At Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, you’re swept along with thousands of people crossing at once. A few days later, you might be walking through a quiet temple garden in Kyoto while cherry blossoms drift past. Part of the appeal is how easily you move between the energy of the cities and the calm of the countryside. Bullet trains move you between cities at nearly 200 mph (320 km/h), which makes it easy to cover a lot of ground in a short trip.
Planning is important because there’s so much to see and it can feel overwhelmingWith thousands of temples, incredible food, and countless day trip options, having a clear route helps you get the most out of your time.
With so much packed into the country, it can be hard to know where to start with your Japan itinerary. Rough Guides’ local travel experts live in Japan and know the areas inside out. They can shape a trip around your interests and handle the details, from booking trains and hotels to suggesting experiences you might otherwise miss. That way, you can skip the stress of planning and focus on enjoying the journey.
Most people plan around 7, 10, or 14 days. A week is usually enough for the highlights. Ten days gives you time for side trips, and two weeks lets you go further into smaller towns and less-visited regions. It’s unlikely to be able to take one trip that covers everything you want to see.
Tips from Bruce
Japan
Travel Expert
Rural travel in Japan often takes longer than the map suggests. Even short distances in regions like Hakone, Nara’s countryside, or Hokkaido can involve slow local lines or multiple transfers. A well-planned route, or arranging private transport, can make a huge difference, especially for senior travelers.
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Beppu, Japan cityscape with rising steam from hot spring bathhouses © Shutterstock
How to plan a trip to Japan that's only 7 days? This week-long itinerary in Japan combines city neighborhoods, historic sites, and some time in the mountains. Even with such a short tip, a lot can be seen. The pace stays comfortable, with easy train connections linking each stop.
This itinerary begins in Shibuya, where the famous scramble crossing surges with thousands of people moving at once beneath massive digital screens. The chaos feels choreographed, and is a iconic introduction to modern Tokyo.
A short ride away, Harajuku shows a different face of the city. Takeshita Street is narrow and crowded, lined with small shops, cafés, and colorful clothing aimed at younger crowds. Later in the day, head to Ginza. By day it’s known for polished department stores, while evenings bring a strong dining scene, from traditional sushi counters to high-end restaurants.
Insider tip: Shibuya Sky near closing time is less crowded, and the night views are clear.
The Tokyo Sky Tree is a must see in Japan © Klook
For your second day in Tokyo, start in Ryogoku. Here sumo stables open for morning practice, and you can visit to get a close view of the sport’s routines. Around the neighborhood, restaurants serve chankonabe, the stew wrestlers eat daily.
From there, ride three stops to Asakusa and head down Nakamise Street toward Senso-ji. This is Tokyo’s oldest temple, with stalls that have been selling snacks and crafts for centuries.
Nearby, Tokyo Skytree looks out over the city, and on clear days Mount Fuji is visible in the distance. In the evening, a Sumida River cruise passes under bridges while traditional yakatabune boats float along the water.
Insider tip: Early morning at Senso-ji is calmer, with monks carrying out rituals and fewer visitors at the temple.
Travel time: about 2 hours
On day three, aboard the Odakyu Romance Car train that runs out of Tokyo into the mountains, with wide windows showing countryside views along the way.
Hakone is one of the easiest places to get close to Fuji. The Hakone Ropeway carries you over steaming volcanic valleys and across Lake Ashi, where, on a calm day, the mountain’s reflection shows clearly in the water.
Owakudani Valley is the most dramatic stop, with active sulfur vents and steaming ground. Here you can try the famous black eggs boiled in the hot springs, said to add seven years to your life.
Insider tip: Bring a 500-yen coin for Ropeway ticket machines, since they don’t always accept larger bills or cards.
Hakone, Japan © Shutterstock
Travel time: 3.5 hours
The shinkansen from Hakone to Kyoto is fast and comfortable. It covers about 250 miles (400 km) at speeds up to 200 mph (320 km/h). If you sit on the right side you can see Mount Fuji during the first hour. After that, the scenery changes from volcanic hills to farmland before reaching Kyoto’s historic basin.
Kyoto was Japan’s imperial capital for more than 1,000 years and many traditions are still alive here. Nijo Castle shows the power of the Tokugawa shoguns with its gardens and the “nightingale floors” that creak to warn of intruders.
