigners staying longer often rent apartments or join share houses in Tokyo suburbs or Kyoto. Expect initial agency fees and deposit; monthly costs drop substantially outside central wards. Useful for students and contract workers.
For immersive stays, shukubo (temple lodgings) exist in Koyasan and some mountain temples, while minshuku are family-run guesthouses in rural areas. Both provide local meals and direct access to regional trails and culture.
Staying Connected in Japan #
Japan provides excellent urban connectivity with high mobile and fixed broadband speeds; major carriers offer wide 4G/5G coverage and FTTH in cities. Mobile and fixed performance supports streaming and professional remote work across the main population centers.
Tourist SIMs and pocket Wi‑Fi rentals are available at airports and online from providers like Japan Wireless, b-mobile and Mobal. Short‑term data plans and daily Wi‑Fi rentals generally range $5-40 depending on length and data.
Major operators are NTT Docomo, KDDI (au) and SoftBank, with Rakuten Mobile as a low‑cost entrant. Coverage and speeds are excellent in cities, with extensive 4G/5G and widespread fixed fiber.
Urban cafés and many hotels offer Wi‑Fi; coworking spaces are widely available in Tokyo, Osaka and other large cities with day passes ~$10-30. Fixed broadband (FTTH) is common in urban areas and delivers very high speeds for work and streaming.
Rural areas and some smaller islands have weaker mobile/fixed options; pocket Wi‑Fi rentals or local SIMs are convenient for short stays. eSIM availability exists but varies by carrier.
Money & Currency in Japan #
Japan is still largely cash-oriented - many small shops, rural businesses and some restaurants are cash-only, though cards are common in big cities and major stores. ATMs that accept international cards are available but are concentrated at convenience stores (7-Eleven), Japan Post and major bank branches.
Approximate mid-market rates · Charts & history
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary and can cause confusion - politely declining to tip is normal; exceptional service can be acknowledged with a small gift instead.
- Cards & Cash: Visa, Mastercard and JCB are accepted at many larger retailers, hotels and restaurants; American Express is accepted at many but not all large merchants. IC transit cards (Suica, Pasmo) are widely used for transport and small purchases; contactless and mobile wallet acceptance is growing but not universal.
- ATMs & Mobile Payments: Use 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) ATMs, Japan Post ATMs or major bank ATMs for international cards - many convenience-store ATMs operate outside normal banking hours. Mobile payment apps (PayPay, LINE Pay, Apple/Google Pay with supported cards) are common in urban areas, but cash remains essential.
- Banknotes: ¥1000, ¥5000, ¥10000
- Coins: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, ¥500
Health & Safety in Japan #
Japan is one of the world's safest countries with low violent crime and excellent healthcare and transport. Primary concerns are natural hazards - earthquakes, tsunamis and typhoons - and strict drug regulations; prepare emergency kits and check medication rules before travel.
- Natural Disasters - Japan faces frequent earthquakes and tsunamis; know evacuation routes and tsunami evacuation signs near coasts. Stay aware of local alerts and follow instructions from authorities. Emergency kits and offline maps are recommended for longer stays.
- Weather Hazards - Typhoons (late summer/early autumn) bring heavy rain, flooding and landslides, disrupting transport. Monitor forecasts, avoid low-lying coastal areas during warnings, and prepare for cancellations or hotel stays during severe weather.
- Health Risks - Heatstroke is common in humid summers; pollen seasons cause severe allergies. Healthcare is high quality but may require ID and insurance. Carry medications, stay hydrated, and seek help at konbini or pharmacies for minor needs.
- Road Safety - Roads are generally safe, but narrow streets, cyclists and scooters require attention. Tourist cyclists should follow local rules and wear helmets. Public transport is excellent; be mindful of rush-hour crowds and platform safety lines.
- Drug Laws - Japan enforces strict zero-tolerance drug laws, including some foreign-prescribed medicines that are controlled. Check medications against Japan's import lists and carry prescriptions. Illegal possession can result in arrest and severe penalties.
- Scams & Petty Crime - Japan has very low violent crime and few scams, but theft can occur in busy tourist spots. Stay vigilant with luggage on public transport, use hotel safes for passports, and avoid unlicensed taxi offers at night.
History & Culture of Japan #
Japan combines long-standing religious and court traditions with modern urban life; travelers will notice an emphasis on seasonality, meticulous service and layered historical sites concentrated in cities and countryside.
History of Japan
Japan’s visible layers - ancient shrines, feudal castles, Edo-period towns and gleaming modern skylines - reflect a long history of adaptation and selective borrowing. Travelers will encounter samurai-era sites, Meiji-era industrial architecture and postwar urban planning alongside living traditions such as shrine rites and seasonal festivals.
