Never been to Asia? Don’t speak Japanese? Feeling both thrilled and overwhelmed at the thought of planning this trip? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through every key point, with links to our detailed articles along the way.
When is the best time to visit Japan?
The first big decision: when to go. Japan offers dramatically different experiences depending on the season, and the timing of your trip can completely shape your journey.
Peak Seasons
- Spring (March to May): Cherry blossom season (Hanami) brings mild weather and breathtaking scenery, but it’s also the most popular—and crowded—time to visit.
- Autumn (October to November): Fiery fall foliage (Kôyô) is just as stunning as the cherry blossoms but draws fewer crowds. In our opinion, it’s the ideal time to explore Japan peacefully.
Off-Peak Seasons
- Summer: Hot, humid, and marked by the rainy season in June and typhoons from August to September—not the most comfortable option for first-timers.
- Winter: Quiet and atmospheric, especially in the Japanese Alps or Hokkaidô, where snow-covered landscapes and open-air hot springs (onsen) create a magical setting. It gets very cold up north, so the south offers milder temperatures.
Learn more about the best seasons to visit Japan
How long should you stay for a first trip?
For a meaningful experience, we recommend at least two weeks in Japan.
- Two weeks is the sweet spot: enough time to visit the cultural capitals Tôkyô and Kyôto, take day trips to places like Nara, Hakone, or Kamakura, and enjoy a good balance of modern and traditional Japan.
- One week is doable, but you’ll want to focus on Tôkyô and nearby spots.
- Three weeks (or more) gives you the freedom to explore less-traveled regions like the Japanese Alps.
What’s the budget for a first trip to Japan?
Japan isn’t cheap, but it’s not out of reach either. Here’s a realistic budget for a two-week trip:
- International flights: 800 € - 1 400 € from Europoe depending on the season and how early you book.
- Accommodation: 60 € - 120 € per night for a standard double room, typically small but clean and comfortable.
- Meals: Delicious and affordable, expect to eat well for 10 | 15 € per meal.
- Transportation: Pricey, so save by using regional passes and an IC Card.
- Extras: Sightseeing, shopping, SIM cards, souvenirs…
A daily budget of around 100 € per person (excluding flights) is a good benchmark for a comfortable stay.
Check out our full guide on Japan travel costs
Where to go on your first trip?
It’s tempting to try and see everything, but focusing on a few must-see places makes for a better first-time experience. Here’s a well-balanced two-week itinerary:
- Tôkyô: A futuristic mega-city with countless faces, skyscrapers, ancient temples, quirky neighborhoods, nightlife, shopping, and unforgettable food.
- Kamakura: A seaside day trip to the former shogunate capital, known for its Great Buddha, hiking trails, and nearby Enoshima Island.
- Hakone: A mountain hot spring town famous for its onsen, open-air museums, and (weather-permitting) views of Mount Fuji.
- Kyôto: Japan’s cultural and spiritual heart, filled with temples, zen gardens, teahouses, and traditional streets.
- Ôsaka: A lively city known for its street food, vibrant neighborhoods like Dôtonbori, and laid-back vibe.
- Nara: A peaceful day trip from Kyôto, home to free-roaming deer and UNESCO-listed temples.
With three weeks or more, consider adding Hiroshima and Miyajima or heading into the Japanese Alps toward Kanazawa.
How to get around Japan?
Japan’s transportation network is fast, efficient, and easy to navigate. Here’s what you need to know:
- Train: The best way to travel between major cities. The Shinkansen is fast, punctual, and very comfortable.
- Subway and buses: Essential for city travel. Subways may seem complex at first, but they’re surprisingly intuitive.
- IC Cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca, etc.): Reloadable smart cards accepted across most of Japan for public transport and even convenience store purchases.
- Regional passes: Offer unlimited travel within certain areas and can save you a lot of money.
- Japan Rail Pass: Covers nearly all of Japan with unlimited travel, but it’s expensive—only worth it for extensive long-distance trips.
On foot, cities like Tôkyô, Ôsaka, and Kyôto are easy to explore. Cars are unnecessary unless you’re heading far off the beaten path.
Where to stay for your first Japan trip?
Japan has a wide variety of accommodations to fit any budget or preference:
- Standard hotels: Affordable, convenient and modern.
- Ryôkan: Traditional inns with tatami floors, futons, hot baths, and elaborate meals. A must-try at least once.
- Hostels: Budget-friendly, clean and often very stylish.
- Apartments or guesthouses: Great for families or longer stays.
Book several months in advance, especially during cherry blossom season or fall.
What to eat in Japan as a beginner?
Japanese food is diverse, flavorful, and surprisingly affordable:
- Budget eats: Bentô boxes, ramen, curry, onigiri, and convenience store meals.
- Sit-down spots: Sushi, soba, donburi, okonomiyaki… All reasonably priced.
- Izakaya: Local-style pub-restaurants perfect for small plates and drinks in a cozy setting.
Don’t miss a traditional meal at a ryôkan, where breakfast is often included.
Do you need to speak Japanese?
Thankfully, no ! But English won’t always help much either, as many locals speak little of it.
The good news? Japanese people are incredibly kind and will often go out of their way to assist you. Digital translation tools are increasingly common.
Learning a few basics can go a long way:
- Hello: Konnichiwa
- Thank you: Arigatô
- Excuse me: Sumimasen
- Check, please: Okaikei onegaishimasu
A translation app, notebook, or photo guide on your phone is usually enough.
Read more about traveling in Japan without speaking Japanese
What to pack for Japan?
What you bring depends heavily on the season. Spring and fall are mild during the day and cooler at night. Summer is always hot; winter is often very cold.
Packing essentials:
- Layered clothing appropriate for the season.
- Easy-to-remove shoes (you’ll need to take them off often)—sneakers are perfect for all the walking.
- Plug adapter.
- Some cash (Japan still loves cash).
- A daypack.
Most hotels provide toiletries: toothbrush, razor, comb, body wash, shampoo. And konbini sell just about everything.
For women, feminine hygiene products are widely available, but brands and formats may vary. Bring your usual products just in case.
Check our full packing list for Japan
Japanese etiquette: what should you know?
A few key rules to keep in mind:
- Speak quietly in public.
- Don’t eat while walking (festivals are an exception).
- Take off your shoes when required.
- No tipping.
- Respect lines.
- Be on time.
Even if you make mistakes, locals are forgiving. The important thing is to show respect and be considerate.
Read more on common etiquette mistakes in Japan