🏯 Capital & Size

Tokio ? (population ~125 million).

Roughly 378,000 km? (about the size of California)

💰 Currency

JPY. 1 EUR ≈ 160 JPY. 1 USD ≈ 150 JPY

🌐 Language

Japanese. Limited English outside major cities and international hotels

🔒 Daily Budget

Per couple, mid-range comfort

🌸 Spring (Mar–May)

10–22°C. Mild, increasingly warm. Cherry blossom season peaks late March to mid-April. Some rain but generally pleasant. The most popular tourist season.

☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug)

25–35°C. Hot and very humid. Tsuyu (rainy season) runs mid-June to mid-July with persistent drizzle. August is the hottest month. Typhoon risk increases from August.

🍁 Autumn (Sep–Nov)

15–25°C. Comfortable temperatures, lower humidity. Stunning koyo (autumn foliage) peaks mid-October in Hokkaido, mid-November in Kyoto. Typhoon risk in September.

❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb)

0–10°C. Cold but mostly dry on the Pacific side (Tokyo, Kyoto). Heavy snow on the Sea of Japan side and Hokkaido means world-class skiing. Clear skies mean the best Mt. Fuji views.

Kanto & Central Honshu

Eastern Honshu is where most visitors spend their time. Tokyo anchors the region as Japan's hypermodern capital, while surrounding areas offer Mt. Fuji views, hot spring towns, mountain trails, and traditional post-towns centuries removed from the neon metropolis.

Kansai, Kyushu & Islands

Western Japan is the cultural heartland. Kansai (Kyoto–Osaka–Nara) holds the highest concentration of historical sites, while Kyushu offers onsen towns, active volcanoes, and a relaxed atmosphere. Islands from Miyajima to Okinawa add another dimension.

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto

Cost: Free, open 24/7 • Time: 1–3 hours

Ten thousand vermillion torii gates tunnel up Mount Inari behind Kyoto's most visited shrine. The lower paths are crowded by mid-morning. The full loop to the summit takes 2–3 hours and rewards with peaceful forest and city views. Go at dawn for empty paths and magical light.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto

Cost: ¥500 (€3) • Time: 45–60 minutes

A Zen temple covered in gold leaf, reflected perfectly in its mirror pond. One of the most photographed buildings in Asia. The gardens are meticulously maintained. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best reflections and fewer crowds.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial & Museum

Cost: ¥200 (€1) • Time: 2–3 hours

The A-Bomb Dome, the only structure left standing near the blast epicentre, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The renovated museum tells the story of August 6, 1945 through personal artifacts and survivor testimonies. Prepare to be moved. One of the most important museums in the world.

Miyajima Island & Floating Torii

Cost: Ferry ¥180 (free with JR Pass), shrine free • Time: Half day

The great torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine appears to float on the sea at high tide. One of Japan's most iconic images. At low tide you can walk out to touch it. The island also has wild deer, maple-leaf-shaped momiji manju cakes, and excellent oysters.

Nara Deer Park & Todai-ji

Cost: Park free, Todai-ji ¥600 (€4) • Time: Half day

Over 1,200 sacred sika deer roam freely, bowing for shika-senbei crackers (€200). Todai-ji houses the 15-metre Great Buddha (Daibutsu) in the world's largest wooden building. The combination of playful deer and awe-inspiring temple is uniquely Japanese.

Mt. Fuji & Hakone

Cost: Hakone Free Pass ¥6,100, Fuji climb free (hut stay ¥7,000–10,000) • Time: 1–2 days

Japan's sacred 3,776m volcano is visible from Tokyo on clear days. Hakone offers the most accessible views plus hot springs. Climbing Fuji (July–September only) is a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise experience. Most climbers ascend overnight to reach the summit for dawn.

Tokyo: Senso-ji, Shibuya & teamLab

Cost: Senso-ji free, teamLab ¥3,800 (€23) • Time: Full day

Three faces of Tokyo. Ancient Senso-ji temple in Asakusa (Tokyo's oldest, 645 AD), the mesmerising Shibuya Crossing (busiest intersection on Earth), and teamLab Borderless/Planets (immersive digital art installations). Add Meiji Shrine (free, serene forest in the heart of the city) for spiritual balance.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto

Cost: Free • Time: 1–2 hours

A towering bamboo forest that creates an otherworldly green tunnel. The sound of wind through the bamboo stalks was voted one of Japan's top 100 soundscapes. Visit at 7 AM to experience it without crowds. Combine with the nearby monkey park (€550 for panoramic city views and wild macaques) and Tenryu-ji temple garden (€500).

