Japan is safe to visit, with no major travel advisories.
Autumn glory now. November is cool and crisp with peak foliage drawing crowds to Kyoto; December brings the Chichibu Night Festival and quieter travel elsewhere, then January and February grow colder with northern snow, book early.
Neon city days, temple mornings, and an onsen night can all fit into one easy first itinerary, thanks to bullet trains and dense city transport. Most first-timers do Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and Osaka, with day trips to Nara and sometimes Hiroshima. Expect a higher budget than Southeast Asia, but great quality at every price level.
Why Visit Japan?#
Come for the food and temples, then stay for the hot springs, train travel, and seasonal highlights.
Neon and neighbourhoods. Tokyo mixes skyscrapers, historic shrines, and neighbourhoods like Shinjuku, Asakusa, and Ginza. Add Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing, and Tsukiji outer market for an easy first-city run.
Temples and shrines. Kyoto’s big hitters include Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera and Ryoan-ji. Pair them with a stroll in Gion and the Philosopher’s Path.
Onsen and ryokan. Hot spring towns like Hakone, Beppu, and Kinosaki are built for a one-night reset. Book a ryokan for onsen time and a kaiseki dinner.
Food at every budget. Follow sushi in Tokyo, yakitori and street snacks in Osaka, and ramen in Fukuoka. Regional specialities include Hiroshima okonomiyaki and Kanazawa seafood at Omicho Market.
Bullet train travel. The shinkansen links Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima quickly and comfortably. Reserve seats in peak seasons and watch the 160 cm luggage rule on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines.
Seasonal Japan. Cherry blossom season hits Tokyo and Kyoto from late March to April. Autumn colour runs from mid-October to late November, with Hokkaido and the Alps turning earlier.
Things to Watch Out For#
Earthquakes. Learn evacuation routes and follow official alerts in emergencies.
Typhoons. Late summer storms can disrupt trains, flights, and ferries.
Heat. July and August are hot and humid, so pace days carefully.
Medicines. Drug and medicine rules are strict, so check before flying.
Trains. Oversized luggage needs a booked space on key shinkansen lines.
Who Is Japan For?#
Families
Theme parks and reliable transit make moving between cities simpler with kids.
Backpackers
Hostels, capsule hotels, and convenience-store meals keep costs manageable, but plan for higher prices.
Nature buffs
Hokkaido, the Japanese Alps, and spring and autumn colour deliver big seasonal scenery.
Party animals
Tokyo and Osaka nightlife runs late, with izakaya districts and karaoke-heavy evenings.
Digital nomads
Fast internet and coworking exist in Tokyo and Osaka, but visas limit long stays.
What you need to get in#
Many nationalities enter Japan visa-free for short tourist stays, and this commonly means up to 90 days for the USA, Canada, UK, EU countries, Australia and New Zealand. If your passport is not on the exemption list, you normally need a visa obtained in advance, and Japan also has e-Visas for many travellers. Rules change often, so rely on the Japan visa guide and confirm your nationality’s current status before travel.
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for your stay duration.
Visit Japan Web
Register online to turn arrival forms into QR codes.
Proof on request
You may be asked for tickets and accommodation details.
Japan charges a ¥3,000 International Tourist Tax on international departures, and it is normally built into your ticket. At the border you should expect questions, and a fingerprint scan is part of arrival for many travellers. Health and entry screening measures can change, so check official guidance close to departure. The full rules are in the Japan visa guide.
When to go#
The short answer is late March to May or October to November for mild weather and the classic seasonal scenery.
| Months | What it is like | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Late March to May | Mild spring days, cool nights, cherry blossom potential. | Busiest and priciest weeks, so book well ahead. |
| June to mid-July | Rainy season with drizzle, humidity, and grey skies. | Cheaper hotels and emptier temples, with more rain. |
| Late July to August | Hot and humid, with frequent heat warnings. | Sightsee early and late, and use museums midday. |
| September to November | September can be warm, then clearer autumn arrives. | Typhoons peak late August to September, then foliage builds. |
Hokkaido largely avoids the mainland’s humid rainy season, and July to August are excellent there. More detail, month by month, is in the best time to visit Japan.
The classic trips and what they cost#
Most first trips follow the Golden Route, with Tokyo first, an onsen break at Hakone, then Kyoto and Osaka with a Nara day trip. If you have more time, add Hiroshima and Miyajima, or loop through Kanazawa or Takayama.
