Japan: Complete Guide for Your First Trip
Everything about Japan: 2-week itinerary, budget, transport, food and cultural tips you need before your trip.
Why Japan Is Unlike Anywhere Else
Japan is a country where 1,000-year-old temples coexist with futuristic skyscrapers. Where trains arrive to the second and street food can be a work of art. It's the destination every traveler has on their bucket list.
Best Cities
Tokyo
The world's most fascinating megalopolis. Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabara, Asakusa — each neighborhood is a different world. From the Senso-ji temple to the skyscrapers of Roppongi.
Recommended days: 4-5 days
Kyoto
The ancient imperial capital with over 2,000 temples and shrines. Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama and the geishas of Gion are unforgettable experiences.
Recommended days: 3-4 days
Osaka
Japan's food capital. Dotonbori, Osaka Castle and the street food scene make this city a foodie's paradise.
Recommended days: 2-3 days
Hiroshima
The Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island with its floating torii gate are essential, perspective-changing visits.
Recommended days: 1-2 days
Nara
The sacred deer park and the Great Buddha at Todai-ji temple. Perfect as a day trip from Kyoto.
Japanese Cuisine
- Ramen — Every region has its style. Tonkotsu in Fukuoka, miso in Sapporo, shoyu in Tokyo
- Sushi — Try fresh sushi at Tsukiji or a conveyor belt sushi (kaiten-zushi)
- Takoyaki — Octopus balls, Osaka's specialty
- Tempura — Lightly battered fried vegetables and seafood
- Okonomiyaki — The "Japanese pizza", unmissable in Osaka
- Wagyu — The most tender beef in the world
- Matcha — Green tea in every form: ice cream, mochi, latte
- Onigiri — Stuffed rice triangles, the perfect convenience store snack
Japan Rail Pass
The JR Pass is the best investment for exploring Japan. It gives you unlimited access to bullet trains (shinkansen) and local JR trains.
| Type | 7 days | 14 days | 21 days | |------|--------|---------|---------| | Ordinary | ~50,000¥ | ~80,000¥ | ~100,000¥ | | Green Car | ~70,000¥ | ~110,000¥ | ~140,000¥ |
Tip
Buy the JR Pass online before your trip. It's cheaper than buying it in Japan and you activate it upon arrival.
Daily Budget
| Category | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |----------|-----------|-----------|---------| | Accommodation | 3,000-5,000¥ | 8,000-15,000¥ | 20,000-40,000¥ | | Food | 2,000-3,000¥ | 4,000-7,000¥ | 8,000-15,000¥ | | Transport | 1,000-2,000¥ | 2,000-4,000¥ | 5,000-10,000¥ | | Total/day | 6,000-10,000¥ | 14,000-26,000¥ | 33,000-65,000¥ | | In euros | ~35-60€ | ~85-155€ | ~200-390€ |
When to Visit
- Spring (Mar-May): Cherry blossom season (hanami). Best time, but most expensive
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Hot and humid with rain. Matsuri festivals and fireworks
- Autumn (Sep-Nov): Stunning momiji (red maple) colors. Excellent weather
- Winter (Dec-Feb): Skiing in Hokkaido, snowy onsen, fewer tourists
Essential Tips
Warning
Tipping in Japan is considered rude. The price you see is the price you pay.
- Cash is king — Many places don't accept cards. Carry yen in cash
- Konbini — 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart are your best friend: food, ATMs, wifi
- Shoes off — Remove shoes when entering homes, temples and many restaurants
- Quiet on transport — Don't talk on the phone on trains or subway
- Trash — There are no public bins. Carry a bag for your rubbish
- IC Card — Get a Suica or Pasmo card on arrival for metro and konbini purchases