From here head to Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. Its gold-leaf exterior reflects in the pond, and each level is built in a different architectural style.
On day five you’ll head west of the city. Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, holds rock gardens designed for reflection, and the main hall opens onto views that shift with the seasons.
The Togetsukyo Bridge stretches across the Hozu River and leads toward the Bamboo Grove. The path winds through towering stalks, light breaking through in shifting patterns, the bamboo swaying and clattering in the wind. Small temples and traditional restaurants appear along the way.
Above, Monkey Park Iwatayama rises after a short but steep climb. From the top of Mount Iwata, Kyoto spreads out below, ringed by green mountains. More than 120 macaques move freely here, their interactions as much a draw as the wide views across the city.
Insider tip: Coins are useful at the feeding stations. Staff instructions matter, since the macaques become bold around food.
Hoshinoya, Kyoto © Shutterstock
Travel time: 1 hour
The train from Kyoto to Nara runs in under an hour, leaving suburbs behind before arriving in Japan’s first permanent capital. Temples stand alongside modern life, reminders of the city’s long role in shaping culture.
From 710 to 794 AD, Nara served as the capital and brought Buddhism into the center of Japanese society. Todai-ji Temple still dominates, its bronze Buddha rising 50 feet (15 m) and weighing 500 tons. The Great Buddha Hall, rebuilt many times, remains among the largest wooden buildings in the world.
Around the temple, Nara Park holds more than 1,000 deer regarded as sacred in Shinto belief. For over 1,300 years they have lived here, bowing gently in exchange for the special crackers sold by vendors.
Travel time: 45 minutes
From Nara, it’s 45 minutes by train to Osaka.
Spend your last morning at Osaka’s Kuromon Ichiba Market, a 190-year-old arcade filled with Kobe beef, sushi, and seasonal produce. It’s both a final taste of Japanese food and a chance to pick up teas or sweets to take home.
Airport express trains run every 30 minutes from Osaka Station to Kansai International Airport. Reserved seats are useful during busy travel times.
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Deer in Nara Park © Shutterstock
This ten-day itinerary through Japan centers on food while weaving in cultural experiences. Regional flavors stretch from Tokyo’s markets to Kyoto’s kaiseki meals. Along the way, cooking classes, Buddhist temple cuisine, and everyday traditions shape the rhythm of travel.
Start in Shibuya, where the famous crossing shows Tokyo at its busiest. From here, head into Harajuku to try imagawayaki pancakes from street vendors and browse the neighborhood’s mix of small eateries and shops. This is by far one of the best places to visit in Japan.
Continue on to Omotesando, known for sleek restaurants that refine traditional techniques. In the evening, dinner is reserved at a restaurant specializing in sushi, sukiyaki, or tempura. Sitting at the counter means watching chefs at work and seeing how each dish reflects seasonality and precision in Japanese cooking.
Insider tip: Sitting at the counter gives a clear view of the chefs at work and a chance to hear their methods firsthand.
Begin the day at Tsukiji Outer Market, where narrow lanes are packed with seafood stalls and street food vendors. Grilled scallops, tamago sandwiches, and skewers are easy to try while walking through the crowds.
After exploring the market, join a sushi-making class to learn how rice is seasoned and fish is cut. In the afternoon, head to Asakusa, where Nakamise-dori leads to the gates of Senso-ji Temple. The day ends with wide views from the Tokyo Skytree, followed by a dinner cruise on the Sumida River as the skyline lights up after dark.
Tokyo traffic © Nick Jackson/single use only
Take the JR Limited Express Hida from Tokyo to Takayama, a four-hour ride through valleys and mountain scenery. The train has wide windows that frame views of the Japanese Alps and terraced rice fields along the way.
After arriving, head to Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum of thatched farmhouses built for snowy winters. Walking through the village gives a sense of mountain life, with displays of tools, hearths, and handmade textiles. Craftspeople demonstrate weaving and woodworking, adding a hands-on look at traditions that have shaped this region for centuries.
Day 4 begins at Takayama’s lively markets, Miyagawa and Jinya-mae, where farmers sell mountain vegetables, handmade pickles, and Hida beef. Stalls grill mitarashi dango, skewered rice dumplings glazed with soy sauce, filling the air with a sweet, smoky scent.