Prices are per person, with two sharing mid-range rooms, and don’t include international flights.
| Trip | Route | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | Tokyo (3 nights), Hakone (1), Kyoto (2), Osaka (1) | ¥170,000-200,000 ($1,130-1,330) |
| 10 days | Tokyo (3), Kyoto (3), Hiroshima (1), Osaka (1), Kanazawa (1), Tokyo (1) | ¥260,000-290,000 ($1,730-1,930) |
| 10 days, budget | Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka, Kanazawa, Tokyo | About ¥140,000 ($930) |
| 3-4 weeks | Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Takayama, Kanazawa, Sapporo, plus Fukuoka or Okinawa | $5,500-9,000 |
As a rough guide, budget travellers spend about ¥8,500-13,500 a day (US$60-95), mid-range travellers spend about ¥18,000-30,000 a day (US$120-200), and comfort travel starts around ¥39,700 a day (US$270). Real prices and line-by-line costs are in Japan travel costs. More in Japan itineraries.
Use luggage forwarding between cities, and travel with an overnight bag on shinkansen days.
Japan in a nutshell#
- Capital: Tokyo is the main gateway for most first trips, with major international flights into Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND).
- People: About 123 million people, with Shintoism and Buddhism the biggest religions. More in Japan demographics.
- Language: The national language is Japanese. English is common in big cities, and less so in rural areas.
- Money: Pay in Yen (JPY). Cash is still common, especially outside big-city chains.
- Daily budget: Expect roughly $100-250 a day for typical visitor spending, with details in Japan travel costs.
- Electricity: Electricity is 100V, 50/60 Hz, with Type A and Type B sockets. See Japan plug types.
- Driving: Traffic drives on the left.
- Emergencies: Police 110, and fire or ambulance 119. More on the Japan emergency page.
Don't forget to bring#
Passport, always
Foreign visitors must carry their passport at all times, and police can do spot checks.
Cash plus a card
Japan is still largely cash-oriented in smaller shops and rural areas. Keep yen for buses, small restaurants, and markets.
IC transit card plan
Suica and Pasmo IC cards make city trains and buses simple. They also work for many small purchases.
Onsen-ready kit
Onsens have strict etiquette, and many ban visible tattoos. Check policies, and book private baths when needed.
Rain layer for June
June to mid-July is rainy season in much of Honshu. Pack a light rain jacket and expect damp, humid days.
Small luggage strategy
On the Tokaido line, luggage over 160 cm needs a reserved space. Forward big suitcases with takkyubin when hopping cities.
Do not pack cold or sinus medicines with pseudoephedrine, as some are banned outright.
Good to know before you land#
- Shoes off: Remove shoes at the genkan in homes, ryokan, and some temples and restaurants.
- Quiet in public: Keep voices down on trains, and avoid phone calls on public transport.
- No tipping: Service is included, and staff usually refuse tips if offered.
- Paying habits: Pay at the till, often using the small tray rather than handing cash over.
- Onsen etiquette: Wash before entering the bath, and do not wear swimsuits or bring towels into the water.
- Trains and passes: The nationwide JR Pass is expensive, so price single tickets and regional passes first.
Plan the rest of your trip#
More Trip Planning#
First time in Japan FAQs#
Is Japan safe for first-time travellers?
Yes, violent crime is rare for visitors. The main risks are earthquakes, typhoons, summer heat, and strict drug and medicine rules.
Do I need a visa for Japan?
Many nationalities get visa-free entry for short tourist stays, commonly up to 90 days for most Western passports. If you are not on the exemption list, you normally need a visa in advance, and the details are in the Japan visa guide.
When is the best time to visit Japan?
Late March to May and October to November have the best all-round weather, and they are also the busiest and most expensive. June to mid-July is rainy season, and August to September has peak typhoon risk.
How many days do I need for a first trip to Japan?
Ten to fourteen days is a strong first trip, enough for Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and Osaka, plus a day trip to Nara and time for Hiroshima if you want it. A week works if you stick to the Golden Route at a brisk pace.
How much money should I budget per day in Japan?
Backpackers typically spend about ¥8,500-13,500 a day (US$60-95). Mid-range travellers spend about ¥18,000-30,000 a day (US$120-200), and comfort starts around ¥39,700 a day (US$270).