The Ultimate Japan Travel Guide

The Ultimate Japan Travel Guide

Japan is a land where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with cutting-edge innovation, offering visitors many unique and unforgettable experiences. From the serene beauty of Kyoto’s historic temples to the vibrant energy of Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, Japan is a country of contrasts. A place where the past and the future coexist in harmony.

Whether you’re wandering through peaceful bamboo forests, soaking in natural hot springs, or savoring the intricate flavors of sushi, Japan has something to offer every kind of traveler. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this travel guide will provide you with practical tips and insider recommendations to make the most out of your trip to Japan!

Know Before You Go

But, what exactly do you need to know before you go? In this Japan Travel Guide, I have compiled a list of helpful information I learned throughout my stay to share with you!

If you’re flying into Japan, there are several airport options to fly into. The big cities of Osaka, Kyoto and capital city of Tokyo all have international airports you can arrive in. If you’re flying into to Tokyo, I recommend flying into Haneda Airport instead of Narita. Haneda is located the closest to downtown Tokyo. There are also airports located in Nagasaki, Kobe, and Hiroshima if you are beginning your journey in one of those cities.

The Nitty Gritty

So, what else do you need to know to travel to Japan? There are a lot of considerations to make before you decide to travel internationally. Whether it’s your first time or 100th time outside of your respective country, it is important to know what to expect as you prepare to travel to your chosen destination. Although the Netherlands is considered an easy country to plan for and visit, it’s always important to consider the following. Keep in mind, this list is not all inclusive, but things I thought about when planning my trip.

Language

The main language spoken in Japan is Japanese. However, there are also several regional dialects and indigenous languages still spoken. In addition, there are three writing systems: Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji, each serving different purposes in communication. My personal experience was that I needed to use Google Translate often, whether it was to read a sign or to translate what I needed to say. Although, I find it easier to navigate a language barrier when I’m in a big city; there is a higher likelihood that I can find someone who speaks English. Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto were no different.

Visa Requirements

Determining whether or not you need a visa to visit Japan depends on where you are from, how you are traveling there, and what travel documents you are carrying with you. I found this website to be very helpful.

Currency

This travel guide to Japan would not be complete without knowing more about the currency used within the country. Its official currency is The Japanese Yen. The value of it is a 1-to-.0069 ratio with the U.S. dollar. I always find it beneficial to have cash or coins on me for any small purchases or emergencies and recommend carrying some with you. Especially since credit and debit cards are not as widely accepted outside of the big cities in Japan, so you will need to bring some cash with you. Keep in mind too, that if you use American Express, my tip is always to have a backup credit card. There are still a few places that don’t accept it.

Where to Stay?

The most important question when planning any trip! There are countless choices depending on what type of amenities and experience you prefer. There are many modern hotels in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kobe, and Nagasaki. I personally stayed at the Sheraton Miyako Hotel in Tokyo, The Chapter Hotel in Kyoto, the Hilton Odawara Resort near Hakone, and the Courtyard Marriot in Osaka. I had fantastic experiences at all of them. Wherever you choose to stay though, make sure to do your research! Read reviews, understand its location and proximity to attractions, and confirm availability and price.

No matter where you stay though, remember to soak everything in around you. It’s the memories that matter at the end of the day. You made it to Japan!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I would never recommend anything I don’t personally use and love, and the income goes towards this site so I can continue to provide you with free posts, tips, and tricks. Thank you for supporting The Life of a Tourist!