In the afternoon, visit Takayama Shuzo, a historic sake brewery. Rows of cedar barrels and the cool mountain air create ideal conditions for fermentation. Tastings show how water and climate shape the flavor, with seasonal varieties available only at certain times of year.
Shirakawa, Takayama, Japan Alps © Shutterstock
The train ride to Kanazawa takes about two hours east on Japan's map, with views of rice fields and small mountain villages along the way. After arriving, spend time in Kenroku-en Garden, where winding paths lead past ponds, bridges, and stone lanterns.
A teahouse inside the garden hosts traditional matcha ceremonies, with tea served step by step. In the evening, join a guided food walk through the city. Kaiseki restaurants focus on seafood from the Japan Sea, with dishes like sweet shrimp, yellowtail, and winter crab showing why Kanazawa is known for its coastal flavors.
Day 6 starts at Omicho Market, where nearly 200 stalls sell seafood, vegetables, and Kanazawa specialties. Locals buy their daily ingredients here, and kaisen-don rice bowls piled with the morning’s catch make an easy breakfast.
After wandering the market, the JR Limited Express Thunderbird heads south, a 2.5-hour ride along the Japan Sea before turning inland through Kansai’s farmland. Arrival in Osaka brings the neon glow of Dotonbori. Takoyaki grills send up steam, vendors flip okonomiyaki pancakes, and kushikatsu skewers sizzle in oil. Dinner becomes a walk through the district.
Japan, Osaka sakura - cherry blossom © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Morning travel takes you two hours by Nankai Electric Railway, finishing with a cable car rising through cedar forests to Mount Koya. The Okunoin Cemetery sets the tone, a 1.2-mile (2 kilometer) path lined with more than 200,000 graves leading to Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum.
In the afternoon, temple lodging introduces shojin ryori, a vegetarian cuisine built from tofu, mountain herbs, and seasonal vegetables, plated with precision. Evening meditation follows, with candlelight flickering in the main hall. At dawn, monks chant morning prayers before another simple meal, a rhythm that ties food and ritual to the mountain’s long spiritual history.
Travel down from Mount Koya to Kyoto by train and bus, a two-hour journey from mountain forest into Japan’s former capital.
Nishiki Market starts the day, a 1,300-foot (400 meter) covered street lined with more than 100 stalls. Handmade tofu, yuba soy skin, pickled vegetables, and matcha sweets fill the displays, with vendors preparing small portions for tasting.
The walk continues into Gion, where wooden townhouses stand along narrow lanes. Dinner highlights Kyoto’s refinement with a tofu-based kaiseki meal, arranged in seasonal courses that draw on the city’s long connection between Buddhist temple cooking and formal dining traditions.
The Phoenix Hall of Byodo-in Temple in Kyoto, Japan © Shutterstock
Day 9 starts with a morning cooking class in a restored Kyo-Machiya townhouse teaches key dishes such as tempura with light batter, miso soup with dashi, and seasonal recipes shaped by Kyoto traditions.
After lunch, visits continue at Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, where the temple reflects across its pond, and Nijo Castle, once the seat of Tokugawa power.
From here, attend a tea ceremony in Gion. Late afternoon shifts to a tea ceremony in Gion. Matcha is prepared with practiced movements, each step explained in sequence, showing the connection between form, focus, and taste.
The morning starts at Kyoto Central Market, where stalls sell matcha powder, handmade sweets, and regional teas that pack easily as souvenirs. Vendors prepare goods early, and the aisles are busy with local buyers.
After shopping, the JR Tokaido Shinkansen makes the 2.5-hour trip east to Tokyo. The train runs past fields, rivers, and towns, and on clear days Mount Fuji is visible from the right-hand windows. Back in Tokyo, the station connects directly to transport for departure flights.
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Nijo Castle in Kyoto © Shutterstock
This two-week route covers both Japan’s major cities and its mountain towns. You’ll start in Tokyo before looping through Kyoto, Kanazawa, Takayama, and the Japanese Alps, then return to Tokyo at the end. The mix of fast trains, local buses, and even alpine cable cars makes it possible.