Dotonbori Street Food, Osaka

Cost: ¥500–1,500 per snack • Time: Evening

Osaka's neon-drenched canal street is Japan's street food capital. Takoyaki (octopus balls, €500), okonomiyaki (savoury pancake, €800), gyoza, kushikatsu (fried skewers), and the giant Glico Running Man sign. Come hungry, eat everything, roll home happy.

Onsen (Hot Springs) Experience

Cost: Public bath ¥500–1,500, ryokan stay ¥15,000–50,000+ • Time: 1–2 hours (bath) or overnight

Bathing in a natural hot spring is quintessential Japan. Public onsen are affordable and found everywhere. For the ultimate experience, stay at a ryokan (traditional inn) with private rotenburo (outdoor bath). Top onsen towns: Hakone, Beppu, Kinosaki, Kusatsu, Noboribetsu. Note: most onsen ban visible tattoos.

🏪 Convenience Stores (Konbini)

Japan's secret weapon for budget eating. 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart serve genuinely excellent food 24/7.

• Onigiri (rice balls): ¥120–200 (€0.74–1.30)
• Bento boxes: ¥400–700 (€2–4.60)
• Sandwiches: ¥200–350 (€1–2.30)
• Hot items (karaage, nikuman): ¥150–300 (€0.92–2)
• Late-night discount: bento marked down 20–50% after 8 PM

🍷 Drinks

• Beer: ¥250 (konbini can) to ¥500–800 (izakaya draft). Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo, Suntory.
• Sake: ¥300–800 per glass at izakayas. Try regional varieties.
• Japanese whisky: Suntory, Nikka. Highball (whisky & soda) is the go-to at €300–500.
• Vending machines: On literally every corner. Hot/cold drinks ¥100–160. Boss Coffee is an institution.
• Green tea: Free at most restaurants. Matcha lattes everywhere.

Mt. Fuji (Fujisan)

Difficulty: Moderate–Strenuous • Time: 6–8h up, 3–4h down • Season: July 1 – Sep 10 only

Japan's sacred volcano (3,776m). Most climbers take the Yoshida Trail, ascending overnight to reach the summit for sunrise (goraiko). Mountain huts (€7,000–10,000 with dinner/breakfast) provide rest stops. Altitude sickness is real, so acclimatise at Station 7 or 8. Entry fee: €2,000 (≈ €12).

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

Difficulty: Moderate • Time: 3–5 days • Season: Year-round (avoid summer heat)

An ancient pilgrimage network through the mountains of the Kii Peninsula (Wakayama/Mie). UNESCO World Heritage alongside Spain's Camino de Santiago. The Nakahechi route (3–4 days) passes through ancient cedar forests, mountain villages, and sacred hot springs. Accommodation in traditional minshuku along the way.

Nakasendo Trail: Magome to Tsumago

Difficulty: Easy • Time: 3–4 hours • Season: Year-round

A beautifully preserved section of the historic highway that connected Kyoto and Tokyo during the Edo period. The 8 km walk between two perfectly preserved post-towns passes through forests, farmland, and waterfalls. Tsumago feels frozen in time with no power lines and no vending machines. Accessible from Nagoya.

Fushimi Inari Full Loop, Kyoto

Difficulty: Easy–Moderate • Time: 2–3 hours • Season: Year-round

More than just the famous torii gates near the base. The full circuit up and over Mount Inari passes through increasingly sparse (and crowd-free) forest trails with small sub-shrines and city panoramas. Most tourists turn back after 20 minutes. The summit rewards those who continue.

Kamikochi, Japanese Alps

Difficulty: Easy (valley) to Strenuous (peaks) • Time: Half day to multi-day • Season: Mid-April to November

A stunning alpine valley at 1,500m in the Northern Alps. Crystal-clear rivers, snow-capped peaks, and golden larches in autumn. The flat riverside walk from Kappa Bridge is accessible to anyone. Serious hikers can summit 3,000m+ peaks via mountain hut networks. No cars allowed. Access by bus from Takayama or Matsumoto.

