Japan packs neon megacities, ancient temples, street-food capitals, snowy mountains and laid-back coastal cities into one easy-to-travel country. This Japan travel guide is a quick overview to help you choose where to go, with links to our detailed city guides, plus the basics for getting between cities, paying for transport, picking a season and fitting in with local etiquette.
Where to go in Japan
Tokyo
Best for: first-time visitors, city neighbourhoods, shopping, food and nightlife. Japan's capital mixes busy districts like Shinjuku and Shibuya with traditional Asakusa, and makes an easy base for day trips such as Hakone and Kamakura. Read our Tokyo travel guide.
Kyoto
Best for: temples, shrines, gardens and traditional streets. The former capital is home to Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji and the Arashiyama bamboo grove, with Nara and Uji close by. Read our Kyoto travel guide.
Osaka
Best for: street food, nightlife and a central base for the Kansai region. Explore Dotonbori, Osaka Castle and the Bay Area, then take easy day trips to Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and Himeji. Read our Osaka travel guide.
Hokkaido
Best for: winter snow, skiing and summer landscapes. Base yourself in Sapporo for the Snow Festival and Otaru, then head out to Niseko, Furano and Biei, or Hakodate. Read our Hokkaido travel guide.
Fukuoka
Best for: food lovers, a relaxed city break and exploring Kyushu. Fukuoka is known for Hakata ramen and yatai food stalls, its airport is minutes from the centre, and Dazaifu, Yanagawa and Nagasaki are within reach. Read our Fukuoka travel guide.
Japan travel basics
Getting between cities
The shinkansen (bullet train) links many of Japan's major cities, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Fukuoka (Hakata), and the Hokkaido Shinkansen connects to southern Hokkaido. For the longest journeys, such as to Sapporo, many travellers choose a domestic flight instead. If you plan several long train trips, compare the cost of a Japan Rail Pass with individual tickets. The pass does not cover Nozomi or Mizuho trains, the fastest services on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen, unless you buy a separate Nozomi Mizuho ticket for pass holders; Hikari, Sakura, Kodama and Tsubame trains are covered.
IC cards
Rechargeable IC cards such as Suica, PASMO and ICOCA can be used on most trains, subways and buses in the major cities nationwide, and at many convenience stores, vending machines and some taxis displaying the logo. You tap in and out at the gates, so you don't need to buy a ticket for each ride. Some services, such as certain express trains and highway buses, need a separate ticket, and cards may not work on some rural routes. Visitors can choose deposit-free cards such as Welcome Suica or TOURIST PASMO; most regular cards need a 500-yen deposit. Top-ups at station machines are cash only.
Seasons
Spring (March to May) brings cherry blossoms, starting in the south in late March and moving north, reaching Hokkaido later. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, with the rainy season generally around June to July on the main islands, and typhoons are possible in August and September. Autumn (September to November) is known for colourful leaves and comfortable weather. In winter (December to February), Hokkaido gets heavy snow, while Pacific-side cities such as Tokyo and Osaka tend to have little snow and many clear days. Golden Week (late April to early May), Obon (mid-August) and the New Year holidays (late December to early January) are the busiest times to travel, with crowded transport and higher prices.
Etiquette
- Keep it quiet on trains. Avoid phone calls, keep your voice down and use headphones on trains and buses.
- Take your shoes off where asked, such as in homes, ryokan and some temples, restaurants and hot springs. Look for shoe racks or signs.
- Carry your rubbish. Public bins are limited, so take a small bag with you.
- No tipping. Tipping is not customary in Japan; a thank you is enough.
- Carry some cash. Cashless payment is growing, but some places, especially outside the big cities, only take cash.
Best eSIM for Japan
Maps, train times and translation apps make travelling in Japan much easier with mobile data. Our Japan eSIM covers Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido, Fukuoka and beyond with high speed internet that is hotspot ready, so you can share with a laptop or travel buddy. Choose a Total plan for one data bucket, a Daily plan for a fresh allowance each day, or an Unlimited plan, which gives high-speed data first and then slower speed after the high-speed data is used. Your QR code arrives instantly by email, so you can install it before you fly. Plans are data only.
Japan travel FAQ
Which city should I visit first in Japan?
Tokyo or Osaka are easy starting points, as both have major international airports. Many first trips combine Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
How many days do I need in Japan?
One week covers Tokyo plus Kyoto and Osaka. With two weeks you can add Hokkaido or Fukuoka.
Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?
It depends on your route. Compare the pass price with individual tickets for your planned trips, and remember Nozomi and Mizuho trains need an extra ticket.
When is the best time to visit Japan?
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. Visit Hokkaido in winter for snow or in summer for flower fields.
Do I need mobile data in Japan?
It helps a lot for maps, train routes and translations. A Japan eSIM gets you online as soon as you land.
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