Dreaming of Japan? Neon lights, ancient temples, and good food at every turn – it’s no wonder it’s on everyone’s bucket list. Planning a trip to Japan can feel overwhelming, but that’s half the fun! This guide will be your best travel hack, breaking down everything you need to know for the best trip to Japan.
When should you travel to Japan?
Here’s what you can expect throughout the year to help you pick the perfect time for your trip! There’s not necessarily a “good” or “bad” time to go to Japan, and more about personal preference:
🌼 Spring (March-May):
- Cherry Blossom Season (Late March to Early April): It really starts to warm up at the end of March, so you may need a jacket but nothing too warm. Expect beautiful scenery, but also bigger crowds and potentially higher prices. Try to book your accommodation and flights well in advance!
- Golden Week (Late April to Early May): Golden Week is a week-long celebration in Japan, with multiple national holidays from April 29th to May 5th. This means a lot of domestic travel. If you’re flexible, consider traveling before or after Golden Week to avoid peak crowds and get better deals. By the end of May, it basically feels like summer.
☀️ Summer (June-August):
- Summer Vacation (July-August): School’s out, and it’s hot. This is a great time to experience the outdoorsy side of Japan, but be prepared for hot and humid weather, especially in major cities. It’s also a great time to experience Japan’s summer festivals and other events. You’ll definitely see more families out as well.
- Obon Festival (Mid-August): A time to honor ancestors, Obon brings many Japanese people home. Expect transportation to be busier during this period, especially for popular destinations.
🍁 Autumn (September-November):
- Silver Week (Late September): Another string of holidays means potential for busier travel times.
- Autumn Foliage Season (Koyo – Late October to Early December):Stunning fall colors paint the landscapes across Japan. This is a popular time to visit Japan too, so book your accommodations in advance, especially for Kyoto and Nikko which are known for their breathtaking autumn scenery.
❄️ Winter (December-February):
- New Year’s Holiday (Late December to Early January): A time for family reunions and celebrations. Expect crowds and higher prices at popular destinations. January tends to be quieter and has the best chance of snowfall, perfect for winter sports like skiing. Just keep in mind some places may have limited hours during the holiday season.
Bonus Tip: Shoulder seasons (for spring, before Golden Week, and for autumn, after Silver Week) can offer a good balance between better weather and manageable crowds.
How long should you stay in Japan?
A week gives you a taste of the major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. But with hidden gems pretty much everywhere, two weeks or more is the sweet spot to really get the most out of your trip. Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the big cities! We found that two and a half weeks was a good amount of time to visit three major cities, plus take day trips to areas like Mt. Fuji, Nara, and Hiroshima.
Do you need a visa or anything special to travel to Japan?
Good news! Citizens of many countries, including the US and most of Europe, can visit Japan visa-free for up to 90 days. But don’t forget to double-check visa requirements for your nationality just in case. Booking flights to major airports like Narita (Tokyo) or Kansai International (Osaka) is easy. Consider flying in and out of different cities to maximize your time (ie. flying into Tokyo but flying home from Osaka).
There are a few other things to know before traveling to Japan, so make sure to do your research!
How to get around Japan
Japan’s public transport system is a dream come true, and that’s coming from Chicagoans! In Japan, public transportation is efficient, affordable, and user-friendly. Metro and train networks in the cities are fantastic, and English signs are becoming more and more common. The bullet train is also very easy to take, and is our favorite way to get hop between major cities.
You’ll want to get an IC card, like Suica or Pasmo, to use for local train lines. You can also load it on your phone, which makes taking the train super easy.
Where to Visit in Japan
If it’s your first time in Japan, we recommend visiting major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. They’ll offer you a great first experience of Japan, and will definitely make you want to see other parts of the country on future trips. If you have time, squeeze in a day trip to Lake Kawaguchi, Kamakura, Nara, and Hiroshima.
In terms of accommodation, from traditional ryokans (comfy Japanese inns) to modern capsule hotels (think tiny space pods), there’s something for everyone. It really just depends on how you like to travel. Research areas based on your interests and how close you want to be to things like public transport and food. Book as early as you can, especially during peak seasons – things fill up fast! We try to book accomodations 6-8 months out.
Hotel or Airbnb?
This is a very common question, and our answer is always the same: it’s up to you! If you are traveling in a larger group and want everyone to stay together, Airbnb may be your preferred option (although there are new aparthotels like the Mimaru hotel chain that can accommodate big groups). Depending on the Airbnb, prices can vary and are often similarly priced to hotels. We personally love staying in hotels when we go to Japan because we love experiencing their unbeatable hospitality and enjoying benefits like cleaning and breakfast buffets.
What to Use to Plan your Trip to Japan
The hardest part about planning your trip is keeping track of everything you want to see and do, alongside the important things like flights, transportation, and accommodations. While we are planning, we like using Google Sheets to keep things organized and collaborative. There are a ton of Digital Travel Planner templates out there, which are so helpful when you’re starting to do research and start booking.
When you are actually on your trip, opening an excel doc or Google sheet might be a little inconvenient on your phone. That’s why we love apps like Wanderlog, where you can transfer all your trip details and access it easily with a very friendly UI. We also love Wanderlog because of the map feature, which helps you more efficiently plan your itinerary and travel times in between the sights you want to see.
While planning is key, leave some room for spontaneity! Explore outside of your itinerary, chat with friendly locals (learning a few basic Japanese phrases goes a long way), and embrace the beautiful country you’re visiting. Festivals and local events are amazing ways to get a taste of real Japanese culture – you might just stumble upon something unforgettable!