Yakushima Ancient Forest

Difficulty: Moderate–Strenuous • Time: 8–10 hours (Jomon Sugi) • Season: Year-round (wet!)

A subtropical island south of Kyushu, home to ancient cedar trees (yakusugi) over 1,000 years old. The Jomon Sugi tree is estimated at 2,170–7,200 years old. The moss-covered forest inspired Miyazaki's "Princess Mononoke." Budget 2–3 days on the island. Fly from Osaka or Kagoshima.

Onsen (Hot Springs)

Japan's most iconic water experience. Natural volcanic hot springs range from grand resort hotels to rustic outdoor pools carved into mountainsides. The ritual of washing, soaking, and relaxing in mineral-rich water is profoundly restorative.

• Public onsen: ¥500–1,500 (€3–10). Available in every region.
• Rotenburo: Outdoor baths with mountain/ocean/snow views.
• Top towns: Hakone, Beppu, Kinosaki, Kusatsu, Noboribetsu, Kurokawa
• Tattoo note: Many onsen ban visible tattoos. Seek “tattoo-friendly” venues or rent a private bath (kashikiri, ¥3,000–5,000/hour).

Okinawa Diving & Snorkelling

Japan's tropical south offers world-class diving with coral reefs, manta rays, and exceptional visibility (30m+). The Kerama Islands and Miyako Island are standout locations.

• Intro dive: ¥10,000–15,000 (€60–100)
• Snorkelling tours: ¥5,000–8,000 (€30–53)
• Season: April–October (water 24–29°C)
• Churaumi Aquarium: whale shark tank, ¥2,180 (€13)

River Activities

Whitewater rafting on the Yoshino River (Shikoku) and Tone River (Gunma) offers class III–IV rapids. Calmer options include river kayaking in the Japanese Alps and the famous Hozugawa River boat ride (€4,100) through Arashiyama gorge near Kyoto.

Beaches

Beyond Okinawa, Japan has quality beaches for summer visitors:

• Kamakura/Enoshima: Closest beaches to Tokyo (1 hour). Lively in summer.
• Shirahama (Wakayama): White sand, accessible from Osaka.
• Amami Oshima: Between Kyushu and Okinawa, less touristed, stunning reefs.
• Beach season: July–August on Honshu, April-October on Okinawa.

Whale Watching

Humpback whales visit Okinawa waters January-March. The Ogasawara Islands (27 hours by ferry from Tokyo) offer encounters with sperm whales year-round and dolphins. Tours from Y6,000-Y8,000.

Naoshima (Art Island)

A tiny island in the Seto Inland Sea transformed into an open-air contemporary art museum by the Benesse Foundation. Tadao Ando-designed museums house works by Monet, Kusama (the famous pumpkin), and Turrell. Rent a bicycle and spend a day cycling between installations. Ferry from Takamatsu or Uno. Budget: €3,000 (≈ €18)–5,000 for museum entries.

Koyasan (Mt. Koya)

The headquarters of Shingon Buddhism, perched atop a mountain south of Osaka. Stay overnight in a temple lodging (shukubo, €10,000–15,000 with vegetarian dinner and breakfast). Walk through the atmospheric Okunoin cemetery with 200,000 graves under towering cedars, illuminated by lanterns at night. 90 minutes from Osaka by train + cable car.

Shirakawa-go & Gokayama

UNESCO-listed villages of gassho-zukuri (steep thatched-roof) farmhouses in the mountains between Takayama and Kanazawa. The roofs are designed to shed heavy snowfall. Stay overnight in a farmhouse for the most magical experience. Particularly stunning in winter when the village is blanketed in snow and illuminated at night.

Onomichi (Temple Walk)

A hillside port town on the Seto Inland Sea with 25 temples connected by a winding hillside path. Cats lounge in temple gardens, traditional shophouses sell handmade ice cream, and the Shimanami Kaido cycling bridge to Shikoku starts here. A wonderful antidote to the intensity of big-city Japan. 1.5 hours from Hiroshima.

Yakushima

A subtropical island of ancient cedar forests and moss-covered valleys that inspired Studio Ghibli's "Princess Mononoke." The Jomon Sugi cedar tree is estimated at 2,000–7,000+ years old. Budget 2–3 days minimum. Fly from Kagoshima or Osaka. Best avoided during typhoon season (Sep–Oct).

