Japan
Japan Travel Guide: Planning details
Budget notes, transport, where to stay, ideal trip length, and local tips for your trip.
Japan
Plan smarter in Japan
Cherry blossoms, temples, ramen alleys, and bullet trains-a first-timer guide to Tokyo, Kyoto, and beyond.
Spring: 8–20°CSummer: 24–32°C
Live weather
Tokyo
22°C
Mainly clear
Humidity 87%Wind 5 km/h
Typical climate
Four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid with typhoon risk; winters are cold in the north. Spring and autumn are the sweet spots for sightseeing.
Map
Tokyo
Quick budget notes
- JR Pass can save on long-distance trains-calculate before buying.
- Convenience-store meals are quality and affordable.
- Lunch sets (teishoku) offer great value at restaurants.
Getting around
- Shinkansen for inter-city; metro/JR within cities.
- Google Maps transit mode works excellently in Japan.
- Reserve seats on popular routes during Golden Week.
Where to stay
- Tokyo: Shinjuku or Shibuya for transit and nightlife.
- Kyoto: near Gion or Kyoto Station for day trips.
- Osaka: Namba for food and easy Kansai access.
Ideal trip length
- 7–9 days: Tokyo + Kyoto/Osaka.
- 10–14 days: add Hiroshima, Nara, or Hokkaido.
Must book ahead
- Ghibli Museum, teamLab, and popular restaurants.
- Shinkansen seats during cherry blossom and New Year.
- Ryokan with kaiseki dinner in peak seasons.
Local tips
- Bow slightly when greeting; quiet on trains.
- No tipping-it can cause confusion.
- Trash bins are rare; carry a small bag for rubbish.
Safety & common scams
- Avoid unsolicited bar invitations in nightlife districts.
- Use official taxi ranks; ride apps work in major cities.
- Confirm restaurant cover charges before sitting.
Connectivity & money
- 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards reliably.
- Suica/PASMO works on most trains, buses, and shops.
- Offline maps help in subway stations.