Arrival in Tokyo usually starts with Shibuya. The crossing runs all day but is busiest around 5–6pm when office workers pour out. Side streets have cafés, convenience stores, and cheap arcades. A melon pan ice cream sandwich makes a quick snack, and Ichiran works well if you want ramen without waiting long.
Shibuya Sky, the rooftop deck above the station, gives a good city overview before heading back on the subway. The JR Pass app is handy here since it shows which platform your train is on in real time.
Meiji Shrine sits a short walk from Harajuku Station. The path in is long and shaded, with giant wooden gates at each entrance. You often see wedding groups moving through in traditional dress.
The Imperial Palace East Gardens open at 9am and are free, with sections of Edo Castle walls and wide lawns to walk around. By afternoon, Asakusa pulls you into Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Nakamise Street in front sells taiyaki and senbei crackers fresh from the grill. The temple looks different after dark, so staying until the lanterns switch on is worth the time.
Tokyo Metro, Japan © Shutterstock
An early JR Tokaido Line train gets you to Kozu, where you change to the Tokaido Main Line. With the Hakone Free Pass, transfers are simple once you arrive.
Oshino Hakkai comes first, a cluster of spring-fed ponds where Mt. Fuji reflects clearly on calm mornings. From there, Arakurayama Sengen Shrine has a staircase that climbs past a pagoda toward an open view of the mountain. In the afternoon, the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway lifts you above Lake Kawaguchiko. By evening you reach Hakone, check into a ryokan, and head straight for the onsen before dinner.
After breakfast you take a local train to Odawara Station, then board the shinkansen. The ride to Kyoto runs about three hours. Station bento shops sell ekiben with rice, grilled fish, or tonkatsu packed neatly for the journey.
The train moves quickly through farmland and low hills, with Mt. Fuji visible from the right side on clear days. Kyoto Station drops you directly into the city. From there, walking through Gion gives you narrow streets with wooden houses and small restaurants, an easy introduction before starting temple visits the next morning.
The Reiki garden of the Silver Temple, Kyoto © Nick Jackson/single use only
Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, sits above a quiet pond, its gold leaf reflecting in the water. From there it’s a short ride to Nijo Castle, where sliding doors painted by Kano school artists open into wide tatami rooms, and the squeaking floors make every step heard.
Later, Fushimi Inari Shrine pulls you into its tunnels of red gates stretching up the hillside. Evening belongs to Gion. Tea is whisked in a small tatami room, followed by a kaiseki meal where each dish mirrors the season. Buses and taxis link these places, though crowds make Fushimi Inari slower to move through.
Kiyomizu Temple is best visited before 8 AM, when the wide veranda overlooking the city is still calm. Walking down the slope leads into the historic streets and toward Arashiyama. The bamboo grove is a short path but striking, with tall stalks swaying above.
Tenryu-ji Temple sits just nearby, its Zen garden shaped around a pond with the mountains as backdrop. The Philosopher’s Path closes the day, a canal-side walkway lined with shrines and older houses. Walking links most of these sites, though buses help with longer distances, especially between central Kyoto and Arashiyama.
Japanese garden in Nagamachi Samurai District, Kanazawa city © Shutterstock
The Thunderbird train from Kyoto to Kanazawa takes about two and a half hours. Once there, head straight to Kenroku-en Garden to walk the paths around the ponds and pines. Kanazawa Castle is right next to it, with rebuilt gates that show how the place looked in the Edo period.
In the afternoon, head to Higashi Chaya, where the wooden teahouses line the streets, and then Nagamachi to see samurai houses and their mud walls. A loop bus connects these districts, but it’s manageable on foot. End the day at Omicho Market with a bowl of fresh seafood rice.
On day 8 of this two week Japan itinerary, take a highway bus from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go, about 1.5 hours. The village is known for steep thatched farmhouses built to handle heavy snow. Climb to the viewpoint for a clear look across the valley, then step inside Wada-ke, where silkworm trays still fill the upper floors.
Another hour by bus leads to Takayama, a town of preserved Edo-era streets. Sanmachi Suji has breweries marked with cedar balls and great restaurants.
Shirakawa, Takayama © Shutterstock
Begin day 9 at the morning market along the Miyagawa River, where vendors sell miso, pickles, and mountain vegetables. Sanmachi Suji, just nearby, has wooden houses, sake breweries, and small museums inside merchant buildings. Nakabashi Bridge, painted red, crosses the river in the center of town.