Kinosaki Onsen

A picturesque hot spring town on the Sea of Japan coast. Seven public bathhouses connected by a willow-lined canal. Stay at a ryokan, don a yukata (cotton robe) and geta (wooden sandals), and stroll between baths at sunset. The all-bath pass (€1,300) covers all seven. 2.5 hours from Kyoto, a perfect pre- or post-Kyoto stop.

Snow Monkeys (Japanese Macaques)

Where: Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano • Cost: ¥800 (€5) • Season: Year-round (best Dec–Mar)

The world-famous image of macaques soaking in hot springs while snow falls around them. Jigokudani is a 30-minute walk from the bus stop through a forest trail. The monkeys are wild and unrestrained. They come and go as they please. Winter mornings offer the most monkeys and the most dramatic photography.

Nara’s Sacred Deer

Where: Nara Park • Cost: Free (deer crackers ¥200) • Season: Year-round

Over 1,200 sika deer roam freely through Nara's temples and streets. Designated as national treasures and considered divine messengers in Shinto tradition. They have learned to bow for shika-senbei crackers. Baby deer (fawns) appear in June. Adorable but keep your distance.

Tancho Cranes (Red-Crowned Cranes)

Where: Kushiro Wetlands, Hokkaido • Cost: Free • Season: November–March

Japan's most elegant bird and a symbol of longevity and luck. The cranes' mating dance in the snow is one of nature's great spectacles. Winter feeding stations near Kushiro and Tsurui allow close observation and photography. Around 1,800 cranes survive in the wild.

Bears of Japan

Where: Hokkaido (brown bears), Honshu mountains (Asiatic black bears)

Hokkaido's Shiretoko Peninsula (UNESCO) is home to one of the densest brown bear populations in the world. Boat tours along the coast frequently spot bears fishing for salmon (July–September). On Honshu, black bears inhabit mountain forests. Encounters are rare but carry bear bells when hiking.

Marine Life

Okinawa's coral reefs support whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and hundreds of fish species. Humpback whales visit January–March. The Ogasawara Islands (a 24-hour ferry from Tokyo) offer dolphin swimming and sperm whale watching year-round. Churaumi Aquarium in Okinawa is one of the world's largest (€2,180).

Fireflies (Hotaru)

Season: Late May to mid-July • Where: Rural areas, especially Shikoku and Kansai

Firefly viewing (hotaru-gari) is a beloved early-summer tradition. Thousands of glowing insects dance over streams and rice paddies at dusk. Several locations near Kyoto run special viewing events. Free, magical, and impossible to photograph adequately.

🚅 Shinkansen

Bullet trains up to 320 km/h. Tokyo–Kyoto 2h15, Tokyo–Osaka 2h30. Covered by JR Pass (except Nozomi/Mizuho).

💳 IC Cards

Suica/Pasmo/ICOCA tap-and-go cards. Work on all trains, subways, buses, convenience stores. Essential purchase on day one.

🚇 Metro/Subway

¥140–314 per ride. Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto. Fast, clean, runs 05:00–00:30. Google Maps shows real-time schedules.

🚌 Highway Buses

Budget alternative to Shinkansen. Overnight buses save a hotel night. Tokyo–Osaka ¥3,000–5,000. Book via Willer Express.

🚗 Taxis

Base fare ¥500–700 + meter. Expensive but useful late at night. Doors open/close automatically. Don’t touch them.

✈️ Domestic Flights

Peach, Jetstar for Okinawa, Hokkaido, Kyushu. ¥5,000–20,000 one-way. Book early for budget fares.

7-Day Pass

¥50,000 (~€308) per person

Best for Route C (10-day trip). Covers the Golden Route Shinkansen rides, local JR trains, and Miyajima ferry. Activate it when you start using Shinkansen.

14-Day Pass

¥80,000 (~€488) per person

Best for Route A (2-week trip). The sweet spot for most travellers. Covers all JR Shinkansen (except Nozomi/Mizuho), JR local trains, some JR buses, and Miyajima ferry.

21-Day Pass

¥110,000 (~€672) per person

Best for Route B (3-week trip) or if you plan extensive exploration beyond the Golden Route (Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku).

Break-Even Guide

Tokyo–Kyoto return = ¥26,640

Add Hiroshima (¥22,420 return) and the 7-day pass pays for itself. Two long Shinkansen trips justify any pass duration.

