Japan Travel Guide
Why Go
Japan has been on my dream travel list for years. While our family has traveled extensively in Asia, Japan remained illusive for us. In fact several of my friends who have lived and traveled to Japan, have unanimously said it is like no other country in this world!
Well, we finally made our first trip to Japan in the Winter of 2019! Needless to say it is now is now one of my top favorite destinations. Japan is perhaps the only country (besides perhaps Bhutan) that has preserved its traditional culture and harmoniously balanced alongside its modern lifestyle.
The food, culture, language, people and the diversity of the country’s natural beauty, makes it an enchanting place to visit - not once but many times over.
Make a plan now and travel to Japan (As of October 11th, 2022, Japan is open to world travelers. But do check for restrictions on your country specific travel advisory website)When to Go
Japan offers all 4 fabulous seasons in the year, so it really depends on what you like to experience. The most popular for international travelers is the cherry blossom season in Spring (March to May) and Fall/Autumn (September till late November).
Summer is mostly typhoon season and very hot though Okinawa Islands offer warm weather from late March to almost early October for those looking at exotic sub-tropical beaches
Winter has a lot to offer and both New Years’ holidays in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone and Winter sports in Hakuba and Hokkaido are extremely popular times to visit Japan.
Here is a quick summary by season to help you plan.
Spring (Cherry Blossom, a.k.a. Sakura)
March (50's) to May (mid 70's)
Some regions still have snow (but not Tokyo or Kyoto)
Extremely popular months for tourists
Summer
June to September
Hot and humid, temps high 80's and 90's
Rains /typhoons at end of summer
Fall / Autumn
Late September to November
Low 60's to mid-'70s
The extremely popular season for locals and international travelers
Winter
December to February
Snow in ski country like Nagano, Hakuba, Hokkaido
Low to '40s to '50s
Tokyo winter is sunny with little rain or snow
Kyoto winter is in 50,s and low 30’s and light rain - end of December and early Jan
Hiroshima cold & sunny in December. But can snow.
Tip: Book early for all the popular seasons - for Spring atleast 12 months in advance and Winter holidays can be pretty expensive to travel too. For Budget travelers, travel during shoulder seasons to save on everything!Good to Know
Language: Japanese is the official language and is widely spoken. In major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, you can get away with some English. However, it’s good to know a few key Japanese phrases when at a restaurant, train station, hotel, or getting a cab. More recently, I noticed at train station service centers or cab drivers have a language translation device (similar to a google app) that helps in bridging the language barrier! However, I strongly recommend downloading Google Translate mobile app. It really helps in short communications.
Etiquette: Japan is deeply rooted in culture and also home to thousands of religious shrines and Buddhist temples. As such it’s important to show respect and have proper etiquette while traveling throughout the country. Here are a few to keep in mind.
Must remove shoes when visiting a private home or when going to a restroom (switch to toilet slippers)
Bow when you say hello and thank you, with arms on the side, waist down, and eyes in the same direction your head
No Tipping. Yes, there is no such custom. In fact, a waiter may chase you down to return any extra change
Chopsticks - don’t put your chopsticks upright in a bowl or use them as a musical instrument while at the table!
Slurping when eating noodles is good and okay!
Shrines and temples - wash hands before entering, keep voice low, dress modest (not beachwear!)
No eating while walking. Seriously, this may come to you as a shock but you will not see any Japanese either eating
It is considered rude to talk on your mobile phone when on trains or subways.
Currency: The Japanese currency is the Japanese Yen. Get daily FX rates on apps like Onada.
Cash, Credit Cards, ATM: In major Japanese cities, you can pay with credit cards. However, you will need to pay with cash for example temple entrance fees and as you travel to more remote places. You can use your debit card, to withdraw cash from ATMs conveniently located at 7-11’s, Lawsons and Family mart stores for a small fee ranging from $2 to $5. The maximum limit per withdrawal is 100,000 yen. Also note, the Suica and Icoca pre-paid cards can be used to pay for sundries at various stations.
Power & Plugs: Japan has the same type of plugs as the US. 110V 50/60 MHz. However, I recommend carrying a universal world power plug adaptor as they also have USB ports to help charge additional devices
Holidays & Hours of Business: Take note of temples and other attractions special holiday hours and times. There are 3 major holiday weeks:
New Years’ (generally Dec 29th - Jan 3rd). December 30th and 31st, several attractions like the Hiroshima area (not temples) are closed
Obon Week (13th to 15th day of the 7th month (July)
Golden Week - In 2020 it was April 29 to May 6th. Check before you make travel plans
General days, most places open after 10 or 11 am
Safety & Hygiene: Japan is perhaps one of the safest and cleanest countries in the world. It’s safe to walk or commute till late at night and definitely a great place for solo and female travelers. Japanese take great pride in hygiene. Just take a look at how clean their streets are. They wear face masks if one has a common cold or cough, as a way to respect other citizens. Yes, they have been doing this for years - even before COVID-19!
Before You Go Checklist: If you are a first-timer or traveling to Japan for several days, It is a good idea to be well prepared, whether traveling with family, solo, or a group of friends. See my post on the Before You Go Checklist for Japan!
Getting Around
Japan has one of the best modern public transportation systems in the world. Honestly, you really don’t need a car as you can get from point A to B to C …with trains, subways, buses, and ferries. They are safe, affordable, and always on time. The latest schedules are available on mobile apps like hyperdia and google apps. Here are is a quick list of major transport options.
Subways, Metros, and Buses - with intra-city travel. Subways run between 5 AM to 1 AM
Shinkansen (Bullet Trains) - High-speed rail for traveling between cities (example Tokyo -Kyoto in 2.5 hours)
Airport Transfer - The best option is Narita Express when arriving at Narita International.