In the afternoon, visit Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine and the festival float exhibition hall, where ornate carts used in Takayama’s spring and autumn parades are kept on display. The town is small enough to cover by walking.
Buses run from Takayama into Kamikochi in about an hour. Cars are not allowed in the valley, so buses are the only access.
Start at Taisho Pond, where the Yake-dake volcano reflects in the water. Trails follow the Azusa River through cedar forests to Kappa Bridge, the main hub, with the Hotaka peaks rising above 9,800 feet (3,000 m).
The paths are flat and easy to follow. Afternoon buses continue about 2 hours to Matsumoto, where the castle sits in the center of town. Pack layers and rain gear, since the mountain weather shifts quickly even in summer.
Nature landscape at the Center of Kamikochi national park, Nagano, Japan or Japanese Alps © Shutterstock
This day is spent aon the Kuroabe Alpine Route. The Alpine Route links Toyama and Nagano with a series of cable cars, buses, and ropeways that cross the Northern Japanese Alps. The journey starts with the Tateyama Cable Car climbing steep forested slopes, then continues by bus to the Kurobe Dam, Japan’s tallest arch dam at 610 feet (186 m).
From there, the route climbs higher by ropeway and trolley bus toward Mt. Tate’s 9,900-foot (3,015 m) summit. In spring, the Yuki-no-Otani Snow Corridor has snow walls up to 65 feet (20 m). The full route takes a day, so plan transport and meals along the way.
Matsumoto Castle stands in the center of town with black walls reflected in its moat. Inside, steep staircases and narrow passages lead to a top floor view of the Japanese Alps. After exploring the castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art highlights Yayoi Kusama’s colorful installations, while the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum displays woodblock prints by Hokusai and Hiroshige.
Local restaurants serve soba noodles, a regional specialty, before you return to Tokyo on the JR Limited Express Azusa. The trip takes about 3 hours and runs through mountain valleys and farmland, with reserved seating and wide windows for the scenery.
Matsumoto Castle © Phattana Stock/Shutterstock
Begin in Harajuku, where Takeshita Street is crowded with fashion shops, crepe stands, and themed cafes. A short walk away, Omotesando shows a more refined side with international boutiques inside striking modern buildings.
In the afternoon, head to Odaiba for teamLab Borderless, where digital art shifts as you move through the installations. Tickets sell out quickly, so book ahead. After sunset, Shinjuku’s neon signs light up packed entertainment districts, while Shibuya draws crowds to restaurants and bars around the famous scramble crossing.
For your final day, start early at Tsukiji Outer Market, where seafood vendors serve sushi breakfasts alongside grilled skewers and bowls of donburi.
By late morning, take the train to Ueno Park and explore the Tokyo National Museum, home to samurai swords, Buddhist sculptures, and paintings that trace centuries of history. With extra time, walk through Ameyoko market for street snacks and discount shopping or return to a favorite neighborhood for last-minute souvenirs.
Shinjuku, Golden Gai, Tokyo © Shutterstock
Rough Guides’ local experts can shape a trip around your interests, whether that’s anime in Akihabara, skiing in Hokkaido, or staying in a machiya townhouse in Kyoto’s Gion. They can take care of details like booking restaurants, arranging luggage transfers between cities, or finding English-speaking guides who share your interests, from contemporary art to sake brewing.
They also help with practicalities such as JR Pass choices or dietary needs. With 24/7 support and the logistics covered, you can focus on the experience itself. Request a free trip plan from our local experts to get started.
Tourist spots of Japan Takachiho Gorge © Shutterstock
Japan has many routes that can fit different interests. Some travelers focus on the big cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, while others add smaller towns such as Kanazawa or Takayama for a slower pace. Here are some other great Japan itineraries for inspiration.
Though lesser-known, winter can be the best time to visit Japan. This 12-day trip takes you from Tokyo’s winter lights to Nagano’s snowy valleys, through Kanazawa and Takayama, and on to Kyoto before circling back to the capital. You’ll see both major cities and traditional villages, with plenty of seasonal highlights along the way.