Political power shifted from imperial courts to samurai shogunates and back, with the Tokugawa (Edo) period bringing long stability until the mid-19th century. The Meiji Restoration initiated rapid modernization and industrialization, followed by imperial expansion in the early 20th century, defeat in World War II and a postwar recovery that led to Japan’s global economic prominence and contemporary cultural influence.
Notable Figures
- Tokugawa Ieyasu - Founder of the Tokugawa shogunate who established long-term peace and centralized rule from Edo (modern Tokyo).
- Oda Nobunaga - A powerful 16th-century warlord whose campaigns began the process of unifying Japan during the Sengoku period.
- Emperor Meiji (Mutsuhito) - The symbolic leader of the Meiji Restoration, under whose reign Japan modernized rapidly and restructured its institutions.
- Matsuo Bashō - Edo-period haiku poet whose travel writings and poetry are frequently referenced in cultural sites and literature.
Key Dates
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794Heian period begins with the capital at Heian-kyō (modern Kyoto), a formative era for Japanese court culture.
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1192Minamoto no Yoritomo establishes the Kamakura shogunate, starting effective samurai rule.
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1603Tokugawa Ieyasu establishes the Tokugawa (Edo) shogunate, initiating over 250 years of relative peace and isolation.
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1853Commodore Perry's arrival forces the opening of Japan's ports to the West, leading to rapid political change.
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1868Meiji Restoration restores imperial power and begins wide-ranging modernization and centralization.
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1945Japan surrenders at the end of World War II, followed by Allied occupation and postwar reforms.
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1964Tokyo hosts the Olympic Games, symbolizing Japan's postwar recovery and international reintegration.
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2011The Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami cause widespread damage and influence disaster preparedness and energy policy.
Japanese cuisine emphasizes seasonality, presentation and harmony between dishes; you’ll encounter both refined multi-course meals and lively street-food scenes.
Language
Japanese is the national language with regional dialects; many signs in cities use English, but knowing basic phrases is appreciated and helpful outside major tourist areas.
Useful Phrases
- Hello - こんにちは konnichiwa
- Thank you (polite) - ありがとうございます arigatō gozaimasu
- Excuse me / Sorry - すみません sumimasen
- Where is the restroom? - トイレはどこですか？ toire wa doko desu ka?
- I want to go to ~ - 〜へ行きたいです ~ e ikitai desu
- How much is this? - これはいくらですか？ kore wa ikura desu ka?
- Phrase before eating - いただきます itadakimasu
- Phrase after eating - ごちそうさまでした gochisōsamadeshita
- What's your recommendation? - おすすめは何ですか？ osusume wa nan desu ka?
- Please help - 助けてください tasukete kudasai
- Please call the police - 警察を呼んでください keisatsu o yonde kudasai
- I need to go to a hospital - 病院に行きたいです byōin ni ikitai desu
Responsible Travel in Japan #
Japan’s dense urban life, sacred sites and delicate natural areas require particular attention to etiquette, quiet public behaviour and seasonal limits to keep places viable for residents and wildlife.
- Temple, shrine & onsen etiquette: Observe customs: remove shoes where required, use quiet voices in shrines, and follow posted onsen rules (no swimsuits, keep tattoos covered where requested) to respect sacred spaces.
- Public transport & local manners: Keep phone calls to a minimum on trains and queues; use rail and regional services promoted by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) to minimise car use.
- Mountain & trail stewardship: On popular routes such as the trails around Mount Fuji, travel only in the official climbing season, follow marked paths, and pack out all waste to protect fragile alpine habitats.
- Wildlife & animal experiences: Choose ethical wildlife encounters-avoid tours that offer feeding or handling of wild animals and book with operators that follow local conservation guidance.
- Support local producers & ryokan: Stay in family run ryokans and buy regional crafts (e.g., Kyoto textiles, Fukui lacquerware) to support artisans and preserve traditional skills.
Travel Resources for Japan #
Official
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Official Tourism
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) Government
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan Immigration
Travel Advisories
Japan Embassies Abroad
- Embassy of Japan - Washington, D.C. USA
- Embassy of Japan - London UK
- Embassy of Japan - Ottawa Canada
- Embassy of Japan - Canberra Australia
- Embassy of Japan - Wellington New Zealand
- Embassy of Japan - Dublin Ireland
News & Media
- The Japan Times (English) English
- NHK World‑Japan (English) English
- Japan Today English
- Asahi Shimbun - Asia & Japan Watch (English) English
Useful Links
Useful Apps for Japan
- Japan Official Travel App (JNTO) - Maps, transport and emergency info from Japan's tourism board.
- LINE - Most widely used messaging app in Japan for local contacts.
- JapanTaxi - Book licensed taxis across Japanese cities.
- NAVITIME for Japan Travel - Comprehensive route planner for trains, buses and ferries.