Official Travel Guide of Japan

Plan Your Japan Trip

Everything you need to know for a perfect Japanese adventure

Planning Tools & Resources

Use these tools to plan and organize your perfect trip to Japan

Trip Itinerary Builder

Create a customized day-by-day itinerary for your Japan trip

Budget Calculator

Estimate your travel expenses and create a realistic budget

Calculate Budget

Transportation Planner

Plan your routes and calculate train/bus costs

Accommodation Finder

Find and compare hotels, ryokans, and unique stays

Restaurant Guide

Discover recommended restaurants and make reservations

Language Assistant

Learn essential Japanese phrases for travelers

Japan Trip Budget Calculator

Estimate your travel costs for Japan

Pre-Trip Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you're fully prepared for your Japan trip

Documents & Money

Accommodation & Transport

Packing Essentials

Pre-Departure Tasks

When to Visit Japan

Japan offers different experiences throughout the year. Choose the best time for your interests.

Spring (March - May)

Highlights: Cherry blossoms (late March to April), mild weather, spring festivals

Considerations: Peak tourist season, higher prices, crowded attractions

Best for: Cherry blossom viewing, garden visits, photography

Summer (June - August)

Highlights: Festivals (matsuri), fireworks, hiking Mount Fuji (July-Aug), beach destinations

Considerations: Hot and humid, rainy season (June-July), typhoon season (Aug-Sep)

Best for: Festivals, mountain hiking, Okinawa beaches, cooler mountain areas

Autumn (September - November)

Highlights: Autumn foliage (koyo), pleasant weather, harvest festivals

Considerations: Can be crowded at popular foliage spots, typhoons in September

Best for: Fall colors, hiking, hot springs, temple visits

Winter (December - February)

Highlights: Snow festivals, skiing/snowboarding, illuminations, onsen (hot springs)

Considerations: Cold temperatures, some outdoor attractions closed

Best for: Winter sports, snow monkeys, hot springs, holiday illuminations

Peak Seasons to Avoid: Golden Week (late April to early May), Obon (mid-August), New Year (Dec 29-Jan 3). These are major holiday periods when Japanese travel domestically.

Japan Accommodation Guide

Choose from traditional ryokans, modern hotels, and unique stays

Ryokan

Ryokan (Traditional Inn)

Traditional Japanese inn with tatami mats, futon beds, and onsen (hot springs). Includes kaiseki dinner and breakfast.

¥15,000 - ¥50,000+ per night

Best for: Cultural experience, relaxation, couples

Business Hotel

Business Hotel

Efficient, compact hotels with small but functional rooms. Often include breakfast and are near train stations.

¥8,000 - ¥15,000 per night

Best for: Budget travelers, solo travelers, business

Capsule Hotel

Capsule Hotel

Compact sleeping pods with shared facilities. Usually separated by gender and include communal baths.

¥3,000 - ¥5,000 per night

Best for: Solo travelers, budget, unique experience

Booking Tips

  • Book accommodation 3-6 months in advance for peak seasons
  • Consider location near train stations for convenience
  • Check if your hotel has luggage storage for early check-in/late check-out
  • Some ryokans have curfews - check before booking
  • Many Japanese hotels charge per person, not per room
  • Look for hotels with coin laundry facilities for longer stays

Getting Around Japan

Japan's transportation system is efficient, punctual, and extensive

Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

High-speed trains connecting major cities. Fastest way to travel long distances.

Tip: Consider Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel

Reservation: Recommended for peak times

Subway & Local Trains

Extensive networks in major cities. Use IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) for convenience.

Tip: Get a day pass for unlimited rides in cities

Apps: Google Maps, Japan Travel by Navitime

Long-Distance Buses

Overnight buses connect cities at lower cost than trains. Include reclining seats.

Tip: Good for budget travelers

Companies: Willer Express, JR Bus

Transportation Tips

IC Card Region Where to Buy Deposit
Suica Tokyo area JR East stations ¥500 (refundable)
Pasmo Tokyo area Subway stations ¥500 (refundable)
ICOCA Kansai area JR West stations ¥500 (refundable)
Kitaca Hokkaido JR Hokkaido stations ¥500 (refundable)
Pro Tip: IC cards can be used not just for trains and buses, but also for purchases at convenience stores, vending machines, and some restaurants.

Essential Apps for Japan Travel

Navigation & Transport

  • Google Maps - Best for general navigation and train schedules
  • Japan Travel by Navitime - Detailed train route planning
  • HyperDia - Train schedules and fare information
  • Japan Official Travel App - Official tourism information

Language & Communication

  • Google Translate - Camera translation for signs/menus
  • Japanese by ThinkCube - Language learning
  • imiwa? - Japanese dictionary
  • LINE - Popular messaging app in Japan

Food & Accommodation

  • Gurunavi - Restaurant guide and reservations
  • Tabelog - Japanese restaurant reviews
  • Agoda/Booking.com - Hotel bookings
  • Airbnb - Alternative accommodations

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