Shirakawago village in Gokayama Japan © Mitsuboshi Kaidou
This two-week itinerary goes beyond the usual highlights into smaller towns, markets, and cultural traditions. You’ll stay in ryokans, and visit sacred sites.
Senso-ji Buddhist temple at dusk in Asakusa, Tokyo © FenlioQ/Shutterstock
A week in Tokyo moves between historic temples, bustling markets, and cutting-edge neighborhoods. Each day links major landmarks with food, shopping, and nightlife.
Beppu onsen © Shutterstock
Here’s some of the most common questions we get from our readers when planning a Japan itinerary.
If you are going for the first time, 10 to 14 days is usually a good amount. It gives you enough time to see a mix of places without rushing and still adjust to the rhythm of the country. You can spend a few days in Tokyo, visit Kyoto’s temple, try Osaka’s food, and take a trip to Hiroshima or the Japanese Alps. Each area has its own character, so spreading out your time makes sense.
If you only have a week, focus on Tokyo and Kyoto with a day trip to Osaka. Less than five days feels very short and will leave you wanting to return. Japan is best enjoyed at a slower pace, where small things like wandering side streets, spending an evening in an izakaya, or relaxing in an onsen become the most memorable parts.
Spring from March to May and autumn from October to November are the busiest seasons because of the cherry blossoms and fall colors. Both have comfortable weather, but spring is the most crowded and the most expensive.
Summer from June to September is hot and humid, with a rainy stretch in June, but this is also when many of the big festivals happen, such as Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri.
Hikone Castle in Shiga, Japan © Shutterstock
Winter feels different from other seasons but can be rewarding. In Tokyo and Kyoto, snow is rare and daytime temperatures are around 40 to 50°F (5 to 10°C). In the north, Hokkaido and the Alps get heavy snow, and skiing is some of the best in the world.
This season has its own pleasures, like soaking in an outdoor onsen while it snows, seeing winter light displays, and eating dishes such as hot pot. Tourist numbers are lower, hotel rates are cheaper, and the crisp air often gives clear views of Mount Fuji.
Cherry blossom season usually runs from late March through early May, moving from the south to the north. In Tokyo and Kyoto, the bloom is usually late March or early April, but it changes every year, so it is best to check the official forecast before you book.
In Tokyo, Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen are popular for hanami, or flower viewing. In Kyoto, Maruyama Park and the Philosopher’s Path are especially atmospheric. For fewer crowds, you could go to Yoshino in Nara, which has thousands of trees, or Hirosaki Castle in northern Japan.
The blossoms last about a week, so some flexibility helps. Hotels book up quickly, and prices rise during this time, so plan ahead.
Yoshinoyama, Nara, Japan spring landscape © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
When it comes to getting around Japan you have options.
The shinkansen, or bullet train, is the fastest and easiest way to travel long distances. It connects most major cities and runs at up to 200 mph (320 km/h). Buses are cheaper, and domestic flights work for longer trips, such as Tokyo to Sapporo. Overnight buses between Tokyo and Osaka are a budget option and save you a night of accommodation.
Tokyo and Osaka have large subway systems that look complicated at first but are straightforward once you understand the lines. Day passes are useful if you plan to ride a lot. In Kyoto, many people rent bicycles since the city is flat. Taxis are clean and reliable, but fares start around ¥500 and can add up quickly.
Renting a car is useful in rural areas like Hokkaido or Kyushu, where trains are less frequent. In big cities, driving is stressful, with heavy traffic, narrow streets, and parking that can cost ¥500 an hour. Tolls are also expensive, with Tokyo to Kyoto around ¥10,000. An International Driving Permit is required, and most GPS systems have English settings.
Shinkansen train in Japan © Shutterstock
Japan’s trains are known for punctuality and efficiency. The shinkansen has three main types. Nozomi is the fastest, Hikari is slightly slower, and Kodama stops at every station. The JR Pass does not cover Nozomi. You can ride in non-reserved cars, but a reserved seat is better during busy times.
Local travel is covered by JR lines and private railways, which sometimes use different tickets. Machines and ticket offices usually have English support.
IC cards like Suica or Pasmo make things easy since you just tap in and out. Eating is normal on shinkansen but not on local trains. During rush hours, trains are very crowded, and some cars are women-only.