💲 Big Savings

• Konbini meals: Breakfast/lunch at 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart at €300–700 per meal, excellent quality
• 100-yen shops: Daiso, Seria, Can*Do for snacks, toiletries, souvenirs
• Free sightseeing: Fushimi Inari, Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji, Arashiyama, shrines, parks
• Highway buses: Tokyo–Osaka overnight €3,000–5,000 (saves hotel + train)
• Discount bento: Supermarkets and konbini discount bento 20–50% after 8 PM

🌟 Worth the Splurge

• One ryokan night: The dinner, onsen, and tatami experience is unforgettable
• Conveyor belt sushi: Still affordable (¥1,500–3,000) and endlessly fun
• JR Pass: Expensive upfront but massive savings if doing the Golden Route
• teamLab: ¥3,800 is steep but the immersive art is world-class
• One omakase meal: Chef's choice sushi, €5,000–10,000 for a 10+ course experience

🍳 Konbini Meals

7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart serve genuinely excellent food 24/7. Onigiri (¥130), bento boxes (¥400–600), fresh sandwiches

🍚 Lunch Sets

Most restaurants offer set lunches 30–50% cheaper than dinner. Same kitchen, same quality, better value

🚅 JR Pass Calculator

A 7-day JR Pass (¥50,000) pays for itself with a single Tokyo–Kyoto–Hiroshima circuit. Calculate at hyperdia.com

🏠 Business Hotels

Toyoko Inn, Dormy Inn, Route Inn: clean twins for ¥8,000–12,000. Dormy Inn includes free onsen and evening ramen

💰 100-Yen Shops

Daiso, Can Do, Seria have everything from travel essentials to souvenirs. Quality far better than you’d expect

🍺 Vending Machines

Drinks ¥100–160 from machines vs ¥300–500 at cafés. On every street corner, hot and cold options

🎫 City Passes

Tokyo Subway 72-Hour Pass (¥1,500), Kansai Thru Pass (2-day ¥4,480). Both save over individual fares

♨ Free Onsen

Foot baths (ashiyu) are free in most hot spring towns. Public sentō (bathhouses) cost ¥500–800 for a full soak

💳 Visas

90-day visa-free entry. No visa required, no fee.

🏥 Health

No mandatory vaccinations. Healthcare excellent but expensive. Travel insurance essential

📶 SIM & WiFi

eSIM (?2,000–4,000 for 2 weeks) or pocket WiFi rental (?4,000–8,000 for 2 weeks). Free WiFi exists but is spotty.

🛒 Safety

One of the safest countries in the world. Almost zero violent crime against tourists. Lost items often returned

1. Get a JR Pass (If Doing the Golden Route)

A single Tokyo–Kyoto–Hiroshima–Osaka Shinkansen circuit costs ~¥38,000. The 7-day JR Pass is ¥50,000 and covers unlimited JR trains plus extras. If you take 3+ Shinkansen rides, it pays for itself. Calculate your routes on hyperdia.com before buying.

2. Always Carry Cash

Despite Japan's tech prowess, it remains cash-dependent. Small restaurants, street food, shrines, some buses, rural areas are cash-only. Keep ¥10,000–20,000 on hand. 7-Eleven ATMs are your friend.

3. Konbini Are Your Best Friend

Japanese convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) are nothing like Western ones. Fresh onigiri, bento, coffee, ATMs, ticket printing, parcel shipping, free WiFi, clean toilets. They solve 80% of daily travel needs. Visit one within the first hour.

4. Use Takkyubin (Luggage Forwarding)

Send your suitcase to your next hotel for ~¥2,000. Drop it at a convenience store or hotel. Travel light on the Shinkansen with just a day bag. Yamato Transport (kuroneko) or Sagawa. Allow 1–2 days. This service transforms Japan travel.

5. Download These Apps

• Google Maps: Best for transit navigation. Download offline maps.
• Google Translate: Camera mode for menus/signs. Download Japanese offline.
• Suica app: Digital IC card (iPhone). Or get physical card at station.
• Tabelog: Japan’s restaurant review app (more trusted than Google locally).
• Safety Tips: Multilingual disaster alerts from Japanese government.

6. Learn the Escalator Rule

Stand on the left in Tokyo (walk on right). Stand on the right in Osaka (walk on left). Yes, it switches between cities. Getting this wrong earns disapproving looks faster than any other faux pas.