Goshikigahara Forest in Japan © Visit Gifu
The JR Pass can save money, but only if you use it enough. A 7-day pass costs about ¥50,000 ($330). It pays off if you are making a round trip between Tokyo and Kyoto or Osaka, since that ride alone is close to ¥27,000.
The pass covers JR trains, most shinkansen except Nozomi and Mizuho, JR buses, and the ferry to Miyajima. You can choose 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days in either standard class or Green Car, which is first class.
If you are traveling mainly within one region, something like a Kansai or Hokkaido regional pass may work better. The JR Pass does not include subways or private railways, but you can add seat reservations for free.
Japan is around the same price level as Western Europe. It costs more than Southeast Asia, but less than countries like Switzerland or Norway.
Mizuno Ryokan © Siobhan Warwicker
Ryokan are traditional inns with tatami floors, futon bedding, communal baths, and meals included. A stay usually costs ¥15,000–50,000 per person. They are focused on tradition and have set customs, like removing shoes and eating at fixed times.
Business hotels are small but practical, often around 12 square meters, and cost ¥6,000–12,000 per night. They are clean, near train stations, and come with toiletries, pajamas, and sometimes breakfast.
Capsule hotels started out for commuters but now attract travelers too. Pods usually come with outlets, TVs, and privacy screens, and cost about ¥2,000–5,000 per night. Bathrooms are shared, and there are gender-separated floors. They are best for solo travelers with light luggage.
A ryokan stay is more of an experience than just a place to sleep. Shoes are left at the entrance, and slippers are worn only in hallways. Rooms are simple, with a low table and cushions. Futons are set out while you are at dinner or the bath. Meals are central to the stay. Kaiseki dinners are served course by course, often in your room or a private space.
Bathing is also part of the tradition. You wash first, then soak in the onsen if there is one. Breakfast is usually just as detailed, with fish, rice, soup, and pickles. Meal times are fixed, futons replace beds, and baths are shared, which can take some adjustment. Even so, the care put into every part of the stay makes it worthwhile.
Hotel Ryokan, onsen, Japan © Shutterstock
Onsen visits follow clear rules. Tattoos can be an issue since they are linked with the yakuza, so look for tattoo-friendly baths or cover small tattoos with a bandage. Blue curtains usually mean men’s baths, red for women’s. You undress completely in the changing room and only bring a small towel into the bath area.
Before entering the water, wash thoroughly at the shower stations. The towel should not go in the water. People often fold it and place it on their head or leave it nearby. The baths are very hot, often above 104°F (40°C), so ease in slowly. Onsen are for quiet soaking, not swimming. After bathing, dry off lightly before leaving to avoid dripping water in the changing room. Many onsens have multiple pools with different minerals and temperatures, and part of the fun is trying a few.
You can get by with a few key phrases and some patience. Useful words include arigatou gozaimasu (thank you), sumimasen (excuse me or sorry), and eigo wa hanasemasu ka? (do you speak English?). Download Google Translate with Japanese offline so you can use the camera on menus. Many restaurants have picture menus or plastic food models to point at.
Ordering can also be done through vending machines in ramen shops or tablets with English options. In big cities, train stations have English signs, and information desks usually have English-speaking staff. Even small efforts with Japanese are appreciated. Apps help with everything from maps to showing directions in Japanese for staff.
Onsen hot springs in Japan © Shutterstock
Travelers from the US, Canada, the UK, EU countries, Australia, and many others can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Your passport just needs to be valid through your stay. Immigration may ask to see proof of onward travel or funds, but not always. Some countries have shorter stays, such as 30 days for UAE and 15 for Thailand.
Citizens of countries like China, Russia, and the Philippines need to apply for a tourist visa in advance, which takes about a week. Hotels handle registration for you, but if you stay in a private home, you may need to register with local offices.
Thinking about a trip but dreading the planning? Rough Guides’ local travel experts do it all, from crafting the itinerary to arranging transfers and accommodation, with 24/7 support built in. Learn more about our tailor made trips.
These itineraries help you understand what realistically fits into a trip, from travel times and regional combinations to pacing and routing. At Rough Guides, Japan travel agents use your preferences to build personalized trip plans from scratch rather than adapting fixed tours. You can receive up to 3 different itineraries, compare routes and travel styles, and refine the option that fits you best together with the local travel agent.
